I always enjoy visiting Brenda over at Coffee, Tea, Books and Me! She writes wise, thought-provoking posts, and this post is no exception. She wrote about 'forced simplicity'...and it's one I think everyone should read!
This particular paragraph really jumped out at me:
"I was still pondering it when I arrived home to set the breakfast dishes soaking and prepare a new lentil recipe in the Crock Pot. I was thinking of how the economy is affecting our family today and the realization came that Recessions (and Depressions) force simplicity on people, whether they like it or not. How much better to embrace a simpler life rather than yearn for the days when purchasing required little thought or creativity."
Amen and amen! Be sure to head on over to Brenda's blog and read it all! It's definitely something to think about!
I've always been a big believer in finding the simple joys and pleasures in life regardless of how much money we have, but Brenda writes about the topic much better and more eloquently than I ever could!
Yes, money is important...but it's not what makes a happy home or contented children (or mama or daddy).
Whoa! By the time I'm finally getting around to adding fall mantel decorating ideas...no one probably cares! LOL Everyone has already done autumn decorating and will now be looking for holiday ideas!
But in any case, I'd thought I'd share a few ideas for future reference. If I know where an image originates, I will include it. Also, be sure (if you haven't already) to check out my friend Ruthann's (Warm Pie, Happy Home) beautiful fall mantel in this post. She uses twinkle lights with silk autumn leaves! Gorgeous. BTW, she put up a new post today called 'Snickerdoodlin'...You'll love it! It's not only about cookies...it's also about using our speech to bless our children!
And my friend, Kelli, over at There's No Place Like Home, has a beautifully decorated mantel for fall as well. She did a post a while back on her 'autumn' living room...lovely as always. You can find that link here!
Oh, I could go on and on about many of my friends and their decorating skills. There are lots of talented ladies out there!
How about a natural mantel decoration from things you find on an autumn nature walk? This link also from about.com.
From countryliving.com...Now, I realize that this is really not a mantel photo, but couldn't you see a grouping like this sitting atop a mantel?? I just love glass cloches!
Or two of these on either end with silk autumn leaves in between? Also from countryliving.com
Or even some of these all in a row? countryliving.com It doesn't have to be elaborate to be elegant!
I realize that the possibilities for decorating mantels are endless! You could even put two glass hurricane globes on either end of a mantel and fill them with tiny faux pumpkins or gourds. As with many things, if a decorating idea appeals to you and you like it, that's what matters. And it doesn't have to be expensive either. In fact, I enjoy simple candles adorning my mantel at times!
If any of you have photos of your mantels all decked out for autumn, I'd love to see them!
I haven't posted my current book stack in quite some time, so I thought I'd share what I've been reading (or re-reading) lately. I just took a full basket basket to the library a couple of days ago, but as you can see, I'm still not lacking for reading material. And after taking a good look at the photo, I think I must have three things on the brain...home decorating, food, and saving money! LOL
From top to bottom:
~Mary Engelbreit's Cookies Cookbook by Mary Engelbreit
~Living Well on a Shoestring by the editors at Yankee Magazine
~Debt Proof Living by Mary Hunt
~A Currier and Ives Christmas: Short Stories by Lynn Coleman, JoAnn Grote, DiAnn Mills, and Deborah Raney
~Daughters of Destiny by Noelle Wheeler Goforth
~Exploring Autumn by Sandra Markle
~The Tightwad Gazette Volumes I, II, III by Amy Dacyzn (I don't know how many times I've read these!)
~Back to the Table by Art Smith
~Mary Engelbreit's Outdoor Companion by Mary Engelbreit
~Mary Engelbreit's Children's Companion by Mary Engelbreit
~A Return to Sunday Dinner by Russell Cronkhite
Now on to what I'm currently enjoying in the area of magazines and catalogs:
~Martha Stewart Living
~Country Living
~Romantic Homes
~TEACH Magazine
~Southern Lady
~Gooseberry Patch current catalog
And I thought I'd throw in one more book. It's one I'd LOVE to have when it comes out in November. I saw a review of this book in the newest issue of Romantic Homes, and it looks exactly like something we'd really enjoy around here!
