It's Monday! I must say, I don't mind this day of the week. I get the house back in order after the weekend, catch up on laundry and grocery shopping, etc. I like to re-establish some sense of order. Although I did tackle a cleaning project over the weekend...I cleaned out my side of our bedroom closet. I have two big garbage bags full of clothes and shoes to donate. I found a pair of black wool pants that taper at the ankle and go up past my belly button. I think those are just a tad outdated! Other things were in there for many seasons without being worn, so out they go. I did save a few sentimental outfits...the suit I wore to my wedding rehearsal dinner; the suit I wore to Dave's med school graduation; and bridesmaid dresses for my sisters' weddings. But they don't take up too much room. Anyway it's MUCH neater in there!
Today I ran a bunch of errands...Wegman's, HomeGoods, gas, mall, and the library. Since tomorrow is Valentine's Day, I bought a pack of strawberries. The kids and I make chocolate-covered strawberries every year. It's so easy and SO much cheaper than buying them pre-made. Here's the recipe I use:
Chocolate-Covered Strawberries
16 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips
2 Tbsps. vegetable shortening
1 lb. fresh strawberries with leaves
Sprinkles, mini M&Ms, colored sugar, flaked coconut, or other coatings (optional)
Wash and dry strawberries. In a double boiler, melt the chocolate and shortening, stirring occasionally until smooth. Holding them by the leaves, dip the strawberries into the chocolate mixture. Rotate berries to make sure they are covered. Let excess chocolate drip off. Spoon coatings of choice over each berry. Place on wax paper-lined cookie sheets. Allow to cool and store in refrigerator.
Last week I bought a few spring items at
Christmas Tree Shops. Isn't this bird cloche adorable? Plus it was only $7.99!
Donna, I thought of you when I saw it. You're the one who's inspired me with your beauitful cloches!
I also picked up these decorative bird eggs...they'll go into a spring display on my foyer table.
I'm working on a review for a new Gooseberry Patch cookbook, called "Simple Shortcut Recipes."
On Saturday, I made a great recipe called, "Rainy Day Meatball Stew." I can't wait to share this and other recipes with you...this may be one of my favorite GP cookbooks ever! It is filled with dishes I want to make. So stay tuned for that!
Enjoy your day, and Happy Valentine's Day (a day early)!
♥ Jen
Okay Jen. Come to my house and clean out my TWO closets and dresser drawers. :) I've already started for you. I have 3 bags of clothes ready for Goodwill. They have been hanging out in my bedroom since LAST April. :P They will be going.... SOON! i'm tired of moving them so that I can vacuum behind them. LOL!
ReplyDeleteOk, you're killing me with the Christmas Tree Shop references. I miss it so much!!!
ReplyDeleteLove the idea of chocolate dipped strawberries. I wish I had thought of it. Maybe, if there is time tomorrow, I'll throw that in. So far, for me, it will be heart shaped apple turnovers.
Jen,
ReplyDeleteI was loving your cloche and then I saw my name! So funny :) You know I love my cloches!! We have a Christmas Shop in B'ham now and I love to go in there and look (and buy). I need to go soon to get me a cloche like yours!
I cleaned my closet out the other day too and found sentimental items also. Even my shoes and dress I wore to leave for my honeymoon 35 years ago this year!
You could use the wool from the pants to make something :) I found some wool blazers in my closet that I may cut up and make something.
Chocolate covered strawberries ... yummy!
And another thing I really wish you would turn your face around in your pic!! LOL
Hugs,
Donna
Early spring cleaning huh? Spring must be close regardless of that old ground hog thing. I've been doing some indoor gardening, re-potting plants and starting pepper seeds. Well, anyways it's almost spring. :))
ReplyDelete