Not Quite Donna Reed

Rise & Shine!

2012-06-04T14:15:00.000-04:00

This week in our Proverbs 31 study the focus

is on verses 15-16:

She gets up while it is still dark;

She provides food for her family

And portions for her servant girls.

She considers a filed and buys it;

Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.

Are you an early riser? Do you have the best of intentions in regards to getting out of bed before the children and find you often fail? Take heart~we all do at one time or another! Don't beat yourself up darlings, if your in a season of life with littles getting you up at night, it will be mighty hard to not want to sleep. And, if you need the sleep in this season of life you better get it! Tired mummies are cranky mummies.

Now with all that said, it is better for a mum to rise before the family. God gave us the Proverbs 31 lady as an example, and if He thinks this rising early gig is a good thing, then it is. I find if I am up early and running out of steam later in the afternoon, a quick nap is wonderful! Find what works for your body and just do it, without guilt.

A quote from Mrs. Sharp's Traditons: Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy

"Let us begin each common day, dear Reader, with a ceremonial all your own: Carve out private time for yourself, at least half an hour in the early morning to collect your thoughts over a cup of tea or coffee, to pray or meditate, to read a page from an inspirational book, and to plan your day. Of course this necessitates that you rise earlier than the rest of the family.
'Early rising is one of the most essential qualities which enters into good Household Management, as it is not only the parent of health, but of innumerable other advantages,' Mrs. Beeton observed. 'Indeed, when a mistress is an early riser, it is almost certain her house will be orderly and well managed.' Trust Mrs. Sharp, you need this time to yourself. It is of unestimable worth for a mother to begin her day before the rest of the family. This time alone can become a treasured retreat of serenity that can prepare you to handle whatever the day might hold in store. It is far better for Mother to create a morning retreat than for her to beat a hasty one at day's end."

One of my favorite things for the mornings is getting breakfast ready. Oh, I love it when the table is a pleasant site to sit down to in the morning and a tasty breakfast is ready for my family. I remember fondly, my own Mum getting us breakfast before school. I also remember when she went back to work and breakfast was a hasty bowl of cereal or a poptart. In high school I just dashed out the door with a pepsi in the morning. I don't want that for my family, I am fortunate to be at home. But I do remember when I worked with two little girls and I tried my best to have a nice little breakfast before the day got off to a start. So, mums that have to work, don't stress, just give a bit more thought and time and you, too, can accomplish this.

Not only is the aroma of a homemade breakfast a comfort in the morning, a pretty table just adds to the 'flavor' of home. Who doesn't love to sit down to a pretty table with a few special touches adorning it.? Does't it just relay the message to your family *your pretty tootin' special*!

The beauty of the house is order. The glory of the house is hospitality. The crown of the house is godliness.

~Author Unknown

Is this just too darling or what!? Red and polka dots, be still my heart!

Simple, but the touch of a pretty napkin adds a bit of Bed & Breakfast charm.

Oh my! Being partial to blue willow this table setting just begs to be showcased on a leisurely Saturday morn.

Now, don't get discouraged! I know most ladies are busy running in the morning.Yet, could we just take a bit more time first thing in our day and make the table, and breakfast, a bit more enjoyable. A box of cereal can look quite appealing if served in a glass jar with a cute scoop. Orange juice in a glass pitcher or old-fashioned milk bottle would add a touch of farmhouse country charm.

Some tips to get the table adorable and functional in the moring:

After dinner cleanup set the table again with bowls or smaller plates. Add a cloth napkin and little juice jars, small mason canning jars look super cute!
Put out any nonperishable items such as cereal or croissants.
Make sure the juice or water is ready to pour from a pitcher or glass milk bottle.
Cut up any fruit and arrange in a dish and keep covered in the fridge until morning.
Make as much as you can the eve before, like prep a breakfast casserole and have ready to bake first thing.

I admit there is nothing better to my mind than a fluffly stack of blueberry pancakes waiting for me in the morning. However, on the average everyday this may not be possible. But you can compromise by getting certain dishes ready the night before and just pop in the oven first thing in the morning.

Homemade breads such as banana are a delight warm out of the oven with a pat of butter or slathering of cream cheese! Serve with a bit of fruit such as orange slices--yum!

Whoever invented the breakfast casserole has my lifelong admiration. Not only easy, but healthy and quick in the morning. Here is my recipe for Blueberry French Toast Strata. I have taken this to many gatherings and they always ask for the recipe!

Remember you are the keeper of the home, the homemaker makes their cottages a place of comfort, love, and rest. You have the most important job in the world. Never doubt your influence through the smallest of tasks, such as how you set the table, or the special touches you put on a meal. And do remember, when you rise early, spend time with the Lord first, before the computer or news or any media. Get quiet and pray for God's hand on your and your loved one's day.

"Homemaking is the highest, most noble profession to which a woman might aspire."

Flora Benson, quoted by her husband, Ezra Taft Benson, October 1986

Coupons~The Real Cost of Food

2012-05-24T12:04:00.003-04:00

This is one of my most popular posts over at my old blog Blueberry Cottage. The Farmers Markets are opening in our little neck of the woods and early produce, fresh and organic is available! Please patronize the local agriculture if you don't garden and produce your own:-)

~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~

I love coupons as much as the next person and I admit to trying to use them as often as possible, but I can honestly say that when I peruse the circulars of our local markets and hunt down the coups in the flyers, there aren't many I will use. Why? Well, there is not a whole lot of food I buy in stores, really. Now let me also say that we are feeling the lightening of our wallets just like the next guy. I am trying to figure out how to keep eating healthy, mostly organic food, reduce our carbon foot print and not go broke all at the same time. Yes, we do have to start growing more!

Yesterday I wasn't feeling well and I put the tv on. There was a show on and two women were guests. Both were know as "crazy coupon mom", and "the coupon diva." My interest was piqued. The audience had to bring a grocery receipt to the show and the two women would shop for the same items and show how using coupons and going to different stores would save tons of money. The crazy coupon lady had a three inch, three ring binder full of coupons by category! Now, did they save money? You bet! I was amazed. One bill was around $175 and one of the coupon moms got the same items for $60. Then they emptied the shopping cart and Kraft mac n' cheese, grocery store brand hotdogs, bags of chips, candy, boxed cookies, Trix yogurt, bags of already peeled carrot stix, frozen grocery brand veggies, lunchables, and all sorts of stuff I never buy was displayed. And I realized why I can't save money that way. I don't buy that kind of food. In my opinion that is feeding my family junk. Now I do like the Pillsbury doughboy on occasion and I do buy what I call junk--heck, if Ben & Jerry's coffee health bar crunch is on sale, get out of my way 'cause I will knock you down to get the last couple of cartons! But, as a rule we eat mostly whole foods that have had a mama and papa or are grown by us or a local farmer.

