maple hill 101

Tuesday Tidings

2012-02-14T05:07:00.003-05:00

It's been a mild winter all over the country.

Central Florida has been no exception.

Here are a few things comin' up this week at Maple Hill.

These lovely petunias reseed themselves readily.

This "weed" has popped up in our lawn.

Love the color and texture.

I guess "weed" is a relative term.

A reseeder in the butterfly garden.

This is the first time our aloe has had a bloom!

On our weekly visits to Lil Guy's therapy office,

these sweet acorns have been gathered

and are being used as mulch.

Don't worry,

there are still plenty for the resident squirrels.

The daisies and ferns are happily cohabitating.

Quick, make a wish!

Have a wonderful Valentine's day!

Homey Lentil Potato Soup

2012-02-13T05:55:00.003-05:00

An unexpected cold snap came through yesterday.

That calls for an easy, quick soup

to warm our bellies.

Homey Lentil Potato Soup

Sautee 1/2 large yellow or sweet onion in olive oil.

One potato per person is cut up...

and stirred into the pot.

Cook for 5-8 minutes.

Add 1 C of lentils.

Cover with water or veggie broth.

Add a bay leaf, 1 t salt, and 1 t thyme.

A few red pepper flakes can be added if desired.

Bring to the boil, turn down to a simmer

and cook 30-45 minutes

until lentils are tender.

It tastes even better the next day.

Enjoy!

Bean Burgers

2012-02-10T05:29:00.063-05:00

One section of our Family Recipe binder

is for vegetarian meals.

We eat vegetarian at least twice a week,

and for me it's more often,

as I don't eat red meat or poultry.

Chick peas (or garbanzo beans) are one of the tastiest

of all the legumes. They pack a punch with fiber,

iron, folate and many other minerals.

Read about their nutritional benefits here.

Lest you worry about the uh, musical effects

of eating beans, don't.

"Beans, beans, the magical fruit,

the more you eat, the less you toot."

Your body adapts to the sugars in them

and they actually aid in digestion.

Rinsing before and after cooking helps a bit too.

Bean burgers are a great way to

enjoy your chickpeas.

Here's an easy and quick recipe

for you to whip up if you want to give

vegetarian eating a try.

Rice/Bean Burgers

30 oz. cooked garbanzo beans

(or 2 cans)

2 cloves garlic

1 t salt

1 C cooked rice

1/2 lemon

olive oil

pinch red pepper flakes (optional)

Whiz beans with garlic in food processor,

or mash by hand until smooth. Add oil as needed.

Combine with rice (or breadcrumbs) and

add salt, red pepper flakes and lemon juice. Mix well.

Pan fry in olive oil 3-5 minutes each side

until golden brown.

Makes 4-5 medium burgers.

Top with salsa, mayo, ketchup, pesto

or any of your favorite embellishments.

Enjoy!

Hope you savor a burger alternative this weekend!

Allergy Friendly Lunchbox Love #20

One Simple Thing-Bulk Buying

2012-02-09T05:06:00.011-05:00

I'm not a shopper.

What I mean is,

you won't find me spending time at any mall

looking for trinkets or tchachkes,

or of all things, browsing...

UGH!

Can't think of much I'd like less to do.

While I don't enjoy shopping as the hobby it has become

to so many, it is necessary for us at this point.

Part of simplifying is making the best use of

your time, energy and resources.
I'm not a frequent shopper,
but I am a smart shopper.

I shop for groceries once a week.

Thanks to my menu-by-the-month system,

I know exactly what I need for the week's meals.

Each Friday, I scan the online grocery site

for the current week's deals,

make my list accordingly,

and print out any coupons I can use.

Another way to simplify your shopping is to buy in bulk.

We love our grocery chain and miss it each summer

when we venture up to North Carolina.

(The good news is that they are opening stores there soon!)

They have so many great "Buy one, get one free" deals

on many of the items we use regularly.

So, along with using coupons for these items,

we really save big and it pays to buy

as many as you can reasonably house and use.

We eat pasta at least once a week,

so this is something we always have on hand.

Any time I can find good deals on organic items,

I stock up.

This pear sauce is wonderful to keep in the pantry

in case we run out of fresh fruit

or to take along on a picnic.

Rather than having to make a special trip to the store

and wasting gas and time,

these hold Lil' Guy over until the next shopping day.

Stocking staples like rice or other grains,

as well as beans and baking ingredients

ensures that our kitchen will always be able

to provide our family with

nutritious, cooked-from-scratch meals.

A bit of planning and organization

once again makes life so much easier.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-08T05:55:00.004-05:00

Tuesday Tidings

2012-02-07T05:01:00.017-05:00

On Saturday,

I had time to take my mom to that funky little shop

that has all sorts of treasures to discover.

