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whet your whistle wednesday: issue ten

February 19, 2014 by anne 3 Comments

I am ready for spring and the garden. I haven’t seen anything close to the weather the rest of the country has so if I am ready you all must be overdue. We have had a mild winter out here causing us to gear up for a drought.Gardening is going to be a challenge with water restrictions. I am going to try to make it happen though because I enjoyed the garden so much last year. My success last year didn’t match the fun I had so hopefully a year of experience produces a bigger bounty.

It will be challenging to have a productive garden during the drought but I have found some tips that will make it a little easier.

Having great soil makes it easier for plants to get nutrients with limited water. One of the best ways to get better soil is to add compost. You can make your own and I would love to try. If I finally pull it off I will start with a worm compost bin this year.

I would love to create a drip irrigation system to help focus my watering while using less water. While I will probably set us a system hooked to a hose I will also be adding water bottle drip irrigation. Recycling and water saving in one. Eat your heart out Al Gore!

One of my favorite things about gardening is watching the critters that come to visit. I made a spot just for birds and butterflies last year. I transformed a boring outdoor clothes dryer into a fun spot for the birds. Hopefully I will get around to finishing it up and make it the top spot in the neighborhood.

A bunch of cute tea-cup bird feeders complete with shade would be cute hanging above the bird garden.

Hanging paint can bird feeders in the tree would make for a party in the trees. Not to mention a feast for some of the squirrels in the yard.

What I never got right was the hummingbird feeder. I tried the cheap ones and it never worked out. For just a small splurge I would love to get this outdoorsy lantern feeder.

Marking plants as you put them in the ground is a helpful way to remember what that seed was when it looks the same as every other thing sprouting from the ground. I love these cute markers and you could get the wooden spoons for cheap at the dollar store.

Recycling objects from your house, the thrift store or other finds can add some whimsy to the garden. My favorite upcycle planters are the colander, pots and pans.

To add some more variety and height to the porch plants I would love to try a flower tower.

When you have a large bounty you have to find something to do with all those veggies. Last summer I really enjoyed trying some canning recipes. Unfortunately not with veggies from my own garden. This year I hope I can make my own tomato sauce from my own tomatoes.

Once I have it all jarred up making them cute would make for a stash of gifts for later in the year. A group of adorable labels would be the perfect thing to make them cute and unforgettable.

I might need to grow rhubarb this year. I love mixing fruits with rhubarb to make crisps, tarts and pies but it is rhubarb rosemary jam that might encourage this tart fruit.

Welcome to the Gardening Infographic portion of your Wednesday

whet your whistle wednesday: issue nine

February 12, 2014 by anne 20 Comments

I have had an interesting decade. 30 to almost 40 has been the most personal growth I have had in my life. I couldn’t be more proud of myself than I am today. This whet your whistle will give you some insight into some of the things I have worked through, continue to work on and where I want to go. There is also some fun stuff in here because who wants to be all serious!

I like to down play my anxiety because it isn’t a daily thing I deal with. However, it is real and for last 6 years I have had a dozen or more days where it has put me out of commission and made me physically ill. Some ways I handle it on the easier days are listed in these 7 hacks to dealing with anxiety.

I started going to my acupuncturist for a completely different reason but the effect it has had on my anxiety/panic attacks has been the best side effect. It may not work for everyone but it is certainly worth checking out.

I have a job that requires me to work 50 hours a week. It can get fairly stressful but I love it most days. Fifty hour work weeks sucks up a lot of time in the week so I have to work hard to balance my time at home and use it wisely. I found some good tips on getting the most out of my day and plan to put them into action this month.

I am prone to stress and stress related ailments so it is important for me to find things that ease the stress. The thing that has helped me the most sounds cliché. Having a positive attitude and stopping some unnecessary complaining has made the largest impact. If you need some tips on becoming a positive thinker this infographic could help you.

Now that I have found ways to balance some of my time I am throwing in new things. Tomorrow will be our first day of the couch to 5k program. Luckily, Tom is doing this with me or I wouldn’t get out of bed tomorrow morning to do it. Ginnie’s tips on what to wear for cold weather exercise hopefully help me out tomorrow because I am wimp in the cold.

