DIY: Mason Jar Flower Tops

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Something about Mason Jars just feels easy going and we really love them.  If you’ve been collecting mason jars over the years you might be wondering what to do with them.  Try a Mason Jar Flower Top.  They turn out adorable!

How to Make a Pin Cushion

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We love to use supplies we already have and turn them into something adorable and functional.

Here’s how to make a Mason Jar Pin Cushion!  If you love it please pin it and share it!!

How to Make Fabric Flowers

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Forget buying fabric flowers on Etsy – these Fabric Flowers are a great way to use what you have and dress up any outfit!

Tips on planting a container garden

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The Shed’s designer, Steve, shows you great tips on how to plant an outdoor container using a “Thriller, Filler, and Spiller” plan.

Unique Sewing Boxes

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The next time you find a vintage roller skate case, small suitcase, or adorabale basket –  convert it into  a sewing box.  Keep all your odds n ends, scraps of fabric and patterns all in one place.  Below are some great examples.

 

Kitchenaid Mixer, a great investment!

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Guest Post by Stacy Christoffersen

Are you on the fence about buying a Kitchenaid mixer?  They are worth the investment!

I saved for a year and purchased a 5Qt heavy duty Kitchenaid mixer. It has been the best purchase I have ever made. These mixers are known as a “workhorse” in the kitchen. They are solid, strong, mix things unbelievably well and have little maintenance issues.

Founded in 1897 by the Hobart Electric Manufacturing Company, they manufactured kitchen equipment for restaurant and industrial kitchens. Hobart introduced the KitchenAid stand mixer in 1919. Billed by the company as the first freestanding mixer they also created attachments; from sausage stuffers to strainers, graters to pasta makers. Even better, all of those attachments will still fit any newer-model KitchenAid stand mixer today!

What’s the difference?

Do a simple test by making a batch of chocolate chip cookies.

You’ll see a huge difference between the Kitchenaid mixer and the hand mixer; the ingredients get more thoroughly combined which makes the cookie taste better and the entire cookie dough is consistent in taste, texture and quality. You can easily make bread (even the thick dense sourdough breads), homemade frosting or whip cream and the Kitchenaid really shows its power with mashed potatoes and gingerbread dough.

Kitchenaid mixers rarely need repair, in fact I have had mine for 15 years with no problems, until year 16.  Something dropped in the bowl and got caught by the blade and my motor started to sound “funny”.  I finished mixing and called our True Value Hardware store and they repair Kitchenaids.  I took it in and the next day they quoted me $53 to repair it and the repair man said “You want to fix this one, it is a great mixer and has a strong motor and it would be worth $1,200 today”.  I fixed it and it’s ready to make another batch of cookies!  

Consider getting a Kitchenaid Mixer – even if you have been cooking and baking for many years – you will appreciate this appliance.

Want to win a Kitchenaid Mixer? Head over to the Machine Shed restaurant and sign up for a chance to win in our “Mix it Up for Mom” contest.

Do you have a mixer? What color is yours?

Recipe for Yummy Rhubarb Crisp

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It’s Rhubarb time!

The Machine Shed is sharing an easy recipe for Rhubarb crisp.

Click the link below to download the recipe card, and let us know how yours turns out!

Click Here to Download the Recipe Card

 

Recipe: Chicken and Rice Bake

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A Machine Shed feature favorite (it’s not on the menus, but our chefs enjoy making this bake for a feature). 

Keep the updates coming!

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Earth Day = Start your Vegetable Garden

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It’s early in the garden season and get ready, it’s time to plant potatoes and onions! 
To plant potatoes, you start with a potato and cut it in thirds or quarters. Then keep them outside for a few days in order for the fresh cut side of the potato can dry out get a protective skin over it.

The next step is to till a trough about 2-3 inches deep, place the cut side of the potato down and then push the dirt over the potato.

It’s also the perfect time to plant onions. Onions are shipped in bundles, with each bundle containing 80 small onions. Till a trough about 1 ½ – 2 inches deep and place the onion in the trough and then cover up with dirt making sure the green stalks are standing up. 

The next step is to wait.  Wait until the official frost date has past to start planting the rest of the vegetable and flower garden.

Celebrate Earth Day this year by getting your garden soil ready for planting – there’s still plenty of time!