tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-81725656191774902092024-03-26T15:19:52.433-04:00At Home with John NewmanAt Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.comBlogger766125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-36740183853705136122023-03-23T13:35:00.001-04:002023-03-23T13:35:27.084-04:00A Topiary on the Dresser<p>I bought this rattan candle holder several years ago, I believe from World Market. It was an impulse buy. I was not shopping for rattan candle holders or any type of candle holders this particular day. It was one of those things you see and you know you must have, so it ended up in the back of the car and on its way home with me. I really did not know where I would use it. I figured there must be a corner somewhere that needs this and I would worry with that later. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAnN74J_d9mCWcVg_SG_MvSyn8kqhrLm5-NF6VpqopJiPG4T_rARwuoPis7rQpsMb9TpvHXo3HM4jAItvCxwChTCF9D1ijs9r3sV3i8HiBcxjeqCfP301nLMyIrpS4Rj-ysizIiWQiYNKW17pvgRRx9nN5hCH_2O7ZcVn-2OIAdpzun3WRsgFh_07Vg/s4000/20230318_170712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvAnN74J_d9mCWcVg_SG_MvSyn8kqhrLm5-NF6VpqopJiPG4T_rARwuoPis7rQpsMb9TpvHXo3HM4jAItvCxwChTCF9D1ijs9r3sV3i8HiBcxjeqCfP301nLMyIrpS4Rj-ysizIiWQiYNKW17pvgRRx9nN5hCH_2O7ZcVn-2OIAdpzun3WRsgFh_07Vg/w640-h288/20230318_170712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It never really found its spot. I tried it here and there. I tried using it for its intended purpose as a candle holder. Nothing was working. So eventually it made its way onto a moving truck and ended up in Savannah where I resurrected it and placed it on the corner of the dresser in my bedroom. We needed something else to make this work and that something was not going to be a candle. Take a look at what I did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGH0ZvznC_tOQfuph9fPSlvg878uTh4wJ1smzj3g3xb_aWNTuHfC9NL43rbBOcNurSPaUm6Bc2nIInW3nV8Wp7Akx72qe_8XDqY9moZ8TcZiMDYhrjVVZn1MhBOkZpjfSG-9iXOFec2YLuS92o0svT7yEBM0X2ralXaPxupCqYikCACAkI4PSd9MAag/s4000/20230318_170720.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKGH0ZvznC_tOQfuph9fPSlvg878uTh4wJ1smzj3g3xb_aWNTuHfC9NL43rbBOcNurSPaUm6Bc2nIInW3nV8Wp7Akx72qe_8XDqY9moZ8TcZiMDYhrjVVZn1MhBOkZpjfSG-9iXOFec2YLuS92o0svT7yEBM0X2ralXaPxupCqYikCACAkI4PSd9MAag/w640-h288/20230318_170720.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, a picture of the round glass enclosure inside where you would place a candle. I tried that a few times but I did not really like the look. It sits low on the ground and you could see the candle. I did not like that. For my taste, it would need to be set high on a piece of furniture or stand of some kind so that you could enjoy the look of the candle through the rattan without actually seeing the candle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgaevp3wPDrVDjo7aOGxVvj7SB-7uxdqyzo-E1kyQLq4hYKeqE2mVw6ufSS65FPbTHNeWOJiC6jIGolIoWjjOkd0Y4f0WIHerxNc2-ReLxQHEIIGaIU6-cF5Rpu7EwDkS7Okt3tGfT6r6QzFKcdzKygkUcl1xdHk9e_q_ANNL8huKo4cmuzLrFHKO0w/s4000/20230318_170735.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFgaevp3wPDrVDjo7aOGxVvj7SB-7uxdqyzo-E1kyQLq4hYKeqE2mVw6ufSS65FPbTHNeWOJiC6jIGolIoWjjOkd0Y4f0WIHerxNc2-ReLxQHEIIGaIU6-cF5Rpu7EwDkS7Okt3tGfT6r6QzFKcdzKygkUcl1xdHk9e_q_ANNL8huKo4cmuzLrFHKO0w/w288-h640/20230318_170735.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>I found this little faux boxwood topiary and I thought, hmmmm, I think I have the perfect pairing for this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZgNPODVRVswSkdufi_23axHoIr0MqkavDWIRHtLR35KGTht30cxh4FesD_FpAlFpQ2-wN5ILet0GzRPbMtNDS8-kfjInNJCGUOUWRexeItfsZCpjCNgXvmQVZw4QCnHdTbX-xJQKEPGF6ur6lIIeDesyYv9yqIWRsgNcM6YwcT5a8paI2dgzRFTseA/s4000/20230318_170749.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0ZgNPODVRVswSkdufi_23axHoIr0MqkavDWIRHtLR35KGTht30cxh4FesD_FpAlFpQ2-wN5ILet0GzRPbMtNDS8-kfjInNJCGUOUWRexeItfsZCpjCNgXvmQVZw4QCnHdTbX-xJQKEPGF6ur6lIIeDesyYv9yqIWRsgNcM6YwcT5a8paI2dgzRFTseA/w640-h288/20230318_170749.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I placed the topiary planter into the center of the rattan candle holder where the candle would ordinarily be placed, and what do you know. It fit perfectly. I removed the glass enclosure which was there to be used with a candle. We did not need that and it interfered with the topiary planter base.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1eJ-EfcXsIfwzp3jDO9AbGSD2fxQjG7nuXfTMgEMMu0mvrG2wLaDB7muV3K4bKN9ey4U9kZ7PpGhOD5E79FXGrVOAZaCt2jeYUfF553GUFUCrOZHul9wt-g0yq6TLlMRDnFMPAjOc1eaccUieuYFegAuWlqoKzk-C2wuQSFjZbVTxYXmZWQZH47NiQ/s4000/20230318_170754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv1eJ-EfcXsIfwzp3jDO9AbGSD2fxQjG7nuXfTMgEMMu0mvrG2wLaDB7muV3K4bKN9ey4U9kZ7PpGhOD5E79FXGrVOAZaCt2jeYUfF553GUFUCrOZHul9wt-g0yq6TLlMRDnFMPAjOc1eaccUieuYFegAuWlqoKzk-C2wuQSFjZbVTxYXmZWQZH47NiQ/w640-h288/20230318_170754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Everything "centered-up" pretty much on its own. I really did not have to do much adjusting at all.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf8r_Zea7jl3-S5oPuNlihAGL61yDJByDhU-JRK3jHdUXUBDUSiwQUPGnMsLfkqzEePJZpP3HAcY0xKMEZvATDumgz4_1BPnKxT2xtgGtKwFsygbbnh8saXy8wt4sBaRrqvUar_3es1MVrBseqEoN1ZvZ2UmE_pS4UOYbGJeUrQ17TijC4e_rOYM2JQ/s4000/20230318_170815.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgf8r_Zea7jl3-S5oPuNlihAGL61yDJByDhU-JRK3jHdUXUBDUSiwQUPGnMsLfkqzEePJZpP3HAcY0xKMEZvATDumgz4_1BPnKxT2xtgGtKwFsygbbnh8saXy8wt4sBaRrqvUar_3es1MVrBseqEoN1ZvZ2UmE_pS4UOYbGJeUrQ17TijC4e_rOYM2JQ/w640-h288/20230318_170815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Next, I grabbed a roll of brown Kraft Paper which I generally keep on hand. Serves a multitude of purposes. Great to put down if you are doing a small painting project. Handy to wrap a package in for mailing. Can also be used to secure items inside a package that is being mailed. And then, of course, there is the way we used it for this project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWRUHWM7Y5GpsSO6glaP64DFCIJcX72tTdCs3UX12X69jtg2L6WdKLofMlVp2iNitZlVl0kqdJ2V-2idqC7pg1vcioCR1aHpkWf0KX7wTwUgR3EzsBHpYwwySLheYW_sQA8NDwGQQYRGii4M4T0ooExh_xYim9PgnUPVlbgU_bq8xDzqANunZvA4aRQ/s4000/20230318_170928.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoWRUHWM7Y5GpsSO6glaP64DFCIJcX72tTdCs3UX12X69jtg2L6WdKLofMlVp2iNitZlVl0kqdJ2V-2idqC7pg1vcioCR1aHpkWf0KX7wTwUgR3EzsBHpYwwySLheYW_sQA8NDwGQQYRGii4M4T0ooExh_xYim9PgnUPVlbgU_bq8xDzqANunZvA4aRQ/w640-h288/20230318_170928.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I removed the wrapping and rolled off sections of paper about two feet wide and then just tore an approximate two foot section of paper, crumpled it and starting building my base in the interior of the candle holder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy6qrLDcMkTqTFJ8h2dgbzmx1YvE0DhjAZ_evgeLqXzCPoQZaOdvTgoQwU5eMexmIoeqMfsj0ZJKLYuoKiHbyz0hum6J6E3BKrLwzHGpQT1PLgdl1rcZpGXPUq5ZnXeSUQv9YtXC-zoNqis5E40B7bb30wGLq1D3F1rCCLQzH-2uz0__nanm3kMAtGA/s4000/20230318_171023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy6qrLDcMkTqTFJ8h2dgbzmx1YvE0DhjAZ_evgeLqXzCPoQZaOdvTgoQwU5eMexmIoeqMfsj0ZJKLYuoKiHbyz0hum6J6E3BKrLwzHGpQT1PLgdl1rcZpGXPUq5ZnXeSUQv9YtXC-zoNqis5E40B7bb30wGLq1D3F1rCCLQzH-2uz0__nanm3kMAtGA/w640-h288/20230318_171023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Continuing along with the same size sections of brown kraft paper and filling in around the interior of the candle holder.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecs_nx7kYv-PJhM6uZB3j9GRdxN0uVyeu1f5xSfpn7pxRZeTEQCOyr4Xk6rQzzlZZBHrHfX8bDoWwVJzxLio-TVERHt1scnCQjlY6lQ7vrT3KDjUEswRYRTXkS7886vO6ngNRqeNUY7O2PY2bvG-5MFWd0Qci7umqulGEqUPZ9p7MprZo-P199Dl53w/s4000/20230318_171122.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgecs_nx7kYv-PJhM6uZB3j9GRdxN0uVyeu1f5xSfpn7pxRZeTEQCOyr4Xk6rQzzlZZBHrHfX8bDoWwVJzxLio-TVERHt1scnCQjlY6lQ7vrT3KDjUEswRYRTXkS7886vO6ngNRqeNUY7O2PY2bvG-5MFWd0Qci7umqulGEqUPZ9p7MprZo-P199Dl53w/w640-h288/20230318_171122.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I continued around with the same procedure until the candle holder was filled to the top. Then I just pressed down on the paper with my hands to give it a more sturdy feel inside the candle holder. At this point the paper with approximately 2 - 3 inches below the rim.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwVEj6tHchHn4qK-ybdiBJHPQTWiDKgxoIksnrqaFVvY4KMiUsdQf_pmBJthxCbfj0TpSBdV2o3w326hWJs-27FOJydTnpVZ_XG-pA5D7uI7sbrwKyF3kdjN9xdnfK_tgxkTjfGCouEKn96B7IGuJu20kbaYO7JV2a3QC_rK79yQQYVE9u_w3SxcHkA/s4000/20230318_171141.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBwVEj6tHchHn4qK-ybdiBJHPQTWiDKgxoIksnrqaFVvY4KMiUsdQf_pmBJthxCbfj0TpSBdV2o3w326hWJs-27FOJydTnpVZ_XG-pA5D7uI7sbrwKyF3kdjN9xdnfK_tgxkTjfGCouEKn96B7IGuJu20kbaYO7JV2a3QC_rK79yQQYVE9u_w3SxcHkA/w640-h288/20230318_171141.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Time to add a decorative touch to finish off the project and that touch came from a bag of Spanish moss. You can buy this stuff anywhere. Any of the big box retailers have it. You can get it from Michael's, even Lowe's or Home Depot. One bag goes a long way which you will see.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK5y2SihSTyY5Cda-qIpnfjrRb77d0ytotEruXn6UrNeurO5710dRHz8LnpBJxW3cEOlaJX4Nb5_BIi1ZdYFKdBsrVN81KxWfu64Q2_8ZzKmLQUzp5UTGd_EAXzaRP71Pbg1vSRaTQyukBMmj2ZCT2s89GrjQfY8o4EWuIB5tGookU7vnBel2hJDbTA/s4000/20230318_171211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRK5y2SihSTyY5Cda-qIpnfjrRb77d0ytotEruXn6UrNeurO5710dRHz8LnpBJxW3cEOlaJX4Nb5_BIi1ZdYFKdBsrVN81KxWfu64Q2_8ZzKmLQUzp5UTGd_EAXzaRP71Pbg1vSRaTQyukBMmj2ZCT2s89GrjQfY8o4EWuIB5tGookU7vnBel2hJDbTA/w640-h288/20230318_171211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I opened the bag of Spanish over top of the paper in the candle holder. This can be messy to work with and I found that opening the bag like this and working the moss out of the bag, right on top of the paper was a smart idea.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAofSsP8en-GO6rIE-pxPVx2JGVfmK2op7VyVX-mAmlaKBPTBkTSkOn_uW0LZjr7JMXSa9Ck4wJoYH599xLTPVaAxVF2_y2djDn57R4O3HYKIKBm6nI9tRJS15ptEgfXv1Og7m9CVHjcEcKcEQpuPZz0rLyC3IRbrYelUV3hCLX9pLmdjaSb23IDCACQ/s4000/20230318_171404.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAofSsP8en-GO6rIE-pxPVx2JGVfmK2op7VyVX-mAmlaKBPTBkTSkOn_uW0LZjr7JMXSa9Ck4wJoYH599xLTPVaAxVF2_y2djDn57R4O3HYKIKBm6nI9tRJS15ptEgfXv1Og7m9CVHjcEcKcEQpuPZz0rLyC3IRbrYelUV3hCLX9pLmdjaSb23IDCACQ/w640-h288/20230318_171404.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Around we went until we had used the entire bag of moss. I slipped the last of it from the bag and then dropped the bag into the trash. a little time spent <i><b>zhuzhing</b></i> up the moss to make an attractive presentation, and we were done.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU9gMhUxNKEHFgcfORcOEs50aQw28rYCA-bsUN5FyEAND5-NKeIl6CPq1jDtCyXkYV9eKb3rA8gWHOKu5x9PAOkbumkX0CvrVm36Tpc30xaAlIHf0lTIO0E8rKlNo1d1deOmtJk2z6Gjn8iD08nYw3sumh96p-hvyY40XcxLbLJQ3gQpiaiLkpMxSQw/s4000/20230318_171416.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFU9gMhUxNKEHFgcfORcOEs50aQw28rYCA-bsUN5FyEAND5-NKeIl6CPq1jDtCyXkYV9eKb3rA8gWHOKu5x9PAOkbumkX0CvrVm36Tpc30xaAlIHf0lTIO0E8rKlNo1d1deOmtJk2z6Gjn8iD08nYw3sumh96p-hvyY40XcxLbLJQ3gQpiaiLkpMxSQw/w288-h640/20230318_171416.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>A really fun project that turned out perfectly. I was very pleased with the final look. The choice to fill the candle holder with brown kraft paper was a good one because, as you see in the picture, the paper blends in with the rattan so unless you are really looking, you don't even notice what we have done. All you see is an attractive bit of room decor.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8z1QT910y3kZTsH3xpH7RPet3_iwJPTd37Lc1HdkIXT7zZ4bvNpCuJqXikz_SJ5HdXT8Jaif2htkWrSbtwe28L81Oq54VXDW1p8_bj_vqPSXX0KwlwIJQoC7_Rgl6SUD4tg78WfNt53faUbyhoYnPGOK-ku_K_m-4CrPQEZ8yc3pTt6EATv1iEwjQ/s4000/20230318_171446.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFe8z1QT910y3kZTsH3xpH7RPet3_iwJPTd37Lc1HdkIXT7zZ4bvNpCuJqXikz_SJ5HdXT8Jaif2htkWrSbtwe28L81Oq54VXDW1p8_bj_vqPSXX0KwlwIJQoC7_Rgl6SUD4tg78WfNt53faUbyhoYnPGOK-ku_K_m-4CrPQEZ8yc3pTt6EATv1iEwjQ/w288-h640/20230318_171446.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>A shot from further away to give you a little perspective and to see how this fills in this corner on the dresser.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyv9i_3XHPRE-ScOpnK6U84CUKtVT2tL-Fl55DFgw8exfgOfwHKPlqrAEEHeQ-59olajKf8y2gMSYdyDVASRItuSB3-y4YHzkh2XZ2xR9gNRUD8hojTLKxMiyXB-k-cuwr-iJ34qGjRgpDj6C_7tYav3PxLR3_H3sJcX3LTgawgxejeCeNKoWYbdvWg/s4000/20230318_171427.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSyv9i_3XHPRE-ScOpnK6U84CUKtVT2tL-Fl55DFgw8exfgOfwHKPlqrAEEHeQ-59olajKf8y2gMSYdyDVASRItuSB3-y4YHzkh2XZ2xR9gNRUD8hojTLKxMiyXB-k-cuwr-iJ34qGjRgpDj6C_7tYav3PxLR3_H3sJcX3LTgawgxejeCeNKoWYbdvWg/w640-h288/20230318_171427.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div>Finally, a picture of the clean-up. By working directly over top of the candle holder and removing the moss from the bag in that way, we ended up with a palm-sized amount of debris. The perfect way to work with this moss, believe me. I've used it in many projects over the years and if you open the bag and attempt to remove just a small amount of it, ... what a mess. Of course some projects you only need a little of it. Be sure you put down some kraft paper or any kind of paper to work over so that clean-up will be easy.At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-53979692701226645362023-03-03T10:01:00.001-05:002023-03-03T10:01:43.324-05:00We Upgraded the Salt & Pepper Shakers<p>Sometimes you just need an upgrade. Could be something small. Could be something big. We found ourselves in need of a small upgrade in the kitchen recently and here is how it went.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFianEBAcn7KOA153iW16eVCmH0DW9UGl9bxkspwZqjSGmAjCNeiAWgOa_tWB7-hnhxNEGK0SZRWozEs_-8oSAtv_fxSKiiVCJYk34OguK3mL6sbe7QIC5dlHOl3JD-slaI6mDYwMfw_QmsIJXBlIfMvS20MV08PR4ObYZ0Zmsk0MdO9WcNiTQ_X4Bg/s4000/20230226_161551.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcFianEBAcn7KOA153iW16eVCmH0DW9UGl9bxkspwZqjSGmAjCNeiAWgOa_tWB7-hnhxNEGK0SZRWozEs_-8oSAtv_fxSKiiVCJYk34OguK3mL6sbe7QIC5dlHOl3JD-slaI6mDYwMfw_QmsIJXBlIfMvS20MV08PR4ObYZ0Zmsk0MdO9WcNiTQ_X4Bg/w640-h288/20230226_161551.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I bought this little salt and pepper set when I moved into the apartment. I don't think these came from the house. They were cute and inexpensive and I just needed a set in the kitchen. And they have worked well over the past five years.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D1axROtRuxd-mxwgDLw8YnvanDdVoWEqEJK8vSdFT-9BAK3ioKny4KTe9o4OhkjQ2A25ryo0dO0KfOyFTGgyzEzpKsYUCtpsX-lzqIpUCIjIgPGeXdRnCAMIut3Hm9LFo2Cj9bvM4UUaHTokLOcmwJrO6YkzFRwV_Bjn-4pLMcMxZPzTxTxWihH0iw/s4000/20230226_161600.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6D1axROtRuxd-mxwgDLw8YnvanDdVoWEqEJK8vSdFT-9BAK3ioKny4KTe9o4OhkjQ2A25ryo0dO0KfOyFTGgyzEzpKsYUCtpsX-lzqIpUCIjIgPGeXdRnCAMIut3Hm9LFo2Cj9bvM4UUaHTokLOcmwJrO6YkzFRwV_Bjn-4pLMcMxZPzTxTxWihH0iw/w640-h288/20230226_161600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>But, nothing lasts forever and these were starting to show some wear, especially the salt shaker. There was pitting on the top and the silver plating was starting to chip away. Not good.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj6I8PTqgzKMKcdzRgYoJwj2iLpzqy3fl6cTeyafbqYAIkuN7ZsTIuSSa3NDQevXiR4C5yj4qF1OpSyu8CDyO8FPWKCzmbgkSok8EL_0H3XSbRyyDI2ktzBk54bzXZUsSgXOJ4BbNXylh0GiPOePr_vCxwpmK5hVlzMfNRT3ri6goNChp7lCVoEHZ_A/s4000/20230226_161640.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVj6I8PTqgzKMKcdzRgYoJwj2iLpzqy3fl6cTeyafbqYAIkuN7ZsTIuSSa3NDQevXiR4C5yj4qF1OpSyu8CDyO8FPWKCzmbgkSok8EL_0H3XSbRyyDI2ktzBk54bzXZUsSgXOJ4BbNXylh0GiPOePr_vCxwpmK5hVlzMfNRT3ri6goNChp7lCVoEHZ_A/w640-h288/20230226_161640.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>They were still presentable from the side, but I would not put them out for guests.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2ErY1oKgo4qio1dL3JgfD1I65_9iUoJJnUKFENzG1TR40swdZunY4AWM_sqqpBRRa_CxLJqee0M2C-93U2lcNva2VLuC6hIYXYn8zOa6ecIicCohF1kStG87mIU7QElK1CVRkyOpRJuB5NQDHplBEaGyZmcc7B2LeHN7UekxHzPGi_2j7DNvkWmlyg/s4000/20230226_161713.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR2ErY1oKgo4qio1dL3JgfD1I65_9iUoJJnUKFENzG1TR40swdZunY4AWM_sqqpBRRa_CxLJqee0M2C-93U2lcNva2VLuC6hIYXYn8zOa6ecIicCohF1kStG87mIU7QElK1CVRkyOpRJuB5NQDHplBEaGyZmcc7B2LeHN7UekxHzPGi_2j7DNvkWmlyg/w640-h288/20230226_161713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>During a walk through Target recently, I found what I thought would be the perfect replacement in this cute set of marble salt & pepper shakers.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP4Ymj5fwt5o0iVc3iQKB6SIO4oETkO_FUYNinBoBGBuu7UsnPBUca7kLz4YQd6DtE--qTqi5ig_s5PA9c4AyXo3WPOJK84zLivYpe4kvh4zUVGj8UZ9Da5XIdnfi_Pq4NXQOKldoJryWqxHTKY3QbQfwzp6kmXqrBebfKosXQyDPdo6cS6WQFm7Daw/s4000/20230226_161744.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZP4Ymj5fwt5o0iVc3iQKB6SIO4oETkO_FUYNinBoBGBuu7UsnPBUca7kLz4YQd6DtE--qTqi5ig_s5PA9c4AyXo3WPOJK84zLivYpe4kvh4zUVGj8UZ9Da5XIdnfi_Pq4NXQOKldoJryWqxHTKY3QbQfwzp6kmXqrBebfKosXQyDPdo6cS6WQFm7Daw/w640-h288/20230226_161744.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, out of the wrapping and in the kitchen, atop a cutting board and ready to be filled with salt and pepper.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtg_ttiSOh-0s-s7cmsqIOcFClO9cdqpOXmGCEfQn6vSJHrHeXu5x023W77oE5ju_18CbWGhmD5UkhwnrFqNDoQ2K8qFIOnNxv2Nml-OFDsaOwgt6T1SY33aAzsC9b5Ypxe0ljZc8zV_k85vsskr4WknUbkipGJ8fmGRqBMsndUaSCHI707Ew1a2_lQ/s4000/20230226_162007.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEtg_ttiSOh-0s-s7cmsqIOcFClO9cdqpOXmGCEfQn6vSJHrHeXu5x023W77oE5ju_18CbWGhmD5UkhwnrFqNDoQ2K8qFIOnNxv2Nml-OFDsaOwgt6T1SY33aAzsC9b5Ypxe0ljZc8zV_k85vsskr4WknUbkipGJ8fmGRqBMsndUaSCHI707Ew1a2_lQ/w640-h288/20230226_162007.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Rather than screw tops, these lovely little shakers have clear rubber plugs on the bottom. Just flip them over and remove the plugs. I used a butter knife to get under the plug and get it dislodged. You will probably find you need to do the same. You want these to fit very snugly.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpN_5IPDm1xupPQPJjxSD3GvCOUr-G5qOdQkPwUqyCV91TXfyhqvNOiZ0Uac3YG0MfUBQoTkTlJ6EoBdDtWJinRbvsEVoAayhQdsKB2FGiW2yEJnoXa_kNX4dM5NAwA4QHM05dcHhThWLEJwkzodvBE-ruUngtCICTWQ3B8KEFrmDg2V0FxqmrFgnSA/s4000/20230226_162636.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpN_5IPDm1xupPQPJjxSD3GvCOUr-G5qOdQkPwUqyCV91TXfyhqvNOiZ0Uac3YG0MfUBQoTkTlJ6EoBdDtWJinRbvsEVoAayhQdsKB2FGiW2yEJnoXa_kNX4dM5NAwA4QHM05dcHhThWLEJwkzodvBE-ruUngtCICTWQ3B8KEFrmDg2V0FxqmrFgnSA/w640-h288/20230226_162636.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /><div>I just filled these up with the contents of the previous salt and pepper shakers.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Eiq0tYL5CpJ2lfmX9yHXafwOF5YL1AP2a5a0EbAdJe_A03TXp1cahUbaTRT_amg01udId7yvDbLghnfV-MVyKVLMZt6SaEJ-kcMQSJvTzwDGHu-Ys-LoODUCQepqdChf9m_jQe7UPj4uEroYt7M_SbRfKvoR1hLnSy4AstkbsLspOGBoIzHgrAEicg/s4000/20230226_162712.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3Eiq0tYL5CpJ2lfmX9yHXafwOF5YL1AP2a5a0EbAdJe_A03TXp1cahUbaTRT_amg01udId7yvDbLghnfV-MVyKVLMZt6SaEJ-kcMQSJvTzwDGHu-Ys-LoODUCQepqdChf9m_jQe7UPj4uEroYt7M_SbRfKvoR1hLnSy4AstkbsLspOGBoIzHgrAEicg/w640-h288/20230226_162712.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>Little rubber plugs back in place.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VynA2T8jzxW2SSHbj_CxPDY1G9c6DMn0M6vhz7cwgZWfzPTkEIvoHwxs-ldRbGk8aLEnwOw0rH82iQtrTl5zdrcyxTyygwWwuqqjNVqTVEQI3H_j8Gvh1e__qkybucJBoGr2ZtIrQub99HDz4RV1ZW63F9Vg4HaBRgKjsJrNOXrIgivyq0n4_zl-xA/s4000/20230226_162756.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6VynA2T8jzxW2SSHbj_CxPDY1G9c6DMn0M6vhz7cwgZWfzPTkEIvoHwxs-ldRbGk8aLEnwOw0rH82iQtrTl5zdrcyxTyygwWwuqqjNVqTVEQI3H_j8Gvh1e__qkybucJBoGr2ZtIrQub99HDz4RV1ZW63F9Vg4HaBRgKjsJrNOXrIgivyq0n4_zl-xA/w640-h288/20230226_162756.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>And we are good to go. These fit perfectly in the small cabinet drawer occupied by the previous shakers. I like these for a number of reasons. They are marble, which is nice. Easy to fill from the bottom. I can tell you that salt and pepper went everywhere when I would unscrew the old ones to fill them. There will be no corroding effect on the top of these as they are marble. And no worry about fingerprints like before on the glass shakers. I recall being scolded once by my mother on a visit when she discovered that the salt and pepper shakers I used in the kitchen had smudges and fingerprints on them. I don't want another "talking to" about that. Once final thing - two hole shaker is for salt, three hole shaker is for pepper. These are nice and sturdy and I think a good choice for any kitchen, especially yours!<br /><blockquote style="border: none; margin: 0px 0px 0px 40px; padding: 0px;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div></blockquote><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div><br /><div><br /><p><br /></p></div></div></div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-29387489272867613622023-02-16T16:49:00.000-05:002023-02-16T16:49:04.029-05:00Lemons and Limes and More, ... Oh My!<p>I always think I'm running out of lemons and limes. Every time I am in the produce department, I always pick up at least a few lemons and limes. They are a staple in my kitchen. If a recipe calls for lemon or lime juice, it is always freshly squeezed in my house. A little dash of either in a glass of Coke Zero is especially delicious. Over salads. Over shrimp or any seafood. A wedge in a glass of iced tea. And of course lemon and lime wedges always at the ready for the cocktail hour.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp5PTtfq0jCANOrdHIaC7M_1JFG8ZhWfmWWSs_0EeSp06uBb3s8ffaapkDrrdKvW3GEpai4qD7tCfgcGeMR_sYYdW80hnYlZVQejWUb-xP85Hp62rmhrlKy4FTA1_npXEqPIrkbFlEm8XVXAtfC_2LeVIEs4jFalM6YE9zswSMESjeAcebCB2fsVe_g/s4000/20230212_083713.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibp5PTtfq0jCANOrdHIaC7M_1JFG8ZhWfmWWSs_0EeSp06uBb3s8ffaapkDrrdKvW3GEpai4qD7tCfgcGeMR_sYYdW80hnYlZVQejWUb-xP85Hp62rmhrlKy4FTA1_npXEqPIrkbFlEm8XVXAtfC_2LeVIEs4jFalM6YE9zswSMESjeAcebCB2fsVe_g/w640-h288/20230212_083713.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>All of the grocery stores in the DC area sell lemons and limes in bulk in the produce department. I generally choose from the bulk bins.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x0DQScbFbaVApF5e4LsY5VTUi6OtevWEI2sZObX1Twag_HFZU3GlCUg1brGr-1VgiNY5zHaSU06uo1wrRCNXagP288dOrq3KO3MeE2Y9H9x2TGBSiPw3M1R2vqWC4_OYX0nF1SHg8dZB6kkNxd8lY8TMPUXqBbn_TKzhphMjsfwsB0WuFCaVRmi9DQ/s4000/20230212_083705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7x0DQScbFbaVApF5e4LsY5VTUi6OtevWEI2sZObX1Twag_HFZU3GlCUg1brGr-1VgiNY5zHaSU06uo1wrRCNXagP288dOrq3KO3MeE2Y9H9x2TGBSiPw3M1R2vqWC4_OYX0nF1SHg8dZB6kkNxd8lY8TMPUXqBbn_TKzhphMjsfwsB0WuFCaVRmi9DQ/w640-h288/20230212_083705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>You have complete control over your choice this way. Alongside the bulk bins, the supermarkets do sell lemons and limes in mesh bags, but I have not had good luck with those. No matter how closely I inspect the fruit in the mesh bag, when I get home and remove them from the bag, there is always at least one that is moldy. This drives me crazy for a number of reason not the least of which is it could mean that I end up with a non-matching number of lemons to limes. No! That will not do. I don't care if it is an even number or an odd number, but the total number of each has to equal.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBCuvEf3V8ApN6TI8n7Go7IlW8HnzhKONchhgnEACthz_1XwL10WNH1UzCUxWwnHmq1QliaXx4nempHA1OLyZY4Jp7CvPp6N8ZmSvI82UagXu9Y0BLWI84QjvIrSmRpmI_t5yhIflOH6YDpKfVS8pPlfX40BhN6C21jjR0GbAsXoAjlC_Ek0nHbgegg/s4000/20230216_063747.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBCuvEf3V8ApN6TI8n7Go7IlW8HnzhKONchhgnEACthz_1XwL10WNH1UzCUxWwnHmq1QliaXx4nempHA1OLyZY4Jp7CvPp6N8ZmSvI82UagXu9Y0BLWI84QjvIrSmRpmI_t5yhIflOH6YDpKfVS8pPlfX40BhN6C21jjR0GbAsXoAjlC_Ek0nHbgegg/w288-h640/20230216_063747.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>This week I used this clear glass pitcher to store them on top of the refrigerator. They fit perfectly in here and I like the look. A little known fact about limes - Did you know that when a lime takes on a yellow hue that that is a sign that is ripe? They are not shipped or sold when this color because shipping them when they are unripe, and hard, is much easier. Also, a longer shelf-life if put out in the store still unripe. Sort of like bananas. I like to eat unripe bananas but I do not like unripe limes. It is impossible to get any juice from them when they are green. So when you see limes that are a little bit yellow, always choose those because they are ripe and will yield much more juice than the ones that are green. A little bit of knowledge to share with you that I learned the hard way.