Salmon Cakes save the day

Being an Alaskan resident, I will always take advantage of my dip netting privileges, but after months of salmon one needs some new ideas. My grandmother's salmon cake recipe is a great way to change it up a little and use the leftover salmon when a full filet is too much for one meal. The recipe is as follows:
- Bread crumbs (soak in milk and squeeze dry)
- celery leaves
- 1 egg
- 1/2 C onion (finely chopped)
- salt & pepper
- 1 can salmon (well drained)
- flour

I create my breadcrumbs to order with my food chopper and usually use pre-cooked salmon filets (I never get around to canning).

Mix all ingredients adding eggs and/or bread crumbs until it is the consistency of meatloaf.
Form into patties, lightly flour on both sides and brown in deep fat (I use oil or shortening). When both sides are light brown drain on paper towels. Serve with ketchup, on a salad or however you please. Keep in mind the frying oil will get dirty. I usually dump the grease and wipe the pan every 2 rounds.

I have been known to make these in bulk and shape them as fish sticks, freeze, and serve to my toddler for lunch. He loves them and never eats salmon as a filet.

Hope this helps you take full advantage of a freezer full of fish and let me know if you have any other recipes or hints. I can always use more!

Batty Fun

Halloween is by far the best holiday in existence. This is not only my personal belief but the absolute truth. I have began the decorations this past week and managed a couple new crafts this year. Keep in mind the dedication to using supplies on hand and child friendly techniques.

First, the hanging bad bragade. I took some left over felt and cut out various sizes of bat silhouettes. Keep in mind that the larger the bat, the floppies the wings. Next I used an embroidery needle to attach fishing line in the back of the bat head/ neck area. Because of my awful drop ceiling I was able to simply loop the fishing line over the bars and cut the excess line. If you have a drywall ceiling, I would staple the line and the knot it around the staple. This would create a subtle attachment as well as a smaller hole when the bats are removed. Here is my final result.
The photo doesn't do it much justice, but it looks great in person. It would also be a good idea for the bats to taper off at one side and go down a hallway or something.

Centerpiece to planter box

Last summer a friend needed some help with her wedding centerpieces and, of coarse, I jumped at the opportunity. We were working without a budget and very little time to create a fitting centerpiece for their rustic and casual Talkeetna reception. I decided to take a trip to the local mill and loaded my car with some cut offs from their raw-edge siding (I always forget the official name for this siding). She had some silk orchids and ferns left over from their bouquets and wanted them incorporated so this is what I came up with...

They worked great for her casual Alaska wedding at the greatest bar in Talkeetna. 

After a couple weeks I was getting a little sick of having a giant pile of siding pieces in my lawn so I got my creative gene pumping and decided to make myself a planter.  My husband was out of town with all of the power tools and nail guns so with a little sweat, a rusty hand saw and a wonderful day I began building.  I dug the frame of the planter to be level and began layering the siding pieces so that they no seams overlap for at least 3 rows (a trick I learned while vinyl siding houses with my hubby).  I also layered the corners to add rigidness. Once the frame was level with the deck I lined the inside of the walls with pit liner (plastic of any type would work fine).  I made sure to layer a little of the bottom and more so by the deck to ensure protection and kept it in place by stapling it to the boards.  When finished I filled it with topsoil from the back of the property and waiting until I came across something to plant in it.

A day's hard work

After a couple days of being back, my husband brought me home a HUGE rhubarb plant that was going to be destroyed due to a building being built.  This fit perfect in my plan of low maintenance perennial and useful landscaping, especially since we plan to be renting this house once we finish our other one (a long long long process).  After finally lifting and setting the water retaining overweight rhubarb, I finally got it filled in and to it's new home, with a little help from my mud loving toddler of coarse.  After some blood, sweat and very few tears I have a wonderful planter that adds so much to our deck area and gives me at least 3 harvests a year, filling our freezer and bellies.  YUM YUM!

my rhubarb gaurd



Yay! There's an app!

Ok, so I have to admit, I'm an incredible slacker with my blog posts, as expected. I also have to say that most of this is defended by the fact that when I'm on my computer, I'm designing and emailing and trying to keep two year old fingers away from the keyboard. Needless to say, computer time is precious and usually reserved for my priority (clients). I did however discover the wonderful world of the blogger app! Woo hoo! I am hoping that this will allow me to keep up with my spontaneous and on the go ideas. Hope it proves successful and I am excited to get on the ball!

