Christmas 2022

Posted on December 30, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My first Christmas in my home was special. My 20 year old niece joined my parents and me on December 27. We celebrated Christmas Eve on the 27 and Christmas day with her on the 28. We waited for stockings and most presents until my niece joined us. The photo above shows my new Balsam Hill Christmas tree. I decorated it with vintage glass ornaments that were my Grandparents, glass owls I bought after my divorce, pink ribbon I bought at Michael’s this year and a vintage looking star I bought this year on Amazon.

2022 Christmas breakfast. This is our traditional breakfast that I featured many times in the past.

December 25 Christmas Breakfast

Christmas Eve Soup and Sourdough Rolls with Niece

Mushroom Soup

Lentil Soup

Sourdough Rolls

Sugar Cookies (from Niece)

Christmas Butter Lamb – used wooden mold parents brought back from Amsterdam years ago. I made it “Christmas” with a little bit of Christmas ribbon. Kerrygold butter.

Niece brought cookies made and decorated by my sister and nieces.

Italian Christmas Meal

Our Christmas meal with niece featured many recipes my Grandma used to make for us. Niece made a delicious lasagna.

  • Lasagna
  • Broccoli
  • Garlic Bread
  • Salad – Iceberg, tomatoes, cucumber, black olives, olive oil, red wine vinegar, salt

My Mom made this arrangement for our Italian Christmas meal with niece. This sleigh has been featured in many past holiday meals.

Newish and vintage ornaments together on my tree.

Christmas Around the World Advent Calendar

I made pink and white felt poinsettias with jingle bell centers. I cut some with my Cricut and some by hand and in general kept it more simple than the inspiration. I hot glued them to metal clips and attached to garland with lights on my railing.

This is my hallway floating shelves decorated for Christmas. The adorable snowman was made years ago by my niece from marriage. The tree is decorated with some of my Hallmark miniature ornament collection.

It was a memorable holiday!

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White Christmas Dinner

Posted on December 29, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This year for my fancy Christmas meal my theme was “White Christmas”. During the planning stage, whenever I told people my theme, they looked at me strangely. It was a little unusual to plan an entire meal with all the food mostly white but it was a fun challenge. 5 of us feasted on this meal: Carol, her son Mike, Dad, Mom, and me. My Mom made the beautiful white tree arrangement. I printed menus and made snowflake place cards. We used my maternal Grandmother’s dishes. I only recently acquired them (when I moved into this house).

Appetizers

Soup & Bread

Main Course

Dessert Trio

  • Coconut Cupcakes – Dolly Parton Coconut Cake Mix, Coconut Cream Cheese Frosting – We made it coconut frosting by sprinkling unsweetened coconut on top.
  • White Chocolate Mousse – We did not serve with popcorn. It was supposed to be peppermint mousse but we forgot the peppermint.
  • Snowball Cookies – This were inspired by my Aunt Lorraine’s recipe but this recipe uses butter and no egg.

My critique of the meal: 

We always enjoy my Dad’s onion rings. I was nostalgic to to make and eat my Aunt Dorothy’s clover rolls. They were a staple of big meals at my Grandparents when I was a kid but I rarely make them now. I started making them for the family when I was 12. All of the recipes for the Main Course were new to me. I would make everything again except for the cauliflower. It was not special enough. I loved the spinach lasagna filling and would like to try that method with a red sauce lasagna. The white lasagna was delicious but as part of my normal meals, red sauce lasagna fits better into my meal plan. We enjoyed the onion tarts but I especially enjoyed them as leftovers with some feta cheese. Dessert Course – I would not make the mousse again but it seemed to be enjoyed by all. The coconut cupcakes were a surprise hit. Dolly’s cake mix was fantastic and light. The cream cheese frosting with coconut on top was wonderful!

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Top 10 Bento 2022

Posted on December 26, 2022 by eclecticlamb

As is my tradition, here are my Top 10 Lunches from 2022! It was a busy and often stressful year renovating and decorating my new house. I did not put as much effort into planning and making cute meals as other years but I still created and shared with loved ones.

I made these giraffe pizzas for my sister–in-law.

My 20 year old niece and I made this fun cat lunch.

I made this llama meal for my Mom. 

This cute Easter themed meal was for my Mom.

I made this New England Village themed rice meal for my sister-in-law.

My Mom enjoyed this squirrel themed lunch.

These cute melon camels were a fun lunch for myself.

This rain storm lunch was for my Dad.

My Dad enjoyed this mummy themed lunch.

This watermelon and cottage cheese lunch was for myself.

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Whimsical Easy Felt Christmas Stockings

Posted on December 23, 2022 by eclecticlamb

For my first Christmas in my house, I enjoyed planning and making decorations for my dining room and fireplace. I decided to make felt stockings to match the room. I bought 2 sets of these stocking holders. They even have a remote to turn on the lights!

Method: I searched online for the shapes I wanted and resized to fit my stocking. Then, I cut the pieces from coordinating felt since I wanted a cohesive set. I hand-stitched the felt pieces to the top stocking piece. Then I put back sides together and sewed with my machine. After right side outing, I hand-stitched on the hangers. I went back and forth about putting removable felt initials on the stockings but in the end, I decided to keep them plain. Santa knows which stocking each of us will use this year. I only put out 4 holders since 4 will be here for Christmas this year (Mom, Dad, Niece, and me) but I made stockings for all 6 of the holders.