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-72344032190132307242023-02-14T10:13:00.002-05:002023-02-14T10:13:45.502-05:00LOVE<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5OBBLPuOQl44-lihUFyHqO0AEeRhNgVnVWre-YocvM1Lc_aDg4mps3KihcJPA2DcG215NmZ5vdHPiJTJ7PrhMstpgrdFZnN6cUaB0P8-lfHzB4us6pIqF4-9-VRS9-C-qHAB9RnP0b2prslQLNya6yho-AQnFBUASxyDOh4fwuzYDDbsWfW9gu9XGA/s434/Love.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="434" data-original-width="359" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht5OBBLPuOQl44-lihUFyHqO0AEeRhNgVnVWre-YocvM1Lc_aDg4mps3KihcJPA2DcG215NmZ5vdHPiJTJ7PrhMstpgrdFZnN6cUaB0P8-lfHzB4us6pIqF4-9-VRS9-C-qHAB9RnP0b2prslQLNya6yho-AQnFBUASxyDOh4fwuzYDDbsWfW9gu9XGA/w530-h640/Love.png" width="530" /></a></div><br /><p>This says it all. And this is the kind of day I hope you have. I hope you find yourself in a position where you can give the last piece of cake and the position where you are the recipient of the last piece of cake. Happy Valentine's Day to all my many readers!! I wish you peace, love and joy 🖤</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-34002424779955131832023-02-13T12:39:00.001-05:002023-02-13T12:39:24.258-05:00One Final Look at the Amaryllis<p>This will be a short post today. I'm basically just going to post the last few pictures of the amaryllis in full bloom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSATw0Jy098d5yEt6cfvNiceYlTq1ssY0yCtvMhPvW59IQMmtgSmXJO3Pvkq36HnufCJtUvlXrZitouZrEJTqrKwSjAgdxmZOGpvdmpDVDxi6bhHDcs9k0i-th2M9UoJIB2Nm9ULXNmnT9DVMgptcZRkXqiuFWJEVvITJIet0cpAAodxfDLlxIBD9DKQ/s4000/20230210_150705.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiSATw0Jy098d5yEt6cfvNiceYlTq1ssY0yCtvMhPvW59IQMmtgSmXJO3Pvkq36HnufCJtUvlXrZitouZrEJTqrKwSjAgdxmZOGpvdmpDVDxi6bhHDcs9k0i-th2M9UoJIB2Nm9ULXNmnT9DVMgptcZRkXqiuFWJEVvITJIet0cpAAodxfDLlxIBD9DKQ/w640-h288/20230210_150705.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>The first few pictures are of them in the window in front of a nearly cloud-free blue sky. This was when they first came into full bloom and the red was very vibrant.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoajkFFpAJTgX18b_iuV9lcn988h1FvWIGJ2kPQAgI3loAaTAHs7rnpLUDPG-gUQal1eXAMFydY5uMx4X99TedvibE6q6AE2KekQpb4bML9uJmh0TPSk0me4Kn5IzrgZGG-ZYMinNzoDfCERH_ttXWImbyL0O9bsawfY8jQDrWLkn0l3svJt__Q9Me4g/s4000/20230210_150603.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoajkFFpAJTgX18b_iuV9lcn988h1FvWIGJ2kPQAgI3loAaTAHs7rnpLUDPG-gUQal1eXAMFydY5uMx4X99TedvibE6q6AE2KekQpb4bML9uJmh0TPSk0me4Kn5IzrgZGG-ZYMinNzoDfCERH_ttXWImbyL0O9bsawfY8jQDrWLkn0l3svJt__Q9Me4g/w640-h288/20230210_150603.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDG-uHCUI5hMf2a1avjjS1Cl2idJNRV84YlhZEEXU6gxgYNRwy36ewhmivHH6lo0lJqB3nLj_31R5eWShuNF0OWU2btOKjO814VqGQcgJSUUuO9h7_3DNWWSigQti8dilbs8UcTDG_j14KKOOm0Vy6XDa8hv_fZEUU8rN3u_dk95gQaGhGaCd4DKzVg/s4000/20230210_092547.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhDG-uHCUI5hMf2a1avjjS1Cl2idJNRV84YlhZEEXU6gxgYNRwy36ewhmivHH6lo0lJqB3nLj_31R5eWShuNF0OWU2btOKjO814VqGQcgJSUUuO9h7_3DNWWSigQti8dilbs8UcTDG_j14KKOOm0Vy6XDa8hv_fZEUU8rN3u_dk95gQaGhGaCd4DKzVg/w640-h288/20230210_092547.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>Even in this picture, the red color was still a true red.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMpuahqIa-4G_Hzz2AUVL4PHGGn_yooBxOfNkDJIdGZk3zpeTtqZ6M5q0JzEKaIcW-fzbV3YBD7MS4tcAjy10HK9r-gwufe64aKHdUW5MbxZci5W6GOCk8LqGSBtT9VoCfEooQ5vMOtVobYqD4crTLbUDHXjRIEYpOv1ektU7jB3OSKq5wXBtCnflNQ/s4000/20230212_151915.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAMpuahqIa-4G_Hzz2AUVL4PHGGn_yooBxOfNkDJIdGZk3zpeTtqZ6M5q0JzEKaIcW-fzbV3YBD7MS4tcAjy10HK9r-gwufe64aKHdUW5MbxZci5W6GOCk8LqGSBtT9VoCfEooQ5vMOtVobYqD4crTLbUDHXjRIEYpOv1ektU7jB3OSKq5wXBtCnflNQ/w640-h288/20230212_151915.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">By this past weekend when I moved them into the kitchen briefly to water the soil, the red color was starting to fade and turn more pinkish. I don't mind that. Actually, I think I like the lighter shade of pink more than the red. Either way, they are beautiful and I am very happy with how they turned out. Two bulbs in the pot that we talked about in an earlier post seems to be the perfect pairing for a regal show. Thanks for indulging me on this project.</div><br /><p><br /></p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-22496647100772582752023-02-09T09:53:00.000-05:002023-02-09T09:53:23.374-05:00A Couple Valentine Gifts to Send Out<p>Valentine's Day is next Tuesday, so don't forget to acknowledge that special someone. Or, if you don't have a "special someone", take the opportunity to brighten the day of a good friend or family member that might need a little extra attention right now. I have a couple friends to whom I am sending a little something just to show them how much they mean to me. I am lucky to have them both in my life and this is my opportunity to show them that I appreciate their friendship.</p><p>I am sending small gifts that did not cost a ton of money. You do not have to spend like a drunken sailor to show your affection. Small gifts can and do bring every bit as much joy and happiness as expensive gifts. Now, don't get me wrong. I enjoy receiving an expensive gift every now and then. But I'm saying that you don't have to spend a lot at every gift giving season. Remember, it's not so much the gift, but the expression. So let's take a look at some of the touches I used in preparation for sending my gifts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Wts4eXYjrnjtc5m2hZ_kgvM4ZeL4LNGv-Lg_rpDD2aWdEP-bzP1L1ID24QHHW6guAXSQ2SKiAzxiY-7mTsl1-kD2tYEv_x9qKZEu9LxiVbbsc9Fi3qhhyd0qKkpGqRVas5HHqJk2-rR94I84353_XuCnYugJA-7eAn0FIzRVFtBK8O-ECxdNlnqcQ/s4000/20230207_091512.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgF5Wts4eXYjrnjtc5m2hZ_kgvM4ZeL4LNGv-Lg_rpDD2aWdEP-bzP1L1ID24QHHW6guAXSQ2SKiAzxiY-7mTsl1-kD2tYEv_x9qKZEu9LxiVbbsc9Fi3qhhyd0qKkpGqRVas5HHqJk2-rR94I84353_XuCnYugJA-7eAn0FIzRVFtBK8O-ECxdNlnqcQ/w640-h288/20230207_091512.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We'll start with this circle cutter. These are handy to have around. I bought this from Amazon (of course) for a whopping $14.83. I thought that was reasonable and it does a perfect job. Just one quick note about this cutter - the smallest size diameter" it will cut is 4". So that means the smallest radius is 2". The largest diameter it cuts is 12.6 inches.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtugugQgxvw6O7HFzN51HGTyANUDT930KPWWTZIGJyRB2hfNXLFJKVlpJVMvRD0M_GRvuWNmtv2MV0RtWzp5jXomBO9cpDbc5I_SMCm1HQm9oPZxV6iYxWqIGxE8cAzHRelNqBcwEkN4XtG9qBzNNr26xJUjr8f552DEdPLxe3i3I5PujJ_-7NNjyVQ/s4000/20230207_091545.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCtugugQgxvw6O7HFzN51HGTyANUDT930KPWWTZIGJyRB2hfNXLFJKVlpJVMvRD0M_GRvuWNmtv2MV0RtWzp5jXomBO9cpDbc5I_SMCm1HQm9oPZxV6iYxWqIGxE8cAzHRelNqBcwEkN4XtG9qBzNNr26xJUjr8f552DEdPLxe3i3I5PujJ_-7NNjyVQ/w640-h288/20230207_091545.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here is our first circle in red. Perfect. You just set the size you want (I chose the lowest setting at 4"), hold down firmly on the blue housing, then rotate the arm around. Before you know it, you have cut a perfect circle for your project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU1qdLP_0tv-LWzbw46tE-_P7J8_Vmi3R8xWryA6G4oYrPyA4nxoYcvo1fdmQtK5mtkpN5EBe6Vzy5PkVfB6a4gbxazk-W3QFtPNBKvdghL8VoMY2NQVbC9cCSeNSQPe-O-4jgG4zB2FdobF3Ouo7x4A4sSW5nCU7A4ofvxbZh31mWohQxw8ACUhQ2A/s4000/20230207_091611.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXU1qdLP_0tv-LWzbw46tE-_P7J8_Vmi3R8xWryA6G4oYrPyA4nxoYcvo1fdmQtK5mtkpN5EBe6Vzy5PkVfB6a4gbxazk-W3QFtPNBKvdghL8VoMY2NQVbC9cCSeNSQPe-O-4jgG4zB2FdobF3Ouo7x4A4sSW5nCU7A4ofvxbZh31mWohQxw8ACUhQ2A/w640-h288/20230207_091611.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The cutting blades and tool used to insert and remove the blades are housed in this compartment on the underneath side of the main housing. Very handy. Perfect spot. Great idea to keep all the parts together in one place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkJjabPXW9rId9czMNeIiTeGLSyzf2YaKhpEtejJgfnyC7M31RujtlI1ciTKQ-DzwxorcT2hHufTUCp18LsMXpQRUGIlQZGMIHyZ0rb4n7PFQ2-QuVSd56fp8gHt0zMmFU9sdqen5YFcJhgDT6A991TIwVbgN3nJb5x6J98mnBh3kKQGMnUX0rGCZSQ/s4000/20230207_091815.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkJjabPXW9rId9czMNeIiTeGLSyzf2YaKhpEtejJgfnyC7M31RujtlI1ciTKQ-DzwxorcT2hHufTUCp18LsMXpQRUGIlQZGMIHyZ0rb4n7PFQ2-QuVSd56fp8gHt0zMmFU9sdqen5YFcJhgDT6A991TIwVbgN3nJb5x6J98mnBh3kKQGMnUX0rGCZSQ/w640-h288/20230207_091815.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here we have the cutting blade placed in the tool used to set it in place. Cutting blade is inside the tool so that you can set the base of it snugly in place in the arm.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn3DcZblrH3PENNbduhou_3BAhzuMhZwu1t-w30d4RYhHLwEfN9PoaQUx9l_oMlBWyQ1nt-e03hAnu3rnANpObYVCTszRvwbEkLKDXadnw5AYkZfmokSQxnm91cORAUSRsm8qccNA2eYW6wUw2-sGhB2ws18k9CoXsKnH-OY2rEeTdnLKX8fVjRaZ2Q/s4000/20230207_091657.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVn3DcZblrH3PENNbduhou_3BAhzuMhZwu1t-w30d4RYhHLwEfN9PoaQUx9l_oMlBWyQ1nt-e03hAnu3rnANpObYVCTszRvwbEkLKDXadnw5AYkZfmokSQxnm91cORAUSRsm8qccNA2eYW6wUw2-sGhB2ws18k9CoXsKnH-OY2rEeTdnLKX8fVjRaZ2Q/w640-h288/20230207_091657.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Blade set in place and you simply slide the little placement tool off and place it back inside the storage compartment on the underneath side. Simple. Easy to use.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabLMv2VtaK9EKL2ATgl9fB1D5ir-zGYlZd9O2b_gewbOrEVXUBlrSDVlepVyPwAPO2SrxXHRRahLqtXlCV5sCuAbc0rzDKvyf9YsLF0tXmlpFCSeHdCKwoh-74q7IfZ7mlF0b5-DgL3ZGEzSepIrElrGAtwsaoIIKRWsA-A3bUVuMcsv9oX_bHJgJBQ/s4000/20230207_091621.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjabLMv2VtaK9EKL2ATgl9fB1D5ir-zGYlZd9O2b_gewbOrEVXUBlrSDVlepVyPwAPO2SrxXHRRahLqtXlCV5sCuAbc0rzDKvyf9YsLF0tXmlpFCSeHdCKwoh-74q7IfZ7mlF0b5-DgL3ZGEzSepIrElrGAtwsaoIIKRWsA-A3bUVuMcsv9oX_bHJgJBQ/w640-h288/20230207_091621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, our blade in place, we were ready to start our project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzegHxINB-z3yRYAtkmevdU7r1GmkLifAGGtptDyzYeaP3dCwU3Gj7uAfwM6_xS9U9FCvuyi-8sjok742ZBNjrgvkQWlZW4HPfLz6sZzqVJCDPu7Hwn5KfuduD-dvNYBYvD6R1PqnC2uo7Wi24BLux2XSINmvbI5Wso4PPNuLOLQPg9TI5tBPmoXOlg/s4000/20230208_182501.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzzegHxINB-z3yRYAtkmevdU7r1GmkLifAGGtptDyzYeaP3dCwU3Gj7uAfwM6_xS9U9FCvuyi-8sjok742ZBNjrgvkQWlZW4HPfLz6sZzqVJCDPu7Hwn5KfuduD-dvNYBYvD6R1PqnC2uo7Wi24BLux2XSINmvbI5Wso4PPNuLOLQPg9TI5tBPmoXOlg/w640-h288/20230208_182501.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I cute two circles since I have two boxes that I'm sending this year. I'm just showing you this to let you know that both of these circles were cut out perfectly the first time. These are not the result of many attempts to get perfect circles cut. This tool really does work as described. Easy peasy.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCJJwmplksFRMHFGexxug5Jgwa6vhYhT7wzuAe6o0gMGVOxDRvdj1a2OvbyO9afRe9Y2PAEbPo2119OtJ-xNJ2OZeK3plJHKJnAhxFZaFS-eSgIu9ggB-7HjlQm0bONZWzwpXG2rOl3YQYSFZ8vBa9yq7yg1_8ac6LY6C5jyC9Qi36Lkpapl4a7oIAg/s4000/20230208_095432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRCJJwmplksFRMHFGexxug5Jgwa6vhYhT7wzuAe6o0gMGVOxDRvdj1a2OvbyO9afRe9Y2PAEbPo2119OtJ-xNJ2OZeK3plJHKJnAhxFZaFS-eSgIu9ggB-7HjlQm0bONZWzwpXG2rOl3YQYSFZ8vBa9yq7yg1_8ac6LY6C5jyC9Qi36Lkpapl4a7oIAg/w640-h288/20230208_095432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Once the circles were cut, it was time to move on to the next step in this project and that was to do some stamping. Love this stamp. Not fussy. Love the font. And it turned out to be the perfect size stamp for this project, as you will see. A jet black ink pad and I was ready to get started.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ucflSnCtNWTys-he5CfeKYRHqL65mKoUp2kW4yXATE6aXLvgmCHVBH3zvYSAbDPlSqowH6crId_v2dVJRSGouyx8xMXdlp1rywAKvFGibqVpe56H_bovN39XTP7AX65MzjCWg1UadiuOD5iKqt3JsM2Y5YAnbpXmrq5azdhng2Yxlcn2NK-tq7u5cw/s4000/20230208_110642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1ucflSnCtNWTys-he5CfeKYRHqL65mKoUp2kW4yXATE6aXLvgmCHVBH3zvYSAbDPlSqowH6crId_v2dVJRSGouyx8xMXdlp1rywAKvFGibqVpe56H_bovN39XTP7AX65MzjCWg1UadiuOD5iKqt3JsM2Y5YAnbpXmrq5azdhng2Yxlcn2NK-tq7u5cw/w640-h288/20230208_110642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A word of caution or just some good advice. When doing a stamp project, always make sure to test your stamp on a scrap piece of paper first. This will save you a lot of frustration if the first stamp is too light or if it is spotty and does not pick up the ink evenly from the pad. Even if your stamp pad is brand new, you do not know how long it has been sitting on the store shelf or in some warehouse. Test first. Make sure the stamp is absorbing plenty of ink, then continue.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj6OyM6jSbdwIauzBt5WtzTcMl6KeK3TkD_QUm2eOncbveoP0IH0ktlR1VgdsAz4vd0FZftOAPpgMFtH-slYW1N-6EbdL8XYzr7-9OvzGDeKfl-9muy9duE0E4kX-eVkzlSP7wS-oDLZT7jLbE5Zz6LcyZTnVqUb2OSoOqUF8Y_67LC7kMKnKJdx-rQ/s4000/20230208_095202.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTj6OyM6jSbdwIauzBt5WtzTcMl6KeK3TkD_QUm2eOncbveoP0IH0ktlR1VgdsAz4vd0FZftOAPpgMFtH-slYW1N-6EbdL8XYzr7-9OvzGDeKfl-9muy9duE0E4kX-eVkzlSP7wS-oDLZT7jLbE5Zz6LcyZTnVqUb2OSoOqUF8Y_67LC7kMKnKJdx-rQ/w640-h288/20230208_095202.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And here is the first circle taped to the outside of the box going to friend #1. I made sure this was completely covered in clear packing tape. The slightest exposed edge and this would never make the trek through the postal service or any other delivery service.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIUoaR62rDQ7OtMfWJIlvDh5JybcRCY8cs3jAjrLzPgO1BKzqXFey1HZ8_8lBsbW2dP4aueNZWyU5hUy9_L7rUftIedfrfRgdKOx3v0YEp1qs0TcbPf4oaaSorzOxQsR__8TuPQdDUqtRhA9dQKIF42QOUYaSQRprRhsrues4587oYgoZR8WcxQE3Og/s4000/20230208_111340.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguIUoaR62rDQ7OtMfWJIlvDh5JybcRCY8cs3jAjrLzPgO1BKzqXFey1HZ8_8lBsbW2dP4aueNZWyU5hUy9_L7rUftIedfrfRgdKOx3v0YEp1qs0TcbPf4oaaSorzOxQsR__8TuPQdDUqtRhA9dQKIF42QOUYaSQRprRhsrues4587oYgoZR8WcxQE3Og/w640-h288/20230208_111340.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Both boxes ready to go. I just need to put the address labels on and drop them off at the post office. I'm going to use USPS for these. These friends are not far away, so I feel certain that if I mail them on Friday or even Saturday, they will arrive on or before next Tuesday.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JgpjSnU8H-etLh8QisNM_-f-ZUnIwZGF_9wE2pG0JPCe0qPWstlnPCG8bDdGllKoh1VU0EKrK1rDp547K6LjqMce9tGG-Hucy9Wxwngm_kHYWUZ9-A8LpPM9nAXexBxgJA4t9phqWHepeukajBaj73KE8oxSzBivZDCvBnhdB_Rkdp_Vjt2YrnXi_A/s4000/20230208_104318.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-JgpjSnU8H-etLh8QisNM_-f-ZUnIwZGF_9wE2pG0JPCe0qPWstlnPCG8bDdGllKoh1VU0EKrK1rDp547K6LjqMce9tGG-Hucy9Wxwngm_kHYWUZ9-A8LpPM9nAXexBxgJA4t9phqWHepeukajBaj73KE8oxSzBivZDCvBnhdB_Rkdp_Vjt2YrnXi_A/w640-h288/20230208_104318.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In one of the boxes I placed a personal note, but in the other I placed a card with a personal note inside. This is the envelope for that card. I thought this was a cute way of embellishing the envelope rather than just writing her name.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FBClrPw5lM3R6BNEwVjO7m9-BZcR9QSt57mGrdJWWypIdN0Z1btcPaUxPMknJH6sK9EG5fTHnP0CcVo7YES3gNBvvmz18X_-vYXWelvm7f3P11VO12F5kdDNkWatAcmWxAtMhPNf8-XfrwK1H48Jv_l9-nMDS3CjLf_7c2CdQffUDmdm2r4mWjBycA/s4000/20230208_104212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4FBClrPw5lM3R6BNEwVjO7m9-BZcR9QSt57mGrdJWWypIdN0Z1btcPaUxPMknJH6sK9EG5fTHnP0CcVo7YES3gNBvvmz18X_-vYXWelvm7f3P11VO12F5kdDNkWatAcmWxAtMhPNf8-XfrwK1H48Jv_l9-nMDS3CjLf_7c2CdQffUDmdm2r4mWjBycA/w640-h288/20230208_104212.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The heart on the envelope came from Paper Source. They come in sets of 8. I think this package was in the $6.95 price range. Don't hold me to that. I can't remember specifically and I cannot find these on their website. I picked these up in their store in Georgetown.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPiiN92ZFwgGZeLflhYMts9rJQIdwdhqMtEyN0R6mjtAXvHVo3E8l7fJoVBhal1EjNL442OKkEoXDPnDsFDgxNmA8mTXBdto_NpFBA-L6w71lLU4rmC8zXelIicl-Eh3K8CIiHW6wRm6p4zpVWWPsvyoEU7iRB1I4lQgAboJiPg2TE_eoYPA4UCoNkg/s4000/20230208_104142.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwPiiN92ZFwgGZeLflhYMts9rJQIdwdhqMtEyN0R6mjtAXvHVo3E8l7fJoVBhal1EjNL442OKkEoXDPnDsFDgxNmA8mTXBdto_NpFBA-L6w71lLU4rmC8zXelIicl-Eh3K8CIiHW6wRm6p4zpVWWPsvyoEU7iRB1I4lQgAboJiPg2TE_eoYPA4UCoNkg/w640-h288/20230208_104142.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The butterfly stickers are from Hallmark. I did not buy these specifically for Valentine's Day. I've had them for some time and found them when I was working on this project. I have no idea where I bought them, but you can get these anywhere. Walmart, Target, even in CVS.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZDi-PYd0XxiY3AXAKo-w4kjhoIzWUlopiKUyVJ9_wFB35WFV_JKXelZKtsdmpj_z2U1qGGWx9akIp4EeA0f1aWcmFwEyls4yZM0EDMsGNE3NEapO60bNbmAjwxBZfNMVeS-H0jeOCcWJKyvqTH9Ov5JruujfxrY2EptajeTUM87l7lq0gI5MEmAWbw/s399/heart%20flourish.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="126" data-original-width="399" height="101" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYZDi-PYd0XxiY3AXAKo-w4kjhoIzWUlopiKUyVJ9_wFB35WFV_JKXelZKtsdmpj_z2U1qGGWx9akIp4EeA0f1aWcmFwEyls4yZM0EDMsGNE3NEapO60bNbmAjwxBZfNMVeS-H0jeOCcWJKyvqTH9Ov5JruujfxrY2EptajeTUM87l7lq0gI5MEmAWbw/s320/heart%20flourish.png" width="320" /></a></div><p>In addition, I wanted to share with you this circle "punch" that I recently bought. This cuts circles at a 2-1/2" diameter. The rotary cutters like I used in this post usually are not capable of making cuts smaller than about 4", so if you need a smaller circle, you will have to invest in one of these circle punches.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uFMmDY-qvjRYKjUg1G48ypwRNSwGrW-RyMRoEg9oukwdHBCEMRJMTAU-PWsJQomxNqfeulaFUyn81WtpKasvduc5NRkbSWK0ja8fD1B2T-xLrSLdfOhjOMx1Q_0p7sNzhz6MXtbRP6obJ27E_Z9dmUIzRDwpzoyfit3GdA9hfl3PNn-qNy6tTSCoSw/s4000/20230208_173338.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8uFMmDY-qvjRYKjUg1G48ypwRNSwGrW-RyMRoEg9oukwdHBCEMRJMTAU-PWsJQomxNqfeulaFUyn81WtpKasvduc5NRkbSWK0ja8fD1B2T-xLrSLdfOhjOMx1Q_0p7sNzhz6MXtbRP6obJ27E_Z9dmUIzRDwpzoyfit3GdA9hfl3PNn-qNy6tTSCoSw/w640-h288/20230208_173338.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This works like a charm. I tested it this week and it makes perfect round cuts.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9B0mq420ba6eA9u7toHmHy7aSbqAxA49f37TMfJGQYsI3DoNGF-r5Ms3sQazoJY6CLBM8ZpCHWwhBVK7L-cdo2SieYN_k3ntio5d1IPNSaOZMYBPd1ePxODjJhAjkQDNBsj2mwfOJz9xnHFn33I9TFfx52sGtkcKqiZ2lY8A7WHDPn3AisMurhmAVQ/s4000/20230208_182432.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH9B0mq420ba6eA9u7toHmHy7aSbqAxA49f37TMfJGQYsI3DoNGF-r5Ms3sQazoJY6CLBM8ZpCHWwhBVK7L-cdo2SieYN_k3ntio5d1IPNSaOZMYBPd1ePxODjJhAjkQDNBsj2mwfOJz9xnHFn33I9TFfx52sGtkcKqiZ2lY8A7WHDPn3AisMurhmAVQ/w640-h288/20230208_182432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I tested it on the same paper I used in this project to make the larger circles for the gift boxes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsbGM4ac45Yyp_i1vcv5tSy7nNptsCprG7OAt_cQcLTMaqvVP4UPRPwSGjsGst0PvlfzkVUDjAv_HSE1URYuzMynoMsW3dPwGtJplET4QWmhNpT5CC_nJlX71EIC4YVLTeBV6RTa6HTe34vbQGPPtmg0qikMorsoiJWgirQp2BgMSc7SUEn1aXAgvSQ/s4000/20230208_182447.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAsbGM4ac45Yyp_i1vcv5tSy7nNptsCprG7OAt_cQcLTMaqvVP4UPRPwSGjsGst0PvlfzkVUDjAv_HSE1URYuzMynoMsW3dPwGtJplET4QWmhNpT5CC_nJlX71EIC4YVLTeBV6RTa6HTe34vbQGPPtmg0qikMorsoiJWgirQp2BgMSc7SUEn1aXAgvSQ/w640-h288/20230208_182447.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>You see here that the paper is cut and contained inside this compartment. You simply slide the clear plastic cover open and your circles await. The cardstock I used in this post is double-sided in two colors. The sheet I used was red on one side and pink on the other, so you get double-duty from this paper.</p><p>I hope you enjoyed this post. This was a rather simple project that did not cost a great deal of money, but one that I know any of your friends would love receiving. Just knowing that you assembled this on your own and that it has your personal touch will mean a lot to them.</p><p><br /></p><p> </p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-5856111674320005892023-02-07T16:48:00.001-05:002023-02-07T16:48:32.277-05:00And Finally, Blooms!<p> And the moment we have all been waiting for, ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR-oAy7JWDne9sk6lVliOyiHlX6g6iE_czfDN52rkgI2aXEiDmEqO-pJDbgNFgE2X3BdnL336Cu2EJih94C5nzcCau4U8HKflocFZmheYLDAs8lvrKrQwnipxOO4WqNTbnU4NY3KMZOg0znEO35kROnIgdn4ZHdjT_yA_bQL4X0ej6MibE_FtrrzxCQ/s4000/20230207_071415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQR-oAy7JWDne9sk6lVliOyiHlX6g6iE_czfDN52rkgI2aXEiDmEqO-pJDbgNFgE2X3BdnL336Cu2EJih94C5nzcCau4U8HKflocFZmheYLDAs8lvrKrQwnipxOO4WqNTbnU4NY3KMZOg0znEO35kROnIgdn4ZHdjT_yA_bQL4X0ej6MibE_FtrrzxCQ/w640-h288/20230207_071415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>We have a blooming amaryllis. I thought this overhead shot would be a good way to show you what has already bloomed and what will be blooming in the next few days. You can see that we currently have three open blooms on the one with at least two more blooms to come in the next couple days.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n3nDNjitB9Au8WZmLTeaE9R8iMR9veSmj7YJHn5FWqZVz_VsNRbeq7o8fRpz9yTJg9m2y0FbEIRd7w936iQoANdl7BA1rosGq_ZVUFtSFQ8v9T44VrzRJjrccW6RDihKP2e9iTMsyFmUqa8yZMnW7VMUIoVTlmYfgMgdr30kYvDuDHpVacjS9G51mw/s4000/20230207_071627.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4n3nDNjitB9Au8WZmLTeaE9R8iMR9veSmj7YJHn5FWqZVz_VsNRbeq7o8fRpz9yTJg9m2y0FbEIRd7w936iQoANdl7BA1rosGq_ZVUFtSFQ8v9T44VrzRJjrccW6RDihKP2e9iTMsyFmUqa8yZMnW7VMUIoVTlmYfgMgdr30kYvDuDHpVacjS9G51mw/w288-h640/20230207_071627.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>Now, a vertical shot to show just how beautiful and healthy these are. I had forgotten what color to expect. Actually, I expected them to be white, but they are this lovely pink variegated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfLHATrzixfgR_7dSiUb7YXpzrEFGluFTw1X_Ls6weE5Ob2CRBVjh8_mmpm5paHKAvLHUFiz6t5lUklklQSMUtYFZf5aNF06fMSeDolvAd2ZoJqni88_M35ljU1x0SrWYCuqYCvcuaDh37ag37wdbw4fTIk5c7zOSuaiJi18gAfkVrzb48YwWhkDKXw/s4000/20230207_071644.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMfLHATrzixfgR_7dSiUb7YXpzrEFGluFTw1X_Ls6weE5Ob2CRBVjh8_mmpm5paHKAvLHUFiz6t5lUklklQSMUtYFZf5aNF06fMSeDolvAd2ZoJqni88_M35ljU1x0SrWYCuqYCvcuaDh37ag37wdbw4fTIk5c7zOSuaiJi18gAfkVrzb48YwWhkDKXw/w288-h640/20230207_071644.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>Another shot of this forward facing bloom. I could not be more pleased with these. Healthy and beautiful. I picked these up from Giant on a grocery run before the holidays. And by that I mean, before Thanksgiving. They are just those mass produced bulbs that everybody picks up during the season every year.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1mQqsTtqQhKmZHjVW8e1JC4J9BtA8BoiX37myBy5V15UN0LpGiHSIy1jVlnxZHvhzB0DhLWv10LndQO9iFaXuyly_7k8sLOyxOV0jEIsx0Kf1Eozj7ybe7vNOogw02BPVtqEhSolVsvnfiFhHf2I3HzWc7ZzCjNrHttQBzJcMWF1pSgT6XLevNw8g/s4000/20230207_071652.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicS1mQqsTtqQhKmZHjVW8e1JC4J9BtA8BoiX37myBy5V15UN0LpGiHSIy1jVlnxZHvhzB0DhLWv10LndQO9iFaXuyly_7k8sLOyxOV0jEIsx0Kf1Eozj7ybe7vNOogw02BPVtqEhSolVsvnfiFhHf2I3HzWc7ZzCjNrHttQBzJcMWF1pSgT6XLevNw8g/w288-h640/20230207_071652.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>I never have high expectation for these bulbs. Some years I have really good luck with them and some years I do not. I left these to linger in the box for substantially longer than I thought would be good, but I am quite impressed. Of course, once I planted them I did make sure they were well watered, but not too much. And I added the plant food pellets which probably helped. In this shot you can see the second stem, a little taller than the one that is blooming, with several more blooms to come. I will likely post one final picture once they are all opened. I'm really rather liking having these in the house now rather than during the holidays.