While I am 25 years away from retirement my biological clock seems much closer. I have tried a lot of things to increase our chances. No luck so far but I have more energy and feel healthier after all of them. I am hoping the start of the Whole 30 program is one more thing that increases our chance and makes me feel even better. It is a paleo type diet that is said to reset your body and teach you better eating habits.

My husband is the person that makes me the happiest and the best part of the last few years. I am so grateful I get to spend another Valentine’s Day with him.

Love and Romance Infographic portion

History of Geek Romance from clark kent to harry potter

Hook line and sinker - actual fishing may help you land the big one

Signs you are in a serious relationship

Find a great wine for you romantic dinner on friday

How much money will be spent on valentine’s day

How do you relax? What are you planning to do on Valentine’s Day?

whet your whistle wednesday: issue eight

February 5, 2014 by anne 14 Comments

I have sat on the computer for a while now trying to think about what I wan this weeks whet your whistle to be about. I have bounced around a lot of ideas and I have even thought of not having a theme. I like the theme though it helps me focus and makes going through all those pins and links I have saved less overwhelming. I have finally figured out exactly what I want to focus on this week and that is happiness. Problem is now all the things I think of don’t seem fun enough to put up here for you. I am going to power through and see what catches my eye.

Being happy isn’t just about how you think it is also about how you act and speak. See what Anna has to say about speaking differently.

If you want to be happier maybe you should try your own happiness project. The book was a great inspiration for me and I am going to get the second book while I eagerly await her book on habits.

We are off to Disneyland on Friday so we can get our money worth from the annual passes we bought. Since our trip in December we have gotten into pin trading. We are looking forward to a day at the happiest place on earth and adding to our collections.

Cherry and lime make up my favorite combination and these cupcakes look like they wouldn’t disappoint.

Everything should have color and style so my camera strap should be no different right? This orange cover from Humble Penguin is my favorite so far.

I love this next idea. I have been thinking about making a light box to improve photos but my own photo set with backdrops…How cool is that?

I think we are going to try to get off the couch. A wise friend said the best way to exercise is to keep trying things. When you find something you like it won’t be as hard. Since I haven’t tried running why not! Of course there is an app for that.

The Iron Horse trail in the east bay is one I would love to spend some time running, walking or biking

Welcome to the Infographic portion of whet your whistle

How to choose running shoes

marathon running…this I can’t even fathom

No how to run my best 5k that I can get my head around

Top 10 benefits of running

Health benefits from 30 minutes of exercise

Good form should be my goal

whet your whistle wednesday: issue seven

January 29, 2014 by anne 4 Comments

With the move to WordPress mostly done it only seems appropriate that this whet your whistle focus on blogging. I have been posting to this blog for almost 8 years. I do it because it is my hobby. I don’t make any money doing this and that is okay because I have enjoyed having a place that is my own. Last year I put a lot of effort into growing the blog and I thought that meant more traffic and a large quantity of comments. In the last few months I have learned that what I like most about blogging is meeting new people that like doing the same things I do and getting to know them as more than just a few words on my comment page. This of course requires traffic and I have enjoyed the handful of people that I have gotten to know because of the blog. Below are some of the links that I have loved or plan on using to make this my space more me.

art by Emily McDowell click link for Etsy store

The post that helped me make the transition to WordPress was a lifesaver. It was so clearly written I never panicked about losing all my posts and starting over.

Moving to WordPress gave me a chance to make the design look a little more professional. There are some great themes out there for free but I opted for LifeStyle Pro from Studio Press.

I did some research on hosting but ultimately I went with BlueHost because there were so many positive comments about them from other bloggers. When I made a big opps the guy on the other end of the phone was so helpful I am so glad I picked them.

Click picture for source

I have found that Pinterest is the place that I get the most traffic so I am curious about ways to get the most out of Pinterest.

This post has some ideas on how to research how you are doing on pinterest. This post shows you a really easy way to see what is pinned directly from your blog.