Lost and Forgotten Designs

Over the years I have designed hundreds of stationery pieces that haven't made the cut, some of which I love.  I wanted to post a few designs that I feel should be recognized.

This is a recent sample for a fall wedding.  I love the simple design of the birch trees. 

This invitation is a digital sample of the tear-off-RSVP design which is our most popular because of its practicality.  I love the zebra design and how it is subtle but can work for a casual or formal wedding depending on the colors and fonts.

This wedding program has a great elegant look to it.  It is a simple panel design with just enough swirls to keep it from being too much or too little.

The Save the Date is one of my FAVORITE.  I have used aspects of this design in others but love the colors and fishing theme.  The top is from an image of fish scales, the middle has a fly pole and a nice splatter for the date.  Who could ask for more for an Alaska wedding?!?!?  The economic postcard layout makes it even better.


These are just a few designs that I feel need their moment in the eye of adoring fans.  There are many more to come so keep in touch!

Practical Place Settings

I love this design for place settings.  This is a great way to offer unique design to a table whether using buffet or sit down serving.  If you are not assigning seats to your guests but still want to offer practical and unique decor, then replace the names with a custom monogram from The Chocolate Lily.  The picture above uses wood paper, but the design is possible with any paper to match your decor to a tee.

Homemade Gourmet ROCKS MY WORLD

Have you ever bought one of those cornbread or salsa spice packs from some holiday bazaar that is most likely still collecting dust in your pantry?  I actually sell that stuff.  Well...technically I sell it, but I mainly signed up because I use it.  I was sent a package from a friend full of these mixes from Homemade Gourmet, and  I never thought that I would use more than a cookie mix or dip, but a couple months later when my house was void of all fresh produce and I had to cook dinner, I decided to try out a couple recipes.  I got hooked.  The thing I love about these mixes is that each one has multiple recipes and once you get a taste for them, it is super simple to make your own creations- no recipe required.  I now use Homemade Gourmet at least once a day (sometimes 3 or 4 times).  I wanted to let everyone know about this product and some great tips and tricks that I have discovered to use HG to save some dough at the grocery store and get quick and healthy food on the dinner table in no time. 

    I pride myself in being very thrifty and knowing how to do so without sacrificing quality.  I was a bit shocked at the cost of ordering enough HG to truly stock your shelves but after a year of using around $150 worth of product I know now that it was well worth the initial cost and has saved me many times that amount.  HG allows me to buy bulk and non-perishable items since most of the meals require canned or frozen ingredients.  I get canned fruit in juice (not syrup), vegetables with minimal salt, moose and salmon from the backyard (almost literally) and am able to control whether I would like non, low, or full fat ingredients added.

Over the past year I have picked my favorites and tried most of the mixes.  I will be updating the blog with recipes and some suggestions on how to use (and not use) these great products.  The company, catalogue and website confuse the sanity out of me, but their products are great if you are sick of planning dinner a day in advance, making sure you have purchased all of the ingredients and standing in the kitchen for two hours a day.  No need to eat out, HG takes no time and requires common ingredients that you probably have in your pantry and fridge right now.  Contact me if you would like a catalogue and keep an eye out for some great tips.

Wedding Penny Pinching Tips

With weddings costing the down payment of a house these days, many brides find themselves on a strict budget while ticking of the detailed checklists that seem to include every extra as a must have.  Here are a few suggestions on where to pinch those pennies and where to splurge.

Invitations- Although I'm a bit bias about this topic, owning an invitation company, but I honestly feel that custom is the way to go.  It is the first thing for your guests to see and the last thing on their fridge up to years after the big day.  If you are throwing a mass produced catalogue wedding, vistaprint is the way to go, but if you are throwing a custom one-of-a-kind event, let your guests know.  You don't need seals, pockets and inserts to create an invite that impresses.  Some of my favorite designs are on a single layer of high quality paper or double-sided wood, and am constantly being told about the raves that guests gave when viewing the invite.

Dress-  Costing over half of my wedding budget, I find that if it is the "one", there is no arguing.  Finding the right dress can take months or just a couple visits.  Anderson's Bride in Anchorage carries all styles, many of which are not carried anywhere else in the state. 