Stocking Pattern: I used this pattern to cut the front and backs for 6 stockings.

Cuff: I cut 1 piece of white felt for the cuff and stitched the top by hand.

Hanger: I cut a long narrow piece of white felt, folded in half and handstitched to the stocking after sewing each stocking with my sewing machine.

Snow Globe with Tree: I used this and resized.

Bird on Branch: I free-hand drew the bird and branch. I stitched on a black seed bead for the eye.

Snowflake: I used this and resized.

Reindeer: I used this and resized. I stitched on a black seed bead for the eye.

Mistletoe: I used this and resized. I stitched on some small pom-poms.

Holly: I free-hand drew the holly. I stitched on some small pom-poms.

I am thrilled with the results and think that they perfectly coordinate with my dining room. I am looking forward to seeing what Santa brings us.

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Lentil Soup Spinach Salad Dinner

Posted on December 19, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My friend Caroline Korn came over for dinner. When I asked her for theme/food requests she texted, “USA and salad/soup.” I was not sure what to do with the USA part since there are not many American vegetarian soups. I could have done a patriotic theme but then I would not want to post for awhile and I enjoy highlighting my Christmas dining room with stockings. I decided to focus on the salad/soup suggestion. I think this is my first time doing salad and soup. Usually I do soup and bread dinners. Caroline made the dessert. Afterwards I found out that the USA was autocorrected and it was supposed to be “Pizza”. I am looking forward to make pizza another time to add to my collection. Regardless, I enjoy receiving requests from my dinner guests, it inspires me to try new things.

Lentil Soup – I made this mostly according to the recipe but I added additional broth instead of the water. We added Asiago cheese on top.

Spinach Salad

Good Lady Apples Bon Femme

My critique of the meal: 

Everything was delicious. I like eating lentil soup since it makes me feel like I am taking good care of myself with a nutritious soup. This one was especially good with the sundried tomatoes and my addition of Asiago cheese. The spinach salad was simple but made special with the crunchy almonds and sesame seed vinaigrette. The apple dessert was tasty and had an amazing sauce! My dining room this time of year with my Christmas tree and other lights makes it very cozy to dine in the evening.

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En Suite Bathroom

Posted on December 16, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This is the bathroom attached to my bedroom. It took time to share here since I had to hire contractors to remove the walk in tub that came with the house and build a walk in shower. The walk in tub was dangerous for me to get out. I love my new shower, bench, and niche. Falcon Renovations did a wonderful job! The only other changes I made to this room are functional / decorative pieces.

Shower Head & Separate Handheld Spray: It was very difficult to find what I was looking for. I am happy with this. I was concerned that the rain head was too large. My Mom reassured me by saying that I like walking in the rain. I do and I also love taking a shower with my huge shower head.

Bottles: My Mom suggested special bottles since I did not like the idea of clear glass doors. Glass doors are the norm and difficult / expensive to do something else. I ordered these and am happy with them so far. Visitors to my home often comment on my Feminine Wash bottle. I like using lavender baby shampoo for those special areas.

Hair Towel: I bought this years ago after seeing that my friend’s daughter had one. I love it!

Bathmat: My Mom came through again with this one. I struggled finding the right mat and she found this which I ordered.

Wicker Wastebasket: I had this from my youth

Scale: I have this one.

Silver Tray for Tooth Care: I am using this. It is a little small so maybe in the future I will find larger.

Soap Dispensor: I found this.

Drinking Glass: Currently I am using an Anchor Hocking glass from my kitchen. Eventually I may find something cute for this space. I don’t want metal since I had one in the past and did not like cleaning it.

Tissue Box Cover: This is unusual since it has a magnetic bottom.

Hummingbird Nightlight: I bought this for my apartment and am still enjoying it here.

Towels: I can’t find the same ones online anymore.

Light / Outlet Plates: In my never ending quest to put special covers throughout the house, I bought these.

Potential Future Improvements: Renovate a vanity chair from my Grandma’s house, add a smart mirror.

“Before” photo.

“Before” photo.

In the above photo you can see a glimpse of my new hallway tile floor.

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Trader Joes Gingerbread House

Posted on December 14, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This year, during the weeks I normally would make and bring gingerbread to the museum, I had contractors here all day. It was disruptive to my normal life and I did not complete a piece for the show and auction. I didn’t want to have a year without gingerbread so bought the Trader Joe’s Gingerbread kit. This was my first time working with a kit. I was delighted that it came with people and an animal! I made my own Royal Icing. I didn’t use all of the kit candy. Instead I used candy from my stash. For the roof, I bought Roses Brand Cloud Mints and Pepperidge Farm Pirouette cookies. It looks festive sitting on the buffet in my dining room.

Look here to see all of my past Gingerbread creations.

Note: In one photo, my new Christmas Around the World paper Advent calendar is visible.

