Poppy Ridge Farm

Baby - It's COLD outside!

2013-12-07T10:35:00.000-08:00

Ok, so I'm a bit of a wimp given that I live in the San Francisco Bay Area, and most days the weather rarely dips below 50, so when high 30's are expected we tend to freak out a little.

Since the house was so cold when I got home from work, I figured I would warm it up by baking some yummy treats, the first of which (yes, there were more than one) I'm sharing with you here.

Cranberry Orange Loaf - Allrecipes.com

It's not very often that I find a recipe that works perfectly as written, but this one did. I originally made it just after Thanksgiving because I had all sorts of leftover ingredients that I wanted to put to good use.

Cranberry Orange Loaf

2 cups all purpose flour
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/2 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon grated orange zest
1 1/2 cups fresh cranberries
1/2 cup pecans, chopped coarse
1/4 cup butter, softened
1 cup white sugar
1 egg
3/4 cup orange juice

Glaze (optional)

1/4 cup orange juice
1/4 cup powdered sugar

Grease and flour 9x5 loaf pan. Whisk together flour, baking powder, baking soda, and salt. Stir in orange zest, cranberries, and pecans - set aside.
In a separate bowl, cream together butter, sugar and egg until smooth. Stir in orange juice. Fold into flour mixture until just combined. Pour into pan.
Bake at 350 in a preheated oven for 1 hour, or until bread springs back when lightly touched. Let sit for 10 minutes, then turn out onto wire rack to cool. Pour glaze over warm loaf if desired.

I have made this with and without the glaze - it is nice to have, but not completely necessary.

I'll post my other cold winter night recipes soon!

Enjoy!

Thanksgiving Greetings

2013-11-21T11:22:00.000-08:00

I know it is a week early - but you have to get those cards in the mail if you want them to arrive on time!

Sorry for the poor photo quality - I need to check my images better before I send off the finished product.

Silhouette images, leaf craft punch, rubber stamps from my Mom's collection

Hoping your Turkey Day is stress free and full of gratitude and love.

Muttville - where all the old dogs learn new tricks!

2013-11-12T12:47:00.000-08:00

As many of you know, I am a huge fan of animal rescue and adoption. One of my favorite organizations Muttville (muttville.org), has just posted their 2000th rescue!

Here is a picture of my beloved Mutt: Jasper! (aka Red #2, 333)

Looking pretty good after a trip to the groomer.

He was surrendered to a high kill shelter after 11 faithful years with his family. We were lucky enough to take him on as a "foster fail" - a foster that becomes a part of your family.

With the holidays coming up - why not consider a "gently used", beautiful gift to those you love. Senior pets are especially grateful, are almost always housebroken, and since they are fully grown, you know exactly the pet you are bringing into your hearts.

A card to go with that gift -

2013-11-07T09:12:00.000-08:00

I love my Silhouette!

Earlier I shared a rag quilt that I made for a new mama expecting a baby girl. Here is the card I made to go along with it...

I buy all of my paper either from Michaels or Joann Fabric and Craft. The flannel used in the rag quilt also came from Joann's. I know it isn't very "out of the box", but I love putting together different textures and patterns for a more unique look.

My Silhouette SD has been AMAZING for me. I would replace it in a heartbeat if anything were to happen to it.

Create something beautiful everyday!

2013-11-05T09:25:00.000-08:00

or at least try something new...

This is my mom when she was a Rainbow Princess. Even though she has moved on, her spirit watches over us and encourages us always.

My son chastises me because I make all kinds of things and never seem to keep track of them. As a result, I am constantly going back and forth trying to explain or re-create a past success.

So, in an attempt to document and access my accomplishments in the future, and possibly spark some creative juices, I am posting my ongoing creative endeavors in the hopes that we can all learn from my mistakes and successes.

You can follow along here, or on Pinterest - Let's get started!

Sweet Baby Girl

2013-11-05T09:23:00.000-08:00

Rag quilts are my favorite gift to make for expectant mothers these days. I have been able to find flannel on sale at Joann's and it only takes a day to put together. Since they are machine washable, you don't have to worry about getting them dirty and they are warm enough for crisp autumn days!

Front view

Reverse side

I use a rotary cutter to make the pieces. The finished quilt measures approximately 35"x54"

And the really great thing is that there is usually enough fabric left over to make these adorable burp cloths too!

