Simple Solutions

Happy New Years!

January 21, 2010 – 9:20 am

Okay, so it is a little late, it is already the 21st and I have not posted in a well, forever! Like most families and small business owners, having time to indulge in writing for fun is hard to come by. So much happens on a daily basis, it is difficult to know what to share.

Our beloved family dog Cashew suddenly passed away, making room for a new puppy. What were we thinking! In case anyone has forgotten, having a new puppy is like having a new baby, only babies mess in diapers! (By the way, I discovered this fabulous carpet and upholstery cleaning company, Coastal Cleaning Solutions. Email me if you want their information) So now that the initial house breaking period is over, it is not all bad. Bandit is a great addition to our family and hangs with me during the day while I select paint color and materials for the various interior design projects that are in the works. He has a great eye!

In December, Lily broke her ankle. That threw a wrench in the mix for skiing and snow boarding this year. She is expected to make a full recovery and is anxious to get out on her snowboard soon. Joe is busy preparing for his first season of competitive gymnastics. First meet is this Saturday in Auburn ME. We are very excited!! Not to be left out, Pete leaves for 5 days of skiing in Utah on the 8th of February. Lucky him! He must have something very special planned for our 20th wedding anniversary when he gets home:)

Let’s see what else? Oh yes, here at Simple Solutions Design and Organization, we have been very busy developing a new design service that allows you to get all the information in your hands to manage and complete your own design and organization projects. We still offer all of our usual fee based services, but for one very low price you get a 2-3 hour consult in your home and access to me, the designer, by email as often as you like with questions regarding your projects. It is a fabulous concept and ideal for anyone who has ever wanted to hire a designer, but worried about consulting fees, material and product markup, and overall cost. It is a program that is designed as more of a Do It Yourself venture with plenty of ideas, support and knowledge. Call me for more details (207)205-8437.

Well, that’s it. Your pretty much up to date. Watch for more Simple Solutions to decorating, organizing, and cooking coming soon.

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Simple Whole Food Eating

July 22, 2009 – 5:21 am

My sister in law has turned me on to a healthy way of eating which includes whole grains, unlimited vegetables, lots of fruits and nothing processed. I hope to share lots of simple healthy recipes in the near future. On a side note, she lost 20 pounds in 5 weeks, without dieting. (I’m in!!) Seems that research shows that consuming processed foods is detrimental to weight loss. I will let you know!

Below are two recipes I have tried and love. The spinach is something you need to cook, but the salad is just something I have been keeping in my refrigerator and grabbing for lunch and dinner.

Broccoli Slaw Mixed Greens Salad

Organic Baby Spinach
Organic Arugula
Organic mixed herb lettuce
Package of Broccoli Slaw
Chick peas, black lentils, or slivered almond for interest

DIRECTIONS

Wash, spin, and store. Not much more to it then that. Great alone or add chicken, crab, or tuna for lunch. The broccoli slaw is the secret ingredient. Add Balsamic vinegar and oil for a low fat dressing.

Sauteed Spinach

1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil
1 (10 ounce) bag spinach leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons garlic
1/4 cup fresh grated Parmesan cheese

DIRECTIONS

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach to the skillet and cover; allow to cook 5 minutes. Stir in the garlic and cover again for another 5 minutes; remove from heat. Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese to serve.

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Purple Cabbage Salad

June 21, 2009 – 3:08 am

I love summer! I love everything about it, sun, relaxed schedules, and cook outs. Looking for a new twist on a summer salad? Try this Simple Purple Cabbage Salad. Not really a salad, not really a coleslaw, but really delicious!

Small Head Purple Cabbage
Three Stalks Celery
Half Cup Salted Cashews
Quarter Cup Kens Lite Caesar Dressing

Shred cabbage as if you were making coleslaw, add sliced celery, cashews, and Kens Lite Caesar dressing to cover. A small head makes a large amount of salad, so adjust your other ingredients to accommodate the amount of cabbage you use.

Posted in Simple Recipes | Tagged cashews, celery, coleslaw, salad | Comments (1) |

Attitude and Interiors

June 4, 2009 – 8:29 am

Wow, how does time get away from you so fast. I have been telling myself, I really want to write in my blog, and poof another week goes by. Promise I won’t stay away so long next time.

Recently, while reading a news letter by an interior designer in the Seattle area, I came upon this quote, which is so true! I plan to print it out and post it to the wall in my office. Might even forward it to a few people I know who spend more time in the negative then in the positive.

“Your living is determined not so much by what life brings you as by the attitude you bring to life; not so much by what happens to you as by the way your mind looks at what happens.”
Lewis L. Dunnington

Chaulk Board as Mirror?

Posted in Simply Beautiful | Tagged mirror, powder room | Comments (1) |