Eat Clean Remix

This looks rather yummy! I’m totally gonna try...

simplyjeaneen — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 08:21:41 -0700

This looks rather yummy! I’m totally gonna try this!

Pasta With Northern Italian Tomato Sauce

Ingredients:

1.5 pints cherry tomatoes

4 cloves garlic

1 lb fresh lasagna or 1 lb linguine pasta

Olive oil

2 tablespoons butter

1/4 cup balsamic vinegar

4 oz Parmesan cheese

Fresh basil

Salt and pepper

To Make:

Cut tomatoes into halves.

Peel and slice the garlic.

Pick off the basil leaves and set aside.

If using lasagna sheets, cut them into 3 or 4 long strips.

Grate Parmesan cheese.

Boil large pot of salted water for the pasta.

In a large frying pan, heat up some olive oil and the butter. Add in the garlic and saute for 30 seconds. Add the tomatoes and stir. Add in a bit of chopped basil. Add the balsamic vinegar and season with salt and pepper.

Drop your pasta into the boiling water and cook until al dente. 3 minutes if using lasagna sheets or follow the package instructions for linguine. Drain when done and reserve a bit of cooking water.

Add pasta to frying pan and give it a good toss. Add a splash of pasta water and half the Parmesan cheese. Taste and season with salt and pepper.

Serve in bowls with a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese and the basil leaves.

Enjoy!

Gorg ~ Living jewelry display w/ succulents.. it came out great...

simplyjeaneen — Thu, 12 Apr 2012 12:18:57 -0700

Gorg ~

Living jewelry display w/ succulents.. it came out great — I’m very proud of this one :0}

Wordless Wednesday ~

simplyjeaneen — Tue, 10 Apr 2012 23:55:09 -0700

Wordless Wednesday ~

DIY Plant Markers You don’t need to be Martha to pull this...

simplyjeaneen — Mon, 09 Apr 2012 12:33:00 -0700

Make them interesting with color!

Super cute next to my little owl.

Clearly marked!

Hello strawberries

DIY Plant Markers

You don’t need to be Martha to pull this off; it truly is a piece of cake!

So I bought these cheap-o white, “easy to write on”, plant markers from my local Home Depot. I had visions of a neatly marked container garden on my balcony but when I tried to write on them I found out (even with a sharpie) the ink of the pen would smear. Not a hwat look. After messing around with a couple possible solutions, this is what I came up with:

Paint!

I’m not sure if you tried this when you were a kid, but I did and it’s called “scratch boarding”. In school you’d cover a piece of drawing paper with different colored crayons. Then you colored over the entire paper again, this time with just black crayon. Then (and here’s where the fun begins) using a pointed wooden stick or a lollipop stick, you etched a drawing, scraping away the black crayon, exposing the bright colors underneath. NEAT!

In a nutshell, this is exactly what we’re doing except we’re using paint and allowing the white of the marker to come through.

What you’ll need:

Colored paints in what ever colors you desire (if you have acrylics that works.)
Weather resistant, clear coat paint made for plastics
1- wooden skewer
1- paint brush

Step 1:

Mix a very small amount of paint (depending on the number of markers that need to be in said color - if using multiple colors) with a single drop of water. You should achieve a very thin consistency of paint.

Note: don’t add too much water. We need to thin the paint. If it starts looking like watercolor paint simply add more paint to the mix. Work in tiny increments; a bit at a time until the desired consistency is achieved.

Step 2:

With clean plant markers, paint starting just above the hole on the marker toward the end that’s squared off or not pointed (see examples). Paint should go on thin but it should cover the marker evenly. If some of the marker comes through, apply a second coat. Allow the markers to dry (30 -60 mins depending on your paint instructions) before moving on to the next step.

Step 3:

With dry, painted markers take your wooden skewer and write (ie: scrape or scratch off) the paint. You could write out the name of the plant or draw an image… the choice is yours.

Step 4:

Once you’re done with all your markers, cover with clear coat to seal and protect. You don’t have to cover the entire marker, just the area with the paint. Allow the markers to dry for 24 hours before use.

