Welcome Back Ladies!

The ladies of The Yellow House Apiary have returned! We purchased three pounds of Italian honeybees and installed them on Sunday afternoon.

I had forgotten how much I enjoyed having them in the yard. It's peaceful to watch them work and fun to share what we've learned with anyone interested. They are truly fascinating.

This year there will be honey. We are so lucky.

Whatever would we do without them?

Mondays & Rainy Days Past

The following is a blog I wrote last August and then didn't post. I think I decided the picture wasn't good enough. I've since decided I love this memory too much to care about how the photo looks.

~~~

Rainy days don't typically get me down and Mondays are just a new start. The Carpenter's singing the song however leaves me ready to leap.

Yesterday was a rainy day. The rain clouds slowly crept from the west as Max and I finished some errands. The thunder started and accompanied us to Trader Joe's. We made it home only slightly wet and shortly thereafter, it began to pour.

Jake, a perpetual four-year-old, excitedly prattled on about playing in the rain. Henry was the only one up for it. I grabbed the camera.

They followed each other up the sidewalk and around and around the driveway. With bare, white feet contrasting with summer brown legs, they shuffled through the biggest of puddles. It was fun to watch.

Playing in the summer rain is a fond memory of childhood for me. Cool respite from the summer heat. The solitude of feeling like the only one in the world.


I wish now I could remember why I didn't join them. Next time I'll be cool and feeling like the only one in the world, except for Jake and Henry.

The D

I seem to collect anything with a "D" on it. Blocks, postcards, ceramic plaques, framed pictures. They are everywhere in the yellow house. Though I don't think they are obnoxious pleasantly tucked away - perhaps it's getting a bit compulsive. Oh, well.

 Earlier this winter, I was inspired by Pinterest (duh) to make a cute "D" for my door. A cheap unfinished wooden "D" coated with red paint from a bygone project, a berry garland and Tacky Glue. (How did we live before Tacky Glue?)

The most challenging part of this project is getting the super thick glue out of the bottle. My Tacky Tip? Setting the bottle upside down in a glass between squeezes. This simple trick takes away a lot of frustration. Especially for kids accustom to the constant and unstoppable flow provided by Elmer.

Using old craft scissors to cut through garland wires, cut off mid-sized clumps and randomly glue them on. Be sure to keep the edges flush so the letter is clear from a distance. Layer to create a cohesive look. Don't worry about the glue - it dries clear. Sturdy berries are key.

Tah-Dah!

A big red ribbon for hanging and I have perfect winter decoration for my front door. What if your name begins with "N" or "H"?  Evenly measure a ribbon for each side of the letter and us a staple gun to affix it securely.

With the advent of spring I want to make another one.

I am thinking moss.

I am also thinking I need to get off Pinterest.

The Inaugeral Fire

Last fall we broke ground on our outdoor kitchen when a big, beautiful stamped patio was poured outside our kitchen door. Doug designed and has worked diligently to build a beautiful L-shaped kitchen. He always shoots for the moon. His design includes a custom-built smoker, gas grill, plumbed sink, wood-fired pizza oven, wood storage, prep space and a fireplace.

Of course, life gets in the way and every home owner knows how it goes with home improvement projects. Progress was slower than we had hoped but the shell is set, mortared and ready for fire bricks.

A few weekends ago, after a bit MacGyver-like techniques the boys were able to build roaring fire in our almost, sort of finished fireplace. We roasted marshmallow and made s'mores with peanut butter cups.

We spent time as a family sans Jake - he's in high school now. We texted him photos to harass him. Hee-Hee.

We put our feet up on the hearth and enjoyed thoughts of what's to come.

We can't wait.

PS-Last year's weiner roast story highlighted my beer. This year it's my running shoes.

The Hippest of Yellow House Parties

We in the yellow house were super excited to announce Kate Payne, author of, The Hip Girls' Guide to Homemaking would be visiting. On October 8th the big day finally arrived. We hosted the consummately cool Kate and her wonderful friend Wana for a house party and book signing.

Very book signing-ish looking, right? When it came time for signing, Kate didn't sit behind the table, she sat with each of our guests and made friends - then she signed their books. Told you she was cool.

We were blessed with an absolutely gorgeous week in Chicago so her fermented green tomato pickle demonstration took place in the yard near the garden.

Many hip homemakers came out for this event including...

