American Girl Primitives-N-Such

Strawberry Pie

2011-06-10T12:19:00.000-07:00

Check out the new post on pie!

Vintage Kitchen Decorating and Family

2011-06-04T12:41:00.000-07:00

Check out my latest post here!

Easy Cinnamon Rolls

2011-05-20T11:33:00.000-07:00

Check out another post, for Easy Cinnamon Rolls!

Give Away Winner!

2011-05-18T05:46:00.000-07:00

Give Away winner announced here!

A Peek into my Farmhouse Kitchen and Give Away

2011-05-16T05:47:00.000-07:00

Good morning to you! Just a friendly reminder I would love to have all 200 plus followers again here with me. Please like me on facebook too. In about a month I will be closing this blog so please make sure you change your URL and bookmarks if you want to continue to follow me. I recently gave the kitchen some spring cleaning, moved some things around and I really like the less cluttered look. Click here for my most recent post! If you want to enter my give away there' still time, enter a comment here.

Blessings,
Carey

Decorating Inspiration

2011-05-11T15:17:00.000-07:00

Where do you get your decorating inspiration from? For me it's a combination of what I see in magazines, blogs (lately) and shopping displays. I love to window shop, ok maybe occasionally buy ;) things at my favorite decorating shops. When I lived in MO, before my kiddos came along I would drive about an hour to do just this...get inspiration. Liberty, MO Sometimes I would try to recreate what I saw exactly. I may get lucky and have some of the items already. Then other times I would buys key pieces and add, or take away others depending on what I liked. Another thing I might do is to buy other items at discount stores on the way home. That was always my last stop. If I really like the twenty dollar silk geranium I know Hobby Lobby would have something much cheaper. Also, some of those shops would buy from chains like Michael's or HL and mark up the item for resale. Here's an example of what I created from a magazine. I've had this for years in my files of things I love.

The inspiration photo, sorry it's not clearer.

If you look closely you can see the flower pots, chalkboard and little fence like in my hutch. They also have some old gardening tools mixed in with the pots, seed packets and nests. I think this is great for May, June decorating when so many of us are in the garden.

Give away Reminder go here, you have until Monday! Don't forget to visit my new blog and become a follower.

Blessings,

Carey

Spring Mantle Make-over

2011-05-10T05:27:00.000-07:00

Join me on my new blog, http://careysfarmhousekitchen.blogspot.com/

I'll show you what I did to change up my mantle.

Carey

Mother's Day & Spring Give Away

2011-05-09T07:53:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging friends, I hope you had a wonderful mother's day. We opted to go out Saturday night to avoid the crowds. Little did I realize people were celebrating prom and graduation. It was still busy. My kids gave me a peaceful day (I asked for no fighting) They made cards, placemats and flowers at school. I enjoyed my crepe breakfast, which is starting to be a tradition.

Me and my big girl, she is almost as tall as me now.

my boy needs a haircut, he is liking it long

Getting a picture of all of us was quite the challenge!

I have decided to proceed with my blog name change. Keep in mind that my content will stay the same. I still like prims to some extent and for more than one reason cannot afford to change my home completely over to a new decorating style. I just feel like getting back to my roots of country. I love old things and antiques. That will probably never change. I'm not into all white or shabby. While I love pastels they just don't speak to me the way a good dose of color does. I find myself really loving the farmhouse look. I also love the nod to Vintage kitchens especially dishes and tableclothes. I do like white because it does such a great job of acting as a backdrop to my colorful accents. I love all my prim friends and I would hate to lose any followers. I do understand though. You can expect more recipes, antique finds and decorating on my new blog.

Here's my new name and Blog address. I think the name fits and many of you agreed.

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen

Here's what you'll be getting, I went with a kithen coffee theme!

1. Cream Dishtowel/Soap Rack

2. Coffee Recipe cards

3. Coffee Mug with Multi-colored stripes

4. Dish towel

5. My favorite votive candle from Warm-Glo, Homespun Harvest

6. Latte Votive candle

My give away rules

1. Entry for Comment on new blog, please enter at Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen tell me about how your decorating style has changed or evolved over the years
2. Become a follower on my new blog
3. Become a fan on facebook
4. Post about my give away on your blog

You must live in the United States, stateside to enter my give away. Sorry. I will close this giveaway next Monday at Midnight est.

I have already moved my posts over to my new blog and will be closing this one after a certain period of time. Please change your url or bookmark soon.

Carey

Help me Pick a New Name

2011-05-04T13:56:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's time for a change. I've been thinking for awhile now I would change my blog name. I'm trying to come up with something that says home (decorating) and baking goodies (especially pie). I find myself into prims less and less (sorry prim friends). I really want to stick to my country roots. So to celebrate and let you be a part of it I thought I would give you 3 options and then I will create a new facebook page around my blog too! I haven't forgotten about the give away. I will be doing that soon. Keep checking back!

Option # 1

Mom's Homemade Apple Pie

Option # 2

Carey's Farmhouse Kitchen

Option # 3

American Girl Farmhouse

Option # 4

Create a name (I know you some of you out there can be really creative)

In a few days I will see what the most popular name is and choose a name. You'll have to change your bookmark and follow me at my new address as I will be closing this blog soon.

Blessings,
Carey

Easter Highlights

2011-04-26T18:58:00.000-07:00

Hello! I hope you had a blessed Easter. My kids were in the play at church for the sunrise service so our day began early. They did a great job! I'm so proud of them. We decided to go out for dinner this year. I've been under the weather for about the last two weeks and my hubby just didn't want me to have to work so hard. Usually, I insist but I decided that he was right. He said he'd be happier going out so I wouldn't have any stress. Isn't he the best :)

hunting for eggs

We had to hunt inside this year due to the heavy rain. :(

a new webkinz named Jelly Bean for my DD

my son really likes Nerf right now

There are some things I can't resist, one dying Easter eggs, #2 making an Easter dessert. Here's a link to what we made. I love the little tags. File these away for next year, they were super easy!

I didn't have any of those chow mein noodles. I decided use the cocoa pebbles, it's what I had on hand. LOL! It turned out fine.

Okay, one last thing I have been blogging for 2 years now. I started on April 23, 2009. It's been wonderful. I've enjoyed all your comments and getting to know people through their blogs. Soon I will be doing a give away to celebrate...so stay tuned. Also, I've been pondering a name change that reflects my blog better. So put on your thinking caps I will be asking for input from you. Don't worry I plan on staying with the same content no major changes...more decorating, homekeeping and baking. I will give you plenty of time to change over to my new address ahead of time.

Springtime Blessings to you,
Carey

Easter's on it's Way!

2011-04-22T03:00:00.000-07:00

This time of year is the most important for people who are Christians. It's the time of year we reflect on Christ's sacrifice for all of us. It's about renewal, rebirth and the promise of a new life.

"This means that anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun." ~2 Cor. 5:17

Just like the new tulips emerging from the earth we can become new again. I think this is the most amazing part of God's love for us.

Eggs, tradionally served during the season of Lent symbolizes the new life. Look around your yard and in your trees. Do you see new life everywhere? This is his promise to us that we will have new life.

My little apple trees have new buds and blossoms on them. I am reminded of the promise of scrumptious apples that I will harves someday. Just like during Easter we are reminded that someday we will be with Jesus. He has been preparing a place for us.

"Do not let you hearts be troubled. Trust in God; trust also in me. In my Father's house there are many rooms; if it were not so, I would not have told you. I am going to prepare a place for you." ~ John 14:1

I hope you have a blessed Easter with your family!

Carey

Blueberry Turnovers

2011-04-20T05:45:00.000-07:00

Here's a little treat that I made for my kids for breakfast the other day. I used the never fail pie crust recipe that Alice gave me. This one is very similiar to her recipe. I had already made up a batch, so I just took it out of the freezer. I also used frozen blueberries, but you could use fresh. I prefer the fresh ones but sometimes they can be expensive.

Blueberry Marscapone Turnovers

Recipe adapted from *Giada's Blueberry Marscapone Turnovers

1/2 -3/4 cup of blueberries
1/2 lemon juiced and zested
1/2 tsp. cornstarch
2 Tbsp. sugar or enough to cover berries
1/2 cup marcapone cheese (look in dairy section or near deli)
1 pie crust or store bought (I like Pillsbury)
1 egg slightly beaten

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. I mixed the first 4 ingredients first. Then I let these sit on the counter for a few minutes. After a few minutes I added the cheese and folded it in carefully.

After I mixed up my ingredients I rolled out my crust to 4-5 good size circles. Carefully spoon about 1 tbsp of your fruit mixture inside, use egg wash to seal edges and fold over and crimp edges if desired. Continue until you have used all the dough, I got about 9 small turnovers. Her recipe says it makes 12 but I didn't want to make them any thinner. Brush with a little bit more egg wash and sprinkle with sugar, cut a few slits in the top. Bake for about 15-20 min. until golden brown. Let them cool slightly before serving. The filling will be oozing out a little bit.

*Hints: In the original recipe she fried them in the deep fryer. So as long as you made sure you had your deep fryer set at the right temp, her directions tell you to fry them for about 3 1/2 min. I prefered not to fry these since I didn't want to get out the fryer that early. I used a small pyrex bowl (little condiment size) to make my circles. My biscuit cutter was a little to small. It also helps if you flatten the circles slightly when you fill them. My first batch were pretty while my second batch was a little less uniform. They were still yummy though.

Enjoy!
Carey

Mudroom Progress and Play Highlights

2011-04-18T11:45:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging friends! It's been a crazy week. I've been under the weather for the last week. I have literally laid on my couch all weekend. Part of me feels a little guilty, the other not so much!

So here's what we been doing in the mudroom, you might remember from an earlier post that our laundry/mudroom didn't function well together. So a few weeks ago my hubby finished the laundry room. This left a large hole in my mudroom, two of them to be exact. Next, we want to create some built in shelves/cubbies for our coats etc. I've been looking at several blogs and this website for inspiration. He is full of good ideas. In the meantime, we still have another whole month or so of school left so it has to function. I found 4 hooks at Meijer on sale for about $2 each and I spray painted them black. Then I plan on sewing up a little skirt to cover up my sink a little more. I saw some crates stacked up and thought I would use mine for the kids to put back packs and shoes in. I tried to make it look cute with the new soap from Bath and Body Works and ball jar with flowers. Whola!!

