Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 2 – Construction)

Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 2 – Construction)

We enjoy spending time on our patio. What a great place to relax, dine and entertain. Many years ago, in a former home, we built our first outdoor fireplace. It’s amazing how an outdoor fireplace allowed us to extend our patio season into early spring 

Create a perfect patio entertainment space

Create a perfect patio entertainment space

Patios are the perfect place to unwind Patios provide a perfect place to unwind after a long day of work or running kids around to all of their activities. They also create a perfect space to connect with friends and family over the weekend. In 

10 DIY patio projects for summer entertaining

10 DIY patio projects for summer entertaining

Summer entertaining outdoors is a great way to relax and connect with nature, family and friends.  It doesn’t have to be high style.  The best outdoor gatherings are casual so everyone  feels welcome.  Here is a collection of fun DIY projects to get your patio 

Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 1)

Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 1)

Outdoor patio paradise!  Isn’t it magical?!?!  There was a lot going on with this project, so I will tell the story and share the photos in a series of posts.  The project began mid-summer and the fireplace and exterior garage renovation were completed the day 

Winter sowing (winter planting):  The economical & fool-proof way to start your garden

Winter sowing (winter planting): The economical & fool-proof way to start your garden

Frustrated trying to grow vegetables and flowers from seed. Do they dry out or get moldy? Try this cost-effective, fool-proof method: Winter Sowing. When we first started ‘farming’ at a community garden, we purchased our plants at home centers and nurseries once the garden was ready 

Drunken Onion Sourdough Baguette Appetizer

Drunken Onion Sourdough Baguette Appetizer

I am enjoying lots of parties this holiday season.  I do hope you are too!  Many thanks to friends and family for the wonderful invitations.  I enjoy bringing along food and for a recent party I used Drunken Onions I canned back in September as 

Bird Feeder Pulley System

Bird Feeder Pulley System

Create a wildlife oasis We have a little cabin in the Northwoods that allows us to escape work, school and all the associated activities.  Up north, it’s easy to slow down, relax and take time to watch the activities of our woodland neighbors. Not long 

Drunken Onions – September onion harvest

Drunken Onions – September onion harvest

When you grow your own vegetables, you begin to understand the seasonal order of produce.  In my farming experience, September is a great time to harvest onions, leeks, and peppers.   I love red onions.  I love them in salad, on sandwiches, and in just 

August Remembered – Taqueria Carrots

August Remembered – Taqueria Carrots

When visiting southern California, I love the pickled vegetables that are served alongside the chips and salsa in Mexican restaurants.  Nice crunch, with a spicy bite.  I hope you have had the chance to sample these veggies during your culinary adventures.  If not, make them 

A visit to ‘our’ Farm

A visit to ‘our’ Farm

When I met Patrick just after arriving at college,  I never would have imagined we would have so many common interests after nearly 30-years together.  It turns out that we both come from a long lineage of farmers on our maternal side.  Looks like we