tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8040841139304020422024-03-14T01:02:14.342-04:00Not Quite Donna ReedNot Quite Donna Reed~Loving all things vintage domestic!Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger38125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-65912534687979442062017-03-03T19:27:00.001-05:002017-03-03T19:30:29.112-05:00 Donna Reed Inspired Hairstyle for Short Hair<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/dQyNivwv6ZI" width="480"></iframe><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Hello Dears,</span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;">Do you remember Donna Reed in the movie, From Here to Eternity? Well this you-tuber, whose channels showcase vintage hairstyles and make-up techniques of the era, is going to show you how to get that hairstyle Donna wore in the film and also wore in The Donna Reed Show for awhile. Hope you enjoy and if you wear your hair/make-up in a vintage style do leave a link in the comments, so others can find you and say hello.</span></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-20304774632534045802017-01-22T16:43:00.001-05:002017-01-22T16:43:53.470-05:00Shepherd's Pie Dinner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>Hello Darlings,</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px;">
Isn't Shepherd's Pie the ultimate vintage meal- I remember it being served pretty regularly in the cooler months. I made this one off <a href="http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/alton-brown/shepherds-pie-recipe2.html">Alton Brown's recipe</a>. His used lamb , but I substituted beef and it was a hit! I suppose you could use turkey to make it a bit healthier in regards to fat content.</div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-family: Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 19.32px; margin-bottom: 6px; margin-top: 6px;">
I think Donna would approve <span class="_5mfr _47e3" style="line-height: 0; margin: 0px 1px; vertical-align: middle;"><img alt="" aria-hidden="1" class="img" height="16" src="https://www.facebook.com/images/emoji.php/v7/f68/1/16/1f495.png" style="border: 0px; vertical-align: -3px;" width="16" /><span class="_7oe" style="display: inline-block; font-size: 0px; width: 0px;">💕</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oksVE48EmoQ/WIUleSaJ5VI/AAAAAAAAGDI/c6DfHmjo-OQ6uf8_mcBaZOcPdTY8x9ckQCLcB/s1600/ShepherdPie1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oksVE48EmoQ/WIUleSaJ5VI/AAAAAAAAGDI/c6DfHmjo-OQ6uf8_mcBaZOcPdTY8x9ckQCLcB/s400/ShepherdPie1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtnlFazMnEg/WIUljCPDqRI/AAAAAAAAGDM/A6D3ACEw_hAe88wpaUA0yKrRq9aGUqCFgCLcB/s1600/Shepherdpie2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-OtnlFazMnEg/WIUljCPDqRI/AAAAAAAAGDM/A6D3ACEw_hAe88wpaUA0yKrRq9aGUqCFgCLcB/s400/Shepherdpie2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDI-kUv6_IE/WIUlqwwk53I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/P731e9zGTuk6P2u3ds3VsiUwRQrI1XkOgCLcB/s1600/shepherdpie3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yDI-kUv6_IE/WIUlqwwk53I/AAAAAAAAGDQ/P731e9zGTuk6P2u3ds3VsiUwRQrI1XkOgCLcB/s400/shepherdpie3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-33187713271656688452015-02-01T00:21:00.000-05:002015-02-01T00:21:23.913-05:00O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree....<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8b5wPBWbMg/VM2jUGWl2JI/AAAAAAAAFz0/Q2Qv1BYytWM/s1600/blogger-image-2123880647-TWINKLE.gif" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-c8b5wPBWbMg/VM2jUGWl2JI/AAAAAAAAFz0/Q2Qv1BYytWM/s1600/blogger-image-2123880647-TWINKLE.gif" height="400" width="298" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;">I am just a tad bit scared to put this out there,</span> but, we just took down the Christmas tree. Truth, <i>right hand on the Bible</i>-it just got packed away this afternoon. I am still trying to figure out how it went this far. Well I kinda know, but .....then this has never happened before. Guess I am going to share my thoughts in hopes someone who reads this will tell me this has happened to them, that I am not a terrible homemaker, and that next year things will be better. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
You see, in December we had three major house mishaps. Not the kind of repairs that only cost a hundred dollars , but these were in the thousands. So, not a whole lot of cash for Christmas. But, we did pull through with the prime rib on the fireplace I am proud to say-fed my entire family quite well. However, my kids knew they wouldn't be getting gifts until Dad's bonus in January. We gifted the extended family, you know, Nana, Aunties, grandchildren, etc. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Then the tree dilemma. Real or fake? Real was $60+, fake was in the basement already paid for and ready to assemble. I really dislike fake, so just couldn't get into the spirit of it. This led to questions of,<i><b> "hey it is December 22nd, you think we'll put a tree up"?</b></i> So fake it was. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
If your still with me, kudos! Long story short my youngest daughter would not let me take the tree down because she wanted her<span style="font-size: large;"> <span style="color: red;">presents wrapped under the tree</span></span>. My husband and I, already feeling guilty about late gifts, relented and the tree just kinda stayed up. Sparkling at night, looking festive. Suddenly, it just seemed to become part of the furniture arrangement. I thought maybe I will just leave it up all year. let visitors make fun of me and be ahead of the game this Christmas.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Nope, my husband had enough. Tree coming down troops!. So today the tree was packed away . I don't think I ever want to see it again. Note to family-if I can't afford a real, live tree next year and it comes down to prime rib or said tree, the tree is going to win. AND I am getting a live tree before Thanksgiving. There will be a decorated tree, shiny and sparkly as a backdrop to the pumpkins and gourds!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I am not feeling very Donna Reedy here. Donna probably never had her tree up til almost February.Then again I am certain Donna didn't have a Christmas like ours this past year. Not a very Tasha Tudor- like Christmas. Yet, leaving the tree up relaxed me, made me a bit happier this dark and stormy January. Maybe the tree was meant to be up later. Perhaps I am not such a bad homemaker. These things happen and when they do we just have to roll with it. That's what I did, rolled with it. Enough said. Unless you would like to say something then please go ahead.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-16938863436151280062015-01-30T23:48:00.001-05:002015-01-30T23:48:40.957-05:00Bit of snow playRecently, we had a bit of a blizzard in my neck of the woods. So I did what my Mama did-sent the kids outside to play in the snow, even when they protest.<br />
<br />
This is my adorable grandaughter Jemima, who came in with snow and ice stuck all over her. She was a bit unhappy. So what did I do? I grabbed my phone and started taking pictures of her begging for help.<br />
<br />
I tell her shake off the ice<i> while I snap away</i>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--E-xQgihqI0/VMxbMAQsenI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AyGDS5PZJFA/s640/blogger-image--279988803.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/--E-xQgihqI0/VMxbMAQsenI/AAAAAAAAFzc/AyGDS5PZJFA/s640/blogger-image--279988803.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Lydia comes over to help. Jemima is not happy with her Nonie and it shows in her face.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iprpao-CQ-w/VMxbKUF0zHI/AAAAAAAAFzM/Nqh4fuUi1Ic/s640/blogger-image-383799534.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-iprpao-CQ-w/VMxbKUF0zHI/AAAAAAAAFzM/Nqh4fuUi1Ic/s640/blogger-image-383799534.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vizscJlYB8s/VMxbLdLcV9I/AAAAAAAAFzU/KQNl68iR-yw/s640/blogger-image--64644289.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-vizscJlYB8s/VMxbLdLcV9I/AAAAAAAAFzU/KQNl68iR-yw/s640/blogger-image--64644289.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Jemima smile for Nonie and I will give you some candy! </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vRA-snBmcUo/VMxbMzq1AzI/AAAAAAAAFzk/p2xcg0IjVUE/s640/blogger-image-559930382.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-vRA-snBmcUo/VMxbMzq1AzI/AAAAAAAAFzk/p2xcg0IjVUE/s640/blogger-image-559930382.jpg" width="361" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
I promised that in the heat of the moment, I didn't really have any candy. Poor kiddo! Love that face!</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
(sorry for the blurry pics~ my iPhone camera is acting up!)</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-72191739059319717792015-01-30T00:47:00.000-05:002015-02-03T00:41:14.602-05:00Whip this up~Homemade Body Butter!<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y15B0tQoQU/UxfKawu_XpI/AAAAAAAAFP4/FyCpT7gvTSU/s1600/creme8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3y15B0tQoQU/UxfKawu_XpI/AAAAAAAAFP4/FyCpT7gvTSU/s1600/creme8.jpg" height="446" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">For a long time now I have been trying to make our own lotions, lip balms, herbal remedies, and natural cleaners. I think I just may have a recipe for body butter that is close to AWESOME! I have been using this now for almost a year and I have to say it is wonderful. It goes on silky and it does take a bit to absorb into your skin, but what your left with is very nourished and hydrated skin. There are so many nasty ingredients in today's lotions and creams-give this a try for a much healthier alternative. Now I am not sure that making your own body butter or lotion was a happening thing in the 1950's or 1960's, but it is a smart gal of today that recognizes that we have gotten away from healthy ingredients in our cosmetics these days. So give it a whirl. Whip some up. I will stop now. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This recipe uses <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YBW5T0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004YBW5T0&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">raw organic shea butter </a>which tends to have a greasier consistency in my opinion. With all that being said, I don't want to discourage you before we get out of the gate here, shea butter is extremely moisturizing. My teenage daughter suffers from very dry skin in the winter months, very dry. This one has answered my prayers in regards to a formula to help. Of course, I could resort to some over the counter brands which would heal faster, but the junk in them is really astonishing. I don't need to give my kids toxic ingredients, thank you very much!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Body butters have a light consistency and are really fun to mix up. You can use all kinds of essential oils in them, however check some reputable books to see which ones are beneficial together. Don't be scared to try this, super easy and I guarantee once your hooked you'll be making all your cremes.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Without further ado:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Gather all your supplies. I am including my choice of essential oils. The original recipe does not use the same combo and a couple of steps are a bit different.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
</div>
<ul style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; margin: 0.5em 0px; padding: 0px 2.5em;">
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YBW5T0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004YBW5T0&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">organic raw shea butter</a> (solid)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYCPCRU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AYCPCRU&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">coconut oil </a>(solid) </span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001E7663I" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">almond oil </a>(liquid)</span></li>
<li style="margin: 0px 0px 0.25em; padding: 0px;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">essential oils-<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GW9GKI/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004GW9GKI&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">tangerine</a>,<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0001AFISS/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B0001AFISS&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;"> rosemary,</a> <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00028MFWG/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00028MFWG&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">peppermint</a></span></li>
</ul>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<i>*all your supplies can be purchased from<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004YBW5T0/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B004YBW5T0&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;"> Amazon </a>or <a href="https://www.mountainroseherbs.com/" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">Mountain Rose Herbs</a>. The brands I have shown in the picture are very reputable and great quality for this project.</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrXOR6Jg3gM/UxfKgG8tMKI/AAAAAAAAFQI/fqGQOkR7o-w/s1600/creme1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-TrXOR6Jg3gM/UxfKgG8tMKI/AAAAAAAAFQI/fqGQOkR7o-w/s1600/creme1.jpg" height="428" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Using the double boiler method add your shea and </span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AYCPCRU/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B00AYCPCRU&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="background-color: white; color: #213dbb; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-decoration: none;">coconut oil</a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"> and melt. I have put a glass heatproof bowl inside simmering water. Don't fill the water too high, best to keep a kettle hot and add water as it evaporates. You don't want splashes of water in your oils. Stir with a spoon here and there to incorporate.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSIDR6V0IjU/UxfKbiamQOI/AAAAAAAAFQA/29OrwGAtmMM/s1600/creme2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jSIDR6V0IjU/UxfKbiamQOI/AAAAAAAAFQA/29OrwGAtmMM/s1600/creme2.jpg" height="604" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">When the oils have melted remove from the heat bath and allow to sit for 30 minutes or so until cooled down.</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0853nNO0QIc/UxfKmMdvQeI/AAAAAAAAFQc/IgCe0UrpnRI/s1600/creme3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0853nNO0QIc/UxfKmMdvQeI/AAAAAAAAFQc/IgCe0UrpnRI/s1600/creme3.jpg" height="522" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