So, I had to check out this couponing stuff they were talking about and I came across the website Money Saving Mom. She is big in the coupon world and makes a living pushing coupons. The link is to the post I am going to talk about. She broke down her shopping trips to three different stores. Her haul at the health food store didn't look too bad. I could do about the same at Trader Joe's. Her trip to Aldi was impressive, but look at all the packaging! Plastic bagged tomatoes and corn. Wonder how far the tomatoes had to travel and the corn, well if it isn't organic then your eating corn treated with round up by Monsanto, a.k.a. evil empire. Also, bagged and already shaved carrots---those suckers are dipped in a bleach solution to keep them fresh for their journey from whenever. Her third trip was to another store and again I am not impressed. Her two heads of lettuce were pricey and wrapped in plastic so we have the travel/health/environment factor there. The beef was $3.69 a pound and it was in the shrink wrap stuff I think...bad, bad, bad. My friend has a beef farm so I know my burgers are from one big boy who had a great diet and had a lot of room to graze and move. That hamburger in the package may have been from 100's of cows and filled with ammonium and then injected to retain color. So, I will pay $6.50 for a pound and know the beef I buy locally won't hurt us. I can get an organic melon for $8.00, two heads of organic lettuce for $3.00 ea and my beef for $6.50 per pound. My cost for the same, organic, healthier items would be about $33.50. Yes, that is $10 more, but the food is good for us, it isn't shipped from across the country costing more in fuel costs and I just helped support local growers. Now, I also grow my own lettuce and that can be done in a pot on the porch, so eliminate the $6.00 for lettuce and I only spent $27.50.

{photo credit Sarah, aka Farmama-her blog is now closed, sadly}

Please tell me you would rather have the veggies in the above pic!!! These are from Farmama's blog. They are famers in CO and bring their produce to their local farmers market. Sara is also trying to reduce plastic and promote reusable bags--and it's catching on!

{photo credit Sara, a.k.a. Farmama}

Just look how fresh and REAL it all looks! Your local farmers work hard! Patronize them. Learn about where your food comes from and what is in it before you clip a coupon. What is the answer to saving money and eating healthy at the same time? I am not sure, but I am going to start a series , hopefully, on how to eat healthy without breaking the bank. I need help too so if you have tips send them in! Just consider the real cost of the food you buy. Who grew it? A local farmer or some guy in Australia or China. How far did it travel and what did the fuel cost to get it here, nevermind what had to be sprayed on it to keep it fresh looking. How much wrapping or plastic is around the item, plastic is nasty stuff for the most part and have you considered how it effects the environment. Some things to think about.

I am not against coupons and such and of course I want to get the best deal on what I need, but when I looked at some money saving websites they gave the impression that we must consume, consume, consume and get the best deal while doing it so we can afford to buy more. Well, that is another topic entirely now isn't it :-)

This post is linked up to Courtney, visit her at Women Living Well.

Mock Rice-A-Roni

2012-05-22T13:36:00.000-04:00

If you grew up in the 70's and 80's and owned a tv ( who didn't?) you had to have heard this jingle . Disclaimer: Once you listen to this little jingle you will be singin' it all day--just sayin'!

Growing up during these eras you probably would have had a box of Rice-A-Roni or two on the pantry shelf. We would gobble this stuff up! And I must say, when I became a new homemaker I used my fair share of this stuff too. I mean who cooked rice from scratch anymore? Seriously.

Over the years, as I have tried to remove most processed foods from my families diet, I had to adapt some of those favs to a "healthy version". This is one of them. It's easyyyyyyyy, trust me here. Tastes 100 % better than the boxed stuff!

On to the recipe:

Melt the butter til foamy then saute the rice and pasta.

Now add the broth and spices and stir well.

Bring to a boil then cover and turn the heat to low. Cover and cook for about 15-20 minutes stirring in between. When broth is absorbed season with salt and serve hot.

Please go right HERE to print a copy of the recipe. If you try it, come back and let me know how you made out:-)

New food adventures!

2012-05-19T14:17:00.000-04:00

I recently joined Heather's Spring Workshop 30 Day Vegan. I am super excited about this! For the last 2.5 years I have suffered from a painful foot condition called neuritis. It feels like someone is stabbing my toes and upper foot with sharp steak knives all day long! The podiatrist has been helpful, but after seeing him for over a year, I am still dealing with strong bouts of this. All the money on doctor visits, orthotics, and anti-inflammatories are adding up. Not sure I want to do the math there...sigh.

Not too long ago I decided to do some research on this and found that chronic acidosis could be the mitigating factor in causing this. I had just read Dr. Furhman's book Eat to Live, after seeing him on a PBS special this winter and became passionate about finding the root of the problem and perhaps curing this with a more natural and holistic approach. I questioned why in the world the doctor had never brought any of these root causes up---I always came back to the answer I have known-- most doctors embrace only Western minded medicine.

After an appointment the other day with my podiatrist, he wanted me to take 800mg Motrin every 8 hours and start a drug called neurontin. My former profession was in neurological disorders so I am quite familiar with the drug. The side effects alone scared me half to death! Now, I will resort to a trial of this drug, with a lot of hesitation, after tackling this from the aforementioned angle and if , big if, this neuritis can't be cured or brought under control with a natural/holistic trial.

So far I have tried reflexology and have purchased an impressive stash of nerve strengthening herbs to make herbal teas and tinctures to start taking. A dear friend gave me a juicer I can use to make a carrot and spinach juice which is known to be beneficial for this ailment. In my research I also found that deficiencies with the vitamin B group can often contribute to neuritis. Vitamins B2, B6, B12 and Alfalfa are now part of my daily regimen.

Heather has a lovely blog full of great advice on nutrition. Our family eats pretty healthy, but the baked goods,even those from scratch, may not be the best choices, ultimately. I am looking forward to learning more about vegetarianism and cooking more tasty, simply whole foods this way.

Off to clean the pantry and kitchen shelves of all the little processed food items that have made their way into my working space:-) I know some of you may be saying "everything in moderation", but when your in this much pain...RADICAL is the way to go!

It's National Apron Day!

2012-05-14T19:30:00.001-04:00

Sorry gals, but no stitching today! Last week was just crazy busy. I didn't stitch a thing, not one dang thing. So, did you know today is National Apron Day? Yes, a day devoted to the beloved apron, a homemakers suit of armor. Do you wear an apron? I do. Every morning I put a pretty apron on to go about my duties. Is that apron in the above pic adorable or what! There are more aprons at the site Ruby's Farmhouse which are not only darling , but affordable. And there is more retro homemaking goodies there too. Anyway, in lieu of a stitching post I am just going to jot down my homemaking duties I accomplished today. Personal and not.

Cleaning the cottage:
Bathrooms cleaned
First floor vac'd
Laundry washed, dried, folded and awaiting the drawers it all belongs in

Feeding the family:
Breakfast on the go because of tutoring
Ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch
Sausage Fritatta with spring mix salad for dinner

Home schooling:
All assignments done
Reading to Lydia
Music practice-check

Looking ahead:
Defrost chicken
Make shopping list for Wednesday church supper
Find a chicken recipe to feed a crowd

Personal:
Joined the Proverbs 31 Study with Courtney
Spent time with Sweet Journey
Bought new planner and Martha Stewart office supplies to get me on track!

Well, friends, what little bits of domesticity did you accomplish today?

Homemaking Interview::The Prudent Homemaker

2012-05-08T09:48:00.001-04:00

I stumbled upon Brandy's site The Prudent Homemaker one day and was , put simply, quite impressed by her homemaking knowledge and pluck. Her story is inspiring. I wrote to her and wanted to know what made her "tick". Here I share my questions with you , dear readers, may you be inspired by her story as I was. This interview originally appeared on my blog Blueberry Cottage and is thee most viewed post to date with over 4,000 views! The comment section is still available if you wish to read the Q&A.~Suzanne

***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***

Suzanne: From reading your site The Prudent Homemaker one would naturally assume you’re an older keeper at home. Yet, the reader discovers you’re a pretty young mom. Where did you come by all your homemaking knowledge?

Brandy: I plunged right in and learned as I went along! And I’m still learning.

