Thursday, March 31, 2011

Kindred Spirit Blog

There are just some blog’s that just grab you!

The writer shares the same interests and loves you have.

They inspire you and encourage you, and make you warm and gooey inside.

And all I can think of calling them is a…

Kindred Spirit Blog!

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Here’s one I found today that I would like to share with you…

Cottage Blessings

She is actually doing a Giveaway that ends today!Giveaway country cottage CLICK on the picture and sign up! 

And while you’re at it, follow her too!  Ok?

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Mama’s Cookbook Shoppe

WARNING: This a shameless plug.  *grin*

 I don’t know if you have noticed that I have a shop on etsy; hence, the advertisement on the side bar of my blog.

What makes it so special?  Cookbooks

Lots of Cookbooks!  A variety of Cookbooks!

Old Cookbooks!

Cookbooks that are 20 years old and are part of your lifetime that you wonder how time flies…and wonder why you are that old that it would be called old or even vintage.

Oh, but there are a quite a few that aren’t part of your lifetime.  That probably makes you feel a little bit better.

I would like to introduce you to…

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I named it Mama’s Cookbook Shoppe because when I think of recipes, cooking and baking…I think of my mom.

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It was when I would come home from school, or doing homework in my bedroom, or coming in from playing outside that she would magically transform our home’s atmosphere with the wondrous smell of goodness coming out of the kitchen.

To me, it was MAGIC!  But really, it was the countless recipes she had learned throughout the years, and the countless cookbooks she had in the cupboards.  They created this MAGIC!

Can you tell I’m high on nostalgia? 

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I wanted to create a shoppe full of Vintage Cookbooks that were used to create wondrous meals, scrumptious goodies, wonderful memories, and timeless traditions.

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Here’s a few of my most Favorited cookbooks in my shoppe with their excerpts:HPIM6727 Aunt Jenny’s Favorite Recipes 1940’s

Calvin: "How did you ever decide what recipes to put in this book of yours, Jenny? Why, you must know thousands!"
Jenny: "Well, Calvin, I knew folks would want receipts (recipes) for every day - not too fussy or hard on the pocketbook, but good-tastin'. These sure are - an' so digestible even a child can eat 'em, for they're all made the Spry way."

 

HPIM6661 Heart Of The Home by Susan Branch 1986

"The recipes in Heart Of The Home emphasize simple preparation and fresh food and they will take you through the seasons, from a Fourth of July picnic to a Valentine's Day celebration, and from warming winter meals to light, summery menus. They are many times tried and known to be true." Susan Branch

 

HPIM6785Cookie Book 1977

"Here are chocolate chip cookies, peanut butter cookies, oatmeal and fudge cookies that are baked not only for children, but for everyone who knows that a house becomes a home when there is a jar filled to the brim with homemade cookies. And there are other kinds of cookies too; there are Delicate, Rolled, Lacy Ginger Cookies, Macaroons and Almond Crusted Butter Bars, Chocolate Truffles laden with Rum, and Pfeffernusse rolled in powdered sugar and left to season for a week. These are for the adults who have learned how to wait for the very best." Irena Chalmers

 

DSC_0058.NEF Watkins Cook Book 1926

"Simply call upon Watkins good old-fashioned helps to make each meal a splendidly different treat - even to the most jaded appetite... This little unpretentious book is an example of our effort to be helpful to you. Anyone could print a number of recipes on paper and call it a cook book. YOU alone could prove if it were, really... By using those superb Watkins 'custom-made' quality spices, flavors and baking powder, you create your own insurance against failure...”

 

HPIM6856Ceil Dyer’s Coffee Cookery 1978

"You'll find recipes in this book using coffee as an ingredient. Coffee adds its unique flavor to satin-smooth custards, sinfully rich puddings, elegant soufflés and frozen delights - all guaranteed to enhance your reputation as an inspired cook. Then there are the coffee candies, cookies and an assortment of subtly flavored sauces to transform simple ice cream and plain custards into glamorous desserts. You'll enjoy my collection of main course non-sweet dishes flavored very subtly with coffee. You won't taste the coffee, but you'll notice the enhanced flavor of the dish." Ceil Dyer

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Each listing has a photo of a recipe in the book for you to sample.  Plus, I do give a short list of the recipes from the books.DSC_0061.NEF Watkins Cook Book 1926

So put on your…

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and come by and visit my shoppe and see what’s in stock and try out those sample recipes!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Giving Challenge #2

This Giving Challenge has been quite an eye opener for me.

