Fun Autum ideas to share with your family

Crafts are fun to do with the family during those chilly Autum days. When choosing crafts remember to keep in mind the ages of your children. You don't want to pick a craft that is to difficult for your children to enjoy.

Here are some fun fall ideas:

Pinecone bird feeders *

Corn husk dolls *

Popcorn balls *

Pumpkin carving

Nature walk to collect fall leaves

Raking leaves... and jumping in the pile!!!

Make scones and have with some tea *

Caramel apples *

Make a fairy house *

Visit local beach or park and take notice of seasonal changes

Have children write a poem, draw a picture favorite fall activities

Read about what people of the past did during fall...foods, games, clothing, work

*has a link to more information

Christmas Dinner

Here are a few resources I have found for Christmas Dinner recipes!

Razzle Dazzle Recipes

Victorian Rituals

Russian Tea Balls

Russian Tea Balls


2 1/2 cup flour
3/4 cup powdered sugar
1/4 tsp. salt
1 cup butter
2 tsp. vanilla
1/2 cup chopped walnuts

Shape into walnut sized balls. Bake on ungreased cookie sheet at 375 for 10 minutes, but don't let brown.

While still warm, roll in powdered sugar. Let cool and roll again in powdered sugar. Tea Balls taste better when stored for a few days.

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Lebkuchen

LEBKUCHEN
German honey cake for Saint Nicholas Day

6 oz. (scant 1 1/4 c.) blanched almonds, ground to a fine powder
2 lg. eggs
1/2 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/2 tsp. powdered cloves
1 c. granulated sugar
1 tbsp. plus 1 1/2 tsp. brandy
1/3 c. honey
3/4 c. mixed candied citron, lemon rind, and orange rind, finely diced
About 3 1/2 c. sifted cake flour


In small bowl beat eggs several minutes until slightly thickened. Gradually add baking powder, salt, cinnamon, cloves, and sugar. Continue beating until mixture is pale and forms a ribbon when beaters are raised. Transfer to large bowl. On low speed add almonds, brandy, honey, and diced fruit. Gradually add 3 cups flour, beating only until incorporated. Stir in remaining flour with large wooden spatula. Mixture will be very stiff.


Cookie dough (after rolled and cut) will stand overnight. Use nonstick pans, baking pan liner paper, or buttered and floured foil. Cut the foil or paper to fit your baking sheets.

Turn dough onto floured pastry cloth. Divide into thirds and work one piece at a time. Roll into an oblong shape 1/4 inch thick. Keep dough floured on all sides. Cut cookies (using a wet knife) into 2 x 4 inch oblongs. Transfer using a wide spatula onto foil, paper, or nonstick sheets, placing them about 1/2 inch apart.

Press and reroll scraps. Cover cookies loosely with plastic wrap and let stand overnight. Bake at 325 degrees for 20 minutes, until lightly colored.

Immediately, with a pastry brush, brush the glaze; (below) on the hot cookies. Let stand to dry. Store airtight. They will be very crisp, but will soften after a few days.


GLAZE FOR LEBKUCHEN:

1 1/2 c. sifted powdered sugar
Scant 1 tbsp. fresh lemon juice
Scant 1 tbsp. boiling water

Gingerbread Cake

GINGERBREAD CAKE
from COOKS.COM

1/2 c. butter
1 c sugar
1 egg, beaten
1 c. molasses
2 1/2 c. flour
1 1/2 tsp. soda
1/2 tsp. salt
1 tsp. cinnamon
2 tsp. ginger
1 c. hot water

Bake cake at 350 degrees.
Bake cake and let cool. Slice desired amounts and cover with Gingerbread Glaze.

GINGERBREAD GLAZE:

6 tbsp. butter
1 c. sugar
3 tbsp. flour
1 1/2 c. hot water

Mix and let cool a little then add 3 egg yolks. Cook above mixture until nearly thick.

Add slowly: 3 tsp. vanilla 1/4 tsp. salt

*Recipe does not state how long to bake. I would check after 20 or 30 minutes.

Christmas ideas-coming soon

I will add Victorian holiday ideas very soon. I have added some holidays ideas for November!!