Suzanne: What advice would you give to the young mom just embarking on her keeper at home journey?

Brandy: Just because you don’t know how to do something now, doesn’t mean you can’t learn! I have learned how to do SO MUCH since I got married. I took gardening classes, learned how to really sew, learned how to bake, how to be a better cook, how to be a parent, how to take photos, and more! Be open to learning new things; it’s what makes life fun!

Suzanne: With a large family and the extra work that comes with cooking and baking from scratch, how do you avoid burnout and keep yourself motivated to keep on keeping on and not call out for pizza?

Brandy: There are always busy days, when things don’t go according to schedule; when it’s 6:00, and I’ve been nursing the baby and helping everyone with all the things they need. I’ll chuck my planned meal and opt instead for a quick meal, like spaghetti, burritos, tacos, or stir fry. I also like to make big batches of soup, so I can keep leftover soup in the fridge for a few days, to be served at lunch or dinner.

Suzanne: Alright, do you ever call out for pizza or Chinese? Inquiring minds wish to know?:-)

Brandy: I don’t have money to buy groceries most of the year , so I don’t know where I would get the money for takeout. Takeout is not an option for us. If I want pizza or Chinese , I’ll make it at home.

{Brandy's stir fry made very frugally}

Suzanne: How do you balance the demands of home schooling with the gardening, cooking and baking that must be done?

Brandy: Two secrets: Get up early, and have naptime for everyone! If they’re not tired, they can read. Also, I have a regular schedule that really helps me to stay focused.

Suzanne: You have a lot of inspirational quotes on your site, which one inspires you the most and why?

Brandy: Wow, that’s a hard question. I love them all! However, the one that keeps me going most of all is this one:

"Homemaking is the highest, most noble profession

to which a woman might aspire."

~Flora Benson, quoted by her husband, Ezra Taft Benson, October 1986

I think we tend to forget how important our role as a homemaker is. I love the term “homemaker”. To me, a “housewife” sounds like she is married to the house, but a “homemaker” makes a house into a home by all that she does. Our home is a place of refuge, safety, love, and learning. That’s a pretty important place. It’s the place want to be, and it’s what we make of it.

Suzanne: What is it that inspires you to continue the creative process?

Brandy: There’s always something that needs to be made! Whether it’s new clothes, dinner using just what we have in the pantry, or birthday presents made only using what we have on hand, there’s always something to create.

Suzanne: Where would you suggest the homemaker who has absolutely no food storage and little funds start?

Brandy: Buy rice and beans in bulk. Both of these items can be had for a small amount, and if you suddenly had to start living on what you had stored, you could live on just these two immediately.

Rice and beans are inexpensive, and when you buy them in bulk, they’re even less expensive. Walmart had beans for $1.12 a pound the last time I looked. However, if you buy 25 pounds of pinto beans, you can get them for .56 a pound. It makes a cheap meal even cheaper, plus, it’s good for you. Sam’s Club carries rice and pinto beans in bulk, or you can check out my Grains page for more places that sell in bulk.

Suzanne: You talk about setting a beautiful table and keeping a lovely home. What advice would you give to the woman who has zero decorating skills and funds or lacks the ambition to keep a lovely home atmosphere?

Brandy: If you’re completely lacking in funds, it’s hard to do much in the way of decorating. You will need to use what you already have. If you have a tiny amount to spend, garage sales and thrift stores are a good way to go.

I’ve been blessed that a lot of what I have in my kitchen has come from someone much older than I am, who no longer needed it. My baking pans came from a woman who was moving. My Kitchen Aid mixer used to belong to my husband’s grandfather. My cloth napkins came from an older woman who rarely used them. The pretty glass pieces that are in many of my photos came from my grandmother, who bought them at garage sales for .25 and .50 each!

You can make several napkins from a large piece of fabric (bought at a thrift shop or a garage sale, or 50% off at the fabric store) for a very small price. Also, don’t be afraid to embroider napkins and linens yourself!

{Gorgeous roses from Brandy's garden}

Flowers can be grown from seed and from cuttings. Last year I read a story about a man who would take cuttings from each bouquet of roses that his daughter won during piano competitions during the Great Depression. He grew roses from each of these, and was able to bless his whole neighborhood with flowers for graduations, weddings, and other events for years. I love to grow lots of flowers for as little as possible. Right now, I have vincas blooming that reseeded themselves, and Johnny jump-ups, larkspur, stock, and hollyhocks are starting to grow again, all from reseeding themselves. These annuals grow for me every year, as long as I water them!

Years ago, I met a young mother who was making quilts for her 4 daughters. This woman really inspired me. She didn’t have the money to buy blankets. She had fabric that had been given to her by several older women who had shared fabric from their fabric supplies with her. Using what she had, this woman was planning something beautiful and practical with what she had.

Look for less expensive, simple ways to make your home beautiful, using what is available to you.

If you feel like you don’t have any decorating skills, do a search for decorating blogs. Study the ones you like for good ideas. Many decorating blogs have great tutorials to help you create the same look, and many are looking to do it for a lot less than the original idea.

If you feel lacking in ambition, invite a family over for dinner. The deadline might just be all you need to motivate yourself to do something different in your home, whether it’s changing out the pictures of your family with new ones that you’ve just taken and printed on regular paper from your computer, or cutting some simple flowers from your garden and marching them down the center of the table in several canning jars.

Suzanne: If you could pick one Bible verse to sum up how important the home keeper's role is , which would it be and why?

Brandy: Proverbs 22:6 “Train up a child in the way he should go, and he is old, he will not depart from it.”

If we teach our children what is right and good, they will learn to choose the good. All that we do at home centers around this. Harold B. Lee said, “The most important work we will ever do is within the walls of our own home.”

Suzanne: You have a lot of links to making holidays and celebrations frugal, could you share a few of your favorites that you have actually used to accomplish a frugal celebration while keeping it fun and memorable?

Brandy: I’ve used several of the links that you see on my Sewing For Less page and my Frugal Gifts page to make gifts for my children for their birthdays and for Christmas. For the past several years, I’ve needed to use what we already have on hand to make gifts. Whether I’m making clothes over, printing some fun paper toys, or making decorations using what I already have, I’ve found it’s still possible to have a wonderful celebration without going shopping.

Here are some things that I recently did for my daughter’s 4th birthday party.

{Birthday Table}

The banner was made from an old pillowcase and an old sheet that were given to me by someone who was moving, and from leftover sewing scraps that I had. The ribbon was a gift from a friend (who bought it on clearance for .50). I can use this banner for birthdays in the future for all of my daughters. If I host a baby shower in the future, I can use the banner then as well. My 8-year old made the large paper decorations from previously used tissue paper and packing paper (I ironed the paper to make it look nicer). The centerpiece was a table runner that I already had, and we just put her presents on that. The boxes were the ones I used to keep hair ribbons and barrettes in for my girls; I dumped them out and put the presents inside; they’re about 20 years old.

{Nightgown}

Presents were simple. I made her a nightgown from a top sheet that was given to me by the same friend mentioned above (she gave me several bags of non-matching sheets and pillowcases. Usually bottom sheets wear out before top sheets. Keep the non-worn sheets and pillowcases for sewing projects!)

{Birthday gifts}

I made her a bracelet using beading elastic that I bought a long time ago, and repurposed beads from an old dress-up crown that was falling apart. I also made her a rose barrette, using some ribbon that I bought years ago on closeout that I had been saving for just the right project. I also gave her a vintage handkerchief and a brand-new hat, both which were found at garage sales.