Never did I realize how much I think of my own self, wants and needs until recently.

This life is not about ME.  This life is about serving God and others, as our God taught us:

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Matthew 22:37-39
Jesus replied: ‘LOVE the Lord your God with ALL your HEART and with ALL your SOUL and will ALL your STRENGTH and with ALL your MIND.’  THIS is the FIRST and GREATEST COMMANDMENT.  And the SECOND is like it: ‘LOVE your NEIGHBOR as yourself.’” 
 
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Jesus and Others and You
What a Wonderful Way to Spell JOY
J is for Jesus, for He takes first place
O is for Others you meet face to face
Y is for You, and whatever you do,
Put yourself last and spell JOY
 
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Giving Challenge #2
There is a dear lady that has done my hair for years.  She will never receive a payment from me, nor from my parents when she gives my mom a perm.
She has been a 2nd mom to me, and is a great example of humility.
So…
…knowing how she LOVES to take baths, I chose a recipe straight of a Gooseberry Patch Book.
 
DSC_0038.NEF I had completely forgotten I had this book, silly me! 
The recipe is for a Strawberries & Cream Milk Bath.  DSC_0035.NEF The only problem is…I couldn’t find Strawberry Essential Oil.
So I went with the next best thing…Lemongrass!
#1  Pour 1 cup of powdered milk and 3/4 cup sea salt in a large bowl; mix well.DSC_0039.NEFDSC_0040.NEFDSC_0041.NEF
 
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*psst!  I just had to point out the lovely vintage Pyrex bowl my mom has had since…well, you probably can tell.DSC_0042.NEF
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Now back to our regularly scheduled recipe.
#2  Scoop about 1/2 cup of the mixture into a smaller bowl.DSC_0044.NEF
#3   Sprinkle 1/4 tsp. of your most favorited essential oil over the mix in the small bowl; stir well.DSC_0046.NEF DSC_0047.NEF 
#4  Add oil mix back into the large bowl; mix well.DSC_0048.NEF
#5  Store in an airtight container.DSC_0054.NEF I couldn’t believe this Goodwill find actually held the exact amount I made!  Perfect!
#6  Attach a gift tag with instructions.  Yes, I learned from my last gift.  Instructions can be pretty handy.DSC_0056.NEFI cut out a strip of colored paper and folded it.
Then I wrote a special note to the special lady on the inside and also the instructions. 
With the name of the milk bath on top, I punched a hole in the top corner to slip the ribbon through.
And Tah dah!
Lemongrassy Goodness in a JarDSC_0061.NEF
 Click Picture Below to find this Gooseberry Patch Book on Amazon.com
Gifts for Giving: Gift Mixes & Delights from the Kitchen, Plus Year Round Ideas for Wrapping It Up & Giving (Gooseberry Patch)

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I dropped by my dear friend’s house out of the blue as she was preparing dinner.
We chatted for a bit, and then I handed her this Milk Bath.  With a, “you didn’t have to do that!”, from her and a, “yes, I did!”, from me, she opened up the jar and just said, “Mmmmm!”
With a hug, I thanked her for what she has done for us.
We just LOVE her!  God bless you Linda!
 
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American Cookery volume nov. 1921 pic.jpg 2
Now it’s your turn to share your own personal story for this week’s Giving Challenge on your blog!
Then link up your Giving Challenge blog post to the Mister Linky below.
If you don’t have a blog, go ahead and share us
your Giving Challenge in the comments of this post.
 


Blog Blessing

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Giving Challenge #2 Reminder

This little Spring Bird wants to remind you…

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…It’s that time again to GIVE!

What do you need to do?