Someday it will hopefully look a little more like these built-ins.

photo from Sawdust City LLC

My daughter had her play also on Friday night. It was The Emperor's New Clothes and she was the Blacksmith. She has been working on it for months. She did it a fabulous job. The cast did too. It was funny! I'm so proud of her.

I have some exciting news to share with you soon. I'll be back with more details. I'm getting close to my Blog Anniversary too!

Blessings,

Carey

Auction Day

2011-04-09T16:44:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging friends! Don't you just love an auction? I do except in the cold rain. I love the possibility of what you might find or come home with. Plus, usually they sell home baked goodies, and if you're lucky pie!

We did manage to snag a few finds, but didn't hold out for the furniture. I managed to win the bid on these milk bottles. My hubby managed to win the bid on the chamber pots, which he later was stunned when he actually found out what they were for. LOL! One will be our new bathroom trashcan. We needed a replacement for our old one. I think this fits the bill.

I just loved the way the old handles on these look. The smaller one has a handle on the back. What are you up to this weekend?

Blessings,

Carey

My Favorite Pie Posts

2011-04-03T12:54:00.000-07:00

How is everyone on this Beautiful Sunday? I'm so glad, for this is the day that the Lord hath made. Let us rejoice and be glad in it. I have been thinking of a new post all week. I wanted to post a recipe. Instead I will share some old ones for I don't have any new pictures to share with you. Some of you new readers may have not seen these older posts.

My favorite pie posts

General Pie Making Tips, Pie Making with Alice

I miss Alice so much, I cherish our time together now.

Butterscotch Pie

My Favorite Apple Pie

Blueberry Pie

Strawberry Rhubarb Mini Pies

It's rhubard season too, I'm getting ready to make some of these real soon.

Mama's Fresh Raspberry Pie

I hope you enjoyed my old posts. Martha's new Pie book has come out and I hope to pick it up soon.

Happy Pie Making!
Carey

Terrific Under 10 Makeover, Star Holder

2011-03-29T19:16:00.000-07:00

Today, I decided to join another blogger at At Home with Kindra and show you my makeover. It's so easy and the best part is I spent 0 dollars!

Here's what I started with, I bought this at a craft show a few years ago. While I loved the star holder I'm not so fond of the colors and pip berries anymore. I'm trying to lighten up my look a little bit.

Before

I simply removed the pip berry garland and candle. Then I added the burlap ribbon, love this stuff! I simply took the flameless candle from another room. You can learn more about them here.

After

Whatcha think?

I'm linking up with Kindra

Have a Blessed Day,

Carey

Banana Bread & Field Trip to the City

2011-03-26T14:16:00.000-07:00

Hello, blogging friends I can't wait to tell you about my little trip, but I wanted to include a recipe I promised you first. I had some bananas just sittting there going bad and I thought banana bread. I just love it anytime of year! Lo and behold there was a recipe on my bag of flour. Here's the link if you want to give it a try. My family loved it. It made two loaves so I made one without nuts for my hubby. Everyone really liked it!

Best-Ever Banana Bread

The kids are on Spring break this week so we went down to Cincinatti for the day. My husband suggested that we go to Jungle Jim's and it was so neat. I think we spent over two hours there. Let me just say I'm a self-confessed Foodie and I was in food heaven! Whew...cheese, butter, sauces, wine, Le Crueset, Italian, German, any kind of food and they have it. It started as a roadside stand believe it or not. You can read about it here. We bought the kids some cheese, candy, and a little glass bottled old fashioned soda. My hubby bought some aged cheddar (his favorite) I bought chocolate, Irish butter, and some wine a gift for my MIL.

Just look at all these olives!

Cheese Glorious Cheese!

I loved this giant rolling pin, near the bakery.

There were several rows like this one of just produce.

A band was playing for us too

I recommend you not go hungry though, LOL!

Next, we went to the John Rosling Bridge. This one is like the Brooklyn Bridge only smaller.

My son enjoyed hearing about the design. He loves to see how things are made. They got a kick out of it when my husband told them after going half way to the other side that now we were in Kentucky.

We were going to also go the the National Underground Museum, it was supposed to be free, not! Then the audio tour was already over with. Bummer, maybe next time. My little country bumpkins got to see what the city is all about when we were looking for the restroom. My son wanted to know why it's so stinky, LOL!

We rounded out the day at the Bass Pro Shop (aka the Man's Mall)

Blessings to you and your family,

Carey

Spring Has Sprung and Laundry Room Reveal

2011-03-20T17:48:00.000-07:00

I'm so happy, my yard is becoming green. I have little tiny buds appearing all over my yard. It's been warm enough to finally take a walk. The rain has disappeared for a few days.

I can't wait to see more of this!

And for the Big Laundry Reveal!

It's finally DONE!!!!

Here's what the other end looks like.

Close-up of the flooring, Vinyl (Honey Oak)

I didn't want to go with real wood because let's face it, it's a laundry room. We have had some issues with water in the past when it rains extremely hard. We have worked to resolve that but I would rather not ruin the floor just put down. We have some Pergo in another area of the basement. It's expensive and it could be ruined by water. We bought this at Lowe's and it comes in strips. It has some texture to it so I think it fools you by walking on it too. For now it's functional but not too decorative. We still need trim but it will function for awhile. Here's my dream list that will have wait:

*an old/new cabinet (to hid my cleaning essentials inside)

*Shelf (for Laundry soap)

*a folding table or cabinet

*shelves to display my vintage laundry things

*wicker lined baskets with cute fabric for kids clothes

*drying rack

*cute accessories (framed prints, signs or old soap boxes, irons)

Maybe someday it will be a little less plain and look like these;)

Happy Spring!

Carey

Spring Buds

2011-03-16T14:22:00.000-07:00

Look what's popping up in my yard!

Just beautiful! I can't wait to see everything in full bloom.

I'll be back soon with more pictures of my laundry room.

Blessings,

Carey

Fresh, Clean, Spring Kitchen

2011-03-09T13:49:00.000-08:00

I've been busy again today it was the Kitchen's turn, here's some more pics...

I love having my table in my kitchen, maybe someday I will have a new one ;) I wish the sun was shining today. I need to pick up some real flowers too.

I filled my little pot with some wax eggs and some flowers seeds I intend planting.

My little white pitcher made a comeback on top of my stove, with strawberries and my spring towels

Have a blessed day,

Carey

Family Room Easter Decor

2011-03-08T15:33:00.000-08:00

Yes, I admit I'm rushing things a bit this year. Easter is later and Spring seems far away with snow in the forecast but I've always been an optimist.

This year I wanted to display my german paper mache' eggs in a slightly different way than a basket. So this is what I came up with. I bought the bunny ages ago at Hallmark and the other things I already had on hand. I added the flower pots, nest, flameless candles, and some grapevine with forsynthias mixed in. Whatcha think?

Eventually my greens will be replaced with some tulips.

It's hard to fit into the shot but I have my twig lights, I bought at Kirkland's and fornsythia blooms in my metal bucket wrapped in my burlap ribbon.

Easter goodies I've collected over the years.

I love my lil' bunny, I bought the tray and all for one price at a craft show about two years ago.

a little wooden tray on my coffee table

I decided to put my faux chocolate bunnies together and create a display with them.

My nice clean Family Room,

only six more rooms to go....sigh ;(

Blessings,

Carey

Laundry Room Update and Sneak Peek

2011-03-07T13:57:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon folks! I've been a busy little bee...this weekend we worked on the basement. Then my husband got sick Sunday and we had a full day. The kids and I carried on and went to church and the wedding without him. He is feeling better today.

This is my spring break from school. I am determined to Spring clean this week and finish the laundry room. Here's a sneak peek at it. You have to remember what it used to look like when we moved in...

This wall you see on the right is now a new room wall for my laundry room. The nook is a little area that includes under our stairs and is my new lil' tote storage room, not finished. Maybe if I'm brave I'll show you that too, when you see my totes you may think I'm officially crazy though :)

Over on the left (looking into the doorway) is where my washer and dryer will go. We opted for a dropped ceiling, a little lower than we hoped due to duct work.

It measures 14' 6" X 12' 6", almost identical to my dining room.

This is the view from inside the room. Excuse the mess...

The paint is Clean White from Waverly and we bought a vinyl wood-looking floor, a honey color. It looks like planks and even has texture. I have big plans for this room, a table/folding area, shelves to display vintage shoe strechers, laundry room decor, a rolling cart. I'd love to have a new washer and dryer but that's not in the cards right now. We had almost all the building materials so except for the ceiling, floor and paint + my hubby doing all the work it has been very inexpensive.

So I deep cleaned our family room and I just couldn't resist the urge to do a little Spring decorating. Here's a sneak peek. Tomorrow bathrooms..ugh!

Ok, I know I'm fudging a bit but I'm hoping that the inside will soon be reflective of the outside. Here's what I would love to know if you could put anything in your laundry room what would it be? I'd love to hear some ideas and tell me what you're up to this week.

Be back soon,

Carey

Come on Spring....

2011-03-01T07:06:00.000-08:00

Hello bloggy friends, sorry you haven't heard from me in a while. I've taken a little break. I've been busy getting my laundry room ready (helping my hubby by deciding on paint ;) work and the day to day stuff of life.

dreaming I will see these soon...

Looking forward to making this....

Enjoying my peeps...

I'm off next week for Spring break, one of the perks of teaching so I'm really looking forward to doing some things around the house, baking and scrapbooking.

Blessings,
Carey

Banana French Toast and Spring Weather at the Park!

2011-02-19T16:19:00.000-08:00

Hello, are you enjoying warmer weather where you live? We sure are, enjoying every minute of it! I made these last weekend and they turned out really good. Great Weekend Breakfast food! We used our panini maker and put pecans inside, yummy!

Check it out here on Southern Plate!

Let's go to the park

Take time to look around and enjoy

Play

Watch the ducks!

Take pictures together

Look at the beauty before your eyes!

Have fun!

Hope you're having a great weekend

Blessings,

Carey

Spring Inspirations

2011-02-11T06:29:00.000-08:00

Are you dreamin' of spring? I sure am. My mailbox has been flowing with new spring ideas. I'm itching to decorate and wear some spring clothes, but alas old mother nature just isn't giving in yet. We're expecting warmer temperatures on Sunday. I can't wait! I'm going to window shop a little bit about what I would love to see come Spring.

