The Summer House

Is Everyone Hanging Out Without Me?

2012-03-07T16:18:00.001-08:00

I just picked up a funny book from the library.

It's a memoir type of book by Mindy Kaling from The Office television show. I couldn't put it down and I stayed up much too late last night reading it.

I finished the last bit this morning. It's called, Is everyone hanging out without me? (and other concerns).

Read any good books lately?

Blue Like Jazz-The Movie

2012-03-05T12:56:00.002-08:00

As some of you know, I love Donald Miller. He always helps me see God in a different way. He has just finished his new movie based on his book of the same name Blue Like Jazz.

And I'm so excited because I was able to get my hands on some tickets to the prescreening in Irvine at the end of March! That makes me very happy.

Anything good happen to you today?

The Lemon Drop Lounge and other fun stuff

2012-03-04T15:43:00.002-08:00

My life has been full of graphic design class these past few weeks. I ended up dropping my ceramics class. Once I started the design class I knew right away that my heart would be there.

We've learned letterpress and typography, kerning and serifs, and now we are designing logos for a restaurant using adobe illustrator. My initial mock up is pictured here. It's just a rough work-up...I want to refine the font and of course straighten it all up. The Lemon Drop Lounge, Southern food with a twist.

We will be designing menus too! It's so fun!!

Our oldest son just flew in from Chicago. He and his two buddies from school are enjoying our unseasonably warm weather here in California. It's over 80 degrees today and they headed for Laguna Beach. (Chicago is only in the 30's today.) What a treat to have a house full of boys!

I hope you are enjoying your weekend. And I will share more of my project in the upcoming weeks.

Seam Ripper

2012-02-26T15:34:00.000-08:00

Sharp Friend Willing to Help

Rip, Rip, Rip, Try it Again

Stay Close , Needed Often

~Jana Miller

Lime Cilantro Dressing

2012-02-15T07:54:00.000-08:00

We all love this so much that we fight over it. And with 2 whole bunches of cilantro, it's oh so good for you! This recipe makes enough for one small mason jar. You just may want to double it if you have any cilantro lovers at your house.

Lime Cilantro Dressing
1 Tablespoon Ranch Seasoning (Penzeys)
1/2 cup full fat greek yogurt
1/2 cup mayo
1-2 limes-just the juice please
2 bunches chopped cilantro-I do this in a small food processor but you could just chop it

Mix together and chill. Great on salads but also great over chicken and just about anything!

Chase Miller Promo Pictures

2012-02-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

Chase is interning with Troy Grover Photographers. Last week they took some new promo pictures for him. Take a look. There's more over on their site. Thanks Troy and Aimee!!

Fabric Journal

2012-01-26T15:29:00.000-08:00

Torn Paper, Twill Tape, Cotton Duck, String, Thread…..my creative space.

Torn paper, twill tape, cotton duck fabric, string, thread and buttonholes.

Honey Mustard Dressing and Marniade

2012-01-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

Honey Mustard Dressing and Marinade

1/4 cup Dijon Mustard
1/2 cup Honey
3/4 Cup Apple Cider Vinegar

This makes a yummy marinade or it can be used as a salad dressing. This has a thin consistency of a vinaigrette type dressing.

I can't remember where I first found it but I do know that this one is not an original. Keep refrigerated.

Elephant on a Trampoline

2012-01-13T07:18:00.000-08:00

Click on the picture....Really...could anything be more fun.

{photo via}

Take A Risk

2012-01-09T18:50:00.000-08:00

I did something out of my comfort zone today. I started classes at the community college. Yes I'm 47, yes the other students are young enough to be my children, yes I already have a degree but ....I wanted to do something different.

And although it was initially uncomfortable, it wasn't a big deal at all. I'm taking ceramics and graphic design. And it's so delightful to realize that my grades don't matter one bit.

I'm still working on the "big dreams" part but for now I'm going to grab a hunk of clay and build something amazing or at least something original.

{photo via}

What is a Trader?

2012-01-08T16:18:00.001-08:00

2012 is a great year to make you life count for something.......Jessie did. Will you?

Manuka Honey

2011-12-31T13:11:00.000-08:00

Raw Organic Manuka Honey is amazing as a facial cleanser and mask. Just put some on your face and let it sit for 20-30 minutes. All the good nutrients absorb into your skin and then you just wash it off. And if a bit finds its way into your mouth, that's not a bad thing either.

Manuka honey is antibacterial, an anti-inflammatory and full of probiotics. And many countries use it to treat MSRA skin infections too. Manuka honey comes from New Zealand (this is the brand I use). Look for an active level of 16+ for the best healing properties.

What natural products do you use on your face?

Maple Syrup Lemonade

2011-12-29T14:06:00.000-08:00

I've been working on finding a healthier alternative for my lemonade-loving son. So I adapted a recipe I found online and here's what we ended up with.

