Author: Laura

3 critical points to consider when purchasing a second home

3 critical points to consider when purchasing a second home

Shortly after Pat and I married, we purchased our first home.  Once we settled in, we began to travel and developed our dream of owning a vacation home.  We knew we wanted a waterfront home and since we live nowhere close to an ocean, we focused 

4 great recipe ideas for leftover ham

4 great recipe ideas for leftover ham

  Over the weekend, we enjoyed another fantastic barbecue.  We had family over, so we grilled lots of food including a double-smoked ham with apricot glaze from Ray ‘Dr. BBQ’ Lampe’s Slow Fire Barbecue guide.  That is not a mirror image below; we threw two 

Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 1)

Patio Life – Building an outdoor fireplace into the side of our garage (Part 1)

Outdoor patio paradise!  Isn’t it magical?!?!  There was a lot going on with this project, so I will tell the story and share the photos in a series of posts.  The project began mid-summer and the fireplace and exterior garage renovation were completed the day 

Winter sowing (winter planting):  The economical & fool-proof way to start your garden

Winter sowing (winter planting): The economical & fool-proof way to start your garden

Frustrated trying to grow vegetables and flowers from seed. Do they dry out or get moldy? Try this cost-effective, fool-proof method: Winter Sowing. When we first started ‘farming’ at a community garden, we purchased our plants at home centers and nurseries once the garden was ready 

Travel tips for a visit in Gulf Shores, Alabama

Travel tips for a visit in Gulf Shores, Alabama

I love to travel.  Unfortunately, vacation time goes by way too fast.  I have discovered that an easy way to extend the vacation experience is to spend some time doing a bit of research to organize the trip.  Virtual vacationing.  Sometimes I relax by planning 

I LOVE Dansk Kobenstyle Cookware

I LOVE Dansk Kobenstyle Cookware

I have ‘known’ Kobenstyle Enamel casserole cookware my entire life.  My mom received a set as a shower gift when she married 50-years ago. Growing up, this cookware meant special events and celebration food.  My mom stored her most beloved Christmas cookies in her Kobenstyle.  This 

Find Provenance Preservation on Bloglovin’

Find Provenance Preservation on Bloglovin’

Follow my blog with Bloglovin So happy you found my blog. I’m Laura Rice and I am addicted to home renovation……the classic Cinderella story. It is the process of the transformation that I found so appealing and the finished project so rewarding. I have been 

Travel Adventures of a Research Microbiologist

Travel Adventures of a Research Microbiologist

I really love the challenge of working as a research scientist.  I invent chemical treatment programs and monitoring tools to control microbial growth (slime and odor) in paper mills around the world.  After working for over 20-years in this field, I am still blown away by 

Re-purposed leftovers:  Grilled Tuna Steak dinner followed by Salade Nicoise

Re-purposed leftovers: Grilled Tuna Steak dinner followed by Salade Nicoise

I love to shop at Costco.  The large packaging sizes can be a problem…..or they can be a benefit.  We like to purchase the tuna steaks.  They are typically offered in a package of two large steaks.   Great price, great quality and they make 

Leftover beef tenderloin panini

Leftover beef tenderloin panini

I hope everyone’s New Year is off to a great start.   I know many of you may have healthy eating resolutions.  I do too, but I start Monday.  For now, let’s talk food!   Over the holidays, I hosted a Christmas dinner for my family.