When cooled down add your almond oil and give it a stir. </div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVW4d3cDrC4/UxfKjDXJZNI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/_ZVtklkQ0K4/s1600/creme4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sVW4d3cDrC4/UxfKjDXJZNI/AAAAAAAAFQQ/_ZVtklkQ0K4/s1600/creme4.jpg" height="550" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
Pop the mixture into your freezer. Check at 15 minutes, in case your freezer runs super cold. Your not looking for solid. It needs to solidify like the picture below. One way to tell is to poke your clean finger into the middle. See my little indentation there? While it needs to be solidified, you should still be able to indent a finger into the mix quite easily. If it isn't cold enough it won't whip up. Yet, you don't want it frozen solid-no,no,no.</div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiE6logYnf4/UxfKlmz7LmI/AAAAAAAAFQY/ii0PaAf26uw/s1600/creme5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fiE6logYnf4/UxfKlmz7LmI/AAAAAAAAFQY/ii0PaAf26uw/s1600/creme5.jpg" height="640" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="628" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
Now you will start whipping and whip it good! I had scored a portable beater at the thrift store, but alas, my thrift store find ones finally gave up the ghost, so I will hunt down another one--I like to save the Kitchen Aid for um....food, ya know.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
Once the butter starts looking like frosting I add in my essential oils. Shea butter has a strong scent so I found I needed: 20 drops Rosemary, 20 drops Tangerine, and 10 drops Peppermint. Start slow and you can always add more. Just whip some in then take a little sample and rub it into the back of your hand. Not strong enough? Add more, usually in increments of 5 is my general rule. Whip after each addition.</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGlpaLgvawI/UxfKvRuNzRI/AAAAAAAAFQo/RnfbnNi3g74/s1600/creme6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oGlpaLgvawI/UxfKvRuNzRI/AAAAAAAAFQo/RnfbnNi3g74/s1600/creme6.jpg" height="568" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
There you go you talented gal--you just made body butter! And you made about 2.5 cups of it so store in <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008586V5C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008586V5C&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">glass mason jars</a>. I like this size<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B008586V5C/ref=as_li_qf_sp_asin_il_tl?ie=UTF8&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=B008586V5C&linkCode=as2&tag=blueberrycott-20" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;"> HERE</a>. You can buy fancier jars of course, but this size works for little gifts and for leaving in a few rooms of the house. Pretty them up anyway you want!</div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he4SjYC7zBs/UxfKwqRAZAI/AAAAAAAAFQw/Gtd1WGXccZ4/s1600/creme7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="color: #213dbb; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-decoration: none;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-he4SjYC7zBs/UxfKwqRAZAI/AAAAAAAAFQw/Gtd1WGXccZ4/s1600/creme7.jpg" height="442" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0980392) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="640" /></a></div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px; text-align: center;">
This recipe was adapted from <a href="http://www.rawmazing.com/homemade-body-butter-recipe/" style="color: #213dbb; text-decoration: none;">Rawmazing.</a> </div>
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">My husband is having a grand time slathering it on my feet and giving me a massage, just ask him! For my daughter's dry hands I have her put this on throughout the day and at night lay it on a bit heavier and sleep with gloves. You can do this with the feet too--just put socks on , not gloves, but you knew that , right?</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">Oh yes, and my lawyer wants me to go over the fine print--this recipe is not used in any way to treat an ailment and I am not handing out medical advice. If you have allergies use common sense and do a patch test before trying anything new.</span><br />
<br style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;" />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">ENJOY!!!</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15.3999996185303px; line-height: 21.5599994659424px;">*This post linked up to <a href="http://www.stonegableblog.com/the-scoop-156/">The Scoop</a>~</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-79048089503033369992015-01-28T12:35:00.002-05:002015-01-28T12:37:50.598-05:00Bakery Style Blueberry Muffins <span style="font-size: large; font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">Hello Ladies!</span> </span>I love waking up and making a hot tin of muffins to have with my tea. Slather rich, creamy butter on that muffin and you have yourself a slice of heaven! This is my go to blueberry muffin recipe. Since finding this one I have never made another-IT'S THAT GOOD!<br />
<br />
When I was a little girl I would often stay at my Aunt Sue's. She lived in the city and she loooooved to shop. We would hop the city bus, she didn't drive, and take it downtown to the big galleria where all sorts of shops were. Mid-afternoon we always stopped by Jordan Marsh Bakery and got some little sweet to go with a cup of tea or cocoa. Gave us the energy to keep shopping! Of course I was only 9, so I still had lots of energy, but that bakery had the best blueberry muffins and when I stumbled upon their recipe it brought back so many good memories of the times I spent with my Aunt. This was the early to mid seventies so I used to be in awe of all the well-dressed ladies shopping. Women got dolled up to go out back then! Bouffant hairdo's were still in too-how I loved those...LOL! Now I go to the store and all I see are flannel pajama bottoms and messy buns on ladies. <span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>Girls you gotta get dolled up before you leave the house!</i></b></span> But that has nothing to do with muffins so let's jut get on to the recipe.<br />
<br />
I hope you enjoy them-they are delicious and they also pack and freeze well.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlbJI6mr8sg/VMkZb8f36aI/AAAAAAAAFy8/TB49d2P_cKQ/s1600/blueberry%2Bmuffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jlbJI6mr8sg/VMkZb8f36aI/AAAAAAAAFy8/TB49d2P_cKQ/s1600/blueberry%2Bmuffins.jpg" height="640" width="600" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b>Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Ingredients:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup softened butter</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 cup sugar</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 eggs</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 cups flour</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 tsp baking powder</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 tsp salt</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
2 -1/2 cup blueberries (fresh or frozen)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1/2 cup milk</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
1 tsp vanilla</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Directions:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Heat the oven to 375 degrees and line 24 muffin tins or grease 6 large Texas muffins. Cream together the butter sugar and eggs, whip til nice and fluffy. Add the dry ingredients to the cream mix alternating with the milk. So a little dry a little milk. Mix in the vanilla. Gently fold in the blueberries and bake for 25-30 minutes. You can sprinkle a bit of sugar on top before baking if you wish. *If using frozen blueberries toss in a bit of flour before you add them to the mix. Enjoy!</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
*This recipe is linked up with <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/#.VMkdWdLF_Tp">Gooseberry Patches Recipe Round-up</a>!</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-43711880517701016642015-01-27T00:34:00.000-05:002015-01-27T00:34:12.313-05:00HOMEMADE ITALIAN GRAVY<br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC0SgvRsz_o/T8-T7xgkGuI/AAAAAAAADj4/H8q7QGw_NsQ/s1600/spaghettiandmeatballs-lrg.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-NC0SgvRsz_o/T8-T7xgkGuI/AAAAAAAADj4/H8q7QGw_NsQ/s400/spaghettiandmeatballs-lrg.jpg" height="280" width="400" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="line-height: 18px;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">You might be wondering if I got the name of the post wrong, this isn't gravy this is sauce! Well, yes, and no. See, if your Italian it's gravy---the staple of the peasants my grandmother used to say and she hailed from Calabria. But most Americans refer to it as sauce.</span></span></div>
<span style="line-height: 18px;">
</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">There was always a big pot of gravy on the stove Saturday's, simmering away for Sunday dinner. The smell of it cooking is heavenly! The meatballs and sausage were cooked right in the gravy and if Nana had a pork chop or slice of sirloin hanging around that was thrown in also. You were also encouraged to "boon" a piece of Italian bread in that big pot too. That's what we grew up doing, booning thick slices of fresh, crusty Italian bread in the gravy. We didn't snack on cookies or cakes, we got a bowl of gravy and bread or you had fruit. Sadly, I know a lot of gals who can't make a pot of gravy and wouldn't consider trying with all the commercial brands on the market. I am guilty of grabbing a jar or two also, but always Classico Four Cheese; this is the closest to my grandmother's recipe as I can get. Making a pot of gravy saves tons of money and guarantees an easy meal at your fingertips as it freezes exceptionally well.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hope you'll try making pasta gravy from scratch! Enoy the recipes, they are from <i>the old country a</i>s my grandmother would say:-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auyPKza2bEM/T8-T5zAFGOI/AAAAAAAADjw/3wySWUtpSuo/s1600/gravy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-auyPKza2bEM/T8-T5zAFGOI/AAAAAAAADjw/3wySWUtpSuo/s400/gravy.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><i><b>Calabrese Italian Gravy</b></i></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u><i><br /></i></u></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 -28 cans crushed tomatoes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2-28 cans tomato puree</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.5 cans of water--use the 28oz size cans for this</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2-8oz can tomato paste</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">6 cloves garlic, chopped rough</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2lbs sweet or hot sausage, cut each link into 3 pieces</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup red wine, cabernet or merlot</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup olive oil</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 cups parm/romano cheese grated or more if you like it cheesey</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">S&P to taste</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon oregano</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tablespoon basil</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">4 basil leaves</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup garlic powder</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tablespoons sugar</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*You can adjust spices to how you like it adding more or less. Also, for a thicker gravy add more tomato paste, for thinner use more water. All what you like!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preparation:</span></strong></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a large stockpot heat the pan on med heat. When the pan is hot add the olive oil and the garlic and sausage quickly. <strong>*Hot pan, cold oil, foods won't stick! </strong>Turn the temp down a bit and brown the sausage and garlic then add the wine. Don't let the garlic burn. Let simmer for 5 minutes and add the tomatoes , water and paste. Stir to combine good and add all the rest except <em>add your cheese last.</em> Turn the temp to med/low about 4-5 on electric and cover partially and let simmer. Now you will add the meatballs...</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><u><br /></u></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i><u>Meatballs:</u></i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 lbs ground chuck/hamburger</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 lbs of ground pork or pork/veal mix</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup Italian flavored bread crumbs</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/4 cup dried onion flakes</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.5 cups milk</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">S&P to taste</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1.5 cups Parmesan cheese</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/8 cup garlic powder</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 TBSP basil</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 TBSP oregano</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 TBSP parsley</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Mix this all together. Form into balls the size you would like and drop in the pan. If your pan isn't large enough to hold all the balls you can bake some in a 350 oven for 20 minutes and add to the gravy later. Simmer all this for about 6 hours stirring every 20-30 minutes or so. Adjust seasonings and cheese as the gravy cooks. Serve over pasta, make pizza, grinders or boon that bread in a nice bowl of gravy!!!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #cc0000;">*<i>After the gravy has cooled you can freeze in ziploc bags or whatever you like to store in. This is a great way to get a few meals ahead and have light cooking duty some eves. Or, if you get called to make a meal for someone who is sick, or needs help, you can say yes with a smile and no stress:-)</i></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> Let me know if you have any questions, be glad</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="background-color: white; clear: both; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"> to answer them.</span></span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-50403372749381268402014-03-12T00:15:00.000-04:002014-03-12T00:15:22.685-04:00Do You Set The Table?In the 1950's most homemakers set the table properly for each and every meal. A set of every day dishes was used for the weekly meals, while the special china was reserved for Sundays and celebrations. Even the most modest of homes had a set of china.<br />
