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a Home Office/Craft/Sewing Room Closet

There’s something about clutter that makes me a little crazy. How about you? It’s like my mind can’t focus on tasks when I see stuff laying about. Case in point, my office closet. This space has to work hard and be a lot of things.  This closet must contain my office, my craft room, and my sewing room.  I have been a sewer for 40 years (yes, just a babe when…

WW Ralph Waldo Emerson

What Lies inside You

I love this quote by Ralph Waldo Emerson.  It’s kind of that encouragement you need sometimes.  It tells you that you are tougher than the circumstances you find yourself in, that you are more than the sum of your experiences or challenges.

It’s been quiet around here without our little buddy.  We miss Dexter everyday, in all the small ways you do when you just expect…

Cinnamon Buns Fresh from the Oven

Tea and a Book Cinnamon Buns  (Okay, I made up the tea and book part but you get the idea!)

In my humble opinion, anytime of year is a good time for Cinnamon Buns.  They combine my favourite food – bread – and my favourite spice – cinnamon – into a rolled up confection of deliciousness that I never tire of.

For those of us who are passionate about their Cinnamon Buns, we have particular…

Goodbye to our boy Dexter

Goodbye to our boy Dexter

One of the hardest things about having dogs is knowing that you will outlive them. Loss is inevitable. We go into this relationship knowing this and when we bring them home from the breeder or shelter, we are convinced they will live a long and healthy life. All of our Bassetshave been rescues of one sort or another. With the exception of Rosie, we never knew their…

Don’t let the word “art” intimidate you

Have you ever hesitated to hang art on the wall because you…

Didn’t want to put a hole in the wall and then have to fix it;

Were afraid you wouldn’t like it once it was up;

Didn’t want to commit to something long term;

Couldn’t find something reasonably priced;

All of the above!

I understand your dilemma. For years, I avoided hanging art work for those very…

End of Summer Basil Pesto

End of Summer Basil Pesto

My Basil plant is giving one last push to provide leaves for use in the kitchen.  We’ve had an amazing September and October is looking good right now as well.  I love fall and the change the weather brings – beautiful sunny days and cool nights. On the West coast this also usually means rain but it has been unseasonable dry.  I’ll take it!

Pesto is a great way to save…

Safe Harbour

Photo Credit: Kelly Hasegawa – BC Ferries sailing from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo, British Columbia, Canada

This quote always reminds me to take a risk once in a while. It’s easy to stay with what’s safe, sure, steady – but we don’t grow that way. What’s your “harbour”?

This photo was taken on a trip from Tsawwassen to Nanaimo.  As we left the ferry terminal, the sun was just beginning…

How to Remove Spray Texture from a Ceiling

how to remove Spray Texture                from a Ceiling

One thing I regret happening when we built the house 17 years ago was textured ceilings. I showed up on site one day and there they were. They make me cringe, A textured ceiling is a magnet for cobwebs, they often look dirty, are impossible to paint against, and if you squish a bug – forget about it!

As I’ve gone through each of the rooms…

Flaky Buttermilk Scones You Can Make at Home

Flaky Buttermilk Scones You Can Make at Home

A few years ago, my business partner Maggie and I owned a tea room. This allowed me to indulge in my love of baking without having to consume all the results! From time to time, I’d like to share some of my favourite recipes with you and I hope they will bring your family and friends as much pleasure as they did our beloved guests in the tea room.…

I’ve Moved!

I’ve Moved!

It’s official – I’ve moved the blog to http://www.humbleandhounds.com It’s time to go to a self-hosted blog and all the opportunities that will offer. Same great content with more flexibility. I hope you will check it out! SaveSave SaveSave

Sleep well, my Friend! House Hack #7

It’s November!  I realize the calendar doesn’t declare Winter until around December 21st but in my mind, when the clock strikes 12 midnight on Halloween, Autumn is over and Winter has arrived. Are you with me? Time to break out the woolies, quilts, and turn on the fireplace.

While I won’t begin Christmas decorating until after Remembrance Day on November 11th, I do like to start changing over my…

When Life Gives You Lemons…Make Lemon Curd 

I love everything lemon – lemon loaf, lemon chicken, lemonade but one of my favourites is lemon curd.  Never heard of it? It’s the food of the gods but I’m not sure who thought the name “curd” would attract many fans? Curd for dairy products is coagulated milk, like cottage cheese, but fruit curd is something completely different. Generally made from citrus fruit, fruit curd is a delicious spread…