This is the signature item of the shoppe.

It has been used for several photo shoots,

including a wedding.

It is NOT for sale...

A collection of lampshades were very reasonably priced at $4 each.

Oodles of books, vintage and modern

can be found awaiting the next browser.

What a cute top for some lucky lil' girl.

Crystal lines the shelf here,

though most items are of a more practical nature.

What a handsome looking pitcher.

Mix-n-match china in a multitude of colors and patterns

just waiting for the right home.

Someday, one of these will grace my home.

Love those utilitarian Hoosiers!

Crocks and bowls can be used for so many different things.

Inside, outside, just about anywhere.

Isn't this an amazing set of dishes?

Jackpot!

One shelf is dedicated to a current interest of mine...

Here's the lil' beauty that came home with me.

Care to take a guess as to what this might be?

Maybe you need a better look.

Here's the inside.

The part with the holes in it lifts out,

if that's any clue.

If you're in the area, stop by

Orchid Springs Curiousities & Antiques.

You might find something

you just can't live without!

Homemade Rice Milk

2012-02-06T05:01:00.037-05:00

One of the last times I priced rice milk in the grocery store,

it was over $3 a quart. Not so long ago,

we paid $1.69 for the same container.

Enough is enough.

I found this recipe online here.

Being lactose intolerant, cow's milk was given up long ago.

Alternative milks have been a Godsend.

They are used in baking, with cereal and

the morning cupa Joe.

I wondered if I could make my own.

It was worth a try...

Brown rice is cooked according to package directions.

1 C of cooked rice is mixed with:

4 C water

1 T sweetener (I used honey)

pinch salt

flavoring as desired (vanilla, almond, etc.)

Blend with hand or standing blender for 4 minutes.

Strain with cheese cloth or fine sieve.

Transfer to containers.

***Note: This rice milk is a bit thinner

than what we were used to.

It works well in recipes,

but not quite as tasty as the store bought versions

for drinking straight up.

I plan to try another method later in the week,

so I'll post an update.

Single-serving bags were stored in the freezer

for the next few batches.

Enjoy!

1-2-3 Crockpot Chicken

2012-02-03T05:22:00.005-05:00

I'm always looking for a way to simplify cooking.

Can't get much easier than the crockpot.

Especially on days when I go to work early

or I have a super busy day ahead,

it's great to know that with a few ingredients

and this handy piece of equipment,

dinner will be ready with very little effort on my part.

Take 8 chicken thighs (or your favorite part),

1 onion, a few carrots

and the spice of your choice

(I used a chicken spice blend and salt).

Easy as 1-2-3!

Slice onions and lay on the bottom of the pot.

Add sliced carrots next.

Chicken pieces with spice mixture go on top.

You can add a few chicken stock cubes,

but it's not necessary.

Select "low" on the crockpot

and cook 6-8 hours.

Enjoy!

One Simple Thing-Location

2012-02-02T06:10:00.014-05:00

What do realtors tell you is the most important aspect

of buying or selling a new home?

Location, location, location.

The same holds true when deciding on the placement

of items in your home.

It just makes sense to place things

where they will be used.

Keys dwelling on hooks by the back door

(we rarely use the front door)

are always accessible and sure to be

found when needed.

The coffeepot and toaster oven are in a corner

of the kitchen away from the main flow of traffic.

A breakfast station makes it easy to get mornings

under way, especially when family members

have similar schedules.

The dishwasher gets used quite a bit here.

It makes sense to house the dishes and silverware

as close as possible for easy unloading.

This cabinet is directly above the dishwasher

and the drawer to the immediate right

contains the silverware.

Thinking about where you will use items is worthwhile

and lends itself to finding the most

efficient use of space.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-02-01T06:12:00.002-05:00

Tuesday Tidings

2012-01-31T06:14:00.006-05:00

This is the mildest winter we've experienced

since moving here almost 7 years ago.

We're not used to seeing the likes of this...

in January.

Petunias are quite content with cooler temperatures

and add a touch of brightness to the garden.

Black-eyed susans are something

I'd like to use in more areas.

The bare branches of winter

add an air of tranquility and stillness.

The brilliant blue sky is a sight to behold.

We are blessed to be able to enjoy

these glorious days.

Easy Cheesy Kid's Favorite

2012-01-30T05:17:00.007-05:00

One dish most kids like is mac-n-cheese.

It's one of the mainstays for kids on the spectrum

who have a wheat and/or milk addiction.

Due to allergies, I had to come up with a recipe for Lil' Guy

so that he could enjoy this all-American favorite.

This recipe is wheat, gluten, dairy and soy free.

No morsel is left in his bowl.

It takes just a few minutes to whip up this classic.