Let me remind you…

The Giving Challenge Guidelines

1.  Create: cook, bake, sew, paste, drill, paint….  This challenge is meant to use your creative abilities.  What do you love to create?  That’s all I’m asking, and what I’m doing.  Do what you love and go one step further.

2.  Give to someone once a week.

3.  Pray.  At the beginning of each week, ask God who He wants you to bless .  I know it’s mid-week now, but you have time…don’t you?

4.  Post your Giving Challenge every Friday, on your blogTell us what you made, who you gave it to, and what their reaction was, and so on.  If you aren’t comfortable sharing who you gave it to and/or their reaction, that’s okay.  Just share with us what you did to bless that person.

5.  Share your Giving Challenge blog post in the Mister Linky that I will attach with my blog post of my Giving Challenge on Friday.

Will you join me in this week’s challenge?

Share it with your friends and get a givin’!

My Love For Drying Racks…and Giveaways

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Just over yonder, I heard that Homestead Revival is doing a Giveaway!

A Giveaway, I say, for one of my loves in life; the good ole’ Drying Rack

Ah yes!  Drying racks are wonderful!  They save money and help prolong the life of your clothing!

They are so wonderful, that the one I used to have plumb wore out on me.  That’s what I get for getting one from Wally world.

So…

Homestead Revival will be giving away Forgotten Way Blog’s (a.k.a. homesteaddryingracks.com) very own handcrafted Pioneer Drying Rack.

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So, get yourself over to Homestead Revival and ENTER by March 25th! 

HERE is more info on the Pioneer Drying Rack.

*Did I say Homestead Revival too much. 

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Oh!  And while you’re here, I should tell you that Forgotten Way is doing their own Giveaway!

There is a DVD on herb’s that they have found very helpful.  It is called “Making Herbs Simple”.

Get on over to Forgotten Way and ENTER to WIN the “Making Herbs Simple” DVD.  

This Giveaway ends Thursday, March 24th.  I know, it’s tomorrow…but hurry, hurry, Hurry!

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

facebook ban

Do you have a profile on facebook?

Do you spend countless hours trying to keep up with all your friends status’?

Do you send countless requests from your favorite facebook game…Frontierville *grin*…and annoy your friends?

Do your friends “poke” you and you wonder what the point is?

Well, I have a solution for you!

facebook ban!

Yes, facebook ban will save your life…literally!

You will find you have a life!

You will spend countless hours with the one’s you love…in person!

You will have time to play games with your family!

And when someone pokes you,

you can poke them right back with your own pointy finger!

Try it today!

facebook ban…let’s get back to livin’ your life instead of wasting it!

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FYI: I have committed to staying off of facebook for the month of March.  It’s amazing what more you can do in your daily life when facebook isn’t there. 

Let’s commit to banning anything that replaces your relationship with God, family and friends.  Let’s get back to the simple pleasures in life!

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Thursday, March 17, 2011

The Giving Challenge #1


When God asked me to do this, I was really excited because I knew how much it would bless others.   

But…

I was SO scared.  Why?  Because I didn’t feel worthy enough to take this on.

Here’s another but. 

BUT I knew God wanted me to do this.  So I pressed on!
 
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I had a hard time finding who I wanted to Give to this week.  There are SO many great people in my life!
There was one person that has stuck in my mind that I really wanted to do something for.  She has blessed me by providing a house-cleaning job when I needed it the most.  So I started with her.


A Blessing for a Blessing!

So, can you guess what I did for my first Giving ChallengeBaked, but of course.
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I made a Cherry Pie In A Jar!  The idea came from the blog “Explore The Cabin”Click on the link to find the recipe….a very easy, yet creative recipe!
For the pie crust; I used the Butter Pie Crust recipe from Aunt Ruthie from Sugar Pie Farmhouse

OH MY, that crust was GOOD and Easy, also! 

I have a love/hate relationship with pie crusts…but not this one! 

The Almost Finished ProductDSC_0011.NEF
THE Finished ProductDSC_0019.NEF

As I wrote out a card to thank her for providing extra income for me, I couldn’t help but feel complete GRATITUDE.

