EASY HOMEMADE GRAVY RECIPE WITHOUT DRIPPINGS

Would you like to master the art of making homemade gravy without using any drippings? Everybody knows that gravy is not the easiest thing to make. Sometimes it's too lumpy or too watery or just lacks flavor. Well, my recipe is very simple and doesn't take long to make.  

Ingredients:

1/4 cup vegetable oil

1 small onion - chopped

1/2 cup all-purpose flour

1 beef bouillon (or chicken)

1 tablespoon minced garlic

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon garlic powder

1 cup water

 

Cooking Instructions:

Heat oil in a skillet or saucepan. Add chopped onions and let them cook until light brown and tender. Under medium heat, slowly sprinkle in flour while whisking. Add a little water and continue whisking. Continue to sprinkle more flour and water until gravy thickens. Add other ingredients and season to taste.

Thrifting Every GOODWILL In CT - Oxford, CT Thrifting

 

Come along with me as I thrift every Goodwill in Connecticut. This is Episode 2 and I took a little trip to a relatively new Goodwill store in Oxford, CT. Clean store with great thrifting opportunities!

View the entire video here and let me know which thrifted item was your favorite!

 

What is the Greadio AM/FM Transistor Radio and What I Like About It

 

On the surface, the Greadio AM/FM radio looks like a cute cell phone or walkie-talkie. It is battery operated and USB charged. A USB charger is included in the purchase.  It has programmable stations and an alarm. The tuning buttons are clearly marked for volume, channel selections, alarm, etc. There's also a plug for earphones.  The radio's bright digital display is so cool!

The stations come in loud and clear. This radio reminds me of a simpler time. It's less distracting than TV or having a cell phone. I think it would make a nice gift. I also think it could come in handy on those outdoor camping trips where there's a weak cell phone signal.

You can find the Greadio radio on Amazon for less than $30. 

Do you remember the old transistor radios with the 9V batteries?

 

What I Like About The Stylish Klaimbmo Chandelier.

I finally replaced the 20 year-old fluorescent light fixture in my kitchen. It worked fine, but the rectangular plastic globe was basically a trap for insects and had been cracked in several spots over the years during cleaning. It was time for a change.

I found the Klaimbmo Black Farmhouse Chandelier on Amazon.  I know it's described as Farmhouse, but don't be fooled by that description.  If anything, it's more of a Modern Farmhouse style.  It's quite stylish!

I love the color of the black metal frame! It's sturdier than it looks. Assembly was relatively easy.  It was simply a matter of aligning screws with pre-fabbed holes. All the parts were accounted for and fit perfectly during installation. It uses three 60 watt light bulbs (not included) which is more than enough light for the area in my kitchen. 

The instruction sheet included illustrations and written step-by-step directions on how to safely wire the electric fixture. 

What a nice upgrade for my kitchen!  I think it would also work nicely in the dining room or entry way.  I highly recommend this light fixture. 

Plush Comforter Bedding At Affordable Price. Airensky Product Review.

 

 Hey Family! If you're in the market for a nice comforter set that won't break the bank, check this out!  I ordered this beautiful and affordable Airensky comforter set from Amazon. You can get it for less than $50. To me, it resembles the plush bedding that you see at hotels! Quality stitching throughout!  First of all, I was happy to see that the comforter was an actual Queen size (as advertised) and covered my queen-size mattress with ample draping on the sides and foot of the bed. In other words, this was not a Twin masquerading as a Queen. 

This comforter was soft and pleasant-smelling right out of the packaging, which is a plus. I mention this because sometimes online shopping can be a little sketchy, especially when products are left in a stuffy warehouse for long periods before being sold.  I usually wash my bedding and clothing after purchase anyway, but boy, I've smelled new products before that make you want to ship them right back!

The color is so rich! The comforter was advertised as gray and white and it was just that. The gray is almost a light slate-gray, and is really nice.  I absolutely love it! The Queen comforter comes with two sets of pillow cases. The pillow shams fit my queen size pillows perfectly! The second set of pillow covers also fit my pillows, but I’d recommend that the manufacturer add an inch or two more to the length of the fabric just to get a little draping. Other than that, this comforter set is lovely! It looks great on my bed!

A great value for the price!  Definitely a keeper!

Manta Sleep Mask: Best Sleep Mask That Protects Your Eyes While You Sleep

 Are you looking for a good sleep mask that doesn't smash your eyes or damage your lashes while you sleep? I think I have the answer - Manta Sleep Mask.