Front side

Reverse side - scrap flannel attached to basic cloth diapers from Gerber

Orange has become my color of choice, so you know it has to appear in the patterns someplace!

Happy Halloween!

2013-10-31T10:37:00.000-07:00

A treat for my little tricksters -

Here is the progression, with a couple of lessons learned:

I used Wilton decorative icing for the face and binder on the "bones". The brownie recipe is "Nutella Pretzel" from Chef-in-Training. The brownies are great, but next time I will use an unfrosted version as they were difficult to put in the bags cleanly.

My trusty Silhouette for the tags.

Had some extra skulls, so I just dropped them in along with the secured bodies. Using skewers was essential to keep everything in line.

Have a wonderful time tonight, and may many Twix bars be in your future!

Halloween - My favorite time of year

2013-10-30T14:22:00.001-07:00

It begins with lots of spooky fun and ends with a candy coma - not to mention my card making season.

Here is what I sent out this year. I ran out of the "halloween" background paper, so there were two versions - which do you like best?

Option 1

Option 2 - inside

Option 2 - front

Recycling Aerosol Cans

2012-01-21T14:37:00.000-08:00

Given my new found love of spray paint, it got me to thinking about how to dispose of my used-up cans. I found the following information on the Earth 911 website ( earth911.com ).

Tips for Recycling Aerosol Cans

Recycling aerosol cans depends upon whether the container is empty or still has liquid inside of it. If the product is empty, you have the option of dropping it off in a bin designated for steel or aluminum at your local recycling facility or in your curbside bin if it is accepted. More than 5,300 communities across the U.S. have household residential and curbside drop-off and buy-back programs (they will give you a few cents for each returned can). First, here are some key points to remember:

* Be sure that the can is empty. This means that all of the product has to be used up.

* Dispose of the empty cans using your curbside pick up service or by visiting your local drop off centers. It is best to touch base with your local centers to be sure they accept this type of product for recycling.

* NEVER throw aerosol cans in roadside dumps or trash fires. These cans are still pressurized and can explode.

But what happens if your container is not empty? If your product is defective, many times the manufacturer will allow you to return the product to them, free of charge so that they can supply you with a replacement product. As long as there is liquid in the container, the aerosol can is not considered waste, but product.

If your container is not defective, there are very few options. Do not puncture cans, drain, rinse and then recycle. This is dangerous since the contents in the can are under pressure. Once the container is punctured, you could be injured. Another option would be to contact your local recycling facility to see if they will accept partially filled cans. Many times, they may have a way of draining these containers. You may also contact a hazardous waste facility for proper disposal.

It is extremely important that aerosol cans are recycled for a number of reasons. However, one of the most important is safety. When aerosol cans are thrown into landfills, they become a hazard. If a fire were to break out, these contains could explode and cause physical harm to landfill workers and fire fighters. Therefore, please take the extra step to recycle.

Good to know!

Fueling My Coffee Addiction!

2012-01-20T15:20:00.000-08:00

I know it is CRAZY expensive, but I love it...

Jura Imprezza C5

My Uncle and his brother both had them and when we got it, I haven't been able to look at a Peet's the same way again. Love, love, love these machines.

jura.com

Stop wasting time!

2012-01-19T15:00:00.000-08:00

Even though I never heard a kind word about him, this still rings true.

Salty & Sweet

2012-01-18T15:02:00.000-08:00

Rolo are one of my favorite candy - anything with caramel pretty much is. I came across a recipe for "Pretzel Rolo Blondie Bites on Cookies & Cups website ( cookiesandcups.com ) and I needed a birthday treat to send my son, so I thought I would give them a try.

I had a problem with using the mini muffin pan and they all ran together in a big mess, and I couldn't get them to release from the pan, so I baked the remaining batter in a regular size silicon muffin pan, and they turned out fine.

I did have some left over Rolo candies and pretzels, so I used them to make these tasty little treats:

Photo via Crickets Cafe

Simply put the Rolo on a pretzel (I used a Silpat liner on a baking sheet for easy removal) and pop them in a 300 degree oven for about 4 minutes, pull them out and press the pecan half into the melt-y Rolo. Allow them to cool completely and enjoy!