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-23089721340567053472023-02-02T14:47:00.000-05:002023-02-02T14:47:14.468-05:00Amaryllis UPDATE<p>I thought you might like an update on how our amaryllis are doing since we posted about them on January 20. And the answer is, they are doing quite well.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirocsZF-IDtjyHGHUUzni0PXZvhT32nWlIZaT2Trn_DBM_Hb-FxGfdF9H73tKmkOQqHCB2xhF76SqtI3k43ROb_wkPThHk9xBRfaa21rO04SCQElvk2uo6F6jtlH21-9PE2t77WbNuXuzhATPs8esaOHS_Q3VCTTNPM10N4Z7A8eWn75iYRkxPIWStrg/s4000/20230201_172530.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirocsZF-IDtjyHGHUUzni0PXZvhT32nWlIZaT2Trn_DBM_Hb-FxGfdF9H73tKmkOQqHCB2xhF76SqtI3k43ROb_wkPThHk9xBRfaa21rO04SCQElvk2uo6F6jtlH21-9PE2t77WbNuXuzhATPs8esaOHS_Q3VCTTNPM10N4Z7A8eWn75iYRkxPIWStrg/w288-h640/20230201_172530.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>This picture was taken yesterday. This is quite a bit of growth since our first picture back on January 20. Take a look below.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucM7gXv9lrUereGxFBDzT5qGs0g2RrAUYC-l8gT56IMlxVLsu7GKQ9dQOSVfdUaPHRg0FjqbHmyqCeWTE1LaK1gZxbOcz6DOIIt3zn8jd-6USnv2WS-G6yf4DavJd2sBI6rt6eTk4L6j6Y2B4Eg2H-mrF8m2U17UhrZhWYM_EJgtVanVn312LErQJoQ/s640/20230120_155429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="288" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiucM7gXv9lrUereGxFBDzT5qGs0g2RrAUYC-l8gT56IMlxVLsu7GKQ9dQOSVfdUaPHRg0FjqbHmyqCeWTE1LaK1gZxbOcz6DOIIt3zn8jd-6USnv2WS-G6yf4DavJd2sBI6rt6eTk4L6j6Y2B4Eg2H-mrF8m2U17UhrZhWYM_EJgtVanVn312LErQJoQ/w288-h640/20230120_155429.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div>This was the picture taken from our January 20th post. Quite a difference in just under a two week period. They have grown at least a foot in that span of time. And you will note that they have rather evened out in height which I thought was very interesting. In the picture from yesterday the flower on the right is just about to open, which you cannot see in the picture. I think we will be in full bloom by the end of the weekend or first part of next week.</div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-49209075610984421302023-02-01T16:11:00.005-05:002023-02-02T08:44:03.178-05:00Cute Insulated Coffee Cups<p>On a recent early morning errand run in Rockville, MD, I was waiting for World Market to open when I realized there was a TJ Maxx in the same plaza. So I thought I would run in and see what TJ Maxx might have that I couldn't live without. This was an early Sunday morning and when I made my way to the entrance to TJ Maxx I was met with a dark showroom and a sign stating that they were not open on Sunday. What? Not open on Sunday? I've never heard of such. Dejected, I made my way down the escalator and upon reaching the first floor noticed a Dollar Tree store - which was open. Still having about 15 minutes before World Market was scheduled to open, I decided to walk through Dollar Tree. I did not really expect to pick up anything, but I thought I would walk through. As it turned out, I did pick up a few things and I will share some of those purchases with you today because I thought these were so especially attractive.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_8cjwB5PmKyo7VBjh9yZX08bO0u_oRiHWB5m6l3N7CSflkS-2rzVhcQkGAxKy56wSujsX62SvK9exNaCfhb0nZ_FqdfNxE1MZece36x5-0kRe9HT2e9LAMwr4I5gJLEX8FfL2qEMuZPUst8abyLJI90ENbk2yU_NwIZC6TNFis9Rss72HwNiaGL50g/s4000/20230127_085046.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9_8cjwB5PmKyo7VBjh9yZX08bO0u_oRiHWB5m6l3N7CSflkS-2rzVhcQkGAxKy56wSujsX62SvK9exNaCfhb0nZ_FqdfNxE1MZece36x5-0kRe9HT2e9LAMwr4I5gJLEX8FfL2qEMuZPUst8abyLJI90ENbk2yU_NwIZC6TNFis9Rss72HwNiaGL50g/w288-h640/20230127_085046.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>And what am I talking about? These wonderful 16 ounce coffee cups with a "bee" design and lids. I thought these were too cute. I rarely make coffee during the week, but on the weekend, the percolator is going strong early in the morning. And yes, I said "percolator". I just bought a new percolator and we'll talk about that later.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq_k9CtrpINn6__W8LKV4yN81B4XokG9z8riVHppAKwG5dK17_m4d_tJ73wdOQd5Nhr6IZAK7KVYhrD2Wot40-hLEaHfsmYqpIvjcYgHsbrr6WUMBzW-nVrTBtbOgnNc6SHdw4fSFp0ckPCbXb1-yefk7aWdqqvVF5PvMXiHeYzGHGovacxMB5xPgLA/s4000/20230127_085207.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKq_k9CtrpINn6__W8LKV4yN81B4XokG9z8riVHppAKwG5dK17_m4d_tJ73wdOQd5Nhr6IZAK7KVYhrD2Wot40-hLEaHfsmYqpIvjcYgHsbrr6WUMBzW-nVrTBtbOgnNc6SHdw4fSFp0ckPCbXb1-yefk7aWdqqvVF5PvMXiHeYzGHGovacxMB5xPgLA/w640-h288/20230127_085207.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here is a closer look at the bee design on these cups. I bought them because of the bee design, not necessarily for the message. "Bee the change". I'm not sure what that means or if there is some hidden agenda, but if there is, it was completely and totally lost on me.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zjOXQ8Z6-9Z9yqlqGb6SEhay62rtgosFFBgRTUDlPt0mmlC0cYf7nYReTgMD0arVf7yqxjXmXTlpZQqrU4jNBR87FC24d2MIgbXjbk18OBnMGHUEUhYpM6rw98KN9TEW8nCPuxBDZ41ybPeUCTe2ueW9lmjZfIzfSbbbLpdG9_CAi2lJS7P_oxQmCQ/s4000/20230127_085110.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-zjOXQ8Z6-9Z9yqlqGb6SEhay62rtgosFFBgRTUDlPt0mmlC0cYf7nYReTgMD0arVf7yqxjXmXTlpZQqrU4jNBR87FC24d2MIgbXjbk18OBnMGHUEUhYpM6rw98KN9TEW8nCPuxBDZ41ybPeUCTe2ueW9lmjZfIzfSbbbLpdG9_CAi2lJS7P_oxQmCQ/w640-h288/20230127_085110.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The package these came in also contained these cute hot cup holders with bees traveling in all directions. Loved these. They could have just enclosed plain white cup holders, which would have been fine, but I liked that they put a little thought into it and continued the theme.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvQbGIvTe26UVi7n4uEZVF6m74PBL6nTqozU0iE9JhPRJxN8EbZx176W915tghGlom1K7lF6XoaimfQxvKBfKqI0989kP-5L9kxxZeRpNL7MXI6IV76Kn4FM94xXMWjREVPYoOj4Y1fAP7Wf_pFFu-eEfyzMC0Rs0xviWyGN2FCbb3XBqHrdYmHkLOQ/s4000/20230127_085308.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsvQbGIvTe26UVi7n4uEZVF6m74PBL6nTqozU0iE9JhPRJxN8EbZx176W915tghGlom1K7lF6XoaimfQxvKBfKqI0989kP-5L9kxxZeRpNL7MXI6IV76Kn4FM94xXMWjREVPYoOj4Y1fAP7Wf_pFFu-eEfyzMC0Rs0xviWyGN2FCbb3XBqHrdYmHkLOQ/w640-h288/20230127_085308.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Of course, I needed somewhere to store the cup holders and while I was making my way through the store, I found these little unfinished wooden boxes. I thought one of these would work perfectly to store the cup holders. (I ended up buying several of these!)</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiWyiMcRBm2GJbQx1p0W7P4CxTkzi9kCHBInLnSy4ujb6Fn0yV9DrokhX6yO2rS3TLTcuiz3gW6yR7OBLtTnFXXvFpokC5luVDBm428SvplEerPB22lWeJIS_aBJSwa2Yr1IGXv9FWY4KPUnqrFqDKs_nBjZWDOj1mL1CbMYj1StLm-_-uRYXxS0wJQ/s4000/20230127_085359.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiWyiMcRBm2GJbQx1p0W7P4CxTkzi9kCHBInLnSy4ujb6Fn0yV9DrokhX6yO2rS3TLTcuiz3gW6yR7OBLtTnFXXvFpokC5luVDBm428SvplEerPB22lWeJIS_aBJSwa2Yr1IGXv9FWY4KPUnqrFqDKs_nBjZWDOj1mL1CbMYj1StLm-_-uRYXxS0wJQ/w640-h288/20230127_085359.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And, indeed, it did! Perfection. I contemplated whether or not to paint the box or stain it or, at a minimum, to at least varnish it, but in the end I decided that I liked it just as it was. No need for too much fuss. Just use it as is to store the cup holders and I think that was the right choice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI0USBS3DbE7kBrxoW8UoBXJgjo41Wp0AVHfeU4kR0c8laugFTne3zhcuvr48M35uocxeSv6Xjqi0-XU1rxWb3SN4c3JLl0QmDx2IaXfI_DOs47l3bEorHrqnUHKEcbavcF_KB8OMq4lYSJpA7_hkP9GY0V6BBt75k19XD3nlGgx6AmG4BSZkl36ceA/s4000/20230127_085435.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlI0USBS3DbE7kBrxoW8UoBXJgjo41Wp0AVHfeU4kR0c8laugFTne3zhcuvr48M35uocxeSv6Xjqi0-XU1rxWb3SN4c3JLl0QmDx2IaXfI_DOs47l3bEorHrqnUHKEcbavcF_KB8OMq4lYSJpA7_hkP9GY0V6BBt75k19XD3nlGgx6AmG4BSZkl36ceA/w640-h288/20230127_085435.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, stored in the kitchen cabinet above the area where I make coffee, the cups and the cup holders, right at hand and easily accessible. I can fill my cup with coffee, slip on a cup holder and snap on a lid and I'm good to go for Saturday and Sunday morning errands or project work around the apartment.</p><p>These were ridiculously inexpensive. I think everything I bought in the store that day was $1.25. I have since shredded the receipt, but I think I remember looking at it and literally everything I bought was $1.25. I thought you might like knowing about these. If you are in the market for such an item and you happen to be near a Dollar Tree, you will know where to find them.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-1544010563081676662023-01-20T16:06:00.000-05:002023-01-20T16:06:06.463-05:00After Christmas Amaryllis<p>I decided this year that, instead of planting the amaryllis to have during the holiday season, I would plant them afterward to enjoy the color and beauty after all the decorations were down and put away. To get them growing, I planted them in the plastic containers that came in the box with the bulbs, but that was not a good look. I don't want these beautiful flowers in cheap little plastic pots. So read on to see what I did to make these really stand out in the interior space of the apartment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2Mz9NK6V7TIx7Mat0CqYy1UR7BqrdUpqeFy0CLXhPumIafBJIgfTS2DzHMBN9LgbKQH6iFIEsM_US-0-wcWvG5SkyH5K26-qixUa5DRcb0tuVlBL_dAZmV4ZG3Mn8adbYCa9IbbfjA9KounTQ0FnL7tea4Dg8Gb64GMz1Er3wjoHia9I8qJXoQGbtw/s4000/20230118_185312.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha2Mz9NK6V7TIx7Mat0CqYy1UR7BqrdUpqeFy0CLXhPumIafBJIgfTS2DzHMBN9LgbKQH6iFIEsM_US-0-wcWvG5SkyH5K26-qixUa5DRcb0tuVlBL_dAZmV4ZG3Mn8adbYCa9IbbfjA9KounTQ0FnL7tea4Dg8Gb64GMz1Er3wjoHia9I8qJXoQGbtw/w640-h288/20230118_185312.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, my two amaryllis bulbs in the little plastic pots from the boxes they came in. This is not pretty. Not a good look. We can certainly do better than this.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZaofBjmXs6P4mC9nY1ljugaDjWJK4a9GnSy9aummKR33h9p6YfH8Kqs6eyMx7sgkghbjOeWFwf_hFYEkACAT3ovx8mKkH3Rqva20ZXqYaaAlQD2suS_unaHUT9BYIlyiQDIZcT0zt5VUl7UBiBOYP05kEgtQ7r6_3R4Tbj0xkaNOgwNjfOAis0V5HA/s4000/20230118_185328.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFZaofBjmXs6P4mC9nY1ljugaDjWJK4a9GnSy9aummKR33h9p6YfH8Kqs6eyMx7sgkghbjOeWFwf_hFYEkACAT3ovx8mKkH3Rqva20ZXqYaaAlQD2suS_unaHUT9BYIlyiQDIZcT0zt5VUl7UBiBOYP05kEgtQ7r6_3R4Tbj0xkaNOgwNjfOAis0V5HA/w640-h288/20230118_185328.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Another view of the bulbs, this time a side view. No matter what angle you use, this just is not working.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5s93ixGXYRSoIx06Jds3UxWXYvazGH0tL4naAUn1St3B0_79E_JJYKqzxpVxbWOZQid0SgYPzKVQTA5Tnhlu5UtJF-Qa9CaO_-N0iOqcpi6AMa3hNNH2urAThGQBV-87LDe0Cb3k6tGuO2vEO-pGCCKI9FaVKdkOnXWKpGEGPAdGUgSQgP_NcopwTw/s4000/20230118_185349.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjm5s93ixGXYRSoIx06Jds3UxWXYvazGH0tL4naAUn1St3B0_79E_JJYKqzxpVxbWOZQid0SgYPzKVQTA5Tnhlu5UtJF-Qa9CaO_-N0iOqcpi6AMa3hNNH2urAThGQBV-87LDe0Cb3k6tGuO2vEO-pGCCKI9FaVKdkOnXWKpGEGPAdGUgSQgP_NcopwTw/w640-h288/20230118_185349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I wanted to find a pot that would add a little elegance to this project. Something to "<i>umph</i>" it up a little. I didn't want to use these ho-hum plastic pots. I was in Ace Hardware picking up a few things and made my way to their outdoor and gardening section. They had a large selection of planters from which to choose and this is what I chose.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlncpTea2HgS-yYp7k4dm5nIeWrprN1VlPDlvXCdSb47t3HJOtYZacDVArXo2-oBspp_E_8O2ASIZov4UkeMfVP2CqhmG0-n8XNPMr3WkYSUPLgOnuPj7B2V22X7AKKzCMaqj2GSU8KByEVOVYlhXBr_PS5NUhB_CPY078i-yj5mkwhCzc-exnIpjxmA/s4000/20230118_185355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlncpTea2HgS-yYp7k4dm5nIeWrprN1VlPDlvXCdSb47t3HJOtYZacDVArXo2-oBspp_E_8O2ASIZov4UkeMfVP2CqhmG0-n8XNPMr3WkYSUPLgOnuPj7B2V22X7AKKzCMaqj2GSU8KByEVOVYlhXBr_PS5NUhB_CPY078i-yj5mkwhCzc-exnIpjxmA/w640-h288/20230118_185355.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A beautiful porcelain glazed bonsai planter with the tray attached for catching the overfill of water. I am becoming more a fan of these types of planters with the tray attached. It is a much nicer look than sitting any planter inside one of those little plastic dishes that most big box home and garden retailers sell in the gardening section.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwlOAN9BKbuJaNnLMCyUrtCeelFn1j6ZOlkmMJWxqVZPGMIRbQ1E5Yp0qHnuXBq0mtUFU2i747jTKuIAvGTc6smEtGk00tJAy0wDcC8TreM_4LB-n7jd2PkQcGUYGOqbcfMYSaCWASHMxjn5gWP5XphJNgQibuq7nM6_QBKq3s7xnSTs47w1DCfaMmQ/s4000/20230118_185511.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipwlOAN9BKbuJaNnLMCyUrtCeelFn1j6ZOlkmMJWxqVZPGMIRbQ1E5Yp0qHnuXBq0mtUFU2i747jTKuIAvGTc6smEtGk00tJAy0wDcC8TreM_4LB-n7jd2PkQcGUYGOqbcfMYSaCWASHMxjn5gWP5XphJNgQibuq7nM6_QBKq3s7xnSTs47w1DCfaMmQ/w640-h288/20230118_185511.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Was this a little pricey? Yes. But once the amaryllis are done, this will be used for other plantings, so I did not think this was a bad investment.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR3UzjOo0dLoxNYH6lE1yA9d0K7i7jnrn_zzxgkouP_GJaGV4sdA2tnPTNS4_hjJSRyWmCrlBFINfXrMdzsqZ_r52bbha-9RrUdvMhL1zMDgIyzct9hVzxNvAcqhkkhvFVyE3nZvQRXkFi4UoLB6GnyXfBhWuMOLkEFfqVrowelGQp3aJwhScGwbZww/s4000/20230118_185632.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPR3UzjOo0dLoxNYH6lE1yA9d0K7i7jnrn_zzxgkouP_GJaGV4sdA2tnPTNS4_hjJSRyWmCrlBFINfXrMdzsqZ_r52bbha-9RrUdvMhL1zMDgIyzct9hVzxNvAcqhkkhvFVyE3nZvQRXkFi4UoLB6GnyXfBhWuMOLkEFfqVrowelGQp3aJwhScGwbZww/w640-h288/20230118_185632.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>First thing I did was remove the bulbs from the plastic pots. I put down a sheet of parchment paper, then set the bulbs on top of that to make clean up easier.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxoI3W6WeVg8hCN7eq1dJSzL6-L7Xy5PAw65_z2o7h-WA09BBOdmtLpz37s9zqqzYIKBJWtHCcQGhcv9E-WjduzHWPjM0W0vagJcD589xxywxbbfe1-Y6uYM6jsInEXquJQ23aEBjEnZBoKCxxdD0Y1hUcMkrx4_kC9uNZSeecd-jCqsYG754iUDzKw/s4000/20230118_185733.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKxoI3W6WeVg8hCN7eq1dJSzL6-L7Xy5PAw65_z2o7h-WA09BBOdmtLpz37s9zqqzYIKBJWtHCcQGhcv9E-WjduzHWPjM0W0vagJcD589xxywxbbfe1-Y6uYM6jsInEXquJQ23aEBjEnZBoKCxxdD0Y1hUcMkrx4_kC9uNZSeecd-jCqsYG754iUDzKw/w640-h288/20230118_185733.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Next, I removed some of the soil that came with the bulbs from one of the plastic pots and put that in the bottom of our new planter. This might not be the highest quality soil, but I amended it a little and we will talk more about that as we move along through this post.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukvCfWMPx-eeDkkukVvDNgpyAQ5kB20pFcj27zZ6QfIe08arfFs84chfb9p9Iz2nXXV2Brlq0aPMqFTPh1b-02oQOy7lV01T7bm1CrGwuH2EbwQxU9ygUySDoY17PObt8OlO6qI9-rF50z-ABtg1cjdlBfV57VxxufcN2neMQJt1PPcZKOzI72G8Bew/s4000/20230118_185806.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgukvCfWMPx-eeDkkukVvDNgpyAQ5kB20pFcj27zZ6QfIe08arfFs84chfb9p9Iz2nXXV2Brlq0aPMqFTPh1b-02oQOy7lV01T7bm1CrGwuH2EbwQxU9ygUySDoY17PObt8OlO6qI9-rF50z-ABtg1cjdlBfV57VxxufcN2neMQJt1PPcZKOzI72G8Bew/w640-h288/20230118_185806.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, our two bulbs placed on top of the soil, side-by-side. I think they will look much nicer planted together in this container than individually. We want the best environment for them, but we also want them to be aesthetically pleasing to the eye. Together in the same pot will achieve that.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bg8M6FHAtoiXa_y6-0gSoORy537yoEwFb-AkfwC5Fn6I2RohTnG42kt-gra9RjKXuV6NFnP6YNT1MvDDEXfw-YpsADiLrnFwNlxGM4ch1YQ92J8-o653r3PmWKh0GZBY9Uuvx_Qnu37kPfjDD4ltJ1ROuzfk6c3ZmMukcKzgOTZIGEKh-zaRMX8ERg/s4000/20230118_190055.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2bg8M6FHAtoiXa_y6-0gSoORy537yoEwFb-AkfwC5Fn6I2RohTnG42kt-gra9RjKXuV6NFnP6YNT1MvDDEXfw-YpsADiLrnFwNlxGM4ch1YQ92J8-o653r3PmWKh0GZBY9Uuvx_Qnu37kPfjDD4ltJ1ROuzfk6c3ZmMukcKzgOTZIGEKh-zaRMX8ERg/w640-h288/20230118_190055.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I filled in around the bulbs with some more of the soil. Notice, I did not cover the bulbs entirely. You do not want to cover the bulbs entirely. They do not like to sit in damp soil and if they are fully submerged, they have a tendency to become waterlogged and rotten.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyPsXhgOY31EuOQ5AenX-u8coPa3c-dTHq3GeQQ6D-n9VfNCVt4SOCbvP-0kmDKJdmOeaUb_AIeE4y81TeOtEDSuqQYZAY7ljGODGHEDbqDMa93YLadHaiCZb2sF5dwLZOmZccr8Xub-d_of6EldIxVYs-eiHX39E7fxJImF3Oq1TTumvezAExPmZhg/s4000/20230118_190114.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLyPsXhgOY31EuOQ5AenX-u8coPa3c-dTHq3GeQQ6D-n9VfNCVt4SOCbvP-0kmDKJdmOeaUb_AIeE4y81TeOtEDSuqQYZAY7ljGODGHEDbqDMa93YLadHaiCZb2sF5dwLZOmZccr8Xub-d_of6EldIxVYs-eiHX39E7fxJImF3Oq1TTumvezAExPmZhg/w640-h288/20230118_190114.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Time for a little clean-up. Smart idea to put down the parchment paper. Everything is there so all you have to do is wrap it up, ...</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HJQk0Bknj72NFl5DFYLB5J5Jcqq65lAAXivajAcN8Uai9CwoavdmmW1h1QPSBjd1YLW7pBfgcS3LK_ItwK8gk722L9Y2xFt0WB9FDW4WT67DeoTiYv8-FinyOCrmkFgCPVagEtFdSoAzsTz47rIyEX25J-dXDWH-C_S1ZnlCXF2m-7ZdcBdRKxwLsQ/s4000/20230118_190146.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-HJQk0Bknj72NFl5DFYLB5J5Jcqq65lAAXivajAcN8Uai9CwoavdmmW1h1QPSBjd1YLW7pBfgcS3LK_ItwK8gk722L9Y2xFt0WB9FDW4WT67DeoTiYv8-FinyOCrmkFgCPVagEtFdSoAzsTz47rIyEX25J-dXDWH-C_S1ZnlCXF2m-7ZdcBdRKxwLsQ/w640-h288/20230118_190146.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>..., and toss it into the waste basket. I like using parchment paper because water will not soak through. You can use old newspaper or brown kraft paper, but any wet soil or additional water (which we will be using soon) will end up causing more of a mess than you want.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1GmDAFv9eg7cuJJ2b_dOks0s-o2P9dJOQ_4yYsXXB35GNPWxk0FgglwXs-j-hPaq2RwypO6jvOGRqbQnPCnvzQBv4wXWhtKvgaaq9b9P4ta_b6fXzLheUFTWIchSfzoV8o0HutOr3nV6NhaLqPJ2tBXjlkaAw3nLQI5u3BrxzuO6jLBuTjZYn2WpaQ/s4000/20230118_190254.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgv1GmDAFv9eg7cuJJ2b_dOks0s-o2P9dJOQ_4yYsXXB35GNPWxk0FgglwXs-j-hPaq2RwypO6jvOGRqbQnPCnvzQBv4wXWhtKvgaaq9b9P4ta_b6fXzLheUFTWIchSfzoV8o0HutOr3nV6NhaLqPJ2tBXjlkaAw3nLQI5u3BrxzuO6jLBuTjZYn2WpaQ/w640-h288/20230118_190254.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And speaking of water - now we've reached the point where we need to water in the soil around the bulbs. I used a spray bottle and went over the entire top of the soil in the planter, spraying the entire area until the soil was moist, but not saturated.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmjwxR575N8SxxWzJwbm906kk3lJpHh7MX6xybxFJy3bcdpQC1VxsXNO18xPe0jC_l3oSK0sdUrmROisg0W4oDqXRjZ0TBNhpsp_SHkREOS33O2HvWPR0prtLiKeBIzk3RNnzuicoJ09Qb-NNhpgKuJqQUtklNdi95k1omLEEaAgy_bHlzkDn5eF-Pw/s4000/20230118_190442.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkmjwxR575N8SxxWzJwbm906kk3lJpHh7MX6xybxFJy3bcdpQC1VxsXNO18xPe0jC_l3oSK0sdUrmROisg0W4oDqXRjZ0TBNhpsp_SHkREOS33O2HvWPR0prtLiKeBIzk3RNnzuicoJ09Qb-NNhpgKuJqQUtklNdi95k1omLEEaAgy_bHlzkDn5eF-Pw/w640-h288/20230118_190442.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The bulbs are now in place and the top of the soil has been moistened with the spray bottle. A couple more steps and we will be done with this project.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMtaLum_88lkzhyRZIHWuq6ETB3a5Y0MkcUmiBk32BA9gCxUTnSTBQ60354m14AP8NYzAp4e6AUr5CC-YuC9lenn8Ytwre_tbSs6GEge5ZScRPLVjEuhLMvG4RSD6WYWAeIS8dVZcHFWpOc1u9HM10KzM2BWWBD-tA2TT8zjfE1iwbjpp_657uhk6Lg/s4000/20230118_190910.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipMtaLum_88lkzhyRZIHWuq6ETB3a5Y0MkcUmiBk32BA9gCxUTnSTBQ60354m14AP8NYzAp4e6AUr5CC-YuC9lenn8Ytwre_tbSs6GEge5ZScRPLVjEuhLMvG4RSD6WYWAeIS8dVZcHFWpOc1u9HM10KzM2BWWBD-tA2TT8zjfE1iwbjpp_657uhk6Lg/w288-h640/20230118_190910.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>I decided to add a little all-purpose, indoor/outdoor plant food to the soil. This is a generic mix that the distributor claims is "guaranteed not to burn". I have used this brand on several of the house plants and have found that claim to be true, so I thought a light sprinkle on the soil wouldn't hurt.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfTV_RpjbCWqN_BkhiF_UEbuYbez4AN1nKEWDghnT7BY__QT9Hen0wPbXuFkzukbwCuAYV4xlGEO7pz2UO2eUIUUDmbIG-hUP8XzXK6EVdQIY7RWmlkMiNQE6tMyWv6S3gTK4qNzLoFSe9L4elsluuhAjPZtT_bHPlHrJ7xzBJfk3WUoG2kyjOnJtng/s4000/20230118_190805.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVfTV_RpjbCWqN_BkhiF_UEbuYbez4AN1nKEWDghnT7BY__QT9Hen0wPbXuFkzukbwCuAYV4xlGEO7pz2UO2eUIUUDmbIG-hUP8XzXK6EVdQIY7RWmlkMiNQE6tMyWv6S3gTK4qNzLoFSe9L4elsluuhAjPZtT_bHPlHrJ7xzBJfk3WUoG2kyjOnJtng/w640-h288/20230118_190805.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And that is indeed what I gave them. A light sprinkle. No need to overdo it. Just a little something to help them along.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4dIcLHMuL-u6TwbK2R7vQ59aQ-JVUAqF_BvwMrSLeEuGZdFn6aEPC4_IPjMcr9nIFgsH9ixl697nNqcM2mjbCHAn2y57pNvx-Q8-0DewvtCHhBRsPjjlwyV5Ye681aAkx5r7vjab4nFbpKUmAMJdR7G8W5wq5rCDM9viC8ZdbJl5PszOLOl6UrCY6A/s4000/20230118_191235.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu4dIcLHMuL-u6TwbK2R7vQ59aQ-JVUAqF_BvwMrSLeEuGZdFn6aEPC4_IPjMcr9nIFgsH9ixl697nNqcM2mjbCHAn2y57pNvx-Q8-0DewvtCHhBRsPjjlwyV5Ye681aAkx5r7vjab4nFbpKUmAMJdR7G8W5wq5rCDM9viC8ZdbJl5PszOLOl6UrCY6A/w640-h288/20230118_191235.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I did not want to see the little blue orbs on top of the soil, so I added a very light covering of soil from the plastic pot on top to make the presentation nicer. I want the fertilizer to work, I just don't want to have to "see" it working.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb66OvXFKipq4EsBfMstVJYyp_pbfuxGqrP8ypJMj9X2nPPxjJ4sQdP8oxCmeI3zW4o55V0zWRAjBeaKrDk6dfDm1sGwSS_UfnW-TRnrgXbvqaVPNMD22TtF3BkIYofV0RptczQmZWvAdzAA8PA700Rn5FKs-k2QiynC9J2X49bYwph1ouFJL1y3Di8w/s4000/20230118_190842.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb66OvXFKipq4EsBfMstVJYyp_pbfuxGqrP8ypJMj9X2nPPxjJ4sQdP8oxCmeI3zW4o55V0zWRAjBeaKrDk6dfDm1sGwSS_UfnW-TRnrgXbvqaVPNMD22TtF3BkIYofV0RptczQmZWvAdzAA8PA700Rn5FKs-k2QiynC9J2X49bYwph1ouFJL1y3Di8w/w640-h288/20230118_190842.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>At this point it was time to water them in fully, and that is what I did by adding just a small amount of water at the time and watching the water collection tray. Once I saw a small amount of water pooling in the tray, I stopped. It won't hurt to let the soil dry a little between waterings. Bulbs can be fussy. They do not like to sit in soggy, water saturated soil. I just test the top of the soil with my finger and when it feels a little dry, I will add a little water.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG5_rYxQq9D5mRNh83XFEAyrUbGlYMI9IIV1TyFhaGfqRs4JUMzAd8xUQPh97aMzCXZYNZ6c7RHfJrs0frds1CzNGvsnd9B2ywAmLgoEAmJVxB9t_BL8PS4Jfb5iS39J31VaaT8AIwEj3-GadMYQ-Sa3Us3dYNj3yPHEwTt9RwgePX1Ybo-f1kPjU7g/s4000/20230120_155429.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqG5_rYxQq9D5mRNh83XFEAyrUbGlYMI9IIV1TyFhaGfqRs4JUMzAd8xUQPh97aMzCXZYNZ6c7RHfJrs0frds1CzNGvsnd9B2ywAmLgoEAmJVxB9t_BL8PS4Jfb5iS39J31VaaT8AIwEj3-GadMYQ-Sa3Us3dYNj3yPHEwTt9RwgePX1Ybo-f1kPjU7g/w288-h640/20230120_155429.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><br /><div>Finally, here they are in their new planter in a north facing window where they will get indirect sunlight all day, every day. I am hoping by being in this location, and with the addition of the plant food, they will become a little more robust. Let's see what happens.</div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-43609370006585184632022-11-17T15:11:00.003-05:002022-11-17T15:11:50.519-05:00A Little Fall Decorating<p>Can you believe a week from today we will be gathering to celebrate Thanksgiving? The time seems to fly these days. Things have changed in my life over the past few years so the Thanksgiving celebration today is quite different than it was - even five years ago. Everything changes. Children grow up and start their own traditions. Friends and family retire and move on to parts better suited to retirement years. Things change. So I will not be cooking this year. For many years I would start cooking two days before Thanksgiving and then either entertain at home or pack up the car with everything I had prepared and celebrate elsewhere. But that time has come and gone. This year we bought a smoked ham from Robertson's Hams in Marietta, Oklahoma and had it delivered to my sisters house where we will spend Thanksgiving. Robertson's has the best hams in the world. I am adding a link <a href="https://www.realbeefjerky.com/pages/our-story">here</a> if you would like to read their story or place your own order.