If you're like me, you need a completely dark bedroom in order to fall asleep. I often use a sleep mask to make sure I get a true darkened environment when I go to bed. But, not all sleep masks are equal.

One of the drawbacks of traditional sleep masks is that they're flat. This puts pressure your eyelids and eyelashes. The elastic headband is often too tight or too loose. Sometimes I'd find myself adjusting and re-adjusting my mask all during the night, which as you can imagine, does not make for a restful night's sleep.

The Manta Sleep Mask is different. Imagine a sleep mask that's 1) covered in soft fabric, 2) has straps that adjust to fit your exact head measurements and 3) blocks out light. My favorite thing about the Manta Sleep Mask is their unique cushioned eye cups. Each eye is encircled with cushiony softness so there's zero pressure on your lashes or eyelids. How cool is that!

I have to tell you that the mask is soft, comfortable and provides a darkened atmosphere, which I need so much. Bonus: It does not leave marks on my face!

It's a win for me! I hope you'll try it!

Thrifted Blazer Favs and How I Styled Them. Style After 60

Here is a little style inspo for everyone who loves a nice blazer. If it's thrifted, then that's all the better! I love a good thrift find!

Re-cap of Favorite Thrifted Blazers

Break Out The Rich Colors of Fall! Thrifted Style After 60

 

Camel-hair Blazer in Burnt Orange

It’s Autumn here in Connecticut and the trees are changing colors. I love it! I got the chance to wear one of my favorite Fall colors this weekend at a neighborhood harvest festival. I wore this burnt orange camel-hair blazer. Thrifted of course. What a match to all the colors of the pumpkins and mums at the festival! I love the colors of Fall! Don’t you? What’s your favorite thing about Fall?

Autumn in CT.  Wearing @Ugg Boots and handbag by

@dooneyandbourke

 

How To Style Mixed Prints: Quick Guide

I usually shy away from mixing prints, like stripes with polka dots, but I've seen styles that really seem to flow. It's making me take a second look. My style is conservative, but I think I can go outside the box, a little. Now, I don't want to look like I'm wearing a clown outfit, but perhaps I should investigate this further.   

Recently, one of my favorite stylists, @iamdionnedean, demonstrated a little somethin' somethin' with mixed prints, and I gotta tell ya, I didn't hate it. She matched a pink and white polka dot sweater with a striped muliti-colored dress. The key, according to Dionne, is to match the different prints with colors from the same family.  It totally worked for her!  I encourage you to check out her content for great styling tips, especially with second-hand fashion finds.

So, I tried it with this vintage plaid blazer that I thrifted recently from @Goodwill. The dominant colors in my blazer are light brown, rust and camel, with black stripes. I paired it with a brown and tan animal print scarf.  So, some of the colors in both the scarf and blazer are from the same family. The scarf is small enough that it doesn't overwhelm the eye or make the whole outfit look too busy. I think.

I'm going to play around with this mixed prints concept a little more. It may grow on me yet!

Let me know if you've ever intentionally mixed prints when putting together an outfit. 

How To Style A Scarf - Style After 60

A few scarf stylings and a quick How-To video on how to tie a scarf and accentuate every outfit.

I love to wear scarves, especially silk scarves. There was a time when I'd wear a different scarf with every work outfit. That, along with pearls, were part of my signature.  

Tip: Check out yard sales, estate sales and thrift stores for second-hand decorative scarves.  Most times you'll find scarves as low as .50 cents and rarely anything more than two to three dollars. 

 Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

The Perfect Way To Wing Out Your Eyeliner - iMethod Beauty Review

I just tried the wing stamp and eyeliner from iMethod Beauty. First, let me say that the design of both outer applicators is exquisite! 

Honestly,  I didn't know what to expect, so I was pleasantly surprised when I opened the package. 

The iMethod sleek pink applicator has a small wing stamp at either end. I can certainly appreciate the L and R notations on the applicator.  This helps with any confusion about which stamp to apply to which eyelid.

The second tube, in sleek black, is liquid eyeliner with two applicator tips. I like the dual tip applicator feature. The eyeliner goes on smoothly and the color is consistent.

Here is how you get the perfect winged out eye:

1. Simply press the stamp that's on the end of the pink applicator to the outer corner of your eyelid and just like that, you've applied a wing. 
2.  Using the eyeliner, slowly draw a line from the inner corner of your eyelid and connect it to the wing. Fill in the eyeliner to your desired thickness. 