Here's what I'll be wearing:

Shabby Apple Dress

Fresh Spring Towels for the kitchen

While we're in the kitchen how about an apron that says rise and shine!

Rise and Shine Apron

Then for my new laundry room, how about this basket

Vintage Inspired Basket

Country Home

I love the touches of aqua blue in this laundry room with the backsplash pattern.

light and airy curtains

Mostly I can't wait to see this!

Have a great day,

Carey

Valentine's Day Decor

2011-02-04T06:22:00.000-08:00

I don't know about you but I'm really sick of the white stuff. We're expecting more this weekend and early next week. My kiddos have missed almost a week of school. I missed two days. We're breaking out today though. I am going to check out paint, flooring and ceiling tile for my laundry room. I can't wait to get things down there. Then I can work on a mudroom solutions. My hubby informed me that we're getting more back on our taxes than expected...Yippee!!!

I got this cakestand at Homegoods and found the polka dot ribbon at Hobby Lobby at Christmas. I also added my heart cookie cutter, beeswax heart and gingerbread man.

I love the white cakestand, I ordered it from here. After seeing Aunt Ruthie's I fell in love with the scroll design. I have some artificial roses, until I receive the real ones...hint to the hubby LOL!

Here's my Hoosier decked out with my little heart doilies and I couldn't part with my new ginger girl.

I picked this material up a few years ago as a fat quarter at Jo Ann's. I thought the little grey stars and hearts worked nicely with the grey graniteware. I love the warmth of a candle on these cold winter days.

I've had this forever, not sure where I got it. This is hanging above my entryway table.

I cut this picture out of a magazine and framed it years ago, the other little boxes are things I've saved from gifts.

Have a great weekend, stay warm

Carey

Farm Fresh Style

2011-02-01T14:03:00.000-08:00

Sorry, it's been so long I missed you all. I don't know about you but I'm dreaming of Spring! We are in the midst of weather ick....here in the midwest. The biggest storm of the year. Luckily, I have stocked up and my hubby can at least keep us warm with our fireplace should we lose power (crossing fingers)

I have spent some time working out and just laughing with my daughter today since we are both out of school. Of course I am balancing that out with a little baking this afternoon, Guiradelli BRownies! LOL! I finished up some work, Yeah! It's been a good day.

Here's my current mantle, I decided to put my snowy things away in my family room. I still have to put away my snowmen in the basement. Here's what I'm thinking about for Spring...clean, white farm fresh decor! I'm not ready to bring out the tulips and bunnies just yet.

My daughter helped me draw my nest. She is the artist in our family.

By the way she just earned a part in the school play, Emperor's New Clothes. I'm so proud of her.

I used my good ole' granite coffee pot and filled it with green things. Then I added some shiny red apples and raffia, later I might add some eggs.

I want to get some more of these milk bottles. I just love the possbilities with them. I put salt in mine so they looked full.

Another pure joy I received the other day was this in my mailbox. I won a give away! Hannah over at Cultivating Home sent it over with a lovely note that read, "May the Joy of cooking and call to Hospitality fill your kitchen." It's the 75th anniversary, the best of both worlds.

I am looking forward to the day I can do some painting and spring cleaning. My laundry room has power and water. We will need to paint, buy flooring and then the decorating can begin! I'll be back to share Valentine's day ideas.

Stay warm, Blessings to you!

Carey

Happy National Pie Day!

2011-01-23T11:55:00.000-08:00

Today is a wonderful day! It's National Pie Day! Did you know that? How neat is that! I thought I'd do a little post to help celebrate. The American Pie Council created this day to celebrate the pie. On this day they encourage you to bake a pie (of course), eat a pie, share a pie with friends and try something new.

Here's the pie I decided to tackle, first off I made my crust using my Never Fail Crust recipe. You can use your favorite crust or shh...a store bought one. I like Pillsbury the best.

Then I used one of my favorite books to make cookbooks Sweetie Pies to make a Butterscotch Pie. My husband loves Butterscotch pie. I've never made this kind of pie before. I usually make fruit ones.

Gather your ingredients

Miss Odella Goodlow's Butterscotch Pie

Prepare the crust ahead of time by prebaking it.

Make the filling
1 1/4 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup cornstarch
3 Tbsp. flour
2 cup whole milk
4 large egg yolks, beaten
1/2 cup (1 stick) butter
1 tsp. vanilla extract

To make the Meringue
4 large egg whites, room temp.
1/4 tsp. cream of tartar
1/2 cup sugar
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract

Combine the first 3 ingredients in a double boiler. Pour in enough milk to make a paste. Stir in the egg yolks. Stir in the remainder of the milk. Cook slowly over boiling water, stirring constantly, until filling is thick. Remove from heat and stir in butter and vanilla.

Pour into pie crust. Make the meringue, in a medium bowl using a mixer beat egg whites and cream of tartar together until foamy. Beat in sugar 1 tbsp. at a time beating well. Add the vanilla and beat until shiny and stiff peaks form. Bake until golden brown, 10-12 minutes at 400 degrees *Note recipe says 375 but I decided to up the temp. a little bit based on other recipes I read. Let cool completely.

Makes one 9 inch pie.

Other notes* I used 1% milk and I did not have good results. Our pie regretfully didn't set up, since then I realized a few of my mistakes and am willing to try this again. Please make sure you follow all the steps and I'm sure you'll have better results than me. It was still tasty!

Here is my crust dough before adding the liquid, dry crumbs.

Add your liquid, egg mixture and the dough starts to pull away from the sides and look like this

Then flatten and place in refrigerator to rest. This is so important, don't skip this step. My wonderful daughter helped me with the pictures and the artwork you see here. If you aren't planning on making pie just pop this is the freezer!

Making the filling

Filling complete

Make the merigue

Here it is just out of the oven!

Here's some random thoughts about pie.

Pie is home, no matter where you are. Men love home.

When men eat pie, they think somebody is taking care of them.

from The Lost Art of Pie Making by Barbara Swell I love this little book, it has great tips about pies.

"Now you can win the praise of your family- so easy!" Aunt Jenny

My favorite, Pie fixes everything!

So gals, put on those aprons, get out that rolling pin and make a pie! I challenge you to do something that is becoming lost in our country. Don't worry about making it perfect, they will love you for it anyway. I'd love to hear all about your pies, what's your favorite kind of pie? I don't think I can pick just one but if I had to it would be the Amish Apple Pie. A close second Coconut cream, followed by sugar cream.

Happy Pie Day!

Carey

We have a Winner!!!

2011-01-19T13:45:00.000-08:00

Congrats to Jana, #22 another Sugar Pie Sister!

Check out her blog here! Jana's Creations

True Random Number Generator

Min: 1

Max: 30

Result:

22

Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Have a blessed day!
Carey

Cleaning and Organizing

2011-01-18T08:21:00.000-08:00

It seems this time of year brings about two things. The first one cutting down on the clutter (putting the Christmas away) and the realization that you need to deep clean after the holidays. I know most people wait until Spring to do that deep cleaning but I find my home needs a little extra after the holiday messes. I have talked before about the FlyLady system. I recommend starting there if you're looking to change the way you do things. I have modified it slightly to meet my schedule and house needs. I've also been watching the new shows on the OWN network. I really like Enough Already with Peter Walsh. He talks about the negative aspect of clutter and how to see the vision for your home.

The kitchen is the first room that usually needs a little extra attention. One thing I've learned from Flylady is don't try to do too much at once. She says only pull out what you can clean and put back in a short time. It never fails we get started and someone needs a ride home from school, the dog gets sick, or something else needs your immediate attention. Recently I cleaned my pantry out. It seems to get out of control easily. Maybe you can relate. The kids come in and rummage through things not putting things back correctly or closing things. Ugh...Then you get a little lazy with something as you are hurrying up trying to get dinner on the table when you only have 20-30 minutes to get ready to eat.

I saw this blog that inspired me to get rid of the packaging. We were lugging 90 % of our groceries to our basement because there just wasn't room in our little closet. Now with less space that the packaging isn't taking up you can fit more on your shelves. I plan on visiting The Container store soon to see if I can get those can holders and some height adjusters for the backs. I put labels on all my Ball jars using my Dyno label maker. My husband said if the kids stood still long enough I would put it on the kids. LOL;) I like that the jars are clear. I used baskets that I already had to hold the bags of snacks, spices, etc.

1. Clean off one shelf at a time. Sweep and give it a wipe down. Get rid of expired things and packaging.

2. Group like items together. Snacks, pasta, cereal etc.

3. Arrange each shelf with taller items in the back.

4. Label items.

Should have taken the before shot, would have been even more impressive!

It's not perfect but much better that's for sure. I think it's all about maintenance too. That's something that really helps if you take 5-10 min. to straighten every other week or right before your visit to the store. Another rule of thumb that doesn't pertain to the kitchen is when something new comes into the house something must go out. (Peter Walsh) I don't follow this one too well but I do try to weed out things a few times a year. I think when you're used to the military way of life this comes a little easier. You're pretty used to moving every few years anyway.

Don't forget about the give away! There's still time to enter.

See you soon,
Carey

Double Chocolate Chip Muffins

2011-01-14T15:08:00.000-08:00

Hey gals, are you ready for the weekend? I usually bake a treat on Friday afternoon or weekends now and this recipe is perfect. I just got Southern Plate Cookbook for Christmas. I've been making my way through the book. I don't know if you follow her blog or not but she is just as sweet as the tea she makes! I would love to get to know her, very real and down to earth. I just knew when I saw this recipe my family would love it. It lived up to my expectations too.

Check out the recipe here!

Don't forget if you haven't entered my give away for this cute fellow please click here. The give away is open until Tuesday at midnight.

Have a blessed weekend,
Carey

Dreaming of a New White Laundry Room

2011-01-13T06:03:00.000-08:00

Good morning, my husband has been working on my laundry room over the holidays and the past few weeks. We have walls now and are working on the dry wall. You may remember my Laundry Room Dilemma post if you've been with me awhile. I've been back and forth on this for awhile. There really isn't a good place to put our shoes and wet clothes, school bags etc.