Venue- I was forced to change my venue only 2 days before family arrived for my wedding and was stuck without any money, my entire plan up in smoke and every venue booked.  It was a blessing in disguise since my neighbor and great friend's house proved to be the ideal location and worked out even better than imagined.  It proved to me that locations may surprisingly be decorated to fit most any occasion.  When choosing a wedding location keep in mind the convenience for your guests, and that the money that you save on a less desirable location can go towards decorations saving you money in the end.  Keep friends and families in mind for a great location.

Food-  Taste is VERY important.  I have been to numerous events where the food was horrible and that is remembered by all.  Depending on your venue, you may have to use in house catering, otherwise it is up to you to sort endless options.  An idea is to think of what food you love or any family/friend dishes that everyone raves about.  People love showing off their prized dish and are usually more than happy to cook as a gift to you and your fiance.  Most dishes can be made buffet friendly.  Another option is to ask people that you trust for local caterers or order from a restaurant that you  frequent.

Drinks- Buy a keg of a good beer, get some good wine (black box or bota box comes in cardboard, but tastes great and can be poured in carafes prior to the judgement of guests-if that concerns you).  If you want liquor a good way to include it without buying out Brown Jug is to choose a signature drink (maybe you and your fiance's favorite) and offer only that.  Maybe a gin and tonic or mojito. 

Decor- Wedding decor can basically be split into two categories; organic or man-made
    Organic decor- usually the most cost effective decor as long as you have somewhat of a creative gene.  bark, rocks, wildflowers, scrap lumber...ect.. make great decor and work well in small doses or huge amounts paired with cans, jars, sand, or anything you can imagine. 
    Man-made decor- this decor works great for traditional, "night club" or modern weddings.  I feel that when going this route it is worth spending a little extra money on one central decor item and keeping it simple.  Finding an exquisite vase, fill it with ostrich feathers or fresh flowers and you are good to go.  Make sure that the vase is of high quality and made with craftsmanship and there is no need to pair it with small votives, confetti or any other busy, money-costing sight distractions.  In the end it is worth spending $50 on a nice vase and keeping is simple and timeless than finding yourself spending hundreds on multiple decor items. 

Cake- Depending on the theme of your wedding the cake can easily be made by you or a professional.  If you chose to take it on, then it is worth baking many options of a single cake flavor to make sure that it is as good as it can be.  If you prefer a fondant covered beauty or have more than enough to do the eve of your big day it is worth hiring a professional to ensure perfection.  Ask around for suggestions.

Flowers- As far as centerpieces go, flowers can be arranged by you with the help of loved ones or could not be composed of flowers at all. When it comes to boutonnieres and bouquets I suggest going pro.  They are seen in almost every photo and can experience quite a bit of rough handling so it is worth knowing they will look great and survive the day.  FYI-Mylord's in Anchorage does amazing work.

Random details- BE SELECTIVE!! Personalized napkins, monogrammed candy and heart napkin rings are fun, but if you are on a beer budget they are unnecessary and can drive you into a hole before you even know it. I have seen it happen multiple times.  If you feel that you need some details try thinking of re-usable items.  If you want napkin ring, choose a design that you will use in your home or use twine or something not as pricey.

Music- DJs are great.  They keep the party streamline and keep you from having to worry about having the right songs on your iPod.  Make sure that they have a fun personality, and that they are excited and experienced as an MC.  They need to know the general timeline of your reception so that cake cutting isn't left out or the first dance isn't an afterthought.  If not using a DJ ask an outgoing friend to make sure that these events take place in a timely manner.

I hope that some of these suggestions helps you or someone you know with their big day. 

Cild Care Conference

I've been slacking on the blog and busy making greeting cards.  Come by the Sheridan tomorrow in Anchorage to check out some great new product or to order some delicious Homemade Gourmet!!! Photos to come.

A couple kitchen tips

Throughout yesterday I cooked three meals along with some snacks and realized that I had utelized some great tips and tricks that I have aquired throughout the years.  I feel that these are very useful and everyone should have the opportunity to use them.