<br />
The collection of china was a must for the new wife and homemaker. Sadly, the tradition of china has fallen by the wayside! Yet, the hunt for vintage china and day dishes seems to be on the rise. The popularity of the 1950's and 1960's day dishes are quite sought after.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-AZG-9_JrtTM/Ux_PH7v0gUI/AAAAAAAAFRY/1LDbzCXtoaE/s640/blogger-image--478916869.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><strike></strike></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fUfYR8jNvQ/Ux_UfIaVRVI/AAAAAAAAFRw/YlC7FpLRxow/s1600/vintage1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-3fUfYR8jNvQ/Ux_UfIaVRVI/AAAAAAAAFRw/YlC7FpLRxow/s1600/vintage1.jpg" height="640" width="424" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The 1950's homemaker of Donna Reed's time took great pride and accomplishment in setting a lovely table, not only for holidays and celebrations, but for every day. And often, the evening meal was served in the dining room, while breakfast and lunch were dined on in more of a nook or smaller table, not so fancy.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Keeping ones dishes and glassware sparkling was indeed a priority. I remember my Nana washing all her serving pieces in piping hot water. No dishwasher back then. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVv9O7Topo8/Ux_Ugk9cdnI/AAAAAAAAFR4/wh0cY0h4SAc/s1600/vintage2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-aVv9O7Topo8/Ux_Ugk9cdnI/AAAAAAAAFR4/wh0cY0h4SAc/s1600/vintage2.jpg" height="640" width="470" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I fondly remember a dining set like the one in red, but my Nana had one in black. By the time I came along it was relegated to the basement, where the summer kitchen was. Did you know these are being manufactured again? Yes, if your in love with all things vintage you can indeed purchase one for your retro kitchen!</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz03RzVJA4A/Ux_Uh5UBYDI/AAAAAAAAFSA/WN-Rhi5sZ70/s1600/vintage3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Qz03RzVJA4A/Ux_Uh5UBYDI/AAAAAAAAFSA/WN-Rhi5sZ70/s1600/vintage3.jpg" height="490" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
This table setting is a bit more my taste. I love the old book pages used as place mats. I think I may have found a way to laminate them, so as to not throw them away. The use of the old blue canning jar adds a vintage chic flair don't you think? Love the cocktail cups by each plate. I wonder if fruit cocktail would be served, or perhaps a scoop of sherbet.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_UuHvKa374/Ux_UjtLfrGI/AAAAAAAAFSI/nLLVYDP99SY/s1600/vintage4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Z_UuHvKa374/Ux_UjtLfrGI/AAAAAAAAFSI/nLLVYDP99SY/s1600/vintage4.jpg" height="640" width="492" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I don't save my blue willow china for holidays and celebrations. I will often set our table with it to change things up. For some reason everyone seems to sit up a bit straighter and be a bit more careful with manners when the blue willow makes an appearance.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2EWTMyf8no/Ux_UcaLTKhI/AAAAAAAAFRo/kpg2qddujGE/s1600/buns.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-w2EWTMyf8no/Ux_UcaLTKhI/AAAAAAAAFRo/kpg2qddujGE/s1600/buns.JPG" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
My thoughts have turned to all things Spring, like daffodils and hot cross buns. Easter is upon us and I love planning a menu for this special dinner. The blue willow is set amid sprays of flowers in season. Little chicks and bunnies made of plaster adorn the table as a whimsical decoration.<br />
<br />
At Easter I do wish the wearing of hats were back in fashion. Nothing too fancy, but a little adornment to complement a special outfit would be nice. In the 1950's a woman wouldn't leave the home without her hat and gloves. Now they shop in polar fleece pants with Tweety on them! Disgraceful in my opinion. Taking a bit more pride in one's appearance does seem to be a vintage idea.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFfrE8sQhlw/Ux_Uqpeqd6I/AAAAAAAAFSY/4oNfVy3cewU/s1600/bonnet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LFfrE8sQhlw/Ux_Uqpeqd6I/AAAAAAAAFSY/4oNfVy3cewU/s1600/bonnet.jpg" height="640" width="344" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
Ladies, may I suggest if you have strayed from setting the table, that you give it a good effort to set a pretty table a few times during the next week. No paper plates or plastic silver! Buy or sew a few cloth napkins and use those instead of paper. Your family will be raising eyebrows and questions if their not used to this! </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
But I guarantee your meal may not seem so rushed. Perhaps family members may linger a little longer together, chat a bit more, share hearts and laughs. Do try it and see.</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-40796591616629428612012-07-21T13:08:00.000-04:002012-07-21T13:08:55.231-04:00WEEKEND SEWING<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/TJdfOx-nFLI/AAAAAAAACkk/e7FBlpzj3rg/s1600/DSC_1184.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="color: #33aaff; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="357" qx="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/TJdfOx-nFLI/AAAAAAAACkk/e7FBlpzj3rg/s400/DSC_1184.JPG" style="-webkit-box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; border: 1px solid rgb(238, 238, 238); box-shadow: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.0976563) 1px 1px 5px; padding: 5px; position: relative;" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; color: #666666; font-family: 'Trebuchet MS', Trebuchet, Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I really love this little handbag from <a href="http://angrychicken.typepad.com/angry_chicken/" style="text-decoration: none;">Amy </a>and her book "<a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0307347214?ie=UTF8&tag=wwwamykarolco-20&linkCode=as2&camp=1789&creative=9325&creativeASIN=0307347214" style="text-decoration: none;">Bend The Rules Sewing</a>". This has been the go to project for the last minute gift , several times , which I really like to make handmade whenever possible. It really is an easy sew, truly, I promise. I did make a couple of changes this time , I made it larger and I added a magnetic closure. I was thinking of a zipper and I just might do that to the next one. Also, I picked up a light blue velvet ribbon , but in the end went with the richer burgundy color, again. The fabric is from <a href="http://www.amybutlerdesign.com/mainmenu.php" style="text-decoration: none;">Amy Butler</a>, gorgeous stuff I tell you.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, Lydia has claimed the purse! So in order to try and get it from her grasp I have negotiated a trade. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9riMJ3Uvpc/UArgKWmuu3I/AAAAAAAADoU/d7YbOC7NTzg/s1600/messanger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-D9riMJ3Uvpc/UArgKWmuu3I/AAAAAAAADoU/d7YbOC7NTzg/s320/messanger.jpg" width="288" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85448663/messenger-bag-sewing-pattern-great-for">messenger bag</a> is adorable, is it not? I think it will do the trick. Especially in this gorgeous <a href="http://fabric./">fabric.</a> You can purchase a pattern of this bag from this <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/85448663/messenger-bag-sewing-pattern-great-for">etsy shop,</a> if your interested. The directions are clear and it is an easy sew even for a beginner. I am not receiving any compensation for the recommendations, just sharing;-)</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-1655738278961242192012-07-20T11:21:00.000-04:002012-08-05T18:44:41.491-04:00THE TIME FOR ME FALLACY<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/SiPBgaglaII/AAAAAAAABoo/Zhq5Nc9zTzs/s1600-h/knit.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" height="480" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5342326345607506050" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/SiPBgaglaII/AAAAAAAABoo/Zhq5Nc9zTzs/s640/knit.jpg" style="display: block; height: 300px; margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 400px;" width="640" /></a><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white;"><span style="font-size: large;">This is one of those posts that some may walk away from reading saying, she is way off! She has lost her marbles, totally nuts. Now that I have your attention,let me explain....</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;">This post now at <a href="http://www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage</a>, come on over!</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-55632308870278801632012-06-27T11:58:00.000-04:002012-06-29T10:59:40.772-04:00SOMETHING SWEET PLEASE<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh4Kv4rQNe0/T-slBdljfMI/AAAAAAAADnE/BX77kev4yks/s1600/DSC_3477.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="532" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Gh4Kv4rQNe0/T-slBdljfMI/AAAAAAAADnE/BX77kev4yks/s640/DSC_3477.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcct_e6_L1g/T-slJ4P-XKI/AAAAAAAADnM/4kdPsBNxbfw/s1600/DSC_3479.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Xcct_e6_L1g/T-slJ4P-XKI/AAAAAAAADnM/4kdPsBNxbfw/s640/DSC_3479.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSrd6fskuYE/T-slTsrzvOI/AAAAAAAADnU/RkTQYaEqMAI/s1600/DSC_3480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WSrd6fskuYE/T-slTsrzvOI/AAAAAAAADnU/RkTQYaEqMAI/s640/DSC_3480.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yesterday was thee perfect day for blueberry picking. Cool and windy--I just loved it! I picked 10 lbs of beautifully ripe blueberries, so I can start canning my blueberry/maple preserves. Lydia ended up making a couple of pals so all she picked was 2 little baskets of raspberries, and I think she ate more than she picked!</span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I originally shared this fruit dip over at my other blog <a href="http://www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage</a>, but I switched it up a bit and thought I would give you the improved version (in my humble opinion, of course).</span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: ::: :::</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyRVu9U1NFY/T-solLHT0PI/AAAAAAAADno/MzZ07_uedmk/s1600/fruit+dip.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WyRVu9U1NFY/T-solLHT0PI/AAAAAAAADno/MzZ07_uedmk/s640/fruit+dip.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><u>Ingredients:</u></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1-8 oz package cream cheese</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">7 oz marshmallow fluff</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1-8 oz container *Greek* fruit yogurt </span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">(strawberry & raspberry work really well)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mix up all the ingredients using the whisk attachment of your mixer and keep chilled until ready to serve. Serve with bite sized fruit chunks. <i>Enjoy!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>This post is linked up to Janelle at <a href="http://www.comfyinthekitchen.com/">Comfy in the Kitchen</a>--pay her a visit:-)</i></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-5964505179192927772012-06-26T12:50:00.004-04:002012-06-26T12:50:57.947-04:00BLUEBERRY COTTAGE CHICKEN SALAD<br />
<div align="center">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgUye-S1WmU/T-nmvdLYytI/AAAAAAAADm4/lt4DSDvRLVA/s1600/chicken.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-NgUye-S1WmU/T-nmvdLYytI/AAAAAAAADm4/lt4DSDvRLVA/s640/chicken.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This is a favorite chicken salad around here. I think the hint of lemon makes it. I originally posted this on my other blog awhile ago, so it is aptly named after our Blueberry Cottage, which is still what we affectionately call our little farmette.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">This also makes a great luncheon for guests--they'll be so impressed! If your into that sort of thing;-)</span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<strong><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><u>Blueberry Cottage Chicken Salad</u></span></em></strong><br />
