Mexican Coleslaw

1 Bag of Coleslaw Mix (shredded cabbage and carrots)

1 Bunch of cilantro, chopped

2 Tbsp of pickled Jalapeno Juice

Optional: rinsed black beans, drained corn, julienne Jicama

Toss EVERYTHING together in a bowl and cool for 1 hour.  Use on tacos, burritos, tostadas…where ever you would use lettuce!

Greek Coleslaw

1 Bag of Coleslaw Mix

2 Tbsps of chopped, fresh oregano

Zest from 1 Lemon

2 Tbsps Lemon Juice

1 Tbsp Extra Virgin Olive Oil

1 smashed and chopped clove of garlic

Optional: chopped greek olives and fresh tomatoes

Toss EVERYTHING together in a bowl and cool for 1 hour.  Use to top grilled chicken sandwiches, gyros, or on the side of greek styled BBQ meats.

Mango Coleslaw

1 Bag of Coleslaw Mix

2/3 cup of Mango Chutney

3/4 cup Greek Style Yogurt

Toss EVERYTHING together in a bowl and cool for 1 hour!  Use on top of sandwiches or as a side at a BBQ!!!

Lemon Rosemary Roasted Chicken

4-6 Servings ~ 2 Entrees

1 Tray of Whole Chickens (2 whole birds, about 4-5 lbs each)

6 Whole Lemons

3 tbsp dry Rosemary

1 1/2 tbsp Kosher Salt

9 large cloves of Garlic (finely minced if not using a chopper)

1/2 tsp red pepper flakes

(2) Gallon sized Freezer Bags

(2) Quart sized freezer Bags

1. Label the gallon bags with the date and name of the dish
2. Clean & Dry the chickens, discarding the neck & giblets.  Place one in each gallon bag.
3. Zest the lemons into a mini chopper or bowl.  Cut the lemons in half and divide evenly among the quart bags and seal)
4. Add  remaining ingredients to the chopper (or bowl if not using a chopper) and process until you have a grainy paste.
5. Carefully separate the skin from the birds, leaving the skin on.  Make sure to work all the way down the breast, thighs, and drumstick areas.
6. Dividing the paste evenly between the two birds, rub the paste all over the birds between the meat and the skin.  When you are done, carefully work the skin back into place to seal the seasoning into the bird.  Put the birds back into the bags, place one lemon bag into each gallon bag.  Seal and Freeze.

Garbage Disposal Cleaning Cubes

You Need:

White Vinegar (an awesome eco friendly, all purpose cleaning agent)

Lemons (cut into multiple chunks)

2 Ice Cube Trays

Put it Together:

1. Place one lemon chunk into each ice cube cavity
2. Fill with White Vinegar
3. FREEZE
4. Empty cubes into a labeled freezer ziplock bag (so you can reuse it!)
5. 4 times a week, when you finish doing the evening dishes and you are cleaning up, drop two cubes into the disposal and give it a whirl without running the water.   When it sounds clear, run the hot water to rinse.

Sloppy Joes

3 Entrees ~ 4 Servings Each

1 Tray Lean Ground Beef (about 6 pounds)

6 cups of Chopped Onions

1 1/2 cups Chopped Celery

1 1/2 cups Green Bell Pepper

3 tsp Black Pepper

6 tsp Chopped Garlic

3/4 cup Dark Brown Sugar

3/4 cup Worcestershire Sauce

6 cups (48oz) tomato sauce

3 cups Beef Stock

6 tsp hot sauce (I like Frank’s)

12 hamburger rolls

(6) gallon freezer bags

1. Label bags with the date & name with a sharpie.  Divide the rolls between 3 bags.
2. In a large stock pot, heat Olive oil.  Saute onions, celery, bell pepper, black pepper, and garlic.  Be careful NOT to burn or undercook.  Lift the veggies out of the pan and place in a bowl to the side.
3. Brown the meat all the way through, making sure to break up large pieces.   This may take a while due to the large quantity of meat.
4. Once the meat is cooked through, strain off the fat, and add the veggies back in, cooking & stirring for 5 minutes.
5. Add the remaining ingredients to the pot, allow to simmer for 25 minutes.
6. Cool the mixture completely and divide between the 3 remaining bags.
7. Lay the bags flat in the freezer.  Freeze the rolls as well.