{Siblings gift of a handmade puppet}

Her siblings also made her gifts using what we had on hand; they made finger puppets and paper dolls for her.

In our family, we keep birthdays simple by just inviting grandparents over. Sometimes we have dinner and dessert, and sometimes we just have dessert.

Several years ago, my husband and I discussed how we would do birthdays at our home. He grew up without celebrating birthdays. I grew up having a few parties with children from school, and a few parties with just my immediate family, or with family and 1friend. When I thought about my happiest birthdays as a child, I realized that my favorite birthdays were the ones I spent with just my own family. So, we decided to do family-only parties. Since we live near grandparents, we invite grandparents to come over as well. We also allow our children to choose their favorite meals for the entire day, which they love. You can have a great birthday celebration without spending much at all.

Suzanne: What advice or suggestions would you give to the family that has little money for big vacations, but wishes to make family memories?

Brandy: Vacations are a luxury that have never been in the budget for us. We happen to live in an unusual place, making many frugal ideas for vacations impossible for us; we live in the middle of the desert, several hours (and at least a tank of gas) from anything in any direction. Our city has very few free attractions, and even something as simple as camping is out of our price range. Consequently, most of our memory making takes place at home.

We’ve spent time teaching new skills to our children, including sewing, painting, cooking, and gardening. These simple activities have given us great conversations with our children as well as helped them to learn to enjoy something new.

Since going out on a date only happens for my husband and I once a year on our anniversary (when my parents babysit for us and treat us to a date out), our dates are at home.

We’ve recently started having dates nights with our children at home. We take turns letting our children stay up one night a month, where they can do an activity of their choice with mom or dad. We’ll watch a movie that we already have and eat popcorn, play a game, or cook something together. The children enjoy our undivided attention, and we enjoy that time with each child.

Suzanne: Where do you get your inspiration for your beautiful gardens?

Brandy: Years of reading Victoria magazine. You can learn a lot as an armchair traveler.

Suzanne: Are you raising your children with the frugal mindset and if so , how do you teach them this philosophy?

Brandy: I think so. We’re pretty open and honest about our financial situation with our children. Consequently, they know that if there is something that they want for Christmas or their birthdays, that it will most likely be something that I can make, and they ask accordingly.

We also explain why we do the things that we do, with dollar amounts to back it up. (l recently explained to my 7-year-old that I could spend $8 for a brand-new shirt for him, or I could buy 32 shirts for him for .25 each at a garage sale, or 16 if they were marked at .50. That really amazed him, and helped him to see why his “new” clothes don’t come from the store.)

My children also believe I can fix anything! I also teach them how to mend items. Recently, when my 8-year-old daughter needed two buttons fixed on her dress, she was able to find the needle, thread, and scissors, and sew them back on by herself.

Last week, I showed my daughter how using a reusable baking mat saves me from having to spray the cookie sheet each time I bake. Though it might cost me a little more in the beginning, it saves me money in the long run.

I think it’s important to teach our children how to be wise stewards of what we have, both by teaching them to not be wasteful and how to make what we do have go as far as possible. We teach a lot of skills to our children to help them be better adults. Frugality should be one of them.

Suzanne: Do you have any plans to travel and take your talks on the road?

Brandy: I’d love to travel, but gas costs money! Right now I limit my speaking engagements to about 45 minutes away.

Suzanne: Brandy, I can't thank you enough for opening up your home and your homemaking knowledge to me and to all the readers who frequent Blueberry Cottage. Your truly an inpiration for not only your own generation, but many others as well. I am sure your story will encourage and bless the homemakers of this world!

Brandy also gives tours of her gardens, if your lucky enough to live in her area. I hope you can attend--and if you do pleas send me a postcard!!!

~**~**~**~**~**~**~**~**

Brandy Simper is the mother of 7 small children, she recently had another little blessing, a girl, Ivory. Her website has been redesigned to navigate easier. She writes at The Prudent Homemaker.

*this post linked to Women Living Well and Raising Homemakers.

Let's Get Stitched! All girls love to twirl

2012-05-07T17:04:00.001-04:00

Just a bit late to the party today! But, oh my goodness, we have warm weather and sunshine! Glorious, glorious sunshine. No one wants to come inside.

I did finish the Edith twirl skirt for my twirly girly girl. She loves it! What little girl doesn't love a good twirly skirt, I ask? This last child, my last girl still loves it when Mama sews her up some goodness. I know that may end in a few years (goodness please no less!), so I will savor the time, and the interruptions, at my sewing machine while I can. I do have grandchildren and hope there will be lots more someday. There is hope for my handmades yet! Yet, right now, I will continue to cherish the requests for one more skirt, one more sundress, how about a new purse and all the other pleas to raid my fabric stash that come on a daily basis from my girl.

Did you stitch anything up this week? Sew, knit, crochet, craft? Do link up and share the goodness with us!

Happy May Day & DIY Fairy Garden!

2012-05-01T10:07:00.000-04:00

Do you remember celebrating May Day as a child? I sure do. In school we would fashion little paper cones or baskets made from plastic strawberry containers. Some years I recall a plain paper cup with a pansy planted. Each method heralded May Day . Whatever basket was made, it always contained flowers. And who doesn't just love getting flowers?

Last year my daughters and I made May Day cones filled with flowers and delivered them to the nursing home where a favorite auntie resides. Those posts are here and here, if you would like to take a peek at our May Day fun. May Day is an old-fashioned tradition and I love old-fashioned so we still celebrate!

I received an email from Donni over at The Magic Onions letting me know about the upcoming Fairy Garden Competition 2012. Last year at this time Lydia and I created a Fairy Garden of our own and entered. No, we didn't win, the competition was stiff I must say--so many lovely creations! But, we had a grand time with our fairy garden and it lasted well into the autumn season until a nasty ice storm ruined it. So, we are redesigning and will be entering once again. I hope you will too!

This is a repost from our May Day Fairy Garden from last year. I hope you enjoy it!

My daughter Lydia is highly imaginative, always making up stories off the cuff or orchestrating elaborate parties and vacations for her dolls and animals. She is alot like I was at her age, finding a little nook where no one could find me, jotting down my stories in composition books. For May Day she asked if she could build a fairy garden, because May Day signals the return of the garden fairies. They all look for particlular lodgings on May Day so they can work their garden magic during the warmer days ahead.

This old wooden barrel usually houses a grand display of geraniums. Not this year. This year it will hopefully become some wee fairies lodgings for the season. Lots of construction was going on at the cottage. The land was leveled and moss pads brought in . Nice soft, cushiony moss for little fairy feet to tread upon. The masons built a nice retaining wall and put smooth paving stones amongst the flowers in the garden. They also installed a small clay pool, the fairies need a place to cool off and entertain! The house construction was finished, complete with a moss roof and birch bark doors and windows. More little plants and a dazzling array of shells, to be used as beach chairs, were arranged and the garden was complete.

Lydia had alot of help, of course. As she tells it, Mrs. Tilda Churchmouse, her constant helper, surveyed the work needed to be done. Tilda is a snap at cleaning, why she cleaned the same parish and vicarage in England for over 15 years! Sadly, the parish was being closed and dear Tilda's husband had a horrible demise while meeting the vicarage cat, Puss. Tilda needed to find work and enlisted the help of her dear friend Eli at Fluterby Patch. Eli knew Lydia was looking for a good helper and posted her credentials to Mistress Lydia. Well, Tilda's resume was quite impressive to say the least! Eli made all the arrangements and Tilda arrived at Blueberry Cottage a few years ago and has been quite content with her new surroundings. Mistress Lydia is very grateful to Eli for recommending Tilda. She has become one of the family now!