<strong><em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></strong></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">2 cooked chicken breasts, chilled and cut </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">into bite sized pieces</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">10-15 green grapes, halved</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup chopped walnuts,pecans or almonds </span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">two stalks celery diced, diced</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">1/4 cup dried cranberries</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">mayo ( I only use Cain's) to taste</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">8 0z container Lemon chiffon low fat yogurt</span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">pinch of salt</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Mix all of the above in a bowl<i> (save some nuts and cranberries for the top</i>) and present on a bed of greens. I used some iceburg on the bottom and mixed herb salad on top of that. Sprinkle a few extra nuts and berries on top and voila!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="center">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">My husband had his on whole wheat bread that I make and he loved it this way. So , whatever suits your fancy. You could also pack this for a school lunch with a cool pack to keep the salad chilled. Totally yummy, I promise!</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-88556671965095992852012-06-25T12:59:00.000-04:002012-06-29T18:49:14.505-04:00NATURE STUDY WITH CHARLOTTE MASON AND A GIVEAWAY!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The Summer Solstice has ushered in some lovely weather here in New England. Perfect for a bit of summer nature study. I have no agenda whatsoever in regards to the natural world and the observance of it. What I do is simply supply plenty of heavy drawing and watercolor <a href="http://www.waldorfsupplies.com/cgi-sys/cgiwrap/psstone/store/agora.cgi?product=Pencils_and_Pens&xm=on">paper, paints, colored pencils</a> and a selection of journals and nature themed books. Most times these items are just haphazardly left on the end of the old pine farm table, other times left outside on the decking where a child, or myself, can quickly grab paper and pencil and sketch at a moments whim. Most days, visitors of the natural world present themselves unannounced and our inclination is to run and grab binoculars, camera or sketching materials, often startling our visitors into flight! This is why I keep these things within reach and handy, to allow for a gentler retrieval of the needed items, thus allowing our visitors to linger undisturbed so we may capture their beauty. A bit of "messiness" is worth it to further the observation of our natural world. Below is some pictures my husband captured of one such visitor to our cottage. This luna moth visited most of the day while we went about our outside activities. I think he felt quite at home. At the end of this post is a giveaway so make sure you get to the bottom of the post to enter!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">:: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: :: </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<b style="background-color: white; color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>A Luna Moth</i></b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The delicate, exquisite green of the luna's wings is set off by the rose-purple, velvet border of the front wings, and the white fur on the body and inner edge of the hind wings. Little wonder that it has been called <i><u>"The Empress of the Night"</u></i>. The long swallow tail of the hind wings gives the moth a most graceful shape, and at the same time probably affords it protection from observation. During the daytime the moth hangs, wings down, beneath the green leaves, and these long protections of the hind wings folded together resemble a petiole, making the insect look very much like a large leaf.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~<i><b>Handbook of Nature Study, Anna Botsford Comstock, pg. 297</b></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnSVNXBWDLw/T-iJD6NpbcI/AAAAAAAADmM/2RYJ4TMOQ2A/s1600/luna+moth+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-tnSVNXBWDLw/T-iJD6NpbcI/AAAAAAAADmM/2RYJ4TMOQ2A/s640/luna+moth+1.jpg" width="592" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, Times, serif; font-size: 17px; font-style: italic; text-align: left;"><span style="color: #783f04;">Of the teaching of Natural Philosophy, I will only remind the reader of what was said in an earlier chapter- that there is no part of a child's education more important than that he should lay, by his own observation, a wide basis of facts towards scientific knowledge in the future. He must live hours daily in the open air, and, as far as possible, in the country; must look and touch and listen; must be quick to note, consciously, every peculiarity of habit or structure, in beast, bird, or insect; the manner of growth and fructification of every plant. He must be accustomed to ask why- Why does the wind blow? Why does the river flow? Why is a lef-bud sticky? And do not hurry to answer his questions for him; let him think his difficulties out so far as his small experience will carry him. Above all, when you come to the rescue, let it not be in the 'cut and dried' formula of some miserable little text book;... To get this sort of instruction for himself is simply the nature of a child: the business of the parent is to afford him abundant and varied opportunities, and to direct his observations, so that knowing little of the principles of scientific classification, he is, unconsciously, furnishing himself with the materials for such classification.<b>~Charlotte Mason</b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLWYTF02vOk/T-iJNXbQTsI/AAAAAAAADmc/LTTFTJl_SJ8/s1600/luna+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XLWYTF02vOk/T-iJNXbQTsI/AAAAAAAADmc/LTTFTJl_SJ8/s640/luna+3.jpg" width="550" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18px;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"We are all meant to be naturalists, each in his own degree, and it is inexcusable to live in a world so full of the marvels of plant and animal life and to care for none of these things."<em><strong></strong></em></span></div>
<div align="center" style="line-height: 18px;">
<em><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">~Charlotte Mason, British educator</span></strong></em></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNom8cJPcQk/T-iJK5sJODI/AAAAAAAADmU/XIkxUlcjQjo/s1600/luna+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="516" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YNom8cJPcQk/T-iJK5sJODI/AAAAAAAADmU/XIkxUlcjQjo/s640/luna+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I have an extra copy of Anna Botsford Comstock's classic book, Handbook of Nature Study that I would love to give to another nature study enthusiast. Just leave a comment telling me what how you incorporate nature study into your seasons and your entered. <strike>Comments will close Friday, June 29th, and the winner will be announced within this post.</strike></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><i><br /></i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="font-size: 17px;"><i>Diane from North Carolina won the copy of Handbook of Nature Study! Contact me at notquitedonnareed@gmail.com. Thanks to all who entered:-)</i></span></span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-76640162310384639422012-06-22T07:28:00.000-04:002012-06-22T07:28:39.581-04:00CHILLIN'<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWhM9AfMgzI/T-RRCAvx7YI/AAAAAAAADlI/2u_GEbWt2i4/s1600/DSC_3457.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="585" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fWhM9AfMgzI/T-RRCAvx7YI/AAAAAAAADlI/2u_GEbWt2i4/s640/DSC_3457.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDldfayzry0/T-RRLbujFJI/AAAAAAAADlQ/2iGIBvE9u0M/s1600/DSC_3468.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WDldfayzry0/T-RRLbujFJI/AAAAAAAADlQ/2iGIBvE9u0M/s640/DSC_3468.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcdK0Fnb-a4/T-RRVUa9qXI/AAAAAAAADlY/F4vSyGs2_P0/s1600/DSC_3456.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IcdK0Fnb-a4/T-RRVUa9qXI/AAAAAAAADlY/F4vSyGs2_P0/s640/DSC_3456.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYNlQjEMd8/T-RRe-UxqxI/AAAAAAAADlg/4LdYKBWpSaU/s1600/DSC_3466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yyYNlQjEMd8/T-RRe-UxqxI/AAAAAAAADlg/4LdYKBWpSaU/s640/DSC_3466.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb8enfBRQyg/T-RRo8Tl6WI/AAAAAAAADlo/XGJDSsLxjNY/s1600/DSC_3462.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Rb8enfBRQyg/T-RRo8Tl6WI/AAAAAAAADlo/XGJDSsLxjNY/s640/DSC_3462.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTQZNH13M4/T-RRyLlN4bI/AAAAAAAADlw/0RzsJYpqWag/s1600/DSC_3470.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-YkTQZNH13M4/T-RRyLlN4bI/AAAAAAAADlw/0RzsJYpqWag/s640/DSC_3470.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy47BgWmPXw/T-RR7Nq3zYI/AAAAAAAADl4/EuiQSNXGQFE/s1600/DSC_3472.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dy47BgWmPXw/T-RR7Nq3zYI/AAAAAAAADl4/EuiQSNXGQFE/s640/DSC_3472.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qN5eDk_KGA/T-RSELQuohI/AAAAAAAADmA/YnQsgGXo56Q/s1600/DSC_3474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-0qN5eDk_KGA/T-RSELQuohI/AAAAAAAADmA/YnQsgGXo56Q/s640/DSC_3474.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">Hello there! How hot is it in your neck of the woods!? Well, here in New England we are enjoying ( I use that term loosely) record high 90's. One thing I have learned is that when <span style="font-size: large;"><i>sweatin'weather </i></span>comes around, you lay low. This is not the time to clean the house, let the dust bunnies rule I say! This is not the time to put the oven on and cook gourmet meals. This is not the time to get zealous in the garden--hello weeds!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><i><b> What it is time for:</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Have pool, will be most popular friend around--<span style="font-size: large;"><i>your invited!</i></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Watch dogs pant and enjoy getting sprayed from huge water soakers.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Tell kids, yes , you can swim again. Did you even get out of the pool? Check fingers for grape-like appearance.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Sit in lounge chair all day and gaze at the glorious sky and thank God for all your blessings.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Swim.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Swim.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: I said swim , right?</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Resolve that cooking is not gonna happen and happily enjoy finger foods. Call it a party!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Tell husband more than a few times to cease yard work and relax!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Enjoy all the smiles and giggles from those little kiddo's.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Kids who have moved out now come for swimming and have Mum watch their dogs...hmmm. Um... I did mention the lounge chair is where I will be all day, didn't I?</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: Enjoy smiles and giggles from big kids.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">:: I did say thank God for all His blessings, right? Cause there is a whole lot to be thankful for, even in 90 degree heat.</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-41039435034367353262012-06-15T10:34:00.000-04:002012-08-05T18:45:20.787-04:00A WIFE AND MOTHERS TRUE KINGDOM<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Hello Dear Readers! </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Recently, I was sent this email from a very sweet gal. She has such a heart for her husband and child, but I hear her struggle. This struggle is nothing new among new mums and wives.The world's feminist philosophy has been screaming this message to us for many years now. What's the message you ask? The message is that being a biblical keeper at home and mum to our little ones and older ones too, is a job beneath us, unsatisfying, boring, unfulfilling, that there is more noble work out there for us to do, in our churches and communities. Well, I beg to disagree with the feminists-<i>-vehemently!</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">God never ceases to amaze me when it comes to answering our prayers. For the last few weeks I have been considering which blog posts to import from my old blog, <a href="http://www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage</a>. The article I am re-posting here is one I have prayed about, not sure what to do with it. Basically wondering if the content was worth a re-post! I was checking email today and knew God was answering my prayer through this young lady's note:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>I've been reading your blog for some time now. I
landed in your blog through "greatfulprayerandthankfulheart<wbr>"
blog.Your " about me " was so interesting that I couldn't restrict myself from sending this mail:-) I'm a born
again christian. My dad is pastoring a Assembly of God church. I'm a new mother and find your blog very relating to my daily
life. I used to be a sundayschool teacher before marriage.I'm
very passionate about our Lord and working for Him. But now I find
myself busy with household things, my newborn kid and always around him.