Stitched in Time by Alicia Paulson
Do check out her site and blog! Lovely!
Is this idea neat or what????!!! Head over to Storybook Woods and check it out! Clarice always has the most beautiful photos, craft projects, and recipes! You're in for a treat!
First of all, I had a giggle over Rebecca's comment about my clothesline being the 'Grand Canyon' of clotheslines. That was hilarious to me...because sometimes I feel as though I have enough laundry to FILL the Grand Canyon...and then some!
In other comments, Nerd Mom had some concerns about pollen, stiffness, and dirt. Jilann also said she line dried a good bit, but she too didn't like the stiffness. And my friend at Blessing Hill said that she would like to hang out laundry, but where she lives, they can't have a clothesline.
Where we live, we always seem to have a good breeze blowing. I guess because we live in a spot that is surrounded by fields, there isn't a lot of vegetation blocking the wind?? Maybe?? So our clothes don't dry 'dead weight'! They are blowing in the wind which does seem to cut down on the 'shingle syndrome'! LOL Anyway, although my children say there is still some stiffness to our clothes that we didn't have with inside drying, it's not enough to be prohibitive. But yes...I guess it does take some getting used to...if there is such a thing! I've never tried fabric softener to combat the stiffness, but I guess that's a possibility too.
My clothesline is in a grassy area, so I don't deal with many dirt issues...unless my farmer cousin is plowing, combining, harrowing, etc. At those times, I don't hang out clothes...I wait until he's done.
Now, pollen can certainly be an issue as my clothesline is right near a huge pecan tree. In fact, our house is situated right in the middle of several large pecan trees...great for shade...terrible for pollen! There are three (sometimes four) family members on allergy medicine, but that would be true regardless of whether I hung out my clothes or not. They were taking it before we started hanging out clothes again. Also, we happen to live in an area that has one of the highest pollen counts in the USA. But two of my children only seem to have allergy issues in the spring.
If the pollen was really, really, really bad, I'd have to re-examine hanging out clothes temporarily. We were blessed to have a good bit of rain this past year as well, so that helped settle the pollen a lot as well. But I have hung clothes on hangers over my bathtub or on an inside drying rack at times, and that's also a solution (on a small scale).
As mentioned above, Blessing Hill was saying that where she lives, she can't have a clothesline. I've heard that many areas/neighborhoods don't allow clotheslines. Since we've almost always lived out in the country in a rural area on the family farm, we've never run into that situation. Is it supposedly for the asthetic concerns or for the space consideration in the neighborhoods where it's prohibited? Y'all will have to fill me in on that one! LOL But I hope that my friend at Blessing Hill will get to have her clothesline when she is able! And thanks for your sweet words about 'clothesline' memories as well!
I guess you could say that the financial gains (aka the need to lower the light bill) are overriding the other issues at the present! Plus, as I said in the previous post, there is also the personal satisfaction and enjoyment factor (for me) as well! As John (our four year old) likes to say...I 'yike' it!
In our never-ending quest to save money, my sweet husband decided it was time to repair our clothesline that was snapped and the end pieces broken when a large pecan limb fell on it a while back.
Thirteen lines, folks! Over 250 feet of clothesline! I have teased him by saying that he wanted me to have an 'industrial' style clothesline. I can dry my clothes plus those of everyone here in our little rural area!
But what a blessing. Because number one...I ENJOY hanging out clothes. And the weather has been perfect for line drying! We are beginning to have some cooler mornings and afternoons, and the days have been breezy. The clothes are drying quickly, but they are also moving in the wind enough to keep them from drying like shingles...stiff! And they smell wonderful! Full of fresh air and sunshine!
And number two, we can already tell a difference by watching the numbers on the meter box. We have been recording the readings every few days, and we have been shocked how much power our front loading Frigidaire dryer was using!
It's really not a chore that I mind, and the dividends are worth the effort! And the children have been helping me a good bit which fosters character building and responsibility. And I just had another thought. When people comment on our family size, instead of the usual quip about 'hands full-heart full', I could say...yes, our clothesline is full...but our hearts are also! LOL Just a little variation there!
