Blackberries from My Garden Make Crepes Super Delicious

Posted on June 30, 2017 by Kitty

Blackberries are plentiful this time of year, and I am grateful for it. They are easy to grow and make delicious fruit that is slightly tart. There are many different species of blackberry plants to choose from to fit any space. Last year, my husband and I purchased two different thornless blackberry plants for our garden. The two kinds are Chester and Black Satin. Both have been very fruitful this year and taste incredible. Over the last couple days, I have been picking them to accumulate enough to make a compote for crepes.

Blackberries Fresh Blackberries Freshly Picked Blackberries

In the summer, there is nothing quite as sweet as fresh fruit, especially when it’s from your garden. It’s even sweeter when added to crepes. One of the best ways to server fruit with crepes is by making it into a compote. The tartness in blackberries makes them perfect for it since sugar is added to make a syrup. There are many ways to make a compote, but I like to keep it fairly simple.

Compote Made of Blackberries

8 oz. Fresh or Frozen Blackberries
2 Tbsp. Sugar
Squeeze of Lemon Juice (optional)
1/2 Cup Water

Put the blackberries and sugar in a saucepan and stir well, sort of smashing the berries a bit. This allows the fruit to sweat its juices. After five minutes, add the water and bring the mixture to a hard simmer. Stir it every so often, checking the thickness. A compote is ready when the liquid has reduced and has become slightly gooey. At this point, the lemon can be added. For a smoother, non-seedy mix, blend the compote then strain it.

Blackberry Compote

Crepes

1 Cup All-Purpose Flour
2 Eggs
1/2 Cup Milk
1/2 Cup Water
1/4 tsp. Salt
2 Tbsp. Butter, Melted
1 tsp. Vanilla
1/2 tsp. Cinnamon (optional)

Whisk the eggs and incorporate the flour with them in a large bowl. Gradually add the milk and water, making sure that the mixture is thoroughly combined. Add the salt, then slowly add the butter as you stir. This allows the butter to mix better. Finally, add vanilla and cinnamon and stir. Heat a large skillet that has been greased over medium heat. Once the pan is hot enough, add 1/4 cup batter. Quickly tilt the pan so that the batter can spread evenly across the surface. This takes some practice. Keep in mind, the first crepe always takes the longest because the pan isn’t super heated. I like my crepes nice and golden brown, but some prefer them white. It will take 2 minutes on the first side. Carefully loosen the bottom and flip to cook the other side. The rest of the batter should go quicker once the first crepe is done. Be careful to watch them so they don’t burn. This recipe makes approximately 8 crepes.

Crepe Crepe Flipped

Crepe Batter Stack of Crepes

Crepes with Blackberry Compote

Pasta Salad Is a Cool Treat to Beat the Heat

Posted on June 26, 2017 by Kitty

Pasta salad is a deliciously cool treat to enjoy during the summer months. It is simple to make and requires little cooking. Pasta salad is also very versatile because you may add whatever vegetables and dressing you like. Vegetarians will love this dish also. By adding beans and vegetables with the pasta, it creates a complete protein. It can be difficult finding enough protein in the diet when you don’t eat meat. So this dish is really nice because it provides enough of the important macro nutrient.

Vegetables and Fruit

The recipe I am posting is what I enjoy, but ingredients can be replaced or discarded based on preference. You can always spice it up by adding jalapenos or hot sauce. Also, a homemade vinaigrette would really add a special touch and unique flavor. But, today, I am keeping it simple.

Spiral Pasta for Pasta Salad

Pasta Salad

16 ounces Spiral Pasta
16-oz Bottle Italian Dressing
1/2 C. Parmesan
2 Large or 4 Small Carrots
2 Celery Stalks
1 Red Bell Pepper
1 C. Grape Tomatoes
1/2 C. Green Onion
1/4 C. Black Olives (sliced)
1 15.5-oz. Can Cannellini Beans

When working with vegetables, be sure to thoroughly clean and rinse them. I use a clean toothbrush to scrub any dirt or wax off of difficult areas. In a large pan, start boiling enough water to cover the pasta. Follow the directions on the bag to cook it, then drain the water off by using a colander. Place the pasta back in the pan and add some olive oil to keep it from sticking while it cools. Now get all the vegetables cleaned, rinsed, and cut. I prefer cutting thin slices. Take the can of Cannellini beans and drain it. In a big bowel, combine the pasta, vegetables, and beans. Then add as much Parmesan and dressing as you like and stir until well combined. After everything is incorporated, put the bowel in the refrigerator for an hour before eating.