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Friendiversary Dinner

Posted on December 12, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My friend Deborah and I celebrated our 4 year friendiversary with a dinner at my home. (I was in the middle of decorating my dining room for Christmas.) I don’t know the date I became friends with the other people in my life. I know the date with Deborah because we met at a Vegetarian meetup dinner in 2018. I only went to that dinner because I was curious to meet a man who was the leader of the group. My relationship with the man lasted a about a year. Deborah and I happened to sit next to each other at the dinner and immediately found we had a lot in common. She is one of favorite friends to walk with since she will walk in nearly any weather. I am grateful for our friendship.

Crispy Vegan Quinoa Cakes – This recipe had clear directions and worked out perfect.

Chickpea Shakshuka

Berry and Fruit Crisp – Deborah made this delicious dessert

My critique of the meal: 

We loved the Crispy Quinoa Cakes. I would make them again. I also liked that they are make ahead and then sauté before serving. The Chickpea Shakshuka was delicious but I want to also experiment with different accompaniments the next time I make the Quinoa Cakes. As usual, Deborah makes a delicious fruit crisp.

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Zucchini Ravioli Advent Dinner

Posted on December 9, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My friend Renae, her husband Jeff and daughter Elizabeth came over to visit, help me with some tasks, and have dinner. Renae requested my zucchini ravioli. We know I rarely make the same thing twice but I love these zucchini ricotta bundles and am always happy to honor a request. The meal happened to be during the second week of Advent so I used my special Advent wreath as the centerpiece.

Zucchini Ravioli – I followed this recipe for how to prepare the zucchini but I added the two layers on top of each other since they were very thin. Filling – BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte, garlic powder, pepper, and Asiago cheese. Use a mini ice cream scoop to put a ball of Ricotta mixture in the middle of the zucchini, fold, put seam down in baking pan with some homemade tomato sauce. Add some tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake until heated and cheese lightly brown.

French Bread – I baked them in my favorite French bread pans.

Strawberry Cheesecake Cookie – sugar cookie, mix softened cream cheese, vanilla, and powdered sugar, spread on cookie, add sliced strawberries

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Reindeer Snack Meal

Posted on December 7, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this snack meal for my friend’s 14 year old daughter Elizabeth.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side:  Reindeer – tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with salt – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes, cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese

Top Right: Peanuts

Bottom Right: Strawberries

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Zucchini Trees in Snow

Posted on December 5, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this simple and satisfying lunch for myself.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Trees – zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, cottage cheese potato salad, assorted lettuce

Top Right: Macadamia nuts

Bottom Right: Raspberries

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Vegetarian Thanksgiving 2022

Posted on November 29, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My Mom and I prepared a Vegetarian Thanksgiving this year in Delmar, NY. My friend Carol and I drove the 3.5 hours to the Albany, NY area on the morning of Thanksgiving we mostly had the roads to ourselves! There were 5 of us for Thanksgiving since a neighbor Chris joined us.

My parents did a wonderful job with all the preparations. My Mom made the Cornucopia flower arrangement. Also her turkey cork place cards were a hit! She painted the corks, printed the names, and added tree hydrangeas from her garden. They used a white pen to draw on the features. They glued the corks to little pieces of cardstock to make the turkey’s stand up.

Appetizers: Vegetable and olive turkey with celery, broccoli, carrot, cherry tomato, black olives, green olives, radish, cucumber and ranch dip

Main:

Dessert: 

  • Pumpkin Swirl Cheesecake (my Mom added cinnamon and chopped walnuts to the crust)
  • Apple Tart (my Mom made this with apples, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg baked in puffed pastry at 400 for about 35 minutes) served with fresh whipped cream
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Turkey Vegetable Potato Salad

Posted on November 24, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Happy Thanksgiving! I made this lunch awhile ago for my Dad. We all enjoy this series of cute vegetable potato themed meals.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Turkeys – sweet potato cut with a cookie cutter and roasted, orange Cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, black bean sauce – black beans, salsa, balsamic vinegar blended in a food processor

Top Right: Hazelnuts

Bottom Right: Turkeys – assorted melon cut with a cookie cutter

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Turkey Hand Pie Lunch

Posted on November 22, 2022 by eclecticlamb

 I made this turkey themed meal for my Mom. She loved it!

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Turkey – (hand pies) pie crust with apple, brie, and chopped walnuts in-between the 2 crusts cut with a cookie cutter, press with fingers to seal the edges, then bake until lightly brown.

Top Right: Trader Joes Almond Butter Almonds

Bottom Right: Snow peas and radish

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Individual Corn Lasagna Dinner

Posted on November 17, 2022 by eclecticlamb

A little while ago, my friend Dennis came for dinner. I made something I have wanted to make since 2011! Individual corn lasagna recipe that Giada De Laurentiis made for Prince William and Kate during a visit to California.

Table:

  • Blue pumpkin placemats with coordinating paper napkins
  • Centerpiece – Anchor Hocking Glass Pumpkin filled with artificial mini pumpkins I already had and new Martha Stewart artificial acorns I found at TJ Maxx. The glass pumpkin was sold by Dunkin Donuts in the 1980’s.

Menu:

Individual Sweet Corn Lasagna

Roasted Broccoli with Garlic

Apple Crisp Baked in an Apple

My critique of the meal: 

I loved the corn lasagna, it had a lot of flavor. Next time I would consider serving in the ramekin’s instead of waiting for them to cool then unmold. I also highly recommend the apple crisp. Delicious and a fun presentation!