And an added benefit...I'm actually keeping up with my laundry better. Go figure! I think I just like getting outside! But seriously, I have made a commitment to myself to use only one laundry basket...that means it must be empty before I fill it with more clothes either to hang out or put away. And I'm folding the clothes as they come off the line...which really helps!
And last of all...and I know this may sound silly...hanging out clothes brings back great memories of when I was a little girl! It's nostalgic 'therapy' in a way! My mother and grandmother both hung out laundry, and I can remember playing among the towels and sheets that were hanging on the line. Oh the smells and the happy moments! I always wanted to get big enough to hang out the clothes like a 'Little Suzy Homemaker'...and now I have all I could ever hope for...and then some! LOL I just never figured on SIX dirty clothes makers! LOL Oh well, I do enjoy the task, and I'm thankful for every shirt, every diaper, every sheet, and every towel that I hang on the line. Yes, we may have a lot of laundry, but that means we have lots of 'little blessings' as well!
Speaking of laundry, I must get the last load 'pegged' and flapping in the breeze! Take care and have a delightful and blessed afternoon!
Do you ever come home from church with your toes hurting because they've been 'stepped on'... I do. Even though my husband is the pastor of our church, I often feel as though he's preaching right to me! And he feels as though he's preaching to himself!
On Sunday, Chad talked about the power of the tongue...and it hit the mark! He was in the Navy, and he mentioned how large an aircraft carrier or even a destroyer ship can be. Thousands of men can live on one vessel, and it's like a small world in itself...even though it's huge in size. In fact, one ship can house almost the whole population of a nearby town. That's putting things into perspective. But just think...that massive ship is controlled by what? Yes, its path is directed by a very small rudder! Wow!
And think about how large a horse is. But what tiny thing can control and direct such a large animal? A small bit in the mouth! Wow again!
Does my tongue get away from me? Yes, I'm afraid that sometimes it does! That tiny little member of the body can cause big damage if I'm not careful! And then the tongue becomes as a fire, a world of iniquity! And how fast can that fire spread?
I remember when I was about six or seven years old, and I was home sick from school. My daddy was home sick too, so my mama and my sister had gone on to the school we attended and where my mother worked as a teacher's aid at the time. I was feeling better, but not quite ready to leave the house. But my daddy was just getting to the really "feeling terrible" stage. I guess you could say I was feeling good enough to get into some bad trouble, and I did.
I started striking matches and lighting the straws of an old decorative antique brush-broom that hung on the den wall. I'd quickly blow out the flame, and then I'd strike another match and light another broom straw. But suddenly, the fire got away from me and the whole broom erupted into flames that were starting to reach to the ceiling. I screamed, and my poor daddy came running! He quickly smothered out the fire, and threw the smoldering broom out onto the patio. Then he turned his attention to me...and let's just say that with that 'pressure to the bottom' discipline, I learned a very important lesson about playing with fire! LOL I needed it!
I've never forgotten how fast those flames jumped the boundaries of my control! Can my words, spoken in anger or hurt, fan and flame out of my control just as quickly?
Consider James 3:2-8:
2For in many things we offend all. If any man offend not in word, the same is a perfect man, and able also to bridle the whole body.
3Behold, we put bits in the horses' mouths, that they may obey us; and we turn about their whole body.
4Behold also the ships, which though they be so great, and are driven of fierce winds, yet are they turned about with a very small helm, whithersoever the governor listeth.
5Even so the tongue is a little member, and boasteth great things. Behold, how great a matter a little fire kindleth!
6And the tongue is a fire, a world of iniquity: so is the tongue among our members, that it defileth the whole body, and setteth on fire the course of nature; and it is set on fire of hell.
7For every kind of beasts, and of birds, and of serpents, and of things in the sea, is tamed, and hath been tamed of mankind:
8But the tongue can no man tame; it is an unruly evil, full of deadly poison.
I pray I'll keep a check on my bit and rudder and keep them in good working condition! But thank the Lord, we can pray for wisdom, discretion, self-control, and a guard for the mouth! The Lord will give us the wisdom we need as we try to control that smallest (but most powerful) member of the body!