This makes me feel as though I've lost the passion for the Lord's
work. I love my husband and my family. I love to do things for
them. But I also feel that I'm not doing anything for the Lord. This
saddens me so much.To be frank, I'm unable to connect with my
lost passion for the kids(Sunday school). Please let me know the answers for my questions. Hope I'm
not disturbing you.</wbr></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Thanks,</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Amanda</i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I did email Amanda back and address her questions. Within this post are the answers I gave her. I have edited her email for privacy and edited the following post with a bit more information than its original content. Please, if you have a word of encouragement or wisdom for Amanda, share it in the comments! </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">***************************************************************</span></div>
<i><b><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></i><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><b>A WIFE AND MOTHERS TRUE KINGDOM</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">As
a wife and mother do you ever struggle with what your calling is? I am sure there are many
who do. We get bombarded with negative messages from the world and even
well-meaning Christians in the church when we decide to be a "keeper at
home". We are, sadly, lacking Titus 2 mentors these days.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<em><strong><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> These older women must train the younger women to love
their husbands and their children, to live wisely and be pure, <u>to work in
their homes</u>,to do good, and to be submissive to their husbands. Then they
will not bring shame on the word of God. Titus 2:4-5
NLT</span></strong></em></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/TUcTRvj-stI/AAAAAAAACyo/krMw2bf-Z28/s1600/mary-cassatt-young-mother-sewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" closure_uid_q0zpe7="17" height="200" s5="true" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_5J_UKo0kndo/TUcTRvj-stI/AAAAAAAACyo/krMw2bf-Z28/s200/mary-cassatt-young-mother-sewing.jpg" width="155" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<br /></div>
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>Home
is the wife and mothers true kingdom. There, first of all places, she must be strong and
beautiful. She may touch life outside in many ways, if she can do it without
slighting the duties that are hers within her own doors. But if any calls for
her service must be declined, they should not be the duties of her home. These
are hers, and no other one’s. Very largely does the wife hold in her hands, as a
sacred trust, the happiness and the highest good of the hearts that nestle
there. The best husband – the truest, the noblest, the gentlest, the
richest-hearted – cannot make his home happy if his wife be not, in every
reasonable sense, a helpmate to him.</b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="border-bottom: medium none; border-left: medium none; border-right: medium none; border-top: medium none;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><b>J.R.
Miller, Secrets of Happy Home Life,
1894.</b></i></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">****************************************</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If you are a
keeper of the home, are you convicted in your calling? The home is your
kingdom! No one can run your household as you are able to. It takes time and
effort to keep a home. And newsflash! You have to stay home to get it
done:-) </span></div>
<br />
<b> <span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Being home with our children is a priviledge and the feminists</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">would have us believe that home equates boring and less than skilled.</span><br style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">Not true! Being a home manager takes guts and brains! No one but you</span><br style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;" /><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;">can efficiently run your home. ~Suzanne</span></b><br />
<b><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyAoU7w6jzU/T9khYKdojjI/AAAAAAAADks/-jwC4phzWYE/s1600/mother+and+child+bake+cake.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yyAoU7w6jzU/T9khYKdojjI/AAAAAAAADks/-jwC4phzWYE/s1600/mother+and+child+bake+cake.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Women are constantly being called off into different
directions. </b>So many need our help and we want to serve--we're born servers! We often feel like we are not ministering because we aren't "officially" serving in the church. We don't have a title like Meals Coordinator or Sunday School Teacher. Yet, there are new mums who need meals, elderly
that need rides to appointments or just a friendly visit or help cleaning their home and so on. We can minister to these individuals at this season in life. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Soon calling to us are homeschool classes, music lessons, and scores
of other extra curricula activities. Should we <i>never</i> do any of
these things? Certainly not! Some of these things are good and the Lord's will for our lives. Discernment in regards to busyness are key. We recently had to
suspend an activiity two of my children were involved in. It took me out 3 times
a week, which now I see was impacting our home life. There were meals on the
run or unhealthy alternatives quickly made. Less time being together was major.
There is a whole different atmosphere in my home now that we "are home" more
often, together. Some well-meaning family members have commented on our
children not having their "hobby". I politely tell them that we're happy, the
children don't mind, as we are a family and all in this together. We really
don't owe anyone any explanations for our choices
:-)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rkrm7nEqic/T9khbfpcQNI/AAAAAAAADk0/nzbBFo-9khw/s1600/donna-reed-kitchen.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7rkrm7nEqic/T9khbfpcQNI/AAAAAAAADk0/nzbBFo-9khw/s320/donna-reed-kitchen.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04;">{Donna Reed preparing a home cooked meal}</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The woman who makes a sweet, beautiful home,
filling it with love and prayer and purity, is doing something better than
anything else her hands could find to do beneath the skies. A true mother is one
of the holiest secrets of home happiness. God sends many beautiful things to
this world, many noble gifts; but no blessing is richer than that which He
bestows in a mother who has learned love's lessons well, and has realized
something of the meaning of her sacred calling.</span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></i></b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><i><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">J.R.Miller , Secrets of Happy Home Life,
1894.</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04;">***********************************************</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Do you make
a sweet, beautiful home? Is it filled with love and kind words? We can be home
and be so preoccupied with other things. Perhaps online time is at an all time
high, or your crafting is taking up a significant chunk of your day. It takes
time to clean a house and make it comfortable, cook nutritious meals and do
laundry. We don't all live in homes that reflect Victoria magazine, but we
really have the power to create an atmosphere of peace and loveliness. How can
we also practice hospitality for our Lord if our homes show the distinct signs
of neglect? Have you ever walked into a home that has a bad odor? I have and
regretfully , as much as I would love to take tea with the lady of the house, I
simply can't because the odor is so revolting. If your kitchen is dirty do you
think a visitor would want to eat what you put out? This may sound harsh , but
when I see a woman's kitchen dirty , I lose any appetite I may have had. I am
reluctant to eat anything she may prepare if there is dirt and filth. Stong
words I know ,but I can't be the only one who feels this way? It is just a turn
off. I like to keep my home as if Jesus would walk through the door. No, not
every toy or book is put away and yes, there may be an overflowing laundry
basket, but there is cleanliness and a comfortable spot ready to sit
at.</span></div>
<b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></b><br />
<em><b><span style="color: #990000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I like how Stomie puts the question of our
purpose:</span></b></em><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #990000;">God has called you to something, too. But it will fit in
with whatever your husband's calling is, it will not conflict with it. God is
not an author of confusion, strife, or unworkable situations. He is a God of
perfect timing. There is a time for everything, the Bible says. The timing to
do what God called each of you to do will work out perfectly, <em><strong><u>if
it's submitted to God.</u></strong></em></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #990000;">~ Stormie Omartian, The Power of
a Praying Wife</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">The calling of wife and mother is the most important
calling in the world! It takes time to raise decent human beings that will serve
the Lord. It takes time to make a home lovely, a place of refuge for all who
enter. Let us embrace our calling and take it seriously!</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHv7W1UDMvY/T9khjXZz6yI/AAAAAAAADk8/SwOYhFKhbAM/s1600/womensbiblestudy2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="194" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-oHv7W1UDMvY/T9khjXZz6yI/AAAAAAAADk8/SwOYhFKhbAM/s320/womensbiblestudy2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;">{ladies bible study}</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04;"><br /></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Yet, I do understand how a woman like Amanda is able to feel the way she does in the above email. One can feel a bit lonely, disconnected. Let's face it, most women in the church today are not home being helpmeets to their husbands or full-time mums. They are off working 40 hours a week, sadly. What I always suggest is connection to others who are like-minded. Find a MOPS group in another church if yours doesn't have one. Start a weekly or monthly Bible study in your home for new moms and wives. Learn together! Join a home school group, even if you don't homeschool yet--there is usually a lot of mums with littles in the home school circle who would love to connect with you.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another way to connect, but I need to warn you to be careful, is through online blogs. They can suck you in! There really are so many good ones:-) One blog where you can receive Godly counsel is through Andrea at <a href="http://andreamomm.blogspot.com/">Rightthinker-Promoting A Woman's Right To Love Her Role.</a> This is a great <a href="http://andreamomm.blogspot.com/search?updated-max=2011-10-13T13%3A39%3A00-07%3A00&max-results=7">article </a>, among many. She doesn't mince words mind you. Biblical advice regarding our Biblical roles straight at ya! Also<a href="http://www.raisinghomemakers.com/">, Raising Homemakers</a> is another good site. There are many women there sharing Godly counsel and encouraging women in their role as helpmeet, wife and mum.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">If I can stress anything of importance in this small space, it is that your calling, that of wife and mother is appointed and annointed by God, who does not make mistakes. Your the only qualified applicant for the job of your husband's wife and your children's mother--embrace it and take it seriously. Time is short!</span></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-26231963067868776472012-06-12T09:20:00.000-04:002012-08-05T14:42:44.091-04:00STRAWBERRY CLOUD TRIFLE<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Where did the weekend go? We have been kept busy the last two weekends with music recitals and graduations. I am quite happy to say that there is nothing on the agenda for this coming weekend. Have I ever mentioned I am such a homebody. While I do love a good party,</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> I am am equally just as happy here at home.</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> I haven't had two minutes to stitch a thing, hence, no <i><b>Let's Get Stitched </b></i>post in awhile. Today I am hoping to rectify that with a session at the sewing machine this afternoon! </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I want to share this trifle I have been making for over 20 years now. So <i>easy </i>and always a crowd pleaser. It looks quite elegant too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoQ7sc7c1j4/T9c_GrU3KzI/AAAAAAAADkg/H1o5GUKXmqQ/s1600/trifle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="442" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uoQ7sc7c1j4/T9c_GrU3KzI/AAAAAAAADkg/H1o5GUKXmqQ/s640/trifle.