Tilda is a proper English churchmouse and is always dressed finely in her red jewels and white starched pinny. Above, Tilda surveyed the work needing attention. She informed Mistress Lydia that this was quite a big job! Mrs. Honey Bear, Paddington Bear's Mum is here for a visit. Never one to sit idle she jumpled right in with her chenille rag and helped set the place to rights.

Tilda had to clean the fairy house on her own as Honey was just a tad too large to fit through the doorway.

Tilda Churchmouse and Honey Bear give the garden a final once over before proclaiming it suitable for any fairy searching for lodgings.

Aren't the gardens lovely? Lydia is pretty particular where the flowers woudl be placed. Birch, pinecones, a nice red mushroom and whooly thyme were all added to make the fairies feel at home.

Have the fairies arrived yet? We haven't sighted any as of yet, but I do believe anytime now one might appear. Lydia is hoping a girl fairy will take up residence. Do come back for a visit to see!

This post is linked up to the Magic Onions Fairy Garden Competiton, Get Your Craft On, Tutorial Tuesday, Show Me What You Got,

Join me for "LET'S GET STITCHED!"

2012-04-30T15:56:00.000-04:00

For the last two months I have had this little gem in the works. Basically, it is a link up to share all things stitching related. A way to showcase and share our handmades with each other. I just love seeing what others are making! Every Monday I will post my finished or works in progress (WIPS) with a linky tool at the end of the post.
There are a few guidelines to follow and they are easy. Just post a link to your project right here at Not Quite Donna Reed and then link back on your blog to the Let's Get Stitched Page. You can use the code on the button in the sidebar and just edit your html when you compose a post or just let your readers know you posted here and provide a link. Your post can be anything sewn, knitted, crocheted, embroidered or the like....it just has to include some stitches.
I do love to take moments on the weekend to include a bit of handwork. It is soothing and relaxing and spells weekend to me. Please share any little stitches you managed to accomplish.
Here is a WIP, it is the Edith Twirl Skirt for my France obsessed daughter. This skirt is super big on the twirl factor. What little girl isn't? Not a skirt for the beginner sewer, but really easy once you get a few techniques under your belt.
Visit Heather Bailey for some fantastic shots of this skirt! I also have the material shown in the pic so I can make another one right away--I am told..ahem. You can also order the pattern in a PDF download right HERE.
So whatchamakin'? Do share.

Giveaway Winners Announced!

2012-04-28T16:24:00.003-04:00

Hello Gals! How are you this lovely Saturday? Doing great here! I am relaxing, yes, relaxing. I had doctor appointments, errands and grocery shopping on Thursday.Friday was an all day outing to our state home school convention with two of my gal friends. So after being on the go for two days I am enjoying a "down" day at home. My wonderful man made us all a delicious pancake and sausage breakfast and then I have just been puttering. Did a bit of vacuuming, catching up on the laundry and I watched two episodes of The Test Kitchen. Now I want pork chops and sweet potatoes...LOL!

Well now, I am popping by to announce the winners of the giveaway. I wish I could send you all a gift, I really do. I love giving presents! I am thankful for all of you who left me a comment wishing me well--your all so sweet and encouraging. And I have enjoyed stopping by all your places too! New friends--nothing better than that! So without further ado.....

The pretty darling dragonfly necklace goes to Lorraine from With A Grateful Prayer and A Thankful Heart.

The baking goodies go to Christy at Wicked Happy Life. Happy baking Christy--I want to see pictures of the finished pretties!

And finally, the Family Rules Poster goes to Jennifer from A Peek Into My Life.

Gals, please email me your address to : notquitedonnareed@gmail.com. I should be sending these out by Monday so be checking your mail box!

If you love my jewelry and Family Rules Poster, good news, they are all in my etsy shop Pretty Darling Things!

CHOCOLATE MOUSSE DESSERT SHOTS

2012-04-26T22:53:00.000-04:00

Have you tried one of these dessert shots yet? Oh my! Delicious is the word. Applebee's has a nice assortment, chocolate mousse, key lime pie, strawberry shortcake and an apple crisp.

The other day while in a home goods store I spied a set of dessert shot glasses complete with cute little spoons! I had to have them. I figured if they made the glasses then the recipes were out there somewhere. I found one on Food Network and tweaked it a bit. I love a good chocolate mousse. All the recipes called for semi-sweet morsels, but I don't like my mousse overly sweet (must be the French in me), so I subbed double chocolate bittersweet chips by Ghirardelli. I live for high end chocolate gals! Below is a recap of the recipe. I have a dark kitchen to begin with and today no sun would peek out no matter how hard I prayed , so the photos are substandard. I was too lazy to play with aperture too....sigh.

Here we go. Wave hi to Ree (aka Pioneer Woman). That's her new cookbook. I like it, lots! Anyway, ladies, one thing I always do before starting to cook is start with a clean kitchen. I wipe counters and make sure everything is "spit spot", to borrow a phrase from Mary Poppins. Then I read the recipe twice, yes, twice. Gather the ingredients and measure it all out in the order it is given. Check it all again. Now start the process. Apron on? Check. Clean hands? Check. Hair tucked back? Check.

This is my double boiler set up. Used this for years. It is my small saucepan with a small bowl over it. Just fill the pan halfway with water and heat. Works the same as the fancy ones. Melt the butter and set your heat to low.

Add your chips and whisk in. When they are melted add the chocolate liquer and vanilla and give it a good stir. Take this off the heat and whisk in your egg yolks, then set aside.

It looks all smooth and chocolatey. You'll be tempted to put your finger in there for a taste, but it is still hot, so don't do that. Ask me how I know?

Now you want to whip up your egg whites until nice and stiff and frothy. While these whip up put your chocolate mixture into another clean bowl.

Perky little white peaks of egg whites is what you want!

Now fold in the egg whites into the chocolate mixture. Fold not whip. It's a gentle motion where you cut the spatula down the middle and lift the mixture up and over. Got it? Good. Martha will be proud.

Chop up the reserved chips into pieces the size of rice . Then put it into the chocolate and stir to incorporate.

In a clean mixing bowl add the sugar and cream and whip until stiff. Just like the egg whites.

Add the cream to the chocolate and mix it well. Try to fold it in as gently as possible. Mousse likes air, did you know that? It told me.

It will lighten in color and texture. It will be like....um...mousse. Cover with a bit of plastic and refrigerate for 3 hours.

In the meantime crush your cookies and get your shot glasses ready.

When the mousse is chilled, layer about 2 tablespoons of crushed cookies, then two tablespoons of warm fudge sauce, then mousse til almost the rim of the glass. Put a nice dollop of cream on top and shake a bit of cocoa on the cream. ( I want to be totally honest with you, I went back and put A LOT more whipped cream on top. I am not sorry.)

Then enjoy those suckers! You will have mousse left over to enjoy.

Don't forget there is still time to enter the giveaway of some pretty darling things! Right HERE!

*This post linked up to Janelle at www.comfyinthekitchen.com.

