For weeks, I had been collecting inspiration pictures for redoing our basement stairs. What I finally pictured was a beautiful staircase with gorgeous dark stained treads, gleaming white risers and lilting teal blue stenciled designs. Then reality happened. We started with this lovely carpet covering each stair. Classic Seventies. Original. Chosen by the previous owner. […]
October Replay
October began with elegantly spooky Halloween atop the dining room buffet. Some brilliantly colored decor for the autumn front porch. Definitely autumn food – Sausage and Apple Stuffed Squash . . . and autumn comfort food – Grilled Brie and Pear Sandwich Warm tummy breakfast – Cottage Pancakes with a surprise […]
Stellar Staircases – The vision
I love painted staircases. Dark treads, painted or stained a deep rich brown. Or may be black or a dark gray. Light colored risers — preferably white to contrast with the dark tread. I finally narrowed my Staircase dreams to ten possibilities. Classic dark and white appealed to me: Bloomerism So did the dark […]
Small Bread Bowl
We love creamy soup in a bread bowl. But the bowl is usually too large. Which means it is too much to eat at one setting. And it doesn’t “save” well for the next meal. (Yeah. I tried.) It is also too many calories and/or carbs for anyone counting those. I also love brotchen or […]
Fireplace Weatherization
Our fireplace has been a cold spot in our life ever since we moved in. You could feel the air move around it — and see it because it was enough that lighted candles would flicker in the wind! A couple of years ago, we installed a fireplace balloon which helped enormously. However, there was […]
Apple and Sausage Stuffed Acorn Squash
Wheels loves acorn squash but I only knew one way of preparing it. Cut it in half, scoop out the seeds and bake about an hour until tender, with or without butter in the middle. It was hard to cut before cooking – a feat of strength and sharp knife and messy to scoop out […]
Welcome! I’m Charlene. I love to share quick and easy recipes, whatever I’ve learned in our last DIY project – anything that helps make life easier, better and more fun!! I hope you will find inspiration and add a pinch of joy to your day!