I can be encouraged with the following:
James 3:17-18 17But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy.
18And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace.
It's fair time around here again, and the children have all been busy! I'll be posting more photos of projects, but today I'm going to share Elisabeth's colored pencil drawing entry that she entitled "Special of the Day." I thought it turned out wonderful...plus it makes me hungry!
It's absolutely amazing to me how many hours go into one drawing and the number of layers of colors that are used! But the results are worth all the hard work! Great job, Elisabeth!
Edited to add on 9/22: I didn't get to listen live to the interview, but Cindy has since edited and uploaded the MP3 audio here. I listened to it already, and it is great!
As I've said before, I enjoy all of Cindy Rushton's resources! Today, she will be interviewing Malia Russell of Homemaking 911 on the Mom-To-Mom Radio Show. The topic will be about preparing freezer meals. You can listen live at 1 pm CST (or 2 pm EST like me). To find out out to get into the conference room and listen, you can go here for more information. If you can't listen live, the link will be up later for download at your convenience. I love to download audios and podcasts onto my MP3 player to listen to when I go on my walks! It makes the time pass quickly...and I'm learning something profitable at the same time!
Be sure to browse the Mom-To-Mom archives for many great past shows! There are many wonderful resources out there for homemakers...all for free! You just have to know where to look!
I thought I'd share some autumn centerpiece ideas this morning. Some are ideas I've tried myself and some are ideas I've gleaned from other places. And my friend, Susan P., has been doing a lot of autumn decorating as well. She has posted a neat idea for a beautiful centerpiece and other autumn pretties here.
So here we go....
Here's the centerpiece I ended up using last year. It's simply an inverted cake dome filled with pine cones, little faux pumpkins and gourds, silk leaves, etc. and a candle in the middle. So easy!
And here was the first one I had last year...until I broke the hurricane globe.
But it too is so easy!
Now the next centerpieces shown are some I've found on the internet in various places. If I know where the image originated, I've tried to give credit. Also, some are images I've found in the past, but the original 'how-to' links have been removed from the page where I first found them. But most of these would be pretty easy to do or make...I think! LOL
bhg.com...I thought painted pumpkins were interesting!
Another 'painted pumpkins' photo from bhg.com
Okay, so this one is outside...but it could still be adapted for a centerpiece inside with a smaller urn...also from bhg.com
I'm sorry...I'm getting carried away! But I had to sneak this in...even though my post is about centerpieces! LOL But actually I can picture this in miniature on a dining table!
Can you imagine THIS on your table???? bhg.com
bhg.com...Yes, it's a wreath, but it COULD be put in the center of a table with a potted plant in the middle....couldn't it??
From Mrs. Wilt at The Sparrow's Nest. The how-to link is here.
Okay...last one! From floralexpressions-sk.com...Can't you just picture YOUR 'initialized' pumpkin centerpiece?? Lovely!
There are so many great ideas out there for autumn center pieces, aren't there? Thanks for coming by and checking out my finds! Do you have a favorite?
I'm hoping I will keep a connection long enough to post this, but we are having 'issues' with our DSL internet service today. I had planned on doing a post on autumn centerpieces, but after I had typed out the whole thing, with pictures and everything, I lost it when I tried to publish! Arrgghhhh!
So, hopefully tomorrow, I can get it up. I have some REALLY cute things to share! Plus, I have tried to visit some of my 'friends' today, but I keep 'losing' them when my service is constantly interrupted. Oh well, maybe tomorrow...after all, tomorrow IS another day!
Yay! Ruthann over at Warm Pie, Happy Home has posted Part Two of her 'Getting Your Home Ready for Autumn' series! Many great ideas, beautiful photos of her gorgeous home all decorated for fall, and lots of down home advice and encouragement await you at Warm Pie, Happy Home! Hurry, hurry...grab a cup of coffee and head over there quick! Thank you, Ruthann, for such a delightful treat!
I thought I'd shake the dust off a few old posts from last autumn and also add a few new ideas in a series of posts entitled "Fall Fancies". And please feel free to jump in and share your own ideas on this post or in upcoming posts.
