Carey Cottage ~ 81

Wacky Pillow for a Wacky Friend

2012-01-11T07:55:00.000-08:00

I designed the lettering and stitched this pillow for a wacky friend. I know she likes to walk on the 'crazy' side of life. The pillow is backed in a purple cotton, trimmed in ivory eyelash yarn. I simply whipstitched the yarn onto the fabric. It's stuffed with the insides of a pillow I purchased at a thrift store.

$1 Fourth of July Wreath

2011-06-14T18:33:00.000-07:00

I picked up this honeysuckle wreath at a garage sale for one dollar. I had an old flag that I just couldn't destroy. Using the grommets, I looped wire through each one and attached it to the wreath. I bunched it up to give it a *flowy* feel. Is flowy a word???? Using a piece of garden string, I tied it and bunched it a bit.

Not bad for a buck!!!

How to Hang Corbels & Make a Shelf

2011-06-09T14:20:00.000-07:00

I had these super-duper pair of corbels and I love love love the peeling paint on them. I sanded the tops of the down a bit to make them flat b/c I was thinking....SHELFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFFF.

I first had to locate the studs b/c you absolutely have to use those studs!!!! I *toenailed* the nail through the corbels into the studs and made them nice and secure. Using a piece of glass I found curbside (see my note below peeps) I placed it on the corbels to make my shelf. Instant LOVE.

Important* When putting anything glass out for the trash, please be mindful of little kids. In my old neighborhood, someone had placed an old mirror on the ground. Lo and Behold, a little kiddo crashed his bike and he fell right onto the mirror crashing it!!!! INSTANT TERROR. Please dispose of glass and mirrors responsibly

Vintage Corbel Shelf

2011-05-23T13:12:00.000-07:00

I bought these two vintage corbels and needed to find a use for them. I had a piece of thick glass I picked up curbside, they worked perfectly together. To hang the corbels to the wall...you'll absolutely need to get a stud finder and locate the studs. If your studs are 14" apart...you will be hanging your corbels at 14". Toe Nail the nails through the pre-drilled corbel hole and put the nail right into the stud. Make it SECURE. The glass piece just sits on top of the flat part of the corbel. Since mine were a bit wonky, I sanded them down. I added two little rubber stoppers (they come with glue) to the wood and put the glass on top of it.

Ye Olde Well Cover!

2011-05-20T14:14:00.000-07:00

Just a cute little farm item that made it's way into my landscape. It inspired me to plant around it using plants from other parts of my yard. Because it's wood, I had Mr. Brad build a little platform from wolmanized lumber so it won't be sitting right on the dirt. A little creature found it's way into it as a home...I say WELCOME!

The Love of a Cat

2011-05-17T17:26:00.000-07:00

I have four cats, all unique personalities. First came Oliver, then Selkie so he would have a buddy. Next came Megee...WOW Crazies Unleashed. She never really bonded with either Oliver or Selkie. She was very hormonal when I brought her home. She had given birth during the winter in an abandoned refrigerator. Two little orange kitties...shivering in the freezing cold in a crisper drawer. A neighbor heard the crying and took pity on them (including boyfriend Marcus). They all ended up in rescue. Was I looking for another cat? Nooooooo, but I saw her on Petfinder and something said *She's the girl you've been wanting*, so I immediately emailed the rescue org. with a long letter. I went to visit her and it was love at first sight for both of us.

Five years go by and along comes Finnegan, a cream point ragdoll....CRAZY isn't quite the word. He is so tenacious that he would NOT give up until he made each of the cats love each other. Because of him, I now have FOUR cats living in harmony and enjoying each other.

2011-05-14T11:52:00.000-07:00

CORNER POSTS. Your Pergola posts will actually be part of your deck railing structure. Just extend them up as high as you want the pergola (or as high as you can purchase them) We used wolmanized, of course.