As I have done research on blog tips one site has come up over and over with great tips. Kludgy mom has a lot of great post but one of my favorites is 5 steps to makeover old blog content.

click picture for source

Because the community and relationships are my favorite part of blogging I would love to make it to a blog conference someday. I want to remember these 10 tips to a better conference experience for when I go.

Now that I have the tips I can look at the list of blog conferences I might want to participate in. There are more conferences than listed here but I am sorry I missed the one that happened at Disneyland. I am sure I could get Tom agree to that one.

One of the best things you can do to create a community on your blog is to have a little bit of blogger etiquette.

Welcome to the infographic portion of whet your whistle

How to make the perfect post for all social media platforms

How to get more eyes on your posts

A great guide on how to use images that aren’t your own

So you want to start your own blog…

History of blogging…do you know where it all began?

Evolution of the blogger what kind are you and who came before you?

I hope you enjoy the updates to the blog and stick around to look around and chat a little. What has helped you with your blog? What do you love most about blogging?

whet your whistle wednesday: issue six

January 1, 2014 by anne 6 Comments

I finally made it back on a wednesday for a whet your whistle post. In honor of new years each one of the quotes relates to my new years resolutions. Last year I had quite a few goals that centered large around getting projects done and tasks. I completed some but this June update was then end of progress on the lists. This year I am going to focus on more general goals that require small improvements every week and by the end of the year should show great results.

I have to add in some projects I hope to get to so all the links are projects from pinterest that I have pinned and would love to try this year. The inspiration for this came from Prototype Mama’s recent post.

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This year I would like to simply say hello to more people, open up to more people and see where it leads. I am hoping that by pushing out of my introvert comfort zone I might meet some interesting people or just make someones day.

I did better last year making sure I drank more water but think I could improve even more and these flavored waters might be just the trick.

I love the smell of bread backing and the taste of fresh bread can’t be beat but ain’t nobody got time for that! No knead bread might be the ticket.

Maybe this will be the year I tackle making macaroons.

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I would love to be better at gardening this year. It all got set up and planted but I didn’t have great soil and my results were not great. I am hopeful that this season will bring enough bounty to can my own veggies.

I am looking forward to improving the garden and making it look cute. Making it cute doesn’t make the veggies grow better but it makes me want to spend more time there and these plant markers will certainly help.

It would be fun to try a vertical garden this year and Michelle’s tutorial at Decor and the Dog made it look possible.

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I wear jeans and hawaiian shirts most days and I want to dress this up a little and really find my own style. Actually, I am close to my own style I just need to keep the confidence to rock my own style.

I would love to add key pieces to my wardrobe and this checklist is a great place to start and nicely divided by season.

I would love to try going to some estate sales and see if I can find some great pieces to add to my collection of furniture and decorations. I need to just get started and I will do that right after I read these tips.

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I am all about ideas and projects but not follow through and completion. I would like to limit the projects I start and finish more this year. I want to pick the project I am most excited about and stop making excuses about not having enough time.

I enjoyed making the advent calendar and the mobile so much I would like to continue and make some more mobiles and felt crafts this year. I have a few recent and soon to be here arrivals that should certainly have their own mobile. I found a clever way to make my own hanger I would love to try.

I should exercise more but let’s start small and just stretch more. These yoga poses and stretches that promote good sleep might be a great place to start.

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I would like to connect with more people. This is mostly a blog goal. I am hoping that over the year I create more blog friends and get to know the current ones even better.

I want to put more energy into the blog but I want it to be on my terms and something I will be proud to show off. I want to find ways to create my own bandwagon and not just jump on what everyone else is doing.

I got a new macro lens for Christmas and would love to learn more about my camera so I can take better pictures.

New years infographics

Unhappy people are less likely to make resolutions

How many glasses of bubbly in a holiday season?1?

How many flowers in the rose parade?

I want to make my resolutions look this pretty

What are your resolutions? Do you have lots of pins that you haven’t gotten around to trying but would like to this year?

whet your whistle wednesday: issue five

December 4, 2013 by anne 3 Comments

An all food issue of whet your whistle is heading your way today.

I love my KitchenAid Stand Mixer.

I have a 6qt red one but if I had a 5qt one I know I would be looking into getting this glass bowl for the mixer.