Get Rid of Blackheads and Whiteheads with Two Ingredients

Posted on June 23, 2017 by Kitty

Blackheads and whiteheads are annoying skin problems that happen to everyone at some point. A common misconception about blackheads is that they are dirty pores. The truth is that they are actually open pores filled with darkened sebum and dead skin cells. Whiteheads or milia are the same thing except the pores are mostly closed, keeping the sebum and dead skin inside from oxidizing. Both are mild acne problems that can easily be managed since we know the definitions.

Blackheads Whiteheads

Chemistry is the key in knowing how to banish blackheads and whiteheads. More specifically, the science of solubility is the key. In general, “like dissolves like” when it comes to how substances interact with solvents. So, oil should dissolve other oils. Applying oil will not only dissolve the problem but also moisturize the skin, helping to diminish the appearance of wrinkles. There are many different oils to choose from, making it easy to find the right one to use. I found a really helpful guide for reference. Almond oil is what I choose to use personally, but any oil on the list can be used.

Almond Oil

Another key to getting rid of blackheads and whiteheads is knowing that bacteria contributes to their making. Of course, one of the best essential oils for killing bacteria is tea tree oil. Some may be sensitive to it, but those who are not can benefit greatly from its qualities. There are other oils that could work in killing bacteria if tea tree oil doesn’t comply with your skin. Some essential oils can be drying, so it is always good to apply a small amount. The guide mentioned above shows other essential oils and gives the general definition of what they do.

Remove Blackheads & Whiteheads

Almond Oil
Tea Tree Oil
2 Q-Tips

The best time to do this is before bed, after cleansing the face. Take a Q-Tip and dip it in some Almond oil and gently rub it on the problem areas. It doesn’t take a lot, and it absorbs quickly. Then take another Q-Tip, dip it in some Tea Tree Oil and dab it over the same areas. Never put any essential oils next to the eyes, especially tea tree oil. The T-Zone is usually where I coat my face. Over time, the acne will disappear. After just one night of using this treatment, I noticed a drastic difference for the better.

Face Mask for Anti-Aging and Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Posted on June 19, 2017 by Kitty

A face mask is a special treat that really packs a punch and making it at home is easy. All it takes are a few ingredients that most people already have on hand. It doesn’t matter what complexion you have because the recipes are versatile. After learning about different ingredients and recipe ratios, it’s easy to concoct your own creation.

Matcha Turmeric

In nature, there are many ingredients that help in more ways than one. This makes it really simple to gain multiple benefits from just two things. Matcha green tea and turmeric are easily found, and both provide several skin-loving qualities. The main thing I like about both of them is that they are anti-inflammatory because they are loaded with antioxidants. Aspirin, Dead Sea Salt, and honey also get rid of free radicals and soothe the skin.

After looking at different information online and referencing what I already know, I made a mask to soothe the skin and hinder aging. It first tingles and burns a bit if there is any inflammation on the skin, but that goes away quickly for soothing relief.

Anti-Aging and Anti-Inflammatory Face Mask

1 Aspirin (Ground)
1 tsp. Dead Sea Salt
1/2 tsp. Matcha Green Tea
1/4 tsp. Turmeric
1/4 tsp. Raw Honey
1 tsp. Hot Water

Break the aspirin tablet up by hitting it and put it in a small bowl. Make sure the bowl you use won’t stain because turmeric can really linger. Add the Dead Sea Salt, Matcha, and turmeric. Stir until blended. Take some really hot water and add it to the dry ingredients. Everything should dissolve nicely. After there is a paste, add honey and stir again. It is ready to be used. Refrigerate any unused portion for up to a week. Keep in mind that turmeric can tint fair-skinned people. The color change shouldn’t last for more than a few hours. Also, be careful not to stain any towels or clothing with this mask! While over the sink, apply the mask to the face in a thin layer. Leave it on for about ten minutes, then rinse off with warm water.

Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Aging Mask Dry Mask Ingredients Homemade Face Mask

Make It a Spa Day with Homemade Bath Bombs

Posted on June 15, 2017 by Kitty

Bath bombs are so relaxing and easy to make at home. With just a few ingredients and your favorite essential oils, you can have a spa day any day of the week. Bath bombs make excellent gifts as well, so really, it’s hard to go wrong making them yourself. It just takes about 1-2 days to cure before they can be used or packaged.