It was the traffic coming home.  While it only takes us 15 minutes to get to the studio from our house, tonight it took a whole hour to get home.   We had stopped at a mom & pop chinese place that is next to the studio to pick up noodles for dinner and headed home from there.  It was with dread that I saw that our off ramp was clogged.  I could have passed it and taken the next one over, but I was an optimist tonight…and dead wrong.  Slowly, we crawled home from there.

Luckily, I had three Category 30 orders waiting to be made at my workbench at home.  Sitting in that traffic, my mind kept going to the designs I was to make when I got home.  The longer our trek became, the more my head escaped to where it really wanted to be.   I thought about how the silver would behave in my hands as I worked it into the requested shapes.  Seeing the steps in my head, I allowed myself to sit back and muse about something that I would be doing very, very soon.

Finally arriving home, my Angel quickly changed, visited with our engineer, ate her noodles, and headed to bed.   Feeling pretty wrung out from our long journey through thick traffic, I ate quietly and headed upstairs to my workbench.  FINALLY!!!  Honestly, my mind and body were weary at this point.  While I had used it as a means to escape during our stau, I was ready to just call it a night and crawl into bed.  However, knowing that morning flies by at the speed of light in our house, I knew that I really had to complete the orders tonight.

Turning on my work lamp, I found myself going through the ritualistic motions of laying out my tools.   The weariness began to disappear and was replaced by peace…a very simple feeling that all was well.  Pulling out paper and a marker with the same size tip as the size of the silver wire I was to use, I made a rough sketch of the design I was to create.   Touching it up here and there, my mind worked through the motions that the silver would have to go through to create it.

You see, silver wire has to be respected.   It has a mind of its own.  While care must be taken, it is not for the cowardly.  Precise motions are required to make a beautiful piece.  While there can be an occasional “second chance,” it won’t have the pure, free form shape of something that was achieved the first time around.  While it can be supple and fluid in the hands, with too much handling it will break.  That is actually one of the things that I love about working with it.  Respectful but firm…

Taking out the coil of 16 gauge 99.2% pure silver, my hands did their thing.  Tools, wire, and hands can create beautiful things if they work together.   Slowly, carefully, and precisely, the naked wire took its form.  You see, for me, there is nothing I love more in this world than creating something out of raw materials.  My good friends would chuckle and say that it is my addition.  Really…it is my Bliss.  There is a high, of sorts, that comes with creating that I love.  My engineer learned many years ago that if things were stressful, all he needed to do was recommend that I make something….and life would be good.

So, tonight, after a long day and a long commute home, it was with anticipation that I came home….and followed my Bliss.

We all have them laying around the house in flimsy paper boxes.  I know that my sizable stash has been irking me for a while now.  Recently, I saw a pin on Pinterest that sparked the “can do” in me.   Though I didn’t open it, I saw immediately that it was something that I was kicking myself for not thinking of it sooner.  Though I am the happy owner of multiple “fire sticks” and battery operated candles,  I thoroughly understand the necessity of good old matches and simple candles for emergencies.   Nothing would make life worse than discovering that our matches were ruined due to moisture.  That is why I am sharing this simple project on our very first Tip Thursday!

What I used:

• A Jar (I had a leftover jar from when I had a canning day that left me with one jar short….I guess there was a reason for that!) with a tight fitting lid.
• Your Matches
• Sand Paper (I had a spare sponge sander lying around.  I just cut it up and used it)
• Glue (I used a glue stick that I had)
• Something to cut with
• A marker

1. Make sure your jar is clean and dry.  Empty you matches into it and close.
2. Place your jar on your sandpaper and draw a circle around the bottom the marker…cut it out just inside the circle.
3. COMPLETELY cover the wrong side of the sandpaper with glue and adhere to the bottom of the jar. 
4. Now you have waterproof storage for your matches so that they are there for you when you need them!

