#waiterapron

[diabetesinsider]

Psychedelic purple batik half apron boho hippie waiter server gardening rainbow cotton lined funky psychedelic 15.25" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Rainbow tie dye and Batik together?…Alright! Rainbows pulse beneath splashy purple boho hippie batik swirls on this waitress style apron. The fabric is a sturdy cotton. It is fully lined and top stitched. The waiter half apron has a deep three section front pocket. This apron is designed and sewn by me. The print may vary some from that pictured in color and design placement because it is a random batik print. The double fabric lining is a deep purple salt dyed image print.

READY TO SHIP!

The waiter half apron is 15 1/4" long by 21" wide with 33" long ties (87" end to end), pockets 8" deep.

$24.00

[diabetesinsider]

Disc golf half apron 3 deep pockets handmade cotton sports sport server waiter cotton flying disc boho hippie 15" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Disc golf strokes destined to make birdie scores fly across the three 3 deep pockets of this all cotton half apron. It is fully lined, top stitched and handmade by me. The apron base is a batik yellow dot on a black field...black only backing. READY TO SHIP This apron is 15" long by 21" wide with 31 1/2" long ties (84" end to end), 8 1/4" deep pockets.

$25.00

[diabetesinsider]

Christmas avocado apron half cotton 3 pockets lined humor humorous santa reindeer cheer server waiter holiday 15.25" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Avocados bringing Christmas cheer as Santa Claus, reindeer, snowman, scarf wearing, draped in Christmas lights - all adorable...funny too. These anthropomorphic avocados dance across the 3 deep pockets of this all cotton half apron sewn by me. It has a green apron base. This apron is fully lined and top stitched. READY TO SHIP This apron is 15 1/4" long by 21" wide with 32" long ties (85"end to end), 8 1/2" deep pockets.

$24.00

[diabetesinsider]

Christmas cats apron 3 deep pockets lined yellow base ornaments ribbon stars doves xmas holiday angel sun moon star red 15.25" L 20.5 " W

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Christmas holiday cats, doves, angel cats, suns, moons, stars all adorn the rainbow colored ornaments across the pockets of this all cotton half apron with a yellow apron base. It is fully lined, top stitched, and sewn by me. There are three (3) pockets across the front. READY TO SHIP! This half apron is 15 1/4" long by 20 1/2" wide with 31" long ties (82" end to end), 8 1/4" deep pockets.

$23.00

[diabetesinsider]

Turkey gobbler apron half cotton lined 3 deep pockets Tom bird Thanksgiving holiday cooking fowl 15 1/4" L 20" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Tom turkey gobblers flock across in a rafter of birds on the three deep pockets of this all cotton half apron. This apron has a brown base, is fully lined, top stitched, and sewn by me.

READY TO SHIP!

This apron is 15 1/4" long by 20" wide with 34 1/2" long ties (89" end to end), 8 1/4" deep pockets.

$22.00

[diabetesinsider]

Pilgrim turkey apron half waist tie 3 deep pockets lined thanksgiving humor buckle hat bow tie holiday fall funky 16" L 21" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

A rafter of turkeys - some in pilgrim buckle hats…others dapper looking sporting a bow tie…yet a few with a substantial belt around the waist that will probably need loosening before Thanksgiving dinner is done - collected across the 3 deep pockets of this all cotton waist tie half apron. It is double fabric lined, has reinforced top stitching, and is sewn by me.

READY TO SHIP

This apron is 16" long by 21" wide with 33 1/2" long ties (89" end to end), 8 1/2" deep pockets.

$23.00

[diabetesinsider]

Christmas dogs apron half cotton 3 pockets xmas winter holiday dog pug scottie terrier crafter server waiter pup 15.5" L 20" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Terriers...scotties...pugs...pups of all spots and stripes all decked out in knit hats - sweaters - scarves are frolicking across the 3 three deep pockets of this all cotton half apron. this apron is fully lined, top stitched and sewn by me. READY TO SHIP This apron is 15 1/2" long by 20" wide with 34 1/2" long ties (85" long from end to end), 8 1/2" deep pockets.

$23

[diabetesinsider]

Gingerbread man apron half 3 deep pockets Christmas cookies cotton baking holiday server barista waiter lined 14" L 19.5" W ready to ship

www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads

Gingerbread men tumble and dance across the 3 - section front pocket of this waiter half apron. It is top stitched throughout and fully lined. This apron is sewn by me from cotton fabric. READY TO SHIP! This apron is 14" long by 19 1`/2" wide with 8" deep pockets, 30" long ties (80" end to end).

$23.00

[diabetesinsider]

Cauli Crust Pizza

Cauliflower pizza crust...interesting idea but is it time to take the plunge...what fixings work on this new pizza platform....hmmmm.  Turns out that the tried and true toppings work well - onion, mushroom, tomatoes, and bell pepper.  This crust cooks up crisp and bakes in a wink - see what you think...

