making stock

I posted about making stock last January but Sunday night when I started to boil some veggies for a vegetable stock I was struck by the beauty of all these bits and pieces in the pot. I can easily identify onions, garlic, zucchini, lemon grass, and red pepper in this picture, but as I keep a bag of veggie waste in the freezer I don't always remember what is in there but I'm sure there are also carrots, celery, red & green chilies, and japanese eggplant. I usually add bay leaf, salt, pepper, and may in this case mustard seed. The stock turned out dark and rich looking.

I frequently mix my bones and veggies for a combo-stock but I decided to go veg this time. If you are a backyard or worm bin compost keep them separate but in Seattle we now have curbside compost pickup. As it's an industrial compost process you can mix dariy, bones, fruit and veg. For more information on Seattle composting click here.

hanging baskets

I mentioned yesterday that I prepared my hanging baskets for spring. Last summer I tried flowers and herbs and nothing was happy. These baskets get full west sun and wouldn't stay moist. After my failures I panted some philodendron cuttings and those did the best, so I'm starting this year with more cuttings. I made a trellis with fishing line so the vines can climb up and create a pyramid. I may plant some small low flowers in the corners when it gets a little warmer. 

I moved the pencil plant outside and the others are preparing by sitting next to a very sunny window. I like to place many of my house plants outdoors during the summer - they thrive during these warm sunny months outdoors. The only one that stays indoors is my orchid but it might find its way out there this summer.

Spring Chores

With spring magically appearing (including my allergies!) it is time to do some spring chores and I did a bevy this weekend. Included was washing and resealing this outdoor wicker table (I mixed some graphite powder in with the acrylic sealer to give it a new sparkle and to cover the imperfections in the painted finish). Also on the list: fix an imperfection on my ikea table, washing the wastebasket (tea stains!), hanging the bamboo shade on my balcony, glue a knob on my car, and prepare for planting. Make your own list so you can enjoy the spring and summer! Most of these chores took less than five minutes, but will be much enjoyed. My balcony is starting to look inviting again - I am nearly ready for evenings of a glass of wine or sangria and a good book.

breaking ground: White House organic garden

(Illustration from New York Times)

First Lady Michelle Obama has oft mentioned a warning from the girls' pediatrician that they needed to eat a more whole and balanced diet. The Obamas soon started to eat better and the little girls lost weight. She is putting a little of her muscle behind getting America, especially the youth, to eat better and to eat local. Under the Bush administration the White House bought local organic produce, but they didn't encourage America to do the same (no word on whether they served arugula, wink!).

I'm really excited that Michelle put America's eating habits on her agenda. Metabolic disorders are skyrocketing across the country and the world. Due to my own health problems I am at a greater risk than the average American to develop metabolic disorders, including diabetes. Although I've always eaten healthily (I'm probably one of the few teenagers who came home from school and snacked on carrots and green beans on their own accord) the fear of becoming a statistic has encouraged me to watch my diet. If you want to do the same, start watching your portions (measure them at first), eat a low glycemic and high fiber diet, exercise more (walks!) and eat healthy fats. It's basically what we always hear: fats, fiber, sugar, portions and exercise!

bouquets

I have these little bouquets scattered throughout my apartment. One in the kitchen, bathroom, bedside, and table. Sweet and cheery!

Blooming

I was disappointed last May when my christmas cactus didn't bloom... it normally blooms twice a year (May & November). I was blessed with gobs of blooms before christmas. I deadheaded the remaining blooms and when I returned in January, it was blooming again. I love these bright fuchsia blooms at my bedside.