How to boil an egg to perfection-- place eggs and cold water in a pot.  Turn the heat up and whenever you notice the water boiling rapidly, turn the heat off and walk away.  When the water is cool enough to grab the eggs, they will be perfectly cooked with the yolk firm but not over cooked.  This is a great way to get the perfect hard boiled eggs without having to watch the pot or burn your fingers.

Flat bacon with a clean kitchen-- lay bacon in a bar pan (I prefer stoneware from pampered chef).  Place the pan in a cold oven and turn it to 400 degrees.  Walk away and when your oven beeps to say it is preheated it should be finished.  My oven requires me to bake it for a few more minutes though.  This is great because the bacon is flat, evenly cooked, the grease is clear and perfect for saving, and best of all, my stove top is splatter free.

I will add posts as I remember/come across more nifty tips and I appreciate any tips of your own to make life a little easier.

Children vs. Wedding

A big dilemma when planning a wedding is... What about the kids?  I have talked with many brides about the seemingly lose-lose situation when people's kids are involved.  You don't want to be rude and ask for friends and family to ditch the youngsters, but who wants a bunch of bored rambunctious kids running around your wedding?  Here are some great ideas to avoid stepping on sensitive toes and avoid footprints on your train.

Free Labor!  Kids love to feel important and readily prove themselves when provided a mission.  Some great ideas are assigning them the job of family photographer and sending a crew of kiddos armed with disposable cameras.  You can also have a couple in charge of distributing confetti or favors.

Create a kid friendly table!  An easy and cheap idea is to cover a table with the backside of clearance wrapping paper and a cup of crayons.  Kids can go for hours with that.  Provide scratch paper and throw a "contest" for the best drawing of the couple with a small toy as a prize (and a smaller prize for the others so nobody feels left out).

Reserve a room!  Depending on your venue, rent a room or set one aside with movies, activities and some kid friendly food.  Be sure to provide a trusted and experienced sitter and inform the parents before the event!  This can allow you to have a child free wedding while giving guests the option.

Babysitters!  Utilize a couple older kids to watch the youngsters and offer a payment.  Remember, 10 year olds are happy to earn $20 and are great with kids.

Guests with kids appreciate their whole family being invited and the parents enjoy your big day so much more without having to worry about their little ones' entertainment and safety.  These simple measures will take a huge load off of your adolescent worries and make the day more relaxing for all of your guests! 

Wedding Favours

Thirty years ago wedding favours weren't on the checklist.  Due to profiting business and trend setting moguls they are now expected and frankly, a bunch of fun to think up.  I love favours but find that brides these days steer towards a trend and not what it should be about, YOU.  We gave pedicure sets and poked fun at our last name (Toews).  There are many ways to find a great favour for your guests and keep it about the couple.  Here are some ideas...

-Outdoorsy?  Try a twist on a candy bar and have your guests make their own trail mix.  Supply nuts, chocolates, dried fruits, and paper bags with custom seals

-Drinkers?  Have the toast with custom shot glasses/flutes and tell the guests to keep them as a gift

-Travelers? Use custom designed luggage tags as place settings

-Nature Lovers?  I love our seeded paper and gift boxes! Give thank you notes on their way out that can be planted

The options are endless and so much fun.  Contact me if you need some ideas (it's one of my favorite things to do)

Table decor for the fashionably thrifty

Any rustic brides using cans or jars in your decor.  If so consider this great way to spruce them up.  Include a design with these custom wrap around stickers.

Make shift planter

Here at the Toews' House we are always finding ways to re-use other people's "junk".  Here we took a magazine rack off a friend's hands to make ourselves the perfect planter now that my starts need to upgrade a pot size.  Behind the shelves is a perfect spot for grow lights and it wastes very little space.

Summer is here (I hope)

Enjoying a drink overlooking hatchets pass. Although yard work seems tempting don't rake while the ground is wet. You could uproot your grass!

Wood Cake Stand

A great idea for a cake stand is to use sliced wood. Here is a photo of my cake sitting on slices from a bich burl.  Contact me if you would like to use some.  I have TONS of slices!

Beginning of the Blog

So, after years of talking about starting a blog, I have finally taken the leap.  Hopefully I will be able to keep it up to date (I can slack on things like this).  This blog is intended to be so much more than wedding invites! So excited to share about my life as well as fun and useful ideas for all aspects of weddings and life in general.  I'm STOKED!!