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0hyfN5_Tua7AynkoDqlpE9QXS4GWFsQNkSSewk021VkJdGjG1LNO6vAyzSq-xS7SMTcYNKeaCL2UHnj9MbVjuoacWXK57SswYHIfyew3thiFzG_gpimZ4OgDJsvvO8qleciVBmIsGZ56W7JIN_YpUXiqvTc-eQEdjFfubaKMnBN6WhXIj2oXv1GaQ/s375/Ham.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="370" data-original-width="375" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjSi0hyfN5_Tua7AynkoDqlpE9QXS4GWFsQNkSSewk021VkJdGjG1LNO6vAyzSq-xS7SMTcYNKeaCL2UHnj9MbVjuoacWXK57SswYHIfyew3thiFzG_gpimZ4OgDJsvvO8qleciVBmIsGZ56W7JIN_YpUXiqvTc-eQEdjFfubaKMnBN6WhXIj2oXv1GaQ/w640-h632/Ham.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We love the Whole Smoked-Ham. Very reminiscent of ham that my mother would serve for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Of course, in addition, always a turkey for Thanksgiving and then for Christmas the ham would be the centerpiece and she would fill in with other trays of goodies for people coming and going during the day.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbYhjFTa5DL9LEe_7ZQabqsZg_ybptzH2fmCgi4rDFgHfZkPKB1SgusCRPODingmtCWIXsGwodug-kVzGh5XADdZp5L4N7oy4WyqvCdUENSPDQ1HXUYuoaagdF-fdN5iJbIgadIx-QkSyV5979xgWnekDO6gVjOy-7y6t6gXl1B1Rs9D9pGmeoPsUSGg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="460" data-original-width="368" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgbYhjFTa5DL9LEe_7ZQabqsZg_ybptzH2fmCgi4rDFgHfZkPKB1SgusCRPODingmtCWIXsGwodug-kVzGh5XADdZp5L4N7oy4WyqvCdUENSPDQ1HXUYuoaagdF-fdN5iJbIgadIx-QkSyV5979xgWnekDO6gVjOy-7y6t6gXl1B1Rs9D9pGmeoPsUSGg=w512-h640" width="512" /></a></div><p>I am still in charge of the centerpiece for the table and I found this beautiful arrangement on teleflora.com. If you are interested, you can visit their website at www.teleflora.com and click <a href="https://www.teleflora.com/flower-arrangement/family-gathering-centerpiece?prodID=P_T169-1A&skuId=T169-1C">here</a> to be taken directly to this centerpiece. I ordered the premium size because it is the only one that will fit appropriately on the table. But this arrangement, in any size, will be stunning. Of course, if your dining room table seats more than twelve, you may consider ordering two of these for the center table decoration.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_kfVgfwxevrYVS3TYeaKb1IzcuEf0GpQ8F3rHWh0FxbX9b1WZkvQj668hBCOHqhDh2NfmtZ9X4OAlWaUEoJ72lifmp5FG70pOpUgj-NxzWcL2pivk5967x_9DnBhw0fYzxlybI20fXsmqbt9q0w9yoQJA4dHSXq1g_OyhXlPaaPc_B1UPCCBr9nLLg/s4000/20221029_163402.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR_kfVgfwxevrYVS3TYeaKb1IzcuEf0GpQ8F3rHWh0FxbX9b1WZkvQj668hBCOHqhDh2NfmtZ9X4OAlWaUEoJ72lifmp5FG70pOpUgj-NxzWcL2pivk5967x_9DnBhw0fYzxlybI20fXsmqbt9q0w9yoQJA4dHSXq1g_OyhXlPaaPc_B1UPCCBr9nLLg/w640-h288/20221029_163402.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I have done a little fall decorating in the apartment to get in the spirit. I found this bag of decorative potpourri at Marshalls. I know, I know. Who buys potpourri anymore. Well, ... I guess I do. I came up with a creative way to use this that I will share with you now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uYRSQ4fWzLWcQqBUnqssGVT_G0oTXTVeQ17HqYsxZQeWKRNH9BmjqN5A42o06GWnRDx3A4GE_wM68AaBYi6QY9psdqBhNHlb6q2Af5ZyBJWrn8GVK9HV8KmXgB00aDLi0Lg3FawUdExauelzVwbqxVRdz9KyNJTp3cCYSKmcZfUzRyUi1EEf9bslwA/s4000/20221029_163428.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5uYRSQ4fWzLWcQqBUnqssGVT_G0oTXTVeQ17HqYsxZQeWKRNH9BmjqN5A42o06GWnRDx3A4GE_wM68AaBYi6QY9psdqBhNHlb6q2Af5ZyBJWrn8GVK9HV8KmXgB00aDLi0Lg3FawUdExauelzVwbqxVRdz9KyNJTp3cCYSKmcZfUzRyUi1EEf9bslwA/w288-h640/20221029_163428.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>I know you have probably seen this covered stand in previous posts that sits on my dining room table. I thought this might be a good vessel to use to bring some fall color to the room.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbjQWBYIGHtM4cOmi09b-6_-z82s1Sq1dU5yCzySWcXbEGCS7aHSONASZxc-PV05s_gQ1zhLJyQ2YYYqhjApXf1meGRF0npsif0_Wuy_MUo7LV6BP2PCfE9x5ho8wGrB4EadJ8QbxEpXoJDXQn0D9vv9IILZZYvyXof94U5gwI3p25OgPqVDn_saX6Q/s4000/20221029_163537.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBbjQWBYIGHtM4cOmi09b-6_-z82s1Sq1dU5yCzySWcXbEGCS7aHSONASZxc-PV05s_gQ1zhLJyQ2YYYqhjApXf1meGRF0npsif0_Wuy_MUo7LV6BP2PCfE9x5ho8wGrB4EadJ8QbxEpXoJDXQn0D9vv9IILZZYvyXof94U5gwI3p25OgPqVDn_saX6Q/w640-h288/20221029_163537.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>So, I removed the glass top and turned it upside down.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6oZ5E4hObiZ3wVc_dOmXeT1Xd7nFbTDMp442f3TFS_CJKgEErTu_VKKXb-m7_ydbp8U-cBXhLC_hYkXpLNRgg4dG09p_jPJRhTU1Ud_Q3j0nTAfFdofieuMaSwGj0Gbos-A9tWkWVmr1iktR1OyiLETv-YVt-GdFFk9IMRpeLJQ9aW8L0wYXWC3ERQ/s4000/20221029_163732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT6oZ5E4hObiZ3wVc_dOmXeT1Xd7nFbTDMp442f3TFS_CJKgEErTu_VKKXb-m7_ydbp8U-cBXhLC_hYkXpLNRgg4dG09p_jPJRhTU1Ud_Q3j0nTAfFdofieuMaSwGj0Gbos-A9tWkWVmr1iktR1OyiLETv-YVt-GdFFk9IMRpeLJQ9aW8L0wYXWC3ERQ/w640-h288/20221029_163732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I filled it with a few handpicked pieces from the bag of potpourri.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay1bhjZLXPAuI7yDzRIXwNmWJuXkqShmzIWoWy2YQ3do0ark6vgx4MUscN3p4h1EWGNTSYjKEi7s0fURDqoHHlezMKDmHdzQt9lWBxuY8qe5w-qs1znge74KPhu8E_epgO5wQ0d-FbfEWzZcMWVGKSFNHSQf58Fsbw3G9mcqkPLsqIW5l4MCa4puz6Q/s4000/20221029_163752.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiay1bhjZLXPAuI7yDzRIXwNmWJuXkqShmzIWoWy2YQ3do0ark6vgx4MUscN3p4h1EWGNTSYjKEi7s0fURDqoHHlezMKDmHdzQt9lWBxuY8qe5w-qs1znge74KPhu8E_epgO5wQ0d-FbfEWzZcMWVGKSFNHSQf58Fsbw3G9mcqkPLsqIW5l4MCa4puz6Q/w640-h288/20221029_163752.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Then I placed the stand on top of the glass.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdaVLQi3GrkKowSXmQ7mC3INwNkmO4lvL0sON2-VGRaOFAsl-_deAE7Gl6PvQerLKpI9M4-PsNyHNMO8otgocbPCtliy1ou8_jXyZL50PMT8AtFyhTPamo_xdEkJCDYwPRxnBrvSqUokKZn2xH9TAkkMGrCt9dl71lMHBdad-njVRGIpGUGcRawcKIQ/s4000/20221029_163821.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdaVLQi3GrkKowSXmQ7mC3INwNkmO4lvL0sON2-VGRaOFAsl-_deAE7Gl6PvQerLKpI9M4-PsNyHNMO8otgocbPCtliy1ou8_jXyZL50PMT8AtFyhTPamo_xdEkJCDYwPRxnBrvSqUokKZn2xH9TAkkMGrCt9dl71lMHBdad-njVRGIpGUGcRawcKIQ/w288-h640/20221029_163821.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>Then back onto the table. Granted, you cannot enjoy the scent of the potpourri when it is displayed like this, but I don't buy it so much for the scent as I do for the color and texture. I thought this turned out quite nicely. It adds some nice warm fall colors to the room and a little texture and it was done with great ease and not a lot of money. I already had the stand and the bag of potpourri was in the $12 range.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nHTR3DSDrR7xQfLrR1flAwhYZse8PDSyPqALH4eFjCCAbeIjKBUJecVgxFhZAHPY6SLkLbza82EKugTU_frGb8c1avgLxhqS3pHZHMiRHTWmLj95gQa6R_TXtAsnK6Jntma5xRZGd5Qj_Xuz5XLvDYewYQlbLeI8uAtrFNlnZzdEvGh9XczmIeaY0Q/s4000/20221028_133415.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nHTR3DSDrR7xQfLrR1flAwhYZse8PDSyPqALH4eFjCCAbeIjKBUJecVgxFhZAHPY6SLkLbza82EKugTU_frGb8c1avgLxhqS3pHZHMiRHTWmLj95gQa6R_TXtAsnK6Jntma5xRZGd5Qj_Xuz5XLvDYewYQlbLeI8uAtrFNlnZzdEvGh9XczmIeaY0Q/w640-h288/20221028_133415.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>For my birthday this year, I received this beautiful crystal bowl from Tiffany. I wanted to find the perfect use for it in my fall decor. And I think I did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SehlOpLYpGa5YTKNmTNot1NzPnrF9Y4hEsIBeUdep1NO6YtBJ2hGHLPuck-WtFxqU31YID-qJem9juu7_B5RYbQFwKHRwgr0wqrbrcC7SDlBT2FfkYmAHUSgvZsNCZo-FytMOy4AJq2zJ7RcicOs92fMVC-Uqwz2eZPDitF0MWQtiQLUZ_AVpkmFpw/s4000/20221029_173020.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1SehlOpLYpGa5YTKNmTNot1NzPnrF9Y4hEsIBeUdep1NO6YtBJ2hGHLPuck-WtFxqU31YID-qJem9juu7_B5RYbQFwKHRwgr0wqrbrcC7SDlBT2FfkYmAHUSgvZsNCZo-FytMOy4AJq2zJ7RcicOs92fMVC-Uqwz2eZPDitF0MWQtiQLUZ_AVpkmFpw/w640-h288/20221029_173020.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here, on the hall table with a selection of pieces from the same potpourri bag as we used to decorate the dining room table. I chose these pieces specifically from what was left for an interesting and eye-catching presentation. Not too much. We don't want to overfill the bowl. And I thought large pieces were the way to go with this pairing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JqaeRf2v44Pc95vL2LPJRQxXmZVDRz_qM8TWcXKUhQEGyeXcOebEUYbf8CXAoYlIubYyfZS2PH0_9s3hJ3m665SRqlNBYXitmTkK0ScGcJ6JoGTtarqrouUsQ7JED7W2_N2AKqmmmZh7xLmtEp36OUpwR_MaEd90MXn2MtxditHpRHkmhH319wlOMQ/s4000/20221106_142907.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JqaeRf2v44Pc95vL2LPJRQxXmZVDRz_qM8TWcXKUhQEGyeXcOebEUYbf8CXAoYlIubYyfZS2PH0_9s3hJ3m665SRqlNBYXitmTkK0ScGcJ6JoGTtarqrouUsQ7JED7W2_N2AKqmmmZh7xLmtEp36OUpwR_MaEd90MXn2MtxditHpRHkmhH319wlOMQ/w640-h288/20221106_142907.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>With what remained in the bag, I filled in this rectangular wooden bowl on the coffee table. The round orbs were already in this bowl and sitting on top of the entertainment center. I just filled in with the last of the pieces from the potpourri bag from Marshalls. Not a bad look and I decorated three different areas of the apartment from a $12 bag of potpourri. Not bad.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6zNXDa3xUQw3UTvVK8E8Kt09lJNTz2LPOUDNXh6wyFtJ65aCIZny-VV7Vcj5bfYoLB38wJKANzl_FgobKVRPsSIch-uMoKmbl2lW0WyoQjX2pxYUdMLNzK3uj-h7Du2b2H5GTMi3g2jnuszdTC_rlzDnnhvbG6LNrlNiZn5mpB-9QMTVfzJLTdN0w/s4000/20221105_154934.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTR6zNXDa3xUQw3UTvVK8E8Kt09lJNTz2LPOUDNXh6wyFtJ65aCIZny-VV7Vcj5bfYoLB38wJKANzl_FgobKVRPsSIch-uMoKmbl2lW0WyoQjX2pxYUdMLNzK3uj-h7Du2b2H5GTMi3g2jnuszdTC_rlzDnnhvbG6LNrlNiZn5mpB-9QMTVfzJLTdN0w/w640-h288/20221105_154934.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Finally, this little carved, porcelain pumpkin in the bathroom. I thought this was really cute and, it too was a find. I picked this up at CVS of all places and for just a few dollars. It is lighted and battery operated with a small switch on the bottom.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCUwSXmc0Ee8vQ0xDGPzw1AiJZZHzOhmEmJuJdJT1KuWA4Igtdkpn5oWs0feqi0Bsbxab4gQK4dXw20QqzkvbU2zjz39r1w-WOtHAqnJAlXhVdlKt9RGtaw5hA60rdhg8ID-77qkmq1VLgtvejCxrH_iPPMt2-HBzZEJiU9j2qA-jsG6ZslDt5BiVow/s4000/20221105_154949.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPCUwSXmc0Ee8vQ0xDGPzw1AiJZZHzOhmEmJuJdJT1KuWA4Igtdkpn5oWs0feqi0Bsbxab4gQK4dXw20QqzkvbU2zjz39r1w-WOtHAqnJAlXhVdlKt9RGtaw5hA60rdhg8ID-77qkmq1VLgtvejCxrH_iPPMt2-HBzZEJiU9j2qA-jsG6ZslDt5BiVow/w640-h288/20221105_154949.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Very cute with the light on during the daylight hours.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbTWduHJKExpRNDu_AbjMjxHQGVRNQwDx2gHmK0jhYmBfXsMyuZl8kPGHKcOJIFz2IJFaI2OzBqDRIMvppooBfVmTw4r07o7hSbhLFgUjBrLApWKtBEbttcqSSd7tljlk_NidOBNahhDGQP_MUdzfkbp2yItkkmlB9xphSAJpU95A6O8uBa2iJUwFFg/s4000/20221105_155054.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbTWduHJKExpRNDu_AbjMjxHQGVRNQwDx2gHmK0jhYmBfXsMyuZl8kPGHKcOJIFz2IJFaI2OzBqDRIMvppooBfVmTw4r07o7hSbhLFgUjBrLApWKtBEbttcqSSd7tljlk_NidOBNahhDGQP_MUdzfkbp2yItkkmlB9xphSAJpU95A6O8uBa2iJUwFFg/w640-h288/20221105_155054.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div>And equally as cute lighted in the evening if you are having a late day/early evening fall soiree.<div><br /></div><div>These are just some of the things I have done this year to bring a fall vibe to the apartment. I tried to keep it simple, tasteful; not overdone so that you are hit with it when you walk in the door but rather you find a little something here and there as you move around that makes you comfortable in that cozy fall way.<br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p></div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-49994896442941887202022-11-16T15:38:00.000-05:002022-11-16T15:38:05.354-05:00Liquid Soap Pump Dispenser Update/Improvement<p>I had a little issue with the soap dispenser in the bathroom that got progressively worse until I just could not take it anymore. A quick visit to Amazon.com fixed the problem and I am going to share with you the steps I took in case you are experiencing the same.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCpQCwWicgifZ7p7zatFEEYiT2XzVIvZyllDI7QicXaK9IcbBBr25bvOGTWoijVOGyOfDj5anvDCJhcLd2c1ao7ydLYitQfJjT0rtfD9OmhwMsDIJg9hUThV9BfQzAFfrAw0MeCBdggRrWDrSYl1Yu7a5L6vLrhy6k71FyExyVv6iyjZodeOILrzmFw/s4000/20221005_165706.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCpQCwWicgifZ7p7zatFEEYiT2XzVIvZyllDI7QicXaK9IcbBBr25bvOGTWoijVOGyOfDj5anvDCJhcLd2c1ao7ydLYitQfJjT0rtfD9OmhwMsDIJg9hUThV9BfQzAFfrAw0MeCBdggRrWDrSYl1Yu7a5L6vLrhy6k71FyExyVv6iyjZodeOILrzmFw/w640-h288/20221005_165706.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />As I said, a quick visit to Amazon.com and I found the exact part I needed to fix the problem which was a new dispenser for the liquid soap dispenser in the bathroom. I tried finding one at several retail locations and was unsuccessful in that search, which seems to be the case for most anything these days. You cannot find what you are looking for in a physical, brick and mortar store. It is frustrating but thank goodness for Amazon.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5sxGLRQPv3xehi50wBOJ9F-l9ddfRMSUSjYjFyCnyI1oP6fffvwix425coGf0GWj84xVzJNAM2UKmvHESIbLnSU8UgMgdOze9lFigc1J4pe8nKzgwJXCWOdOz0brSn8EAwlPNjArvKsqLKQzGVQiH0pPOOidPGdLYlVjvGtKOnUWIHc7cc7geZboUA/s4000/20221004_180326.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjO5sxGLRQPv3xehi50wBOJ9F-l9ddfRMSUSjYjFyCnyI1oP6fffvwix425coGf0GWj84xVzJNAM2UKmvHESIbLnSU8UgMgdOze9lFigc1J4pe8nKzgwJXCWOdOz0brSn8EAwlPNjArvKsqLKQzGVQiH0pPOOidPGdLYlVjvGtKOnUWIHc7cc7geZboUA/w640-h288/20221004_180326.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is the liquid soap dispenser in the bathroom. Can you see what is wrong? The angle of the dispenser pump handle. I was not a fan of this dispenser handle from the day I bought this soap dispenser. I bought it because it matched the other pieces I bought in the "Hotel" branded line for the bathroom. This dispenser was awkward. It was uncomfortable to use and just made more of a mess than anything else. Other projects took precedence and I ended up not addressing this until now.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBf_Y5kp3MOO8H28Tgu71W7LXY6_93S6j4v1gWCioloOwJrm7bR5bB6HbTq1jwLvgvhEePDRqDN0rnRIopDFVgpRxVYzePLEBX0FnU_dl_zpYI_dRr1CiTFKw2Fplpuhp6r8_iehJmUdGuKFyo-aoJ980FeSQnWVLt64DeM-1PdbWc2RyQnp7jmxHgQ/s4000/20221004_180419.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXBf_Y5kp3MOO8H28Tgu71W7LXY6_93S6j4v1gWCioloOwJrm7bR5bB6HbTq1jwLvgvhEePDRqDN0rnRIopDFVgpRxVYzePLEBX0FnU_dl_zpYI_dRr1CiTFKw2Fplpuhp6r8_iehJmUdGuKFyo-aoJ980FeSQnWVLt64DeM-1PdbWc2RyQnp7jmxHgQ/w640-h288/20221004_180419.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I wanted just a plain, simple soap dispenser pump handle. That's it. Nothing fancy or with curved handle parts and all of that. Just a simple, chrome pump for the soap dispenser. I found exactly what I was looking for on Amazon.com. I ended up buying a "two pack" of these. I'll use the one now and put the other one away so that I have it should we run into this problem again.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTt4H-WNPVXArNBY6RF8ccP2rsUBei-pxRNSvMxGctGJCZFVPkFXuyvTcnH_iIj3e2cIGuZewVnEhaXjuH9xpYD1rw13ZLTOwTu4wkKH3dN949OpyOJpMFpKVui6Mtitwg1cwnr6NjGTPyilmsfugnQVVeyOBQj0eNsRGafC9_UwUHBGRx3d99tVuXQ/s4000/20221004_214358.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifTt4H-WNPVXArNBY6RF8ccP2rsUBei-pxRNSvMxGctGJCZFVPkFXuyvTcnH_iIj3e2cIGuZewVnEhaXjuH9xpYD1rw13ZLTOwTu4wkKH3dN949OpyOJpMFpKVui6Mtitwg1cwnr6NjGTPyilmsfugnQVVeyOBQj0eNsRGafC9_UwUHBGRx3d99tVuXQ/w640-h288/20221004_214358.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As you can see in this picture, the original handle (on the bottom part of the picture) has a much shorter dispenser tube that the replacement handle.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eTVcwgeDVOB5i07RKabb2cBYkgzo-L7k4KR1MFo0NQuyqcxo-q-LOydQbYoZCmr7jZq0hyi-r_Oyu5xErkfqSDi-Gsa9JeoXPNMkRWC64zT_DsKAg1fUgs8lss_2zReSdMnLEevItwBHgB3j96XN3u1_XbstRtH6WsqStSH1P6zi9SBkbB1QdV-YQ/s4000/20221004_214616.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih-eTVcwgeDVOB5i07RKabb2cBYkgzo-L7k4KR1MFo0NQuyqcxo-q-LOydQbYoZCmr7jZq0hyi-r_Oyu5xErkfqSDi-Gsa9JeoXPNMkRWC64zT_DsKAg1fUgs8lss_2zReSdMnLEevItwBHgB3j96XN3u1_XbstRtH6WsqStSH1P6zi9SBkbB1QdV-YQ/w640-h288/20221004_214616.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">That is easily remedied with a pair of all-purpose scissors. I just measured the length of the original handle and tube assembly and then measured the new replacement and trimmed the tube to the right length so that it would reach just the bottom of the dispenser.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K_P9qOfE-k8IxOzowLRkbxZXoAzayF9Rcm4xFkTRKHXH7MvdBKV9cnEMjEL0nEvM43eFgZRvAdRwQ6CxLTZKyGdz-XVgOQKVEMoyhfN-XhA5K4cBDaI7nLGWzB_n2rBiEsC8J0AwOpT3TJ8gjUkCza3N2mn8gI5QVNvmSjLnjEUVOHFKbvsHeowGGQ/s4000/20221004_214701.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2K_P9qOfE-k8IxOzowLRkbxZXoAzayF9Rcm4xFkTRKHXH7MvdBKV9cnEMjEL0nEvM43eFgZRvAdRwQ6CxLTZKyGdz-XVgOQKVEMoyhfN-XhA5K4cBDaI7nLGWzB_n2rBiEsC8J0AwOpT3TJ8gjUkCza3N2mn8gI5QVNvmSjLnjEUVOHFKbvsHeowGGQ/w640-h288/20221004_214701.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>I filled up the dispenser with a nice liquid soap with a winter scent that will be appropriate for the holiday season. You may not think those little things make a difference, but they do. I love this new chrome plated soap dispenser handle. Very simple. Very elegant. Not overly fussy like what we had. This one is especially nice because once the base it tightened, the dispenser part can be adjusted to your liking. Here, I have it facing me as the photographer.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF8W6fFGpLoh_47Nfs1T5ziEAqhRLtGrWi4dh3A_J6ID3FhXnLm449PwqxCnvG6eISyu8fy1aTYmzh4zrCiLSV0q2L8SZ17OJqPwjdmUhA2Fn_sKSc6p1LdaA0U0y3NYPPy3lFvVK_Iq8ZrtI6eloDe9iYESWyr81EsEQcswkbiNaDuJxrk2TlXvFQg/s4000/20221004_214642.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXF8W6fFGpLoh_47Nfs1T5ziEAqhRLtGrWi4dh3A_J6ID3FhXnLm449PwqxCnvG6eISyu8fy1aTYmzh4zrCiLSV0q2L8SZ17OJqPwjdmUhA2Fn_sKSc6p1LdaA0U0y3NYPPy3lFvVK_Iq8ZrtI6eloDe9iYESWyr81EsEQcswkbiNaDuJxrk2TlXvFQg/w640-h288/20221004_214642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here, facing the sink bowl, where it will stay. The previous dispenser would not allow this adjustment. Wherever the base part stopped, that was where everything stopped. You could not move the dispenser handle part where you wanted. Very frustrating. But no more. </div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1izOUtldjCQBxyedstULVayLQ8-wz7lJIYU5WQLklhldU98jFDrdZYDi0NM3xdRm21q57tb0aYAQzoAE84JciHSlxLHhfR0rktYCmf8WhseAgfgDY0R90bTyx74lXhtEpr9GdqqonmgT6dhPyws8rnPml4oz54_rqg9hZEHFeM6eq8qGLpaWkeb8TQ/s4000/20221113_172617.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ1izOUtldjCQBxyedstULVayLQ8-wz7lJIYU5WQLklhldU98jFDrdZYDi0NM3xdRm21q57tb0aYAQzoAE84JciHSlxLHhfR0rktYCmf8WhseAgfgDY0R90bTyx74lXhtEpr9GdqqonmgT6dhPyws8rnPml4oz54_rqg9hZEHFeM6eq8qGLpaWkeb8TQ/w640-h288/20221113_172617.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>And finally, me with a hand full of soap from the dispenser. I was very happy with how this project turned out. Simple, easy and affordable upgrade. Those are always the best!</div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-35169726052587241442022-10-31T15:29:00.000-04:002022-10-31T15:29:22.029-04:00Halloween/Fall Walking Tour<p>I recently did a walking tour through Georgetown in Washington, DC and caught these very fashionable homes decorated with just a fall theme or a mixture of fall and Halloween. I loved them all. From the very simple decorations to the large, over-the-top inflatables, they are all a winner in my book.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeJRYcwf7M9eelUe-prh-i48xbB4zxZWRepliyx-DtHI6B5D00c0cJ5iR7XQF2r8wxBtLq732LV8-jglj5KXwdd_sqCRNIYQQxgXyCDLcYTCLRdUtNqgBz1O5M-dtP_8Ybd2svKvweDx7MhTJWxQ79X-q0wD7WyFM16cMdt5V5SNUFrF80xtd4cfUQw/s4000/20221026_165023.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYeJRYcwf7M9eelUe-prh-i48xbB4zxZWRepliyx-DtHI6B5D00c0cJ5iR7XQF2r8wxBtLq732LV8-jglj5KXwdd_sqCRNIYQQxgXyCDLcYTCLRdUtNqgBz1O5M-dtP_8Ybd2svKvweDx7MhTJWxQ79X-q0wD7WyFM16cMdt5V5SNUFrF80xtd4cfUQw/w640-h288/20221026_165023.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>My walk took me along 31st Street, NW from M Street, NW to R Street, NW. I started the tour with a picture of this beautifully colored tree. It was a good thing I got to this tree when I did. The leaves are falling and I would imagine in a day to two, there will be much less color on the tree and more on the ground.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOErIOZUTipqkmUNzIqmipH3nG-sFpPCS6cXD5AuVOQXGgbK5hl6KPAsrjhPNmspjv09zOklB2Isf8cgkj9_E5Du-Pac3G5HZrcDg1uHI82eBT1dO8F9U11joqYkaWuDcdhqG9Q9XfbhoufmW9znd-seExAT899wEHU855Y3slfQQGEDOGIy1oYBC9w/s4000/20221026_165101.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMOErIOZUTipqkmUNzIqmipH3nG-sFpPCS6cXD5AuVOQXGgbK5hl6KPAsrjhPNmspjv09zOklB2Isf8cgkj9_E5Du-Pac3G5HZrcDg1uHI82eBT1dO8F9U11joqYkaWuDcdhqG9Q9XfbhoufmW9znd-seExAT899wEHU855Y3slfQQGEDOGIy1oYBC9w/w640-h288/20221026_165101.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Same tree, only standing underneath and shooting up through the interior. Of all the trees along the walk, I found the colors in this tree the most magnificent.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnUjYRvbrzBeP4rm6nWjXaQhhGht69S-KfHlgtsY5aRBeM3bU0ymkyimWV_JnUwNPpI2l7hKnGO9XGZmTDf7M-SG4mkRRXJxmpPJeYfl0g6PKuHkQCucyXLoPOwtqzodXb4F5fvpzPmp-Ovc_JI2w2u1XoPLU9CNPjoHdr-WyYw1vewWxh2ctFZirSw/s4000/20221026_165119.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEnUjYRvbrzBeP4rm6nWjXaQhhGht69S-KfHlgtsY5aRBeM3bU0ymkyimWV_JnUwNPpI2l7hKnGO9XGZmTDf7M-SG4mkRRXJxmpPJeYfl0g6PKuHkQCucyXLoPOwtqzodXb4F5fvpzPmp-Ovc_JI2w2u1XoPLU9CNPjoHdr-WyYw1vewWxh2ctFZirSw/w640-h288/20221026_165119.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Loved this entryway. Not over-decorated. Just a nice combination of gourds. This looks very nice for the entire fall season. The homeowners can leave this just as it is through Thanksgiving. There is nothing specifically "Halloween" about this.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dWk5Tm1Yt_WNR_cZsDc3FF9r6RQOcYqStj-OsFkYHLp3eutfchUdF2nSdlBjmT46aRb_aUGyHfoyiJEiZreDIFlksFwshNQrawW5QfXVIEeJ7T0grCLJERNzZMrGFoNYKfJ0W-2P2jTXqf8IqEIF2hSbLmbNJxTnWAfQvUhu3WG5vJJPqemF_8HEMQ/s4000/20221026_165211.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0dWk5Tm1Yt_WNR_cZsDc3FF9r6RQOcYqStj-OsFkYHLp3eutfchUdF2nSdlBjmT46aRb_aUGyHfoyiJEiZreDIFlksFwshNQrawW5QfXVIEeJ7T0grCLJERNzZMrGFoNYKfJ0W-2P2jTXqf8IqEIF2hSbLmbNJxTnWAfQvUhu3WG5vJJPqemF_8HEMQ/w640-h288/20221026_165211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another pretty tree. This one primarily with reds and burgundies where the earlier tree had more yellow and golds. Both really stunning.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3R_KHRM14FQIXD4QpK6OVU_dpuk0YJrj4Y_i8TvH-SwBdE18JvTF95U5kHrd_WGzQmChK6sC9DRKC6rkhBmQjNcn_Dedz8Jmvf2ciGE2Cie95AianMfRqQbHbwuYuDH4FdodX2J2gOJzHFLj-qiHMe381lWDnGrHXo5W4LnNxR0u-CopYUgKwc2E6A/s4000/20221026_165223.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZ3R_KHRM14FQIXD4QpK6OVU_dpuk0YJrj4Y_i8TvH-SwBdE18JvTF95U5kHrd_WGzQmChK6sC9DRKC6rkhBmQjNcn_Dedz8Jmvf2ciGE2Cie95AianMfRqQbHbwuYuDH4FdodX2J2gOJzHFLj-qiHMe381lWDnGrHXo5W4LnNxR0u-CopYUgKwc2E6A/w640-h288/20221026_165223.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Another front stoop decorated with pumpkins and gourds. A very nice little corner that adds some color, since we are in the season of color; fall!!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvUoJeuJPEo9jfRRJnrOTulbFMKPYB57T6YwJLHVAYKeYmQmuiex2rBR-JYUeWGm6y_YFBm4syAl5-rkhj7OMMgSlFkE_JA65Z4u36jNENFmXGRToAPXK5jclfAudA7TgxfEVX4YmIjj_7PFTIPaHbDianOnbAIaZclHJJcX86vHkgv_d2BEUfeC_DQ/s4000/20221026_165319.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitvUoJeuJPEo9jfRRJnrOTulbFMKPYB57T6YwJLHVAYKeYmQmuiex2rBR-JYUeWGm6y_YFBm4syAl5-rkhj7OMMgSlFkE_JA65Z4u36jNENFmXGRToAPXK5jclfAudA7TgxfEVX4YmIjj_7PFTIPaHbDianOnbAIaZclHJJcX86vHkgv_d2BEUfeC_DQ/w640-h288/20221026_165319.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This frightening guy has found himself attached to a city light pole. I am quite certain that the District of Columbia is not decorating the street corners and light poles throughout the city for the Halloween season. So a resident decided to add this guy to the neighborhood. Very scary.