***************************************************************************

Chocolate Mousse Dessert Shots

Ingredients:
4 tablespoons butter
1 heaping cup of bittersweet chips ( or semi-sweet) set aside two tablespoons to chop
2 tablespoons of Godiva chocolate liquer
2 teaspoons vanilla
4 eggs, separated
4 tablespoons white sugar
1 cup heavy cream
12 oreo cookies, whites scraped out and crushed
1 cup of fudge sauce or a bit less actually
whipped cream--fresh use 1 cup or canned is fine
1/4 cup cocoa powder

Directions:
In a double boiler over hot water melt the butter. Turn heat to low and add the chips. Whisk until incorporated and smooth then add liqueur and vanilla, stir. Remove from the heat and whisk in the yolks. Put into a glass bowl and set aside.

Beat the egg whites until peaks form. Fold these into the chocolate mixture.

In a clean mixing bowl beat the sugar and cream until peaks form. Fold cream into chocolate mixture.

Chop the remaining chips and stir into chocolate. Cover with plastic and refrigerate 3 hours.

Crush oreos. Heat up sauce til warm and when mousse is chilled add two tablespoons of oreos to the shot glass. Now add two tablespoons of fudge sauce. Fill with mousse to almost rim of glass. Top with generous whipped cream and sprinkle cocoa powder on top. Serve!

Makes 8 glasses and more to eat later!

DIY Subway Art for about $10 bucks!

2012-04-25T13:21:00.002-04:00

Is anyone else out there in love with subway art like I am?! I guess if you've never taken the subway in New York you may not know what I am talking about, of course. Anyhoo.....I have been spotting these beauties in all the home goods stores for months now, but I am loathe to pay the hefty price tag for them. I knew I could figure this out, I am a fairly smart gal, right? So, a bit of a search on the web turned up a great tutorial for it. Score! I love when I don't have to reinvent the wheel and someone has figured it all out for me. I love those kind of people!

The tutorial for the actual art can be found here. I did follow her instructions to the T. Easy peasy gals! I used Picnik to edit a high resolution photo. Picnik has gone away..sniff, sniff, but guess what? PicMonkey has arrived on the scene and it is pretty awesome too--so try them. Then I blacked it out and started the process of adding the text. That was the fun part, playing around with the different fonts and sizes, coming up with your favorite family sayings or Bible verses. Then I sent the file on over to Staples where it is printed on blueprint paper--genius! For $2.99 they printed this up. It has different shading on the print just like blueprints do, giving it a vintage or aged look. If you don't have a Staples any office supply store with a printing department should be able to do this.

Now for the frame. Another easy project. Errr...well, easy for my husband. Sasha has a tutorial for the frame, darling girl. Here is the link to her frame as my poster was the same size as hers, and I used her measurements exact. Again, hubby did, he's my hero. The actual tutorial for the art also has directions for the frame, but Sasha's had pics, I like a good visual, thanks.

Here is the back of the frame so you know that it is nothing spectacular to put together, or fancy for that matter.

Here is a side shot. I used a very black flat paint and then I distressed the edges and print after is was all dry with a very fine sandpaper. Gave it more of an aged look.

Now this print above I did with a red background simply by following the same tutorial, just making the background red and the text white also. This I had printed at Walmart quite reasonable, I think it was $8.00 for a 16X20. Did you know Walmart now does canvas prints! So this one may go on a canvas if the price isn't too high. Each kiddo is getting one for their room--I want them to see these rules when they wake up , go to bed, sit on the bed, change their underwear, do homework, read a book....you get it--all the time!

These prints will just spiff up your nest quite nicely for not a whole lot of cash to boot! I love having inspiring quotes in my rooms, don't you?

If you make one of these will you please come back here and let me know, I would love to see what you come up with . And if your not in the least bit crafty and this type of thing intimidates you to death, you still have time to enter my giveaway to win one RIGHT HERE.

This post linked up with Hope Studios Tutorial Tuesdays.

Welcome back darlings to Not Quite Donna Reed!

2012-04-23T14:29:00.002-04:00

Hello Gals! I am so glad to be back here in this space, truly. I have been praying for quite a few months about blogging and its fit in my life. Some of you may have found your way here via my blog Blueberry Cottage. While I have loved that blog dearly I have felt like it is time to let it go and move on. I will keep the archives up for a bit and will transfer a number of the very popular posts over here, but my focus is changing in regards to blogging.

I have had a passion for homemaking since I was a little girl washing my doll clothes and hanging them on my mother's clothesline! The domestic arts have always been a joy to me. I love, love, love, taking care of my home and family and really wouldn't trade it for any other profession on God's green earth!

So gals the focus here will be on all things involving family and home. The navigation bar up top pretty much sums up what the topics of chat will be here. I hope to post a few times a week, Lord willing. This space will be a spot to offer fresh encouragement to the wife and mother or the wife and mother- in -training, tips on homemaking, frugality, cooking, baking AND LOVING OUR HUSBANDS AND CHILDREN. My prayer is to be that Titus 2 mentor so absent in our churches today. Taking care of our homes and families is the most important job on this earth--gals, we're raising future generations! Let's enjoy and excel at this priveledge God has blessed us with.

Likewise, teach the older women to be reverent in the way they live, not to be slanderers or addicted to much wine, but to teach what is good. Then they can urge the younger women to love their husbands and children, to be self-controlled and pure, to be busy at home, to be kind, and to be subject to their husbands, so that no one will malign the word of God. Titus 2:5

Now let's have some fun to kick off this space! I am not quite finished tweaking things here yet, but I just couldn't wait any longer to share. So you may pop back in and see different things, but for the most part the major designing is done. Dear Becky over at The Cutest Blog on the Block has been working on this space since March and let me just say she is a darling! If you want to spruce up your blog, you need this gal--she not only is creative, she is patient.

To celebrate I have some gifts for you. I do love to get pretty packages in the mail and want to share that little thrill with you!

First up is a vintage dragonfly necklace I created with a freshwater pearl on a ball chain. These are made with glass carbochons so the image pops--it really is just adorable! It is a 1"X2" rectangle and the image is vintage emphera reproductions. I love this necklace soooo much! There are more of these if you want a closer look in my new Etsy Shop Pretty Darling Things--the shop link is right on the sidebar.

Second up is this cupcake kit I put together. Doesn't it make you want to whip up a batch of pretty cupcakes right now! I bought a tin from Crate & Barrel years ago on an outing to Boston and have kept my cupcake making supplies in it ever since. You get a brand spankin' new cupcake tin, a Birthday (or anyday!) cupcake kit that includes the batter mix, buttercream frosting mix, cute pouch of sprinkles, flower themed cupcake lines, and a package of tinsel candles. Celebrate a birthday or throw a party with all of this! (tin not included)

Third, is our Family Rules poster I created to imitate Subway Art. I have seen these posters in all the home goods stores at outrageous prices and knew I could make this. These are our Family Rules and I hope they will resonate with you. You will get a copy of this poster unframed. It is printed on blueprint paper and framed it has a distressed look with a few simple techniques. I will be posting a tutorial and links to those I used on how to make one of these, with the frame. Stay tuned for that.

Now all you need to do to enter is leave a comment here and say hello. But, if you want extra chances, which will help me get the word out about Not Quite Donna Reed, you can blog, tweet, or FB about this and earn yourself 3 extra entries. If you "like" my Facebook Page for Not Quite Donna Reed, then give yourself five extra entries. No need to add each entry in separately, just let me know how many entries you earned and I will let the random number generator do all the work! This is an honor system here, I will not be checking up on anyone:-)

I will pick three winners Saturday Arpil 28th and announce them here and on FB. Thanks for coming by and sharing my joy!