If I really got into canning or had a garden that yielded excessive veggies this fruit and vegetable strainer would be a great addition to my KitchenAid attachments.

With attachments you can make your KitchenAid do everything. It can slice and grate in addition to mixing.

I love vintage bakeware and dishes.

You can identify the patterns of pyrex that you own with this handy guide. I unfortunately only have one piece so far but keeping my eyes peeled for new ones all the time. I wonder why pyrex hasn’t

I love the look of jadeit and I have one reproduction piece I got at Crate and Barrel years ago. I recently found another at a thrift store.Want to find out if your jadeit pieces are real or reproductions this site can help.

Fiestaware is my true love for dishes and while all of mine are from newer productions I am gathering quite a collection. This color chart might help me figure out exactly what I am missing. Looking for vintage colors here is a photo of them and their names.

I love aprons.

I have a tendency to just wipe my hands on whatever is handy when I am cooking so wearing an apron can save many pants.

I have 4 now and hope to keep growing the collection and eventually get a coat rack to display them. Something colorful like this one from CB2

Anthropologie never disappoints with their apron collection. This Perry Harbor Apron with matching pot holders is no exception.

The piece de resistance of aprons is the Stronghold Apron. To say it is on the high-end for price would be an understatement but I imagine it would last a lifetime.

I love cookbooks.

Of all my collections my cookbook collection is my largest by far. I am always finding new ones I want to add.

I really want to tap into using the slow cooker more and this Italian Slow Cooker Cookbook seems like a delicious way to get started.

I hate doing dishes so any recipe I can make in one pot is a good thing. So a cookbook filled with 365 one-pot recipes is right up my alley.

I bought a this book years ago for myself but never opened it and instead gave it as a gift. I have always wanted to get another copy because I enjoyed reading CookWise so much. BakeWise explains how baking works so you can learn how to adjust a recipe to get better results.

And now for the infographic portion of your Wednesday.

For the morbid here are the last meals of some famous people

Desserts around the world see what dessert they eat in the desert

All you need to know about buying the right knife for you

The anatomy of a Top Chef - learn why they wear that uniform

Chronology of the cupcakes rise in popularity

How America’s test kitchen perfects a recipe

All the photos today came from a foodie underground post that links to the originals.

whet your whistle wednesday: issue four

November 27, 2013 by anne 2 Comments

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving and to be honest it isn’t my favorite holiday. I love the dinner and I am thankful for so many things but I would rather move on to Christmas. I have my radio set and ready for when the local station switches over to holiday music. Thanksgiving certainly deserves it due but after that this post is on to Christmas.

Forty years ago A Charlie Brown Thanksgiving premiered and it is still going strong. A small idea became the magic to make it happen and the perfect recipe.

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And now lets head on to Christmas…

Hanging lights can be tedious but this little kit for hanging outdoor lights is super helpful. If I have a similar product to hang my lights from the eaves of the house and I love it. I am looking forward to hanging our lights because of these handy little things.

I always imagine that this will be the year that I send Christmas cards and it never is but I am holding out hope for myself again this year. Part one and Part two of holiday cards shows off some extremely cute ones. Part three or part four aren’t half bad either.

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These tree trimming tips from Martha mention more than a few things I had never thought of and I love the tip about making your own ornament hangers.

Some time after I left home my parents increased the number of trees they put up for the holidays. We used to have one in the living room. Then my mom got her own tree in the entry way and she got to decorate it however she fancied. I have a hankering to get a little artificial tree that could be a place for cute kitchen themed ornaments.

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Last year I turned the front doors into gifts. For Halloween I made it into a mummy and for Christmas this year I really want to do a take on this snowman.

I always love the look of pastel holiday decorations like this felt garland. I hope I can find the right spot for them in our house this year.

Christmas themed infographics

Christmas tree facts-where it all began

Ugly sweater knowledge — a little info before you head to your holiday party

Ingredients for a great Christmas song — get working on your own and make millions

A Christmas Carol versions — My dad’s favorite is George C. Scott not easy to find

The cost of the 12 days of Christmas - Why are maids-a-milking only $58?

Unique Christmas traditions around the world — one involves roller skating