Bath Bomb Supplies

There are many different combinations for recipes, but the basic recipe can be found here. It involves citric acid, baking soda, and cornstarch. When making a bath bomb, Epsom salts or Dead Sea Salt can be added as well. Just remember the correct ratios when straying from the base recipe. I found a really helpful guide on how to change the base according to tastes. Personally, I do not like having as much oil as the basic recipe calls for so I greatly reduced it in my own batch. I prefer to add just enough oil to hold the bomb together well.

Bath Bombs: Basic Recipe

1 Cup Citric Acid
1 Cup Baking Soda
1/2 Cup Cornstarch
1/2 Cup Carrier Oil
10 Drops Essential Oil

While this recipe is solid, I created my own that includes Dead Sea Salt. In the guide that I linked, it says that it can be added up to 25%. The guide also states never to take away from the baking soda if adding another dry ingredient. That is because the soda acts as a softening agent against the citric acid. I could either take equal parts of citric acid and baking soda out, or I could just take away from the citric acid. Keep in mind that the closer the ratio of those two ingredients, the more fizzy it will be. The bath bomb I made doesn’t need to be super fizzy, so I just took away from the citric acid. Also, the recipe above makes quite a few, so I halved it for personal use.

Bath Bombs

1/4 Cup Citric Acid
1/2 Cup Baking Soda
1/4 Cup Cornstarch
1/4 Cup Dead Sea Salt
2 Tbsp. Carrier Oil
10-15 Drops Essential Oil
Dye of Choice

Have a cookie sheet with wax paper ready to go before getting started. It will hold the bath bombs while they cure. Add all the dry ingredients together in a bowl. Carefully whisk them until they are combined. Be sure to keep the whisk in constant contact with the bottom of the bowl in order to avoid a cloud of acid dust. It may be a good idea to wear a mask while stirring because the citric acid can cause irritation. After the dry ingredients are mixed, drop the carrier and essential oils in slowly. The liquid will cause a mild reaction, which is normal. The dye I use is liquid, so I add it at this time. If the dye you have is dry, it should be added with the other dry ingredients before the liquids. The consistency needed for molding should be sort of like moist sand for building sandcastles. One of the best ways to achieve the right texture is by hand-mixing. When the mix is ready, take the molds and overfill each side. Try not to pack each side because they will stick to the mold. Only pack once both sides have come together. It takes some practice getting it right. This recipe makes two 6.5 oz. bath bombs with about 3 oz. leftover for bath fizzy salts.

Dry Ingredients for Bath Bombs Different Dyes

Bath Bomb Homemade Bath Bombs

Necklaces Can Be Made with Crochet

Posted on June 12, 2017 by Kitty

Necklaces are worn to show off the neck and a person’s unique style. They come in a variety of materials as well. Because I enjoy crocheting so much, I thought it would be nice to incorporate that hobby into jewelry-making. Edging and lace patterns have been around for a long time, and to me, they always seemed boring. Not only that, some patterns appear too fragile to add to certain things. However, after looking at so many different kinds, it became clear to me that they would be perfect for chokers. Chokers are making a comeback now because of the movie, Suicide Squad, starring Margot Robbie as Harley Quinn. Her necklace has caused a rekindled interest in them.

Necklace

When crocheting necklaces such as the choker, make sure that the length of the finished piece is 14 inches. That measurement is the standard. If you want to be certain it fits, it’s always a good idea to measure your neck before starting. Some patterns make it easy to determine gauge, while others keep you guessing. It was easy to find the right length with the above border pattern because of the way a border follows logically. Lace is sometimes a different story. The pretty bow necklace pictured below was crocheted by using a lace pattern. It was not very cooperative because the pattern gathers up some, making it shorter once it’s finished. I had to start from scratch after my first attempt was two inches too short.

Necklaces Can Be Made with Border Pattern

Using a book that my aunt just got me, I decided to make a choker. The book is called, The Complete Book of Crochet Border Designs: Hundreds of Classics and Original Patterns by Linda P. Schapper. There are so many great designs to choose from that I will be making many necklaces in the future. I chose pattern #7 on page 21 for today. Unfortunately, I cannot share the pattern because it is copyrighted. But I can show my work for inspiration. For this choker, I used glass beads. When using beads, always put them on before starting a pattern and make certain there are enough. It was a bit tedious getting all the beads threaded because of their tiny holes but worth it for the look.