What I used!

Glittered Glass Ornament Supplies.

• Hairspray – I had heard a lot of people say “Mop & Glow.”  However, I don’t have Mop & Glow, but having a dancer in the house means that I have PLENTY of hairspray.  Honestly…that is sticky enough for me!
• Fine Glitter – again…this was simply the glitter that I had on hand.  I may try chunky glitter for grins and giggles ; )
• A Small Clear Glass Ornament – 12 for $6 at our local craft store!!!
• Vinyl Word “Create”….that is my personal FAVORITE word!!  Has been for years!
• Ribbon – another something that I had in my “stash!”

Total cost for Project – $5.94 for 12 Ornaments!! (with my craft store loyalty card!)

1. Take that little metal stopper out of the top.  
2. Spray Hairspray directly into the ornament, tilting it different ways to make sure it also coats the inner top of the ornament.
3. Carefully dump glitter of choice through the top and shake…coating the inside thoroughly!
4. After wiping down the outside, adhere your vinyl word of choice to the outside…easy does it…you really want it as centered as possible.
   

   I originally used "Wish"....and then decided I wanted "Create" instead. ; )

5. Rub the vinyl word vigorously, and gently peel off the paper.

Reattach the metal cap and top with a bow!
Note: While I did not read about this on a blog, this is a common technique and so I am sharing another crafter’s journey with glass and glitter!

]]> http://www.tomboyandhertools.com/2011/11/17/have-your-self-a-very-glittered-christmas/feed/ 12 http://www.tomboyandhertools.com/2011/11/15/to-caulk-or-not-to-caulk-that-is-the-question/ http://www.tomboyandhertools.com/2011/11/15/to-caulk-or-not-to-caulk-that-is-the-question/#comments Tue, 15 Nov 2011 22:06:16 +0000 Laura http://www.tomboyandhertools.com/?p=131  

Here I am, minding my own business, brushing my teeth, and TRYING to start my day.  I can hear my children racing through the house, much like a stampede of elephants.  Thump…thump thump…CRASH!!!  ”MOM!!!” Shaking my head at what I have to face when I step out that door, I see it.  With a damp finger, I gently touch it…testing it.

The Caulk.  Running my hands through my morning hair, I lean in for a closer look.  Yep.  It was just what I thought.  The caulking between the bathroom counter and the wallboard was coming loose.  Clearing everything away from the edge, I see that it is coming up 2/3s of the way down the counter.  Signing, and hearing yet another thump, I have yet  another thing added to my list.

Caulking is not something that can be ignored.  Loose or lack of caulking around windows results in both energy loss and structural damage to walls.  In other words, HUGE $$$ out of your pocket.  This is also true of insufficient caulking in bathrooms and kitchens.   If the caulk is not strong and secure, moisture seeps into counters and walls, causing serious water damage.  Having re-caulked in another room in the house at the beginning of the year, I know that it will take about 45 minutes of my time to thoroughly prepare and replace the caulk on that counter.   Luckily, being the beginning of the weekend, I know that I have plenty of time to fit it in…and share it with you!

Separations or cracks in your caulk in bathrooms or on counters is a sign that you need to clean & re-caulk.

Tools Needed

5 in 1 Tool or Utility Knife & Razor Scraper

A Caulking Gun Loaded with Appropriate Caulk

Masking Tape

A glass of water

A Good DIY Reference Book…or this blog post ; )

Caulking Tools to do the job right

1. You will need to thoroughly clean and scrape away all the old caulk.  Honestly, this is the most time consuming step.  I have found the good music goes a long way.  Maybe a little CCR or Hendrix, anyone??  Jefferson Airplane is also good about now.  All I know is that music that can make you move is a very good thing when you may not want to.
   