We're not master woodworkers, just two people trying to save a buck. I hope these photographs will provide you with ideas. I picked up a book on decks, which had clear instructions on how to build the basic pergola. I tweaked it a bit with my own design to make it unique. To make the decorative ends on the grid top...I played with a few designs on paper. When I found something I liked, I drew it onto the wood and cut it with a jigsaw. I then filed the ends with a wood file and hit it with the palm sander. Make sure your boards are as straight as possible...and go big. Get the really sturdy wood b/c this pergola is HEAVY and you want it to stay up nice and straight.

Mr. Brad and I Build a Pergola!

2011-05-07T18:11:00.000-07:00

I've always loved pergola's. Since our deck faces west..you KNOW I NEED some shade! When we were building our deck I thought VIOLA....now is the perfect time to add it to the deck.

I wanted a complex profile and something *personal*. I also wanted something that suited ME...I think we accomplished it! Total cost about $400 plus tons of time, but worth it.

Feed Sack Pillow

2011-05-07T13:41:00.000-07:00

A sweet little pillow made from a feed sack. I picked the sack up in a small antique store for about $4.50...I Love, Love, Love the graphic!!! Since I picked up an old pillow with a down insert at a garage sale...I knew they would make the perfect pair.

I hand laundered the towel (the graphics MAY fade in the machine)...and dried him outside. I cut the front 1" larger on all sides than the insert. The back I cut longer by 6". I cut the rectangle in half and turned each piece down about 2.5" since this is an envelope=type opening (no zipper). I turned each piece right side in and seamed around all four sides. Turn right side out and tuck insert inside.

Voila! For about $6 I have a unique downfilled pillow! The moral to this post....don't overlook those tattered pillows...check out the inserts. Since down inserts usually range $20 by themselves...it's a great deal to strip the exterior, wash dry and save them.

Library Card Cabinet How I Love Thee!!!

2011-05-04T18:53:00.000-07:00

And I can count 90 ways! This beauty has 90 drawers...all complete with the rods. As a little girl I lived across from a library. Mrs. Ruth Boigner was the childrens Librarian. I heart her! I spent most of my time at that library, reading and assisting Mrs. Boigner. She let me *work* at the card catalog. When I had a chance to buy one...I JUMPED at the chance, no second thoughts! It's black walnut and in pristine condition. Just needed a little bit of moisturizing! Isn't she gorgeous!!!!

Two Kisses for Maddy

2011-05-04T18:50:00.000-07:00

I was perusing the Target Book Dept...and this cover caught my eye. I picked it up to read the synopsis...and didn't stop. Is it OK to read an entire book @ Target? Ok, Ok I didn't read the ENTIRE book....just a lot of it. It's now on my nightstand. And I cry. Do yourself a favor and buy this book.

ChalkBoard in an old Frame

2011-05-04T17:54:00.000-07:00

I picked this absolutely gorgeous wood frame up at a junk store for $10. I immediately thought CHALKBOARD.....I had a can of Krylon Spray Paint in my stash so I went to work. Using my 40% off JoAnn Fabric coupon, I picked up a foam core board and cut it to size. I lightly sanded it with a fine grit paper just to rough up the surface.

I sprayed 3-4 thin coats and let dry.

Curbside Little Farm Table

2011-05-01T09:19:00.000-07:00

This sweet little table called to my on the tree lawn of a neighbor. It formerly lived it's life as a white table with horrendous painted flowers on it...ugh. I knew I needed to rescue it from a landfill. I gave it a thorough wash and sanding. I then painted it sage green and did a bit of distressing. It's a cute little thing isn't it?

Repurposed Baby Shoes

2011-04-25T16:01:00.000-07:00

I cut an x into the toe of the baby shoe using an xacto knife. I filled up the shoe and plopped in hens and chicks. I've had them outside for 3 seasons and they're still going strong!

Happy Easter, Happy Spring

2011-04-24T09:24:00.000-07:00

Happy Bloomin' Everything! To *honor* spring, I've decided to treat myself to new curtains made from painters cloths. Not so easy to find six in the same shade, but I worked it out. After washing on warm with soapy water and downy, they came out smelling oh so sweet. I tossed them into the dryer and wrapped myself in their softness.

The cloth will closely resemble linen after dried. Can you beat that for $10 plus change?