Border Crochet Book and Necklace Border Pattern Necklace

Crocheting Beads Ribbon Necklace

Flowers Continue Blooming in My Yard

Posted on June 8, 2017 by Kitty

Flowers brighten any spot, whether they’re planted or arranged in a vase. Not only do they provide beauty, but they also provide nourishment. I have witnessed several insects and hummingbirds enjoying nectar. Flowers also add property value! Perennials planted around a house can make a difference in appearance for the better. So, flowers aren’t just some kind of frivolous hobby. Mine continue to bloom prettily.

Plum Gladiolus Flowers

My plum-colored gladiolus did very well this year. Some of them put up two spikes of blooms! It’s a little strange since I only fertilized them twice, but I think they are liking the soil and their positioning.

Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers Flowers

Perhaps I got a bit carried away picture-taking, but I do love capturing blooms. Something about the colors and the shapes just make me happy. So, I hope that feeling transfers to viewers. Also, the plum gladiolus is one of my favorite varieties, so I couldn’t resist. Here are a few more colors to enjoy.

Flowers

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Flowers Flowers

Flowers

Gladiolus are definitely show-stoppers when it comes to beauty. Sadly, they only bloom once in the year. However, planting them every few weeks in the beginning of summer should give blooms all season long. I can’t wait to see the true color of the mystery glad. It looks like it’s going to be purple!

There are other beauties still blooming and some about to bloom. One that is pretty neat is pineapple lily. Last year, I purchased the bulbs because they looked exotic. They didn’t bloom at all. Finally, one of them is sending a bloom shoot up into the air. A garden lily also bloomed nicely for me, sprouting two buds instead of one.

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Another bright spot contains bee balm. It’s still going strong after blooming for two weeks! Many bees and hummingbirds have frequented the trumpet-like flowers for nectar. It’s always fun to see hummers perched above the bee balm on the fence. Sadly, it’s difficult to catch them with my camera. Maybe some time it will work.

Bee Balm Flowers

Here are some more pictures just for pure enjoyment. The alyssum will keep blooming throughout the summer until the first frost. All five of my zinnias are alive, but four are extremely healthy. As you can see, they are bursting with buds. Snapdragons brighten my front porch with their adorable flowers. The last two pictures are of Garden Phlox. While there are many phlox varieties to choose from, Garden Phlox is my favorite because of its scent and its tendency to naturalize.

Flowers Flowers Flowers

Flowers Flowers

Puff Stitch, Floral Earrings with Free Pattern

Posted on June 5, 2017 by Kitty

The puff stitch (puff st) is used in crochet to add dimension. In this case, I used it to make flower petals for earrings. It can be tricky to successfully get your hook out from under so many loops, but after a while, the task becomes easier because practice makes perfect. One of the neat things about the puff stitch is that it can be made as puffy as desired. There are many patterns that would benefit from that, especially rugs. However, I am talking about earrings today.

More to Come Puff Stitch Flower Earring Supplies Puff Stitch Earrings

So, the last time I brought up earrings I teased one of the above pictures. Since tinkering with them, I decided they needed more. While puff stitches are pretty, they appeared so bare and alone. Some greenery was needed. There are many leaf patterns available online, but I wanted this pattern to be strictly original. So, I came up with a pattern for a stem and leaf that aesthetically fit my flowers.

Flower Earrings

Puff Stitch Flower

Key for Terms:
slip stitch (sl. st.) single crochet (sc)
chain (ch.) puff stitch (puff st)

Make 2 or 4 flowers depending on if you would like the earrings to be double-sided or not. Use a size 12 hook with #20 Lizbeth thread.
Wrap thread around a size 8 hook, or whatever equivalent-sized item is necessary for the center of the flower, 12 times. Then sl. st. to secure the circle.
Sc 6 times into the ring and sl. st. together.
*Ch. 3, sl. st. in next sc*, around, then sl. st. into ch-3 space and switch colors.
Make a puff st with a total of 14 loops on hook, sl. st. to close then ch. 3 and sl. st. into same ch-3 space. *Sl. st. into next ch-3 space and make puff st* 4 more times. Sl. st. into first ch-3 space and finish off. I tried to make the puff st stand the same height as a double crochet.