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63dGHd6tS0SzkNe5zx9Yvg_Mwr-su_6Lil2EHeX8ijE5ZlKk5H5pk-fAO0uLHJlxou6MOPhMZLtsfxMNkqHQWcKEwsiPC1nYhuv5nPYmkB6BI4ZBtdV4bL0nv3pqaJ7mUZYBgVukf6OXVYCtyUql_l60RJzAoATOXku-B3N48TXMeiidtQzbny2tNwQ/s4000/20221026_165350.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg63dGHd6tS0SzkNe5zx9Yvg_Mwr-su_6Lil2EHeX8ijE5ZlKk5H5pk-fAO0uLHJlxou6MOPhMZLtsfxMNkqHQWcKEwsiPC1nYhuv5nPYmkB6BI4ZBtdV4bL0nv3pqaJ7mUZYBgVukf6OXVYCtyUql_l60RJzAoATOXku-B3N48TXMeiidtQzbny2tNwQ/w640-h288/20221026_165350.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was my favorite of all. I thought this was such a good idea. I did not inspect this closely because I did not want to just walk onto their property. I do not know what they used to secure all of the pumpkins and gourds in the alcove above the door, but whatever it was, it seemed to be working. Everything seemed to be solidly in place.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBR82kOeeaZfa7opTCTcmIgzp9q2aS5n5P0a3Y2lmHdnkfUme0pIftknoM15lfn-i0UBc5ZgbdWyecRm0ZQNStMo2Chs8m7BVhJmOhXOfu1cmkl36qEoTCIv4K9wYwl3-RvVI057eRc_GIrefil0jmbuhBczuiV8BquiAt4UE_f5LL-6HH83WtgJs6w/s4000/20221026_165523.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDBR82kOeeaZfa7opTCTcmIgzp9q2aS5n5P0a3Y2lmHdnkfUme0pIftknoM15lfn-i0UBc5ZgbdWyecRm0ZQNStMo2Chs8m7BVhJmOhXOfu1cmkl36qEoTCIv4K9wYwl3-RvVI057eRc_GIrefil0jmbuhBczuiV8BquiAt4UE_f5LL-6HH83WtgJs6w/w640-h288/20221026_165523.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Here we have a common sight in Georgetown amongst the lovely, smaller townhouses where you have two entrances right next to each other, each leading to a separate residence. Seems like they may have worked together on the decorations. I liked this very much.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8AHRI_cwkYOHX_1cjGUslCGc9xB54pjmQGwSiz2lP1rPDoND5wUPjtbalYFZmBeXYOAmI8RJLZ22nBNCB9_RD1f_aN8BwX5ctfvee4zUxVcZc6q0jBJ1bg5gtWtJaC0dxfB12Q8eCYPKHEo9gBh02Kfoh-PCOrTdd6zDuSWqx6ck0cRuVOF43Onu_Q/s4000/20221026_165552.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiW8AHRI_cwkYOHX_1cjGUslCGc9xB54pjmQGwSiz2lP1rPDoND5wUPjtbalYFZmBeXYOAmI8RJLZ22nBNCB9_RD1f_aN8BwX5ctfvee4zUxVcZc6q0jBJ1bg5gtWtJaC0dxfB12Q8eCYPKHEo9gBh02Kfoh-PCOrTdd6zDuSWqx6ck0cRuVOF43Onu_Q/w640-h288/20221026_165552.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Finally we found an inflatable. These are very popular these days for all the holidays. They come in all shapes and sizes. I had an inflatable turkey one year at Crest Avenue when my niece and nephew were very young.</div><div> <br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGJkmScJFJxzjF-JY6lKf7edFOo8u8e88sQKLgSuQe0njUq4Tu-CdFafvkHYrHLpwAGxKmLXaq_Jz9xTBDM-Ru0JzMHhPB_2ucceF1XquSFu79blF7zFzDrjquiqkItPtQ4a5zAVwB5zKZbMdQLNWrwaCctmJzNR2SEa9YlTggR0jTwR8VkOkgPv4xA/s4000/20221026_165603.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWGJkmScJFJxzjF-JY6lKf7edFOo8u8e88sQKLgSuQe0njUq4Tu-CdFafvkHYrHLpwAGxKmLXaq_Jz9xTBDM-Ru0JzMHhPB_2ucceF1XquSFu79blF7zFzDrjquiqkItPtQ4a5zAVwB5zKZbMdQLNWrwaCctmJzNR2SEa9YlTggR0jTwR8VkOkgPv4xA/w288-h640/20221026_165603.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><div><br /></div>This was just enormous. At first I thought it was the killer from "Scream" but he does not have the white mask, so I guess he is just the Grim Reaper. I would imagine there are children in this house. They may be pre-teens or they may be in their forties. Either way, I loved this huge, spooky guy in the front yard. </div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijitFiWnukUJQpwa7Ao32OCwVpnKKpOcqBE5O8tDVgXzP3w-X4f7XSVOIy3irwm3fbMVVD8JpW4cQlBfGhT4gZ385dPmt0VWxcoH3vi_dG2Yqy9WGVmCZtB1YGgd4e-65RzsDpXLzsWgI3aNJ6LMV00N6MlACUH8M9nm8EvLvVsKr2qSoK81XjIJnHmQ/s4000/20221026_165739.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijitFiWnukUJQpwa7Ao32OCwVpnKKpOcqBE5O8tDVgXzP3w-X4f7XSVOIy3irwm3fbMVVD8JpW4cQlBfGhT4gZ385dPmt0VWxcoH3vi_dG2Yqy9WGVmCZtB1YGgd4e-65RzsDpXLzsWgI3aNJ6LMV00N6MlACUH8M9nm8EvLvVsKr2qSoK81XjIJnHmQ/w640-h288/20221026_165739.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>The Skeleton Family had a gathering on the front yard of this house. I thought this was a great idea. They did not need to do anything more. These were just perfect as they were.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6O9hKHTs_XB1Jbc6LJq-pA9nvIU34IUfsF8_orGxGukRCe7UCB6SuUKn_ccntnq1IMPF2l4CW2408YOG16H0ebD8I-8mHL0KlWByWLDohDpOAdvQqkS7sQzZeblxcnK-8UqashqG1zvBwrETuSkKZ2ZR6ylC8PJpzNf0o04C4xrhAzUmbs5q_y_Nuw/s4000/20221026_170000.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ6O9hKHTs_XB1Jbc6LJq-pA9nvIU34IUfsF8_orGxGukRCe7UCB6SuUKn_ccntnq1IMPF2l4CW2408YOG16H0ebD8I-8mHL0KlWByWLDohDpOAdvQqkS7sQzZeblxcnK-8UqashqG1zvBwrETuSkKZ2ZR6ylC8PJpzNf0o04C4xrhAzUmbs5q_y_Nuw/w640-h288/20221026_170000.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>Reaching the end of the tour, I found another tree in yellows and golds and I had to get a picture. I guess what we have discovered today is that I am partial to fall colors of yellow and gold.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMopcLnkq7ur84APr4Td3iOoUHguMB-7m-TbqwYlU9tM41X2wwzRJ7vPnlM0agrT7lXvXOuEDJqxzz7vTkgh-f74G67Yiwemp1Ug20mhZ8MK_l25ypgXHSsJj9YgX3wE08qgMs5s_FQGIdmz1IvUG2DC26vIkjk2b1CYK5JgV86DeNB2SJSaIa0vUuyQ/s4000/20221026_170021.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMopcLnkq7ur84APr4Td3iOoUHguMB-7m-TbqwYlU9tM41X2wwzRJ7vPnlM0agrT7lXvXOuEDJqxzz7vTkgh-f74G67Yiwemp1Ug20mhZ8MK_l25ypgXHSsJj9YgX3wE08qgMs5s_FQGIdmz1IvUG2DC26vIkjk2b1CYK5JgV86DeNB2SJSaIa0vUuyQ/w640-h288/20221026_170021.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And finally, this circular front entry staircase, which I adore. I would love this entry if there wasn't a thing on it, but the gourds make all the difference and I thought the owner did a nice job of adding some fall color to the entry.</p><p>So that concludes our walking tour of 31st Street, NW in Georgetown in Washington, DC for 2022. Some lovely color, beautiful fall decor and Halloween decor all mixed together. Plus the weather was nice the day I took this walk. I had a light windbreaker on and that was all I needed. The humidity has left Washington for the year and we are all grateful for that. I hope everyone has a delightful and fun night tonight. I will be with my dear friend Melinda at her house on 18th Street handing out candy to the little ones.</p></div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-17898825363523781752022-10-04T16:32:00.000-04:002022-10-04T16:32:45.971-04:00Fall Arrives<p>Walking to the office this morning and what did I see? The very first color of fall. I've been watching and waiting for this since the first weekend after Labor Day. Usually we can expect the weather to start to cool down very shortly after Labor Day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG-DfJYnc-ZoeVkkFB0fShMiPnh89xhRh5Bkb_xwJlozCo0p60UEmijY3sl9vqUm9Q535tiQxOpNtN_JGGQGybYiAVepZvYZ8N2LRcUY7Jq4dpuPqiE9gb_g2X6UGv4DwQZu76DWKLP2b-G8PQ8rR68hBS50ac3p9UTKUzmwdb5L1bA783q-mvZhdkg/s4000/first%20fall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXG-DfJYnc-ZoeVkkFB0fShMiPnh89xhRh5Bkb_xwJlozCo0p60UEmijY3sl9vqUm9Q535tiQxOpNtN_JGGQGybYiAVepZvYZ8N2LRcUY7Jq4dpuPqiE9gb_g2X6UGv4DwQZu76DWKLP2b-G8PQ8rR68hBS50ac3p9UTKUzmwdb5L1bA783q-mvZhdkg/w640-h288/first%20fall.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And here we are, right at a month after Labor Day and we are seeing the first color of fall. Fewer hours of daylight bring about this change in the color of the leaves, along with changes in temperature and moisture conditions. The average daily temperature has dropped over the past couple weeks and we are still today receiving rain from Ian.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1A-qMpS-rxjpz37EV-C-kupmP2_EV6gp-3sExEyG5z1hhtno4Q5olEo4KZ3MzwXjmz_QdMu03rB1i4kcWZPX0NJcP05pm9FM2okV3e-5Idh7aiw--lRcbLTQLDlejR7DuegBocx8k8RORlAlOVB7ChL46BVgG4eLt0y_pbluAUsbxCcBryPh69yFaQ/s4000/20220911_193549.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1A-qMpS-rxjpz37EV-C-kupmP2_EV6gp-3sExEyG5z1hhtno4Q5olEo4KZ3MzwXjmz_QdMu03rB1i4kcWZPX0NJcP05pm9FM2okV3e-5Idh7aiw--lRcbLTQLDlejR7DuegBocx8k8RORlAlOVB7ChL46BVgG4eLt0y_pbluAUsbxCcBryPh69yFaQ/w640-h288/20220911_193549.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Evening comes much earlier these days as is evidenced in this photo.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAQ6t0D2bu8zNEO9ZYv53tvq1SD3Fz0nDczjRfDE7CdMsAEBc6ASPIXgA8VOATtZ0vTwtnKc0JtyOJH7mzorjtjLElXnwAJFH1aycWmW7MuDRgpfESHsQ_obwdr98KEgTh63BHiijuuj2XVjwkw_dECetgw-i2kkaoDSMkBQfqlKk3xnr0tz0TbvoSQ/s4000/20220911_193536.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyAQ6t0D2bu8zNEO9ZYv53tvq1SD3Fz0nDczjRfDE7CdMsAEBc6ASPIXgA8VOATtZ0vTwtnKc0JtyOJH7mzorjtjLElXnwAJFH1aycWmW7MuDRgpfESHsQ_obwdr98KEgTh63BHiijuuj2XVjwkw_dECetgw-i2kkaoDSMkBQfqlKk3xnr0tz0TbvoSQ/w640-h288/20220911_193536.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>And looming clouds from Ian make for some gloomy days. But this will all break by the middle of the week and I think we are in for some very pleasant fall weather. We will actually be in the low 70's for a couple days, then into the 50's and 60's where we should be at this time of year.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-21832964411507996962022-09-13T12:04:00.003-04:002022-09-13T12:30:03.935-04:00New Bathroom Storage<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L80bzp5ED-X_HNRrG2xK7qI4OWv9DuzbubkhQThNBLsNv7i-o3037qQxBIqzTUZ821pEvILHPUmppMLkA3g5CE3A1a7UHdJe3jjqNUZ9sQjfr-t-h_Xp40s1S5pViyyUVaC6NF7qAIyLYJNY2W42pHsOktE2Q3VkSo7ZLE18pBcw1yYcedMguSTauw/s1363/Container%20Store.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="199" data-original-width="1363" height="94" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-L80bzp5ED-X_HNRrG2xK7qI4OWv9DuzbubkhQThNBLsNv7i-o3037qQxBIqzTUZ821pEvILHPUmppMLkA3g5CE3A1a7UHdJe3jjqNUZ9sQjfr-t-h_Xp40s1S5pViyyUVaC6NF7qAIyLYJNY2W42pHsOktE2Q3VkSo7ZLE18pBcw1yYcedMguSTauw/w640-h94/Container%20Store.png" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On a recent trip to The Container Store to pick up, ... er, ... uh, ... what was I picking up? I cannot remember. Well, on that trip I found some small storage containers that I had not seen in the store before, so I grabbed a couple and they turned out to be a fantastic choice. They fit perfectly in the Elfa door mounted storage bins. Take a look.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy7xhFTelFksBywvFZFOyRDTIhV3CIULmIWOrpNBqu84Cuu4gZ7peLvBzzzX_kxENy4ZFbbfcdBiIZRQbFK3MrP5ueoqX3q4uogCOoDH1wJBczc5RRpHbtwt8D9ISjSfT_bL59w7X2oh3wsYk465yTNXfjSUIpISCRq5dt4IJCA8gRGZdOQTV7aInHg/s4000/20220828_180630.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRy7xhFTelFksBywvFZFOyRDTIhV3CIULmIWOrpNBqu84Cuu4gZ7peLvBzzzX_kxENy4ZFbbfcdBiIZRQbFK3MrP5ueoqX3q4uogCOoDH1wJBczc5RRpHbtwt8D9ISjSfT_bL59w7X2oh3wsYk465yTNXfjSUIpISCRq5dt4IJCA8gRGZdOQTV7aInHg/w640-h288/20220828_180630.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>These "madesmart" cotton ball containers are what I am talking about. I know the packaging says "Cotton Ball Container", but they can hold whatever you like.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqUPdkwFxiW5t-M24L-EjWFW8XQzPdE4MVFsQgdkzdKGlu9LaXIawYPcC4AsRWQApCwt80qUrzkyxgwY3Bqc256_YzZo0qJ4PMh-KrTEsUk8Ivsn5sc8V6NNovlDrUC7HihfBHB_yUygmW-nA0C1LMoq7w8X45ZUvJvQjAZatKvQGSbuQcq_zuNS1XA/s4000/20220828_180621.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivqUPdkwFxiW5t-M24L-EjWFW8XQzPdE4MVFsQgdkzdKGlu9LaXIawYPcC4AsRWQApCwt80qUrzkyxgwY3Bqc256_YzZo0qJ4PMh-KrTEsUk8Ivsn5sc8V6NNovlDrUC7HihfBHB_yUygmW-nA0C1LMoq7w8X45ZUvJvQjAZatKvQGSbuQcq_zuNS1XA/w640-h288/20220828_180621.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I bought two of them because I knew they would work perfectly in the storage bins on the back of the door that leads into the vanity area. You must use every inch of space available when apartment living. Actually, that maxim is true no matter how much space you have.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ1xSSbfBlvkV0igcbbEzPYGupoydlCEpPxuKSOmbMj6G5aLwlfEIKBRC5nfmkdudvCHmqv-GSo5Mf6-yJUXsNOhYGVLdQ_Hn53fVMpgCuv76mUc0WJ2-O6ccnXchPHTMnZV2mG4r-bl8psDCg3rGtR-A9GgZd9Sk5J0yOLZl1chJp_absDhoQ_mwEw/s4000/20220828_181400.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiQ1xSSbfBlvkV0igcbbEzPYGupoydlCEpPxuKSOmbMj6G5aLwlfEIKBRC5nfmkdudvCHmqv-GSo5Mf6-yJUXsNOhYGVLdQ_Hn53fVMpgCuv76mUc0WJ2-O6ccnXchPHTMnZV2mG4r-bl8psDCg3rGtR-A9GgZd9Sk5J0yOLZl1chJp_absDhoQ_mwEw/w640-h288/20220828_181400.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I bought the Elfa brand shelving units from The Container Store shortly after I moved into the apartment. You can read that post, "<b><a href="https://draft.blogger.com/blog/post/edit/8172565619177490209/1075031561718724184">Door Mounted Storage Bins from The Container Store</a></b>" which was published on April 8, 2019. (Click on the link above to be taken directly to that post).</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgUWkMO4KMdVTHLd1hfp3QNSyodBy6GMOWosSMy2UcQK35LadUTpIrh0WmGVq9C_A9-UKy5wa7SoPbGDESAWHYDgZoAGUgLgslIvLDn80gOxZglIwLSaMYHd1G91XyQtbHBNGVviiaBok-_RMnv1H72aw9ItCzoQQ2S_iqTtdTd35HP0iguYnqdLEGw/s4000/20220828_180954.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgEgUWkMO4KMdVTHLd1hfp3QNSyodBy6GMOWosSMy2UcQK35LadUTpIrh0WmGVq9C_A9-UKy5wa7SoPbGDESAWHYDgZoAGUgLgslIvLDn80gOxZglIwLSaMYHd1G91XyQtbHBNGVviiaBok-_RMnv1H72aw9ItCzoQQ2S_iqTtdTd35HP0iguYnqdLEGw/w640-h288/20220828_180954.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I decided to use these first two containers not for actual cotton balls, but for "cottony" things. First container filled with cotton squares. These squares have a multitude of uses. I use them as alcohol wipes. I inject a small amount of insulin each evening, so I add a little alcohol to the square and then apply that alcohol to the injection site just before taking my dose of insulin.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dnCVnbvj4QTG4Lp3loB-vgKaFvadVPq_UGeoP0_bRz2MEwmVVJLaqp6u1THc6tJZxMhAq9V2oVm6X8Eqx9ILGf8iWKi6vOUOuPLNo71PlDclaVFU3eK2O8aRjCfEGo43Jdfb7Ew6mxlEjbi7Z4Hh6oh9IDxXvcPolgGbp_ziSoBRX7z7BLRZUH-a9w/s4000/20220828_181346.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6dnCVnbvj4QTG4Lp3loB-vgKaFvadVPq_UGeoP0_bRz2MEwmVVJLaqp6u1THc6tJZxMhAq9V2oVm6X8Eqx9ILGf8iWKi6vOUOuPLNo71PlDclaVFU3eK2O8aRjCfEGo43Jdfb7Ew6mxlEjbi7Z4Hh6oh9IDxXvcPolgGbp_ziSoBRX7z7BLRZUH-a9w/w640-h288/20220828_181346.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I emptied what was left of my Q-Tips into the second container. They fit perfectly. I see that I need to pick up a box of Q-Tips and I will add that to my shopping list for this coming weekend.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrWCNOUe9eVP74G8brtCWErTiPsJnq7om4ynWfu0L906vHApCP_Bi4qpDpAtS6D0zcujG8e8bpLzntJtTJqF_6rK7ucAvbRHcWBAVViHLasZt6VU7v6vmcbYxHygtGYDnmzonVJnKaCb2mT_TBGppRM-wUZUuTtjGVDQg6J2Q8dPts0X8S7rMi7Jq8w/s4000/20220828_181432.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwrWCNOUe9eVP74G8brtCWErTiPsJnq7om4ynWfu0L906vHApCP_Bi4qpDpAtS6D0zcujG8e8bpLzntJtTJqF_6rK7ucAvbRHcWBAVViHLasZt6VU7v6vmcbYxHygtGYDnmzonVJnKaCb2mT_TBGppRM-wUZUuTtjGVDQg6J2Q8dPts0X8S7rMi7Jq8w/w640-h288/20220828_181432.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The containers stack nicely. Here, the cotton squares container on the bottom and the Q-Tip container on top. A perfect fit. You will see in the second picture in this post that the insert inside the containers states, "fits in standard medicine cabinets". That is good to know. I have my medicine cabinet pretty well organized at this point, but it is good to know that these fit in standard medicine cabinets.</p><p>OH! I remember what I went there to get now. Refrigerator magnets.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT7d2580FYb5sh26xTthGKcx8NU1itiL1OW5M7-PgNXzOBX-w18HwyLaIQ00S3M3_LoSj5Kd6rKtAEkph6kstVTn4SocoasRoo9SvtjF4Fre5SsW42WwsyApNZ1p_WwJbGxygmV8cgTI1byh_Yb1H0eUTNCGJiiBt9JngLNVkkIQBSf7fIpwqIKSFMw/s4000/20220828_153343.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPT7d2580FYb5sh26xTthGKcx8NU1itiL1OW5M7-PgNXzOBX-w18HwyLaIQ00S3M3_LoSj5Kd6rKtAEkph6kstVTn4SocoasRoo9SvtjF4Fre5SsW42WwsyApNZ1p_WwJbGxygmV8cgTI1byh_Yb1H0eUTNCGJiiBt9JngLNVkkIQBSf7fIpwqIKSFMw/w640-h288/20220828_153343.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div style="text-align: left;">I found these wonderful little round, refrigerator magnets. We will talk more about these later.</div></div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-59016060957871247652022-09-12T16:32:00.002-04:002022-09-12T16:32:54.286-04:00In Honor of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II<p>Of course by now we have all heard the sad news of the passing of Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England last Thursday, September 8, 2022. What a long and spectacular life. I certainly cannot attest to the happiness or sadness of her life, but I certainly hope there was more happiness than sadness. She had a long and what appeared to be loving marriage to Prince Philip. She had four healthy children. And she enjoyed good health for the majority of her life according to what has been reported over the years. I am a bit of a royal watcher and have been for many years. I've seen just about any documentary done on the royal family that is available for viewing.</p><p>Having said all this, I felt a duty to visit the United Kingdom Embassy along Massachusetts Avenue, NW this past weekend and to lay a floral tribute to the queen to show my respect to her and her grieving family.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7kzpz8EOe9ZIq7E0lt_JDH-hfEJxJjgQZ5QFaI7Z1seZcd0AgkENJazWE_3Pls1sXFLiNxCtsgGckgzGnJQy4CUJko5NNHtmuX6XPV22TMJ3qk30UqR6TjQuf72jrmntLcLxVMYo9BBOzDzR1IJijkJLkH58THWJt50FmTBpmYuXrk3944AIr1wPw/s4000/20220911_094600.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhz7kzpz8EOe9ZIq7E0lt_JDH-hfEJxJjgQZ5QFaI7Z1seZcd0AgkENJazWE_3Pls1sXFLiNxCtsgGckgzGnJQy4CUJko5NNHtmuX6XPV22TMJ3qk30UqR6TjQuf72jrmntLcLxVMYo9BBOzDzR1IJijkJLkH58THWJt50FmTBpmYuXrk3944AIr1wPw/w640-h288/20220911_094600.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I purchased this bright bouquet with hues of red and yellow and gold which I thought was particularly fitting for the occasion.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM-Lbpnwsq7G5aigdrrmje_edxRmEGco1nyvEre0d2GNqw4LZ8TEcsTpAJG3e_9m0Ev3mEYTrZ2rAcUnvcP019m5SFzK09EXtcOXZWKt05_kAEb3AhJaDVoSVRznJI0vYategIBPf0Aaj_J9LFg53Oeze3payMefrOCT-FXvRk0WTLxbdB-NKI-gnZg/s4000/20220911_094719.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhKM-Lbpnwsq7G5aigdrrmje_edxRmEGco1nyvEre0d2GNqw4LZ8TEcsTpAJG3e_9m0Ev3mEYTrZ2rAcUnvcP019m5SFzK09EXtcOXZWKt05_kAEb3AhJaDVoSVRznJI0vYategIBPf0Aaj_J9LFg53Oeze3payMefrOCT-FXvRk0WTLxbdB-NKI-gnZg/w640-h288/20220911_094719.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This was the area that was designated for floral tributes to be left to honor the queen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzKhc_egk7s5Y3U4r-5vYhYah0ubxjNu6rYqapH6dDAfDf_V_mdsmd-ZmW6Y6OYX6dZc70ffern-RSLchmaKq_363cNdcNH-k9-OPf21GjEIeCQCmt5kEPlMJdnLLrFjD4mjJnAvdKeucC-u4_jVEU8L13Xv1ATGvok_82D_3Jy71M-gtpQoXqPlv_Q/s4000/20220911_094628.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxzKhc_egk7s5Y3U4r-5vYhYah0ubxjNu6rYqapH6dDAfDf_V_mdsmd-ZmW6Y6OYX6dZc70ffern-RSLchmaKq_363cNdcNH-k9-OPf21GjEIeCQCmt5kEPlMJdnLLrFjD4mjJnAvdKeucC-u4_jVEU8L13Xv1ATGvok_82D_3Jy71M-gtpQoXqPlv_Q/w640-h288/20220911_094628.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A better view from the right side of the area which gives you a better look at all the flowers that had been left before I arrived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_FBzVmTyBYdTS-3XoHtGF2daVuuXeTDxhuUc1L74GskW83kmd6CbJcQHp6GsoC4qijsUHdB1L60id9FI1iQLd3ExJQM5IviagH8TEajjmjP5VPMI29NO6U7O-JyCGm6zfIvlrnvRPayNiaewckVmpQwO1Alpu6fV0Jf-fyqPMzucIqucE_dmOO0VrA/s4000/20220911_094642.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjx_FBzVmTyBYdTS-3XoHtGF2daVuuXeTDxhuUc1L74GskW83kmd6CbJcQHp6GsoC4qijsUHdB1L60id9FI1iQLd3ExJQM5IviagH8TEajjmjP5VPMI29NO6U7O-JyCGm6zfIvlrnvRPayNiaewckVmpQwO1Alpu6fV0Jf-fyqPMzucIqucE_dmOO0VrA/w640-h288/20220911_094642.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I drive by the United Kingdom Embassy frequently and I do not recall seeing this representation of the Union Jack in the landscaping on a daily basis, so I am wondering if they put this in place shortly after the news of her passing for a centralized place for us to leave our tributes.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFpMlVG0IXKZJ8lKFVK_fxTVUZo4rw5EfEWn8XGDBL_xnh1hTXEG48AW0Z5VKd9pTLhNngzvMPoWY6DAYpq_kWGQ6iSmBAk6XOE3apyijSlbRf7PoAIL5kb5n1nmDQbdWlboUv2mU_ZdNM0EKU0pRReucSId5-VXivDcLpeG2lA4SbDX7Yu9IY_43yQ/s4000/20220911_094729.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijFpMlVG0IXKZJ8lKFVK_fxTVUZo4rw5EfEWn8XGDBL_xnh1hTXEG48AW0Z5VKd9pTLhNngzvMPoWY6DAYpq_kWGQ6iSmBAk6XOE3apyijSlbRf7PoAIL5kb5n1nmDQbdWlboUv2mU_ZdNM0EKU0pRReucSId5-VXivDcLpeG2lA4SbDX7Yu9IY_43yQ/w640-h288/20220911_094729.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>It was very well designed. The colors are a bit faded in these pictures but very brilliant in real life.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbZQfVgseAHeSFQihsckJ0y6JzTiKg1LY48XdXfTlgugNdpkmGHuu-4Qq59K7iS0HanSZLi8rK0hi2KB-_Z2hy4E6MXx1Zy-Ppllp3uMSM50QUHafZB7eF13L5BJyAFGCkSHmEaPoe8QSrKeXGzVbq9byg8mvSxPtzp8j7CXGwTPgXiottMZ_G5fU2w/s4000/20220911_094708.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXbZQfVgseAHeSFQihsckJ0y6JzTiKg1LY48XdXfTlgugNdpkmGHuu-4Qq59K7iS0HanSZLi8rK0hi2KB-_Z2hy4E6MXx1Zy-Ppllp3uMSM50QUHafZB7eF13L5BJyAFGCkSHmEaPoe8QSrKeXGzVbq9byg8mvSxPtzp8j7CXGwTPgXiottMZ_G5fU2w/w640-h288/20220911_094708.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Finally, my arrangement lain amongst all the others as a small token to show my appreciation for her example and a life well-lived.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI3oRaO0pOP8tpI8xgcA7KF6Zr6XEy7NhKv4jp_rnd__c7wfWfx_tKjCK4-citkSv3HtdA6VTeGy_Rd9mXhXaejY21NcmulYwj4aHREUZ0cb8MFo6x07yTUjdMnoE1KN_r_ySSIXQ4AGCkqBEq4ec6ujYQkYeZ96xuamJagPaCV83DpGbYWrUeA1ykA/s4000/20220911_172528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLI3oRaO0pOP8tpI8xgcA7KF6Zr6XEy7NhKv4jp_rnd__c7wfWfx_tKjCK4-citkSv3HtdA6VTeGy_Rd9mXhXaejY21NcmulYwj4aHREUZ0cb8MFo6x07yTUjdMnoE1KN_r_ySSIXQ4AGCkqBEq4ec6ujYQkYeZ96xuamJagPaCV83DpGbYWrUeA1ykA/w640-h288/20220911_172528.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I picked up a couple bunches of alstromeria for the apartment this week. Anyone who follows knows these are my favorite cutting flowers and I keep them in vases throughout the apartment most weeks.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ-7VmJOZMGsOK49tXGw6bsOADtxCaqTWzMPH6dcqKfMWMeLeeARxIx8EfE7uEYqnAeLsKU4pQRidG5rP2-0cgrWO7ZQku3MNIo1gn897UeobRsCgI8Lcx5gMslhIDnLLB5bETyD9LfKQoiQ8A1vi4DsODfS751wLjbenMY1slf8zwhD5FreSyL7qw/s4000/20220911_182913.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZTJ-7VmJOZMGsOK49tXGw6bsOADtxCaqTWzMPH6dcqKfMWMeLeeARxIx8EfE7uEYqnAeLsKU4pQRidG5rP2-0cgrWO7ZQku3MNIo1gn897UeobRsCgI8Lcx5gMslhIDnLLB5bETyD9LfKQoiQ8A1vi4DsODfS751wLjbenMY1slf8zwhD5FreSyL7qw/w640-h288/20220911_182913.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This weeks vase is in honor of Her Majesty. Though she is no longer with us, her influence will inspire us for years to come.</p><p>I wish Charles, the eldest son of Her Majesty and soon to be King of England and his Queen Consort, Camilla, all good things and Godspeed. The Monarchy will continue to be an inspiration to me and a symbol to which I will aspire to live my life.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLyuTABdnL3Z0jwRZ8pk2HxlGr8BB-IPEXuQOafShusCDL_8h-C1pmUPADmbSYYBdZx4joR1zvJMm6r0dUANhsxIJxKylTmO85O8NG8YZDS0J1P5PTcRzHEPU1VFBmZRRrlWR1wT8uZrnKEEcwWvYvcUp3T2RAAZQmRlt27Fg0kh7sNaWfLjQhS-IZA/s967/Annotation%202022-09-12%20162208%20(1).png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="698" data-original-width="967" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRLyuTABdnL3Z0jwRZ8pk2HxlGr8BB-IPEXuQOafShusCDL_8h-C1pmUPADmbSYYBdZx4joR1zvJMm6r0dUANhsxIJxKylTmO85O8NG8YZDS0J1P5PTcRzHEPU1VFBmZRRrlWR1wT8uZrnKEEcwWvYvcUp3T2RAAZQmRlt27Fg0kh7sNaWfLjQhS-IZA/s320/Annotation%202022-09-12%20162208%20(1).png" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p><br /></p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-81270924569346333392022-04-28T14:34:00.001-04:002022-04-28T14:34:58.956-04:00A New Candle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy2dz7t6YZKlVElaZvIGR02tVjrZ3zx3vkmUYENFeUmykK_FC2B5Um8Zr7cMlMR3phpTJ-ZSulsuB9MV-unNSu1Wmme1Oo9F-C2ZC3pY8Dlo4EI9dXqSG0Cgf3zti5vqWCUk_aYQs5Cp2RpYCwyqjd6_1D0-G9vEFKApQnmhFkxl9Zs-gEGEUco6-hg/s4000/20220416_164018.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsy2dz7t6YZKlVElaZvIGR02tVjrZ3zx3vkmUYENFeUmykK_FC2B5Um8Zr7cMlMR3phpTJ-ZSulsuB9MV-unNSu1Wmme1Oo9F-C2ZC3pY8Dlo4EI9dXqSG0Cgf3zti5vqWCUk_aYQs5Cp2RpYCwyqjd6_1D0-G9vEFKApQnmhFkxl9Zs-gEGEUco6-hg/w640-h288/20220416_164018.