Tips:

Since all colors come from only a few, to save money, I bought white, black, red, blue, and yellow paint then simply mixed them to make the colors I needed.
If you find that you make a mistake you can scratch off all the paint using a large coin.
Paint clumping when you scratch? You might have too much paint on the marker. Scrape off all paint and start over making sure you thin the paint with more water.

Cheers!

Next up: DIY Plant Markers…. So easy to make,...

simplyjeaneen — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 16:32:00 -0700

Next up: DIY Plant Markers….

So easy to make, you’ll slap yourself…. or maybe you won’t slap yourself pre say but it will make you wish ~ “I thought of that”.

Progress: Re-grown Store Bought Celery Week 3: So a few days...

simplyjeaneen — Sun, 08 Apr 2012 09:12:00 -0700

Progress: Re-grown Store Bought Celery

Week 3:

So a few days back, weeks rather, I started re-growing store bought celery…and here’s the progress; teeny, tiny stalks (not ready to be cut..yet).

They are thriving in my homemade self-watering containers (tutorial coming soon)…. next to the garlic I planted (also store bought).

More updates to come.

Tutorial: How To: Re-grow Store Bought Celery

DIY: Easy, Portable Seed Starter Tray You see that black tray...

simplyjeaneen — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 19:19:23 -0700

Much easier to move and take care of

What you need

I was getting sick of this tray :0(

Drill, Drill and drill some more!

Add the rocks!

DIY: Easy, Portable Seed Starter Tray

You see that black tray with all my little seedlings in it. It has a lot of space, but it was cumbersome to move (as it would buckle in the middle when lifted from the sides). Sick of this tray, I devised this very simple solution to make seed starter trays that were easy to transport and take care of. Here’s how I did it:

What you need:

1 - 16” Plastic Planter Tray (I purchased mine from Home Depot and they have a bevy of colors to choose from)
1 - 8” Plastic Planter Tray (I got these from the 99 cents only store)
Clean, washed river rocks (it’s important that the rocks are relatively flat)

Step 1:

Drill holes in to both of your planter trays. Make sure you drill from both sides to make the holes smooth. This will improve drainage so that there is no standing water leftover in the tray. Standing water will allow mold to grow on your seedlings and once mold grows, the seedlings are trash.

Step 2:

Add the rocks and spread them out, evenly, onto the outer portion of the tray. Leave the inner section open and free from rocks (you won’t need them here. Besides adding a bit of visual interest, the rocks help with drainage and elevate the seedlings from the bottom of the tray, allowing them to dryout. They also help the pods stay in place; just incase you need to transport them.

Step 3:

Place the seedlings into the tray and onto the section with the rocks. Next add the smaller tray to the center and place the remaining seedlings. I added the smaller tray to stabilize the seedlings that are along the outer rim and it also keeps the seedlings in the middle from moving around. You can place the seedlings without it but do what works for you.

And that’s it! A simple solution that will hold 20 seedlings, allow you to display them nicely and transport them easily.

Cheers!

Caring for seedlings

simplyjeaneen — Sat, 07 Apr 2012 14:40:00 -0700

Caring for seedlings:

Great tips and ideas for starting your seedlings!

The Succulent Life I turned my obsession with succulents into a...

simplyjeaneen — Fri, 06 Apr 2012 08:25:54 -0700

The Succulent Life

I turned my obsession with succulents into a blog all about succulents and the arrangements I make <3

thesucculentlife:

“Crying Over Spilled Flowers”
A gift for a friend. I got to play with it a bit (lucky me) by adding a mini sculpture (Mooshee) created by Melissa A. Contreras of Axelhoney.com.

Awesomesauce.. I’m gonna have to try...

simplyjeaneen — Thu, 05 Apr 2012 10:01:13 -0700

Awesomesauce.. I’m gonna have to try this!

americastestkitchen:

How to Make Garlic-Dill Pickles

Briny, garlicky, and crisp, a full-sour dill pickle satiates wicked salt cravings. After all these years, I finally realized that if I just made my own, I could have a never-ending stash.

To see the full post you can visit its page on The Feed. For the recipe without the photos, take a look at the Recipe File.