CAKES...A Symbol of Home Life

2010-04-07T14:34:00.003-04:00

From the beautiful cake for the announcement party-to the triumphantly towering wedding cake--and children's birthday cakes, blazing with candles--to the proud cake celebrating the silver or golden wedding --cakes play an important role in the most significant moments in our lives. ~Betty Crocker

I consider cake right up there with pie as a total comfort food. My mother remembers her Italian Nana ,Anna making fabulous four layer cakes every Sunday. After church you stopped by for meatballs and pasta and the crown jewel for dessert--cake. Sadly, I don't have those memories.

I made a spice cake from my vintage Betty Crocker cookbook and it hit me, when did we stop making cake from scratch. A little checking and I came across this 1950's TV commercial for Betty Crocker cake mixes. The commercial is a hoot! I guess it came about in the 50's that cake mixes were introduced into the homemaker's life. Simpler and easier sure. Yet, I think we have lost a bit of something when we don't make a "from scratch" recipe. There aren't too many preservatives and additives in our food when we bake or cook from scratch. And we are carrying on a lost art, the art of creating beautiful food with our own hands. Now, I am just as thankful for box mixes as the next gal, and I will let you in on a secret; I adore Pillsbury Brownie Mix....shhhhh....don't tell please! I don't like scratch brownies..whooo a burden has been lifted...LOL! Yes, I do use the occasional cake mix, but not always. Frosting from scratch is just 100% better than the canned stuff! That I will always take the time to make. Below the commercial is the spice cake I made from my vintage BC cookbook, it was delicious. If you click on the recipe pic it will enlarge it if you wish to try it. It was a snap!

***Remember to turn the playlist off at the bottom of the page in order to hear the commercial***

Isn't that Betty darlin'!

Thanksgiving readiness and a bit of decorating

2009-11-19T13:24:00.006-05:00

It's been a busy week! Preparatons galore are underway. Today the fridge got cleaned out. I have a very strange thing about clean fridges' anyway so mine isusually clean and organized, but I made sure all the shelves were wiped down, checked expiration dates and tossed anything just ready to go by or bygone. All in preparation for Thanksgiving. I am making my gourd soup that I serve at Thanksgiving. The recipe is here at Old Sturbridge Village where I fisrt made it and it is delicious! Use beef broth if you make it--much tastier than chicken. And I do double it for the crowd I have coming! I am going to freeze it--yes freeze it , then it will go over the fire to warm up Thanksgiving Day.

{Dundee cakes from last year using Tasah Tudor's receipt }

Dundee cakes are getting a vacation in the freezer. Only a few of us like Dundee cakes so I only make four and two are given away. I have often used Tasha Tudor's receipt form her cookbook, but I have also used thse recipe from my very favorite Christmas book that I bought at Barnes & Noble on a severely reduced table years ago. It is here on Amazon and it is cheap, but so worth it. I can't tell you how many recipes and ideas I have used and still use from this book. Every year it comes out and I look through it again to get inspired. It is also my favorite go to for my plum pudding recipe!

You can do an internet search and find Dundee cakes aplenty! I do like the loaf size best I must say and do cut them when they are still slightly frozen, they are a crumbly cake.

A little tutorial in the way of dried orange slices for my prim tree. I am decorating my dining room tree with homespun ties, orange slices, gingerbread people, cinnamon stick bundles, and a cranberry and popcorn garland. I think it will look fantastic and will share some pics when it is done. These orange slices are just too cute and very old-fashioned! Give your home a bit of that homespun, colonial Christmastide feel with these.

And don't forget to inventory your serving pieces and silverware. Every year I am short a spoon or something! Well, the Thanksgiving menu is cemented, dishes delegated, and the baking and cooking has commenced! Hope your starting too so you can enjoy a stress free season!

Holiday Traditions::Which ones?

2009-11-13T08:58:00.009-05:00

Each family has those traditions that they can't live without. If my Christmas table is missing the English crackers that for years have adorned each persons place settting, I fear an uproar would happen! Each year after dinner we crack open the crackers and each person reads their corny joke, passes their toy and then dons their paper crown for the family Christmas photo. We all look as goofy as can be but every year I put that photo into the scrapbook and we all get a good chuckle from the previous year's photo. We've done this for as long as I have set up housekeeping and it's now part of our holiday traditions!

Which traditions are important to your family? Do you even have any? Christmas dinner here is always prime rib and there is french bread pudding with brandy sauce and plum pudding for dessert. Another of our traditions is our Italian cookie platter. Thanksgiving dinner always has gourd soup as the first course. It is funny, anyone who regularly dines here for either holiday will ask if the above courses will be served:-) It's these little traditions that kind of stamp your holiday, create memories to dine on throughout the year.

We're a busy society, no doubt about it. Consider what you have time for and don't beat yourself up for what you don't have time for. Keeping or instituting one family tradition is better than stressing yourself out during the season. Consider the cost of what you want to do so that doesn't stress you out. Then calculate the time you need. Do you knit all your kids new mittens or sew a pair of new jammies for each child? These things take time so plan accordingly. This year I am going to try freezing cookies~gasp! I always swore I would never freeze a cookie! Yet, as I want to do a few more things this year I realize that all things cannot be done the week of Thanksgiving or Christmas. I must allow the appropriate amount of time for things so I can have joy!

I am also going to decorate the house a bit earlier this year. I am not waiting to put up my tree either! I am endeavoring to do things early so I can sit back, relax and enjoy the fruits of my labor.

And be authentic! Don't compare yourself or try to be someonelse!!! My friend LaVonne, who has gorgeous wool for any of you that spin, felt or do punch wool, sent me this quote and it is so true.

Always be a first rate version of yourself rather than a second-rate version of someone else.

I love Ann's blog! She is also sharing her secrets for preparing for the holidays. Please pay her a visit and she has a wonderful tutorial for "Christmas Crackers". Ann also jogged my memory to remember the postal system and holiday shipping guidelines. Standing in a long line at the post is no fun so plan that accordingly.

And this sweet tutorial for rag-tied garland is fantastic! It gives such a homey feeling.

And a bit of a home tour for some simple holiday. Is this house not darling! I want to be invited to dinner here:-) Notice the natural elements brought in here. Do you or friends have pines or winterberry on the property? Cut some, gather or tuck them into little spots around the home inside and out. A very economical way to decorate!

But, most of all remember to keep the Saviour as the focus, all the traditions, decorations and delicous recipes aren't worth a fig if Christ and his birth is not the focus.

Blessing Others::Under the Tree

2009-11-10T09:55:00.009-05:00

It's time to think about what will go under the tree. Who will be receiving gifts, where will they come from, will they be handmade or store bought. Weighty questions in these tough economic times. Times that are still saturated with a spirit of materialism and consumerism. Could we get away from that mindset and embrace a time when simplicity and thriftiness were the norm? It's all IPods and video games! And lest you think I am against that--I am NOT! What I am saying is could we replace some of our "store bought" items with a gift handmade from our hearts.

What about helping out fellow crafters and artisians and buy their handmade. Etsy is a fabulous place to start if you don't have a crafty bone in your body. Now you could also purchase a few of those fabulous magazines , craft or food related, lining the bookshop shelves OR head on down to your town libary and I can almost guarantee there will be skads of titles for holiday projects. Peruse the internet for the numerous recipes for "gifts in a jar". Char over at The Pickled Pepper Patch blog has a wonderful recipe for hot cocoa--pudding in the mix, yum! Put the mix in a nice glass jar, attach a little cellophane bag of marshmellows or peppermints and wrap with a bit of ribbon or a length of tartan flannel wripped to give it an old look with frayed edges and what a nifty gift! You may send me one:-)

But, first things first, of course. Now go back to that lovely little site and download a gift list document if you haven't already. Write each person down and the gift you wish to give them. This is not only family members , but if your a guest for dinner and need a hostess gift and I always have a few "generic" gifts on hand for anyone that drops by unexpectedly. Nothing too expensive, I am fortunate to have a Yankee Candle and Crabtree & Evelyn Outlet near me. I buy a few little things and wrap them with a tag that hasn't been filled in. Then if someone shows up or a last minute engagement crops up I have a gift and can fill in the name.