How it looks today, this is what you see when you walk into the side door, ugh!

It will be awhile before the big reveal. Meanwhile, I have turned my attention to the decorating (the fun part) Because this will be in my basement I don't want too dark, dreary colors. The look I'm going for is more of a mix between old, new and Fresh, Clean, and White. I have a few antiques that I've been saving for some time. I have old fashioned shoes stretchers, washboards, irons, ironing board and a large washtub. I plan on putting it on the wall facing when you come into the room. I think that will make it more prominent like that's what I'm using to wash clothes. Plus because of plumbing issues the other wall has to contain my modern Washer and Dryer.

Some dreamy inspirations...

Love the sawbuck white folding table in the middle!

So cheerful!

I liked the use of baskets here and the functionable hanging rack

However, all that being said it needs to have function. My hubby plans on making me a free standing drying rack for all those sweaters that will have a built in box fan. It will be hidden inside a cabinet. I can't wait to see what he comes up with! I also want some type of closed storage along with a place to fold my clothes.

What do you think? If you could start from scratch what would be on your wishlist? What do you think makes your laundry room function well? Is there anything that you couldn't live without? I'd love to hear from you.

Don't forget about my give away! You can still sign-up here!

Blessings,
Carey

Whoo Hoo...I've Hit 200 Followers!

2011-01-11T13:39:00.000-08:00

Hello, This morning as I logged into my dashboard I noticed something really neat. 200 Followers!...I am so flattered that many of you read my little blog, stay with me and decided to follow me. I know my blogging has slowed down so I'm happy you haven't abandoned all hope in me. When I started my blog almost 2 years ago now I was in the midst of big changes ahead. You've been there through looking for my house, many disappointments, my husband's retirement, and our adjustment to our new life. I feel so blessed to have the opportunity to share with you a little glimpse into my world. It was a big step for me. I'm a very private person. I've never been outgoing or the life of the party. If you met me you were probably be very surprised. I'm extremely quiet especially until I get to know people.

Due to this wonderful news I have decided it's time for a long overdue give away! I would like to open this up to any of my followers even new ones. I would love to see my little number keep growing. I truly do appreciate all of you and your comments. I read every comment.

So here's my rules. You have to live in the Continental US, sorry overseas followers. Also, you have to be a follower, you can start following now but I'm gonna check it out. Then tell me what you enjoy reading about the most on my blog. What's your favorite thing on my blog? Only one entry per person. Make sure you leave your email so I can get in touch with the winner. Then lastly please use this post to enter for the give away and I will select a winner next Tuesday night.

Here's what you'll be getting, because well, I just can't keep it a surprise!

Aww...he's Mr. Snowman, guaranteed to chase those winter blues away!

Blessings!

Carey

New England Jam Thumbprint Cookies

2011-01-07T12:02:00.000-08:00

Happy Friday!

This recipe is something I have wanted to make for awhile. I perused many sites and finally decided on a modification between two recipes. My kids really enjoyed them. My husband who hates nuts didn't even mind them too much.

New England Jam Thumbprint Cookies

Ingredients:

½-cup butter

½-cup sugar

1/8 tsp. of salt

1 egg yolk

1 cup flour

1 egg white

Crushed nuts (walnuts or pecans) I used the walnut because that's what I had on hand.

Jam (raspberry is my favorite, but any will do)

Directions:

Cream the softened butter and sugar, then mix well. Add the egg yolk and flour. Mix well. Pinch off pieces of dough and roll into balls. Roll the balls in the egg white, then in the crushed nuts. Bake on an ungreased cookie sheet for 5 minutes at 350°F. Take the cookies out and make an indentation in the center of each cookie. Fill the center with jam. Put the cookies back in the oven for approximately 10 more minutes. Cool slightly before removing from pan.

Notes* In comparing recipes from websites and Martha's cookie book I decided to add a bit of salt to the original recipe. Also, one recipe called for chilling, my dough was just fine, no chilling needed.

Have a blessed weekend!

Carey

Happy New Year, Transforming Your Home for the Winter

2011-01-04T06:17:00.000-08:00

Good morning friends! I hope the New Year is full of hope for you and your family. I'm looking forward to getting back into our routine and schedule. My kids seemed ready to go back to school today. I want to share a scripture that I really thought fit my mind-set today.

"In you O' Lord I put my trust; Let me never be put to shame...For you are my Hope, O'Lord God; You are my trust from my youth...Let my mouth be filled with your Praise And with Your Glory all the day." Psalm 71:1,5,8

What a great way to start your day! I've been doing some cleaning and rearranging. I love starting fresh with a blank slate. Again this reminds me of how we can become clean again by asking Jesus to forgive us of our sins. Sometimes we tend to get down and depressed this time of year. Things get dreary with out all the twinkling lights and all our Christmas decorations taken down. I encourage you to look around and see all the wonderful things God has in store for you and your life. Maybe he has sent you some new friends that you met during the holiday. He has shown you a need that you could fulfill in your church or community. On the other hand, maybe you are feeling down about your finances after the Christmas with bills coming due. Even in trying times it's so important to not get stuck in a rut about your thinking. With planning, saving and balancing your budget you'll pay off those bills. I just watched a show on the new Oprah network about how people forget about bank accounts and found extra money in those. Pretty neat! My husband literally found some money on the ground yesterday. What a nice surprise!

I found these little trees on clearance at a country store in the mall, 50% off. Score!

Paired with my black shutters, I changed out my star for the snowflake then added some pom pom garland. I used my garland dusted with snow and some styrofoam snowballs tucked inside the grey colander... it's a snowy winter mantel. The icing on the cake is my vintage iceskates found on etsy. It took me awhile to find these. I used plain old elmer's glue and snow to make these look icy and snow covered. I cut apart some of my pom pom garland to tie these on the front of the skates.

Here it is at night all lit up! I added my galvanized bucket on the side with my lighted twigs and silvery branches, I found at Hobby Lobby. I couldn't fit them on top of the mantel. LOL! I told my hubby when we change out the mantel someday I need one that's a lot wider.

I took away some of my red/white ornaments and it's more winter.

The top of my stove was a fleeting idea, so I had to grab it quick and assemble it all. Couldn't be any easier! Big white bowl, candle, white cutting board, graters + white tealights

So what have you been up to in your house, are you tackling the Christmas chaos? How do you decorate your home after the holidays? I'd love to hear from you. I hope I've given you some ideas for how to create a Winter look in your home. I've got plans for lots more posts. I plan on posting a recipe for New England Jam Thumbprint Cookies, pantry reorganization and another sneak peek at my new laundry room. Until then I hope that you can find some good things to celebrate in your life! Look up and count on him.

Blessings,

Carey

Christmas Highlights and The New Year

2010-12-29T18:26:00.000-08:00

How was your Christmas? We had a good Christmas at our house. With the exception of my son getting sick it was a wonderful few days. My daughter and I lit the advent candle at church for the candlelight service. She was nervous, but all went well. We were supposed to do it as a family but my husband ended up taking my son to the emergency room late in the day. Unfortunately, it was a viral infection that just needed to work it's way out of his system. Poor lil' guy, not a fun way to spend a few days. He is finally over it. My husband and I both have really nasty colds. I guess my daugher has been the only lucky one so far. I did surprise my hubby with a new Kindle, he really liked it. The look on his face was priceless. He said he'd share with me too!

Christmas Eve in her PJ's, a family tradition

We have accomplished a lot in the past few week despite illness, and doctor appts. We cleaned and purged my son's room. I took down some of my Christmas today. I have changed over to more of a winter thyme look. I'll show you soon. Then my daughter worked on her room. My goal is to finish with the playroom and maybe get some scrapping in tomorrow.

For dinner tonight I made some of this Winter Minestrone Soup. I have been watching some of my DVR shows and Giada made this for her family at Christmas. It was yummy! Great for when you have a cold or it's just cold outside.

I thought I would link up my favorite all time posts, some I picked out and some that you liked!

Top Posts

Chocolate Minty Cookies/Guest Room

It's Almost My Favorite Time of the Year!

Do it Yourself Primitive Trashcan

Mantle Project and More Fall Decorating

Well, I hope 2010 brought about many good things in your life. For us it was all about change, faith and gratitude. I am praying for a bright future. How about you what are your goals for the New Year?

Here are a few things I hope to achieve in 2011

~Better healthy, eating better and getting fit again

~Growing stronger in my faith, studying more

~Saying no to things that don't bless my family or praise God

~My husband finding a full-time job that he really enjoys and can take pride in

~Health for my family

Have a Wonderful New Year, Be Blessed!

Carey

Merry Christmas, Peanut Butter Fudge Recipe

2010-12-23T14:00:00.000-08:00

Good afternoon bloggers! I hope the season brings you peace, joy and happiness! I have tried to make an effort to slow down and reflect on the real meaning of the season. Last weekend we went to a Live Nativity, it was just wonderful. If you ever get a chance you should try and attend one. It was a cold night but we were able to stay fairly warm in the barn with the heaters something I know wasn't there for little baby Jesus. The kids got to hold a baby lamb. During the reading the little sheep kept baaing, and bleating so cute. They also had camels too. We had Christmas early with my family. Over Christmas we will spend time with my in-laws and just the four of us. I look forward to relaxing with the family without worrying about school, work and practices.

This week I baked up some Cinnamon Biscotti, Oatmeal cookies and made Peanut Butter Fudge. My mom used to make the best fudge. She always used the chunky peanut butter. I do like the texture better. I used creamy because it's what I had. I googled some tips and that really helped.

One of favorites is Grasshoppers I make this every year with the kids.

Here's the recipe I used for the fudge.

Peanut Butter Fudge

3 cups sugar
3 Tbsp. light corn syrup
3/4 cup milk
1 1/2 Tbsp. cider vinegar
3/4 cup peanut butter

Mix everything together except the peanut butter and cook to soft ball stage. Take from heat and cool a bit before adding peanut butter. Beat in peanut butter thoroughly and pour into greased pan. Let cool and cut into squares.

Tips: Heat to 235-240 degrees, use a candy thermometer. When heating you can stir together the ingredients but after the mixture begins to boil take out spoon and leave it alone. Then watch it carefully take it off heat when it reaches correct temperature. Let it cool to about 110 degrees. My mixture started to set up almost upon stirring so don't wait too long.