   Cleanly Scrap away old caulk with either a 5-in-1 Tool or utility knife & razor scraper.

2. Next, load up your caulking gun.  I prefer one that has a nice thumb tab that stops the caulk when you want it too.  A trigger instead of a clicker is preferable as well.  These little luxuries just make the job a little cleaner.  Now is the time to actually look at the area you are caulking.  How big of a “bead” do you actually need??  You want something that appropriately covers the crevice, but doesn’t overload your surface with excess “goop” (my daughter’s word).  This will determine how much of the tip you cut off of your caulking tube.  The further you cut off of the tip of your tube, the thicker the bead of caulk will be.  I tend to trim on the small size and work my way thicker…there is NO working backwards.  A utility knife works great for this….remember!  CUT AWAY from you.  Once you trim the tip, put an appropriately sized nail in the tip to close it off.
3. Being that I really do not like a lot of extra clean up when I am done, I tape off the area that I am going to caulk to create a barrier.  Call me weird..that is just what I prefer to do.  Occasionally an “oops” will happen…and this prevents the “oops” from becoming another word that I will refrain from writing here.  Little ears, folks…little ears!
4. Now, if you haven’t caulked before, for your own sense of self worth, I recommend that you test out how the caulking gun will actually feel in you hands by practicing on a piece of paper.  Just feel and see what you will need to do to create a nice even stream.  Remember, you can always wipe clean and start over.  The more you practice, the smoother it gets.  You might actually find that you like it.
   

   With even pressure, caulk the crack. DO NOT leave any of it unsealed. Doing this will allow an entry way for moisture. Big NO-NO! (PS....don't caulk and try to take pictures at the same time!)

5. Now it is time to caulk that line.  With nice even pressure, create a bead of caulk right on the crevice…creating a snake.  Once that snake it down, using that glass of water, dip your finger in the water and gently run it down, over the top, of the snake…creating a concave protective layer of caulking over the crevice.
   

   Dipping your finger into a bowl of water, run your finger along the top of your bead. This will both create a beautiful finish and push the caulk in where it needs to be.

   Wash your hands and let it dry for at least 1 hour.

   

   After you have "wet finished" the caulk....stand back and take a look...

6. Make sure to plug the hole in the caulking gun with an appropriately sized nail.  This will allow you to have everything you need the next time you are brushing your teeth, hearing the kids screaming in the background, and see that this needs to be done again!
   

   Put a nail in that hole so you don't have to buy more later!

7. Once the caulk is dry, remove the tape and admire your handiwork!
   

   Just a few minutes...and now there is a properly sealed counter...small things make the house and wallet happier.

Like everything in a house, caulking has to be maintained.  By doing this very simple task, you are preventing serious structural damage caused by moisture in your home.  When we lived in Europe, our home had been sorely neglected.  Honestly, I had no idea where to start.  Though we were “just tenants,” I had a hard time living in a home that had such poor health.  Water damage was EVERYWHERE.  I don’t know if the family had ever caulked in the house at all.  Needless to say, when we moved to the Pacific, caulking was one of the things that I deliberately looked for.  Now, living in a home that is healthy and happy, I don’t mind getting the caulking gun out and helping her out when needed….even if I discover it before I have had my morning coffee and the kids are SCREAMING through the house!

A note of thanks to The Tomboy Tools Guide to Home Improvement for their beautifully written, step by step directions that guided me through my very first caulking job!

Fritters….made your way! (aka…whatever happens to be in the cupboard, frig, or freezer)

This can be made Gluten Free!!

Pancake Mix – whatever amount is needed to make enough for your family….following the directions for mixing it up.

Chopped Veggies (your choice)

Chopped Deli Meat

Grated Cheese

Whatever spices you think would make it taste AWESOME!