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Cardinal Rice Tart

Posted on November 15, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this meal for myself. It is a basic vegetable and rice meal made fun by using cookie cutters and a mini tart pan.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Top: Cardinal – red bell pepper cut with a cookie cutter, sautéed onion, cheddar cheese, rice

Bottom Left: Cardinal – apple cut with a cookie cutter, applesauce

Bottom Right: Sunflower seeds

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Red Panda Mashed Potatoes

Posted on November 9, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I am not sure if this looks like a red panda but I was inspired by a recent visit to the Seneca Park Zoo. The Red Panda posed for me! The dill pickles were from a neighbor friend. They were crunchy and tangy. In the photo I put a spring of dill that was in the jar along with beautiful peppercorns.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Red Panda: Cheddar mashed potatoes, Eyes and Nose – dried cherry, hot paprika, peas

Top Right: Peanuts

Bottom Right: Dill pickles

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Halloween Treats 2022

Posted on November 6, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This was my first Halloween in my new home. It was also my first time to have trick-or-treaters since I last had a house in 2016. I don’t have a prominent porch as I did before. Maybe in future years I will be creative and festively lead kids to my porch which is on the side of my house. This year since I have a large dumpster in my driveway (doing some renovations), I decided to hand out candy from my garage.

I did not know how many kids to expect. I asked neighbors, one said 40, one said 100. It was a rainy Monday and I had about 30 kids.

I followed the advice of my 20 year old niece and bought full-sized candy. I had a selection of chocolate or fruit flavored candy choices. The kids preferred the fruit candy. They were very excited to receive the full-sized. One family came and said they were told they had to go to the house with the dumpster!

This year was my first time to receive Halloween treats from a neighbor! I was delighted to receive treats and homemade tomato sauce. The sauce had onion, carrots, and celery and was delicious! In turn, I made pumpkin muffins and gave them to neighbors and friends.

My parents sent a Halloween card and my niece made and sent a delightful ghost card.

It was a memorable first Halloween in my new home!

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Mummy Hand Pie Lunch

Posted on October 31, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Happy Halloween! I made this meal for my Dad. After 11 years of themed food, this is actually my first time making a mummy theme!

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Mummies – (hand pies) pie crust with tomato sauce and mozzarella, strips of pie crust on top bake until lightly brown, after baking, add candy eyes

Top Right: Cashews

Bottom Right: Mummies – Strawberries dipped in white chocolate, piped white chocolate and candy eyes

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Ghost Peas and Rice Tart

Posted on October 28, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this fun meal for myself.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Ghost – Radish cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes – paprika, peas, cheddar cheese, rice

Top Right: Pumpkin Seeds

Bottom Right: Ghost – apple with cut out (cookie cutter and knife), Eyes – cinnamon

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Ghost Grilled Cheese

Posted on October 26, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My 20 year old nice and I made this meal together. Tomato soup with grilled cheese is an delicious combination.

Container: Insulated

Contents: Campbells Tomato Soup

Container: U Konserve

Contents: Ghost Grilled Cheese – sourdough bread cut with a cookie cutter, grilled with cheddar cheese and butter, Eyes – mini chocolate chips, Ghost croutons – sourdough bread cut with a cookie cutter, grilled with butter

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Ghostly Peanut Noodles

Posted on October 24, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I often make peanut noodles for myself or anyone who is willing to eat them. They are always delicious but when I create a theme they are more fun to eat.

Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers

Left Side: Ghosts – Cucumber cut with a cookie cutter, peanut noodles

Right Side: Boo – Carrot cut with cookie cutters, peanut butter, celery

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Ghost Mashed Potato Lunch

Posted on October 21, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Today I have the first of this years Halloween themed meals. I made this meal for my Dad. Look here for past Halloween meals.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Ghosts – Cheddar mashed potatoes cooled then cut with a cookie cutter, Eyes – paprika, peas

Top Right: Pecans

Bottom Right: Cantaloupe

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Polenta Star Lunch

Posted on October 12, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this simple meal for myself. I should serve polenta with homemade tomato sauce more often. I enjoyed the combination.

Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers

Contents: Stars – Homemade polenta cooled then cut with cookie cutters, tomato sauce with sautéed onion, basil, and oregano

Round Glass Container: Blueberries, toasted almonds

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Cheese Deer Potato Salad Lunch

Posted on October 6, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this simple and satisfying lunch for myself.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Fawn – cheese cut with a cookie cutter, cottage cheese potato salad, assorted lettuce

Top Right: Macadamia nuts

Bottom Right: Red grapes

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Squirrel Vegetable Potato Salad

Posted on October 4, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this lunch for my Mom to celebrate the season and continue my series of cute vegetable potato themed meals.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Squirrels – sweet potato cut with a cookie cutter and roasted, orange Cheddar cut with a cookie cutter, black bean sauce – black beans, salsa, balsamic vinegar blended in a food processor

Top Right: Marcona almonds

Bottom Right: Pretzel sticks

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Fall Themed Dinner

Posted on September 29, 2022 by eclecticlamb

To celebrate the change in seasons and find an excuse to use Leaf Shaped Tortilla chips in a meal, I made a fall themed dinner for my parents and friend Carol. The meal also showed off my newly decorated for fall dining room. I am reusing some decor from my past but in general I am getting new to suit my new home. I had to get a new tablecloth since my table size / shape is different from my past. I also like any excuse to buy new beautiful tablecloths. I usually curate a large collection for my table.