...Wana's lovely dog, Lucy and...

....the ladies of the yellow hen house.

Afterward, treats made from my home-canned stash, mini fritattas, truffle popcorn and a fave sangria were served. There was mingling, conversation and lots of laughter. It never ceases to amaze me how people come together as strangers and depart as friends. How exciting to find those with similar beliefs, desires and passions though times and places are vastly different. That was the best part. It was a really special evening enjoyed by no one as much as I.

Did I take enough pictures to document this day? No, of course not.
Was I inspired? Tremendously!
Will I always remember the warm fuzzy feeling of connection? Forever.
Am I counting the days 'til Kate's next book is released and Chicago makes the book tour? Absolutely!

I am hip as Kate?

Okay. I'll stop there.

Thanks so much for coming Kate!

XOXO,

ALL of us in The Yellow House

Brilliant Vintage Save by Jono

My brilliant brother had the foresight to save the two unbroken glass shades of his 3-bulb vintage lamp. I like to think the reason he brought them to me was because he knew I could find a way to brilliantly re-purpose them.

Though sometimes I can all but taste the potential in a found item, it doesn't reveal itself immediately. Happily, this was not the case.

Flanked on a flea market find bench ( remember Anna?) they are fabulous candle shades. Next to my Grandma's Maytag turned beverage cooler and between the garbage picked lawn chairs, they are perfect. I know, I too, am brilliant. They throw beautiful light because of their wonky shape, provide safety outdoors on a breezy night and have integrated chimneys.

Did I mention they were free?

Thank you little brother for thinking of me.

 Love,
Your Favorite Big Sister

Break's Over

Who knew the butterfly bath would be pressed into service as a water cooler?

Quit your clucking ladies and get back to work....

Everyone Eats Their Veggies

A week or two ago, I decided I was done with the over-grown broccoli plants in the garden. The two modest heads and small bits made about a meal and a few crudite bites. I pulled the plants and piled the fat, woody stalks covered with squeaky leaves into the chicken run. They immediately fell upon them and did a bang up job of stripping off the leave. A day later, I pulled out the fat, woody and now leafless stalks and tossed them aside to deal with later.

June took it upon herself to deal with at least one of them for me. She carried it around and shook it. Threw it in the air and chewed on.

She loves her veggies.

What a good dog.

Just Another Manic Sunday

I came home from work at Williams-Sonoma today after a torrential morning down pour and enjoyed sangria and really tasty cheese on the patio with some neighbors.

They left and then the rain started....again.

It was a nice summer rain. Cool and redolent of childhood summer days when there was rain but no lightening. Running in the gutters at Memorial Park.

The company and libations were better. There were no bugs.

We were getting soaked, even under the umbrella, so we moved to the porch.

The rain still came and poor June looked for playmates, even though she was soggy.

The afternoon of tremendous accomplishment continued. The rains stopped, again, and the chicken went onto the grill....

Hope your Sunday was as chill, albeit manic, as mine.

It's a Nyagous!

The first tomato of the season from one of our roof top plants.

A prolific, rare, Russian tomato variety.  Beautiful, smooth, round, "black" tomatoes that are dark mohagany with dark grey-green shoulders. Nyagous is a wonderfully firm and blemish-free, 6 oz. tomato with lots of sweet, complex fruit flavors and a clean acidic finish. Up to 6 fruits to a cluster. A good market variety that has become a favorite of the Russian varieties. Nyagous is resistant to cracking. 

Thank you TomatoFest for the info.

Thank you Pat for the plant.

Is it too early to say it was the best tomato I've ever eaten in my life?

A Nourish Food Swap

Inspired by Hip Girl Kate Payne, I decided to host a food swap. Wanting to do something special for the wonderful people who attend my cooking classes it seemed like the perfect way to say thank you.

With a background in catering and event planning, I love to plan parties. I especially love staging and adding nice touches to make things extra special. Jake and Max kindly carried the half Hoosier cabinet from the basement for an extra swap and food table. Cute vignette by the garden, too.
 

 

My Grandmother's Maytag washing machine is perfect for icing down drinks. The ALL detergent bucket is a perfect kitchy accent when planted with flowers.

 

Also finding a home in the washing machine, sodas made with fruit and herbal syrups. I there is flavored simple syrups and soda water in the fridge you'll always have a spur of the moment signature drink. Add a splash of vodka or gin and it's a cocktail. The rosemary-lemon is my favorite.

 