I love the idea, but wanted to *amp* mine up. Using fabric I already had, I added a 7.5" band of fabric across the top of the cloth. I didn't sew the bottom on, I liked the idea of *floating*...giving my window panel a little somethin' somethin' extra.

The band is 9.5, using 1" seam on top and bottom.

A new blog is underway...

2011-03-24T17:27:00.000-07:00

I haven't done a *lot* with this blog because I wanted a real life design before I began to post all of my photographs and tutorials. Stick around, they're coming!

I've got a VERY COOL project underway....an entertainment armoire built from vintage doors...it's almost ready!

A Very Special Pair of Stockings!

2010-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

#links

2010-11-21T15:13:00.000-08:00

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/

How to letter a chest......

2010-11-21T13:45:00.000-08:00

I picked this old chest up on a tree lawn on trash night. It was bare brown wood, but I knew it could be something unique.

I wanted to use the red paint I had on my shelf, the same paint I used in my living room....so I decided to use the Sealtest logo.

First, I had to find the image...so off to eBay I went. I found an old sign for sale and saved the image to my computer. I printed it off and enlarged it on my copier 400%. I then took each letter and again enlarged it to 400%. I kept doing this until I had each of the letters. I trimmed them out with an x-acto knife, then taped them together.

I laid it out on the top of the chest and drew around each letter with a pencil. Using an old brush and cream paint that I had, I painted inside the pencil lines.

Guest Room on a SMALL Budget

2010-11-06T16:56:00.000-07:00

Footboard turned Headboard $5
Cream Dresser (garage sale) $25
Pretty Mirror (garage sale) $5
Pretty Green Chest (garage sale) $25

My gorgeous lamp on dresser....Goodwill $15
Re-wired kit $5
Shade (repurposed)

Green wicker chair (garage sale) $5
Can of Spray Paint $5.00

That gorgeous crocheted throw on chair (Goodwill) $3
Premium mattress & box springs (Sears) a HUGE buy at $450

Red Wall Paint ~ Behr $22
Yellow Wall Paint ~ Left overs, I did glaze 3 walls

Custom duvet on bed from Ethan Allen (store sample $50
Custom pillow shams from Ethan Allen (store sample $25

The Floral Pillows, Dust Ruffle and Europillow from Arhaus Furniture
Custom set (originally $500)...I paid $40

The Floral Drapes, sewn by me, purchased fabric from JoAnn's @ 50% off,
used an old sheet as liner $30

My vintage dresser trays hanging all from Goodwill...approx $1.00-3.00 each

Can anyone add this up? I think I'm up to a GRAND TOTAL of $750 approximately)

Thanks...

2010-06-01T16:44:00.000-07:00

for taking a stroll through my spring garden. This is just a *wee* peek at what's going on at Carey Cottage. Stop back again for more photos.

Questions? I'm always happy to help!

Computer Issues

2010-06-01T14:49:00.000-07:00

sidelined my blogging....so I'm back!

Strawberry Pie....YUMMO

2010-04-14T13:14:00.000-07:00

EAGLE BRAND STRAWBERRY PIE

1 can Eagle Brand condensed milk1/3 c. lemon juice2 c. strawberries, chopped or mashed1 lg. Cool Whip (9 1/2 oz.)2 graham cracker pie crusts1 c. chopped nuts
Combine condensed milk and lemon juice. Fold in nuts and strawberries. Pour into pie shells and chill. Freezes well.

What does cellulite and an old-fashioned rolling pin have in common?

2010-04-13T09:28:00.000-07:00

Girls, I'm running a little poll....what does cellulite and an old-fashioned rolling pin have in common???? Just to keep you in suspense...I won't tell you until I have TEN COMMENTS..I like to keep you all guessing.

Hint: It's something you will wish you *thought of*.....

Mr. Bunny

2010-04-11T16:31:00.000-07:00

Many years ago...about 25, I was into ceramics. I used to go once or twice each week to a studio. Mr. Bunny was something I made for my son when he was a wee little boy. I've held onto him, putting him out at Easter, but keeping him in my curio cabinet the rest of the year.