So, here's an oldie but goodie from last year on how to create a faux pumpkin decoration from vinyl duct and spray paint. I hope you enjoy this 'crafting' post. Next up will be autumn centerpieces!
Pretty Faux Pumpkin Craft Idea...originally posted on October 22, 2007.
I'd like to share a really cute autumn craft idea with you...and it's a very easy (and potentially cheap) project as well. I spent NO MONEY on this faux pumpkin, as I used left-over materials. I got the idea from one of my mama's thrift finds. We don't 'do' Halloween, but I do enjoy using pumpkins in autumn decor.
To make this precious pumpkin, you will need the following items:
~Flexible vinyl duct such as you would use to vent a dryer...I used 4" diameter
~Glue Gun
~Orange spray paint
~A section of brown paper craft rafia or something similar
First, I cut the length of duct I needed to use to make the size pumpkin I wanted. Then I simply hot glued the ends together to make the round shape.
Next, I took my 'pumpkin' outside and gave it a coat of orange spray paint. Then I stuck in my twisted brown paper rafia 'stem' (you could add some leaves), and voila!
It's been some time since I shared one of Elisabeth's Home's 'Cool' Comics. Here's the one she did for our homeschool group's September newsletter.
The Home's 'Cool' Comic
September 2008
by Elisabeth
You can click on the image to see it better if you can't read the words. It will take you to Flickr where you can click on the button labeled 'all sizes' to make it large.
I'm getting my first taste of children growing up...I blinked and now my twin daughters are seniors this year. I realize that I still have a long way to go before I really know what 'letting go' feels like, and some of you veteran homeschool moms with older children could really fill me in on what's to come. But then again, weren't Erin and Elisabeth just starting kindergarten last year??!! It seems that way! So ladies, hold those little ones close and enjoy this season. It may seem long and hard, but it will be over before we know it!
I read about The West Girls on the blog, Eyes of Wonder. And I found their video to 'Green Beans in the Garden' on YouTube. Wow! These ladies can
'shore nuff' sing! LOL Oh the simple joys of a simple life...and the words of the song really put things into perspective! If we have our basic needs met and our families are happy and healthy, we truly do have a lot to be thankful for! God has blessed us beyond measure!
Salmon croquettes (or patties) are a favorite in our house! Many times I will serve the salmon with veggies and cornbread, but sometimes we have them with grits and other fixins'....yum! I fry the croquettes in this recipe, but I have baked them in the oven before as well with good results. But for me, salmon croquettes are a 'comfort food', and they just taste better fried!
Salmon Croquettes
1 (15oz.) can salmon
1 egg
½ c. flour (I used whole wheat)
½tsp. salt
1 ½ tsp. baking powder
finely chopped onion (to preference...I like a lot)
pepper to taste
Drain salmon, reserving liquid. Put salmon in bowl and remove skin and bones (unless you like them); add egg. Mix well. In a small bowl, combine flour, salt, and baking powder; add to salmon mixture and stir in minced onion. Next, add reserved liquid to desired consistency; I added all the reserved liquid, and it was just right!
Drop by tablespoonfuls, or pat small amount of the salmon mixture into a patty shape. Fry to golden brown in hot oil in cast iron skillet. I use olive oil and heat it on medium high until drops of water sizzle before adding the patties. Drain on paper towels. Serve hot and enjoy!
It's Friday once again...time for Show and Tell over my dear friend Kelli's blog, There's No Place Like Home!
I thought that today I'd share some photos of some of the wonderful things I received for my birthday back on August 22nd. Of course, we still haven't celebrated with my sister and her family, so we'll be birthday party-ing again this weekend. My sister's birthday is August 20, two days before mine, and my mama's was a couple of days ago on September 3rd. So we always try to get together sometime during those two weeks to celebrate all three of our birthdays together.