Now , if you do any catalog shopping like I do you will want to have space to write the confirmation number and shipping info-there is a document for that too. After you make an online purchase always print out the receipt and tuck it into your holiday planner. I can't emphasize how this has simplified my gift giving! You can forget you ordered something you know:-) Ummm....ask me how I know!

Check off the list as you shop or craft and have ONE central location for your gifts. I have an old trunk in my bedroom that is "off limits" to everyone except me.

There really is nothing like giving and receiving a gift that has thought in it, so I hope you will consider the recipient carefully. Hope these ideas help you out a bit this holiday season.

Next...spotlight on a delightful blog that is also prepping us for the holiday season.

Holiday Readiness

2009-11-09T13:55:00.008-05:00

Good gracious have I neglected this blog! Well, I am here and ready to get us ready for the holidays! I just looooove Thanksgiving and Christmas!!! I will be giving some tips and strategies for a homemade, handmade, stress-reduced (*notice I said stress-reduced not stress-free-I am a realist:-) , holy season. I hope to share my own schedule and any blogs or sites that will help you have a blessed holiday season.

Now let's start dear, at the beginning. Will you be hosting any of the parties? If so, then ....

Get a three ring binder or a notebook to use for this. This site Organized Christmas is excellent for FREE, yes FREE downloads and I use alot of these forms.

1. Make up your guest list for each holiday you will host. A separate page for each.

2. Plan your menu--appetizers, soup, main course, desserts, drinks, coffee, etc. Do this for Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Years.

3. Decide which dishes you will prepare and the ones, if a guest offers to make, you will delegate.

4. Call your guests and confirm attendance. If asked, give your guest a choice of two on what they would like to bring. If the guest offers to bring their prize winning pumpkin pie and you had that down as an item you will make, well then concede to the guest. It's not good manners to say no and then suggest to them something else:-) You can still make your own recipe if you like.

5. Start a grocery list of items you will need from your recipes, this way you won't miss an item. Peruse the sale flyers and see what you can stock up on. This weeks shopping pick up some of the items you need for the first holiday you will host and if you can afford it, get some for the next holiday your hosting.

Now listen up gals!

Here is a handy check list to print off to get you started too. Things you need to think of ladies!

I have my guest lists for Thanksgiving and Christmas confirmed and I have my menus. Already a couple of dishes have been "assigned" with a few more call backs to make.

Next up gift giving...... but in the meantime lets enjoy a bit of Christmas with Donna!

{turn the playlist off at the bottom so you can hear the show!}

Let's have us a party!

2009-07-05T11:04:00.006-04:00

I love to throw a good celebration and bless my family and friends. Here is my ,sort of checklist ,that I concoct when one is in the works. I hope it helps you ladies!
First, I pick a date or if it is a holiday weekend with a theme then that is super easy. I just had a farmhouse full for July 4th so I am going to go through my list and show you how that one got pulled off.
Make a list of the foods you wish to serve..the menu, if you will. On my planning sheet, which is just a yellow lined legal pad size, I put the foods down.
Appetizers:

Cheese & craker platter with fresh fruit

*Spinach artichoke dip with baked pita chips

*Roasted tomato herb dip for fresh veggies or chips

Barbecued main meal:
*Hamburgers and hotdogs with rolls
*Macaroni and shrimp salad
Garden salad
Taco Salad
Roasted corn on the cob
*Lettuce , onion, tomato tray with ketchup, relish and mustard
Fruit salad
Crab meat salad
Drinks:
*Rasberry Iced tea
*Assorted childrens juices
*Iced water with lemon slices
*Diet sodas
Desserts:
*Lemon Blueberry Trifle
Rasberry cheesecake
Watermelon
Ice cream cups

Now, all those dishes with an asterisk are the ones I prepared. Everything else the guests that offered to bring something I just graciously took them up on their offers to bring a dish. Some things on the menu are the result of what the guests suggested. That's okay too, just make sure it fits with the theme or that they don't want to bring a salad when you already have one spoken for. It is much easier as the hostess, I have learned, to let folks bring something. I never like to show up empty handed to a party and if it is something the hostess really needs that is doubly a blessing!
A few days before I do the shopping and don't forget the paper goods if you will be using them. I do a quick run down of the house: clutter control, cleaning, laundry caught up--that means ironed, folded and put away! The children are assigned extra chores in the cleaning department. The day before I prepare all the foods that can be done this early . Slice the veggies, make the desserts, make the burger patties. Everything that can be done ahead is and it is a tremendous time saver! Extra tables are set out, patio furniture cleaned and ready. My husband, God bless him, takes care of yard prep with the help of my son. I get the flowers pretty, hung out my American flag and added a few decorations here and there. Now we have a pool so I made sure that extra towels were available in the baths. I do clean the bathrooms, but I just spot clean the floors as they see alot of traffic and after the party I always clean the baths and wash the floors. AND I am conscious throughout the day of changing out the hand towel, keeping it fresh and dry. It's a bit of a pet peeve of mine you could say:-)
Coffee pot is prepped too for those that want this beverage with dessert. After the main meal I put the food away ( I am blessed with a lovely screened gazebo) or cover it and leave on the main table for anyone who wants to graze. One thing I have also learned s not to be a slave in the kitchen neglecting your guests. There is no reason you can't sit down and relax and enjoy the company!
Clean up time I let anyone who offers help. I don't necessarly have folks put the food away, but anyone can grab a sponge and wash dishes or wipe dishes with a towel and it makes people feel good they are helping the hostess. I just clear a place on the table or counter and tell them to put the clean dishes there--no one knows your cupboards like you so this elimates confusion. Then when everyone is gone you can just put them away. I run the dishwasher after folks leave. I tell ya the older I get the more I just value fellowshipping with my family and friends so while the above is a guideline, if I feel like sitting before cleaning then I do it--and you should too!
Now go throw yourself a party!

Chilled Fruit Dreams

2009-03-22T09:30:00.003-04:00

Saturday was typically the day delicious goodies were baked or mixed up, in anticipation of a little company for Sunday dinner and a sweet here and there to tide the family over during the week. During the week a homemaker would have some tasty dessert prepared for after dinner time. My mother remembers enormous 4 layer cakes every Sunday when they had dinner at her Grammie's house. Grammie Pratt was known for her baking capabilities and always had scrumptious desserts after a Sunday dinner of Italian favorites. This is a vintage 1950's recipe I found in an old Betty Crocker Cookbook my Nana had. A little searching around the 'ol internet has found more than a few adaptions invented. These are just the cutest little desserts ever! Wouldn't they be perfect for Easter time ? It seems alot of recipes of this era 7-Up and Cola were all the rage in desserts. I have adapted this one to be a bit more healthy than some of the ingredients called for in the original, but gals a little cool whip and marshmallows won't kill us once in awhile now will it. The original had a tad too much sugar so these are toned done alot! Can't you just picture Donna serving these up to the ladies at one of her little committe meetings!

Make a recipe card