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I bought a new candle. I ran into TJ Maxx recently, not looking for anything specific and I found this wonderful large candle in a glass jar from Scentsational called Dragonfruit Kiwi. The scent is wonderful. The decorative jar into which the candle was poured is a delight. It is a soy wax candle. If you don't know already, soy wax candles burn slower than parrafin wax candles, so you get to enjoy the beauty and scent of your candle for longer. All candles produce some amount of soot, but soy wax candles burn cleaner and produce less soot. Just something to consider the next time you are candle shopping. I'm not saying I'll never buy or burn another parrafin wax candle, but I like the particular advantages of a soy candle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTpmY8cCHdstjSlmj9PXYLX2dFAk_zQhRGIYgqqy0dAxmOZJp83-EnOnjxiXL67X6SP1oBIP67rorQ64JG37s2gwEbm160zkqqodWmc55lHw6eP8csSWuo00nLxfVgzCOTm8U8m-fMOhNzkx-nT9vpOIv3WvcVVg2L1Z145y6rWBc25jXi2G-HnbaXA/s4000/20220416_164129.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDTpmY8cCHdstjSlmj9PXYLX2dFAk_zQhRGIYgqqy0dAxmOZJp83-EnOnjxiXL67X6SP1oBIP67rorQ64JG37s2gwEbm160zkqqodWmc55lHw6eP8csSWuo00nLxfVgzCOTm8U8m-fMOhNzkx-nT9vpOIv3WvcVVg2L1Z145y6rWBc25jXi2G-HnbaXA/w640-h288/20220416_164129.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This is a large candle measuring 8in x 6in x 6in. I thought it would work perfectly on this pedestal in the center of the dining area table. And so it did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnlpYYXfO2ziLj0RVUVCcyNEWGWu8bSfTanNpha5mK0VHgHF6PuFJsSMx29P7FtDaHUP66Ggeq7f5IFeDkUzcoMy_QKbTlA0ZsMwlWhh2X-po_2Jz_3hjKtqsymULgO1oH-F9fsvxIXlCiJaORf9cbupCSvW2argwSZiL7LPJcGRPVJ7AbsDwIptGJw/s4000/20220416_164355.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUnlpYYXfO2ziLj0RVUVCcyNEWGWu8bSfTanNpha5mK0VHgHF6PuFJsSMx29P7FtDaHUP66Ggeq7f5IFeDkUzcoMy_QKbTlA0ZsMwlWhh2X-po_2Jz_3hjKtqsymULgO1oH-F9fsvxIXlCiJaORf9cbupCSvW2argwSZiL7LPJcGRPVJ7AbsDwIptGJw/w288-h640/20220416_164355.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>This pedestal has a separate glass dome which you see above. What a nice look for everyday. Then, on the weekend all I have to do is remove the glass dome and set it to one side and light the candle.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkzSm2uJcr5-zjeNFKrrmCDeF3Gb0hak0nBrnRETWhHhlVEG8RAUDqCQWcuZXGVmg8ZxKmUrCo7iaMkzLwLJYZiPi2CTbK8IxKgBn037ArXxRimwmgQ2TicNwUoOsUV04bKJOZ4WMUeVTbTsPMbIczZzHgJhY1BM4SsTbf20xRKftfesxql1q6OIGgw/s4000/20220422_165408.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdkzSm2uJcr5-zjeNFKrrmCDeF3Gb0hak0nBrnRETWhHhlVEG8RAUDqCQWcuZXGVmg8ZxKmUrCo7iaMkzLwLJYZiPi2CTbK8IxKgBn037ArXxRimwmgQ2TicNwUoOsUV04bKJOZ4WMUeVTbTsPMbIczZzHgJhY1BM4SsTbf20xRKftfesxql1q6OIGgw/w640-h288/20220422_165408.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I particularly like this round wooden lid. It helps to retain the scent of the candle and it is a nice cover-up for after the candle is burned. If there is any mess, it is easily concealed by placing this wooden lid back on top of the glass container.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEn0tG-6wNNRzN3ZAMO10k1CWDyHeOR99kHIE5R01chCpz94btYL3_lT-LMb3CBdqEIExbVPhgIQjeeXq8JDUP_zcwbgCX6qOfBym3-83KsKIaY_NB_-rqLcWEhqNa-OzuDqRaMGo-vJZ--LBvXs0sOfizSFYrWkcADzonMPv-a_4D69XV-5G7Jp7Ng/s4000/20220422_165416.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuEn0tG-6wNNRzN3ZAMO10k1CWDyHeOR99kHIE5R01chCpz94btYL3_lT-LMb3CBdqEIExbVPhgIQjeeXq8JDUP_zcwbgCX6qOfBym3-83KsKIaY_NB_-rqLcWEhqNa-OzuDqRaMGo-vJZ--LBvXs0sOfizSFYrWkcADzonMPv-a_4D69XV-5G7Jp7Ng/w640-h288/20220422_165416.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: justify;"><span style="text-align: left;">This is a triple-wicked candle. Always nice. They burn more evenly than a candle with a single wick in the center. And, more wicks burning means more aroma in the air.</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2Ah-dzVka66ARszdrxXgXvk9q_XGNJGfC-bSwPvQDGFQXPFHDjPF1I6uf2SPAWgndemFysUupE7MtqpddU-cW5zTN998wBM5SYDtSFi5E_ct8Yb8capDpUZMpz8cA-QyaVBnuHneVI1zoFa7eLGp5GnqnKp48uNauRXz7P7khCEllUMCg5jeCdfsg/s4000/20220422_165509.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1i2Ah-dzVka66ARszdrxXgXvk9q_XGNJGfC-bSwPvQDGFQXPFHDjPF1I6uf2SPAWgndemFysUupE7MtqpddU-cW5zTN998wBM5SYDtSFi5E_ct8Yb8capDpUZMpz8cA-QyaVBnuHneVI1zoFa7eLGp5GnqnKp48uNauRXz7P7khCEllUMCg5jeCdfsg/w640-h288/20220422_165509.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here we are with all three wicks lit on the initial burn. I like the scent. And even though it is a large candle, the scent is not overpowering. It adds a gentle, light scent to the room but it does not overpower the room. You do not want that. I do not necessarily want an "explosion" of scent from any candle. Just a nice addition to the air.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmTWaWy8_aw5HjEYS23JBRxlF0-ZbboE8Xj_3HHUd6SVJZtudDY7BrZYIoBEPtmIy3zWZQDRvH93aEQY9UN2goek-GFw0SsuTzQPIj2ykS5MtcH72CqtmelHsj0tOFUw1PXirrQhUDxuLxrNFw8QWulWjV7AqAx-RxjGfF6KFBdUhYWMRIjdxfToMbw/s4000/20220422_165529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzmTWaWy8_aw5HjEYS23JBRxlF0-ZbboE8Xj_3HHUd6SVJZtudDY7BrZYIoBEPtmIy3zWZQDRvH93aEQY9UN2goek-GFw0SsuTzQPIj2ykS5MtcH72CqtmelHsj0tOFUw1PXirrQhUDxuLxrNFw8QWulWjV7AqAx-RxjGfF6KFBdUhYWMRIjdxfToMbw/w640-h288/20220422_165529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div>I like this candle very much. The size is right for the pedestal. It is soy based, so it will last a long time and I will be able to enjoy it for weeks to come. If you are in the market for a new candle or candles, TJ Maxx has a wonderful selection at great prices!<br /><p><br /></p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-9254374488035191542022-04-05T10:56:00.001-04:002022-04-05T10:56:51.841-04:00Between<p>Today we are going to talk about a product I found that has nothing to do with cooking or cleaning or home decor. It is called "Between Floss". It is an expanding charcoal floss that comes in a reusable floss holder. I have been using it for a couple weeks now and I really like it, so I thought I would share it with you.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqScTWEvr87t_k4lPbrJ5QsYlOz0B5BYusX9j2-Cg5iWvd--1tulH0JMbr32_5MXR7gtLS4l0vnuIuTy-3Ryu0t50Jr1wqfrsiBlO5tUqBrSwXv_ymHvyYh8uJZYakH_6Ef59rc4M__SWteRJRHvjWHqvKrFK18uDfmd5mDgLCvb3PJleCtJx36_q8Q/s4000/20220326_190349.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgqScTWEvr87t_k4lPbrJ5QsYlOz0B5BYusX9j2-Cg5iWvd--1tulH0JMbr32_5MXR7gtLS4l0vnuIuTy-3Ryu0t50Jr1wqfrsiBlO5tUqBrSwXv_ymHvyYh8uJZYakH_6Ef59rc4M__SWteRJRHvjWHqvKrFK18uDfmd5mDgLCvb3PJleCtJx36_q8Q/w640-h288/20220326_190349.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>So here is the package in which it arrives. I say "arrives" because, like with most things these days, I ordered this from Amazon.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfFiGZ5xnRZd2FTMbQdclvR0f0V0O8LaDxEx_GpIdfdfzXNR5HSLMTNYTjbYmOE8BMwCzLUgi2vGjknbSoDCG_vgKLYGLNl76sV6rsnUnrjpT-I9agv0dBuW7PokCBFpV2qW9leKTc2VRP5CyarVsP8a6sQz1z1FbjUIzK5lcWWS2YOhF1LEhpdg2Gw/s4000/20220326_190522.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAfFiGZ5xnRZd2FTMbQdclvR0f0V0O8LaDxEx_GpIdfdfzXNR5HSLMTNYTjbYmOE8BMwCzLUgi2vGjknbSoDCG_vgKLYGLNl76sV6rsnUnrjpT-I9agv0dBuW7PokCBFpV2qW9leKTc2VRP5CyarVsP8a6sQz1z1FbjUIzK5lcWWS2YOhF1LEhpdg2Gw/w640-h288/20220326_190522.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Inside the box you will find the dispenser unit with a roll of floss already inside. You just need to press downward on the top part of the dispenser and turn. That will release it from the locking mechanism and then you can remove the overwrap from the roll of floss and feed the end of it through the hole in the top part of the dispenser unit.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXIZqjzMmFCqM9qb6xvx0XQ5jHLpqqSYqCZExF2xJBwSD6zDUNSkjpXxa9bg5goFMybi3ngjabARqgiKHPQL3jukKGz2H9gmBNpARS2C6NpuUKslGF-4oPW_vbzxAFA11rWjAzonDlSChRBLl20AS7W4aqLPCC3K3yduXyL1zrhNnJFlz7VaLam7RiA/s4000/20220326_190620.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMXIZqjzMmFCqM9qb6xvx0XQ5jHLpqqSYqCZExF2xJBwSD6zDUNSkjpXxa9bg5goFMybi3ngjabARqgiKHPQL3jukKGz2H9gmBNpARS2C6NpuUKslGF-4oPW_vbzxAFA11rWjAzonDlSChRBLl20AS7W4aqLPCC3K3yduXyL1zrhNnJFlz7VaLam7RiA/w640-h288/20220326_190620.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>You will easily find the end of the roll of floss as I have done here.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWPjjLdWSVcF4laxt-hid7dE0O0-Qt5Qdm1Bp14zF_HxnroCl5QjeHXm0zSWgV7L-lazmWTjJzNnIzKoOQXFKJIbO2Vau9sXLG-Yij7IjyHGyJsy2ZNTlhzss81uOwmqV8pjgO_1PLdI-w-Mi30PA-HW5nPTH5JYZVk3ScKhmQaZ3QuV9UEBSgI7eAA/s4000/20220326_190723.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkWPjjLdWSVcF4laxt-hid7dE0O0-Qt5Qdm1Bp14zF_HxnroCl5QjeHXm0zSWgV7L-lazmWTjJzNnIzKoOQXFKJIbO2Vau9sXLG-Yij7IjyHGyJsy2ZNTlhzss81uOwmqV8pjgO_1PLdI-w-Mi30PA-HW5nPTH5JYZVk3ScKhmQaZ3QuV9UEBSgI7eAA/w640-h288/20220326_190723.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>You just need to fish the length of floss through the underside of the top part of the dispenser and out the hole in the middle of the cap.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IvAEOFmyVWAOnLi8n1BPP_Wwmt7tR43If0_S3BiSibJ_LyaIE4A-GCXXhbiArNjrkwid350Hw82BUgK2xhrIIFgv47NOEuX9h1onI_mAEAKcxvLARC8Ngmd60ht3H6Pd3UOHoCcp4mrXsCaJnnWDoYd9A3NqnODNV0MnR3_87aCXmZfhF_PEBQ9yFA/s4000/20220326_190740.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4IvAEOFmyVWAOnLi8n1BPP_Wwmt7tR43If0_S3BiSibJ_LyaIE4A-GCXXhbiArNjrkwid350Hw82BUgK2xhrIIFgv47NOEuX9h1onI_mAEAKcxvLARC8Ngmd60ht3H6Pd3UOHoCcp4mrXsCaJnnWDoYd9A3NqnODNV0MnR3_87aCXmZfhF_PEBQ9yFA/w640-h288/20220326_190740.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now you are ready to start flossing away!</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFllspeteubOEju5l__LLCZIvx4pKA2MRw3PZEmAX7KKKIuF04Jib1unmpW4arWlw1KBTHnjp0WNDaS5YEOaXWWGrR_WijiXgP7xMewBaSv0nJeC_JGnKOMgDB46XljdfjIECXoj0sAhsB7jy3xQk4DrOG80Rj77pbMuSWqX_a16mfkWSAZK7HjZ6nQ/s4000/20220326_191103.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOFllspeteubOEju5l__LLCZIvx4pKA2MRw3PZEmAX7KKKIuF04Jib1unmpW4arWlw1KBTHnjp0WNDaS5YEOaXWWGrR_WijiXgP7xMewBaSv0nJeC_JGnKOMgDB46XljdfjIECXoj0sAhsB7jy3xQk4DrOG80Rj77pbMuSWqX_a16mfkWSAZK7HjZ6nQ/w640-h288/20220326_191103.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I found a spot for the dispenser in the bathroom medicine cabinet right next to some additional flossing devices I use on a regular basis.</p><p>I want to go back to a statement I made in the beginning of this post about this being an "expanding" dental floss. I had never of such. I did not know anything like that existed until I started reading about this floss. So here is how I understand it. Expanding dental floss has fibers that expand as they are made wet by your saliva. These fibers allow the floss to remove more plaque between your teeth than regular floss which inevitably will miss some of what is stuck to your teeth. I do not know if this is true or scientific, or if it is some really good advertising, but it makes sense to me. That was why I wanted to try this floss. I guess time will tell. We will see what the dentist has to say the next time I see her. Also, for those of you who are interested, this floss is also vegan waxed. That doesn't really mean anything to me, but if it is important to you, now you know. </p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-29694230526680906882022-04-04T13:22:00.003-04:002022-04-04T13:22:48.843-04:00Tulips<p>It's that time of year. Tulip time! I know that I go on and on about how much I love alstromeria, and I do love them. Alstromeria are beautiful and available throughout the year. Tulips are beautiful but not available throughout the year. So when tulip season is here, I do tulips.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnup0XdMXfXMJODyZDxgWZ7Wz0keuGNOsGeHz3EGog62Q4qXIirQlQlylAodZfhrRmk6b2ROlj0x9xXjPWFq-V7FYg9YjoEPwWXQAC8RTegP5aBssC8-Lk1Yb7dsJksXlVjpGVOf29NRxrikaQwQdmS3hu-pXJfA70HPWC4-9Az5fNRoSj_08_JIcpw/s4000/20220403_151903.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVnup0XdMXfXMJODyZDxgWZ7Wz0keuGNOsGeHz3EGog62Q4qXIirQlQlylAodZfhrRmk6b2ROlj0x9xXjPWFq-V7FYg9YjoEPwWXQAC8RTegP5aBssC8-Lk1Yb7dsJksXlVjpGVOf29NRxrikaQwQdmS3hu-pXJfA70HPWC4-9Az5fNRoSj_08_JIcpw/w640-h288/20220403_151903.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I was so pleased that the greenery from last week was still going strong this weekend. The water needed to be refreshed and a new packet of preservative added, but for the most part, everything looked as good as it did when I bought them last week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpbxbX7US5zV_bR9NSgI4gTtcbH8ku31TxTkKWF-WAYMhvSXgNW7TkPRZk1symCY5WVEOBsLgayyHNzfd_39f-VM0J-H2XV_mpuyMGoZDPfxycpOiI_RY89V7oES4Y_BcyvcPynNpY4XnreekrcrgA7Yg2Qx5CBruoQ_POIQ_ldT5SUOl2TDi7z9H3g/s4000/20220403_151734.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRpbxbX7US5zV_bR9NSgI4gTtcbH8ku31TxTkKWF-WAYMhvSXgNW7TkPRZk1symCY5WVEOBsLgayyHNzfd_39f-VM0J-H2XV_mpuyMGoZDPfxycpOiI_RY89V7oES4Y_BcyvcPynNpY4XnreekrcrgA7Yg2Qx5CBruoQ_POIQ_ldT5SUOl2TDi7z9H3g/w640-h288/20220403_151734.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Since the greenery held up so nicely, I decided this week I would add some tulips to the mix. I found this bouquet of tulips that were not quite opened in the floral department at Giant. I thought they would work perfectly with the greenery from last week.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYnQb7kYugozlUtYGFbSovIVdvW27J5Df4SEyVwU1UzFp8rAae-ruLw9pnb0p0y6VEIuoKrT2FNaTMRc9ElB7k8HKwG1jpuNYe6zVXxjuDbFJKI5bx3VTm1nvzQpta0oTThVN9U0O5dlAI7NuowGNrNxkYPIdvVVCDifg64aZgRDL5geoouRJmTE2Vw/s4000/20220403_152641.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYnQb7kYugozlUtYGFbSovIVdvW27J5Df4SEyVwU1UzFp8rAae-ruLw9pnb0p0y6VEIuoKrT2FNaTMRc9ElB7k8HKwG1jpuNYe6zVXxjuDbFJKI5bx3VTm1nvzQpta0oTThVN9U0O5dlAI7NuowGNrNxkYPIdvVVCDifg64aZgRDL5geoouRJmTE2Vw/w640-h288/20220403_152641.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I removed the cellophane overwrap from the tulips. Then I removed the greenery from the vase and changed the water and added a new preservative packet. I placed the greenery alongside the tulips and then set about combing the two.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZCnjcBao36fidlaznItXHVyR6QmrdDghOYP79XdHfYd9G5aYAScOWW_-hvMaY60yLDRSVV9ZcVucJLA7GqtMP1pGdkxAgbFstmu6TW4bRi719ghxxIGai2ogPLJcjABnCsrIfTx1ofOD4g0KwMpnXrWeRBKwN2cvoc-8C7nc7ftwU2B08JccXp1VA/s4000/20220403_153136.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7TZCnjcBao36fidlaznItXHVyR6QmrdDghOYP79XdHfYd9G5aYAScOWW_-hvMaY60yLDRSVV9ZcVucJLA7GqtMP1pGdkxAgbFstmu6TW4bRi719ghxxIGai2ogPLJcjABnCsrIfTx1ofOD4g0KwMpnXrWeRBKwN2cvoc-8C7nc7ftwU2B08JccXp1VA/w640-h288/20220403_153136.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In just a few minutes I had a beautiful arrangement for this end table in the living room. This week we are going to continue enjoying the greenery with the added flair, and color, from the tulips.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkg5DpWbUaEsn1n1O6XW-JyNxdKGSshjrWM1mHGw1fABdhnuNvehxQJfe3l4VaOnvQQUuc7VtI5eSBdlqS3y3G5Ut65j6g229e7jWT6PNjGWirjucd3KeHhXrqWVSpmZw-JVtDeRtKCGI7YSTXnnOywwWVMVlFSATQgaUlvG1LHX8lR9ONty43aawBA/s4000/20220403_153145.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPkg5DpWbUaEsn1n1O6XW-JyNxdKGSshjrWM1mHGw1fABdhnuNvehxQJfe3l4VaOnvQQUuc7VtI5eSBdlqS3y3G5Ut65j6g229e7jWT6PNjGWirjucd3KeHhXrqWVSpmZw-JVtDeRtKCGI7YSTXnnOywwWVMVlFSATQgaUlvG1LHX8lR9ONty43aawBA/w640-h288/20220403_153145.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I rather enveloped the tulips inside the greenery once I had everything laid out. It turned out to be quite a nice arrangement and perfect for this time of year. You can do this yourself. It doesn't take any special talent. Just a little practice and you will be pleasantly surprised at what a great job you have done putting together an inexpensive, yet elegant arrangement.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-90470175231915075762022-03-29T14:30:00.001-04:002022-03-29T14:30:24.789-04:00Greenery<p>I decided to take a different approach this week and just add fresh greenery in a vase rather than the usual alstroemeria. Take a look.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Ch5Bq6lfuy2Q8zAP3lWZr7cuQe3Ucet3DqYEYQO1H58bmsI2soZ_RQ7MEdkHYJZf6-zCzToCjmC74nn782IPBMNTjIl3zbew0C16FcDkbNv3vfQU25ExpNWDBwTyuQ-KMhrgKoE3MYUOoDrKZIF1_y8QYhTVR3vgdMacGzyqIkwKW1O1wvA-NQ2kw/s4000/20220326_192324.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4000" data-original-width="1800" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjz-Ch5Bq6lfuy2Q8zAP3lWZr7cuQe3Ucet3DqYEYQO1H58bmsI2soZ_RQ7MEdkHYJZf6-zCzToCjmC74nn782IPBMNTjIl3zbew0C16FcDkbNv3vfQU25ExpNWDBwTyuQ-KMhrgKoE3MYUOoDrKZIF1_y8QYhTVR3vgdMacGzyqIkwKW1O1wvA-NQ2kw/w288-h640/20220326_192324.jpg" width="288" /></a></div><p>This week, instead of flowers, I picked up only greenery. I like this look very much. You can pick up these greenery assortments in cellophane from your local florist or the floral department of your local food market. Many times when I purchase <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alstroemeria">alstroemeria</a>, I also pick up one of these greenery assortments and then set about combining the flowers with the greenery once I get home.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYFXELWoHzgkvrikLwfAPEKQ85qa9C-nK2rrwF62oWcwdh0T5ZLy5PoB9H_Ill7SV-d5XGzUj04c6mE3GS6ianuZfBq6XULBeqQRyzblFeZ1ktTMcV9FVE1GO61HMd1aNydEl2Od47ySSP0xGKwMatPi8ZiWWSpo7_MuYVFaUPaztoKijgZWUdWKyAg/s4000/20220328_190816.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAYFXELWoHzgkvrikLwfAPEKQ85qa9C-nK2rrwF62oWcwdh0T5ZLy5PoB9H_Ill7SV-d5XGzUj04c6mE3GS6ianuZfBq6XULBeqQRyzblFeZ1ktTMcV9FVE1GO61HMd1aNydEl2Od47ySSP0xGKwMatPi8ZiWWSpo7_MuYVFaUPaztoKijgZWUdWKyAg/w640-h288/20220328_190816.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>This week, I decided to buy greenery only. I just think this is a very nice, simple, clean look. Understated elegance. I prepared the stems and the water in the vase the same as I do for alstroemeria. I used cool tap water in the vase and then added the entire content of the preservative packet that is always wrapped inside your arrangement.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP-qw7Znp2JupA02GwZ-dDr2tJUuRcnptQH4q2Sa1vQT9EVL4_Bl6GPCem39vRLgi_Ygic0RE079qvpc4A3eJGa0nV-frDdbpcqKEnWxrvyoL9zUUOK66O0GahbID-t3iIj0Fx3BgaskYLgeNA2GFi01IWCjcbxHdQVOnljYmkFTqsD4gJWMQZ4aX6Q/s268/tempsnip.png" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="268" data-original-width="151" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPP-qw7Znp2JupA02GwZ-dDr2tJUuRcnptQH4q2Sa1vQT9EVL4_Bl6GPCem39vRLgi_Ygic0RE079qvpc4A3eJGa0nV-frDdbpcqKEnWxrvyoL9zUUOK66O0GahbID-t3iIj0Fx3BgaskYLgeNA2GFi01IWCjcbxHdQVOnljYmkFTqsD4gJWMQZ4aX6Q/w181-h320/tempsnip.png" width="181" /></a></div><p>This is the packet that is included in each arrangement you pick up. It is wedged inside the cellophane overwrap and usually in-between the stems of the flowers or greenery. I usually add about two cups of water to the vase and then pour in the entire content of this preservative and stir until it is dissolved. Once you have prepared the water in the vase, you may cut the stems and then immediately place the cut ends into the water in the vase.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-NV9tG-mZOQFZ-gA8KB3Snl77Oi8VP40_1EVBm1SiLCNs7z4upjQz_z8leuhJwWKLLwjgDSEQVye0F1VZUJ98HKGUQ89cP9gDcGGZGZ0ELpO_oVTTKywSO6iMIb4K1g3OGxve0rnmTYBsLgXdwk4MiIqfrF7IPAEj3XbjmHuTdesJlDCbHyZiby_0Q/s4000/20220328_190829.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjP-NV9tG-mZOQFZ-gA8KB3Snl77Oi8VP40_1EVBm1SiLCNs7z4upjQz_z8leuhJwWKLLwjgDSEQVye0F1VZUJ98HKGUQ89cP9gDcGGZGZ0ELpO_oVTTKywSO6iMIb4K1g3OGxve0rnmTYBsLgXdwk4MiIqfrF7IPAEj3XbjmHuTdesJlDCbHyZiby_0Q/w640-h288/20220328_190829.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>In so doing, you are assured that the cut end of the stems will immediately begin absorbing the fresh water with the preservative added and this will extend the life of whatever you are placing in the vase. It is best not to cut the stems and leave them on the counter before placing them into the water. Some advise to cut the stems under running water and then place them in the water in the vase. The reason for this is that once the stems are cut, air flows through the stem and creates an air pocket, thereby preventing the absorption of water.</p><p>If you are so inclined, pick up a greenery assortment this week and try it in a vase in a special spot in your home. I think you will be please.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-33441553301782104852022-03-24T14:06:00.000-04:002022-03-24T14:06:38.993-04:00Refreshing my Desk Keyboard Drawer<p>My desk has a pull-out drawer where my keyboard resides. Some time ago, I placed drawer liner on this pull-out drawer and then set my keyboard on top of that. The plan was to have something under the keyboard that would keep it from sliding around in this drawer. The drawer liner I chose worked perfectly for this but, as with anything, it reached a point where it needed to be replaced. So I took care of that recently and here is what I did.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rzSsc6eiyE9W9zKe8nR76G2yXbQzUnIttp_3HkRx4b_V9ouDKzYJbTFH70dBB0YUbXFWMzfg0g5LlR257x5xHHsquYNm9XxlWg0cSn-28wdOFOVEkgs9NhYvVFhxGdCVzX-Fm9knmXIqZHu_wQH1w-Ng_nYoLdNqSfBDMQOpqafe1Dr9baJ5PPHfCg/s4000/20220323_093038.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6rzSsc6eiyE9W9zKe8nR76G2yXbQzUnIttp_3HkRx4b_V9ouDKzYJbTFH70dBB0YUbXFWMzfg0g5LlR257x5xHHsquYNm9XxlWg0cSn-28wdOFOVEkgs9NhYvVFhxGdCVzX-Fm9knmXIqZHu_wQH1w-Ng_nYoLdNqSfBDMQOpqafe1Dr9baJ5PPHfCg/w640-h288/20220323_093038.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here we have a picture of the pull-out drawer that is part of my desk where the keyboard resides. I put down this liner some time ago and it has worked very well to keep the keyboard in-place while I am typing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUs9qEBOknQP2jjgoSPpgE34iX5Rwxeuo-3THbtS_jKJRwTkDedeYQ67vGrkjKRYEkWnlOHCqNmBsjBPAdHG69LoHyRYwYyspYBiXfs8hbK4b0n5211LYwS-LWma--QU5ISRMX-LmebEWY9xdTujSgiRCA6tydLFcHrNdgvLwdsN2Z7ZTyK1vLjhkw_w/s4000/20220323_093049.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUs9qEBOknQP2jjgoSPpgE34iX5Rwxeuo-3THbtS_jKJRwTkDedeYQ67vGrkjKRYEkWnlOHCqNmBsjBPAdHG69LoHyRYwYyspYBiXfs8hbK4b0n5211LYwS-LWma--QU5ISRMX-LmebEWY9xdTujSgiRCA6tydLFcHrNdgvLwdsN2Z7ZTyK1vLjhkw_w/w640-h288/20220323_093049.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Over the years, it has gotten dirty and stained from everyday use. I would occasionally remove the keyboard and wipe it down, but it had reached the end of its usefulness, so it was time for a change.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85WPTw7VST6wv-MxSsU4iYpgpL141ovGCchRUuDw0LIixp6iVP9XMo5am0imx6LU0aV5L4tSbnpGrJyPbfLejcNZKebQ97TNhy9l3kPF5D3MQG4qF3CqHyTPpjgSYlm3zjTLFRliINjQXlr6y6K9D8Rqmb8dKbpK6VlOb59r7gM0cOOqqmd2gFxA5Vw/s4000/20220323_093745.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh85WPTw7VST6wv-MxSsU4iYpgpL141ovGCchRUuDw0LIixp6iVP9XMo5am0imx6LU0aV5L4tSbnpGrJyPbfLejcNZKebQ97TNhy9l3kPF5D3MQG4qF3CqHyTPpjgSYlm3zjTLFRliINjQXlr6y6K9D8Rqmb8dKbpK6VlOb59r7gM0cOOqqmd2gFxA5Vw/w640-h288/20220323_093745.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I removed the liner and retrieved my can of Pledge furniture polish and a freshly washed terrycloth polishing cloth. I have used Pledge furniture polish on all my furniture for many years. It is a reliable product that has been around for many years. I like the lemon scented but there is also an orange scented which is equally as nice.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7IfIwNz-TszDu6ezgWrHYNpT8ntiBxor4VKl6IzR5HMXwcyW8SQSjSyxaEHX0k1rGtaATdI3uEhynqVAkI686BP3wvLaMzb2q22gRWKd2D5A7DTD3RPQ1TQEXghLLo5oxaFK0m5b2obVCeBl42F0HGC1haoqERcXFb-eWpgUQDta69sWRLpYHpFdow/s4000/20220323_093849.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw7IfIwNz-TszDu6ezgWrHYNpT8ntiBxor4VKl6IzR5HMXwcyW8SQSjSyxaEHX0k1rGtaATdI3uEhynqVAkI686BP3wvLaMzb2q22gRWKd2D5A7DTD3RPQ1TQEXghLLo5oxaFK0m5b2obVCeBl42F0HGC1haoqERcXFb-eWpgUQDta69sWRLpYHpFdow/w640-h288/20220323_093849.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A few wipes the the polishing cloth and a generous spray of Pledge and the drawer is looking very nice. The drawer liner protected this area so there are no nicks or scratches of any kind.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_QIoRpfoPolpi0o02TpNba__AOJNZZtmDbqi84mF2yZoithmp91p-n9-8ARi38k6wJ8LpwLU-djCQtFS-k5YwhkufwzXiDEbhGV7dtxvpaO1o9aJhd8ssvzpAufMUUW_lj7Ahunbnb3WV81PRsXKUlGdVGD7fY6AiE0fuF5glKv-fPvSIpfpx5Ni3A/s4000/20220323_093926.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP_QIoRpfoPolpi0o02TpNba__AOJNZZtmDbqi84mF2yZoithmp91p-n9-8ARi38k6wJ8LpwLU-djCQtFS-k5YwhkufwzXiDEbhGV7dtxvpaO1o9aJhd8ssvzpAufMUUW_lj7Ahunbnb3WV81PRsXKUlGdVGD7fY6AiE0fuF5glKv-fPvSIpfpx5Ni3A/w640-h288/20220323_093926.