Table:

  • Fall tablecloth with coordinating napkins
  • Centerpiece – Anchor Hocking Glass Pumpkin filled with artificial mini pumpkins I already had and new Martha Stewart artificial acorns I found at TJ Maxx. The glass pumpkin was sold by Dunkin Donuts in the 1980’s. I found it last summer at a thrift store. I have the glass pumpkin on my hallway floating shelves but it served beautifully as last minute table decor.

Fall Appetizer Plate: Palm Leaf Plates, cucumber squirrels cut with a cookie cutter, Trader Joes Leaf Tortilla Chips, Healthy Spinach Artichoke Dip

Individual Carrot Tarts: This recipe was my inspiration. Cut puffed pastry with a pumpkin cookie cutter, use knife to score around the edge, prick with a fork and partially bake. Roast carrots with olive oil, salt, pepper until crisp tender. Mix ricotta with garlic powder, pepper, and dried chives. Spread ricotta on each individual tart, top with roasted carrots and bake until puffed pastry is golden brown.

Candy Corn Fruit: I mostly followed this. I whipped my own cream and added vanilla but no sweetener. I bought fresh pineapple from Wegmans. It was delicious!

My critique of the meal: It was a simple meal to prepare but satisfying to eat. The Spinach Artichoke dip was a good healthy substitution for the traditional dip. The fruit was a hit since the pineapple was ripened to perfection. I love my dining room in this house. It is a beautiful place to share a meal with important people in my life.

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Mashed Potato Owl Lunch

Posted on September 27, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this shaped mashed potato lunch for my Mom. She enjoyed it!

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Owl – Cheddar mashed potatoes cooled then cut with a cookie cutter, Ears – slivered almonds, Eyes – mashed potatoes with paprika, peas, Nose – pecan, Wings – pecans, peas

Top Right: Pecans

Bottom Right: Owls – cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter

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Carrot Leaves Snack Meal

Posted on September 22, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this easy and delicious snack meal for myself.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Leaves – carrot cut with cookie cutters, hummus

Top Right: Energy ball made with peanut butter, graham cracker crumbs, dry milk powder, and a little espresso powder

Bottom Right: Strawberries with goat cheese

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Savory Apple Hand Pie Meal

Posted on September 20, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this apple themed meal for myself. It was a delicious treat.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Apples – (hand pies) pie crust with apple, brie, and chopped walnuts in-between the 2 crusts cut with a cookie cutter, press with fingers to seal the edges, then bake until lightly brown,

Top Right: Trader Joes Almond Butter Almonds

Bottom Right: Apples – apple cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries

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Airplane Rice Tart

Posted on September 15, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this meal for myself. It is a basic vegetable and rice meal made fun by putting it into a mini tart pan.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Airplane – zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, sautéed onion, cheddar cheese, rice

Top Right: Walnuts

Bottom Right: Clouds – honeydew melon cut with a cookie cutter

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Squirrel Polenta Lunch

Posted on September 13, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this delicious lunch for myself. The polenta and vegetables are a repeat of a recipe I tried for one of my most popular blog posts. I should make it more often.

Container: Prep Natural Glass Meal Containers

Left Side: Squirrel – homemade firm polenta cut with a cookie cutter, Polenta with Spinach and White Beans

Right Side: Pecans

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Vegetable Potato Salad Collection

Posted on September 7, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Updated on 5/30/23.

This is my collection of themed vegetable potato salad. “Salad” is used loosely. Each has shapes cut with small cookie cutters, some type of potato, vegetables, cheese and a sauce or dressing.

Sauce / Dressing / Accompaniment

  • Black Bean
  • Vinaigrette
  • Pesto
  • Spinach
  • Hummus
  • Ricotta with Herbs
  • Blue Cheese Sauce

ANIMALS

Giraffe

Birds

Dragonflies

Camels

Bunnies

Squirrel

BEACH / OCEAN

Crabs

Fish

TREES / FLOWERS

Bamboo

Daisies

Flowers

SEASONS / HOLIDAYS

Fall Leaves

Pumpkins

Ghosts

Angels

Bells

Trees and Snowflakes

Hearts

Shamrocks

USA Stars

SPACE

Stars and Moons

MUSIC

Music Notes

WEATHER

Clouds and Thunder

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Zucchini Ravioli Dinner

Posted on September 1, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Not long ago, my friend Renae came over for dinner. I asked her for a vegetable idea. She said, “zucchini”. I planned this meal around zucchini which is perfect for August. It was delicious! We ate in my newly finished dining room.

Zucchini Ravioli – I followed this recipe for how to prepare the zucchini but I added the two layers on top of each other since they were very thin. Filling – BelGioioso Ricotta con Latte, garlic powder, pepper, and Asiago cheese. Use a mini ice cream scoop to put a ball of Ricotta mixture in the middle of the zucchini, fold, put seam down in baking pan with some homemade tomato sauce. Add some tomato sauce and mozzarella cheese on top. Bake until heated and cheese lightly brown. Before serving garnish with fresh basil.