It's strange that we become so attached to certain items, isn't it?

Thrift Store Tuesday!!!

2010-04-06T14:18:00.000-07:00

I purchased this beautiful hand-made quilt today at Goodwill for FIFTEEN DOLLARS!
It is beautifully appliqued and quilted, about 10 threads per inch...no rips or fading. I washed it in the gentle cycle and will let it dry outdoors....

While this is a fabulous find for me, I do NOT understand WHY such a lovely item would have a pricetag of $15...when an old hardback is $6.00!!!!!! Well, whatever.....I was smiled upon today....KARMA???? I must have been a good girl lately!

Brownie Monday!

2010-04-05T08:23:00.000-07:00

Who doesn't love a delicous brownie? We all have our preference though; some like theirs fudgy, some prefer cakey, while others prefer gooey. I like all three!

I'd like to share this delicous brownie recipe with you. If you have King Arthur Flour in your neck of the woods, grab a bag and let's get to baking some brownies!

2 sticks unsalted butter
2 1/4 cups sugar
4 lg. eggs
1 1/4 cup double-dutch dark cocoa
1t salt
1t baking powder
1t espresso powder
1T vanilla
1 1/2 cups unbleached all-purpose flour
2 cups chocolate chips

Preheat Oven to 350
Lightly Grease 9x13 pan

In a medium sized micro-safe bowl, melt butter, add sugar & stir to combine. Return the mixture to microwave briefly, just until it's hot 110-120F. It will become shiny. Doing this extra step will dissolve more of the sugar, which will give your brownies a shiny crust.

Crack 4 eggs, beat w/cocoa, salt, baking powder, espresso powder & vanilla until smooth.

Add the hot mixture, stir until smooth

Add flour, chips, again stir until smooth.

Spoon batter into the pan.

Bake for about 30 min., until a cake tester inserted into the center comes out clean, or with just a few crumbs clinging to it.

Remove from oven & set out to cool before cutting.

From Trash to Treasure

2010-04-04T15:22:00.000-07:00

I found these two wire baskets at a local garage sale...FIVE bucks for the pair. They were in *prim* condition, but I wanted them more cottagy...so I grabbed a can of off-white spray paint and gave them a fresh coat.

When I purchased them. I had no idea where I would use them...I just knew that I WOULD find a way to make them pretty and functional.

What do you think?????

I'mmmmm backkkkk

2010-04-03T00:54:00.000-07:00

I didn't go anywhere, just busy. The house is on the market and it's a lot of work! I'm looking for my perfect cottage...I may have found it.

Counting Your Blessings...

2010-03-16T17:34:00.000-07:00

Let's all remember to count our blessings, as there are many. Sometimes when things look bleak, there's a blessing to be found.

My cat, Oliver (age 8), has so many UTI infections, that he is afraid of the litter box. He has been using our formal living carpet as his box...ugh. A friend sent me some information on a new study and I took it to my vet. We decided to try the therapy suggested.

I've also prayed about this. He's my LOVE, the cat who most enjoys snuggling, who loves me unconditionally, who is always by my side. I want us to be together in a normal and sanitary environment, lol!!!

For the past two days, he's been using the litter box!!!!! My prayers have been answered! Once again, I've been blessed.

My Little Volkswagen Beetle's eyes are sick!!!

2010-03-11T09:35:00.000-08:00

LOL. it's my bugs headlights. This car is two years and two months old.....today I am having the THIRD HEADLIGHT replaced on the right side. The headlight on the drivers side is also beginning to fade...so that will need to be replaced soon as well, headlight #3 coming up!!!!!!!!

REALLY VW????? I think there is an issue here!!!!!!!! I love my little gecko green beetle, I wanted a beetle since I was a little girl. Six of us went on a road trip (yep in a beetle), before seatbelts were mandatory, of course. What fun that was!!!!

If I could get the eye issue worked out for my little guy, I'd be soooo happy!