1/2 cup lemon juice (Meyer lemons preferably)

1/4 cup grade B organic maple syrup

3 cups water

This recipe fit nicely in a large mason jar and is sweet enough to be poured over ice.

What I love about using maple syrup is the rich taste and all the good nutrients have not been stripped away.

Here's another recipe we use for lemonade sweetened with honey.

Be That

2011-12-28T11:52:00.000-08:00

Parenting is fun and difficult and amazing all in the same moment. I'm so thankful for my two sons and the men they have become.

{photo via}

Crochet a Scarf

2011-12-26T12:53:00.000-08:00

My son's girl is headed to California to visit us for a week. And then they will head back to Chicago for second semester.

There's sure to be lots of snow this winter. I crocheted up a scarf for her and added felted flowers to the end.

Did you make any homemade gifts this year?

Christmas Day at Newport Beach 2011

2011-12-25T16:39:00.000-08:00

Every year on Christmas Day we grab our bikes and head down to the beach. Today we were blessed with lots of sunshine.

We parked on Balboa Island and rode the ferry across to Newport Peninsula. It's about a 5 minute ride. There's a beach-front boardwalk on the Newport side. We ride bike north past Newport pier. It is five miles round trip.

Merry Christmas!

Only One

2011-12-25T05:00:00.000-08:00

This is my niece Mollie. Isn't she darling? She's 19 and my only niece among so many nephews that I've lost count.

And that's me with my new curly hair. I've always had a time with my hair so I decided to see if a curly girls stylist could tame it.

And she did and it's so easy now and so much healthier. (PS-My family didn't even know that I had curly hair because I blow and flat iron it.)

If you have curly hair, you will want to read Curly Girl. It just may change your life.

A Very Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T08:56:00.000-08:00

May you have the best of Christmas's celebrating the one who gave up everything for you.

Merry Christmas,
Jana

{photo via}

Brussel Sprouts

2011-12-20T14:36:00.000-08:00

Some people love them, some don't. I happen to be one of those that do.

I buy mine fresh at the Farmer's Market, slice off a bit of the end and then cut them in half. I place the cut side down into an ocean of melted butter in a stainless pan.

I roast them until they are dark brown. They cook fast. Add salt and maybe some more butter. Yum.

What I'm Reading and Why You Should Read it Too

2011-12-18T10:10:00.000-08:00

I love reading anything by Penelope Trunk. She's rude at times, she's controversial but she's real and I like that.

Would we be friends in real life? I don't know.

But she's smart and I like people who will speak their mind. I've been reading her blog forever. And I finally picked up her book, Brazen Careerist. I don't love the name of the book. But whether you want career advice or not, I think your should read it.

There is all kids of relationship advice woven inside. and really, who has that completely wired.

Ebates

2011-12-17T10:10:00.000-08:00

So I found a way to save on things I'm going to buy anyway. I'm a little late to the party. I figured that since I don't buy that much online that I couldn't use this service.

You can get a cash rebate for things you buy online. Here's how I made this work without spending extra money on shipping and things I don't need.

1. REI-My husband like energy bars and Gu packs. I bought them online using my mileage credit card (free travel) through ebates (+6% back) and I got a discount for buying more than 12 at one time.
They ship free to the store and all we do is pick them up.

2. Walmart. I like to buy gift cards for my nieces and nephews. So instead of walking into Walmart or the store to purchase them. I purchased them online using my mileage credit card and ebates. Double dip. And the cards were mailed free to my house saving on gas and time to go to the store.

3. Lands End. I bought some gift. Same thing plus free shipping. And they can be returned without charge at any Sears store.

4. Bed Bath and Beyond. I bought a gift card for an item I wanted to purchase in the store. It came quickly and I didn't pay any shipping charges. I used a coupon in the store and still got credit card and ebate rebates.

So there you have it. I am now a ebate fan. It's just so easy. Nope-they didn't pay me to say this but I did include my tell-a-friend link if you would like to sign up. And I think there is a bonus $10 gift card for you when you click over.

Christmas Tags

2011-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

Look at these ever-so-sweet Christmas gift tags. And they are just giving them away. To print your own, head over to Hey Look.

{photo via}

Stitched Twill Tape

2011-12-14T14:28:00.000-08:00

If you have read The Summer House for very long, you know about my ~~obsession~~ love for twill tape. here is a yet another clever way to dress it up.

Photo and idea by Sally Shim.

Sweater Love

2011-12-12T19:34:00.000-08:00

Oh so pretty. I usually wear only one color clothing and sometimes stripes but I adore this sweater. I think it's because I love orange. Or maybe it's the grey. Wouldn't it be perfect with jeans.

Would you wear this?

{photo via}

Mason Jar Centerpieces

2011-12-10T17:15:00.001-08:00

On friday I was lucky enough to help out with a retirement party for my husband's boss. It's a very simple idea that makes it's way around the web often. The mason jar is wrapped up top with jute. Add green leaves and fresh cranberries. Fill with water and add a small candle on top.

{photo via me}