How are you doing with your gifts this year? Are you done shopping and wrapping? I got a few presents early yesterday. You may want to get one for yourself if you like old recipes and Vintage decorating. I was so excited. If you haven't checked out her blog Southern Plate you should she's a wonderful blogger and down home southern cook. Move over Paula Deen....here comes Christy Jordan. Also, I have the first Farm Chicks book so I knew when I saw this one I would love it too. I'm sure I'll be sharing more about these books after I've had time to pour over them some more.

Merry Christmas! Many blessings to you and your family,

Carey

Winter Wonderland

2010-12-15T18:46:00.000-08:00

Good evening! I hope you're tucked in safely with a warm fire where you live. We're expecting more snow tonight here in the midwest. I wanted to show you some more pictures of my Christmas decorating. First the kids playroom. We are blessed to have three mantels in our home. I get to play around with different looks, as my hubby loves to tease me about.

I wanted a winter feeling with snowy flakes and greens. I used my antique green lamp, few snowflakes, garland dusted with snow, and ball jars to achieve the look. I've searched high and low for this pom pom garland. I ended up finding it at two places Meijer (Katie Brown collection) and Dollar General believe it or not. The little tree was a garage sale find. I painted the base white with antique medium over top.

This is my Snowman collection in the basement. I've been collecting them for about 20 years.

This is my basement fireplace mantel. I didn't change it much from last year. I really loved my window frame with the frosty grapevine and snowmen.

my little winter village

Here's an overall shot of the room. I did a little forest of trees in the corner.

my favorite snowmen, chalkware collection

These are the theatre style seats that my hubby built me last year. I had to deck them out with snowmen. I'm still looking for the perfect throws.

Hop on over to this Christmas Tour!

Blessing this Christmas to you and your family,

Carey

More Christmas Inspiration and Shopping Finds!

2010-12-11T10:05:00.000-08:00

Good Saturday, blogging friends! I hope this weekend finds you with all the joy the season offers with reflection on the reason for the Season...the little baby in a manger.

I went shopping with hubby yesterday and we had lunch together. I look forward to these daytime dates. We have a hard time doing this on the weekends. I found these lighted twigs (Kirkland's) I have looked for them for awhile. I finally got them. They are really neat I look forward to them using them all year round. They are not LED. I have to tell you I'm not a huge fan of the LED's. Last year we bought the icycle LED's they cast a bluish white that I just didn't care for. All season long they broke off as the wind battered them so this year we drug out our little white lights that we've had forever buying a few more strands. Our house has a very high peak that you can't reach even with a tall ladder, you really need a cherry picker. At $150 a day we decided against that . Our lights are just on the porch and rails. One of my goals this year was to buy the candles for the windows with the timers and new stockings. I got candles but not the stockings just yet. I'm still trying to find ones I like. I'm going to have my MIL embroider our names on them. Here's a peak at our new candles and the source was Plow and Hearth. They were pricey but worth it. I got the dark bronze. They come on by turning them the first night (we set ours for 5:30) then they come on every night at the same time and stay on for 6 hours or so. They have a built in timer. No more coming home in the dark. I have always loved the candle in the window, so welcoming! I'm going to eventually buy candles for my side windows as well. Right now we have some for our front, that was 11 window in all...Whew!

Here they are at night in the background.

They are a soft yellow.

Here's the little branches in my mantle, I added the Let It Snow on the chalkboard too.

Up close

I hope to share my outdoor decorations soon. The candles in the windows are so pretty at night.

Next week I'll be sharing my upstairs and downstairs decorations along with holiday goodies.

Hope you're having a blessed weekend,

Carey

It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year!

2010-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Good morning time for more pictures of my Christmas Decor. I really love this time of year, it's truly magical. We'll start in my favorite room, The Kitchen. Truly this is the heart of the home all year through.

My Kitchen

At night

I added the greens and white lights mixed in with my antiques and pitchers.

my minature kitchen tree in my granite ware pan, it has tiny gumdrop garland, gooseberry patch cookie cutters and gingerbread ornaments

My favorite wooden Nativity from my childhood, He is the reason for the season! All the pieces all fit in the stable. However, I can never get them back in...I'm puzzle challenged!

This is my Dining Room. My hoosier, all decked out with gingerbread men. Check out my photo album for more pictures of my home, I've updated it.

I linked up with Rhonda at Southern Hospitality! Check out other ideas. If you're visiting me I'd love to welcome you to my blog. I enjoy getting new followers and read every comment.

May God Bless You This Year,

Carey

Cookies...It's Baking Season!

2010-12-05T15:06:00.000-08:00

Yesterday was one of those perfect days for baking it snowed all day long. My kids practically begged me to make the gingerbread houses with them. Ok ... not quite. We cheat a little bit, usually a store bought kit. My daughter really gets into the decorating. Ok I admit these are my least favorite things to bake. However, I love the process and spending time with the kids. We baked our own gingerbread men to go in our little village. My son likes the engineering part more than the actual decorating.

It was National Cookie Day yesterday, did you eat one?? I know we did at our house. Here's some yummy ideas that I want to make.

Flourless Peanut Butter Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Cooking with Libby

She is having a give away this book too.

Maple Pecan Shortbread from Lick the Bowl Good
Oh how I love shortbread!

Chocolate Toffee from The English Kitchen

I love the combo of toffee and chocolate.

Salted Carmel Thumbprint Cookies from A Cozy Kitchen Yum!

If that's not enough check out Pioneer Woman's Tasty Kitchen for more ideas it was Cookie week this last week.

I like National Cookie Network for tips and tricks about baking cookies, freezing them, cookie exhange party info or if you have any problems while baking. Is anyone having an exchange this year, I'd love to hear about it.

Here's some links to my favorite cookies and tried and true recipes!

Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chips, everybody loves these and for the holidays you can do red/green chips~

Double Chocolate Cookies, Martha

Merry Baking Season,

Carey

It's Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas!

2010-12-01T19:24:00.000-08:00

Welcome to my Christmas Open House! I love Christmas and I look forward to this time of year more than any other. I truly love Christmas. I love making my home warm and cozy looking for all who enter during the holiday season. I have so many wonderful family memories of Christmas. When I decorate or do crafts with my kids and bake for the holidays we're making our own memories. I feel that the true meaning of Christmas is sometimes lost ...the baby in a manager. What a precious gift! Take time to spend time with him this season and your heart will be blessed in a wonderful way!

I'm linking up with The Lettered Cottage, Mantels is the theme. Go check out all the inspiration over there, really neat. This year I went for a different look than my normal red, green and traditional. I found myself inspired by white, snowflakes a little more sparkle. I just love Aunt Ruthie's home Sugar Pie Farmhouse and you'll see some similiarities here if you follow her blog. I have always loved gingerbread men. I got a girl this year. She is so cute! The theme for this year is RED, WHITE and SNOWFLAKES!

All of my snowflake and candy cane ornaments are from Lowe's (on clearance last year) and Hobby Lobby. The white pine cone candle holder is from Warm Glow.

close up of our tree

I found the Joy sign at Hobby Lobby, it makes me smile when I walk by it.

This is my sofa table that faces into my kitchen. I like it here better because you see it when you enter from the side door or the garage. I took a ball jar, milk bottle added a little sparkly snow and placed the candy cane ornaments on top. Then I added some kitchen themed items. I bought the little peppermint tree at HL last year too. The round tablecloth was an ebay find. I've had my red graniteware coffeepot for a long time.

I hope you found something you liked, I'll be back soon with more pictures of my Santa collection, Kitchen and more!

http://theletteredcottage.net/holiday-home-linky-party-our-christmas-mantel

Have a Merry Christmas,

Carey

Thankgiving Recipes...and a Sneak Peek of Christmas

2010-11-24T05:57:00.000-08:00

Oh Boy, It's almost Turkey day! Are you busy gettin' ready? I know I have a lot on my to-do list today. First thing is making some delicious pie. We'll be having my ole' stand-by the Amish Apple Pie. Then I'm going to try this delicious Turtle Pumpkin Pie from the new Gooseberry Patch Harvest Cookbook. I'm looking forward to getting in the kitchen to roll out my pie crusts.

Turtle Pumpkin Pie

1/4 cup plus 2 Tbsp. carmel icecream topping divided
9 inch graham cracker crust
1/2 cup plus 2 Tbsp. pecan pieces, divided
1 cup milk
2 (3.4 ounces) instant vanilla pudding pkg.
1 cup canned pumpkin
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. nutmeg
8 oz. container frozen whipped topping, divided

Pour 1/4 cup carmel topping into crust. Sprinkle with 1/2 cup nuts. Beat milk, dry pudding mixes, pumpkin and spices with a whisk until blended. Stir in 1 1/2 cups whipped topping; spread mixture into crust. Refrigerate at least 1 hour. Before serving, spread with remaining whipped topping, drizzle with remaining carmel topping and sprinkle with remaining pecans. Serves 10

Speaking of recipes perhaps you are looking for a sweet treat to bake for the game or a snack for this weekend. Check out these Shortbread Candy Corn Kissed Brownies from Picky Palate I took these last night for Christmas play practice and they were a hit. You may see pictures later next month using the cany cane kisses instead of the Fall candy corn kisses she used. The shortbread layer just melts in your mouth. The Mom's and Grandma's were so tempted yesterday they had to have a small sample too. It's just smelled so good while it was in the oven.

photo courtesy of Picky Palate

I am reminded of the very first thanksgiving and what that must have been like. I wonder if the pilgrims felt blessed or if they were comforted by God and the promise of a new life here. As I look back over the last year I'm so thankful for the time I've had with my family close by. There's nothing that I don't treasure more than these times.

I'm thankful for...

time with my husband

time with my children

being able to see my mother and father in law and seeing the joy in my children having grandparents close by

having extra help from family (never experienced this before with military life) just a phone call away

my health

precious visits with my sweet Aunt Princess

visits with my sisters

becoming a part of my old church family again and seeing some old faces that I haven't seen for almost 20 years

Here's a sneak peek to what I've been busy with over the last few days...

Blessings this Thanksgiving to you and your family, our blessings truly are given by God.