Adoption Stories....a Beginning

2010-03-09T11:48:00.000-08:00

I LOVE Adoption Stories, it's such a warm show...I end up feeling to warm and fuzzy! This mornings episode was about a Gay Man and his Partner.......adopting a little boy. I'm so happy that this little boy has a loving family AND happy that Gay Partnership has been recognized as a FAMILY UNIT. Every child deserves the love and support of a family, that doesn't necessarily mean Traditional.....as long as the child is loved and cared for....it's a Good Thing!

It's a beautiful day....

2010-03-09T11:43:00.000-08:00

In the Neighborhood! Yes it's true......we have SUNSHINE!! Someone should bottle this stuff as a happy drug.....wait they do., it's called Zoloft, lol!

When you live in Cleveland, you learn to *Suck it Up*....I'm through Sucking It Up! I WANT Spring!!!!! Maybe if I scream loud enough....someone will hear me??????

~~~~On a happy/sad note~~~~~If anyone has been following the trial of our local doctor, YAZEED ESSA, he has been accused to poisoning his beautiful wife, Rosie, with cyanide. He skipped to Cyprus, and was extradited back to the US. He has been found GUILTY by a Jury of his Peers. Sadly, this will not bring Rosie back, nor will it give his two beautiful children a set of parents. Court TV has been filming the trial, so stay tuned. ~~~~

Sigh....My Dad is Ill...

2010-03-06T18:14:00.000-08:00

Dear Old Dad has bladder cancer....the news didn't take me totally by surprise...I knew he had an issue, but I was hoping it was an infection...it was...sort of...is cancer sort of an infection? All I know is that the word CANCER is scary. It's an ugly word and an uglier disease. He's shook up, of course. I have confidence that he will be fine. There will be a bit of a fight though and I hope he can hang tough. He's a bit of a *baby*, not tough like my Mom. By *baby* I mean, he absolutely cannot handle pain or distress. Mom, however, wears her pain like a suit of armor. Is this a man thing, lol??? Dad will be 75, he's been in fairly good health, double by-pass many years ago and other issues that come with being almost 75.

Sigh....I will know more on March 16th...wish him luck!!!

It's Official

2010-02-24T08:46:00.001-08:00

only 20.5 days until St. Patrick's Day!

To honor one our our favorite *holiday's, visit my blog throughout the 17th of March to view how we celebrate our *big day*. Since Brad's Grandparents came from Ireland, he's a true Leprechaun...and that he is!

We visited Ireland a few years ago and are planning to return in the late Spring of 2011! We left Ireland with a true love of this beautiful Emerald Isle. The people are warm, friendly and enjoy a good *craic*....as do we.....so stay tuned.

It's been a weekkkkkkk.....

2010-02-22T11:25:00.000-08:00

I've been sick for 10 days...and I'm never sick. Coughing like crazy, taking cough syrup with codeine...that sure knocked me out! I am feeling a bit better today....so Dan, email me @ RachelRotech@yahoo.com with your address. I am going to make a few apples this weekend.

We Have a WINNER!!!!!!

2010-02-16T10:26:00.000-08:00

And the winner of the apple is..........DAN! ~~ Give me a couple of days Dan, I'm very *under the weather* at the moment. We're going to work on the apples over the weekend. I'll get your address and get it to you!

Pre-Valentine's Day Celebration!

2010-02-13T20:12:00.000-08:00

I awoke in the middle of the night to find that I've been graced with a headcold......oh lovely!

I watched tv, slept in....then Brad and I got up to *hit the road*....we stopped for lunch at a lovely little diner called the Hungry Bear...the people are so friendly! I had a juicy burger and began to feel a bit better.

We went to the little historic town of Wooster....there is a shop there called the CALLA LILY, a wonderful shop chocked full of yarn, patterns and goodies! There is a sock going around the USA...a HUGE sock...being knit by whoever happens to pick up knitting needles. It's going to be in the Guinness Book of World Records when it's finished.

Because I felt so yukky.....I didn't add to it today, but I will return to put my *stamp* on the sock. It also comes with a sign-in book. Stay tuned for a photo of this beautiful and huge sock!