Greek Yogurt Chocolate Mousse – I used this recipe with almond extract and served with raspberries

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Whimsical Dining Room

Posted on August 29, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This is my dining room. I am calling it “whimsical” since I am not sure what else to call it. It took longer to reveal it here than some of my other rooms since I had to wait for the mantel installation. It took the installers only 40 minutes but I had to wait 5 months. I am glad that the mantel is now in it’s proper place and not on the floor. I think the people in my life are happy to no longer hear me complain about the mantel. Installation day was exciting! The photos here show my summer decorating. I expect the decorations to change with the seasons / holidays. I also expect this room to frequently be featured here as the backdrop for meals.

Paint: For the wall opposite the wallpaper, I went to Sherwin Williams and color matched one of the leaves in the wallpaper.

Fireplace: I painted the brick white. It took many coats even the top which already was painted. I primed it with masonry paint and then painted with white paint. I also painted the wall adjacent to the fireplace white.

Mantel: I didn’t know what I was looking for but I knew I wanted a mantel on my fireplace. A fireplace store helped me figure out the design to suit the existing fireplace. I ordered from them. It is a cast stone shelf – 6′ tall x 66″ long x 6″ deep.

Wallpaper: Whimsy Fauna. I bought it online from Home Depot in the green colorway. A different colorway is sold by Anthropologie. It took me a long time to find wallpaper I liked for this room. I am very happy with my selection. My wonderful parents installed the wallpaper.

Floor: The room had carpet when I bought the house. My parents and I removed the carpet and my Mom cleaned and took off paint splatters that were all over the floor. I am happy with the historical hardwood floor.

Ceiling Light: There was no overhead light in this room when I bought this house. An electrician did a wonderful job adding it. I struggled with finding the right light for the room. I finally went to Tuthill Lighting in Brighton, NY. Bruce was a dream and helped me find the perfect light for me! I love it!

Outlet Plates: I painted the ones on the green and white walls. My Dad covered the remaining plates with wallpaper to blend into that wall.

Switch Plate: I bought this as part of my quest to change out all the boring outlet and switch plates in this house.

Storage Cabinets: I bought two of these on Amazon. Originally I wanted build-in cabinets in the dining room. I am still waiting for the build-in shelves in my library so I am glad I quickly bought these cabinets. Maybe someday I will change it to something else but most likely they will remain in the room.

Buffet: This is a historical family piece. I think my house is it’s 3rd family home. It looked different every time. I don’t remember it in my maternal Grandparents home since it was before my time but I remember it in my Aunt and Uncle’s home. It happened to be in storage at my family Lake House. I had trouble finding a buffet so my Mom offered this to me. My parents restored it since time had wounded it a little. My Mom painted it a green I picked out to complement the wallpaper and she cleaned up tarnish from the handles. I am delighted that the sunflower pattern happened to match the sunflowers on my wallpaper.

Mirror: I purchased from At Home.

Table: When looking for a table, I knew that I wanted one with a self-storing butterfly leaf. I bought this Braxton Solid Wood Dining Table.

Chairs: I struggled finding soft chairs for the dining room table. I didn’t want to buy online since I wanted to try them out. I went to many stores to sit on chairs. I ended up buying these at Arhaus. I got a deal on the store models.

Peony Topiaries: I found these directions. I followed them for everything except for the stem. I painted a dowel. Also I added some stones to the pot at my Mom’s suggestion. I think that these look fantastic. I bought the pots from At Home. The artificial peonies are 3 bunches from Michaels.

Hello Sign: I made this sign from letters from Michaels. I painted them a green and hot glued to string I had in my craft room.

Summer Wreath: I bought this at Michaels.

Candles: I bought this at Target online and used 2 different sized candles.

Cart: I bought this. My friend Dennis assembled it for me.

“Before” photo.

“Before” photo.

Posted in Home Deco | 2 Comments

Hurricane Pizza

Posted on August 25, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this meal for my Dad. I thought that it did not look good so I tried another time to make hurricane pizza. I think the second time came out worse (see below). Maybe hurricanes are difficult to depict with food. Years ago I had a similar problem with hurricane noodles.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Hurricane – homemade pizza cut with a cookie cutter, tomato sauce, mozzarella, black olives

Top Right: Mixed Nuts

Bottom Right: Strawberries

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Zucchini Frog Rice Tart

Posted on August 23, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this meal for myself. It is a basic vegetable and rice meal but I made it fun by putting it into a tart pan.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Frogs – zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, shredded carrots sautéed with cardamom, rice

Top Right: Mixed nuts

Bottom Right: Frogs – honeydew melon cut with a cookie cutter

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Ice Cream Theme Lunch

Posted on August 19, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My 20 year old niece and I made her this Ice Cream themed lunch. She selected the theme.

Container: U Konserve

Contents: Ice Cream Cones – (hand pies) pie crust with tomato sauce and mozzarella in-between the 2 crusts, use fork to seal the edges, then bake until lightly brown, cooked broccoli

Container: U Konserve

Contents: Homemade Chocolate ice cream – I will not provide the recipe here since we only rated it okay.

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Camel Melon Bento Lunch

Posted on August 17, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this fun and easy meal for myself.

