Playing it loose ...

The change of seasons is usually a good excuse to go thru my closet and take stock of what I have hidden in there that I have not worn in a while.  I like this idea of shopping my own closet and coming up with a new outfit or two!  So if you are doing the same at your house, keep this latest style tip in mind.

Style Tip # 2

Fashion proportion is key!  (In other words, pair loose & flowing with tight)
Very few people on earth can pull off head to toe baggy or top to bottom form fitting.  So take a cue here and team your flowing tops and sweaters with something body conscious on the bottom.  Or the opposite with a very form fitting top and a loose and full skirt or wide leg pants!  No matter your shape or size this is a basic fashion principal that can work for all.

Above are all great examples of loose or flowing on the top paired with something slim on the bottom.

(Think skinny jeans, pencil skirts and leggings)

Just as these close fitting tops are the perfect go to with these full and flowing skirts.

(This dress also shows this principal in it's wonderful styling!)

I am sure there are some new combinations lurking in the clothes you already own...so go have some fun and put this style tip into action today!

~Connie

A little trail thru the woods...

We have been on this property for 7 years this May, and over the years we have been trying to spend some of our outdoor time reestablishing a trail thru our woods to the pond.  At one time there was a trail but it has had numerous years of neglect ...so it has been a challenge to cut back the trees and the under story plants.  That however is the 1st step to creating a neat trail thru our property that we hope the kids and the grands will enjoy in the future!

I hope this summer and in years future to add some cool artwork and signs along the trail.  Maybe a fairy village, a fishing bridge at the pond and a playhouse in the woods will pop up in the next few Springs!  John and I have some fun ideas in mind.  So I will try to remember to share some pics of our creations here.

~
Connie

Apple Pear and Romaine Salad

One of my favorite salad recipes is one shared with me by my grandmother.  She was a wonderful cook and I have lots of awesome recipes from her.  This salad is so colorful and tasty that it has become one of my all time favorites!  I hope you will give it a try soon.

Apple Pear and Romaine Salad

1 pear and 1 apple, chopped

1 cup salted cashews, chopped

1 head romaine lettuce

4 oz shredded swiss cheese

1/4 c. dried cranberries

Mix all together

Dressing - 

1/2 c. sugar

1/3 c. lemon juice

2 tsp finely chopped onion

1 Tbsp dijon mustard

1/2 tsp salt

1 Tbsp poppy seed

2/3 c. oil

Mix together and pour over lettuce mixture (use whatever amount you desire ...this seems like a lot of dressing to me!) Chill salad 1/2 hour before serving.

Hope you enjoy this as you wish for Spring! 

~ Connie

Grandma's chocolate chip cookies

This cookie jar is a twin to one my Grandma always had in her kitchen.  It was always stocked with homemade cookies ...usually chocolate chip which were my Grandpa's favorite!  I searched for quite a few years to find this Pig. So every time I see him in my kitchen I am instantly reminded of my wonderful Grandma Catherine.  I have tried many chocolate chip cookie recipes over the years but never found one that seemed like her cookies.  I even have her exact recipe but they never turn out like hers always did!!?? I don't know what her special secret was.

I have however found one that I love ... and it seems like they are a close taste and texture match!

So I am pleased to stock my Pig with these yummies!  If you like to bake, give them a try soon.  Your family and friends will appreciate the results.


Chocolate Chip Delights

1/2 cup white sugar
1/2 cup brown sugar
1 stick margarine (softened but not melted)
1/2 cup canola oil
1 egg
1/2 tsp milk
2 cup flour
1/2 tsp salt
1/2 tsp cream of tartar
1/2 tsp baking soda
1/2 tsp vanilla extract
1 cup semi sweet chocolate chips or mint chips

In a stand mixer cream sugars, margarine, oil, egg, milk and vanilla.
Add dry ingredients until mixed in.  Add chocolate chips.

Bake on parchment lined baking sheets at 350 for 11 minutes.
Let cool for 3 minutes before removing from trays.  Makes about 3 dozen.


Hope these are memory makers for your family too!

~ Connie