Martinmas

Martinmas from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

On November 11 comes the festival of Martinmas, a very old European winter celebration dating back to the Middle Ages, concerning Saint Martin of Tours. As the legend goes a young soldier named Martin was passing under an archway when he discovered a poor beggar huddled there. It was very cold and the man was nearly naked. Although Martin was not a rich man, upon seeing the poor beggar, he took off his own cape and ripped it in half in order to cover the beggar.
*
The following night Martin had a dream in which he saw Christ wearing his cape. Christ said, "Martin, what you have done unto the least of your brothers you have done to me." Inspired by his vision, Martin abandoned his career in the French calvary, became a monk, and devoted the rest of his life to helping all of mankind reguardless of their station. Today he is considered the patron saint of beggars, drunkards, and outcasts.
*
In many European countries, particularly Germany, France, and the Netherlands, Martinmas is celebrated with a festival of laterns, symbolizing the light of generosity that illuminates the darkness of lack. We celebrate it in our homes as well. Earlier, Mrs. Sharp has gathered together the good, serviceable clothing that the family has outgrown-each child is responsible for choosing something to pass on to another-and after it has been washed and cleaned and mended, we take the clothing to a nearby shelter.
*
Each year Mrs. Sharp reinforces the tradition of giving on Martinmas by giving a special sweater or scarf to each child. The gift is symbolic: something that will keep him or her warm both physically and emotionally.
*
In the afternoon the children put the finishing touches on the paper lantern they have been working on for the past few days. Victorians enjoyed decorating with paper lanterns, which were often strung outside in great numbers to illuminate evening entertainments.
*
When the children's lanterns are complete, we ceremoniously light them and the children carry them once around the dining room. Afterward we enjoy a festive tea together.
*
Now, you might say, Martinmas sounds lovely, Mrs. Sharp, but, really, this is one tradition that is very far from our daily life. Well, dear Reader, perhaps not. Isn't it likely that every year you will sort through your clothing and donate to a charitable organization? Isn't it likely you will either knit or purchase a new sweater for the children each year? Wouldn't an interesting and simple craft activity brighten a few November afternoon? And aren't you looking for a tangible way to instill generosity in your children? The answer to all of these questions is probably yes. All that Mrs. Sharp has done is pull all of these elements together around an annual tradition.
*
Remember that you can start your own traditions with your family and you should, for that is how our legacy of love grows for ourselves and children.
*
Martinmas may not be a festival you are familiar with today, but it's gentle caring customs can become all the more precious in time for the lesson it lovingly imparts.
Pg.212-213

All Souls' Day

from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

******

For centuries, the souls of the dead have been remembered and prayed for on November 2, All Souls' Day. This was the day Victorian families would visit the cemetery, offers prayers, and reflect on the sweetness-and often brevity-of life.

*

From England comes the tradition of "soul cakes" for All Souls' Day. An ancient belief held that all unhappy souls could return to their former homes for a visit. Thus it became customary on All Souls' Eve to keep the hearth well tended and leave food, especially sweet buns known as soul cakes, on the table in case the visiting spirits were hungry.

*

Soul cakes were also offered to visitors and distributed to the poor who came "a'souling," praying for a household's departed relations, in return for alms and a soul cake.

*

In Mrs. Sharp's house, like Lenten hot cross buns, these delicious treats come but once a year and will eagerly be awaited by your family. When you serve your soul cakes, have the children sing this song:

***

A Soul, a Soul, a Soul cake,

Please good misses a Soul cake,

An apple, a pear, a plum or a cherry

Or any good thing, to make us merry.

One for Peter, two for Paul

and Three for Him who made us all.

***

Into her family's soul cakes, Mrs. Sharp inserts shiny copper pennies, wrapped in aluminum foil, for the rest of the song goes:

***

The lanes are very dirty

My shoes are very thin,

I've got a little pocket

To put a penny in.

If you haven't got a penny,

A ha' penny will do,

If you haven't got a ha' penny

God Bless you!

***

Mrs. Sharp's Soul Cakes

*

1 stick butter, softened

1 cup sugar

3 eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 teaspoon lemon extract

4 cups flour

1 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1 teaspoon allspice

1/2 cup currants

1/2 cup milk

*

Preheat the oven to 350.

Cream the butter and sugar together (with an electric mixer), then beat in the eggs one at a time. Add vanilla and lemon extracts and mix well. Sift the flour and the spices together and then add to the batter mixture. Stir in the currants and add milk to make a soft dough. Form the dough into flat cakes and place on a greased cookie sheet. Bake for 15 minutes or until golden brown.

Pg. 211

St. Nicholas Day

St. Nicholas Day

from Mrs. Sharp's Traditions

***

For many Victorian families, as well as families today in Holland, Germany, and England, the Christmas season really begins with a visit from Saint Nicholas on his birthday, December 6. This old-fashioned tradition can start setting the mood for a wonderful holiday season for your family.