Carey

Christmas Decorating Inspirations and Frosted Candle Holder

2010-11-21T15:42:00.000-08:00

This time of year usually has been busy preparing for Thanksgiving but recently I have decided to focus on the next big holiday...Christmas. I've been busy getting ready pouring over magazines, reading blogs, crafting and putting my beloved Fall things away. Here's some pictures that I've been inspired by...

Check out the vintage ornaments on the mantle

I just love white this year. I'm a traditional red and green gal. However, I'm lovin' the white.

Got a colander? Just add snowflakes, and white candles for instant ambiance

I love stars and this is the perfect time of year to bring them out!

photos from Better Homes & Gardens

Have you checked out their Christmas special issue, the ideas are flowing from that book!

I saw a really neat idea when I was out in a Gooseberry Patch magazine, I think it's Book 11. I didn't purchase it, just not in the budget this time of year. You take things that you already have love that and make them into something cool! I found a jar in my pantry that was holding beans. The lid was plastic and broken already but the glass was still good. I bought frosted glass spray. My daughter cut out a snowflake, my hubby taped in up for me and then I sprayed it. After letting it dry I removed the inside tape of the snowflake and applied some elmer's glue and then some snow. I found some ribbon, mine wasn't quite long enough but I'll replace it later with something longer, they used red yarn and left a small bit of yarn dangling. Then you tuck in a green sprig, add a candle. Isn't it cute?? I may make more of them, I think they would look cute down the table or on a mantle. They used mason jars of various sizes and white candles inside. So if you have some jars laying around and a little ribbon it will cost you next to nothing!

Blessings to you!
Carey

Thankful Blessings Part 2

2010-11-18T11:21:00.000-08:00

In the past few weeks I've been trying to make some changes. One of them being my attitude. Instead of focusing on the have not's in my life or what isn't good I'm counting my blessings. I have been writing them down in a journal. At dinner every night we as a family share what we're thankful for too.

Here's my latest thoughts: I'm thankful for....

an able body

The other night my hubby and I made a trip to the emergency room, he wasn't seriously hurt but we thought he might have broken his foot. Anyway, a lot of people in the waiting room and other various things brought to my attention I have a healthy body.

my warm home (in this weather lately I'm so thankful)

baking in my kitchen with modern technology

not moving again (this time last year was difficult getting settled and decorating for the holidays)

being with my husband (so many military wives and families are separated this time of year, we're so lucky!)

What are you thankful for this week? I'll be back soon with some new recipes and some inspiring decorating ideas. Shh...I'm doing mine before Thankgiving this year and breaking my own rule.

Blessings! ~
Carey

Autumn Caramel Corn

2010-11-14T18:58:00.000-08:00

Here's a yummy snack my girl and I munched on this afternoon. It was a sweet treat!

It's super easy too. It's in the new Gooseberry Patch book, Homemade Harvest.

Autumn Caramel Corn

1 cup brown sugar
1/4 cup dark brown corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
1/2 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/4 tsp. baking soda
3 quarts popped popcorn

Heat first 4 ingredients together over medium high heat. Boil for 5 minutes. Remove from heat and add vanilla and baking soda. Stir. Add popcorn with mixture in very large bowl and toss to coat. Spoon onto buttered baking sheet. Bake at 250 for about an hour stirring every 15 minutes. Enjoy!

Check out Colleen's Holiday Goodies for more ideas!

Have a great week!

Carey

In Honor of my Veteran...

2010-11-11T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Veteran's Day Honey, we love you!

This is my husband's uniform and his grandfather's uniform. His Grandpa was in World War II and he was also in the Air Force. My husband and his Dad built this box to keep the uniforms, it's quite large. We have their pictures on each side. Then on the top we have a sign that says, " A man who is good enough to shed blood for his country is good enough to be given a square deal afterwards" Theodore Roosevelt

I'm so thankful to all the veteran's and their families today for the sacrifices they have made for all of us to have our freedoms. So many people take it for granted today. I hope that by remembering them we give back just a little so that we can let them know how much they are appreciated.

Happy Veteran's Day to you and your families!
Carey

Thankful

2010-11-10T06:37:00.000-08:00

Good Morning! Where did October go? It seems we are in such a hurry these days to rush through the season. I want to enjoy things this year. I do see a purpose in trying to get everything done ahead of time, but I feel we should remember the real reason for the season. I'm going to be doing some posts about what I'm thankful for. So this will be my first post about being thankful and I hope to do at least 3 more.

Feeling blessed for all of these things today ~

Our Lord Jesus Christ (the real reason for the season)

my family

my church family

having a teaching job

our new home

What are you thankful for? So many times we forget to look at our lives as a blessing and dwell on our circumstances. I think that if we focus on what we have our life will be enriched and be able to live more fully.

Have a blessed day!
Carey

Halloween Highlights and a Fall Caving Trip!

2010-11-04T09:05:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogging friends! I wanted to share our trip pictures and Halloween pictures with you. Our kids were on Fall break last week. I had to teach class Thursday afternoon so we set off Friday morning for Kentucky. My husband is an avid caver and he loves being able to get dirty and take the kids places he's been. Now that they are getting older we can do that. I think this must be the perk of having a preteen! My daughter has been reading some books about Floyd Collins and it was neat to see her put things together from the book. We visited Sand Cave, Crystal Cave and explored Flint Ridge then Saturday took a tour at Mammoth. I highly recommend doing this if you are ever in Kentucky. You may not want to do it if you have a fear of small places though. It was fun to spend time together and get dirty. However, I was very sore! We only ventured inside two caves Mammoth and Devil's Den. I crawled about 50 feet in one, not fun! My son loved it, now he wants to go with Dad all the time. My daughter not so much. She isn't one for getting dirty and she said she didn't like the small spaces.

This section of Mammoth is called Fat Man's Misery, it's kinda narrow

Look how dirty we were after coming out, this was Devil's Den, no movie theater lighting in here.

After finishing our tour at Mammoth we headed north for home. We got home just in time to trick or treat. There is a time difference in Kentucky than where we live in Indiana so we really had to hurry.

This house is right by our school, I used to walk by it everyday growing up. Don't you love it?

My little Harry Potter

His archmesis, Bellatrix Lestrange

the all important loot!

Smokey, our cat in his costume

I'll be back soon with some yummy treats!

Blessings to you,

Carey

Halloween Decor and Yummy Treats!

2010-10-28T11:00:00.000-07:00

It's that time of year again. We've been busy here getting ready for costumes and parties. I put up a few more decorations for Halloween. Overall, I've paired down my Halloween decorations in favor of more Fall ones. I take the Halloween things down the day after. I find myself thinking ahead to Christmas this year. I am a little sad the weather has been so strange this Fall. It's either unusually chilly or really warm. Tuesday we had some wicked storms that came through all of my leaves are down. Boo...hoo!

This little ghost collection I've had for awhile. My kids love the one that lights up the most. I made it years ago in ceramic class. I didn't get a picture of it my camera batteries died. You can probably see it in my other photo albums. I have to put that and the bat every year. They love the stuffed squeaky bat! Gotta love kids!

Someone else is ready for Halloween too. It's BOO our dog!

Here's a link to some yummy treats I baked this week. Double Kissed Chocolate Chunk Cookies from Picky Palate. I love the little Pumpkin spice kisses. You can find them at Target. I picked up a few bags and am planning on trying another treat soon. If you can't find these near you butterscotch chips can be substituted. These were very cakey. If you like cake you'll like these. One of the things I like about her site is she comes up with great shortcuts. These could be made just by modifying your basic chocolate chip cookie recipe or a mix. Happy Baking!

Photo courtesy of Jenny at Picky Palate

What are you plans this year? Do you and your family celebrate Halloween? If you do to what extent do you go all out and have the outside of you house looking spooky? Do you trick or treat, pass out goodies, have a Fall Harvest Party? I'd love to hear all about it.

Happy Halloween, enjoy your family

Carey

Spirtual Journey

2010-10-21T03:51:00.000-07:00

I've had the most wonderful weekend! I just had to share with you...it's a little off my normal decorating and recipes topics. I went on a Walk to Emmaus. I decided to go after hearing about this experience from my mother-in-law. The amount of joy I experienced is beyond words. I have been a Christian all my life. My Dad was a Methodist minister so this is not a new idea for me. I spent countless hours attending Sunday school and church services (sometimes twice on Sunday) and vacation Bible school. My father had three small country churches once place we lived so my mom and I would go with him to at least two services sometimes. When he passed away it was very difficult, but my mom raised me alone. We continued attending church and she was the best example of a humble servant that I've every known. However, this was a religion free experience. We never talked about denominations or our profession. We only talked about God and how to walk closer with him. It wasn't about anybody else but our relationship with our Lord, Jesus Christ. Before I attended I thought I had this all figured out....this was no ordinary retreat. I have a new outlook...feel spirtually alive and nourished. I am so glad to call myself a princess of the King. I realized that all the stuff that we fill ourselves up with whether it's a priority list, activities, alcohol or drugs, other people it can't make us whole because he is the one that we need. He's counting on us...we have to count on him. We do that through Study, Prayer and Action. If you have any interest in taking this spirtual walk then I would ask that you check in your area for a walk. You will need a sponsor too. This is something that I hope that you would consider. Here's the link to Emmaus Upperoom.

Have a Blessed Day!
Carey

Halloween Cupcakes

2010-10-13T11:24:00.000-07:00

It's been sunny here and feeling like the end of summer rather than Fall. Basketball practices have started and we're in full swing with activities. We have visited the orchard a few times and attended fall festivals. In addition we've been celebrating birthdays! I'm made some yummy cupcakes and cakes lately. I got the idea from Picky Palate, she made hers brownies. I adapted her idea and made cupcakes. It's super easy, check it out here. They were a huge hit in my son's class. Everyone assumed that the bakery made them, kudos for mom!

I used vienna sandwich cookie instead of the Pepperidge Farm Milano cookies she used. I couldn't find them.

Have a wonderful week!

Carey

Happy Birthday to my Little Boy!

2010-10-10T18:35:00.000-07:00

You will always be the apple of my eye! You stole my heart the day that you looked up at me and said "Mommy". I will never stop loving you, Happy Birthday Beautiful, Beautiful Boy!

I love you with all my heart!