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Ingredients:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 angel food cake cut in half then cubed into 2"sections</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 16 0z tub of frozen strawberries defrosted </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 container fresh strawberries, sliced and save a large perfect one for the top garnish</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">whipped cream (you can use fresh which is 16 oz whipped up or cool whip 16 oz)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup natural coconut (not too sweet)</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 oz of white chocolate shaved</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Preparation:</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a trifle bowl put half of the cake on the bottom. Put a layer of half the strawberry mix & half fresh strawberries then half whipped cream. Sprinkle 1/4 cup of coconut and cover with 1/2 of the chocolate. Repeat this layer one more time and put that nice strawberry on the top in the middle. Refrigerate for 3- 4 hours before serving or even overnight to let the cake soak up the flavors. Yummy!</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-50818345328928632942012-06-08T07:48:00.002-04:002012-06-08T07:48:42.397-04:00MAKING BREAKFAST SPECIAL<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVMnOZV99TY/T9FLaWtwq4I/AAAAAAAADkM/pkJTwAJJ7Ow/s1600/waffles.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="335" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-tVMnOZV99TY/T9FLaWtwq4I/AAAAAAAADkM/pkJTwAJJ7Ow/s400/waffles.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">In my <a href="http://www.notquitedonnareed.com/2012/06/rise-shine.html">Rise & Shine</a> post the other day I talked a bit about rising early and having a tasty breakfast ready for the family. As home keepers we have control over the mornings and how they unfold for our families. I firmly believe starting the day pleasantly only helps set the tone for the rest of the day. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Breakfast to me is important. I really do find everyone's mood more pleasant and positive the mornings I am able to have a nice table set and a homemade breakfast on the table. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A couple of ladies wrote and asked how in the world can you do from scratch dishes in the morning with youngsters around. A bit of preplanning is how! Think fast recipes and think of food that can be made ahead and frozen or refrigerated. I make a lot of waffles. I usually cook up a huge batch and freeze them. Then we just pull them out and toast them the same way ol' Eggo does--easy! They keep very well too, so if you make a big batch, refrigerate them and pull them out a few morns a week. I even cook big batches of sausages and either freeze or refrigerate those too. I use a recipe from an old Betty Crocker cookbook. There are skads of recipes for waffles on the internet. Try one!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zG6F_q_2U/T9FLYx3zaAI/AAAAAAAADkE/Ga5ABa56_Mw/s1600/blueberry+muffins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e0zG6F_q_2U/T9FLYx3zaAI/AAAAAAAADkE/Ga5ABa56_Mw/s400/blueberry+muffins.jpg" width="376" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Another favorite is blueberry muffins. These muffins are to die for! Years ago the Jordan Marsh bakery was in one of the malls. My aunt would take me shopping and we would always stop by the bakery for our muffin and coffee before catching the bus home. These are the moistest muffin 'eva! They not only cook up easy and quick, they freeze well also. Do give them a try and remember, with a bit of preplanning you can have lovely breakfasts ready a few days a week, too.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><b><i>Jordan Marsh Blueberry Muffins</i></b></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ingredients:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup softened butter</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 cup sugar</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 eggs</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 cups flour</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2 tsp baking powder</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 tsp salt</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1/2 cup milk</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">1 tsp vanilla</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">2.5 cups fresh blueberries</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Preheat the oven to 375 and spray muffin tin, either texas muffin size (6), or smaller tin (12). With the smaller tin you should get 24 muffins.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a bowl mix up the flour, baking powder, and salt. Set aside.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">In a mixer mix up the butter and sugar until smooth. Add the eggs one at a time mixing well to incorporate. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Add the dry ingredients to the wet and beat in the milk and vanilla well. Fold in the blueberries with a spatula. Fill tins and bake for approximately 25-30 minutes. You can sprinkly the tops with a bit of sugar before baking if you wish.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
*Linked up with Janelle's <a href="http://comfyinthekitchen.com/2012/06/feasting-in-fellowship-friday-10/">Feasting in Fellowship Fridays!</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-71300978489342823132012-06-06T10:45:00.000-04:002012-06-06T13:04:12.534-04:00NATURALLY FUN PARTIES FOR KIDS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0bUB1nP8s/T89dU7yHJAI/AAAAAAAADhg/pPkte_tiKqU/s1600/NFPFK1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y0bUB1nP8s/T89dU7yHJAI/AAAAAAAADhg/pPkte_tiKqU/s400/NFPFK1.jpg" width="338" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Naturally Fun Parties for kids</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> is the newest book by </span><a href="http://www.annidaulter.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Anni Daulter">Anni Daulter</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> with Heather Fontenot. Anni is the author of the inspiring and loved books </span><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Ice Pop Joy</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, </span><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">The Organic Family Cookbook</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">, and </span><em style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">Organically Raised: Conscious Cooking for Babies and Toddlers</em><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">. Heather Fontenot is creator and editor of </span><a href="http://www.rhythmofthehome.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Rhythm of the Home">Rhythm of the Home</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"> and blogs at </span><a href="http://www.shivayanaturals.com/" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left; text-decoration: none;" target="_blank" title="Shivaya Naturals">Shivaya Naturals</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">.</span></span>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">In <i>Naturally Fun Parties for kids </i>both Anni and Heather welcome us into the realm of the magical in regards to children's parties. The pages of beautiful and inspiring photos will delight, as well as spark the imagination of any party weary parent.<b><span style="font-size: large;"> You<i> will </i>want to throw a party! </span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;"><b><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></b></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tMBPRZ23TE/T89jaT2iEJI/AAAAAAAADi0/40hfnQmRaVo/s1600/GLAMPING_0493_2_2-e1330289227833.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2tMBPRZ23TE/T89jaT2iEJI/AAAAAAAADi0/40hfnQmRaVo/s400/GLAMPING_0493_2_2-e1330289227833.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I just love that this book is not solely about <i>birthday parties</i>, but celebrations for children throughout the seasons. Of course, any of the party ideas can certainly be used to set the stage for a special birthday celebration.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQBiOetYGAY/T89jdR2x_aI/AAAAAAAADi8/xNmz_h_ZyxE/s1600/Organic-Family-4674_2-e1330288935504.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-pQBiOetYGAY/T89jdR2x_aI/AAAAAAAADi8/xNmz_h_ZyxE/s400/Organic-Family-4674_2-e1330288935504.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYFRDSH9Vv4/T89jhKM5xRI/AAAAAAAADjE/bQJ7u0pip0o/s1600/SPRING-EGG_0104_2-e1330289045942.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fYFRDSH9Vv4/T89jhKM5xRI/AAAAAAAADjE/bQJ7u0pip0o/s400/SPRING-EGG_0104_2-e1330289045942.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxhKHxX7w_0/T89dbd4TMOI/AAAAAAAADhw/2PTt0M6WMsA/s1600/NFPFK2-VeggieChips.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="377" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OxhKHxX7w_0/T89dbd4TMOI/AAAAAAAADhw/2PTt0M6WMsA/s400/NFPFK2-VeggieChips.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZjGIMDWZ5U/T89dhP7c-tI/AAAAAAAADh4/m68AtvmnRvE/s1600/NFP%23.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-qZjGIMDWZ5U/T89dhP7c-tI/AAAAAAAADh4/m68AtvmnRvE/s400/NFP%23.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKm0Y7km0g/T89djckBYCI/AAAAAAAADiA/SV1IJQd3VHI/s1600/NFP$.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-uQKm0Y7km0g/T89djckBYCI/AAAAAAAADiA/SV1IJQd3VHI/s400/NFP$.jpg" width="266" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9jHosqunmU/T89eC5o1WVI/AAAAAAAADiQ/A2FtO9AT9pA/s1600/scan0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y9jHosqunmU/T89eC5o1WVI/AAAAAAAADiQ/A2FtO9AT9pA/s400/scan0002.jpg" width="290" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Careful attention to menus with wholesome foods, projects using re-purposed items, and cost effectiveness are themes woven through the parties and exactly what we have come to expect from both Anni and Heather. As Lydia and I perused the pages, the Upcycle Art Party immediately caught our attention. The simple supplies, recipes such as grilled cheese with apple butter and pumpkin harvest tea bread made this Mum feel like this is a party I could pull off without pulling the hair out of my head!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Each party idea gives a complete projects and materials list, pictures of completed projects with detailed instructions, menus with a shopping list and even a timeline.The timeline is an invaluable tool to help the party hosts create a party with minimal fuss and stress. Who wouldn't love that!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><i>Naturally Fun Parties for kids </i>is a treasure for those loving outdoor gatherings. Who wouldn't want to meet at a U-Pick Strawberry Farm and enjoy an afternoon of jam-making together with the bounty you picked? </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Another important aspect of the book that really resonated with me was the lack of focus on consumerism and the massed produced party you can buy in a box at any local party supply store. In Naturally Fun Parties For Kids the focus is really on simple, wholesome foods and awe of our natural world.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I am certain this book will be another well-loved,dog-eared and food stained family guide book found on our library shelf. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">So tell me, do you have any party plans this summer?</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUA9w2Nc1o/T89q2b8WgNI/AAAAAAAADjY/PEkwGNN1Dmg/s1600/AnniDaulter3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-QaUA9w2Nc1o/T89q2b8WgNI/AAAAAAAADjY/PEkwGNN1Dmg/s1600/AnniDaulter3.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: small;">Anni Daulter is an eco-mama, professional cook, advocate for sustainable living, and author.Find her at<a href="http://www.bamboofamilymag.com/"> www.bamboofamilymag.com</a><br /><br />Heather Fontenot is a mother, writer, and editor of the online magazine Rhythm of The Home. She is a writer of the popular blog <a href="http://www.shivayanaturals.com/">Shivaya Naturals.</a></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">*</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Linked up to <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers</a>, <a href="http://womenlivngwell.org/">Women Living Well </a>and<a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/"> A Wise Woman Builds Her House.</a></span></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-67388308020294124112012-06-05T10:44:00.001-04:002012-06-06T12:10:01.188-04:00GETTING ALL DOLLED UP!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">I was shopping in a certain store the other day and really noticed the state of dress or undress, as the case may be, of today's ladies. Please , someone tell me that going out in pajama pants is not acceptable! I have to say that never, have I been so assaulted with the ugliness of people's clothing choices as I had been that day. Grown women (some quite large) in tiny tanks with tweety bird sweats, flip flops, hair thrown in a messy bun, and an assortment of tatooes on every body part assaulted my senses! What is going on with women these days? Is it a lack of self-respect, caring, money, dignity? I truly would love to know---please someone enlighten me! Not only are women and youth dressing like a bunch of slobs (quite frankly, they look dirty to me), but they are dressing <i>SO</i> immodestly. Not much is left to the imagination.