And the look of happiness on a child's face

is worth every bit of effort.

Gluten-Free Mac-n-Cheese

1 C gf noodles (we use Tinkayada)

1/4-1/2 C rice milk (or other alternative)

1 T olive oil

1 T gf flour mix

3 slices rice cheese (or other alternative)

1/2 t salt

1 t paprika

Cook rice noodles according to directions.

Drain and set aside.

Meanwhile, add olive oil to saucepan.

Sprinkle in gf flour mix.

Toast flour for 1 minute.

Slowly add milk, whisking to remove lumps.

Add cheese slices and stir until melted.

Add noodles to pan and stir to incorporate.

Toss in salt to taste.

Sprinkle with paprika, if desired.

Enjoy!

2012-01-27T05:27:00.009-05:00

Organized Simplicity by Tsh Oxenreider
*****

"Simplicity isn't about what you give up. It's about what you gain. When you remove the things that don't matter to you, you are free to focus on only the things that are meaningful to you. Imagine your home, your time, your finances, and your belongings all filling you with positive energy and helping you achieve your dreams. It can happen, and Organized Simplicity can show you how.
Inside you'll find:
*A simple, ten-day plan that shows you step by step how to organize every room in your home
*Ideas for creating a family purpose statement to help you identify what to keep and what to remove from your life
*Templates for a home management notebook to help you effectively and efficiently take care of daily, weekly and monthly tasks
*Recipes for non-toxic household cleaners and natural toiletry items including toothpaste, deodorant and shampoo.
Start living a more organized, intentional life today."

This is one of the best books on organization I've read to date.
Not only is it filled with great ideas to start any decluttering project, it contains several worksheets that can help the reader manage budget, time, and inventory. I really relate to the perspective the author takes on making room in your life for the good stuff by clearing out the stuff that's blocking you. The compact size makes it easy to tote anywhere, for inspiration throughout the day. If this book doesn't get you started on clearing out the clutter in your life, then you're just not serious about improving your life. I look forward to reading this again and again.

One Simple Thing-Pantry Door Rack

2012-01-26T05:01:00.008-05:00

We are so fortunate to have a pantry in our kitchen.

Ample storage in general was one of the selling points

of this house when we bought it,

as it will be when we put it on the market.

Our pantry contains most of our dry goods

including staples like flour, sugar, pasta and cereals

accomodated on four shelves.

Plenty of room, right?

Well, one thing I never turn down is

a chance to add storage.

This lil' door rack adds tons more space for jars,

boxes or other containers.

When items are on sale, we buy in bulk,

so having storage saves us money, time and effort.

You can never go wrong when adding

a more efficient way of storing needed items.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-25T05:09:00.002-05:00

Let's Try it Again...

2012-01-24T08:10:00.006-05:00

Homemade Dishwasher Detergent-Take Two

Last year, we ventured into
concocting our own dishwasing detergent.
You can find a post about that here.

You gotta figure that new endeavors
are gonna need some tweaking.
Being less than thrilled with the results of that first recipe,
the search was on for a new and improved version.

Here are the ingredients.

Homemade Dishwashing Powder

2 C washing soda

1 C borax

1 C baking soda

Add all ingredients to a container and shake well.

Wouldn't this be a fun project for kids to help with?

Use 2 T per load.

***We use straight vinegar in the rinse dispenser

to get clear glasses and bowls.

It's all a learning process...

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

2012-01-23T05:26:00.002-05:00

Chocolate Shortbread Cookies

2 C flour

1/4 C dark cocoa

1/4 t salt

1 C butter

3/4 C sugar (or sucanat)

1 t vanilla

Sift dry ingredients together in a bowl.

Cream butter and sugar, then add vanilla.

Add flour mixture, blending well and shaping into log.

Refrigerate at least an hour.

Cut into 1/4" slices and bake 20-25 minutes at 325 degrees.

Enjoy!

2012-01-20T05:40:00.003-05:00

Aromatherapy: The A-Z Guide to Healing with Essential Oils
by Shelagh Ryan Masline and Barbara Close
****

"Filled with both traditional wisdom and the latest research, Aromatherapy contains all the information you need to purchase and use these powerful, magnificent oils. It includes:
*Healing and sensual massages
*The luxurious European sitz bath
*Facial steam bath and rejuvenating clay mask
*Transcendent baths for relaxation and hydration
*Elegant hydrolat baths for clear, healthy skin
*Specific remedies for dozens of health problems from acne to varicose veins
With Aromatherapy you'll find foolproof ways to diminish headache pain, safely treat over 50 common ailments, alleviate stress, energize and uplift moods and much more."