It's not a summer party without sangria. This one was made with my favorite summer wine - a French rose - lemons, and frozen local strawberries and raspberries. It was served into jelly jars from a giant vintage pickle jar.

I was so pleased there were so many interested in this event. The backyard was pleasantly full and there was lots of mingling.

 

Handsome servers passed hors d'oeuvres....and cocktail napkins.

  

Grilled Pork and Red Pepper Skewers with Mango Dipping Sauce were a favorite.

The most important part of the night? The swapping! My great grandmother's kitchen table (also carried up the stairs) was covered with an estate sale score and then piled with many offerings of enthusiastic swappers.

The selection was huge - just pulled beets, cookies, cakes, jams, salsas, eggs.....

... Limoncello, pro-biotic natural sodas and a huge basket of  homegrown herbs.

I wanted to give a special party favor to my guests. "The little lady on my website", a photo from yet another estate sale, was a perfect messenger. A quick trip to Ritz and I was able to personalize the front (only 7 cents on Tuesday and Wednesday!) A sticker offering a $5 savings was stuck to the back.

 

The evening drew to a close and I finally had a chance to sit with a few guests. A good time was had by all and this is just the first of many more to come.

It's a super fun and different way to entertain - especially the foodies in your life. If you'd like to host your own, follow the link to Kate's food swap page for a more detailed explanation.


I can't wait to throw another one and in the meantime, I'd gladly come to yours.

The Best of Friends....Still

Through the screen door I saw Ella and Macy engrossed in a quiet conversation at the end of the sidewalk. I am not sure if they were telling secrets but I like to think they were.

These girls have been friends since they were three. As they've moved through school, made new friends and pursued new interests they've always remained friends.


The Brownies had it right when they instructed, make new friends but keep the old.

This friendship is definitely gold.

We Had A Lobster Boil!

A few weekends ago, we had a lobster boil. It's something we used to do every June for a huge group.This year it was just family.

Is it insensitive to say "welcome to the party."?

We serve filet and potato salad.There is always corn on the cob. Lots and lots of corn on the cob.

Which works out well because this time there was lots and lots of free labor.

Job done. 

Photo ops are a must.

 Lobster for grown ups.

Lobster for kids.

A long communal table.

Much fun, good food and lots and lots of laughs.

Reason #2 Why I Love Summer

Lots of chard in the garden...

Added to leftover bacon grease..

Dinner in 10 minutes...

By the way, number one is Henry's summer feet.

Our Roof Top Garden

This year we expanded our garden. The one on the ground and our new found roof top garden. Our bedroom opens onto the flat, black roof of the family room. What have we been thinking all these years wasting this perfect garden space?

Out of room in the ground level garden, I was able to plant up the wonderful heirloom tomatoes given to me by a talented gardener. The black plastic pots leftover from bushes bought to landscape the patio are the perfect size and free.

Here they are in their new home. It was raining, of course. I have since dug up some volunteer plants - what I think are cucumbers - to share garden space with the tomatoes. My thought is to place them on tarps to protect the roof and the vegetables from one another.

I feel so permaculture-y.

I also feel a bumper crop coming on.

Tin Cans Reinvented

We love to entertain and we hadn't done it up in a while so in homage to fathers everywhere, we boiled lobsters. I took the opportunity to set a big communal table in the yard and loaded my Grandmother's vintage Maytag with icy drinks. It also gave me the time to do a bit of crafting.

After poking through the garage one day, I came across a bag of tin cans, previously destined to become a robot. I love the looks of tin cans and their uses are endless long after the soup is gone. Since paper napkins always blow away when dining outdoors I decided to turn these long forgotten cans into utensil and napkin holders.

I chose large baked bean and tomato cans for this project.

I used 12" square scrapbook paper from the craft store, measured the can and then cut strips to fit.

When covering larger cans, the 12" paper comes up a bit short so I just patch in a piece. When using a heavier weight paper pull out the glue gun and for lighter weight paper you can manage with rubber cement.

To give then a nautical look, I used a length of laundry line and glued a loosely knotted piece around the middle.

I think they are really cute and  the possibilities are endless.

Happy Entertaining!