What you will need:
1 Glass Jar with lid (I used an empty Pickle jar)

Half of a Sweet onion (such as Vidalia), thinly sliced
1 pound pickling cucumbers, scrubbed, cut into 1/4 inch-thick rounds
1/2 Tbs yellow mustard seeds
1/2 cup water
1/2 cup sugar
3/4 cups apple cider vinegar
1 Tbs course kosher salt
1 tsp Dried Dill OR a couple sprigs fresh dill

Layer cucumber slices and onion slices horizontally in jar. Top with dill.

In medium saucepan add vinegar, water, sugar, coarse salt, and mustard seeds. Bring mixture to boil over medium-high heat, stirring until sugar dissolves.

Ladle mixture evenly over cucumbers. Leave jars uncovered and chill 24 hours. Cover glass pickle jars tightly with lids. Keep Refrigerated. Enjoy!

Total Time: 15 minutes

Looking at my photos reminded me of a fantastic exhibit the Husband and I saw at the Science Museum of Minnesota by Dr. Gary Greenberg titled “Microscopic World of Sand Grains.” This exhibit featured microphotographic artwork (photos taken under a microscope) of different types of sand from all around the world. These were enlarged to huge 30×40 (aprox.) posters. I had never thought to really LOOK at sand. I mean it’s just little tiny rocks right?? I was completely blown away. I probably could have looked at these photos for hours. The Husband was much more interested in the tornado making machine, so we had to continue our science adventure.

We can all enjoy the works of Dr. Greenberg as he has released a book  A Grain of Sand – Natures Secret Wonder which can be purchased here. Following are a few of his works. I hope you enjoy as much as I did.

One of my favorite things that belonged to my Grandma Day was her button collection. She collected hundreds with every color shape and texture you an think of. When they were passed on to me it was such a special treasure to have. I imagine what shirt or jacket these might have belonged to at one time. As my crafting has escalated throughout the apartment I have been moving my basket of buttons around and keep trying to think of something fun and memorable to do with these special gems.

Here are a few crafting ideas for your own button collection:
1. Button Stamps from Home Life
2. Button Blooms from American Crafts
3. Button Hair Pins from Martha

Just this week we ran out of paper towel in the kitchen (again) and I thought to myself what a waste all those paper towels are for drying hands and cleaning up messes on the counter. I have a drawer FULL of hand towels that we got as wedding gifts. Might as well put them to use.

Taking tips from Simple Mom I went out and purchased some inexpensive and very colorful napkins at BB&B – 10 for $10. I also put away the roll of paper towel. With it out of sight we are now more inclined to reach for the nearest cloth towel….and there are many around.

My husband has noticed that while I’m cooking and bustling around the kitchen I tend to “wander” with my towels. Then I leave them places like on the breakfast bar, the back of a chair, on the ottoman or next to the couch as I catch up on Project Runway while cooking dinner. I then realize that where a towel once was or should “belong” it was nowhere to be found. To remedy this problem I purchased some inexpensive cloth kitchen towels at IKEA for $.49 each. I took some Velcro and sewed a piece at each corner so that, when put together, the towel would create a cylinder. Once placed around the handle of the stove, these are much more difficult to walk off with and much more accessible for drying hands rather than reaching for a piece of paper towel.

Also, two weeks ago, on a sunny afternoon trip to my local Goodwill I found a great side table. I saw it and knew it would be perfect for placing cold drinks and a good book…but the color was just not working for me. And the fact that I wanted the two pieces to co-exist on my patio led me to another “craft project” as the husband puts it.

It’s amazing what some sand paper, a can (or two) of spray paint and a helpful husband can accomplish!

Some notes for refinishing and spray-painting your furniture.

• Work in a well-ventilated area, preferably outside
• If your furniture has a finish or gloss on it, you will have to sand it first with a fine-tooth sanding paper
• Cover your workspace (we used some large trash bags out in our apartments parking lot)
• Let your paint dry in-between coats
• If you are working outside, pick a time when there is very little wind
• Ask your local hardware clerk if you have any questions – they are the experts!

Here’s the style that I have. It’s small and quite ergonomic. I think I picked it up at Lunds/Byerly’s but I’m sure there are many types available at your local kitchen supply store.

Try these recipes if you are interested in zesting up your meals. Both were a big hit in our home.

Dried Cherry and Chocolate Chip Scones

Capellini with Salmon and Lemon-Dill-Vodka Sauce