This guide is a great resource for folks like me who are just starting to learn about this alternative healthcare option. Being interested in a more natural way of dealing with illness, this book attracted me. It's also comforting to know that our health is something that we can influence everyday by the choices we make. Eating a balanced diet and exercise are two ways to accomplish this. Adding essential oils can enhance our lives by keeping us proactive in our own healthcare. The alphabetized order of the book makes it easy to look up just what you need. This is one book I plan to add to my library.

One Simple Thing-Shoe Rack

2012-01-19T05:02:00.040-05:00

One of the first impressions visitors get of your home

is the front entrance.

Not only is it important to make it inviting for others,

but if you use your front door,

it sets the tone for what happens

after you turn that key in the lock.

We have a hall tree in our foyer

on which we can hang our coats and hats.

(In newer Florida homes, there are no coat closets.)

Our shoes were lined up neatly next to the front door.

One of the things that makes a house look orderly
is simply getting things off of the floor.

I like the idea of not tracking dirt into the house,

especially since we currently have carpet (>:/)

in most of the house.

I knew I needed a better solution.

An inexpensive shoe rack will do wonders

to add a sleek look to an entrance.

It's a good idea to think vertical

when you have a small area.

We can now house our shoes here

as soon as we come in from outside

and there is even room for guests shoes.

This type of rack could work in a mudroom,

laundry room, back porch, or even in a closet.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-18T05:43:00.005-05:00

Tuesday Tidings

2012-01-17T05:10:00.015-05:00

A rather bleak Friday encouraged me

to dig up our sweet potatoes.

It's so sad to see those once lovely chartreuse vines

turned to brown mush.
It's a little late in the season for harvesting,
so I wasn't sure how we'd do.

After a bit of research,

we are letting them dry out in the sun for a day or so,

then they will be stored in the pantry in a box
filled with shredded newspaper.

This one seems to have fused together.

Does that mean they didn't have enough room?

Is it edible?

It reminds me of a bread bowl,

just grab a fork and dive into the middle!

I have SO much to learn!

I can't wait to taste them,

as this is our first harvest of this lovely veg.

I see some sweet potato bread in Lil' Guy's future!

Buttery Pecan Cookies

2012-01-16T05:29:00.005-05:00

Around the holidays,
the search was on for special Christmas cookies.
I found a treasure trove on this cute site,
which includes games for kids
and all sorts of fun things to discover.

(I neglected to take photos, but these are pretty close to what they looked like.)

Buttery Pecan Cookies

(northpole.com)

1 C butter

2/3 C sugar

pinch salt

1 t vanilla

2 C flour

1/2 C nuts, chopped

Cream butter, sugar, salt and vanilla.

Add flour and nuts.

Shape dough into log and chill 3 hours.

Slice and bake at 350 degrees for 14-16 minutes.

Enjoy!

Food Stamped

2012-01-14T05:07:00.011-05:00

Food Stamped
A Documentary Film by Shira and Yoav Potash
*****

"Food Stamped follows nutritionist Shira Potash and her documentary filmaker husband Yoav as they attempt to eat a healthy, well-balanced diet on a food stamp budget. Shira teaches healthy cooking classes to elementary students in low-income neighborhoods, most of whom are eligible for food stamps. In an attempt to walk a mile in their shoes, Shira and Yoav embark on the "Food Stamp Challenge," eating on roughly one dollar per meal. Through their adventures they consult with Members of Congress, food justice advocates, nutrition experts, and people living on food stamps to take a deep look at America's broken food system."

I thoroughly enjoyed this documentary and found it inspiring that a couple of ordinary working folks would endeavor to create this project for themselves. Surprisingly, there seem to be many programs available (at least in California) for those with limited funds for food. The most impressive was the ability to use food stamps at farmer's markets. How many families could benefit from such an option? Another city in New England featured a school district where the produce is grown locally and tended by an internship program for high school students. The ingenuity is really astounding and one would hope that these ideas would trickle down to other districts, cities and states.
The creators of the documentary took us through their day-to-day lives living on a food stamp budget, all the while trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle. We hear about how it's impossible to eat healthily on a modest budget. Locally grown organic food just isn't available to low income families. Or is it? It was a challenge they took upon themselves and the results were quite surprising.

Community Resources

2012-01-13T05:30:00.001-05:00

‘We trust people.
We truly believe — we are witness to it —
that people are decent.’

What a concept!

I read about this town in England
that decided to become more self-sufficient
and in the process,
changed the lives of virtually everyone living there.

Wouldn't this be an incredible way to impact a community?
People can be truly brilliant!

Read more about it here:
http://wakeup-world.com/2011/12/14/a-deliciously-resourceful-town-aims-for-total-food-self-sufficiency-within-7-years/

One Simple Thing-Allowance

2012-01-12T05:50:00.048-05:00

Last week we spotlighted chore charts in our

One Simple Thing feature.