Reusable Shopping Bags

2012-01-17T14:52:00.000-08:00

So I am very proud to say that I have not taken a shopping bag from a retailer or grocery store since November! I have a TON of reusable bags that were given away at conferences I attended, as well as some that I have purchased, but they are all very stiff and bulky, so I wanted to find one of those cute nylon bags that can fold into a neat little pouch and not take up too much room in my purse. A quick search found at least three major producers of just such a bag:

Baggu

Baggu ( www.baggu.com ) $9.00 per single bag

Chico Bag

Chico Bag ( www.chicobag.com ) $5.99 per single "Original" bag

Flip & Tumble

Flip & Tumble (www.flipandtumble.com ) $10.00 per single "24-7" bag

I like the look of all of them, especially the Flip & Tumble two-tone option. What really disturbs me is that all of them, including bags made by Reusit ( www.reusit.com ), are all manufactured in China. All of the websites that I visited made a point of saying that they only deal with "Fair Trade/Fair Wage" companies, but I still wish they were made domestically.

Chalkboard Paint

2012-01-16T11:00:00.000-08:00

Oh how I love Chalkboard Paint!

Here is an example of upcycling a mirror from the Goodwill into a chalkboard.

I simply took the mirror out of the cheap plastic frame, painted the backside with chalkboard paint and spray painted the frame a fun color. If you ever decide not to use the chalkboard, you can always turn it around and have a very "Snow White/Evil Queen" mirror instead!

Why NOT you?

2012-01-15T15:02:00.000-08:00

I knew I liked this line of questioning...

Come on! Let's keep asking ourselves: Why not me? There is so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to. Just keep asking: Why not me!?!

How Does Your Garden Grow?

2012-01-14T13:25:00.000-08:00

I just came across this great site to help plan and maintain your garden: Sprout Robot (sproutrobot.com)

You simply type in your zip code and they will tell you how and when to plant the food you want to grow! It is free to join and receive email notifications, or you can sign up for a fee to have seeds sent to you when their season comes around.

You can also specify Patio Garden, Small Garden, or Family Garden as well as either container or plant bed things to grow.

Give it a try!

Healthy Living

2012-01-13T15:18:00.000-08:00

So, I need to come clean, I sent back the P.I.N.K. Method kit today - the very last day I could on their 30-day money back guarantee. Seeing as how I have actually GAINED a pound in the last four days, I think it is best I go back to what has worked for me in the past.

I need to get back to Bikram Yoga classes, I need to eat a more plant-based diet with no refined sugars and more whole grains. I need to do my "aerobic with weights" workouts, and I need to love my curves.

The P.I.N.K. Method was just too much, and not enough for me. The workouts were too much and the recipes were not enough. I think that if you are younger than 45, and have less than 30 pounds to lose, this could be a great product for you. I just felt that even the Phase 1 workouts were much too optimistic for the shape I am starting out in, and the amount of weight I need to lose.

I will continue to eat a lean protein, whole grain diet with lots of fresh vegetables, but I am tired of being hungry and tired of not feeling good about myself during the workouts.

If you are on this program and are having success, let me know and I'll spread the word!

PINK Food

2012-01-12T12:16:00.000-08:00

So now that I am on the PINK Primary phase of the P.I.N.K. Method diet, I can have 1/2 cup of whole grain at dinner time. I'm not going to lie, I have been STARVING on this diet, so the added carbs really help to curb those hunger pains in the evening.

I have made this dish twice now, and really like it. Even if you aren't on the PINK Method, it is a pretty good low-cal, low-fat, plant-based dinner.

Broccoli and Cauliflower with Lentils and Quinoa

3 tbsp uncooked quinoa
1/4 tsp seasoning salt
1/2 cup cooked lentils
2 cups fresh broccoli florets
2 cups fresh cauliflower florets

Dressing:
2 scallions thinly sliced
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tsp fresh grated ginger
1 tbsp soy sauce
2 tbsp seasoned rice vinegar
1 tsp chili garlic sauce

Place the quinoa in a medium stock pot with 1/2 cup of water and seasoning salt. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce heat to low. Simmer for 10 minutes. Add the lentils to the stock pot, along with the broccoli and cauliflower florets. Cover and bring heat to medium. Allow the cauliflower and broccoli to steam until tender and almost all water has been absorbed, about 8 minutes.

While the vegetables are steaming, mix the dressing in a small bowl. Pour quinoa mixture into a bowl and top with dressing. Easy!

I have also added mushrooms to the mix and enjoyed it a lot.

Valentine's Day Card

2012-01-11T14:00:00.000-08:00

I am so loving my Silhouette SD! I know the Cameo version has come out, but I still seem to be able to do everything I want to with this early version.

