10 Great Things at Trader Joes

I LOVE Trader Joes. I mean it. LOVE

I went shopping there today and as I was walking around the store I realized I return again and again for the same items, because they are just the best. I bet some of these are your favorites too or maybe you should try a few. Please let me know what your favorites are, and I'll post for all.

For those of you who do not have a TJ, well, sorry :-(
In no order but all rate a #10 score for me.

1. Melange a Trois (frozen red, yellow and green peppers)
2. Mandarin Orange Chicken
3. Gnocchi a la Gorgonzola
4. Smooth and Really Mellow Coffee- very low acidity
5. Dark Chocolate Mint UFO'S
6. Fire Roasted Yellow/Red Peppers
7. Pappardelle Noodles Reg & Lemon Pepper
8. Sipping Chocolate
9. Artisan Potato Cheddar Bread
10. Roasted Red Pepper Hummus

Just concluded that this is one very odd post. Valid, but very odd. Must be the vino?
oh and that would be #11. Chariot Gypsy 2007 ( but alas you can no longer get)

When the weather is cooler, knitters knit.

The weather at the moment is wet and grey and even though I have knitted my way through spring and summer, the cooler weather, with rain falling constantly, is made for knitting.  I was at work yesterday and each time I looked out the window at the sodden gardens and water running down pathways, I wished I had brought my knitting with me.  I think it's something like the instinct to nest - when

No Name Chicken Soup

This pic and additional info were added Monday because of emails I received:
This is what it looks like and if you are shy of spicy.., you may want to add less salsa verde to start. I don't think it is "hot" but just in case...you can always add more after tasting since you are basically just heating soup to temp anyway. I also did not include salt and pepper in the recipe, but you may wish to add either to taste. OK I think I covered everything.

I was just sitting down to a bowl of this soup and thought I should share. This one is so simple and so fast, I'm not even sure it should be called a recipe.
I got this from my sister in law Sarah, who got it from a friend, who got it from a beading magazine I think? Anyhoot...

1 deli roasting chicken - garlic herb style- remove meat from bones
2 cans rinsed and drained white beans ( I use cannellini style or small great northern)
2 cans chicken broth
1 can water
8 oz salsa verde ( I use La Victoria thick and chunky)
chopped cilantro to taste (optional for you but essential for me)

Add all ingredients into pot.
Heat for about 20 minutes.

If you need to stretch, buy the larger size chicken most stores offer, add more broth and water.

I keep all the ingredients in my pantry so that I can run by the store, grab salad fixings and a chicken and by the time I have the table set, dinner is ready: like right now. Enjoy!

Sally Jean

Most of you local gals know that I am a huge fan of Sally Jean; I even went to Portland 2 years back to take her Soldering for Virgins class; well, and see Ben of course. (Hope I'm allowed to paste this pretty logo here, because I wanted to get your attention!)

Last week, Tracy, of Tracy's Watermark, located at 1990 Village Center Circle emailed me with the great news that Sally Jean's wonderful charms will soon be available in her shop!

A lot of people started making charms since Sally Jean became a success, imitation ya know, and I have seen most of them, and many are nice, but nothing compares to these. When you realize that these are all hand made by Sally Jean herself and when you see up close and personal the quality of her soldering, well! I bet you can't have just one! I layer em, a square with a domino with a sphere, with a house shape... too cute! Every time I wear some of her charms, I am asked about them. I, and several other students of mine, even used a charm or two in our advent calendars.

Tracy has promised to let me know when the first shipment arrives, and then I'll let you know; or maybe just give her a call and get on her mailing list.

Just pottering around

I have a wonderful life.  I work in my community and am praised by one and all for doing it.  The truth is I get a lot more out of it than I give.  I am suited to the welfare sector.  These are my people, this is familiar territory. I grew up working class and I have gone back to being working class after living my middle years cashed up and spending. Now I'm back where I belong and I'm loving it

You, me and the kitchen sink

We have an Australian kitchen with a twist today, it's in Japan.  Adele has sent her photos in and she writes:
"I am an Aussie trying to live a simpler life amongst the hustle and bustle of Japan. I am also a stay at home mum to three children under the age of five. While the Japanese are over consumers there is also a new shift towards thriftiness and frugal living.  In all honesty my kitchen

Desert Gal No More & Doggie Madness

A new phenomenon has begun at our house whenever Darling Daughter Skypes home. Justice immediately shoves me aside and jumps onto the desk to talk to her. It is freaky, funny, and frustrating. Justice begins to shake uncontrollably and whine, no cry, no HOWL at a fever pitch until Darling Daughter's image disappears. I have resorted to wearing headphones in order to talk to her. Other wise I am saying "what? what did you just say?" because pooch is howling. Howie hasn't a clue and just tilts his head from side to side at all the fuss.

Hannah finds it hilarious and calls Justice's name and says "here girl, here girl" until I swear the pooch will suffer apoplexy!

Darling daughter sent this to me this morning. She is loving the snow! Of course she does not have to drive in it, or shovel it, just enjoy it. This is the courtyard of her dorm. Oh, I wish I was there. I am thrilled that darling daughter will finally get to experience a winter the way I did while growing up. Her PapPap would be happy too.