This week we are sharing our allowance plan.

Marbles are our currancy.

Lil' Guy's chores are broken down into different times of day.

This gives him the sense that getting it all done is doable

if it's divided throughout the day.

Kids can feel overwhelmed with one long list.

A marble is earned for each task completed

and yes, he does get credit for

remembering to brush his teeth and wash his face.

These are big accomplishments for him

in the quest toward independence.

He must earn at least 12 marbles a day to earn his dollar.

If he earns a bonus marble (large one),

he gets an extra 50 cents.

We encourage a cheerful attitude,

which includes how he interacts with friends,

and initiating assistance to Momma and Dad.

He is required to save at least $1 per week.

Lil' Guy used to be a self-proclaimed "penny pincher",

but with the coming of Legoland and their store,

that earned income doesn't stay in his bank for long!

Overall, the system works great for us.

We don't have to remind him what needs to be done

and he is using his math skills

to not only keep track of his income,

but how he will spend it.

Learning opportunities take place all around us.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-11T06:12:00.001-05:00

Tuesday Tidings

2012-01-10T05:57:00.016-05:00

While awaiting my hairdresser's next available appointment,

I strolled into this funky lil' shop in the same building.

Lookee what I found!

Not only did I scoop up this number,

but I found a whole shelf with aprons galore!

I'm not sure why I have this new fascination with them.

Something about them just feels so right to me.

It must be the practicality.

There's a true sense of purpose when I wear one

and think about the generations of women

who came before me,

donning their domestic garb.

My mom was the original Martha.

That woman could cook, clean and sew

like nobody's business.

She and my grandmother had a laundry in Paris

and they were independent business women

from the time Mom was young.

They always wore an apron to do their work.

How I wish I had some of those family heirlooms now.

I'll be back to that lil' funky place,

maybe even do a feature on it.

Don't you just love finding treasures in your own home town?

Vegan Cream of Potato Soup

2012-01-09T05:16:00.002-05:00

I love me some potatoes.

Baked, mashed, sauteed, or pan-fried,

they are this gal's belly filler.

Using the crockpot more this winter seems like a good idea.

It makes cooking something homemade and wonderful

for my family so effortless.

With the onset of cooler weather,

potato soup hits the spot.

I've posted a similar recipe,

but this one is a bit "creamier"

with the addition of rice milk,

corn starch and a handheld blender.

Cream of Potato Soup

6-8 medium yellow potatoes

1/2 large onion

1 bay leaf

1 t red pepper flakes

1 t salt

2 cloves garlic

1 T olive oil

1/4 C rice milk (or alternative)

1 T corn starch (for thickening)

Place all ingredients in crockpot

(except milk and corn starch).

Place on "low" setting for 6-8 hours.

Remove bay leaf and some of the potatoes.

Using a hand blender, puree the remaining ingredients

until the consistency is smooth.

Combine corn starch with 2 t cold water

in a small bowl and mix until smooth.

Add to liquid ingredients in crockpot.

Add rice or alternative milk.

Return potatoes to pot.

Enjoy!

Book Giveaway

2012-01-06T05:53:00.005-05:00

Through the total fault of my own
(I ordered two of the same books),
I have an extra copy of this cookbook
that we had given as a gift to a budding lil' chef.

So, in keeping with the belief that the
good stuff needs to keep moving,
we're giving it to one of you.
Just leave a comment.
The winner will be announced next Friday.
Best wishes!

One Simple Thing-Chore Chart

2012-01-05T05:58:00.016-05:00

We're starting a new feature here at Maple Hill.

It seems that folks who visit this blog

really appreciate the organizing efforts made around here.

I thought it might be a good idea to spotlight

one simple thing

that makes life a bit more harmonious.

Oddly enough, the feature is called

One Simple Thing.

This week's focus is household chores.

In order to keep things running smoothly

and prevent the household from

being featured on "Hoarders",

we each need to do our part.

This is Lil' Guy's chore chart.

He sees what his responsibilities are for each day.

That keeps him focused.

As each birthday passes, one more chore is added

to increase his repertoire of life skills.

After all, he'll have his own homestead some day.

Momma will not be taking in laundry.

This one belongs to me.

I don't really need the reminder,

but it's important to have a visual

for kids to appreciate just what goes into

keeping the household running smoothly.

One Simple Thing

Wordless Wednesday

2012-01-04T05:34:00.009-05:00

Tuesday Tidings

2012-01-03T05:57:00.006-05:00

The holidays are over.

Time to think about the upcoming new year.

This year we've deviated from our tradition of resolutions.

Being goal-oriented is in my nature.