Wordless Wednesday ~

simplyjeaneen — Wed, 04 Apr 2012 08:08:26 -0700

Wordless Wednesday ~

FIND: Dollar store finds coming in handy!! Mini condiment...

simplyjeaneen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 13:25:24 -0700

FIND: Dollar store finds coming in handy!! Mini condiment container (3 pcs set) found at Big Lots. Great for salad dressings!

Next up: DIY Self Watering Planters… Not made from Home...

simplyjeaneen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 08:05:26 -0700

Next up: DIY Self Watering Planters… Not made from Home Depot buckets.

Quick Tip: To regrow celery from store bought celery, keep the...

simplyjeaneen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:48:34 -0700

Quick Tip: To regrow celery from store bought celery, keep the end of the stock (the part you don’t eat) and soak it in water for a few days. When leaves appear from the center and grow about an inch or two in height, plant in soil covering the stock (not the leaves). When matured, cut celery just above the dirt line then cover the remaining stock with a layer of soil and water. Grow, repeat and enjoy!

I remember my college days like it was yesterday. I had various...

simplyjeaneen — Tue, 03 Apr 2012 00:30:00 -0700

I remember my college days like it was yesterday. I had various jobs, piles of homework and barely any time or money to cook let alone eat healthy. Not always satisfying, Top Ramen was my saving grace. Sure it was a quick, easy, cheap meal but it wasn’t the most healthy option either. Those noodles, other bad habits and stress helped me pack on the freshmen 15 and I’m still paying for it. Thank goodness those days a over and I can afford to choose the healthy option. My ramen remix is healthier, flavorful and 100% satisfying. Here’s how you make it.

Better Beef Ramen

For the noodles:

1 tsp of Peanut or Olive Oil (do not use EVOO)
3 Tbs of Organic Tamari (Gluten Free - Soy Sauce)
1-2 Bags of Miracle Noodles (**drain and wash, thoroughly!)
1 Lemon
1/2 Green, Orange OR Yellow Bell Pepper
1/2 Poblano Chili Pepper
3/4 cups of diced Yellow Onions

For the Sauce

2 cups of Low Sodium Beef Broth
1 tsp of Organic Better Than Bouillon Beef Base
1 cup of water

The meat

(1) 4oz Lean Top Sirloin Steak (trimmed of visible fat)

Preparing the noodles:

Wash, wash and wash again your Miracle Noodles using a strainer. When you feel they are clean (IE: light to no fish smell), combine noodles and the juice from 1 lemon in a bowl and cover tightly with a lid. Shake and toss the noodles in the lemon juice for a few seconds. Note: it will appear that the noodles have sucked up all the juice. Lastly, strain noodles again lightly rinsing the lemon juice away. Now your noodles should be 100% fish smell free and have a hint of lemon to their sent.
In a large non-stick skillet, heat the peanut oil on medium high until hot.
Add Miracle Noodles, Tamari and Yellow Onions. Cook until noodles turn brown and onions are slightly transparent.
Next, add peppers and saute for 5-7 minutes then set aside, covering with a plate to keep noodles, veggies and sauce warm.

Preparing the Meat:

Salt and pepper both sides of your Top Sirloin.
Using the broil setting on your oven, lightly brown both sides of the meat but don’t cook it all the way through. (about 2-4 mins each side).
Once seared, remove from the oven and dice meat into cubes.
Cover with a plate and place into the microwave.

Bring it all together:

In a medium sized sauce pan, combine broth, water and Organic Better Than Bouillon Beef Base and bring to a boil.
Add beef and noodle/ veggies mix (with all their juices) to the ramen base.
Allow the soup to boil for 5 mins then simmer for 10 minutes.
Once done, allow the ramen to sit for a few minutes, then ladle into a soup bowl or soup cup.

There you have it. It’s a few more steps than making the traditional bagged ramen, but it way more flavorful and well worth the effort. The best part is that the Miracle Noodles are ZERO calories, ZERO fat, gluten free, fat free and packed with soluble fiber; which expands in your stomach making you feel full. Traditional ramen will cost you 190 calories per serving (that’s 1/2 the pack of noodles).

My ramen remix is 110 calories with the meat or 53 calories without! The calories are coming from the meat, sauce and veggies and NOT the noodles meaning that if your feeling extra hungry you can pile on the noodles and not have to suffer the consequences of adding to your waistline. AWESOMESAUCE!