If you're a knitter, check your local shop....it may end up there! I stopped at a little antique shop and purchased two pieces of gorgeous vintage wool for my rugs! I love those wonderful little bargains...and I always wonder where that wool was....after the sheep, of course!

Brad and I celebrated Valentine's Day in a wonderful way.....we had a snack at a Hungarian Bakery that makes the most wonderful open sandwiches of hungarian salami, cheese, red peppers and egg....yumm....I topped it off with a piece of their homemade torte. Then onto the bread bistro for a glass of wine and some wonderful conversation with the locals at the bar.

I finally realized that I should head home and rest...exhausted, but full and happy to have spent the full day with the one I love.

My Give-A-Way is Around the Corner!

2010-02-11T14:54:00.000-08:00

Here's the surprise, a HUGE apple that I will make and ship to you! My apple will be big enough for four people to each have a wonderful hunk....it's tasty and delicious!!!!

Dance Like There's No Tomorrow.

2010-02-09T09:05:00.000-08:00

So, the family (Brad's side) got together at a pub in the old *hood*, just a small family place which serves amazing pizza from next door. It also sports a vintage shuffle board machine, so fun! My brother-in-law has had a 2nd chance at life, and he's blowing it. He's back to his old alcoholic habits and he's not looking good at all. He wanted to dance, so we danced. He's not a great dancer, but he does love to *fake it*. We danced for a few hours actually....why not. That may have been my last chance to dance with him. It was wonderful actually. Then he told me he loved me. Like I didn't know? I did know, now he knows. Maybe next month if he's feeling ok, we'll go out again...and dance like there's no tomorrow.

It's The MONTH OF LOVE!!!

2010-02-06T10:01:00.000-08:00

It's funny how February is known as *The Month of Love*...don't we love our friends and family EVERY day of the year? Maybe February should be known as *The Month of Extra LOVE*...don't forget to tell each and every one of your loved ones (and friends) that they are loved and cherished at every opportunity. This can be as simple as a card, a phone call or a cupcake!!

This monday marks the 2nd anniversary of the death of my sister-in-law...I'm sure glad I told her I loved her before she passed away, she told me that she loved me too...now I have those memories and those words in my heart forever.

To celebrate our Love for our family and friends, I've gone out and about...taking photographs of hearts....they will change, so keep checking back. I am going to do a LOVE Give-a-Way, drawing on February 14th...so stay tuned!!

America...More Than Home of the Brave

2010-01-24T17:41:00.000-08:00

Haiti has been hit and hit hard. After watching endless hours of people suffering, let me say that I have never been more PROUD to be an AMERICAN. The United States of America is FULL of loving, caring and giving people. I have had the pleasure of assisting a group of women supply little hospital gowns, diapers and shoes to the children of Haiti. Two totes go over per year. My boss' wife alone sewed 125 dresses and countless diapers for the wee ones.

The children of Haiti suffer GREATLY in one of the poorest countries in the world. Let's continue to pray for their survival.

Happy January & New Projects...

2010-01-12T18:24:00.000-08:00

Perusing the wares of my favorite cross-stitch shop.....I was drawn to Kate & Lizzie's BOO CLUB. It's not a difficult project, just longggggggg.

This project consists of six leaflets called *Flip It's*...two patterns in each leaflet. It can be stitched as singles or put together. I chose to stitch all 12 as 1 project.

I didn't go with the suggested fabric...I chose to work on hand-dyed cashel, 28ct, antique almond.

Pollo Cacciatore al Forno or Baked Chicken Cacciatore

2009-09-08T15:48:00.000-07:00

Bet you didn't know I know Italian. Ok, I"m faking it.

Let's Read the Recipe

3# chicken, cut up. You can use any type of chicken you like.
I like legs or boneless breast...so does Brad, truth be told.
Salt & freshly ground pepper
3T oliver oil
2 gn peppers, seeded, cut into narrow strips
1 lg onion, thinly sliced
