Monday Mail Call ~In with the New and Out with the Old ~It’s a Pressing Matter

Lizzie and I started making face masks back in March.

Hubby was working from home then,

and I felt like I needed to spend my time

doing something worthwhile.

We made hundreds of masks, so many masks

that we wore out my portable ironing board.

Don’t you all appreciate Amazon while

we are staying home during the pandemic?

Pretty sure our mail carrier was curious

about what was in that big box.

I’m actually embarrassed that the old ironing board was so worn out.

But then, it went to college and lived in the dorm with both daughters

years and years ago, so was about time that I replaced it.

It is quite handy to set it up on the counter for my smaller projects.

I’ve used it for years...

Plus it has been serving a double duty

for the last several months.

In our Clothing Construction classes,

our instructors stressed that when sewing,

you need to spend as much time at the ironing board,

as you do at the sewing machine.

(Remember that rule, Debra?)

By now, I’m guessing if you choose to wear a 😷 mask,

you already own one. However, if you need another,

or are planning to travel to a destination

that has a mask mandate,  leave a message for me.

I have a good variety of prints in my inventory.

And if there’s interest, I just may create a Christmas Collection!

Stay safe and well.

Take care,

~Natalie

Yay for Friday ~Looking for the Blog Worthy ~Fall Flowers ~Football Fun ~Good Food

With our Covid numbers spiking here in our neck of the woods,

we are sticking close to home as much as possible.

Fresh flowers and my favorite fall scented candle

bring a little comfort and joy to our kitchen.

Most days are the same...However, an occasional burst of fun,

like cheering for our favorite Football Team

playing the one and only game on their Fall Schedule.

My MIL and SIL harvested the

last of the 🍅 tomatoes in her garden.

I have already made Spaghetti Sauce, and Pizza Sauce,

so I experimented with Roasting a batch.

Remember, I showed you our mums and pumpkins.

Hubby added a cornstalk to our little front porch.

I think Lizzie approves.

The changing colors of the trees in our yard are beautiful.

However, it creates a whole lotta work for Hubby.

He spent a weekend day cleaning up the yard

and filled the whole backend of his pickup with leaves.

I rode along when he took them out to the dump.

It was a weekend date!

Here’s where our date took us next.

Can you guess where we are?

Back to those roasted tomatoes...I added onion, garlic, and thyme.

My friend, Wendy, recommended adding

a couple of carrots for sweetness.

This recipe for Roasted Tomato Soup was featured

in our hometown Aberdeen magazine.

 I really wanted to try it.

Roasted Tomatoes, Fresh Basil, and a whole cup of cream...

I don’t think we’ll ever be satisfied with canned soup again!

Stay safe and well, everyone.

Treasure this time that you

spend in your home and with your family.

Take care,

~Natalie

Hello October ~There’s a Chill in the Air ~It’s Soup Weather ~Lasagna Soup Recipe

I love to make soup, and this is one of our favorites.

Lasagna Soup is easy to make and oh, so savory.

 Here’s what you need...

2 lb. Ground Beef or Turkey

1 lb. Ground Italian Sausage

4 cups Chicken Broth

1 Onion, chopped

1/2 Green or Red Pepper, diced

4 cloves Garlic, minced

Fresh or Dried Basil

Fresh or Dried Oregano

Crushed Red Pepper Flakes

24 oz. Marinara Sauce

15 oz. Diced Tomatoes

Salt and Pepper to taste

8 oz. Lasagna Noodles

Our Supermarket makes their own Italian Sausage

and it is so tasty. I also use it for Spaghetti Sauce,

and when I make a Lasagna in the pan.

Brown the ground beef and sausage

until no pink remains.

I like to thoroughly drain off all the grease

by pouring it into a strainer.

This was a good opportunity to use some

of the fresh oregano and basil from our patio garden.

Just give it a rough chop.

Cut up the onion, pepper, and garlic.

Add all of that to the meat,

along with the Chicken Broth,

Marinara, and Diced Tomatoes.

Don’t forget your Slow Cooker Liner

for an easy cleanup.

Simmer on high for four hours.

Crack the lasagna noodles into pieces.

Add to the Soup for the last hour of cooking time.

You may need to add a little more broth

to achieve your desired soup consistency.

Garnish with Mozzarella or Parmesan Cheese.

I hope you like it!

Take care

~Natalie