With the onset of new responsibilities

these past couple of months,

I'm taking a step back to try and see the bigger picture.

This phrase came to me and it seems to fit:

intentional simplicity

Instead of zoning in on specific tasks,

the focus will be on becoming more present

in each and every moment.

Targeting simplicity in this way

will take the emphasis off of the doing

and placing it squarely on the shoulders of

being.

I'll let ya know how it goes...

"Our intention creates our reality."

-Wayne Dyer

Gluten-Free Trail Mix

2012-01-02T06:19:00.002-05:00

One of the few readily available cereals that are gluten-free

are the Chex line of products.

Hoping to expand Lil' Guy's diet,

we made some gluten-free party mix.

We're not much on parties,

but this snack can be enjoyed anytime

and we call it trail mix.

We used what we had on hand.

We combined two types of Chex cereal and some peanuts,

but any type of nut could be substituted,

as well as adding pretzels or chips.

Gluten-Free Trail Mix

3 C gluten-free cereal

1/3 C nuts

2 T olive oil

1/3 t garlic powder

3/4 t salt

Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Stir ingredients together

and spread on cookie sheet.

Bake 1 hour, stirring every 15 minutes.

Enjoy!

Next time, we're going to make it with cinnamon

and maybe a tad of honey or sucanat.

Warm Wishes for the New Year!

2012-01-01T00:01:00.002-05:00

All our dreams can come true,

if we have the courage to pursue them.

-Walt Disney

Tuesday Tidings

2011-12-20T07:35:00.000-05:00

We're signing off for a bit.

I'll still be blog surfing,

but feel the need to recharge

Warmest wishes for a wonderful holiday!

daisy

It Pays to Have Big Feet

2011-12-19T09:49:00.001-05:00

After the rush of the Christmas season is over,

there are shoes under our tree.

Why, you may ask?

The shoe fairy is coming to visit!

Not sure how this got started in our family,

(it's based on French lore),

but we celebrate the arrival of the shoe fairy

every December 31st.

On that night, we place one shoe under the Christmas tree

so she knows where to find it.

When we awaken on New Year's Day,

there is one small trinket left for us in our shoe

to start the new year off "on the right foot".

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Now That's a Canned Food Drive!

2011-12-17T05:27:00.003-05:00

Every artist dips his brush in his own soul,

and paints his own nature into his pictures.

-Henry Ward Beecher

Recycled Snowman

2011-12-16T05:11:00.008-05:00

There are a few of these square-type snowmen

in the neighborhood.

Some are made of wire, some of glass block.

They have always been something I hope to find

on clearance at the end of the season.

That hasn't happened yet,

so we decided to make our own

with what we had around the house.

This small styrofoam cooler was destined

for the donation bin.

We only had one, so we had to improvise

with plain white gift boxes for the rest of our figure.

Other supplies include tape, scissors, markers,

construction paper, straws, and colored tissue paper.

We had some bubblewrap lying around waiting

to pack up items that have been sold.

The gift boxes for the torso and head were stuffed

with the bubblewrap

to add dimension to the figure.

We added some construction paper pieces

to form a friendly face.

For the carrot nose,

just roll a piece of orange paper into a (sort of) cone shape.

(Or you could use a REAL carrot!)

A hat, buttons and a tissue-paper scarf complete the look.

He looks too toasty inside,

don't want him to melt!

Straws were added for support behind the hat,

but we ended up using a plastic cup

for extra strength during this windy day.

A heavy white blanket adds a "snowy" touch,

while anchoring the bottom.

This snowman greets visitors with a sunny smile.

Happy Holidays, y'all!

Ever Heard of Quinoa?

2011-12-15T05:21:00.008-05:00

If it hadn't been for Lil' Guy's allergies,

we may never have discovered quinoa (say keen-wa).

It makes a great substitute for couscous,
which he loves

but can't eat because he is sensitive to wheat.

We buy it at our local grocery store.

It can be found in bulk,

but we have to be careful about

contamination with wheat products,

so it's not an option for us.

Quinoa is a great option for those on a gluten-free diet.

It's light and airy and has a nutty flavor.

It's as quick and easy as fixing rice.

Use it as a side dish with veggies, fish or chicken

or add it to bean burgers or meatloaf.

Since the protein content in quinoa is so high,

it's great paired with beans for a great vegetarian

alternative to rice and beans.

You can find recipes using this unique grain here.

Hang Ups

2011-12-14T05:50:00.001-05:00

After visiting Darla's blog,

I fell in love with the idea of displaying Christmas cards

simply by using clothespins and twine.

There was no twine to be found in the house,

so a ribbon from the gift wrapping bin was substituted.

These valances came with the house

and it's nice to be able to feature them this way.

The clothespins pay homage to the thrill I get

from hanging our clothes out every week.