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>The replacement drawer liner is this wonderful mottled liner from the easy Liner® brand shelf liner. I liked this as soon as I saw it. The white liner was very beautiful, but I wanted something different.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RFXfW76bp9EUNDIkASUWF1RKN7cFZW_ZVVVyqFu6O5437_Z-cCzrqVbtzJPKc-jIW5x9n0goHmGSm8y9eOhYMN_0Q3f8n0SsFytFCxW8H-meZQ0MVK4sQlzE0C8-6A6ZbZwpzDLPNnLWbt9OhY0jHI0WoqcV2e4zmbt9S7s61c4sF0mPZmHkvDnszw/s4000/20220323_100115.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8RFXfW76bp9EUNDIkASUWF1RKN7cFZW_ZVVVyqFu6O5437_Z-cCzrqVbtzJPKc-jIW5x9n0goHmGSm8y9eOhYMN_0Q3f8n0SsFytFCxW8H-meZQ0MVK4sQlzE0C8-6A6ZbZwpzDLPNnLWbt9OhY0jHI0WoqcV2e4zmbt9S7s61c4sF0mPZmHkvDnszw/w640-h288/20220323_100115.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>A quick measure of the opening of the keyboard drawer and we see that we are right at 22-1/8" for length. I did not worry so much about the depth measurement. The depth of the roll of liner was just about the exact same depth as the drawer, so I did not make another cut for depth.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jvY72aJ_QfIyQfD77InRFIRYf8E3AwyQZH78Lcdxmg-pnjxelG9fjqDn7TbHrLqq2vS-p910UVz_Wu7eI_mAQAVPnc8dLCImM0AVoKtrD3y-Ip6m4wheAEPvZxLVluXXTxZDHBOj-P78hJzi2UaWOtrIDMsT4Pss4Vd2hq7Lnf0VtmoOObdMkAfSKw/s4000/20220323_102732.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4jvY72aJ_QfIyQfD77InRFIRYf8E3AwyQZH78Lcdxmg-pnjxelG9fjqDn7TbHrLqq2vS-p910UVz_Wu7eI_mAQAVPnc8dLCImM0AVoKtrD3y-Ip6m4wheAEPvZxLVluXXTxZDHBOj-P78hJzi2UaWOtrIDMsT4Pss4Vd2hq7Lnf0VtmoOObdMkAfSKw/w640-h288/20220323_102732.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>I rolled out a length of the new drawer liner and measured in from the factory edge by 1/2". I drew a straight line and cut the first 1/2" off the roll from the factory edge. This way I started with a fresh edge on the roll of liner. Once that was marked and cut, I measure in 22-1/8", struck another line, and cut along that line to get our perfect sized liner ready to put in place.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MPaUP132UGsIChe3N8WosKG-VrTJnmzqnToVZWtBItwb16vAUcFGjjCFSz-SXVl63F-DmPA8V4AyU82iPs-k0ZYKYvG47ymExJ0ycbx7hwNOMv_MY6tB55u6gE00ZQiq_dxk27S3xpSlAFH4MQrSZlPZYhRh4AWz6RTJzjwgZuEu4HzRxKGfCnI61Q/s4000/20220323_103152.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4MPaUP132UGsIChe3N8WosKG-VrTJnmzqnToVZWtBItwb16vAUcFGjjCFSz-SXVl63F-DmPA8V4AyU82iPs-k0ZYKYvG47ymExJ0ycbx7hwNOMv_MY6tB55u6gE00ZQiq_dxk27S3xpSlAFH4MQrSZlPZYhRh4AWz6RTJzjwgZuEu4HzRxKGfCnI61Q/w640-h288/20220323_103152.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here we are with a new drawer liner in place on the desk keyboard drawer. This looks very nice. I could not be more pleased with this selection of liner.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gX1BEIIgLJvx04I9WBiDpur0Cd0UPR1o67kYWwJtrAdQX_qn2vdBHPs0PGFrhU9Ifk63UaRMjIXjdhi1OdcX9omofUxcyWAGphBXx9eCRn1OBBRWDuK2rVm50gKbF62BwnH5u717Oe36-V9vHTJnjAYGlMIvwpNHexlHOf-3Pfk0_ulfRlaDvWb63g/s4000/20220323_103210.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0gX1BEIIgLJvx04I9WBiDpur0Cd0UPR1o67kYWwJtrAdQX_qn2vdBHPs0PGFrhU9Ifk63UaRMjIXjdhi1OdcX9omofUxcyWAGphBXx9eCRn1OBBRWDuK2rVm50gKbF62BwnH5u717Oe36-V9vHTJnjAYGlMIvwpNHexlHOf-3Pfk0_ulfRlaDvWb63g/w640-h288/20220323_103210.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br /><p>Finally, back in place with the keyboard and we have freshened up this area of the desk quite nicely. Everything seems very stable. The liner is not moving around because it was perfectly cut and set in place. The keyboard is remaining in place and not traveling all over the wooden surface that was just cleaned with Lemon Pledge. This was a nice upgrade. I always feel better about working at my desk when I make a little improvement here or there.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-10332691595782257552022-03-18T11:04:00.001-04:002022-03-18T11:04:21.339-04:00Mini Apple Pie [Maker]<p>I was in Kohl's recently and found myself in the kitchen appliance department. Of course I ended up there. I cook. I have a blog where I post recipes and pictures of the dishes I prepare. Where else would I end up in Kohl's? It was a leisurely Saturday afternoon, so I was browsing all the countertop appliances and thinking "Oh, I need that" or "I'm not sure I would use that" or "I already have that", when all of a sudden I saw it. The Dash Mini Pie Maker!</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI9rGI_8CH5s5ZB35_mUApEBl1EPOLQPx7P_ifnPw4-yhe68ZyNrZBxQWrE-mO_T9loh7aSP0Td_C1M5CMLeofAaQS-T7Tb3i11ZAJzbcir9Ngewi5CCIVU8qGK8d8GIldYJcANEv-xzk9XfqsRnMuh1YnX_JDj_rvDcjp3TC1Zp3NTpyT7gRHOqZbLA" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img data-original-height="500" data-original-width="500" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjI9rGI_8CH5s5ZB35_mUApEBl1EPOLQPx7P_ifnPw4-yhe68ZyNrZBxQWrE-mO_T9loh7aSP0Td_C1M5CMLeofAaQS-T7Tb3i11ZAJzbcir9Ngewi5CCIVU8qGK8d8GIldYJcANEv-xzk9XfqsRnMuh1YnX_JDj_rvDcjp3TC1Zp3NTpyT7gRHOqZbLA=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br />Before I knew it, there I was, standing in line, holding the box containing a mini pie maker and wondering what I was going to do with this little contraption. Would this be a good buy or would it be exiled to the back of a cabinet never to be used. Read on.<div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPFoOToj-7R0DVSt-Q8dvh8lYowxHeds5IYoap97skAB3YXrLLhUKAnR5r5C4c2TIQ-yXcw6Wimo92jnuSgSaVwk6VCXSi-hBt9cdJbYqDAjw7_aa_bIgin7YSvQigYs-GAJs4x4MTZR28ozje_Si5qvxiRo-0TLNlChHFZjqY4oBo_D8-SEuEm_f50A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhPFoOToj-7R0DVSt-Q8dvh8lYowxHeds5IYoap97skAB3YXrLLhUKAnR5r5C4c2TIQ-yXcw6Wimo92jnuSgSaVwk6VCXSi-hBt9cdJbYqDAjw7_aa_bIgin7YSvQigYs-GAJs4x4MTZR28ozje_Si5qvxiRo-0TLNlChHFZjqY4oBo_D8-SEuEm_f50A=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Got home and opened the box and checked out the little recipe book that was included. Mini apple pie caught my attention, so it was off to market to start gathering. First item on the list was honeycrisp apples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAn_4_hR92F-RGZnLkOKj8p72xT-S9WFRH_iUfYlXvFsbMl8mj4Y47b_BHS-NFrKeTAWbXtCAk_XqdHPg-TRH--lUJuF1byh-AR9fsZZH29eB3YPFVVJIO7oxIMqsp_q6K4WiiIbwhFdQkVdLfCA8dVqfgVmee39T0pVquWuxGWJmClkrFMgY35niRWQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhAn_4_hR92F-RGZnLkOKj8p72xT-S9WFRH_iUfYlXvFsbMl8mj4Y47b_BHS-NFrKeTAWbXtCAk_XqdHPg-TRH--lUJuF1byh-AR9fsZZH29eB3YPFVVJIO7oxIMqsp_q6K4WiiIbwhFdQkVdLfCA8dVqfgVmee39T0pVquWuxGWJmClkrFMgY35niRWQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Honeycrisp's are perfect for cooking. They are crispy and sweet-tart flavored, but not over-the-top tart or sour like a Granny Smith apple. When I was first learning to cook, I made a Waldorf Salad with Granny Smith apples for a dinner I was serving and WOW!!!! That was not popular with my dinner guests that night.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi25SqwNXeGIYo6tfB-FZGTaIndjgHXVTlFNIxoTjXe6yTt9J5icPog7LToB5ZeDOKKGQ6hzm7WZ20kV5djzcAorLhrpSMyDMOodtCxRpoMwBTuVmMElnVJuz7c9LHcDtFnvQr-zoNlkUUkJL5K_6ZhBcV92csYwEzfZz3EFv___t6QZDcvJOlhrjkqEg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi25SqwNXeGIYo6tfB-FZGTaIndjgHXVTlFNIxoTjXe6yTt9J5icPog7LToB5ZeDOKKGQ6hzm7WZ20kV5djzcAorLhrpSMyDMOodtCxRpoMwBTuVmMElnVJuz7c9LHcDtFnvQr-zoNlkUUkJL5K_6ZhBcV92csYwEzfZz3EFv___t6QZDcvJOlhrjkqEg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">We started with 3 cups of diced apples. Recipe said to slice them thinly but small chopped worked better for me.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3BFsOoF5AjbM4my5_FmzYXphW_c7xKllLanFc7wGwhKLpMzxrq54r-mw-q4yw_mQlEkJ1d2fklB_ue4y1tJXHF4BzikZg1K3TvS50HTXfdTrdW9IWf62doq0Sq2KS8e7Ew72m77EqoJwzShUC3ame7jI_azHEEK21S4xEGZl8cWJPbzF7IrC1TaS9Dg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3BFsOoF5AjbM4my5_FmzYXphW_c7xKllLanFc7wGwhKLpMzxrq54r-mw-q4yw_mQlEkJ1d2fklB_ue4y1tJXHF4BzikZg1K3TvS50HTXfdTrdW9IWf62doq0Sq2KS8e7Ew72m77EqoJwzShUC3ame7jI_azHEEK21S4xEGZl8cWJPbzF7IrC1TaS9Dg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Two tablespoons of butter into a hot skillet and fully melted, but not browned.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdc56luKIYQDLxWuRX5QWBqvbKlU0PYWh5zTQsqKVpgTDpK6NFueyYHBh7PTqlRgwQ262KhrP5KpEulp4Rdurb1RI2rB8u8e09RNLXxGGwy9IgB2nATgYoZ2De9QRGD0wKU-xRSy0YJdl9yI4Mbwx_PGWCH0_YnDCke_2htPFwkdC2MlrqoJFv9EJAVQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdc56luKIYQDLxWuRX5QWBqvbKlU0PYWh5zTQsqKVpgTDpK6NFueyYHBh7PTqlRgwQ262KhrP5KpEulp4Rdurb1RI2rB8u8e09RNLXxGGwy9IgB2nATgYoZ2De9QRGD0wKU-xRSy0YJdl9yI4Mbwx_PGWCH0_YnDCke_2htPFwkdC2MlrqoJFv9EJAVQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Into the hot skillet with the chopped apples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaJmKmKHDUTp66pCyyf99zPw28O-ac9ZAKT7rnvJ5MISToO7SUosADUxAmHX3GkySxgkqfuz8AUBhikt0-eriQv3O7g3VuyqleLEboWiNt1ldQneP_8ERhSqM7wzEtVX8RcLNLiR30jtNV80lS83rlp-Ys5gOuov0DxV0_jzMAgoRtwWUd1wKXcK57jg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiaJmKmKHDUTp66pCyyf99zPw28O-ac9ZAKT7rnvJ5MISToO7SUosADUxAmHX3GkySxgkqfuz8AUBhikt0-eriQv3O7g3VuyqleLEboWiNt1ldQneP_8ERhSqM7wzEtVX8RcLNLiR30jtNV80lS83rlp-Ys5gOuov0DxV0_jzMAgoRtwWUd1wKXcK57jg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Move the apples around in the skillet so they are completely coated with the melted butter. This doesn't take long. One to two minutes, stirring constantly so the apples do not burn or turn brown.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiop4-UD6ETpnso8ar8U2ori_VwrLvIa7zsOORoMjLGoHXjjJXrpBLQZhSbsgnXslEODOmTt3OpUkX1YaLiYZXcclivh6jv1VT5JdNQydrS8rwehUGSGhsXsfr9tIdHpc-UYeWlaDWMpRC0uaaMsFlqG8-sLzZimgYw2lggW8qsDJD-ZZaF1Vwzd9jUMg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiop4-UD6ETpnso8ar8U2ori_VwrLvIa7zsOORoMjLGoHXjjJXrpBLQZhSbsgnXslEODOmTt3OpUkX1YaLiYZXcclivh6jv1VT5JdNQydrS8rwehUGSGhsXsfr9tIdHpc-UYeWlaDWMpRC0uaaMsFlqG8-sLzZimgYw2lggW8qsDJD-ZZaF1Vwzd9jUMg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once the apples are thoroughly coated with the butter, add to the skillet, one teaspoon cinnamon, three teaspoons sugar, four teaspoons cornstarch, and four teaspoons water (you will add more water during the cooking process).</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2DCoNNyEY2xty6ogkr8qmT9zJqtHLozB_-221E9FoNNTeZRik6C2pDycagVV3Cyoags6z9iJM5XTNbrHwoDu01R1yRFMlLBjuqxtV4IxFRbQGghXXw7C-szy4CsjcvL8bPNE4lUwQQttJrjrumkXF-jpQc4RbFPb_PVL1K8Kri_B0M3SXFiNwbykL6A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2DCoNNyEY2xty6ogkr8qmT9zJqtHLozB_-221E9FoNNTeZRik6C2pDycagVV3Cyoags6z9iJM5XTNbrHwoDu01R1yRFMlLBjuqxtV4IxFRbQGghXXw7C-szy4CsjcvL8bPNE4lUwQQttJrjrumkXF-jpQc4RbFPb_PVL1K8Kri_B0M3SXFiNwbykL6A=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Cook the apples and seasonings for approximately two minutes or until all the water has evaporated. I found that the original four teaspoons of water evaporated very quickly, so I continued to add water in four teaspoon measures, as needed, to keep the apples from burning during the two minute cook time.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilUuX12SGTglsCoHAHIzNM-I1C8QIkqdAswjWULpnrlHnqtVBTv1xPzH43jfWSaBL4IAE1zV7bxoeOIoan9n5hmrypQCcvwl6gum4y-OFYLH1OijsyZ7y3fX-3YeBJALnxbMKrqXnjCMuPfbkQ8W63yIIf2I4JUPU7H7ft3wqZZxOiatUFjR9190uMjA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEilUuX12SGTglsCoHAHIzNM-I1C8QIkqdAswjWULpnrlHnqtVBTv1xPzH43jfWSaBL4IAE1zV7bxoeOIoan9n5hmrypQCcvwl6gum4y-OFYLH1OijsyZ7y3fX-3YeBJALnxbMKrqXnjCMuPfbkQ8W63yIIf2I4JUPU7H7ft3wqZZxOiatUFjR9190uMjA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Move the apple mixture to a dish to cool slightly while you prepare the mini pie maker crust. NOTE: You can make the pies right away when you take the apples off the flame or you can put the apples in a sealed container and place in the refrigerator and make the pies later. Just know that you will need to heat up the portion of apples you put in the pie before actually baking in the pie maker if you want "warm" apple pie. The pie maker basically just cooks the crust around the filling, so if you take it out of the refrigerator and place it inside the crust in the cooker, the filling will not warm sufficiently.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3bfCOL9cKcbW5tQOmFfGYgtRiZZ31v334k_3VZJuOILBxGgVJQuUGf5Tu8vGuNf9LchKPgybe6aELY-QHf78zVTHoIXlPjFM4qe6agqjHdrNo1RFyF2OM1LVQ_VhqNa5uIZg8u_88XVBH1btDVtJZdkyI48GxXjleQ3MOvcpjtlXSM9KxgqrNA2-DnA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3bfCOL9cKcbW5tQOmFfGYgtRiZZ31v334k_3VZJuOILBxGgVJQuUGf5Tu8vGuNf9LchKPgybe6aELY-QHf78zVTHoIXlPjFM4qe6agqjHdrNo1RFyF2OM1LVQ_VhqNa5uIZg8u_88XVBH1btDVtJZdkyI48GxXjleQ3MOvcpjtlXSM9KxgqrNA2-DnA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I used these prepared pie crusts from Pillsbury. They are delicious and so easy to handle and they save a huge amount of time compared to making your own pie crust. I also picked up a box of phyllo dough. I think I'll give that a try in the coming weeks.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJuZQv4BKDQq5yb1G75yLqj9FvlYQY8FPctpQbHOuiTnoHxRddRn0fpPctEinwJ7xcFOaoCvQsyy9bp2oBaDvmv3x7v8dHSPgxI7fU9EKUCX-h05eUxHfdwgh9hLhg5zz10o4xvRnWVPQo0t9VS7bHSCQmam8o2hjMejMhxTwpK21k-td88-8aMJb-eA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgJuZQv4BKDQq5yb1G75yLqj9FvlYQY8FPctpQbHOuiTnoHxRddRn0fpPctEinwJ7xcFOaoCvQsyy9bp2oBaDvmv3x7v8dHSPgxI7fU9EKUCX-h05eUxHfdwgh9hLhg5zz10o4xvRnWVPQo0t9VS7bHSCQmam8o2hjMejMhxTwpK21k-td88-8aMJb-eA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The mini pie maker comes with this duo-sided rimg for cutting out your pie crust. One side is for the pie base, which goes in the bottom of the unit.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNnEYykbITLH8YY2cYigANP-_LhvspJcI38GndyqAz6Ga8fl_lC9Stc6PRohcNyN0xKth7ruUPd6VGizHeNzyUJNEcYMlF86VB0-McynerMqb9ETWbJKLK-VQz0HAJ8vLeZIdbYl2ojAz9BK76QEVtLpRnBev6jgYn8LeJJdpTTj1opOwwe_QDzwHYUw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhNnEYykbITLH8YY2cYigANP-_LhvspJcI38GndyqAz6Ga8fl_lC9Stc6PRohcNyN0xKth7ruUPd6VGizHeNzyUJNEcYMlF86VB0-McynerMqb9ETWbJKLK-VQz0HAJ8vLeZIdbYl2ojAz9BK76QEVtLpRnBev6jgYn8LeJJdpTTj1opOwwe_QDzwHYUw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The other side is for the pie top, which makes a smaller ring of dough that is placed on top of the pie base once it is filled.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsnaIhcoLpt35cALPgOAlejcHMOsX0bQyuh4lvhiMuDDRv6i4mMOBDVooFXz0yFxRQSl7bHX1zZCrMhmiZAiyba_Er0JSqrFVEnxdRifCX8P5XtbbivY27okFoM66gDN5U39R9jUSv3h20yEg6CaLd5gmpayqa39uVjv0aK2nYJrCEywzABmhCOD5rVg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhsnaIhcoLpt35cALPgOAlejcHMOsX0bQyuh4lvhiMuDDRv6i4mMOBDVooFXz0yFxRQSl7bHX1zZCrMhmiZAiyba_Er0JSqrFVEnxdRifCX8P5XtbbivY27okFoM66gDN5U39R9jUSv3h20yEg6CaLd5gmpayqa39uVjv0aK2nYJrCEywzABmhCOD5rVg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The dough comes wrapped in a waxed paper sleeve.</div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5OrEVGxnGC51BZLaJgVng1lQd4M3_L9sa6F4z0342knivEgfb_Kx31AH1tGhmKENWfnZVmF5L_QhE_MEsQKu3xfWwIcG5dffcq5gAof1g87PUJIbD606evr0Dt7P5AIMq3A50cihP7sQKarFXF4becbRmLQjr52YDinxTekyRVQ_mce6Q75MKpz0XBw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5OrEVGxnGC51BZLaJgVng1lQd4M3_L9sa6F4z0342knivEgfb_Kx31AH1tGhmKENWfnZVmF5L_QhE_MEsQKu3xfWwIcG5dffcq5gAof1g87PUJIbD606evr0Dt7P5AIMq3A50cihP7sQKarFXF4becbRmLQjr52YDinxTekyRVQ_mce6Q75MKpz0XBw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I decided to lay down a sheet of waxed paper and work with the dough on top of that rather than using the flour method. So much easier and so much less clean up. Oh, and let the dough come to room temperature before you start working with it. I did not and it was a bit of a challenge.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUd_cmSoc1N4flMvopTr1wH_ijJPzmkSnt9RMAjDdPtd_Pu7i2hEwi6uG2g6ZbzpWTMYiPu2R4hjdAwm0kjCllYYLgJFOsFmAf0P183xSTTLjKPjXmKe-3We2qN6XmRDNIGK4UIstyv2RI8URDHOEV7zP4yhmUUN84ZKgrMaOl2chYLwcr5KT03cMsdw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgUd_cmSoc1N4flMvopTr1wH_ijJPzmkSnt9RMAjDdPtd_Pu7i2hEwi6uG2g6ZbzpWTMYiPu2R4hjdAwm0kjCllYYLgJFOsFmAf0P183xSTTLjKPjXmKe-3We2qN6XmRDNIGK4UIstyv2RI8URDHOEV7zP4yhmUUN84ZKgrMaOl2chYLwcr5KT03cMsdw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here we have our two rounds cut from the dough, the larger for the bottom and smaller for the top.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6RFxSXze-tLYltJiJgg55eqiAF3K5pkA-uSO_2k73gQVrLiARfjJkPgxxDGCrGWS6_wEvEZVDCr-_yMKLqDeqipmYEhvjGCjcLVEbr1RTZT6YkuI66nn3epmlaPFBpOeGWje6uTrywDPtEMhkn0Wmjb6Cf7BdTV6OHe5hWbm-UqNf2h-Tj3mtIsnx7w=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6RFxSXze-tLYltJiJgg55eqiAF3K5pkA-uSO_2k73gQVrLiARfjJkPgxxDGCrGWS6_wEvEZVDCr-_yMKLqDeqipmYEhvjGCjcLVEbr1RTZT6YkuI66nn3epmlaPFBpOeGWje6uTrywDPtEMhkn0Wmjb6Cf7BdTV6OHe5hWbm-UqNf2h-Tj3mtIsnx7w=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Very ingenious design here. I've got to give it to Dash and their design team. The dough cutter for the bottom portion not only cuts the dough into a round, but it scores it at specific points so that you can fold it in and around making a bowl shape into which you place the filling. Very smart.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhhqYfTaX7BHxgNgk6ZX_1WaBFIolOrGT8iQ-LNd2Bd942qQbo12k_-pq9OzGWijFKNzukVgeUCWLbZWUGhmC2zjASVgIsxo2GeM4Ptm0WwQbQcZzcIMb82EslNDOSNzdLSANqmg0mKG7czPXXc4IHtWvcDDlVxP2vjoZCxOhDx8fA_Hlj45Y7fHlyoA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjhhqYfTaX7BHxgNgk6ZX_1WaBFIolOrGT8iQ-LNd2Bd942qQbo12k_-pq9OzGWijFKNzukVgeUCWLbZWUGhmC2zjASVgIsxo2GeM4Ptm0WwQbQcZzcIMb82EslNDOSNzdLSANqmg0mKG7czPXXc4IHtWvcDDlVxP2vjoZCxOhDx8fA_Hlj45Y7fHlyoA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Into the dough "bowl" with the apple filling. The recipe calls for one-half cup and that is just about right. I used maybe a little less than one-half cup and it was the perfect amount of apples.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdAVqWFzYzWdnrowr9kB611eoiDwgw_eRdqgdHOoLLhJUlu_kSVSvxy0k0VKehxzEB1GdDaVcojGEnvFeih6AJmYDb0l5pfumtbGPZrRQIN0ONB1feVjWmIPPZAeIDDu6a6p6I1FuzPJHQ95rtZqRMLWsax7kOnKmT5q3wk799LBuCzj39GChnbzFUIQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdAVqWFzYzWdnrowr9kB611eoiDwgw_eRdqgdHOoLLhJUlu_kSVSvxy0k0VKehxzEB1GdDaVcojGEnvFeih6AJmYDb0l5pfumtbGPZrRQIN0ONB1feVjWmIPPZAeIDDu6a6p6I1FuzPJHQ95rtZqRMLWsax7kOnKmT5q3wk799LBuCzj39GChnbzFUIQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">On with the top round of dough. I used a small cookie cutter in the shape of a rabbit head. Or maybe that is a chipmunk head. A squirrel. I don't know exactly but it was cute, so that's all that matters.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnx4vVvCauZkVACFzZgXMv9yz14J1kZcyAq5_89NdpFlNP2drLvLz4Hv57j6G981aZb5SpwDDcel47WoZhTAYCtFELGv0ynA6RKgPw-CEW_zp1xkBw_WgmtsmOv2KHxW8lr2p378Qk0ULqZIjxxchPNDYcsjOE2pb_GNDNf-7FdkqFHPgDweuIIf0sBQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnx4vVvCauZkVACFzZgXMv9yz14J1kZcyAq5_89NdpFlNP2drLvLz4Hv57j6G981aZb5SpwDDcel47WoZhTAYCtFELGv0ynA6RKgPw-CEW_zp1xkBw_WgmtsmOv2KHxW8lr2p378Qk0ULqZIjxxchPNDYcsjOE2pb_GNDNf-7FdkqFHPgDweuIIf0sBQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Closed the top and four minutes later I had a mini apple pie.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Xq6hPuKsZ5ASvLI5hO-Z1jdCrOQPsxHNtp1SaTPzGERjpqqV1XI6kw9wcIT04XhmovR569ArI6SpQtAK3A7o8b_3DdU6x_YJrdfZ1pvTK3-J2MVKX-3WBQm6zmYEzUB3zozOG6kQy8zJvlteGTqp0TwgwvjTQcmSd2IP2fIm3n8_78hT-ORQAng3Wg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh5Xq6hPuKsZ5ASvLI5hO-Z1jdCrOQPsxHNtp1SaTPzGERjpqqV1XI6kw9wcIT04XhmovR569ArI6SpQtAK3A7o8b_3DdU6x_YJrdfZ1pvTK3-J2MVKX-3WBQm6zmYEzUB3zozOG6kQy8zJvlteGTqp0TwgwvjTQcmSd2IP2fIm3n8_78hT-ORQAng3Wg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A side view so you can see that the two pieces of dough sealed nicely. I would add a little bit of water around the top of the bottom portion of dough before placing the top section on next time. That will help the two sections bond even tighter together.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3pMND8E8ubrvHWvp2_bjnM0pgHrhpTTyP49KPcmGpCCiSlvZk6FAmHMP9FD2hphM6HlhoQb75v6RpO_q6MNYzJsoOJ-kiSpCfio2U_yCIfWKfgddoEpYtIc9G60BW2gYmRqAm3pbHO9R3ZzETdZd4ZXFw_2y6Ls1hxeHkXhfGiiFBVNlwYvTdzfXaTQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi3pMND8E8ubrvHWvp2_bjnM0pgHrhpTTyP49KPcmGpCCiSlvZk6FAmHMP9FD2hphM6HlhoQb75v6RpO_q6MNYzJsoOJ-kiSpCfio2U_yCIfWKfgddoEpYtIc9G60BW2gYmRqAm3pbHO9R3ZzETdZd4ZXFw_2y6Ls1hxeHkXhfGiiFBVNlwYvTdzfXaTQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">A scoop of vanilla ice cream and a generous sprinkling of cinnamon sugar, and you have a lovely treat for yourself or for guests.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLap-hR3ZsawpSF6nccZs-AtkxHjvja3F1GiPtDwFf6lXbZqM_EGg-44Tt2EUYx22QjLMbmT-A6VYVV2IA80kfAnIwd6HYIWfuQ1DmFsh8zg6C8zoacOiUF0fl1hZVxpspWMZacfISvVJ7bHH7lW0ufRUNxupPCfMEN2g7xlT1gT8MIMzeth5nQLWnnw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhLap-hR3ZsawpSF6nccZs-AtkxHjvja3F1GiPtDwFf6lXbZqM_EGg-44Tt2EUYx22QjLMbmT-A6VYVV2IA80kfAnIwd6HYIWfuQ1DmFsh8zg6C8zoacOiUF0fl1hZVxpspWMZacfISvVJ7bHH7lW0ufRUNxupPCfMEN2g7xlT1gT8MIMzeth5nQLWnnw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">My first bite. This was really delicious and a cute presentation. The apple filling recipe will give you enough filling for four to five pies. As I said, you can make the filling ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but you will need to warm it up before assembling everything for the pie maker. Otherwise you will have a wonderful warm pie crust, but cold filling. Of course, that might be how you prefer it and if so, then go that route. This is a handy little appliance that I think I will have fun with over the years. If I was having guests, I would likely make these ahead of time, maybe the day before and keep them in the refrigerator and then heat them on low in my steam oven just before serving. A slice of room temperature cheddar cheese on the place would be nice also. I would leave off the cinnamon sugar if you add the cheddar cheese.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">So my advice is, if you are so inspired, pick up one of these little pie makers. I enjoyed experimenting with it and I will use it in the future. There are additional recipes in the booklet that I would like to try.</div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-36104824458276560732022-03-14T13:56:00.000-04:002022-03-14T13:56:02.855-04:00A Funny Thing Happened on the way to the Egg Cooker<p>I have had this Krups egg cooker for more years that I can remember. It is perfect for making hard cooked eggs. It can also make medium and soft cooked eggs but I have never used it for either of those purposes because I do not eat medium or soft cooked eggs. I use it primarily to make hard cooked eggs to add to a green salad or for a wonderful egg salad filling for sandwiches or to hard cook eggs for deviled eggs. I like to keep hard cooked eggs in the refrigerator for a snack. Sometimes a hard cooked egg will be a satisfying treat that will keep my hand out of a bag of chips.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg4PIeiImJJZjTApf-5TNMzL2sVDTbhgGf87-oPtTOoUI29biVUDSwaPhYRtQPXBbifcQI6xRN_JEBlVGpXwaTvsye6CmdDFI2gpBSKJhzy_Y-36eaI_Z8IDrj-q8WBt_frGX0JySYwVFwmIST51kSXCCQjxBdjKJhVYMfiRO7jRivZxbwAoT4LW7BNw=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjg4PIeiImJJZjTApf-5TNMzL2sVDTbhgGf87-oPtTOoUI29biVUDSwaPhYRtQPXBbifcQI6xRN_JEBlVGpXwaTvsye6CmdDFI2gpBSKJhzy_Y-36eaI_Z8IDrj-q8WBt_frGX0JySYwVFwmIST51kSXCCQjxBdjKJhVYMfiRO7jRivZxbwAoT4LW7BNw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>So here is the unit. Compact and efficient in design and an overall good quality appliance from Krups.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU2EwT1_SGkyWs75PLlVXdP3HEt0bTlIsxE-FCzwghaKk8jb-XhoE7glImrp6pf01XoWQyRl0l2ySKMseNm7gLlc-S010CJ8qJfjCyxGiLfVtRgaPNzVeYLUrowerG3_G_JXFc-mDWBXQ4LIMm5GgyrDZIjGy4seof2Qk4wkn2fdxvdRqfqNBzSkr6Mg=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU2EwT1_SGkyWs75PLlVXdP3HEt0bTlIsxE-FCzwghaKk8jb-XhoE7glImrp6pf01XoWQyRl0l2ySKMseNm7gLlc-S010CJ8qJfjCyxGiLfVtRgaPNzVeYLUrowerG3_G_JXFc-mDWBXQ4LIMm5GgyrDZIjGy4seof2Qk4wkn2fdxvdRqfqNBzSkr6Mg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here is the control panel. Center is off, of course, Left is, ... well, ... who knows. And right is, ... well, ... who knows. I could never remember which way to turn the button when I was cooking eggs. One setting is to cook the eggs and the other setting is to keep them warm, although, I don't know why you would want to keep them warm. Once they are cooked to your liking, wouldn't you serve them or put them away in the refrigerator until later. Who knows. So every time I would use this I would have to log on to a website to be reminded which setting was correct for cooking the eggs.