Below are some of the delightful gifts I received. But first let me tell you that my husband came home with the most beautiful flowers for me on my birthday. We were supposed to go out that evening for shopping and a meal, but there were tornado watches in our area that day...so no go. I was disappointed, but lovely flowers, a sweet card, and seafood from a local restaurant helped my feelings a great deal! On Labor Day, we finally were able to have my birthday outing! I'm sad to say that I didn't get a photo of my flowers before they were too far gone, but they were gorgeous...sort of English cottage-y style! He also said that we will try to get a saucepan to start a collection of blue Le Crueset cookware just as soon as we are able to. That will be a great birthday gift from my family! Yay! Thank you to my wonderful, generous husband and my sweet children! I am blessed!
So here we go....
A beautiful 'cottage style' electric tart warmer from my dear friend Beth! And she also included three delicious smelling wax tarts...vanilla bean, sweet lemon, and ocean breeze! The scent from this warmer can be smelled from one end of our home to the other! Yum! She also wrote me the sweetest note and even a post on her blog wishing me a happy birthday! I appreciated her words as much as the gift. Thank you, Sis. Beth! Love you too!
From Erin and Elisabeth:
A beautiful custom sewn apron...modeled by Ellie! And....
A 2009 Gooseberry Patch wall calendar and a GP 2009 appointment calendar. Thank you, girls...I love my gifts!
From Ellie:
A new Thomas Kinkade autumn flag! Gorgeous! Love it, Ellie! Thank you!
From my mama and daddy:
A red "You Are Special Today" plate...and....
This lovely Ashley Comforter Set from J.C. Penny. We ordered a queen since we have a queen sized bed...but it was way too big. So I am having to send it back for an exchange. But this a photo from the Penney's website to show you what our bedding WILL look like...soon! I love it! Thank you, Mama and Daddy!
From my sisters-in-law, Phyllis and Karen....
This beautiful framed 'prayer' print! I have it propped up on top of my step-back bookcases until I find the perfect spot to hang it! It's beautiful! Thank you to my two sweet sisters-in-law who are also some of my dearest friends! Love you both!
And from my mother-in-law and father-in-law who have always loved me and treated me like one of their own children....
This beautiful red leather journal with matching notepad! They know I love to write, so they are encouraging me in that endeavor with some gorgeous tools of the trade! Thank you both so much! I love you!
I also received many phone calls, emails, comments, and birthday cards! I had a wonderful birthday, and thank you for letting me share my gifts with you!
Be sure to head on over to Kelli's for more great Show and Tell posts!
In my post yesterday, I can't believe I left out a very important substitution...one that I use constantly. So I decided this ingredient needed its very own post! LOL
If you are out of self rising flour...no problem. Just add 1/2 tsp. salt and 1 tsp. baking powder to one cup of all purpose flour, mix, and voile...you have self-rising flour! Easy as pie...or cake...or biscuits...or muffins...or....you fill in the blank! LOL
Coming up soon...fall cleaning and decorating our home for autumn!
I'm the Queen of Substitution when I cook, and I've found the information below to be helpful. In fact, I taped the following chart into my bake center for quick reference. I thought some of you might appreciate this information too!
Emergency Kitchen Substitutions
1 egg = 1 T. cornstarch and 3 T. water or
1 egg = 1 T. water + 2 T. corn oil
1 tsp. baking powder = 1/4 tsp. baking soda and 1/2 cup buttermilk
1 c. cake flour = 1 cup minus 2 T. all-purpose flour
1 T. cornstarch = 2 T. flour (as thickener)
1 cake compressed yeast = 1 pkg. or 2 tsp. active dry yeast
1 c. whole milk = 1/2 c. evaporated milk + 1/2 c. water
1 c. whole milk = 1 c. reconstituted milk + 2 1/2 tsp. butter
1 c. buttermilk = 1 c. milk + 1 T. lemon juice or vinegar
1 whole egg = 2 egg yolks
1 square unsweetened chocolate = 3 T. cocoa + 1 T. butter
1 T. fresh herbs = 1 tsp. dried herbs
1 small fresh onion = 1 T. instant minced onion
1 tsp. dry mustard = 1 T. prepared mustard
1 clove garlic = 1/8 tsp. garlic powder
1 c. tomato juice = 1/2 c. tomato sauce + 1/2 c. water
1 c. ketchup = 1 c. tomato sauce, 1/2 c. sugar and 2 T. vinegar (cooking only)
juice of one lemon = 3 T. lemon juice
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar = 1 tsp. lemon juice
1 c. commerical sour cream = 1 c. yogurt
medium apple = 1 c. chopped
1 lb. cheese = 4 c. shredded
4 oz. macaroni = 1 to 1 1/4 c. dried macaroni noodles
Grain to Flour or Flakes Measurements
2/3 c. grain = 1 c. flour
1 c. oat groats = 2 c. flakes
3 c. flour = 1 lb. flour, approximately
1 c. rye berries = 2 c. flakes
2 1/4 c. wheat berries = 1 lb. wheat = approximately 3 3/4 c. flour
A 6-gal. bucked of wheat berries will yield approximately 158 c. ground flour
2 1/2 c. whole corn = 1 lb. corn = 4 1/4 c. ground cornmeal
A few kitchen hints
Trouble with all your popcorn kernels popping? Store popcorn in the fridge or freezer before popping!
