A Cultivated Nest

The Start of My Fall Vegetable Garden

I have room for several new raised beds in my kitchen garden area since my daughter and I expanded the veggie garden fence this summer. Normally we make our own raised beds from pine boards (see my tutorial on How To Build A Raised Bed). But I was recently able to get the last two clearanced cedar raised bed kits at Lowe's a few weeks ago and put one together by myself. It was so easy! All ... Read More about The Start of My Fall Vegetable Garden

Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

I try to eat healthy for the most part but must admit to loving a few really unhealthy treats. Yes, I am one of those people that cuts up refrigerator biscuits, fries them in oil and dusts them with sugar and calls them donuts. I also love that old fashioned sticky treat - monkey bread - made from frozen white bread (some people use refrigerator dinner rolls). Did you grow up eating this too? ... Read More about Pumpkin Spice Monkey Bread

A Homegrown Fall Centerpiece

I grew lots of sunflowers this summer. Mammoth ones and small ones. I grew them because they're such happy flowers. I don't think anyone could not smile when seeing a sunflower. But I also grew them to use in my fall decorating (and for seeds for the birds and little critters). Last year I went to a farmer's market where someone had shellacked the heads to sell for indoor decoration. I ... Read More about A Homegrown Fall Centerpiece

My First Chair Slipcover is Done!

I finally finished my slipcover for my wing chair that I started back in the beginning of summer! My first slipcover made with drop cloths! I am not a seamstress. I have rarely used my sewing machine since I got it about 10 years ago. As a matter of fact I had to get my manual out every time I wanted to wind a bobbin or thread my machine. I've been able to do little things that required just ... Read More about My First Chair Slipcover is Done!

Frugal Link Love

I thought I'd share some Frugal Living links that I've found helpful recently: Math Tricks to Keep You Frugal -math is involved in frugality! Need to figure out what 15/25/35% off is or estimate how much money you've spent etc. Easy to understand tips. My husband, who is in retail , says that people will routinely ask how much something costs that's 50% off. How To thrive In Uncertainty ... Read More about Frugal Link Love

The Thrift Store Buddha

Ever buy something at the thrift store and not know what to do with it? Hopefully I'm not the only one :) I bought a solid concrete Buddha at Goodwill about a two months ago for the amazing price of $2.41. It sat in the garage until this week when my husband was straightening up in there and started asking me what I planned on doing with it (and ahem... a few other items). So duly ... Read More about The Thrift Store Buddha