Container: Cloud box from Japan (set of 3)

Large Box: Camels – cantaloupe cut with cookie cutters, Eyes – cinnamon, cottage cheese with cinnamon, blueberries underneath

Small Box: Palm Trees – zucchini cut with a cookie cutter, blueberries, Brazil nuts, shredded radish

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Camel Pancake

Posted on August 15, 2022 by eclecticlamb

My Mom and my 20 year old niece made these pancakes when at my parents lake house.

Camels – Chocolate chip pancakes cut with a cookie cutters

Droppings – Chocolate chips

Ground – Whipped cream

Others in this series:

Bunny  Cow, Dinosaur, Ghost, Moose, Raccoon, Squirrel

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Birthday at Lake

Posted on August 12, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This year I celebrated my birthday a little early (last weekend) at my family Lake House with my parents and 20 year old niece. When I woke, a “birthday fairy” was there overnight. The table and fireplace were decorated and some gifts were already waiting. I received one present with breakfast, another with lunch and the rest with dessert after dinner as is my family tradition. The breakfast gift was a new idea thought of by my niece.

I had a wonderful birthday celebration with my family. My Dad made his blueberry blintzes for breakfast. I made cute hand pie bento lunches for everyone. My Mom and I went out on the jet ski. Mom, Dad, niece and I took the pontoon boat to the cove. My Mom, niece and I went swimming in the cove. Niece and Dad made a wonderful dinner.

Peach Sodas: Combine 3 peeled, sliced peaches in a saucepan with 1 TBS lemon juice and 1 cup of water. Cook until soft. Puree in blender. Strain peach mixture. Add honey to taste. Chill until ready to use. Use to flavor plain seltzer.

Sheep Shaped Risotto Balls: Start with a basic risotto recipe. My niece used 5 cups vegetable stock, 2 cups Arborio rice, vermouth, 3/4 parmesan cheese, salt. Chill. Once cold, make balls with small pieces of mozzarella inside. Carefully fry so cheese melts and balls are browned on each side. Decorate with tomato sauce, carrots (ears and noses), small pieces of olive (eyes). Serve with additional tomato sauce and parmesan cheese.

Grilled Vegetables: My Dad grilled asparagus (in a grilling basket), sliced eggplant and zucchini – he brushed with olive oil and sprinkled with salt

Sheep Cake: Box Funfetti cake mix with non-sweetened fresh whipped cream piped with a pastry bag and decorative tip, candy eyes

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Kangaroo Snack Meal

Posted on August 11, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this snack meal for my friend’s 14 year old daughter Elizabeth. It was on a day that she helped me with some Cricut crafting. I appreciate having a crafting buddy.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Kangaroos – tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with garlic – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes, cherry tomatoes, sharp cheddar cheese

Top Right: Peanuts

Bottom Right: Strawberries

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Fox Mushroom Rice

Posted on August 9, 2022 by eclecticlamb

This was my brother’s theme request when we spent time at the family Lake House. He likes mushrooms so I used some leftover mushroom gravy my niece made for a different meal.

Left Side: Fox – Niishiki rice shaped with plastic wrap in a cookie cutter, brushed with soy sauce, Eyes – dried blueberry, mushroom gravy

Top Right: Trader Joe’s trail mix

Bottom Right: Fox – Cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter, blackberries

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Thunder Storm Potato Vegetable Salad

Posted on August 8, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this for my Dad. When I don’t know what theme to make for him, I use weather. This is part of my on-going Vegetable Potato Salad series.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Clouds: white potato roasted, white Cheddar, radish, Lightning Bolts – Orange Cheddar, black bean sauce – black beans, salsa, balsamic vinegar blended in a food processor

Top Right: Red Grapes

Bottom Right: Granola bar cup

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Pink and Green Bedroom

Posted on August 5, 2022 by eclecticlamb

Here is my Pink and Green bedroom with gold accents. When planning this room before I moved into the house, I knew I wanted pink walls as I had in my childhood bedroom. This pink is deliberately softer than the shade I had as a kid. This is my first time to live in a house by myself vs an apartment with limited decorating possibilities. Sometimes decorating is more difficult when I only have myself to answer to. I am happy that my parents and I removed the carpet that was previously in the house.

Here are “before” photos.

Paint: Charming Pink SW6309 from Sherwin Williams

Switch Plates and Outlet Covers: These are beautiful but a little thick. I think it makes them more distinctive and special.

Bed: I wanted an upholstered bed with wings. I was leaning towards cream. My designer suggested green velvet. I was not sure about it but took a chance. I complained and second guessed about this bed for the longest time because I thought I was going for a softer look. Months later, I am fine with it now. My Dad assembled the bed for me.

Bedding: Duvet Cover and Shams

Right Night Stand: From my childhood bedroom. It didn’t used to have a back. My Dad made a back this time. Painted it a soft green. Decoupaged the drawers. Added flower knobs, Lined the drawer with same paper I used to decoupage the outside.

Charging Station: I bought and like this.

Tissue Box Holder: I bought this to match the rose gold in the room.

Left Night Stand: My parents found this at a store with unfinished furniture. Painted it a soft green. Decoupaged the drawers. Added flower knobs, Lined the drawer with same paper I used to decoupage the outside.