Mom

Apple Orchard and my New Apple Sign

2010-10-09T05:58:00.000-07:00

I love this lil' long cabin at the orchard.

My daughter picking a granny smith apple

I have been following Lynn's blog for awhile and fell in love with her work. I had also seen this on Aunt Ruthie's blog and didn't feel like it was something I could recreate so I asked Lynn. She did an inspired version of the one from her blog. If you would like to see how she made it she wrote about it on her blog Painting Thyme Needfuls. It turned out great! I can't tell you how nice it looks in person. I just love it, and it fits in perfect for my kitchen. The rolling pin is a real vintage one too.

I put it above my pantry in a prominent place in my kitchen, when you walk in my side door which is just about what all our guests do, you see this!

Anyone know how to fix these picture issues for a few weeks now I've not been able to load pictures correctly, ugh... so frustrating. I've had trouble before and can't remember where you can adjust the settings.

Have a wonderful Fall weekend!

Carey

Harvest Apple Squares

2010-10-03T05:03:00.000-07:00

Yummy Harvest Treats

Harvest Time Apple Squares

2 c flour
1 c brown sugar
3/4 cup sugar, divided
1 1/2 t. cinnamon
1/2 cup butter, softened
1 c walnuts
8 oz. pkg cream cheese
2 Tbsp. milk
1 egg beaten
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
3 1/2 cup granny smith apples, cored, peeled, and chopped

Combine flour, brown sugar, 1/2 cup sugar and cinnamon. Cut in butter until mixture resembles coarse crumbs; stir in walnuts. Reserve 2 cups crumb mixture. Press remaining mixture into greased 13 x 9 baking pan. Combine cream cheese and milk, mixing until well blended. Add remaining sugar, egg and vanilla. Mix well and pour over crust. Top with apples. Sprinkle with reserved crumb mixture. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes. Cool before cutting. Makes one dozen squares.

This recipe comes from the new Gooseberry Patch cookbook Homemade Harvest. This smells yummy when you're baking and you get that first wiff from the oven, it was delicious too.

Happy Baking!

Carey

Mantle Project and More Fall decorating

2010-09-30T03:30:00.000-07:00

Good morning, I hope you are all cooling off and feeling more fall like in your area. I'm loving the weather in Indiana lately! When I attended the Country Living Fair this last weekend I found some galvanized buckets that I had been looking for. I was inspired by Aunt Ruthie's Mantle. I sort of combined a few of her looks here. I bought some raffia and burlap ribbon at Jo Ann's. My son and I gathered some twigs outside (free!) I love that. They wanted 7.99 for some at the craft store. I spent a little over 20 dollars on everything. I still have a ton of raffia left too. So here is the new look...

top of my pie safe dough bowl

my dining room table

cute lil' cinnamon pumpkins

the upstairs mantle

I have a few more pictures to share I've been having issues with pictures the loading the last few days. I have some new recipes and a trip to the apple orchard to share.

Have a blessed day!

Carey

Gooseberry Patch and Country Living Fair

2010-09-25T06:46:00.000-07:00

I'm one happy girl after visiting the Country Living Fair yesterday. It was so neat! The highlight of my day was definately meeting Jo Ann and Vicki from Gooseberry Patch! I brought one of my favorite cookbooks Welcome Home for the Holidays to sign and then couldn't resist the urge to buy a few more! LOL! They had a show special so I was able to get 3, one gift and 2 new ones Homemade Harvest and Homemade Christmas! By the way, these are on sale right now and they're having a contest you can enter to win the Harvest one on their website.

I didn't take too many pictures, it was so crowded and I wasn't sure of the policies of many of the booths.

Vicki and Jo Ann recommended I go over and try some dessert from this booth after mentioning I like pie. However, the line was incredibly long and they were just serving cobbler so I passed. It looked yummy though!

It was very windy and hot so there were a lot of tents and goodies blowing over. I felt sorry for the vendors. I was overwhelmed with all the tents and vendors. I would love to go again next year with someone and make a weekend of it. I think the early bird might be worth it. I got there at 10 and the exit was completely backed up. I didn't even need my GPS. There was a variety of decorating styles, lots of candles, arts and antiques. I loved the prim shops the best. I already had made up my mind that I wasn't go to buy much unless I found that one of a kind thing that I just couldn't pass up. I searched but never found it. I did buy some signs, very reasonable. He has a blog called Berries in the Meadow Art and a shop on etsy too. He was a very nice gentleman. Some people had folding carts and they did offer a drop off station where you could rent space to put larger items. It was so far from the fair to the parking lot, I think that makes you think twice before purchasing things.

Well, my family and I are off to visit the apple orchard today for some apple cider donuts and fresh cider. Have a blessed weekend, enjoy the season!

Carey

Fall is Finally Here!

2010-09-22T08:43:00.000-07:00

That means a few things my beautiful daughter has a birthday, she is growing up way too fast! She turned eleven on Monday. We're having some major issues with clothing choices lately. For the most part she is just choosing things to make her look older. We have had countless discussions. She just loves fashion and I think it's fine to encourage her to look her best but she has taken it a bit far. Any advice...for a soon to be mom of a teen??

showing off her goodies

making a wish

And now for more Fall pictures of my home...

sofa table

little nook

I found this crow at a Fall festival.

My new favorite Creamy Pumpkin candle, if you like bakery smells this one is for you!

Stovetop Doughboard

the little bowl contains a styrofoam pumpkin I sprayed with glue and rolled in spices and I put a little wreath around it all, grapevine pumpkin my DD bought me last year, preserved leaves

my kitchen

my new creamy white pumpkin, Slatkin, QVC

has pumpkin patch scent inside but I can reuse it over and over

Stay tuned for more Fall pictures coming soon!

Have a blessed day!

Carey

Fall Thyme

2010-09-15T13:43:00.000-07:00

Hey folks are you ready for some Fall decorations? I have worked hard to put the house together a little differently this year. I also have more things all unpacked, settled and just generally moved into spots I like better. Last year I was just moving into our home and I was in such a hurry to get everything settled. Can you believe this journey has been a year? I know I can't time sure has been flying...

Welcome to my Fall home!

Come on in the cider is warm...

the entry

This cupboard is full of my white pumpkins and brown colors.

This lil' box came home with me the other day, from Warmglow.

Recognize this little pumpkin, I won it from Sunnyside, Thanks Amy!!! Go check out her blog she is very crafty and full of great ideas.

Family Room

As you can tell in keeping with my white theme, I have my favorite white pumpkins, white star, white cutting board, and pitcher. I decided to leave out the mums in my pitcher. I do like that the sign has some color in it. I had to have my crow here too. The pumpkins are sitting on some black candle holders I just tied on the raffia.

my scarecrow, I just love Harvest more than any other kind of decor

I noticed the other day that not one but two of my favorite blogs have decided to permanently close and did their last post. I have a quick thought here. Is this a trend? Do you think people are on technology overload? A lot of them seem to have taken a break over the summer and then decided to leave permenantly. This got me to thinking that this a problem for people. I know I feel overwhelmed with all the posts I need to keep up with and reading but I try the best I can. I think it's unrealistic to read every blog and write comments etc. One person said she hated feeling like she had to take pictures of everything and wanted to just get back into decorating for the enjoyment of it. That's not all I've noticed several friends deleting Facebook accounts saying it was causing problems and taking too much time. I know I can't blog everyday or even set standards for myself. I blog when I have something I want to share and now that I'm working I feel like I can't do it as much as before but it's not something I'm ready to give up. What do you think? Are we becoming a society who is living a life online (more than real life) or is it a passing phase that will go by the wayside. I'll be back soon with a lot more pictures.

Harvest Blessings to you and your family,
Carey

Favorite Weekend Meal

2010-09-11T05:06:00.000-07:00

With Fall looming in the air I thought I'd play along and link up one of my favorite recipes. We like to have pizza and movie night on Friday's usually at our house. I've shared some of these recipe before. While pizza is great we do Stromboli about every other week. I like that it can be dipped in the sauce

If you want to get the recipe check it out here:

Stromboli

Check out more recipes with Colleen

Have a great weekend with your family. Don't forget our fallen heros on 9/11, gone but not forgotten...

Carey

The Frost is on the Pumpkin...

2010-09-06T14:09:00.000-07:00

Hello blogging friends! I've been working on decorating my house for Fall for a few days now. I'm looking forward to sitting back and enjoying the season. I can't wait for hot cider, long walks, changing leaves, baking some yummy pie and attending fall festivals. How about you? What are you looking forward to this season?

I've been inspired by all the blogs I'm reading lately. I love revisiting my old Fall magazines, it's like when an old friend comes for a visit. In decorating my home, I look for ways to get inspired or be creative each season. I get new ideas from checking out shop displays. Sometimes it might be the way it's all arranged. It could be a simple twist on an old thing that really gets my attention. Then other times I fall in love with one particular thing or vignette in the display that usually comes home with me. This weekend I spent some time at an outdoor show, checked out one of my favorite places in my town, WarmGlow candles and went to a Fall festival. The show was nice I picked up some pumpkins and corn stalks and that got the ball rolling for my outdoor decor. The festival was disappointing but I did come home with a crow. Imagine that? LOL! Warmglow was pretty inspiring too, I'll show you my goodies from that later.

Look what I added to my table

Among the Trees are Apples and Leaves!

love my runner

My DS found some giant punkin's

Farmer's Pike Festival

my kiddos

I'll be back soon with some projects and Fall decorating!

Carey

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins

2010-09-03T06:00:00.000-07:00

Fall baking season is upon us and with a cooler weekend forecast I'm ready to go. I got up early and fixed these for my kiddos. Then made up some more after they left for school for those busy mornings when I can pull them out of the freezer. I was checking out blogs and found a link from Colleens blog And Baby Makes Five menu planning. I would love to be so organized and do this on my blog but I just haven't been brave enough yet. I do menu plan and I highly recommend it if you find yourself on a budget or just going out to eat way too much.

These muffins were delicious and don't worry your kids won't even notice the fact they contain some whole wheat flour! My son ate three this morning!

Here's the link and be sure to check out what everyone else is making too!

Pumpkin Butterscotch Muffins

Hope you have a great holiday weekend, I am going to a craft show and fall festival!