Leaf and Stem Pattern

Key for Terms:
slip stitch (sl. st.) single crochet (sc) treble crochet (tr)
chain (ch.) half double crochet (hdc)

Make 4 leaves total and 2 stems. It’s best to make the leaves first because they will be attached to the stem as it is crocheted. To make the leaves:
Ch. 6, then sl. st. in 2nd ch. from hook. Sc in next ch., hdc in next ch., tr in last two ch., ch. 1
Sc 3 times alongside tr just made (since a tr is 3 stitches long) and in each stitch around until the tip is reached. Sc in tip, ch. 2 then sl. st. into top of sc just made (2-ch. picot made), sc in same space, then sc around. Sl. st. into top of first sc and finish off.

To make the stem:
Ch. 4, then sl. st. through base of first leaf, keeping in mind which way is front. Ch. 1, then attach the second leaf in the same way. Ch. 12. Sc in 4th ch. from hook, in next 9, in space between leaves, and in the last ch. Finish off and hide loose ends.

The glue I use is amazing for projects like this. No sewing is necessary for this pattern because of it. The puff stitch earrings will hold well and can be washed. Some ironing may be required to flatten the stem and leaves the correct way for hanging properly. These earrings are about 1 1/2″ in length.

Puff Stitch Flower Earrings

Crocheted Cat Toy with Free Pattern

Posted on June 1, 2017 by Kitty

A crocheted cat toy is just the ticket for happy kitties. Store-bought toys can be pricey, and they have strange manufacturing odors. By crocheting cat toys, I ingrain my scent onto the yarn. This makes the toy especially tantalizing to my cats. I have three of them: Bubbles, Saxophone, and Sprinkle. They really love playing with yarn, so I decided to come up with a pattern.

Cat Toy Materials

Cat Toy Pattern

Crochet Legend:
sl. st. = slip stitch
ch. = chain
sc = single crochet
inc. = single crochet increase (2 stitches in 1)
dec. = single crochet decrease ( 1 stitch in 2)

Using a G-size hook,
Ch. to desired length, ch. 1 ( I did 265 ch. for reference)
Sc in base of first ch. stitch on opposite side and each ch. until the end, ch. 1
Sc on other side until the end, then sl. st.
Ch. 6 and sl. st. on the other side, ch. 1
Sc 6 in ring, ch. 1
Inc. in ring, sl. st. together and ch. 1 (12 stitches)
*Sc in next sc, then inc.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1 (18 stitches)
*2 sc in next 2 sc, then inc.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1 (24 stitches)
*3 sc in next 3 sc, then inc.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1 (30 stitches)
Sc in each sc around 5 times, making sure to sl. st. and ch. 1 at the end of each row (5 rows) (150 stitches)
*3 sc in next 3 sc, then dec.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1
*2 sc in next 2 sc, then dec.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1
*Sc in next sc, then dec.* around and sl. st. together and ch. 1 (Stuff at This Point)
Dec. around to finish ball. The cat toy is done now, or more can be added. I added some free-style frills for extra enjoyment.

Chain 6 at End Single Crochets Joined for Ball Second Row Increase Third Row Fourth Row Fifth Row Start of Decrease Stuff at This Point

Free-Style Additions to Cat Toy

Before finishing off and while at the base of the ball, Ch. 18, sl. st. in 2nd ch. from hook and in each ch. down. Sl. st. in same space and in next sc. Ch. 26, dc in 3rd ch. from hook, dc 8 more in same ch. for a 10-stitch popcorn. Sc down the rest of the row and sl. st. in same space. Sl. st. in next sc and repeat the first row. Ch. 18 and make a 3 dc cluster in 3rd ch. from hook, ch. 2, 3 dc cluster in next ch. sl. st. in the rest of the chains and in the same space. Repeat row one again. Sl. st. across the diameter for extra support. Leave a long tail when finishing off so that there is extra string.
Optional: For added strength, sew the top part where the single crochets meet the ball. Keep the ball as centered as possible and the string from bunching.

Sew for Added Support Finished Cat Toy

After finishing the cat toy, I decided to try it out with my kitties. They each smelled it and batted it. Maybe next time I could add some catnip. I’d say the cat toy was a hit though because now they take turns dragging it around the house and kicking it.

Bubbles Playing with Cat Toy Sprinkle Playing with Cat Toy Saxophone Playing with Cat Toy Sprinkle Enjoying Cat Toy Bubbles and Sprinkle