Artichokes for Dinner

Our family loves artichokes. I found some on sale for $1.50 each, about half the normal price. Even though this is still pricey for our income, I occasionally splurge for a special treat for the family.



I just cut off the tops and bottoms, wash, and place, tops up, in a deep pot (2 pots for this many) with water filled to half way up the artichokes. Season with garlic, salt and pepper on the tops, drizzle a little olive oil on top of that to help the seasonings sink down into the globe. Boil till tender, check by poking down the middle with a cooking fork.


We like to dip our leaves tips in mayonnaise. My husband likes tarter. I've heard others like melted butter. Enjoy!

My Maple Tree

Fall came to my backyard finally. The leaves of our maple tree turned yellow! (See past post, Oct. 12th)




Laura & Sarah enjoying the season. Look at all the leaves!


Our dog, Cheyenne enjoying the leaves next to our camping tent we have set up for garage sale stuff.

Vintage Items

I worked at our (used furniture) store today. Rob, my husband had a conference to attend so I was there the whole day. We take pictures of our inventory for advertising purposes and save them in a Sold file on our computer when they leave the store. I decided to revisit the photos and wanted to share a few memorable vintage/retro items.... (of course, we do have contemporary items, too.)

Red Bush

I wanted to take pictures of that bright bush in the photo with Sarah in her new jacket. It's so bright and bold since fall is here.

Project Totebag

Here's a totebag I made so I can bring my carry-a-long projects like crochet, knitting or embroidery with me. It's nice and roomy with plenty of pockets inside and I added one on the outside too. I used an upholstery-type fabric for the outside and the lining is a cute kitty cotton print. I had to make the handles myself because I couldn't find a ready-made pair like the one on the pattern picture. I found some quarter inch poplar wood at Home Depot drew out the shape and my husband cut it out for me. I then stained it. Put it all together and--voila!

Fleece Jacket

I had seen this cute fleece fabric last year when the winter fabrics were just arriving at JoAnn's. Knowing I had to make something out of it for my youngest, Sarah, and that since it was so cute it would be gone soon, I bought 2 yards hoping it should be enough for whatever I decided to make later. I knew if I waited to buy it, it would be gone. Sure enough when I stopped by just a couple weeks later the bolt was practically empty. Well this fall I finally got to my 2 yard piece to make something in time for this winter. We found a pattern and I was off and running! Here's the before and after pictures.



Sarah loves the jacket. You couldn't tell by her expression though. She just wasn't in a photo op mood.

Brightly Colored Totebag

I love to sew. I hope to share some of the projects I've done here in my blog.

Here's a project I made a little while ago. First, here's the pattern and the fabric I picked out for it. I saw the group of fabric at Walmart and thought I need to make something out of it. It's not often you can find that many coordinating prints together. So matched it up with a pattern I already had and made the totebag. It's the first time I've ever worked with buckram.

I am Elinor

Until I figure out how to put this into my side column, I'm posting it here. I took the test. I'm Elinor Dashwood of Jane Austen's Sense and Sensibility, one of my favorites of hers. You try it! Click below.

Take the Quiz here!

My Son, Logan

It's getting kinda cold here and we haven't got the heater up and going yet. Don't you think he'd feel much warmer if he wore long sleeves or layers? I tell him this but does he listen? No!

retro home

Ok, I know some of you already have seen my house, but for those of you who live far away this is for you. When we first found our rental house the summer of 2007, I took pictures of the place before we moved in. Because you know, once we move in, it would never be as neat and clean until we move out. The place hasn't been updated since it was built back in the 50's.
The House.
The Kitchen.
The Laundry Room.
The Living Room.
The Dining Room Light
The Master Bedroom.
The Basement Bathroom

For Geneology Purposes

Here's our family surnames.....
Juanitas, Yongque, Ybera -- Philippines
Peres, Esteban, Barrado, Rodriguez -- Spain
Torres, Masciotti-- Peru

O'Brien, DeRosier, Robbins -- Ireland, France, England (Rob's family)

Cross-stitch Gift

Cousin Alethea just got married last month. We couldn't go since it was out-of-state, but I managed to make a cross-stitch wedding sampler for her and her new husband. I sent it off to them in Oregon.

It feels like fall

I was playing with my camera and thought I'd see how our huge maple tree was looking like here in the middle of October. Still green....bummer. I love it when it changes colors. I love the fall. It's a cozy time when you can snuggle up in your favorite blanket and slippers, some cocoa and watch the leaves start to fall, enjoying the beautiful colors of God's creations all around you. But alas, my tree is still green. To be continued.....

I've discovered "Happy Slip"

While browsing other blogs the other day I came across someone who had a video of this Filipino American who is very talented. She plays all of the characters in her videos. Different members of her family. It's really quite good, funny, clean humor, and reminds me of my filipino heritage. Even though I'm only part filipino, it was the side of my family that I grew up with. So I can identify with it. Take a look. And check out her other videos at her website, HappySlip.com.

My first posting!

I've decided to start my own blog. Hmm, let see... What do I want to share? I know, here are two examples of my little chibi dolls that I've designed and made. I use my husband's old blue jeans for the body, felt for the face and hands and I embroider with silk ribbon on their tummies.