#wool toque

Can I interest you in a hat? Made to order in 100% wool in a dark, earthy shade of green. $35.

As ‘made to order’ implies, the one pictured is not the one you’ll be getting. That one is mine. You’ll be getting a freshly made one that has not touched any other heads.

10 Bean Winter Soup

   www.diabetesinsider.tumblr.com

Hearty...delicious...easy to fix if you plan ahead...diabetic friendly, too!  This soup has the fiber and no added sugar that help keep my blood sugar numbers in line - yeah for that.  Prepared canned soup has added sugar - bummer for my meter readings.  Making bean soup from scratch is not as hard as you might think. 

The trick is to plan ahead even to making this in the evening after finishing that night’s dinner.  Really!  You’re home anyway binge watching Netflix so why not work ahead on tomorrow night’s meal?  The great part is that the scent of simmering soup fills your house and you have the satisfaction of knowing you’re taking care of your diabetic diet.

2 c. 10 bean soup mix, dry beans

6 c. + water

2 bay leaves

2 t. garlic powder

1 t. + salt to taste

1 t. + pepper to taste

2 c. carrots, chopped

2 c. celery, chopped

2 c. onions, chopped

2 c. tomato sauce

Pour all ingredients into a large soup pot.  Bring to a boil - cover - turn down to simmer.  Simmer until the beans are tender - 2 to 3 hours. 

When I’m not simmering soup on the stove, I’m sewing chef aprons with pockets for my online shop ( www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).  Or, I’m knitting wool toques from recycled yarn for my other shop ( www.handmadeartists.com/shop/topdrawerthreads ).

My daughter’s (and friend) have an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns , where they hand make and sell knitted afghans, scarves, and hats made from recycled yarn.  My other daughter has an online shop, www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags , where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired neck pouches made from recycled yarn.  If you are on the go but want to be in the know regarding great audio book listens, check out this review blog - www.lendmeyourears2017.tumblr.com .

It's finally that frigid winter weather... where it's painful to move your covers in the morning and when you open the door to leave for work, your face automatically cringes. 

But... this means faux fur scarves:

And big, droopy wool toques...