Here is the progression of pieces I put together.

And the detail for the base card.

Hope you have fun putting together you Valentine's Day cards! Send me a photo and I'll post them here to share with everyone!

Happy Crafting!

P.I.N.K. Method

2012-01-10T13:02:00.000-08:00

Update #1 - Yesterday, I began the PINK Primary phase of the diet.

They did not recommend beginning the exercise portion until today - which I did. The suggestion is Phase 1 Kardio + Yoga Core. I really liked the Phase 1Kardio, but the Yoga Core was a joke. I have done my fair share of Bikram and this was practically impossible. I'll keep with it, but the yoga segment is going to take a long, LONG time to achieve.

So far I've lost 7 lbs and 1 1/2" - whoo hoo!

Oprah and Joel Osteen

2012-01-09T12:09:00.000-08:00

I just finished watching Oprah's Next Chapter where she spotlighted Joel Osteen. I have long admired his positive message of hope but was brought to tears to hear him admit that he believes homosexuality is a sin ( http://www.oprah.com/own-oprahs-next-chapter/Pastor-Joel-Osteen-Discusses-Sin-and-the-Path-to-God ).

While I believe in his sermons and value his insight, here is a subject where we part ways. I believe that we are all created equal, men and women alike, so if you love your equal - whether it is a man or a woman, you are bringing harm to no one, only love - which makes it anything but a sin.

Be grateful more! Love more! Be of service more! That I believe is the path to God.

Why NOT me?

2012-01-08T12:21:00.000-08:00

I read a really interesting article about Diablo Cody's "Aha" moment in the January 2012 issue of "O" magazine.

Diablo Cody from "O" Magazine January 2012

It talked about questioning why things happened in her life, and then she met a strong, cheerful man with cancer who challenged her to ask "Why not me?"

I find this so profound in how we should all view the good as well as the bad things that come up in our lives:

Why not me... to win the lottery, to finally lose the extra weight I have been carrying around for years, to start a whole new path in life at 50, to bring the vision of Poppy Ridge Farm to life!

Rescued!

2012-01-07T12:01:00.000-08:00

As I mentioned before, all of my current pets are adopted from rescue organizations.

Today I wanted to introduce you to Olive.

We found Olive on Pet Finder ( petfinder.com ), she was being fostered by an organization who specialized in puppy adoptions, Pound Puppy Rescue ( poundpuppyrescue.org ). She was part of a litter of 7 and boy, what a wide variety of puppies they were! We went to the meet-and-greet to actually look at one of her sisters, but once we saw her, we were hooked.

Kona, Zanzy (Olive's mother), and Olive at the puppies 1st birthday party.

Olive (so named because she is black, like a Kalamata olive) is now almost four years old and looks a lot like a 40 pound doberman. We love her, and I believe she loves us too.

I would like to encourage everyone, looking for a furry family member to consider rescue adoption. There are so many wonderful animals looking for a loving, forever home.

Artist - Deborah Oropallo

2012-01-06T09:52:00.000-08:00

I was first introduced to Deborah Oropallo's ( deborahoropallo.com )work while working at the San Francisco Design Center. She had an exhibit at the Stephen Wirtz Gallery in town, and a few of her pieces were used in Designer Showcase rooms.

I love how she uses film on film images accented by energetic shots of color as well as her reduction technique.

Quick and Easy (even Healthy) Soup

2012-01-05T09:08:00.000-08:00

One of the reasons I decided to start the P.I.N.K. Method diet, is that it utilizes an expensive piece of kitchen equipment that I already own: a VitaMix.

I have to say, one of my most favorite soups is something that I came up with when I had very little in my fridge and pantry - and it only uses two ingredients!

Super Simple Cauliflower Soup

1 head of cauliflower, broken into florets and roughly chopped
Swanson low sodium chicken broth

Simply put the chopped cauliflower into a pot and add enough broth to cover. Boil for 10 minutes, or until the cauliflower is tender. Transfer to VitaMix (food processor or blender) and whirl away! (Be careful when creaming hot liquids - they can give a nasty burn.)

Sometimes I put a dollop of low-fat yogurt just to give it a bit of acid, but not necessary.

I have tried other brands of chicken stock, but I like the flavor of Swanson in this recipe. I have also tried it with broccoli, and while it is OK, the cauliflower is much tastier to me. You could even use vegetable broth for a vegan option.

Hope enjoy!