I will be honest, other than the measuring of the ingredients for the pancake mix, you just add whatever you think would go together.  This makes a very chunky mix that is held together by the batter.  Don’t worry about it!  Do know that they will take a little bit of time to bake on the griddle.  A little non-stick spray will work just fine.  I tend to make enough to freeze some for when we need to take a snack with us.

Favorite flavor combinations:

Ham, Swiss, Chopped Spinach (frozen), a little onion, and Thyme

Ham, Cheddar, Chopped Broccoli, a touch of dry mustard, a little onion

Turkey, Pepper Jack, Southwest Veggie Mix (black beans, corn, peppers), a little cumin, a touch of Ancho Chili Powder, garlic (serve with salsa, chopped tomatoes, cilantro, and lime)

Coarsely chopped chickpeas, frozen peas, onions, frozen chopped spinach, 1 tsp sweet curry powder…serve with plain yogurt.

I think you get the picture!  When I decide fritter night has to happen, I look in the frig and think about what would go beautifully together!

Special Note

You can use whatever pancake mix you want to make these!  I have tried it with KAF pancake mix recipes (both white and whole grain), Bisquik Gluten Free Pancake Mix, and the typical grocery store bags.  If there are allergies, just use the appropriate pancake mix or recipe…and use the add ins that are right for your family…and don’t forget to freeze the leftovers for when you need a quick meal on the run!

You can’t live with them, and life won’t let you be without them.  Yes, I have contemplated having my family eat with their hands, but I think the neighbors would talk.  Recently, I had just finished clearing the table when it happened.  I had washed the dishes, loaded what I could into the dishwasher, and flipped the switch to the garbage disposal.   That was when I heard it.  The angry hum of a jammed motor!  Quickly, I flipped it off and thought to myself, “oh great….I really don’t want to be dealing with this right now!”  After grumbling under my breath for a while, I knew I needed to unjam it or run the risk of burning out the motor.  Did I want to do it??  Nope.   Did I do it anyway???  I am a Mom, aren’t I?

The first thing I did was gather everything that I needed.

• A Broom
• Rubber Gloves
• Pliers
• A good “How To” book

2.  After grumbling some more…. I went to the utility room to start the process.  IMPORTANT:  Flip OFF the Breaker Switch to the Garbage Disposal.   In most homes, this is clearly marked.  However, if your switch isn’t marked, once you find out which one it is, now is the time to mark it!  Or, you can be like me and have it slip your mind….which means you will be testing those breakers each time you have to use them to find out which one goes where.   Our breakers in Europe were all in German…so they might as well have not been marked at all!  I spent 3 years flipping random switches.  Ok…I am a slow learner.

3.  Now, I may be a Tomboy, but I don’t like “Gross” under my finger nails (not that they are much to look at).  With gloved hands, with the breaker switch off, clean everything out of there until you have a nice clean area.  As you can see, I had standing water….and it closely resembled my drinking cup after my beloved 3 year old son got to it….floaties and all.  That is OK!

4.  Using the end of a broom handle, with firm pressure, rotate the grinder plates counter-clockwise until it moves smoothly.  Feeling with a finger, see if there is anything lodged between the plates and the wall.  If there is, using your pliers, pull it out.

5.  Now, with dry hands, you can turn the breaker back on and test the disposal.  If it still hums and doesn’t move, repeat steps 2 through 5 (PG grumbling recommended when little ears are present….if they aren’t, go ahead and curse like a USAF Maintainer).   Eventually, with diligence, you will work out whatever is jamming it.  This process normally takes only 5-10 minutes, max (unless you are like me and haven’t marked your breaker switches in English…then have fun with that).

During the whole time I was working on this, my daughter (age 7) was watching with rapt attention as I chattered to one of my best friends on the phone.   I had to move that baby a few times…but when she finally roared the way I knew she could, my daughter and I cheered with glee….while my friend laughed on the other end of the phone.  I am sure you will have a bit of a victory dance as well!

Note of Thanks:  Awesome and Clear step-by-step directions courtesy of The Tomboy Tools Guide to Home Improvement.