You can learn more about Mircle Noodles here http://www.miraclenoodle.com/default.aspx

You can also find them on amazon.com and save money by getting them shipped to you monthly (via a subscription).

IKEA Greenhouse!!! It fits nicely on my balcony… doncha...

simplyjeaneen — Sun, 25 Mar 2012 17:07:11 -0700

IKEA Greenhouse!!! It fits nicely on my balcony… doncha think :0)

A clean Beef Ramen remix coming soon!!!

simplyjeaneen — Thu, 22 Mar 2012 01:08:26 -0700

A clean Beef Ramen remix coming soon!!!

How To Add Drainage Holes to a Metal Flower Pot: (Plus an easy...

simplyjeaneen — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 16:45:00 -0700

Easy peasy How To!

Using the large nail, pound a few holes

Add untreated, clean rocks

Next: add some soil

Pot the plant and lay down some rocks

Make a greenhouse

Hang and place in a sunny spot

How To Add Drainage Holes to a Metal Flower Pot:
(Plus an easy greenhouse remix)

Eeeeeeek! They forgot to put drainage holes in my metal flower pot and I don’t own a drill. Well cry no more cause this an easy fix!

What you need:

1- Large nail
1- Hammer
A bunch of small clean/ untreated rocks
Potting Soil

…and for the remix…

Skewers
1- Plastic Shower cap or some Saran-wrap

Step One:

Using the hammer and nail, turn over the flower pot and firmly pound in some holes. I use a diamond/ square technique with 3 holes on each side (which forms a square) and a small diamond/ square in the center.

NOTE: Once the nail breaks through, wiggle it in a circular fashion to widen the hole. The nail shaft should fall easily through the hole.

Step Two:

Now that you’re done pounding away, place the pot under some water to make sure you have enough drainage (IE: on medium flow, the flower pot will not hold water past the halfway mark).

The key (and there are many theories) is that you want the the soil to be moist or damp but not soaked. Soaked soil will drown your plant and could cause mold to grow.

Step Three:

Just add rocks! Add rocks or untreated pebbles to the bottom of your planter making sure to evenly cover the bottom of the pot. The rocks will allow for faster drainage and will keep you from over watering your plant. As an added bonus, the rocks allow the oxygen flow helping them breathe and grow faster (neat). Now you’re prepared shall a storm come along. Your plant should have sufficient enough drainage to manage a medium to heavy down pour.

Step Four:

With the rock bed laid, add nutrient enriched potting soil (or soil and compost if you have any).

Step Five:

Plant your…er… plant and cover with a bed of stones (or cork, or mulch, or… well you get the idea).

Remix….

My green bean plant is very young and I wanted to “harden” it (IE: toughen him up for the changing weather conditions). Since it’s recommended to do this gradually, I need a bit of shelter to keep the plant happy while I was gone during the day (somebody’s gotta pay these bills). To do so, I created this make-shift greenhouse with untreated wood skewers and a shower cap stretched over the top; secured by the lip of the flower pot.

Step Six:

Place potted plant in a sunny spot and get ready to enjoy the fruits (or veggies) of your labor in the following weeks to come.

Cheers!

Unboxing: JUBEL Self-Watering Container from IKEA Wanting all...

simplyjeaneen — Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:00:00 -0700

So excited. This is the larger one.

Includes 1-pot, 1-wick, 1-outer pot

Ooooo, pretty colors

Simplicity.. I love IKEA

The hole keeps you from over filling.

The window allows for a color change.

Available in 2 sizes.

Unboxing: JUBEL Self-Watering Container from IKEA

Wanting all things pretty on my balcony garden getaway (yes, I’m a snob like that and I’m surprising cool with it), I’ve been looking for some interesting pots and containers to make DIY self-watering planters from. While cruising one of my favorites places in the world (IKEA) I found these colorful self-watering containers in 2 lovely sizes. In true geek (engadget) fashion and without further ado, my unboxing of these lovely glass beauties.

Enjoy :0)

"Find: Jubel Self-watering planters at IKEA…… Score!"

simplyjeaneen — Sat, 17 Mar 2012 14:11:00 -0700

“Find: Jubel Self-watering planters at IKEA…… Score!”

- Out and about shopping