Chicken Stock

Remember those Roasted Chickens?  They were very good.  Time to make the stock!!  Since I started making my own stock - I get raves on my soups.  This is photo heavy but very simple.

I dump what is left of the chicken bones into a pot filled with water.  I add chopped onion, carrots & celery.

I bring it to a boil - that is when that foam starts to appear on top.  I skim it all off.  Once this is done I drop it to a simmer and let it go ALL DAY.  Yes, all day.  8 hours minimum.  Keeping the cover on reduces the evaporation I prefer to keep it on. 

Foam...yuck

Now it is time to strain, strain, and strain again.  This part is not easy - it's HOT!

I discard all of the used up bones and veggies.  The nutrients are now in the stock.

And like magic - I get the most amazing golden nutritious stock.  

LOTS of stock!

This week we decided on Chicken Soup.  It has been getting cooler at night and the kids are loving it.   MMM mmm good!  (I just wish I had some fresh baked bread and butter to go with it!!)

Home Decor: Round Tray

I needed something to put on my new round coffee table.  Something to protect it, be functional and look pretty.

The solution was to find something round!  I popped into Home Goods and went looking for a large charger plate or low profile bowl.  I just did not see what I wanted.  Then in the clearance section I tripped on this horrendously ugly metal platter:

I mean it is not pretty.  But - it was the right size, low profile and I love that it is metal.  Then I flipped it over and saw the price.  For that  price - I could play with it! 

So I picked up some of THIS in Oil Rubbed Bronze
 

and one of these (Hello!  I love you!)  

Started spraying!

Nora keeping an eye on me

I realized... I should have primed this first.  So I added a few layers of this:

 The reason I like this product:

  Now - look how pretty it is.  And the bonus is - the texture of the paint splatters created texture on the tray.

Guess What!  I bought 2!!  I have one for the coffee table and I have one for my oval dining room table too!  

I like that I have a base now for my table decor for easy change ups.  I also added some felted stick on feet to keep my table from scratching.  

The moral of this post - don't pass by ugly things that are priced right - they could be perfect!!

Fabulous Friday: Summer Reading List

Kindles.

I swore I would never get a Kindle.  Why would I - I get all my books FREE at the library!

I now have a Kindle.  I LOVE my Kindle!  Why did I get a Kindle?

One reason: I am losing the fine print. I had to start wearing bifocal contact lenses.   Talk about feeling OLD!  With the Kindle I can increase the font size to a larger print.  It is a WIN for me!  Not to mention I read so much faster on it.  I also do not have to drive to the library anymore (but, yes I have to pay for books until Kindle releases their 'library software').

SO what am I reading on said Kindle you ask?

Nora Roberts:  Chasing Fire
I real all of Nora's books...


George RR Martin: Game of Thrones Series
  This is a BIG undertaking for me.  I am 48% into book 2: Clash of Kings.  I started watching this on HBO and was instantly drawn in.  Tyrion Lannister alone is worth the time invested.


Jodi Picoult:  The Pact
   I just finished The Pact.  It was my first Jodi Picoult book.  It was good... a little too good.  I found myself identifying with ALL the characters - I was a little emotionally exhausted by the end.    I won't spoil or share boring details but I would recommend it.  It was a fast read too.

Next up might be 'The Help' before the movie comes out but I am not sure.  What are YOU reading or plan too soon?  Leave me a comment!!

Infinity Scarf for Summer

What an HONOR!! My first FEATURE~  check it out HERE

Nothing says 'lets get sewing' like a shiny new box of pins.  Such a simple thing but it makes me happy!

I have made the Infinity Scarf from H is for Handmade before in a warm cozy flannel one.  Today, I decided I wanted a light and summery version.  I had this perfect pink and green voile fabric that was just right.  Who does not LOVE pink and green!!?!?


Ready, Set, SEW

Laying out the fabric for cutting.  NOTE: I highly recommend the full length of 63 inches as the tutorial suggests.  I only had 59 inches in this project.  Sometimes you have to go with what you have.

Elizabeth and I got right to work.  Sewing the long seam together.

Turned right side out - a long tube.

Sewing the ends together - making a 'loop'.

Yes, I even snuck in a 'label'!!

The shy model: 

This was so cute - that I made TWO! 

Voile or Flannel - I just LOVE this.

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Cinnamon Swirl Bread

I LOVE bread, especially homemade bread.  The one thing I love MORE than bread - is butter on that bread.  (Call me Paula Deen)

The problem is I just cannot eat all that bread and butter.  I wish I could.

Having such a small kitchen in the Little Red House makes baking difficult but I manage just fine.

I rarely bake bread in the summer.  It does not help bathing suit season at all.  However, I baked this bread:  The Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Swirl Bread.

 If you are not familiar with Ree from The Pioneer Woman - you should spend some time on her site.  Consider yourself warned...

Years ago I invested in Pampered Chef stoneware. The best pans I bought were the Loaf Pans.  They are perfectly seasoned and produce the most wonderful crust.

Now, some organic salted butter spread on top would just rock this!

New England Day Trip

Yesterday, we decided to appreciate ART!

Coco, the Mr. and I headed into Boston to the Museum of Fine Arts.  We arrived to find a very long line to get in.  Apparently, a Chihuly Exhibit (we had NO idea what that is) was extended one day and everyone decided to come to see it.

Upon our entry we enjoyed roaming the galleries all day.  Copley, Cassatt, Homer, Picasso, Monet, Van Gough, Degas, on and on....  It was wonderful to watch Coco really take in the art itself and stop and read the placards.  She really enjoyed herself.

Some of our favorite paintings which we were looking for which are Boston focused.  (Sorry for cell phone quality photos!)

Coco's favorite artist - can you guess who it is?

 Finally, we tripped on the special exhibit and decided why not - we are here.  It was AMAZING!!!  If you ever have a chance to view these special glass pieces by Chihuly - DO!

Enjoy:

Exhausted it was time to commute home.  I snapped this special picture of Boston landscape on the way out. GO RED SOX!