I'm thinking it would be a great way

to display other things too.

Maybe fabric swatches or bandanas, homemade crafts,

or family photos from recent activities.

Love this fresh idea. Thanks, Darla!

Tuesday Tidings

2011-12-13T05:23:00.003-05:00

Hope your Tuesday is full of sweet things...

Acorn Ornament

2011-12-12T05:12:00.006-05:00

Crafting is one of the hobbies I've always enjoyed,

but don't partake in much anymore.

It's a great outlet for creativity,

which in turn enhances your life.

Here's a little somethin' we came up with

after blog surfing for things we could make

from scraps at home.

Here's where you can find more ideas.

And here. And here.

Start with toilet paper and paper towel tubes.

Flatten them first.

Several pieces were cut from the rolls and glued together

to look like a star or a twig of holly.

Either Elmer's glue or a hot glue gun would work.

Fancy-edged scissors were used to add a decorative touch.

Acorns found under a nearby oak tree

were glued on to the star shape.

Add as many or as few as you like, add glitter,

"snow", or paint the tubes first.

I like the rustic feel of these.

Add a piece of twine or raffia for hanging.

Enjoy!

Join Kim at Newly Woodwards for her DIY party!

Luscious Chocolate Pudding

2011-12-09T06:03:00.015-05:00

How do you turn this into chocolate pudding?

Add these other ingredients, give 'em a whirl

and you get this...

Yeah, really!

Dairy-Free Chocolate Pudding

3 avocados (or 1 large)

4-6 T dark cocoa powder

1/4 C honey

1 t vanilla

1/2 t salt

Add all ingredients to food processor.

Mix until smooth.

Refrigerate up to 2 hours before serving.

Makes 4 servings.

Have a luscious weekend, y'all!

Dress It Up!

2011-12-08T05:56:00.011-05:00

A few weeks ago while grocery shopping,

and noticing how the prices continue to increase,

the decision was made to ramp up

the effort to create homemade staples.

Sometime last year I realized,

I'm turning into my mother.

Every day I eat a salad with lunch,

just as she has done for decades.

Now that my mom is here,

we go through a lot of salad fixin's.

Since salad dressing is something we use everyday,

I've been trying to create one that is simple, yet tasty.

I think I've got it.

photo credit

Italian Dressing

1/2 C olive oil

1/2 C apple cider vinegar

1/4 C water

2-4 T honey

1 t Italian seasonings

1 t salt

1 clove crushed garlic

Add all ingredients except the oil to a measuring cup.

Whisk oil into mixture. You'll see it thicken before your eyes.

This dressing can be used for marinating chicken, fish or veggies

as well as using on your favorite greens.

I keep it at room temperature,

as it is used up pretty darn quick.

I may even make some to give away as gifts!

Enjoy!

Homestead Blessing: The Art of Candle Making

2011-12-07T06:04:00.002-05:00

Homestead Blessings: The Art of Candlemaking
*****

Learn the artful skill of candle making in this exciting new DVD from the West ladies — Vicki, Jasmine, Hannah, and CeCe. This creativity-inspiring film is full of helpful instruction, practical tips, and fun-filled insight into the unique art of candle making.

From distinctive and beautiful glow lamps, twisted candles, decorative ornaments, basic seven-inch candles, and much more, this DVD is filled with a range of candle making activities sure to encourage warmth and creativity for your family.

Bring the joy of candling making into your home with the southern hospitality and homestead charm the West ladies bring to this entertaining and instructive film. The Art of Candle Making is full of special techniques, artistic flair, and family unity sure to cultivate beauty, joy, and ambience in your home.

This is the third DVD in the series by the West Ladies that I've enjoyed. Using beeswax, they teach the viewer how to dip taper candles, make candle holders and use commonly found natural elements in the craft. The simplicity really appealed to me and I am looking forward to adding this to my list of home crafts to try. The West Ladies have done a great job once again.

Tuesday Tidings

2011-12-06T05:53:00.006-05:00

After what seemed like forever,
these beauties started to bloom.

They were worth the wait.

I can see more of these in our future.

You can find basics for growing dahlias here.

Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack Cake

2011-12-05T08:02:00.002-05:00

This yummy chocolate cake has become

the standard birthday cake of choice for our boy with allergies

to wheat, eggs, soy and so many other ingredients.

Of course, it's good anytime of year

and requested often by Lil' Guy.

One year I shaped it into a beacon,

as that was his interest at the time.

This cake is easy to work with and even easier to enjoy!

A few simple ingredients and in under 10 minutes,

you've got a treat filling the whole house

with the aroma of chocolate.

What could be better than that?

(Except maybe the first bite!)