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgICIW_TrAcJRcHl7AUBx1FJJ23UOKG0LbD1HRPtwMuATi4TQ2yd8DGV7kBCKxDD0bbWl5s8pZz5b6B46ghlbtt8xbp0NCvueh5Mb5gEke_Dy1QejU2gZdM1kVRL9B_Ys7YqS9ZVQ3M_OgSFAnkG28a_KTI4Ufz7Nt_Stj580pk0FplerD6xHDt5tYr1A=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgICIW_TrAcJRcHl7AUBx1FJJ23UOKG0LbD1HRPtwMuATi4TQ2yd8DGV7kBCKxDD0bbWl5s8pZz5b6B46ghlbtt8xbp0NCvueh5Mb5gEke_Dy1QejU2gZdM1kVRL9B_Ys7YqS9ZVQ3M_OgSFAnkG28a_KTI4Ufz7Nt_Stj580pk0FplerD6xHDt5tYr1A=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br />I found this set of Post-it flags in my desk and I thought I could use them in an unconventional way to help my poor old brain remember which setting to use when using the egg cooker.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmxQxFBG91XPCnBQjrUfP2v-bYY4xtVqLNnDK_7hLEldOsgo42jhp_TlyiFEHESRJt6snumX16IAKiLRZMvjamqBYrzHjpUVTULqMdgnhqZ6yB4uliQzRaltenMC-svsf5Dgshbzj-ys3KG5dIYQHhm0f3FNXY7OfaIm-6dt7bPd9Pg0ADSHqwnDlIWA=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmxQxFBG91XPCnBQjrUfP2v-bYY4xtVqLNnDK_7hLEldOsgo42jhp_TlyiFEHESRJt6snumX16IAKiLRZMvjamqBYrzHjpUVTULqMdgnhqZ6yB4uliQzRaltenMC-svsf5Dgshbzj-ys3KG5dIYQHhm0f3FNXY7OfaIm-6dt7bPd9Pg0ADSHqwnDlIWA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>I placed one of the flags next to the setting used to cook, but this did not really grab me. This would certainly work, but it was a bad look.</p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6_GwhS2Bk7__pWu8K09dMzGFeAnXGIhn__dqbfaQmJzvppBgHvwCnoB9Eo_XBs3fvNnX_3f5xiYmYrDdQftiddwIiJeR8lVuoaOPefaDsFbRFlB53yqDg1WjFE3JfBzJ5hhPcd_H4kdCL4WQOu7RqTlIzDXTBFyF7kYEsCiej3JWMOF9cpjdlwiOrCw=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg6_GwhS2Bk7__pWu8K09dMzGFeAnXGIhn__dqbfaQmJzvppBgHvwCnoB9Eo_XBs3fvNnX_3f5xiYmYrDdQftiddwIiJeR8lVuoaOPefaDsFbRFlB53yqDg1WjFE3JfBzJ5hhPcd_H4kdCL4WQOu7RqTlIzDXTBFyF7kYEsCiej3JWMOF9cpjdlwiOrCw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br />I found my "one hole punch" and punched a green dot out of the Post-it flag. Unfortunately, the colored parts of these little page flags have no adhesive so I had to find a way to get it to adhere to the unit.<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi14HdmizDrvB0HHkc9GdyeSbGPCA9-H44-6LT-mXdRPgOYkGCmLBMBAETr795rPzpgePxgjhUiG_qv1y6FbV6IJC-UCe34VmmYRn4DvbM3JjjEQ2_X9QpwqcghDJ2ElsjxuijBxhtZ-cdZceSKv29HbnU967KwL-FytBMuEJAofnRB-5CsWkrVMS08sg=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi14HdmizDrvB0HHkc9GdyeSbGPCA9-H44-6LT-mXdRPgOYkGCmLBMBAETr795rPzpgePxgjhUiG_qv1y6FbV6IJC-UCe34VmmYRn4DvbM3JjjEQ2_X9QpwqcghDJ2ElsjxuijBxhtZ-cdZceSKv29HbnU967KwL-FytBMuEJAofnRB-5CsWkrVMS08sg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>So I used a can of spray adhesive and sprayed one side of the green dot I punched out then applied the dot to the side of the cooker next to the cooking setting.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkX9-H71Y9I1Yyxy-FO4JqDFHbSLg6FpnZvFw_DQhMUHDP9mrtg8-x2hiWcgIZHMHyvvEAfcu0N560XJoXzIN2ETthAOYx5gGF6qbN7dWXU2GG01noA3Z0WmutTq-cMtvbtLhSje-wu3iHGkjPHHc2OUhFWXG2MeUIWwjDm_dIZVXcXLRyKIV7Myl8KQ=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjkX9-H71Y9I1Yyxy-FO4JqDFHbSLg6FpnZvFw_DQhMUHDP9mrtg8-x2hiWcgIZHMHyvvEAfcu0N560XJoXzIN2ETthAOYx5gGF6qbN7dWXU2GG01noA3Z0WmutTq-cMtvbtLhSje-wu3iHGkjPHHc2OUhFWXG2MeUIWwjDm_dIZVXcXLRyKIV7Myl8KQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>Now, when it's time to use the egg cooker, I know which setting to use to cook my eggs.</p><p>This may seem like a silly post, but believe me, the day will come in your life when you will not be able to remember which setting is the "cooking" setting on your egg cooker and you'll be glad you read this post when that day arrives.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-88140688421014382132022-02-15T14:05:00.000-05:002022-02-15T14:05:29.472-05:00A Little More Kitchen Organizing<p>I picked up a couple more of these wonderful air-lock storage containers for the kitchen.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh5QOwN9ynLGg8KN3Auhe-zMyFn-9inpsNFN5wah24bWtTC5kjR_tXQnDzAn1njN0kv1rWTUF_u4TE4LunjdkMU1Xq7pJS5GihGJkZzj2RaJ9t5CbHET8bGkTYMLwt1XolhFYNtD68y-BUj4MU-1wBhadfWRW5HFpxx_pFH9_3qpwB_2Km28DsXFNbcQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjh5QOwN9ynLGg8KN3Auhe-zMyFn-9inpsNFN5wah24bWtTC5kjR_tXQnDzAn1njN0kv1rWTUF_u4TE4LunjdkMU1Xq7pJS5GihGJkZzj2RaJ9t5CbHET8bGkTYMLwt1XolhFYNtD68y-BUj4MU-1wBhadfWRW5HFpxx_pFH9_3qpwB_2Km28DsXFNbcQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>I found these at Marshall's. When you see something in Marshall's or TJ Maxx or HomeGoods you need to buy it the day you see it because it may not be there tomorrow. Since there were just these two on the shelf, I bought them both.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLuq4-tflJ2EVH_MGl1-1ohb6IFlDNeH5wlOGTmm1kFJDQ1SuWDJJlwC5-oDMFolXAzyhe6LIZnGv3btjDqd9nrm1-t1qgU8_N9LS4GhkGU5_YzlCn6CdRMfeKQ7yC92ZEmHfxk5CnMmTrQHbFjihYpvTDGl9rdJDsFo9yTTI_6OA7QnMw-MbGNOUbGw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiLuq4-tflJ2EVH_MGl1-1ohb6IFlDNeH5wlOGTmm1kFJDQ1SuWDJJlwC5-oDMFolXAzyhe6LIZnGv3btjDqd9nrm1-t1qgU8_N9LS4GhkGU5_YzlCn6CdRMfeKQ7yC92ZEmHfxk5CnMmTrQHbFjihYpvTDGl9rdJDsFo9yTTI_6OA7QnMw-MbGNOUbGw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>I am assuming that, since these are both what could be considered an "odd size", they did not sell at their previous retail location so they were bought in bulk on a pallet of other kitchen items and carted off to Marshall's. That's fine with me. I don't really care where I find them, as long as I find them. And if I can buy them for a better price at Marshall's, all the better.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJObr-UpTFSzigzFU_7vtGaQXKi5fub0eSz-vMxEeZsptFtSPNPYmwGUR8z-G3hBlpwgVij0kE9mDjqqqh2yIxJq9hn5Nn8JfZdvlHOvVM842_XWbz4mVxTA5_kZ3NUbLyG9cEmUL_EltIwKZa8ibTmY4mmYtt-W6bXJbeLE_l0qFvRUIxkusriZSPjQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjJObr-UpTFSzigzFU_7vtGaQXKi5fub0eSz-vMxEeZsptFtSPNPYmwGUR8z-G3hBlpwgVij0kE9mDjqqqh2yIxJq9hn5Nn8JfZdvlHOvVM842_XWbz4mVxTA5_kZ3NUbLyG9cEmUL_EltIwKZa8ibTmY4mmYtt-W6bXJbeLE_l0qFvRUIxkusriZSPjQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>I used the shorter of the two to store swizzle sticks for cocktails.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0slXxS3n_mbjRYuyLjWY32P4MbMI5jnvTW8FNOUFPEJB_QA1KqjVvysJiUxLheHX-K3P3FJT55cv6pdeFxA50P2Oc6oj6TAWeX4IEsvIk09hbXAAB2yInlek2g5uA8Yy7dIf3mUEnWCULj7RCd96gaMtO47ITzuPe9GEgOzdaYAboe8xHkZXbyiLJQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu0slXxS3n_mbjRYuyLjWY32P4MbMI5jnvTW8FNOUFPEJB_QA1KqjVvysJiUxLheHX-K3P3FJT55cv6pdeFxA50P2Oc6oj6TAWeX4IEsvIk09hbXAAB2yInlek2g5uA8Yy7dIf3mUEnWCULj7RCd96gaMtO47ITzuPe9GEgOzdaYAboe8xHkZXbyiLJQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>As you can see above, the container is the perfect length for these. I could not have chosen a more perfect size.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmIuC9xlyzGn_VS5EDgZAHWkj-jnJOwvsK3ydQujTvLDjDe_jTN_Cg3dCP6kGI2Ro-d3IJxP6OVYP_pdHrDHAzY8gUsyqJ7eM-Dd7tTdKBtoj4D7ydIONKHKT5HzmieFAwMECtIiKk_Fm78998p24rywW5kvwpa3EUb-adfDNuVQPQCxJsNEEUO_Rhzw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgmIuC9xlyzGn_VS5EDgZAHWkj-jnJOwvsK3ydQujTvLDjDe_jTN_Cg3dCP6kGI2Ro-d3IJxP6OVYP_pdHrDHAzY8gUsyqJ7eM-Dd7tTdKBtoj4D7ydIONKHKT5HzmieFAwMECtIiKk_Fm78998p24rywW5kvwpa3EUb-adfDNuVQPQCxJsNEEUO_Rhzw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>The taller of the two will reside in this cabinet with the containers of coffee that we discussed just recently in a separate post. For right now, it will be hazelnut creamer.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3oFFf8Mkj35nHQZapPtSjLq9QnJjv9CHFx88GIAkgTNOjLZ6JyJhLXbugQGdWa0TNNyLmxmHQqgxzQ5ydqnYHcsIvz3szPxNitYwdWVVFfPyB9DppD3keB-CKIQhkDfruuFSfHkG3Mn7YvTHOWI-gczsAluhyKDS6NwjlOdCDQEwKdGoapX0e1yDPfw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh3oFFf8Mkj35nHQZapPtSjLq9QnJjv9CHFx88GIAkgTNOjLZ6JyJhLXbugQGdWa0TNNyLmxmHQqgxzQ5ydqnYHcsIvz3szPxNitYwdWVVFfPyB9DppD3keB-CKIQhkDfruuFSfHkG3Mn7YvTHOWI-gczsAluhyKDS6NwjlOdCDQEwKdGoapX0e1yDPfw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>This container will easily hold two of these 11 ounce to 15 ounce containers of creamer in your choice of flavor, or just plain.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_n1hGAEZ7K09-Mpi96vXFcGPAJfU_GSm7J31uOWLmJ8GdEFmLITdW9ED0biiTyw24LGtU1f3MkOoSzES1b_WBg1JnlnHkQk8J3t5Bxi2TPH9bPLTg-1ZaE_0PkYtdhHqpLMKAh5zgN805HY4Qf1-gj2fK4KYrSTmAMo1RdA9fZExfGX5tZO13iJLAVA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh_n1hGAEZ7K09-Mpi96vXFcGPAJfU_GSm7J31uOWLmJ8GdEFmLITdW9ED0biiTyw24LGtU1f3MkOoSzES1b_WBg1JnlnHkQk8J3t5Bxi2TPH9bPLTg-1ZaE_0PkYtdhHqpLMKAh5zgN805HY4Qf1-gj2fK4KYrSTmAMo1RdA9fZExfGX5tZO13iJLAVA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>While I was at it with the NiimBot labeler, I decided to label this container in the refrigerator.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU3Dx98kpH7rx2-xVSdX3jGDViJrJ4mEN9hd5U1WsEC6Uu2Tu_QHjx9o1LLF6JAIzG619E2RW4nHc3X0o0HFZdFXrrJkiMFm0vcC-s7Tk-juZzodyJpwitz5Ny3hRSgl68L_-DBCNYkPQfyj3EhRgJcPgH86QRLNGmdTtOhbfZgL_hNRPuulsmdirifQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgU3Dx98kpH7rx2-xVSdX3jGDViJrJ4mEN9hd5U1WsEC6Uu2Tu_QHjx9o1LLF6JAIzG619E2RW4nHc3X0o0HFZdFXrrJkiMFm0vcC-s7Tk-juZzodyJpwitz5Ny3hRSgl68L_-DBCNYkPQfyj3EhRgJcPgH86QRLNGmdTtOhbfZgL_hNRPuulsmdirifQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>I really like these Clio yogurt bars. I recently bought a box of vanilla flavored and strawberry flavored. They are a delicious snack without a lot of calories or carbs. If you want something a little sweet but that is also good for you, these Clio yogurt bars are just the thing.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCs9DSXFBz1YbQolhNIXCQuVqye7EsKZnqVnB-xnGkrF96LGktkDPx8czudGF8DfBXEhZm0WyuVaIHcSryvY70cZ6TQO3BuxS0K9xdPnzhe6Ox8lfK1Qq9Q0rjQJQNFkVRnOYZ5POj0X1W7R6aAXr0-qAtpHTKgbtWtWo-2DC2TuJJQe1trdRv34VWgg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiCs9DSXFBz1YbQolhNIXCQuVqye7EsKZnqVnB-xnGkrF96LGktkDPx8czudGF8DfBXEhZm0WyuVaIHcSryvY70cZ6TQO3BuxS0K9xdPnzhe6Ox8lfK1Qq9Q0rjQJQNFkVRnOYZ5POj0X1W7R6aAXr0-qAtpHTKgbtWtWo-2DC2TuJJQe1trdRv34VWgg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>Apartment living means making use of every inch of space you have and that includes in the refrigerator. This container is actually designed to hold fruit or vegetables but since it was not holding either at the time, I thought it the perfect place to place the Clio bars.</p><p>So I had a productive day in the kitchen. I put a couple of new storage containers to good use and I got some labeling done so I know what I have. You always feel better when you are organized.</p>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8172565619177490209.post-11551571982295841452022-02-09T08:53:00.003-05:002022-02-09T08:53:50.120-05:00 Erdbeeren und Blaubeeren (Strawberries and Blueberries)<p>Who doesn't love strawberries? Who doesn't love blueberries. They are both delicious on their own, but combined, they are a taste sensation. And let's not forget they are also good for the body. Strawberries, packed with fiber, potassium, folate and antioxidants are a delicious addition to any diet. Blueberries, likewise, low in calories and full of fiber, Vitamin C and Vitamin K, are classified a "superfood". How could you go wrong enjoying a single serving of either of these luscious berries. But just imagine the two of them together in a delightful fruit salad, perfect for the morning meal or any time of day. </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUZov1U8hbYna0WiTy-Luy_P1oCJqtRJPeyExIEYH91k5C7LTq9yIMnhQPT9k6zC0hpcn8AsJ5-DUu5z-Kexa46sI9w9xKRJt4jboSE7pUxrYaAW85H718Bn06Gt9HQTA7JZma9mJgcxdKMdQ4iEKCtdbIq32QIsek2j5cEtfK_qSc-WkMHtWfQrKYgw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiUZov1U8hbYna0WiTy-Luy_P1oCJqtRJPeyExIEYH91k5C7LTq9yIMnhQPT9k6zC0hpcn8AsJ5-DUu5z-Kexa46sI9w9xKRJt4jboSE7pUxrYaAW85H718Bn06Gt9HQTA7JZma9mJgcxdKMdQ4iEKCtdbIq32QIsek2j5cEtfK_qSc-WkMHtWfQrKYgw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div>This was our finished fruit salad inside a glass storage bowl and ready to be placed in the refrigerator. I store this salad in the refrigerator, however, I rather prefer it at room temperature.</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOIRS7UR8IGgizOL9DMN4loQii4OFLQoaGOzlhyvI4AbnEzx-tPhhH2P0lPigw8hTEZcCuOXVxbC6Q4bpOU49FuJuECDHeG-fubJVDOSd-1hIMy8wCle2X-sQ5ouz4cmvoljotj-XZsZNuDHS0rr2CGfo8YeUbarTa5BXulaP0lDECrv8_rOOv4HdSLA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhOIRS7UR8IGgizOL9DMN4loQii4OFLQoaGOzlhyvI4AbnEzx-tPhhH2P0lPigw8hTEZcCuOXVxbC6Q4bpOU49FuJuECDHeG-fubJVDOSd-1hIMy8wCle2X-sQ5ouz4cmvoljotj-XZsZNuDHS0rr2CGfo8YeUbarTa5BXulaP0lDECrv8_rOOv4HdSLA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>We started with a 32 ounce package of fresh strawberries in the colander and added one dry pint of blueberries.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPG9p2rmNzSbycQe0P8IqaYmBg7Zldzi_30Gc0OiimqTIEJx0e3BhmdxKP_yQzNhoN5vc2YOUQQQ_wT7cghTFko_G7xQUfTtu2OWBPALIT4YB5Btl_XldBb4ZjUVTOUtBAtuU_o3d6OXAX-rbLSAUB3kd8cprXWon_O4vHaOK9GqZtMqchIvZcs8GE-A=s4000" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiPG9p2rmNzSbycQe0P8IqaYmBg7Zldzi_30Gc0OiimqTIEJx0e3BhmdxKP_yQzNhoN5vc2YOUQQQ_wT7cghTFko_G7xQUfTtu2OWBPALIT4YB5Btl_XldBb4ZjUVTOUtBAtuU_o3d6OXAX-rbLSAUB3kd8cprXWon_O4vHaOK9GqZtMqchIvZcs8GE-A=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>The label on this little clamshell container states, "NET WT 1 DRY PINT". I looked this up and, according to a source on the web, one U.S. Dry Pint equals 18.62 ounces, or 2.325 cups. Just FYI.</p><p> <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxwcfrdtoWaDZcS5er_PzxOYtw-PBLBm3BdfkolPEY5Ji27hN9csHdkk-mrhRlokSk6bace-Rlplkpf97rUJQQjytE10pfd_Wg2VKkYx9H_OrBGT_ibnutBEPn-fVxZ2kPqI75_1emyzlT25pRrmFSq--mAOeoMl8p355P7GX7_2kzrm3KAh_WzJTVg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiGxwcfrdtoWaDZcS5er_PzxOYtw-PBLBm3BdfkolPEY5Ji27hN9csHdkk-mrhRlokSk6bace-Rlplkpf97rUJQQjytE10pfd_Wg2VKkYx9H_OrBGT_ibnutBEPn-fVxZ2kPqI75_1emyzlT25pRrmFSq--mAOeoMl8p355P7GX7_2kzrm3KAh_WzJTVg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></p><p>It's a good idea to clean the berries before you start your assembly. You never know. They could be completely clean and ready to eat, but why take the chance. I spray them thoroughly with this solution I bought at World Market, then give them a vigorous rinse while in the colander to remove any contaminants.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeTuuNtvs2Cq6ZZOn5l3owMqPA8xtgPngk51UxL7AXEloju3PBxdWqgVgS7yZ_mXsIjvPXR05n3d0g2ZRGb5XR0af2h4L3eYfbIQJF7xHd5PsyeXeoZ6AQ4CDYAbSwmdD63nbR9DWOX8AZXRHgsjCQxMwHtEPhKyMKj00WNEs-L5_MNPGSoYoApsphcA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgeTuuNtvs2Cq6ZZOn5l3owMqPA8xtgPngk51UxL7AXEloju3PBxdWqgVgS7yZ_mXsIjvPXR05n3d0g2ZRGb5XR0af2h4L3eYfbIQJF7xHd5PsyeXeoZ6AQ4CDYAbSwmdD63nbR9DWOX8AZXRHgsjCQxMwHtEPhKyMKj00WNEs-L5_MNPGSoYoApsphcA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><p>Here they are with the fruit and veggie spray applied. I don't let them sit for very long. Maybe 30 seconds. Then a good rinse.</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCbELKl3XPLn8QfPt8tmaiMGoJgB9FmJJqjL5HEl67JsCP0vS49KJ41Xcg6_K_EklLjAmjwHF40niMVaaO1MHQsiorEQJTc8Rk5vaGNZdi6tBYps5wHS4tOQnYnd7V_rXysP6-ZZcs9kbFQhU-5ut4yG-9liB6JHKpZuVi8rd1Me-JTkQM36DbZzHrA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLCbELKl3XPLn8QfPt8tmaiMGoJgB9FmJJqjL5HEl67JsCP0vS49KJ41Xcg6_K_EklLjAmjwHF40niMVaaO1MHQsiorEQJTc8Rk5vaGNZdi6tBYps5wHS4tOQnYnd7V_rXysP6-ZZcs9kbFQhU-5ut4yG-9liB6JHKpZuVi8rd1Me-JTkQM36DbZzHrA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Once they are all cleaned up, I remove the green leafy stem end from the strawberries and slice them in half. This is easily done with a paring knife. You do not need to invest in some fancy "strawberry huller" or "stem extractor" or anything like that. A paring knife will work just perfectly.</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKORQCr8_mxpztXoBXIMnGcAqpvMQ7OStctGQs51iOlyzD6asNcSfrc11tWXIKIm3sq0S4ReP9tjz7U9ueHDXX9wPODlfD9YClXzc5Xl0jz6Bee3Vou6FoE0HPnoks_xNYl1LZNFlJvzECEQ6Op0d5NmNunU9pHSIMTvSDCu7haCyavGLyG8rnlbFl8Q=s640" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="259" data-original-width="640" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhKORQCr8_mxpztXoBXIMnGcAqpvMQ7OStctGQs51iOlyzD6asNcSfrc11tWXIKIm3sq0S4ReP9tjz7U9ueHDXX9wPODlfD9YClXzc5Xl0jz6Bee3Vou6FoE0HPnoks_xNYl1LZNFlJvzECEQ6Op0d5NmNunU9pHSIMTvSDCu7haCyavGLyG8rnlbFl8Q=w640-h260" width="640" /></a></div><div>If you are just starting to work in the kitchen, this is a paring knife. One of the most useful tools in your kitchen. These knives have about a 4" blade. Sometimes the blade is curved, but generally, what you see in the picture above is what is considered a standard paring knife.</div></div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4PwKAZyu8da2AU8UPPMAGAuDK-K5tP7E4AIXqkkHt2RW-d8HUYotJEZxPsqso5iyk_KC2iTPRnXBcaLfYszmByfZ9ef72QHgWwZ-rCDJcLkGwn1Iv-_9AdOdcJ3qxHibgITFQJYRLYHBhiJ812sMYd0MZN_aggBXmhAtI9bxdyLsh4RYFYpArJgP1fQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi4PwKAZyu8da2AU8UPPMAGAuDK-K5tP7E4AIXqkkHt2RW-d8HUYotJEZxPsqso5iyk_KC2iTPRnXBcaLfYszmByfZ9ef72QHgWwZ-rCDJcLkGwn1Iv-_9AdOdcJ3qxHibgITFQJYRLYHBhiJ812sMYd0MZN_aggBXmhAtI9bxdyLsh4RYFYpArJgP1fQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are our berries, cleaned, strawberries sliced and combined in a bowl for the final step.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiujLNXJV9BJuWkQU2cQW-84_1kIwAe04q7JsTLXOXmR6nL6NMNDiiSN2Fye2Zq4vRIR4DpOKpLD-788zLU1dFv345ZZZKOZ62Jls06vqE-o7fbd5PY5675vbdAZjZST2l6VUSl4XqIYCHRVtDMSOYV1gI91ha9CYqRUj6-yTDbyYcu4uKbpWbIhFGhUA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiujLNXJV9BJuWkQU2cQW-84_1kIwAe04q7JsTLXOXmR6nL6NMNDiiSN2Fye2Zq4vRIR4DpOKpLD-788zLU1dFv345ZZZKOZ62Jls06vqE-o7fbd5PY5675vbdAZjZST2l6VUSl4XqIYCHRVtDMSOYV1gI91ha9CYqRUj6-yTDbyYcu4uKbpWbIhFGhUA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>First up, sugar. Just plain old white sugar. We will add two tablespoons of sugar to the bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnBZLn5G8t1ncqHJrI-8jDz6elQK1YtdbwAFdUjF6BadOsBwQQfDQVR6nzYFGoVvWlasd7KtD_1m0IaksDBqc7erUnYKiCrBRx4w9viWERlhJc8SONBI0IkCYtQdBBBDVy8VG5GQLzsJGoLGggTO3Rdw658WjQwloJiSUmnaQ2fhT-laKchojDZySYdg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgnBZLn5G8t1ncqHJrI-8jDz6elQK1YtdbwAFdUjF6BadOsBwQQfDQVR6nzYFGoVvWlasd7KtD_1m0IaksDBqc7erUnYKiCrBRx4w9viWERlhJc8SONBI0IkCYtQdBBBDVy8VG5GQLzsJGoLGggTO3Rdw658WjQwloJiSUmnaQ2fhT-laKchojDZySYdg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Our berries with the sugar added.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsIGlVhtPuaehUHdSTU28Ou7jOfGDrXpXK3XyNGMQJF4sSORMl3fUAmlECZ0Gsa92P4oQvfSFkLYzIkzO-SNejU9mjzE2Al1jwd_kXq7tiWM-QIC8XzP0bNyXheOBUpW4DyUXxsZDWr8m6DwHsuUdOO9PnbiLUNko2pVxkDzPQQX7eppo8f_GaabSFUQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsIGlVhtPuaehUHdSTU28Ou7jOfGDrXpXK3XyNGMQJF4sSORMl3fUAmlECZ0Gsa92P4oQvfSFkLYzIkzO-SNejU9mjzE2Al1jwd_kXq7tiWM-QIC8XzP0bNyXheOBUpW4DyUXxsZDWr8m6DwHsuUdOO9PnbiLUNko2pVxkDzPQQX7eppo8f_GaabSFUQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Next ingredient, Balsamic vinegar. You may not think this would work, but it does. The sweetness of the sugar paired with the tangy bitterness of the vinegar is a great combination.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPitPYt8n70pFEALF80aPCyL9jK_D8V_MHdoRHgTUyXU9VB71A0-SMdauuIAi6oudKYnq1cTPSvYqRDwaqU18JkbjLX6cAxtOQFSqUOUEDRI0cJKK6p2oBMYhP38PpH_TpiFNKnFMayBzc1qW06bVz_Whtb3tS_oyx1vwCtiQ2Y2qUuLThlHq17aKAYA=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPitPYt8n70pFEALF80aPCyL9jK_D8V_MHdoRHgTUyXU9VB71A0-SMdauuIAi6oudKYnq1cTPSvYqRDwaqU18JkbjLX6cAxtOQFSqUOUEDRI0cJKK6p2oBMYhP38PpH_TpiFNKnFMayBzc1qW06bVz_Whtb3tS_oyx1vwCtiQ2Y2qUuLThlHq17aKAYA=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>In with two tablespoons of the Balsamic vinegar.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpjXzkAK4u2hhIGrQo9v2JVAxhYtYVjjJg_4WSBDyPDncnCFpgZcaZT-sVwpoH0RZPyRsAzXEbWA5mLyRJQwbhfUt-2VqwxGubz3HVDJQkZjx0bbqWSXvc4A4CkJAp71pWnQu9gXwMoAEMvBGVP93YlWiPt1wU5FdiuPbgdm3DSvFxWFkyc1TAHEPxyw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpjXzkAK4u2hhIGrQo9v2JVAxhYtYVjjJg_4WSBDyPDncnCFpgZcaZT-sVwpoH0RZPyRsAzXEbWA5mLyRJQwbhfUt-2VqwxGubz3HVDJQkZjx0bbqWSXvc4A4CkJAp71pWnQu9gXwMoAEMvBGVP93YlWiPt1wU5FdiuPbgdm3DSvFxWFkyc1TAHEPxyw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Here are our berries with the two main ingredients added. Now it is time to mix them together. I do not use a spoon or a spatula for this step.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1TdcvEp9EQeInT32a_3RS6VlNTF7PO27BfeJqPWi_gcEYzpZKZz3wJdKjkrkFbaSYwRvZBh4aIKYcdTPgpk-ITRM7Gl-6X1PHTMuiK_MMIgZhD4FWSGM7AVODWK5bc972Q7G5FJb9i5t-6cZQurfh5TYokPYt1CIdiqdrcOJ4oyggjZsf0VKO1Aietg=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh1TdcvEp9EQeInT32a_3RS6VlNTF7PO27BfeJqPWi_gcEYzpZKZz3wJdKjkrkFbaSYwRvZBh4aIKYcdTPgpk-ITRM7Gl-6X1PHTMuiK_MMIgZhD4FWSGM7AVODWK5bc972Q7G5FJb9i5t-6cZQurfh5TYokPYt1CIdiqdrcOJ4oyggjZsf0VKO1Aietg=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>You will need two large bowls for this process. I don't care if they are glass or copper or stainless steel - it doesn't matter. You just need to large bowls. Start with the fruit all in one bowl.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2iFq9SlIcFLTq5sXKkwz9_jqjqO_o19utAT_pseroFCWW31f7Ddstm4lgXQmNVFVV7tG3L24VKq3zsgevjXWu-tvTTPDrTKkkQOMstVGGpKiWMA-9RcNV0Iv2qJiT4M-ge3GC4FCcHzSDMlCPs1WAnTBBPYHpsj2Wt1J09VXETaOg3LTNNISMJGa2Iw=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj2iFq9SlIcFLTq5sXKkwz9_jqjqO_o19utAT_pseroFCWW31f7Ddstm4lgXQmNVFVV7tG3L24VKq3zsgevjXWu-tvTTPDrTKkkQOMstVGGpKiWMA-9RcNV0Iv2qJiT4M-ge3GC4FCcHzSDMlCPs1WAnTBBPYHpsj2Wt1J09VXETaOg3LTNNISMJGa2Iw=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Then pour the contents into the other large bowl. Then, from that bowl, back into the original bowl and so on and so on until the sugar and vinegar are thoroughly distributed throughout the berries. I usually do this back and forth between the two bowls no less than six times.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrB-6CIlfASQzeDMdcbsWBaqs5yVjaScQaF7j1IUMiHWSDvc5dVCr1yNIcVDsT1tZOR2ndkDm0BNSBJdI9oWeYl8Y1_pkgaW1Tr91LNL9LTsWHx7WK3L90vAG3P3sQrqunsR183tbJVvjkHl27wCyBCZ2ArfCa_ec0VO-UpT6g3zMyZ1rVefqA3z19yQ=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgrB-6CIlfASQzeDMdcbsWBaqs5yVjaScQaF7j1IUMiHWSDvc5dVCr1yNIcVDsT1tZOR2ndkDm0BNSBJdI9oWeYl8Y1_pkgaW1Tr91LNL9LTsWHx7WK3L90vAG3P3sQrqunsR183tbJVvjkHl27wCyBCZ2ArfCa_ec0VO-UpT6g3zMyZ1rVefqA3z19yQ=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /><div>Now that the fruit and the sugar and vinegar are all combined. transfer the mixture to a glass storage dish for keeping in the refrigerator.</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMNT71pQRMCO5n4JvYhlhJEiKKGvB3HrsuLtYfLSkN0NJW0RdcoKx-sV393Ca2-fGDwSX9qgNV_z0oA56tZGbaAgS3p1rquEmHy07Tb2R99BTiwHDuyoCQCXk8YcEp9DSnzRgAFj2DuzfA8s-OygVZ0JocNVp3u3iFOval_W2gmT7QyCO0ZlfBtlco2A=s4000" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="4000" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMNT71pQRMCO5n4JvYhlhJEiKKGvB3HrsuLtYfLSkN0NJW0RdcoKx-sV393Ca2-fGDwSX9qgNV_z0oA56tZGbaAgS3p1rquEmHy07Tb2R99BTiwHDuyoCQCXk8YcEp9DSnzRgAFj2DuzfA8s-OygVZ0JocNVp3u3iFOval_W2gmT7QyCO0ZlfBtlco2A=w640-h288" width="640" /></a></div><br /></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">If you are so inclined, you could add the zest of one lime to the mixture. Sometimes I do this, sometimes I do not. Depends on my mood the day I am making this. It is delicious either way.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7jlMX5XHk6RoLP_ouWv2WKQEmpGlJuH2YleDq0yGvCBiyCJn1JxMat2JSk11dzh2sPyH8Y1pXQZ3fZ1bh69L2qxKODv6AzUoCO-IhW0TJCGCEvGm12x3JUGjZucceM3rjY8v9B-NZWEn3udTwqopSnOSjUIGNhLrNg3Le-Is-icnF3NxRKz-oHTgDaw=s360" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="360" data-original-width="360" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi7jlMX5XHk6RoLP_ouWv2WKQEmpGlJuH2YleDq0yGvCBiyCJn1JxMat2JSk11dzh2sPyH8Y1pXQZ3fZ1bh69L2qxKODv6AzUoCO-IhW0TJCGCEvGm12x3JUGjZucceM3rjY8v9B-NZWEn3udTwqopSnOSjUIGNhLrNg3Le-Is-icnF3NxRKz-oHTgDaw=w400-h400" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Finally, there is one last ingredient I highly recommend and that is, . . . salt. Plain old everyday iodized salt. Before you place the berries in the refrigerator, give them a light sprinkling of salt. Then cover the container they are in and let them sit in the refrigerator for at least a couple hours. Take them out and let the temperature come up. Give them a stir and serve.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><br /><br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p></div>At Home with John Newmanhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10091623049856686893noreply@blogger.com0