Lamps on Night Stands: The lamps were my paternal Grandma’s. My parents cleaned them and my Dad added new electrical cords. I bought these lampshades.

Round White Table: (Ceramic Garden Stool). I didn’t like that my coffee cup clanked and you could see the hole in the middle of the table. My friend’s daughter Elizabeth designed the felt cover and I cut it with my Cricut machine.

Pink Chair: I can no longer find this exact chair but there are similar ones on Wayfair.

Hope Chest: This is a family historical Hope Chest that is now in my possession.

Rug: Fluffy soft rug. It was inexpensive but everyone who walks in my bedroom comments on how soft it is! I am happy that it perfectly matches the table.

Console Table: This in mint green. My Dad assembled it and added these bird knobs.

Full Length Mirror: I had this mirror in my apartment. It was silver. I spray painted it gold and hot glued gold flowers I bought.

Lamp on Green Console Table: My Mom had the lamp. I bought this shade.

Pink Planter Pot: I use this sometimes when I have potted flowers.

Line Drawing Art: This, this, and this.

Sashiko Art: I stitched these from patterns I bought in Japan. The center one has a Bamboo picture frame.

Ceramic Flower: I purchased from At Home.

Closet Labels: I like that my room has 3 distinct closets. I have one for Spring / Summer, one for Fall / Winter and one for miscellaneous. I sent the Japanese characters to my friend’s daughter Elizabeth and she formatted them for me. We printed them together on my Cricut machine. Elizabeth installed these on my closet doors. My Dad did extensive work getting these closets ready for me.

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Hope Chest Lunch

Posted on August 4, 2022 by eclecticlamb

When I was a child, I loved looking inside my Grandmother’s hope chest. It held family historical items such as a baptism gown, rolling pin from her bridal shower, the sweater and one of the socks she wore when she arrived on the boat from Ireland at 12 years old. My Grandmother repeatedly told me that someday the hope chest would be mine. Over the years at times I thought she would give it to me, she didn’t. She didn’t give it to me when I got married or when my husband and I bought a house. My ex-husband told me that he once tried to find a hope chest for me but he didn’t find one. I am fine that he didn’t find one. It was the historical family hope chest that I cared about. My Grandpa bought it for my Grandmother and there was an inscription inside, “Joan from John”.

This lunch is a simple representative of this hope chest that is now in my bedroom.

Glass Container with Lid

Hope Chest: Cheese with food coloring marker details

Broccoli, cheese mashed potatoes

Round Glass Bowl with Lid

Joan from John: Food coloring marker on tortilla

Blackberries

My Grandmother marked the year on the gift plaque.

This year when I started to plan my bedroom decorating, my Mom offered the hope chest to me. She had it from when my Grandmother died. I had mixed feelings about it since my Grandmother never gave it to me. Ultimately I decided to take it. It does not matter if my Grandmother for some reason did not want to give it to me. I have it now and I am happy to have a historical family item in my room. Also it is useful to have furniture at the end of the bed to put things on.

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Dragonfly Vegetable Potato Salad

Posted on August 2, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this meal for my Mom. The dragonfly is her cookie cutter. I made a blueberry vinaigrette but it was not popular so I need something different to represent sky and water for this type of salad.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Dragonflies – white potato roasted, orange Cheddar, yellow bell pepper, cut with a cookie cutter, blueberry vinaigrette

Top Right: Green grapes

Bottom Right: Granola bar cup

Posted in Bento / Cute Food, Food | Tagged | 1 Comment

Bug Snack Tortilla Chips

Posted on August 1, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this for my 20 year old niece. My niece, my brother, and I hiked up a nearby mountain. In the photo below I asked her to hold out the snack box so I could get her back, the snack, and the gorgeous view. I love her hat! I wish that I had one like that. When I asked her for a snack theme request, she said bugs. My friend Renae made the cookie cutter with her 3D printer.

Container: LunchBots Trio

Top Left: Bugs – tortilla chips cut with a cookie cutter, brushed with olive oil, sprinkled with cinnamon sugar – bake in 375 over for about 10 minutes

Top Right: Lime tortilla chips

Bottom: Blueberries

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Crab Melon Lunch

Posted on July 29, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this crab themed fruit and cottage cheese lunch for my Mom.

Container: U Konserve

Contents: Crabs – cantaloupe cut with a cookie cutter Eyes – mini chocolate chips, cottage cheese, cinnamon, blueberries, brazil nuts

Container: U Konserve

Contents: Cheddar goldfish crackers

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Fish Vegetable Potato Salad

Posted on July 27, 2022 by eclecticlamb

I made this for my friend Yuko’s husband when he and Yuko visited my family Lake House. Because he was a guest, I gave him a choice of sauces: blueberry vinaigrette that I had planned for this fish theme, or the black bean sauce I had planned for 2 other lunches that day. I didn’t give my Mom a choice and she got the blueberry. She wished she had the black bean. I guess I need to find a better sauce idea when I want it to look like water or sky.

Container: EasyLunchBoxes

Left Side: Fish: white potato roasted, orange Cheddar, yellow bell pepper, orange bell pepper, black bean sauce – black beans, salsa, balsamic vinegar blended in a food processor

Top Right: Cashews

Bottom Right: Cheddar goldfish crackers

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