Gluten-Free Chocolate Snack Cake

Food Allergy Survival Guide

1 1/4 C gf flour mix

1 t baking soda

1/2 t salt

1/2 C sucanat (or sugar)

1/2 C dark cocoa

1 baby food jar pear sauce

2 t vanilla

1/2 C rice milk

1/2 C light olive oil

1/4 C maple syrup

Generously oil a 9" round or square pan. Set aside.

Combine flour mix, cocoa, soda and salt in large bowl.

Stir with wire whisk until well combined.

Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

In separate bowl, cream oil, sucanat and vanilla.

Beat in pear sauce and syrup. Then stir in milk.

Gradually add flour mixture in three additions,

beating after each. Pour into prepared pan.

Bake 30 minutes.

Cover the top with foil after 20 minutes

if needed to prevent overbrowning.

Enjoy!

To find out more about where this recipe came from,

click here.

Friday Fotos

2011-12-02T08:23:00.002-05:00

An early walk in the garden this morning

held some wonderful sights.

Enjoy!

Have a fantastic weekend, y'all!

Honey Squash

2011-12-01T08:44:00.002-05:00

We had this last night and it was oh-so good!
The honey and olive oil carmelize

and add just a touch of sweetness.

Cut an acorn squash in half, then slice into half rings.

Drizzle with olive oil, honey, salt and a touch of cinnamon.

Bake at 375 for 50 minutes.

Enjoy!

Countdown Calendar

2011-11-30T07:19:00.005-05:00

Here's a fun way to countdown to Christmas

or any other holiday.

You could do the same thing for Valentine's Day,

an upcoming birthday or the start of summer vacation.

We start our countdown on December 1st,

but you could use the 12 days of Christmas

if you haven't got time to get this done before then.

Cut out pictures from magazines or old greeting cards

based on the theme.

Here is a combination of Lil' Guy's favorite things

and Christmas symbols.

Doors, gates and windows will open

to reveal a different picture for each day.

Glue your pictures onto a piece of colored cardstock.

You'll need two sheets of the same size,

one for the top, one for the bottom.

These are 12" X 12" sheets.

I chose blue and white.

Using a craft knife,

cut around the doors, windows and gates

to open in various ways.

Inside each cutout, glue a themed picture

onto a piece of contrasting colored paper.

I just line up my top page (blue) with the bottom (white),

and adhere each themed picture inside of it.

Then glue the sides together.

Each day will bring a new surprise.

Remember to number each opening.

Feel free to decorate or add fancier paper.

This is what I had time to do for my lil' one.

The countdown is on!

Gluten-free Holiday Cookies

2011-11-28T06:37:00.001-05:00

Gluten-free snickerdoodle cookies are easy to turn

into holiday treats.

All you need are the right cookie cutters!

Add a little snow (powdered sugar)

for that wintry effect!

Linking up with:

http://www.newlywoodwards.com/

and

Homemade Apple Pie

2011-11-25T05:58:00.006-05:00

Our Thanksgiving feast was topped off

with a homemade apple pie.

What could be more American on this special holiday?

Granny Smith apples are a fine choice for an apple pie.

Peel and slice the apples right before adding to pie

so that they won't discolor.

Mix the pads of butter with the flour.

Hands are the best tools for this job.

Dough comes together after some blending.

Use fork to poke holes in crust before baking.

Combine dry ingredients with apples and toss.

Add pads of butter to top of pie.

I add remaining dough in bits to the top

rather than forming another crust layer.

Gives it a unique look.

Homemade Apple Pie

Crust:

2 C flour

1/2 C cold butter (unsalted)

1/2 C ice water

1/2 t salt

Filling:

8 Granny Smith apples, sliced

1 C sugar (or sucanat)

1 T flour

1 1/2 t cinnamon

2 T butter (unsalted)

Prepare crust by blending butter into flour and salt.

Add water as needed to create the desired texture.

Roll out with rolling pin or

free-form fit it into your pie dish.

Poke holes in crust and bake at 375 for 20 minutes

or until a light golden color.

Place sliced apples into large bowl

and add dry ingredients. Mix well.

Pour apple mixture into cooked pie shell.

Add dots of butter to top.

Add remaining pie dough on top,

making sure to leave slits or spaces to vent.

Bake at 425 degrees 20-30 minutes

or until apples are tender and

crust is golden brown.

Enjoy!

I'm Thankful For...

2011-11-24T05:47:00.002-05:00

My senses that let me experience...

all of God's magical creations.

Peace in the garden.

The seasons and the gifts each one brings.

Being able to provide for critters.

A warm blanket of flowers.

Delicate blooms noticed through being present.

Have a wonderful holiday, y'all!

Sending you peace and abundance

on this very special day.

Thanks for visiting!