Funny story: On my lazy days I would often fake a full eyeliner/wing look by only winging out the corner, solo. No eyeliner. It still gave my eyes a lift but without the more dramatic look that you get with eyeliner.  Just think, now thanks to iMethod Beauty, I can STAMP on a wing and go! 

Oh, let me add that the addition of all those good oils in the product like Jojoba oil, canola oil, sunflower oil, vegetable oil and shea butter are a real bonus! 

Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

Personal Air Conditioning Unit - Review

 

This personal air conditioning unit was so much more than expected! There is nothing to set up. Just add tap water or icy water and plug it in. That's it! 

The vent can be adjusted up or down to direct the flow of cool air. This unit is quite light-weight (less than 3 pounds) and it has a handle that makes it even easier to move around. High-quality control buttons adorn the top.  The "wet" button provides a gentle mist that feels so good! There is even a timer feature! 

I can imagine using this in a dormitory. I wish something like this was available when I was in college. My dorm room was like a sauna on most days and the most we were allowed to have was a fan! A fan that was doing nothing but making noise and moving hot air around. How did I survive?

    

Anyway, this little unit can be set up on a desk or countertop for quick personal relief. You know how we hate to get up to turn our electronics on/off? Well, there's a remote control for that!  

I gifted this unit to hubby to use in his new shed. I can't wait to see his reaction!

Another must-have gadget!

Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

Thrift Stylings - Fashion Over 60

 I love a good thrift find! If you're on the hunt for a few modest pieces to add to your Summer wardrobe, don't overlook the thrift store. I was looking for a few light-weight dresses for church. I made out like a bandit at Goodwill! By that, I mean I was able to use my birthday month discount as well as the "color of the week" discount. Truly, a fantastic day of thrifting!

One of the dresses I found, and turns out to be my favorite of the haul, is a Eddie Bauer100% linen maxi-dress. It's the kind of dress that can definitely take you into the fall. Just add a pair of booties! So nice!

I believe in sustainable or pre-loved fashion. It makes sense to re-use items that are in good shape and keep them out of the landfill.

The thrift store is full of surprises. I never know what I'm going to find. That's the beauty of it!

Check out my Youtube channel for more thrift inspiration.

Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

How I Style Thrifted Clothing: Fashion Over 60

I do a considerable amount of thrifting, but I don't always do a try-on segment for my followers. I need to do better. I get a ton of questions about how I plan to style a certain piece or what made my buy a certain dress or sweater. 

A friend of mine doesn't hesitate to tell me when she thinks I have picked up an "ugly" dress. I guess she just doesn't have my vision! So, I'm going to be posting a lot more of my thrifted stylings geared toward the active older woman. No skin. No tight-fitting frocks. No boobage. Just modest outfits.

 What I'm Wearing:

• Ralph Lauren Classic Blue Blazer:  Goodwill
• Seersucker Pants: Goodwill
• Wingtip Leather Oxfords: Goodwill
• Silk Scarf: Goodwill Outlet
• Handbag: Dooney & Bourke (not thrifted)
• Sunglasses: Ray Bans (not thrifted) 
• Check out my Youtube channel for some serious thrift hauls!

Car Gadgets - Car Armrest Storage Box - Review

Another long road trip in the car and not enough space to hold an extra coffee container, bottle of water, napkins, phone? 

Well, I found a little thing to help me corral all those things and keep them close at hand should they be needed during the long ride. It's a CAR ARMREST STORAGE BOX from Amazon. 

It's lightweight and secures to most center console armrests with a simple Velcro strap.  Three detachable cup holders provide space for all your passengers' travel mugs. It's so functional that even your backseat riders can access it. I like that! 

I mean, I hate it when I go through a drive-through restaurant and I have no place to put the extra coffee cups or beverages that I just bought.

This storage box is great for dropping in your phone, tissues, hand sanitizer, gum, eyeglasses and other essentials.  It's the gadget you didn't know you needed!  Should you decide to purchase one, please feel free to use my 10% discount code Caron2022

Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.

Spring/Summer Favorite Dresses From Amazon

I found the most easy-to-wear, flowy dress on the Amazon website! It's an A-line design with long bell sleeves and slight ruffle at the hem.

It's a modest length. I'm 5'3", so on me, it lands just at my knee. The dress was so nice, that I bought three! Pink floral, green floral and blue floral. They are so comfy! 

I don't think the dress is still available, so I've linked a similar Amazon dress here.

Disclosure: Links may contain affiliates. When you buy through one of our links we will receive a commission. This is at no cost to you. Thank you for supporting Life on Greenwood and allowing me to continue to bring you valuable content.