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Now, I am not so old-fashioned or prudish to begrudge the latest fashions, some are quite cute. I love cute! I love classy! </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">With all that said, back in the day when I met my husband I fully admit to dressing a lot more immodest. You know, tight jeans, half shirts, etc. At work I wore very tailored dresses and suits, but my wardrobe for casual was more the latest trend. Immodest clothes have been around a loooong time;-) The Lord convicted me of immodest dressing years ago.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Yet, now, the trend seems to be more sloppy, even more revealing. In raising daughters I want to convey the importance of cleanliness and dignity. Now, I am not talking frumpy either. One thing my husband has asked me never, ever to wear is a jumper. Hates them! I do too. They look cute on little girls , but a jumper on a grown woman looks frumpy to me. Just my opinion here. I tend to prefer denim skirts or skirts with a bit of twirl. I also like tie dye fashions, hemp and linen being a favorite material. Maybe I could consider my look more earthy, natural. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YRZynJvjEE/T84O4GlyimI/AAAAAAAADgs/8XiLCB2_c-4/s1600/igk2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-9YRZynJvjEE/T84O4GlyimI/AAAAAAAADgs/8XiLCB2_c-4/s400/igk2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">A favorite movie of mine is Rear Window, with Grace Kelly. If anyone exuded class in dress she did! This dress above is stunning, isn't it? I wish they would make 'em like this again!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcw11HH5-54/T84O7s6YKAI/AAAAAAAADg0/JxbUniRL_ms/s1600/gk3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="285" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bcw11HH5-54/T84O7s6YKAI/AAAAAAAADg0/JxbUniRL_ms/s400/gk3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This suit is just beautiful, classy. White gloves, pearls, and a killer charm bracelet. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-D4h4wNjEg/T84O9JYjKeI/AAAAAAAADg8/hbPqAUTwsEg/s1600/gk4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-k-D4h4wNjEg/T84O9JYjKeI/AAAAAAAADg8/hbPqAUTwsEg/s400/gk4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This is a nightgown! They do still make them this way, but you have to look. Why do married women get into bed with shorts and t-shirts? Isn't the above a bit more alluring. Sorry, but alluring in the bedroom is still a better bet than tweety bird on your jammies.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5QWZ3ApNnI/T84PA1rJ3AI/AAAAAAAADhM/wTy1BP5CNXo/s1600/gk5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-x5QWZ3ApNnI/T84PA1rJ3AI/AAAAAAAADhM/wTy1BP5CNXo/s400/gk5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Casual can look beautiful, too. My Mum called them clam diggers, today they are capris. Even Grace knew casual could be cute and classy.</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0OFqnKin2g/T84PDJqghjI/AAAAAAAADhU/YCtR56ldnAA/s1600/gk6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="286" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-f0OFqnKin2g/T84PDJqghjI/AAAAAAAADhU/YCtR56ldnAA/s400/gk6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Even everyday attire was pretty. Don't we women wish for pretty in our clothing. Now, I know there are days where it is hard to get a shower in with little ones to care for, but I did, and do, always try to get dolled up for the day. I feel better about myself. One carries oneself very differently when they feel and look good, even in the home. If a homemaker had an outside the home job she probably wouldn't leave the house for work in jammies, so why stay in them all day. Our work in the home</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"> is more important</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"> than any outside job we will ever undertake, let's dress the part. Let's be cute and classy at home. Not only will we feel better, our husbands will appreciate it too.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><i><b>She does her own sewing,</b></i></span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="position: relative;">and everything she wears</span></b></i></span></span></div>
<span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">
</span><span class="indent-1" style="background-color: white;"><div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><i><b><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Prov-31-22" style="position: relative;">is beautiful. ~Proverbs 31:22</span></b></i></span></div>
<div style="color: #cc0000; font-family: 'Charis SIL', charis, Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">
<span class="text Prov-31-22" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Sadly, the days of women knowing how to handle needle and thread are gone, but the Proverbs 31 woman did wear beautiful clothing. In her day and a woman of her means, silk and linen would be her materials. We don't have to be able to afford the most expensive, yet we can have neat and clean, modest and pretty. If you have been living in sweats try getting dolled up during the day. Put on a pretty outfit, fix your hair, dab a bit of make-up on . Buy a new purse or shoes, even thrift stores are a good deal for those. Just treat yourself to lookin' pretty! We are ambassadors for Christ and the noble job of motherhood--dress the part!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">*Linked up to R<a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">aising Homemakers</a>,<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/"> Women Living Well</a> and A<a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/"> Wise Woman Builds Her House.</a></span></div>
</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-12368972552869122652012-06-04T14:15:00.000-04:002012-06-06T12:11:24.109-04:00Rise & Shine!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">This week in our<a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/"> Proverbs 31 study</a> the focus </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">is on verses 15-16: </span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"> </span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">She gets up while it is still dark;</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #cc0000;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="background-color: white; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">She provides food for her family</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #cc0000;">
<span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">And portions for her servant girls.</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;">
She considers a filed and buys it;</div>
</span><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><div style="text-align: center;">
Out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.</div>
</span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: #f4cccc; color: #783f04;"><span style="font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: 15px; line-height: 24px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">Are you an early riser? Do you have the best of intentions in regards to getting out of bed <i><b>before</b></i> 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.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">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.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">A quote from <em><a href="http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/074321076X/bysunandcandl-20" target="_blank">Mrs. Sharp's Traditons: Reviving Victorian Family Celebrations of Comfort & Joy</a></em> </span></div>
<blockquote style="background-color: white; border-bottom-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-bottom-style: dotted; border-bottom-width: 1px; border-top-color: rgb(221, 221, 221); border-top-style: dotted; border-top-width: 1px; font-style: italic; margin: 0px 25px; padding: 5px 10px; quotes: none; text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">"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.</span></em></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 10px; text-align: center;">
<em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">'<strong>Early rising is one of the most essential qualities which enters into good Household Management</strong>, as it is not only the parent of health, but of innumerable other advantages,' Mrs. Beeton observed. '<strong>Indeed, when a mistress is an early riser, it is almost certain her house will be orderly and well managed</strong>.' 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. <strong>This time alone can become a treasured retreat of serenity that can prepare you to handle whatever the day might hold in store.</strong> It is far better for Mother to create a morning retreat than for her to beat a hasty one at day's end."</span></em></div>
</blockquote>
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: 'Palatino Linotype', 'Book Antiqua', Palatino, serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 24px;">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.</span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJTk4Olc24w/T8zosztAYpI/AAAAAAAADgY/9Ws2u8XLY4c/s1600/breakfast7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="321" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-sJTk4Olc24w/T8zosztAYpI/AAAAAAAADgY/9Ws2u8XLY4c/s400/breakfast7.jpg" width="400" /></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Not only is the aroma of a homemade breakfast a comfort in the morning, a pretty table just adds to the 'flavor' of <i>home. </i>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*!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>The beauty of the house is order. The glory of the house is hospitality. The crown of the house is godliness. </i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>~Author Unknown</i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_nbKmm5b6Y/T8zm1Qes1dI/AAAAAAAADfo/bxTIbfg6VtY/s1600/Breakfast_table_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-y_nbKmm5b6Y/T8zm1Qes1dI/AAAAAAAADfo/bxTIbfg6VtY/s400/Breakfast_table_2.png" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Is this just too darling or what!? Red <i><b>and</b></i> polka dots, be still my heart!</span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o80AH42wrXU/T8znbQtpROI/AAAAAAAADfw/2RDhjyddiUM/s1600/breakfast1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="312" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o80AH42wrXU/T8znbQtpROI/AAAAAAAADfw/2RDhjyddiUM/s400/breakfast1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Simple, but the touch of a pretty napkin adds a bit of <i>Bed & Breakfast charm.</i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84VPoBBVRfo/T8zn8ruF9kI/AAAAAAAADf4/Yl6bDwpgnfU/s1600/breakfast3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-84VPoBBVRfo/T8zn8ruF9kI/AAAAAAAADf4/Yl6bDwpgnfU/s400/breakfast3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Oh my! Being partial to blue willow this table setting just begs to be showcased on a leisurely Saturday morn.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Some tips to get the table adorable and functional in the moring:</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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!</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Put out any nonperishable items such as cereal or croissants.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Make sure the juice or water is ready to pour from a pitcher or glass milk bottle. </span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Cut up any fruit and arrange in a dish and keep covered in the fridge until morning.</span></li>
<li><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Make as much as you can the eve before, like prep a breakfast casserole and have ready to bake first thing.</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-du1lhDHEOKw/T8zoASPjW3I/AAAAAAAADgA/OpyrMECpuhM/s1600/breakfast5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-du1lhDHEOKw/T8zoASPjW3I/AAAAAAAADgA/OpyrMECpuhM/s400/breakfast5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIAz66uSHaU/T8zoCFU7mMI/AAAAAAAADgI/HWY5cvUwBFU/s1600/breakfast4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="362" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-eIAz66uSHaU/T8zoCFU7mMI/AAAAAAAADgI/HWY5cvUwBFU/s400/breakfast4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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!</span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WbUBxLEWrg/T8zoEyzwfvI/AAAAAAAADgQ/quGUx6S0YXI/s1600/breakfast6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_WbUBxLEWrg/T8zoEyzwfvI/AAAAAAAADgQ/quGUx6S0YXI/s400/breakfast6.jpg" width="347" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">Whoever invented the breakfast casserole has my lifelong admiration. Not only easy, but healthy and quick in the morning. Here is my recipe for<a href="http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/2007/10/blueberry-cottage-french-toast-strata.html"> Blueberry French Toast Strata</a>. I have taken this to many gatherings and they always ask for the recipe!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">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</span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: x-large;"><i>, spend time with the Lord first</i></span><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;">, before the computer or news or any media. Get quiet and pray for God's hand on your and your loved one's day.</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">"Homemaking is the highest, most noble profession to which a woman might aspire."</span></em></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;"><br /></span></em></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; border: medium none; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; line-height: 18px; text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><em><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: large;">Flora Benson, quoted by her husband, Ezra Taft Benson, October 1986</span></em></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
