Author Archives: cathyboettner

We picked out the trim color as I mentioned in my last post, and I have started painting door frames, a window frame, and the two existing metal doors that we are not planning to change out. This paint was a close out that I ended up getting for free and it is SO THICKContinue reading “The Ancient Basement–Update”

My husband LOVES peanut butter so I made him these for Valentine’s Day. Melt together in the microwave: 1 cup butter 1 cup peanut butter Once this is melted, add: 3 cups sugar 4 eggs 2 cups self rising flour 2 tsp vanilla 3/4 tsp salt Mix thoroughly and spread in a greased 13 xContinue reading “Peanut Butter Bars”

My mother has been making quilts for everyone in the family during the pandemic and beyond. I asked her if she wanted to make a quilt with me and she said, “Sure.” My idea was to buy men’s shirts at local thrift stores, especially ones that were stained or branded with an employer’s logo, andContinue reading “Wardrobe Refresh”

My husband and I just returned from a work trip (for him) to Lansing, MI. He went to classes on Industrial Ventilation (yawn), while I went out seeking treasures at local antique and architectural salvage stores. I wasn’t sure what I would be able to find, but it turns out, there are a bunch ofContinue reading “Treasure Hunt for Light Fixtures”

I love Trader Joe’s fresh flower section. They always have interesting flowers, and they are nearly always really fresh. I wanted to do a big green and white arrangement, without spending much. My goal was under $25. The before tax price was below that, and with tax, it was $26.18. These are the flowers IContinue reading “Impressive and Inexpensive Green and White Arrangement”

My husband and I have been making a concerted effort to eat more vegetables. We are also trying to eat fewer “white” carbs, so last night I made roasted cauliflower puree, roasted carrots with balsamic glaze and fresh thyme, and grilled sirloin steak. (This plate was for the photo. My husband and I shared thisContinue reading “A Healthier Steak Dinner”

We have not made much progress on the basement with my surgery and then the holidays, but picked it up again this weekend. The weather this weekend was really cold and windy, and then also rainy/misty on Sunday, so a perfect weekend to stay inside. We have one long block wall in the basement thatContinue reading “The Ancient Basement–More Closets”

I found my first of these containers a MILLION years ago at Big Lots and have been using them for my flours, etc. ever since. They come in various sizes, and I have 4 different sizes–2 quart for meal prep; 4 quart for large batches of salads (especially potato salad and broccoli salad); 6 quartContinue reading “My Favorite Containers”

This is one of my husband’s favorite dishes, especially for Thanksgiving, or anytime we have ham or pork chops. It’s pretty easy to make–and the secret is to roast the sweet potatoes and the apples separately so that the apples don’t steam the potatoes. Unfortunately for you, I didn’t write down exact quantities this morningContinue reading “Roasted Sweet Potatoes and Apples”

I can admit that I have a PROBLEM when it comes to spices. We have been eating a lot more vegetarian dishes lately, and they have called for out of the ordinary spices/herbs. Many years ago, my husband bought me a bunch of spice jars and I way outgrew them over the years, so everythingContinue reading “Taming the Spice Cabinet”