1 frozen cauliflower crust

Sauce:

1 c. tomato sauce

1 t. garlic powder

1 t. Italian herb mix

1 t. onion powder

Toppings:

1 c. mozzarella cheese, grated

½ c. green bell pepper, sliced thin

½ c. mushrooms, sliced thin

½ c. sweet onions, sliced thin

½ c. tomatoes, sliced thin

Preheat oven to 425 degrees.  Lay the frozen crust on a perforated pizza pan. Combine the sauce ingredients - tomato sauce, garlic powder, Italian herb mix, onion powder - in a spouted mixing bowl then spread over the crust.  Layer cheese, bell pepper, mushrooms, onion, and tomatoes. Bake for 13 - 15 min. until the crust is crispy.

When I’m not trying out lower carb alternatives, I’m sewing cotton pocket batik chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads  and www.amazon.com/handmade/topdrawerthreads . 

Or I’m merrily making knitted stocking caps from upcycled yarn for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they hand make and sell stretch leggings in sizes x small to 2X.  

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she designs and knits rainbow stripe scarves from upcycled yarns.

[diabetesinsider]

Zucchini Veggie Spirals

This is a fun way to rethink zucchini...just saute the spirals, add seasonings -  oil - cheese.  Toss and serve with roast chicken and steamed broccoli.  The zucchini spirals are in the frozen or fresh produce departments.  Sounds good and supports my healthy eating goals...see what you think.

1 - 12 oz. pkg. zucchini spirals, frozen or fresh in the produce dept.

1 + 1 T. olive oil

dash salt/pepper

1 t. garlic powder

¼ c. Parmesan cheese, grated

Add  spiral zucchini to warmed non stick fry pan coated with 1 T. oil.   Cover and cook over medium heat 3 min. or so stirring occasionally.  They will get too soft if you leave them there much longer.   Add 1 T. olive oil, salt/pepper, garlic powder, and Parmesan cheese.   Toss and serve...make meal prep easy for yourself.

When I’m not cruising the frozen (or fresh produce) section of my local grocer, I’m sewing sugar skull aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.amazon.com/handmade/topdrawerthreads . 

Or I’m merrily crocheting chevron point scarves from recycled yarn for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns -  where they hand make and sell leisure wear knickers with pocket for their online shop.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she designs and knits warm winter scarves from upcycled yarn.

My younger daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she works upcycled recycled yarns into funky shoulder bags.

[diabetesinsider]

A Balancing Act...

...not just using the right herbs and spices in dishes but knowing where to buy them for the best value...the freshness of the dried herbs...convenience purchasing. 

These seasonings were all found on the shelves at my local Dollar Tree so priced right.  The discount grocer down the road offers all these in their bulk bins too so this way you can buy just as much as you need - maybe a few tablespoons - at a great price/ounce, too. 

The expiration dates are long into the future so good there as these don’t contain preservatives - they’re dried and that’s all you need.  As you’re cooking more at home, you’ll use these up in a timely manner.

The stores offering good prices on these are two miles or closer to my home so not out of my regular driving route - convenient.  Sometimes, I’ll make recipes that feature one or more of these spices just to try them out - paprika for instance.  I was a little gun shy using it because paprika was not one we grew up cooking with but now it’s a favorite - the smokey variety especially. 

Home cooking offers more than just healthy eating, it fills your living space with great smells that lead to great food for yourself and the whole family - building food memories...a great balance.

When I’m not working up great healthy meals for the family, I’m sewing cotton pocket aprons great for wearing cooking or gardening or whatever you get up to in a day - all fond in my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I’m putting the finishing touches on crocheted throw rugs made by me from upcycled recycled materials - cotton and wool selvage - for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for fun and frolicking times.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled recycled yarns into brightly striped afghans and throws to curl up in.

[diabetesinsider]

Mustard Greens Black Eyed Peas Fry Up

A little chopping is about all the trouble involved in making this family favorite - great as main dish or side dish served with hot smoky ham slices - mmmm.  It doesn’t heat up the kitchen much which is another bonus to this meal.  Other greens such as collard or chard work well but the added kick of mustard greens really makes this healthy dish.  See what you think...

oil

1 lg. onion, chopped

1 bunch mustard greens, rough chopped

1 t. garlic powder

dash salt

1 t. ground black pepper

1 - 15 oz. can black eyed peas with liquid

In a large fry pan, add onions to oil - coat and saute until onions are just tender.  Add greens, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and black eyed peas.  Quickly heat through until the greens thicker stem pieces as just tender and the beans are hot.  Takes no time to fix and the family will be ready to dig in.  Mine is...

When I’m not thinking about how to speed through my food prep time, I’m sewing cotton pocket canvas aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I’m putting the finishing touches on hand knit hats worked by me from upcycled recycled yarn gleaned from local sources for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers in fun, frolicsome prints and colors.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled yarns into hand knit brightly striped afghans and scarves.

My younger daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she designs and crochets upcycled yarns into funky mushroom inspired shoulder bags.  