Carey

Fall Wreath Party

2010-09-01T11:54:00.000-07:00

Today I'm linking up to play along with Sunnyside's Fall Wreath Party. This is the beginning of my Fall decorating. I will be adding slowly here and there as I have more time.

Here's one idea for the front door:

I picked up this little basket at an antique shop near St. Louis, MO. I use it for every season, I just love that it's so versatile. For Fall, I just add mums, leaves, some Fall sprays and it's all done. I placed the slate Autumn Greetings sign on it too. I like the idea of a sign and greeting. I picked it up a few years ago at Jo Ann Fabrics.

Here's another wreath that I like too for the door.

Here's a close-up that shows it has lil' pumpkin pods, orange berries, wheat and stars.

Which one do you like better??

Have a great day, remember it's September 1st so get inspired and get that Fall Wreath on the Door!

Carey

A Chill in the Air...

2010-08-29T09:05:00.000-07:00

A few days ago my husband and I left for a morning walk. I donned my typical tank top and workout pants. Sure enough I was a bit chilly. I think it was in the low 50's. Fall is definately in the air....which makes me think about my home. I love the warm, cozy feeling of coming in with that nip in the air to the smells and sights of Fall in my home. You know those early evenings when you come inside and smell supper in the oven or crockpot. I just love Chili and Stews this time of year. Then when the light begins to dwindle and you light the first candle of the season with those spicy scents. I love apple and anything with a spice in it. I just ordered some candles from QVC. There's another Slatkin show on tonight if you want to see what it's all about. I got the pumpkin ones. I have the gingerbread house and last year I missed out on the pumpkins. It's not necessarily something from the 1800's but I think it lends itself to just about any type of home decor. I love luminaries and the way the light dances on your ceiling. Speaking of candles I just picked this Farmer's Market up a few weeks ago. It's so yummy, smells like an orchard to me too. According to Yankee's website is smells like sweet berries, juicy apples, succulent peaches and warm spices. Yum! I couldn't resist this star shade either. I splurged a little but I used my coupon so it wasn't quite so bad. I think it might be my new favorite. Well, for someone obsessed with candles at least for the time being. LOL!

In anticipation of Fall, I tweaked this area a bit in my entryway. I took down all my americana letters and cleared my shelf off completely. Then I added a few crows, my brown insulators and little creamy nutmeg pitcher. The star jar came from another cabinet. I think it looks completely different now. When I'm ready for Fall decorating I just bring out some white pumpkins or a little bittersweet then I'm all done!

I am busy today making plans for Fall decorating. I think that this probably take me longer than Christmas because I have so many things for Fall. I don't usually put all my Halloween or Thanksgiving things out right away. Does anyone else do this? I don't really have many Halloween specific things but I try to leave them out for about a month or so usually October then I transition into the Thanksgiving. For some reason I can't stand the Halloween things out much longer than that. In preparation for this I like to peruse my Fall collections of Country Sampler, older Country Living, blogs, and Fall open houses. I love going through my Gooseberry Patch cookbooks for old favorite recipes and new ones to try. I feel this helps me get a handle on the season. I also try to have a fresh approach each year. I want people to come into my home and see some subtle differences from year to year. Get my drift?? I know I've said it before but Fall is truly my favorite season for so many reasons. My wish for all of you is that you can find time to make your house a home and enjoy the fruit of the harvest with your families.

I'm be joining Amy, Sunnyside for her Wreath Party next week please stop by!

Have a blessed week ahead,

Carey

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

2010-08-24T18:20:00.000-07:00

Hello, it's been a crazy start of the week and last week was an adjustment. We aren't used to getting up quite so early. My husband and I took full advantage last week and got all our household chores done early. I worked on lesson plans and course planning. Then he interviewed at the school where I'm teaching and got a job too! Yeah!!! Praise, God we both have jobs. They aren't full time though. He will be teaching two classes in Algebra. I will be teaching 4 this semester. I taught only one this summer so this could be quite a change for me. It's not exactly what he was looking for but I heard that they were looking for someone to teach several math classes and he had the qualifications. He is still goiing to actively pursue another job while teaching these night classes.

Meanwhile I'm looking forward to my favorite season and some baking! Here's a recipe that my family enjoyed for breakfast last week. It was so good, fresh blueberries are a must!

Blueberry Buckle Coffee Cake

2 Cup flour
3/4 cup sugar
2 1/2 tsp. baking powder
3/4 tsp. salt
1/4 cup shortening
3/4 cup milk
2 cups blueberries
1/2 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 to 2 tsp. hot water

Mix together all ingredients except blueberries, powdered sugar, vanilla and water. Beat for 30 seconds; carefully fold in berries. Spread batter into greased 9 x 9 baking pan; sprinkle with Crumb Topping. Bake at 375 degrees for 45-50 minutes. Combine remaining ingredients in a small bowl; drizzle over warm cake. Makes 9 servings.

Crumb topping

1/2 cup sugar
1/3 cup flour
1/4 cup butter softened
1/2 tsp. cinnamon

Mix all ingredients together until crumbly.

This recipe is a winner and I hope you will try it, courtesy of the new Gooseberry Patch book, Farmer's Market. I'm not sure how much I will be posting with my classes this Fall but hang in there with me. I love seeing your comments. Don't forget to check out Sunnyside's Fall Wreath Party next week. I plan on participating too.

Have a wonderful day, count your blessings!
Carey

Confessions of a Sign Addict...

2010-08-19T16:55:00.000-07:00

Recently I began looking around my home at the signs, I just can't help but not to pick up one when I'm shopping. I'm not sure what draws me in...is it the words, the meaning, or style? I think I've always liked print because I like to read and it must be the teacher in me.

Some I've had for awhile...thinking about painting this one?

This is my newest one, love what it says.

We shouldn't forget the past. We can learn so much.

Family is so important.

I have a soft spot for these stitching's too. This one says, "Grow old with me in our home the best is yet to be."

This was a birthday present from my Mother -in- Law.

She knows just what I like, I love her so much.

Fall is in the air...

Then last but not least one that shows the pride I feel for our Country.

Do you have a love of signs or some other collections? I'd love to hear about it.

Have a great day!

Carey

Back to School for my Kids!

2010-08-17T06:56:00.000-07:00

Boy are they getting big!!! I can't believe they went back today. Summer has flown by and they're getting bigger all the time. They were sure excited. We met the teachers last night. They took in all their stuff. The school looked great, and the hustle and bustle was "in the air".

Notice the all important coordinating outfit, very important of a 5th grade girl!

my tough guy

Look, new backpacks...

Shh...I'm happy to be getting a little quiet time after the bus in the morning again.

Have a great day!

Carey

Little Glimpses of my Home

2010-08-16T10:42:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it's the little areas or things you love the most about your home. I love my little reading area where I read my bible in the morning, the way the light travels in my kitchen on my table top. I just love the little hallway nook that I have a table nestled with my sheep things. I just love my new little coffee sign, I consider myself Queen of Coffee, LOL...not really! I just love flavored coffee creamers. I'm enjoying french vanilla right now but I can't wait for the fall ones.

I found this at Hobby Lobby, 1/2 off of signs.

My newest tabletop, I have some old kitchen tools, my grandmother's rolling pin. The large ball jar and new cake plate (found at Home Goods) you can change out the ribbon. Then I got a little rooster at Cracker Barrel 1/2 off. I finally gave in to the Roosters and chickens. This is my first one. I think I'm enjoying them because of my recent farm experience. I've recently been inspired by some Rooster Blog parties too. What do you guys think? Do you love them or hate them?

I'll be back soon, I've been tweaking and have some more pictures and signs to share with you. My children go back to school tomorrow and they are excited, and I'm ready! Whew...I am looking forward to a little more quiet time. The only problem is mom is going back too!

Have a Blessed Day!

Carey

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

2010-08-12T06:22:00.000-07:00

Hello Blogging friends! I thought I would share some more good pie with ya! I spotted some rhubarb at the store the other day and had just purchased some strawberries too. I just found this new Gooseberry Patch book called Farmer's Market at Jo Ann's the other day and decided to wait on some fall purchases and use my 40% coupon on this new book. This pie is very sweet and not for the faint of heart. I might recommend cutting back some of the sugar next time. It's good though my son loved it!

This book is perfect for this time of year. I have an endless supply of zucchini to use up and my tomatoes are starting to come on. The corn didn't do very well but we have a handful. My husband and I picked all the beets and pickled them. Then we picked all the cucumbers and made a batch of dill pickles and a batch of bread n butter pickles. Tis' great joy to see all that sitting on my shelves in my basement pantry!

To start with you need to slice up your berries and rhubarb and let them stand to the juices can thicken

Meanwhile roll out your pie crust

( and yes you should have spotted my grandmother's rolling pin in the background)

Place your crust in pie plate and chill for about 10 min. and make your topping

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie

5 cups strawberries sliced

2 stalks rhubarb sliced

3/4 cup brown sugar

1/4 cup flour

2 Tbsp. cornstarch

1/8 tsp. salt

1/2 tsp. cinnamon

1 1/2 Tbsp. butter divided

Sift dry ingredients together and mix with berries and rhubarb. Let stand for 10 minutes. Then roll out crust and let chill in fridge. Meanwhile make the crumb topping. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

3 Tbsp. flour

1 Tbsp. sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 Tbsp. butter

Mix well and cut in butter until in makes fine crumbs.

Add your berry mixture to crust and dot with 1/2 tbsp. of butter. Poor crumb topping over crust. Bake for 50-60 minutes until top is golden brown and juices are bubbly. Enjoy!

Have a great day!

Carey

More Bed and Breakfast Photos

2010-08-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

Here is what we woke up to in the morning....

We got fresh fruit everyday. One morning we had watermelon from her garden. The day I took the pictures we ate sausage, bacon, scrambled eggs and pancakes (choc. chip, blueberry). We were stuffed to say the least.

This is her collection of teapots, from her daughters.

Love the sign for pie!

The owner leaves puzzles out on this table and when someone finishes them she puts them on the wall.

The owner has a very electic style and bought everything 2nd hand. She also was careful to make the bed and breakfast as green as possible using recycled products in building. Each room had a theme. Some of the doors were actually old ones bought at auction or flea markets.

Country Girl at Heart Bed and Breakfast

I'll be back soon with more recipes!

Have a great day!

Carey