Soup too salty? Add chopped raw potatoes while warming to absorb the salt, then discard them.
Cauliflower steamed with a wedge of lemon will be less bitter.
Overboil tea? Add a pinch of baking soda immediately to remove bitterness.
When honey starts to harden and sugar, set the container outdoors in direct sunlight on a warm, sunny day. The honey should return to its natural state, but it may take several days. Or place honey jar in a double boiler with water. Boil gently until honey thins.
Maple syrup can be substituted for granulated sugar in most recipes. Use
1 1/2 c. maple syrup for each 1 c. granulated sugar. Add 1/4 tsp. soda for each cup of syrup used as well.
To determine whether an egg is fresh, place it in a glass of water. If it sinks...it's fresh!
When pieces of broken eggshell fall into the bowl of eggs, scoop them out with a large piece of eggshell. Works like a magnet!
Oatmeal flakes can be used to thicken soups.
Ever wondered what a 'dash' of something is? A dash is always less than
1/8 tsp!
Healthier Sugar Substitutes:
1 c. refined sugar equals:
~1 c. raw sugar
~1 c. brown sugar
~1/2 c. honey
~1/2 c. molasses
~1/2 c. sorghum
~1 1/2 c. maple syrup
I'm a very happily married pastor's wife, former schoolteacher-turned-homeschool mom of six wonderful blessings, and freelance writer--and we live in the great state of Georgia! I'm a southern girl through and through...but most importantly, I'm a child of the King! This is my place to record thoughts about homemaking, our (soon to be) twelfth year of Classical-Charlotte Mason based homeschooling, writing around the fringes of family life, and more...so welcome to my little corner of the world!
From marthastewart.com
Leaf garland from bhg.com Instructions 
From southernlivingathome.com
From about.com...easy indoor fall decorating ideas...link 
Also from about.com...link 
How about a natural mantel decoration from things you find on an autumn nature walk? This 
Or two of these on either end with silk autumn leaves in between? Also from countryliving.com
Or even some of these all in a row? countryliving.com It doesn't have to be elaborate to be elegant!
Drying Clothes the South Georgia Blustery Day Way
bhg.com...link is 
Another from bhg.com (2006 link now gone)
From bhg.com...link is 
bhg.com...link is 
bhg.com...link now gone
bhg.com...link now gone
bhg.com...link now gone
bhg.com...link 
bhg.com...I thought painted pumpkins were interesting!
Another 'painted pumpkins' photo from bhg.com
Okay, so this one is outside...but it could still be adapted for a centerpiece inside with a smaller urn...also from bhg.com
Can you imagine THIS on your table???? bhg.com
bhg.com...Yes, it's a wreath, but it COULD be put in the center of a table with a potted plant in the middle....couldn't it??
From familyfun.com...directions are 
From cottageliving.com...link is 
From countryliving.com...how-to link is 
From Mrs. Wilt at The Sparrow's Nest. The how-to link is 
From floralexpressions-sk.com...Can't you just picture YOUR 'initialized' pumpkin centerpiece?? Lovely!
A new Thomas Kinkade autumn flag! Gorgeous! Love it, Ellie! Thank you!
A red "You Are Special Today" plate...and....
