The cooler days of autumn bring us hot cider, the comfort of soups and stews, and the beauty of turning leaves. A hint of mystery permeates the air, and with it the promise of soon-coming holidays. Bright pumpkins sit outside grocery stores and dot farmers' fields, waiting for eager hands to carry them home.
During the … Continue Reading ››
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Fall Cleaning, Making it Safe and Easy
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Autumn Melody
It’s that time again. The first blasts of autumn can be mighty bracing, coming as they do on the heels of summer heat. You rummage in your closet for a jacket before going out with a touch of sadness at summer’s passing, an awareness of the fleeting nature of time. Dread wars with a touch … Continue Reading ››
Mending Your Clothes (Frugal Luxuries)
I threaded a needle, snipped and knotted, then rummaged in my mending basket for the shirt in need of buttons. A glance through the doorway beside my bench revealed the red light was still on in the three washing machines containing my laundry while back home, our washer waited for repair. I was stuck at … Continue Reading ››
How to Make Peppermint Tea
Peppermint tea is perfect hot or cold. When summer heat soars, a pitcher of this delightful beverage misted with condensation makes an appealing and frugal alternative to soda. And when winter winds blow, bundle up in a favorite corner with a good book and a steaming cup.
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Easy Raised Bed Planter From Old Brick
You can spend a lot of money on gardening or wing it on a shoestring. Over time, I've seen that one method doesn't necessarily make a nicer garden. Having a garden worth spending time in depends on the creativity, resourcefulness, and skills of the individual gardener.
I took the picture in the image, above, and in … Continue Reading ››
Organize With Focus Days
Not so very long ago, every day had an assigned focus. Monday was wash day, followed on Tuesday by ironing. Wednesday was set aside for mending and sewing, Thursday for going to market, and Friday for cleaning. Saturday meant time to bake, with Sunday, of course, a day of rest.
This housekeeping schedule (and its alternate versions) … Continue Reading ››
Crochet Circle Scarf Design
I always knew what I was going to get for Christmas from Great Aunt Mae. From year to year, the design might differ, the colors of yarn would change, but the item stayed the same. If it hadn't been for Aunt Mae, I'm not sure what I'd have worn for slippers while growing up. Fortunately, I … Continue Reading ››
Homemade Vanilla Extract
The smell of vanilla summons fond memories of the icebox cookies my mother made for Christmas. She would mix the dough ahead of time, shape into rolls, and chill it in the refrigerator. To make the cookies, all you had to do was slice and bake. The dough freezes well, too. This is such a … Continue Reading ››