[diabetesinsider]

Stuffed Bell Peppers

But...not your old school stuffed peppers by any measure.  These have all the good things you would expect and more like beans and brown rice.  It’s a great way to use up leftover rice, an over abundance of bell peppers from your garden (when they come in), and bring your family a healthy meal without much work on your part.  It’s an assembly recipe so it’s right up my alley.  After they’re cooked, try slicing them in half from top to bottom...then fold up the sides to eat these like a taco.  Yummmm...

olive oil

1 red onion, diced

2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced

1 c. + brown rice, cooked

1 - 15 oz. can small red beans or black beans, drained, rinsed

1 T. smokey Spanish paprika

1 T. cumin, ground

4 oz. Seitan, Chorizo flavored, crumbled

1 - 15 oz. can crushed tomatoes, drained

1 c. feta cheese, crumbled

3 - 4 green onions, sliced ribbon thin using kitchen scissors to speed things

1/4 c. fresh parsley, chopped using kitchen scissors to speed things along

6 bell peppers of a similar size, tops removed, seeded

water

Option:  Top with sour cream if you are so moved.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.  In a large fry pan, saute onion and garlic in oil until tender.  Add rice, beans, paprika, cumin, seitan, tomatoes, feta, green onions, and parsley to cooked onions - toss well.  Spoon into bell peppers cavities.  Place bell peppers into a large baking dish with a little room between peppers.  Pour water into baking dish to 1/2″ deep.  Bake 30 min. until peppers are tender.  Serve and enjoy...

Once I’ve got dinner in the oven, I race downstairs to my sewing studio to cut out fresh fabric print pairings to sew into cotton pocket aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.amazon.com/handmadetopdrawerthreads .

Or I’m tearing recycled cotton fabric into strips to then crochet into funky throw rugs for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www/etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers for carefree summer frolicking.  

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she knits upcycled yarns into afghans very appropriate for picnic or camping action.

My younger daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she works cotton yarns into her own designs of mushroom shaped shoulder bags.

[diabetesinsider]

Pinto Bean Soup

Throw this on the hob first thing, go about your business for the morning - conference calls, homework monitoring, another load of laundry...whatever needs doing - do it knowing that a healthy, hearty lunch is on it’s way simmering in the large soup pot.  Give this plan a try...see what you think...

2 c. pinto beans

6 c. water

1 bunch epazote

oil

1 lg. onion, diced

1 lg. bell pepper, seeded, diced

1 - 14.5 oz. can crushed tomatoes

1 T. garlic powder

1 t. cumin seeds

1 t. Smokey Spanish paprika

1 t. salt

In a large soup pot, add beans, water and epazote.  Cover, bring to a boil, then turn to simmer.  While the beans are simmering, caramelize onion in oil adding bell pepper toward the end.  To the beans, add onion/bell pepper, tomatoes, garlic powder, cumin, paprika, and salt.  Cover again and simmer until beans are tender 2- 3 hrs.

When I’m not thinking up new ways with pinto, I’m sewing cotton canvas aprons for my on line shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads .

Or I’m merrily knitting hooded scarves from recycled yarns for my other online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etysy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers, so comfortable for day or evening kicking back wear.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she pairs upcycled yarn colors and textures to knit into cozy afghans and throws.

My younger daughter has an online shop - where she designs and crochets mushroom inspired bags from upcycled yarn - www.facebook.com/shroombloombags .

[diabetesinsider]

Hearty Winter Pea Soup

The split peas make this hearty winter soup cook up so quickly.  Sauteing the onion and celery while the peas are starting their cooking cuts time off the whole job too - very nice for a cook with lots to take care of and precious minutes to do it in.  Throw this to simmer on the stove and see what you think...

2 c. dried split peas

8 c. water

2 t. salt

1 1/2 t. pepper

1/4 t. dried marjoram

1 bay leaf

1 t. smokey Spanish paprika

oil

1 lg. onion, sliced into crescents

1 c. + celery, chopped

1 c. + carrots, chopped

In a large soup pot, add split peas and water.  Cover and bring to a boil.  While that’s beginning to cook, saute onion and celery until just tender.  Turn peas to simmer, add onion/celery mixture and carrots.  Cover again and simmer until the peas are tender - 30 - 45 min. 

When I’m not thinking up new ways with onions, I’m sewing cotton pocket chef aprons for my online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdrawerthreads and www.amazon.com/handmade/topdrawerthreads .

Or I’m putting the finishing touches on hand knit hats worked by me from upcycled yarn for my other shop - www.etsy.com/shop/topdraweryarns .

My daughter’s have an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/yesdesigns - where they design and sew cotton pocket knickers.

My older daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/wildwovenwomen - where she works upcycled yarn into brightly striped scarves and afghans.

My younger daughter has an online shop - www.etsy.com/shop/shroombloombags - where she crochets upcycled yarn into funky mushroom inspired shoulder bags.