*Linked to <a href="http://raisinghomemakers.com/">Raising Homemakers,</a><a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/"> Women Living Well</a> , and <a href="http://proverbs14verse1.blogspot.com/">A Wise Woman Builds Her House.</a><br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-8915030533989710592012-05-24T12:04:00.003-04:002012-05-24T12:08:21.100-04:00Coupons~The Real Cost of Food<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><b><i>This is one of my most popular posts over at my old blog <a href="http://www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage.</a> 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></b></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="line-height: 18px;">~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~*****~~~~~</span></span></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">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! </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">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. </span><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><br style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;" /><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">So, I had to check out this couponing stuff they were talking about and I came across the website</span><a href="http://moneysavingmom.com/2011/06/todays-aldi-dillons-and-health-food-store-shopping-trips.html/comment-page-1#comment-491318" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;"> Money Saving Mom</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">. 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 </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JL1pKlnhvg0&feature=related" style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-decoration: none;">Monsanto</a><span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px;">, 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.</span></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsuEJ6u1Qjc/T75aisEgjsI/AAAAAAAADfU/lZbMg9NZ6fY/s1600/farm1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-jsuEJ6u1Qjc/T75aisEgjsI/AAAAAAAADfU/lZbMg9NZ6fY/s640/farm1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
</div>
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
</div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">{photo credit Sarah, aka Farmama-her blog is now closed, sadly} </span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please tell me you would rather have the veggies in the above pic!!! These are from <a href="http://farmama.typepad.com/farmama/2011/06/whoa-nellie.html" style="text-decoration: none;">Farmama's</a> 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!</span></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: -webkit-auto;">
</span><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8VT0bkSOJk/T75alCo_HmI/AAAAAAAADfc/a0emzcgl-Fw/s1600/farm+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-t8VT0bkSOJk/T75alCo_HmI/AAAAAAAADfc/a0emzcgl-Fw/s640/farm+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;"><br /></span></span><br />
<br />
<div align="center" style="background-color: white; font-family: Georgia, Utopia, 'Palatino Linotype', Palatino, serif; font-size: 13px; line-height: 18px;">
{photo credit Sara, a.k.a. <a href="http://farmama.typepad.com/farmama/2011/06/whoa-nellie.html" style="color: #bb5421; text-decoration: none;">Farmama</a>}</div>
<br />
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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.</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; line-height: 18px; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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 :-)<br /><br />This post is linked up to Courtney, visit her at <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/2011/06/wlw-wednesday-link-up-party/" style="text-decoration: none;">Women Living Well</a>.</span></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-83098686933074137572012-05-22T13:36:00.000-04:002012-05-22T13:36:16.355-04:00Mock Rice-A-Roni<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isBeguE9-EQ/T7vFvsmJFiI/AAAAAAAADfI/TUyDUV9-TAE/s1600/rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="301" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-isBeguE9-EQ/T7vFvsmJFiI/AAAAAAAADfI/TUyDUV9-TAE/s400/rice.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">If you grew up in the 70's and 80's and owned a tv ( who didn't?) you had to have heard this <span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.hark.com/clips/vfyxlhwtkz-old-rice-a-roni-jingle">jingle </a>. Disclaimer: Once you listen to this little jingle you will be singin' it all day--just sayin'! </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Growing up during these eras you probably would have had a box of Rice-A-Roni or two on the pantry shelf.<span style="font-size: large;"> </span>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. </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">On to the recipe: <span style="font-size: large;"> </span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bP6jKfJT4fE/T7vEoxM1bZI/AAAAAAAADeo/peWc6CbcwLU/s1600/DSC_3357.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-bP6jKfJT4fE/T7vEoxM1bZI/AAAAAAAADeo/peWc6CbcwLU/s640/DSC_3357.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Melt the butter til foamy then saute the rice and pasta.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVTVRRg7fNw/T7vEy5kTe9I/AAAAAAAADew/xc0hNH40Vds/s1600/DSC_3358.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CVTVRRg7fNw/T7vEy5kTe9I/AAAAAAAADew/xc0hNH40Vds/s640/DSC_3358.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Now add the broth and spices and stir well.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8keWDjs-NcI/T7vE9AvrdRI/AAAAAAAADe4/cWgF5I6om2s/s1600/DSC_3359.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-8keWDjs-NcI/T7vE9AvrdRI/AAAAAAAADe4/cWgF5I6om2s/s640/DSC_3359.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">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. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpmVTMZDyg0/T7vFGFmEDII/AAAAAAAADfA/-R-an9X6g5Y/s1600/Mock+Rice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="424" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-GpmVTMZDyg0/T7vFGFmEDII/AAAAAAAADfA/-R-an9X6g5Y/s640/Mock+Rice.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Please go right <a href="https://docs.google.com/document/d/14JjFM3jFklW88cSYyaT-uxctDMMwW1oJJpRBI-chEqI/edit">HERE</a> to print a copy of the recipe. If you try it, come back and let me know how you made out:-)</span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-44235890709534282512012-05-19T14:17:00.000-04:002012-05-19T14:17:43.033-04:00New food adventures!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxIbO_qKsTw/T7fdV7_aIqI/AAAAAAAADeA/Ntd5qrlK-Z8/s1600/vegan.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-JxIbO_qKsTw/T7fdV7_aIqI/AAAAAAAADeA/Ntd5qrlK-Z8/s1600/vegan.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">I recently joined <a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/2012/03/my-entry.html">Heather's Spring Workshop 30 Day Vegan.</a> 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. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Not too long ago I decided to do some research on this and found that <a href="http://www.coloradofootinstitute.com/neuritis.html">chronic acidosis </a>could be the mitigating factor in causing this. I had just read<a href="http://www.drfuhrman.com/weightloss/about.aspx"> Dr. Furhman's book Eat to Live</a>, 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. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 <i><b>if</b></i> , <b><i>big if</i></b>, this neuritis can't be cured or brought under control with a natural/holistic trial. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/">Heather </a>has a lovely<a href="http://beautythatmoves.typepad.com/beauty_that_moves/"> blog</a> 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. </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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...<b><u>RADICAL </u></b>is the way to go!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-54818456427597200242012-05-14T19:30:00.001-04:002012-05-14T19:31:13.419-04:00It's National Apron Day!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLJiZKHYIk0/T7GRdLXJ7HI/AAAAAAAADdk/1SRmEuDTZAw/s1600/retro_aprons_520w.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="368" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dLJiZKHYIk0/T7GRdLXJ7HI/AAAAAAAADdk/1SRmEuDTZAw/s640/retro_aprons_520w.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">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 <a href="http://www.rubysfarmhouse.com/">Ruby's Farmhouse </a>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.</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Cleaning the cottage:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bathrooms cleaned</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">First floor vac'd</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Laundry washed, dried, folded and awaiting the drawers it all belongs in</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Feeding the family:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Breakfast on the go because of tutoring</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Ham and cheese sandwiches for lunch</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Sausage Fritatta with spring mix salad for dinner</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Home schooling:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">All assignments done</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Reading to Lydia</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Music practice-check</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Looking ahead:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Defrost chicken </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Make shopping list for Wednesday church supper</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Find a chicken recipe to feed a crowd</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: large;"><i>Personal:</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Joined the <a href="http://womenlivingwell.org/">Proverbs 31 Study with Courtney</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Spent time with <a href="http://www.titus2.com/">Sweet Journey</a></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Bought new planner and Martha Stewart office supplies to get me on track!</span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">Well, friends, what little bits of domesticity did you accomplish today? </span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-804084113930402042.post-86430529311620466752012-05-08T09:48:00.001-04:002012-08-05T19:30:52.692-04:00Homemaking Interview::The Prudent Homemaker<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04;">I stumbled upon Brandy's site <a href="http://www.theprudenthomemaker.com/">The Prudent Homemaker</a> one day and was , put simply, quite impressed by her homemaking knowledge and pluck. Her <a href="http://theprudenthomemaker.com/LivingonourFoodStorage.aspx">story</a> 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 <a href="http://blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">Blueberry Cottage</a> and is<u> thee most viewed post</u> to date with over 4,000 views! The comment section is still available if you wish to read the Q&A.<span style="font-size: small;">~Suzanne</span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<em><span style="font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><span style="color: #783f04; font-size: large;">***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***~***</span></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Suzanne:</b> From reading your site <a href="http://www.theprudenthomemaker.com/">The Prudent Homemaker</a> 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?</span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"></span></em></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><b>Brandy:</b> I plunged right in and learned as I went along! And I’m still learning.</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;">TO FINISH READING THIS WONDERFUL INTERVIEW PLEASE VISIT:</span></em><br />
<em><span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></em><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><a href="http://www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com/">www.blueberrycottage.blogspot.com</a></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #783f04; font-family: Georgia, Times New Roman, serif;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com3