by Roxanne -

Walking Chicken BBQ

Photo Colleen Duffley Productions
Photo Colleen Duffley Productions

It’s always fun when you can find an idea that is really a base for other imaginative variations. Here’s just such an idea:

Walking Chicken BBQ from FreshHomeIdeas.com Easy, neat, portable.

Using a small, wide-mouth mason jar, serve BBQ chicken with wooden cocktail skewers, outside on the patio. Add a beer or sangria and it’s a relaxing evening with friends (Fresh Home Spring 2010).

This idea is a great platform for other ideas –

Why not grilled shrimp with pineapple and lime?

Or yellow and red cherry tomatoes, fresh mozzarella cubes or bocconcini and basil?

Or chicken breast cubes, mandarine orange slices and pitted Kalamata olives?

Or Spicy Italian sausage and peppers?

Or. . .

Walking ice cream sundaes? Sweet.

Photo AtHome.KimVallee.com

Here are two other platform ideas – No-Cook Marinera & Pasta and Picnic in a Jar.

by Roxanne -

Labyrinths

Photo HealingLandscapes.org

Have you ever walked a labyrinth? It is an ancient meditation technique that allows us to access the wisdom hidden in our own minds and bodies.

A labyrinth is a large maze or pattern. Often it is created with a path cut into the lawn, or perhaps crushed stone lined with shrubbery. A beautiful tiled labyrinth is set into the floor of the cathedral at Chartres, France. Pews, seats and kneelers in churches are a modern innovation. Older churches and cathedrals were not built to have seats, pews or kneelers.

In the walking we use our bodies and minds to reflect and meditate in a contemplative way. In ancient times it was believed that walking enabled both reading and contemplation. This is why universities in Europe had long boulevards or tree-lined walking paths. This tradition continues even at modern universities today.

Usually a labyrinth will have a small bench at its entrance. As you sit on the bench, consider a question or problem you may be struggling with. Now gently set this issue aside. Then slowly begin to walk the path of the labyrinth. When you reach the center, pause and reflect at each of the six directions. Then slowly begin your walk out of the labyrinth.

Often, you may be surprised to find a solution to your problem emerges shortly after completing the labyrinth.

Regardless, solution or not, you will have had some time to reflect, walk, enjoy nature and experience an ancient tradition. Try it and see!

Click here for a list of labyrinths in and around the Twin Cities area.

You may also like Visio Divina Reflection, Dianna’s Innermost House at Guest House To Go, or American Catholicism – How’s It Working?

by Roxanne -

2 Mattresses + 1 Bolster = Sofa

Photo House Beautiful

Two twin mattresses (8-10 inch height) covered in painters’ cloth linen and tufted, plus one plump bolster equals one great sofa. It also serves as a bed or even two guest beds.

While the contrasting color for the bolster is a good idea, the bolster should be twice as large in diameter. This way the seating space and back support would create a real seating option.

Creative idea.

One more sumptuous option from Caravane below. This is definitely a DIY option. Anyone who collects vintage blankets or quilts could fold and stack them quickly and easily on a long coffee table, covered platform or bench of your choice. Wouldn’t you love to take a nap here?

Photo Caravane

Here’s a fun idea by Hillary Thomas that could be use for a futon or daybed too. It could also re-purpose a quilt or matelassé cover. Add quirky pillows and voila!

Photo HIllaryThomasDesigns

The reason people are so creative with regard to sofa beds is because the furniture industry is deeply asleep. They have yet to figure out how to make an inexpensive, attractive and comfortable sofa bed. Actually they have yet to figure out how to make in expensive, attractive, flexible furniture in general. This is not rocket science, as you can see in the pictures above. It is inertia and complacency. Read more at this post: Our Furniture Moves Around.

You may also like Romantic Bedroom Before & After.

by Roxanne -

Easy Summer Travel Wardrobe

Photo LandOfNod.com

Check out Miss Minimalist’s complete 10-item wardrobe. Yes . . . well I’m not there yet, but it is inspiring.

At a minimum (couldn’t resist) it’s a great travel wardrobe. This summer, don’t check your luggage, travel light.

For myself, I would exchange her dress and skirt for two additional pants. Still, it works.

In fact, when I traveled for an extended period to France and Israel, my wardrobe was this:

3 pairs of slacks (khaki, black and white)

3 long sleeve solid t-shirts

3 tank tops (in compatible solid colors to wear alone or under the T-shirts)

1 lightweight jacket

1 large scarf (to use as a shawl, sarong over the pants or as a furoshiki bag),

2 pairs of shoes: dress sandals, walking shoes

1 swimsuit. Sunglasses. No purse.

These items take up almost no room. They wash and dry easily. You can travel almost endlessly (or for at least 6 weeks as I did) on this wardrobe. It all fits in a small pilot bag and will take you just about anywhere this summer.

Or maybe let it take you on an exploration of the world for 15 years, as Rita Golden Gelman did in Tales of a Female Nomad. Check your library for a copy.

Life is short. Bon voyage!

You may also like Fabulous Furoshiki, The Richness of Simplicity, Simplify, Simplify, Simplify, Antique Bookstores in Paris and Pura Vida!

by Roxanne -

Picnic in a Jar

Photo TheKitchen.com

Picnic months have finally arrived!  Picnic in a Jar. Now this is a great idea for those of us with plenty of canning jars taking up shelf space.

Here it’s pictured with BBQ beef, coleslaw and baked beans. But why not chili, cheddar cheese, sourcream & cornbread on top, or chicken & rice salad with sliced apples, or a fresh pita quarters with spicy hummus and olives?

Instead of lemonade, I would put lemonana in the second jar. Lemonana is the Israeli answer to sweltering desert summertime heat.

Recipe: Make fresh lemonade. Pour into a jar or water bottle that can go in the freezer. Leave room at the top of the jar for expansion in the freezer. Stuff the jar of lemonade with a handful of fresh mint. Freeze.

Take with you for the day. Enjoy it as it melts. Keep it in your car while you run errands. It will stay cold and fresh until the end of the day. You stay refreshed and hydrated.

For mouth-watering summer meals – fast, easy and delicious check here.

You may also like Super Easy Crockpot Lasagna, Babette’s Feast and Fun Edible Gifts to Make.