Of course, I was always thankful for this extra job…but in doing this for her, my heart was just smiling with GRATITUDE for her.  She was an instrument in God’s hands in helping me in tight financial times.

DSC_0021.NEFThank you Mrs. D.!

When she was gone, I left this on her counter as I continued cleaning her house.

She returned home a little earlier than I expected.  But with that, I got a surprised “thank you!”…and a “what do I do with it"?.

Oops!  I didn’t think to put instructions to say “This is your own personal slice of pie that you can eat right from the jar”.

*note to self:  put instructions on things that are a little out of the ordinary.
granny_with_pie copySo, tell me…what did you do for this week’s Giving Challenge?

Share your Giving Challenge story that you posted on your blog in the Mister Linky below.


Giving Challenge Reminder

Friday, I will be posting my Giving Challenge for the week.

Have you been working on yours?

Or

Have you not yet heard of the Giving Challenge?

If you haven’t, scroll down 2 posts and read the Challenge I have given myself and others.  Join us, will you?

good housekeeping, cat and child

I can’t wait to hear what God will do through your giving this week!

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

“Personally…

Esthers-room-vanity-512x384

… I think I have too much bloom.”

Judy Garland as Esther in Meet Me In St. Louis”.

If you haven’t seen it,…see it!!  It’s up there in the best musicals ever made list…that is if there is a list….which in case there is because it’s my list.

You’ll LOVE it!

Meet Me In St. Louis (Two-Disc Special Edition) 

Click here to find it on Amazon.com

Friday, March 11, 2011

The Giving Challenge

Something has spurred me on.  Spurred me on to Give.

Little things I have read.

Watching a TV show.

Creative thoughts in my daily activities.

Memories of others Giving to us.

And even today’s tragic events.

What can I do?  How can I give? 

How can I encourage?  Where do I start?

God has spurred me on.  To go beyond myself and my weakness’.

To go beyond myself and my strengths.

This is my challenge. 

The Giving Challenge.

Join me in The Giving Challenge, as I challenge myself to give more.2768

Here’s what we can do…
 
The Giving Challenge Guidelines:

1.  Create: cook, bake, sew, paste, drill, paint….  This challenge is meant to use your creative abilities.  What do you love to create?  That’s all I’m asking, and what I’m doing.  Do what you love and go one step further.

sewing
2.  Give to someone once a week.

3.  Pray.  At the beginning of each week, ask God who He wants you to bless . 

4.  Post your Giving Challenge every Friday, on your blog.  Tell us what you made, who you gave it to, and what their reaction was, and so on.  If you aren’t comfortable sharing who you gave it to and/or their reaction, that’s okay.  Just share with us what you did to bless that person.

5.  Share your blog post in the Mister Linky that I will attach with my blog post of my Giving Challenge on Friday.

Will you join me? 
 
Invite your friends.  Let’s start a revolution of Giving
It’s what our Lord has asked us to do.
Bless others, and you will be blessed.
 
Give, and it will be given to you.”  Luke 6:38
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If you need a little help on what to create; here’s a book from Gooseberry Patch, which was one of my inspirations for this challenge.  Click on the picture below to find it on Amazon.com. 

It's on my list to buy!
Gooseberry Patch Recipes for Kindness (Ideas to inspire, delicious recipes to share, and heartfelt ways to give back.)

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

“Newhart”

When I was a little girl, I watched the TV Show “Newhart” with my dad. 

Once that theme song came on, it was time with Dad.

Just recently, I found out how much that theme song has become a comfort to me.  I always enjoyed it when I was little, but now I believe it was the time spent with my dad that brings warm thoughts to that little ditty.

You know, if I ever visit Vermont, I FULLY expect that theme song to magically appear out of nowhere.  I will be thoroughly disappointed if it doesn’t. 

*note to self: make sure to download the theme song on your ipod, just in case….that is if I ever go to Vermont.

In the middle of the video, notice the little dog trotting.  It seems that he has the song in his little doggie heart as he trots to the beat of the music. 

What song do y’all have a special comfort in?

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