8 oz mushrooms, trimmed and quartered
2 garlic cloves, finely chopped
2 cups canned italian peeled tomatoes, drained & chopped
1t dried oregano

Preheat oven to 450. Arrange the chicken in the pan & sprinkle with salt & pepper.
Bake for about 30 minutes.
Turn the chicken & sprinkle again with salt & pepper. Bake for 20 minutes or until lightly browned.
Heat in med. skillet, the oil. Add peppers, onions & mushrooms. Cook stirring frequently until the vegetables are tender and lightly browned...about 15 minutes
WARNING: VEGETABLES WILL NOT BROWN UNLESS THEY'RE GIVEN ROOM, SO DON'T CROWD TOO MUCH.
Stir in the garlic & cook for about 2 minutes. Add the tomatoes, oregano, salt & pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer & cook until sauce is thick...about 30 minutes.
Pour the sauce and vegetables over the chicken & bake until chicken is nice and tender, about 15-20 minutes longer.

Let's Make SALSA

2009-09-03T15:50:00.000-07:00

Ok ladies, we've all tasted the salsa in a jar....ugh. I made this recipe for Brad and it's been a hit. No more jar salsa, we're better than that...right? I've taken a few photographs to guide you.

Let's Begin by looking at the recipe:

2.5# Roma Tomatoes, Firm but Ripe
Cut the end off. Chop the tomato into nice sized pieces. Each tomato can be cut into approximately 27 pieces
1/2 green bell pepper, diced medium
1 small yellow onion, diced medium
2 green onions, trimmed and sliced, using both green and white part.
3 lg cloves of fresh garlic (not bottled, it's horrible), minced FINE. Why fine? A finer garlic will distribute more garlic flavor throughout the tomatoes. Makes sense, right?
1 jalapeno for a bit of heat. MINCE FINE.
Important: Jalapeno heat will intensify throughout the curing process. Adding too much right away can be a nightmare. Use one and when you taste your concoction, you can add more if you prefer it HOT. It's really difficult picking those little pieces of jalapeno out of your tomatoes. Wash your hands immediately after handling jalapeno or you could be sorry.
3/4 bunch of fresh cilantro, rough chopped
A Funny: Cilantro closely resembles parsley. Don't fall for the parsley's tricks. Absolutely get the cilantro and make sure it's cilantro.
salt & pepper

Put those delicious chopped romas into a large bowl. Sprinkle about 1T of salt all over the tomatoes, this will help the tomatoes flavor. Mix them well.

Add about 1/2T of black pepper as well and mix again.
Add the remainding ingredients.

Using a small plate, put it on top of your salsa and press down. This will help the tomatoes to *juice* up a bit.

Seal the bowl well, and put into fridge. In about two hours you can mix again. Taste it. If you prefer it hotter, add another jalapeno...it's going to be hot though. It's up to you, just no whining if it's too hot.

After 24 hours, your salsa is ready. It's tasty AND delicous.

Please Leave a Message

2009-07-22T15:25:00.000-07:00

I will love hearing from all the people around the world!

A soggy day

2009-07-22T14:59:00.001-07:00

Hello, another rainy day, just finished. The birds certainly love the cool fresh water to bathe in. The butterflies are fluttering about. Is the yard too soggy to work in today? I think not, no absolutely not. I'm going to leave this house soon and prepare for battle. =^..^=

2009-04-29T12:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Wednesday, O Happy Day! The rain has come and gone. Tomorrow will be a day to work in the gardens as those little weeds will pop right out.

I have so much to think about, I'm constantly writing myself *notes* and clipping photos of groupings that I like or colors that work well together.

Stay tuned for more photos of the Carey Cottage Garden

The Carey Cottage

2009-04-15T17:41:00.001-07:00

Hello Everyone and WELCOME to Carey Cottage. I'm Rachel from OH. I've always loved cottages. When we moved into our new home, we had to add *character*, it's a work in progress as I'm always updating when I get new ideas.

I like to incorporate old with new or with new that looks old. I hope I've achieved that.

I particularly enjoy cottage gardens. This is year four for our gardens. I hope you enjoy looking at the photos. It's been a labor of love and God willing, we'll never be finished.