*

Nicholas, the Bishop of Myra in Asia Minor, was said to have lived around A.D. 325. He was well loved for his compassion and generosity, mysteriously providing food, warm clothing, and even bags of gold for the needy. Legend has it that Saint Nicholas, riding his white horse down from heavan, pay nocturnal visits to children on the eve of his birthday to prepare their hearts for the coming of the Christ Child.

*

For parents who feel frustrated by the fact Santa Claus's visit inevitably overshadows their religious observance of the birth of Christ, a visit from Saint Nicholas can help tremendously. For modern children who no longer belive in Santa Claus (and to Mrs. Sharp's dismay, it seems they get younger with each passing Christmas), a celebration of St. Nicholas Day can satisfy a deep desire in children to belive in a benevolent and generous gift giver who rewards the good.

*

Beforethey go to bed, Mrs. Sharp's children place their shoes, filled with hay or a carrot for the saint's horse, beside the fireplace or front door, along with a beverage (traditionally a glass of schnapps) for his servant, Ruprecht, who carries the satchel of sweets and novelties for good children and switches for the bad.

*

When the children awaken the next morning, they discover delicious seasonal cakes (lebkuchen, a German honey cake, or a piece of iced gingerbread), a small mesh bag of gold-foil-covered chocolate coins, and one longed-for gift from each child's wish list.

*

Mrs. Sharp's children have been taught that it is Saint Nicholas who inspires us to prepare our Christmas gifts for others, for custom has it that he knows what each family member truly desires and so he puts ideas into our heads.

*

Saint Nicholas's visit provides our family with just enough foretaste of Christmas to make the waitin pleasurable, and it enables us to look outside ourselves to the holiday needs of others. We can never out grow the magic of a visit from Saint Nicholas. Invite him into your homes this year and see for yourself.

Pg. 232

Get ready for the Holidays

The official 'Holiday Season' is almost here!

This year I want to send my Christmas cards off after Thanksgiving and have my gifts purchased by the middle of December. I want to recreate the splendor of a Victorian Christmas for my family. I think traditions are very important for children, especially with today's hectic pace.

A friend of mine told me of a wonderful resource for getting organized for Christmas. The website is called 'Organized Christmas'.

There is a six week countdown to help you have a peaceful and organized holiday season. There are calendars and planner pages to help you stay on track. Forms to plan your budget and menus. I hope you will give it a try!

The plan starts this Sunday, October 23rd!
http://organizedchristmas.com/countdown.html

Baby Dolly

******
Baby Dolly

Hush, baby, my dolly, I pray you don't cry,

And I'll give you some bread, and some milk by-and-by;

Or perhaps you like custard, or, maybe, a tart,

Then to either you're welcome, with all my heart.

**************

Some place to find dresses and accessories for your baby dolly!

Quick Stiches http://www.quickstitches.com

Sense & Sensibility http://www.sensibility.com/pattern/dolls.htm

A Dolly's World http://www.adollysworld.com

Weekly Tasks

After I do my daily stuff I try to focus on one area of the house to do some deeper cleaning. Like dusting...yuck!!!

Weekly Tasks

Monday Laundry & Living Room

Tuesday Children's Bedroom

Wednesday Bathroom

Thursday Laundry & Kitchen

Friday Master Bedroom

SaturdayPatio, Porch & Front Entrance

SundayRest & Enjoy Family

Daily Cleaning Tasks

This is a list of chores I try to get done everyday.

Kitchen

unload dishwasher
sweep floor
take out garbage
wipe down:
sink
countertops & table
stove, fridge & microwave
load & start dishwasher before bed

Living Room

put away:
books, magazines & catalogs
toys, clothes & shoes
vacuum floor
windex patio door & TV
tidy end tables & school desks

Bathroom

wipe down countertop
put away toiletries
windex mirror
sweep/mop floor as needed
rinse:
sink
shower/bathtub
toilet with cleaner or bleach
replace toilet paper as needed

Children's Bedroom

make bed
put clothes away
pick up toys
vacuum as needed
tidy tops of dressers

Master Bedroom

make bed
put clothes away
tidy tops of nightstands & dresser

Pinecone Bird Feeder

Pinecone Bird Feeder

If you haven't done this bird feeding craft before give it a try...it's cute and messy....two things kids love!!

Supplies
Pine cones...fully opened older ones..bigger the better
Peanut Butter
Shallow pie plate
Sunflower and other bird seeds
String

Take the pine cone...have child apply peanut butter either with fingers or plastic knife into the layers of the pine cone. This works only with an opened cone.

Roll the pine cone in the seeds in the pie plate. If seeds do not stick...have child place seeds with fingers into the peanut butter. :)

Tie string tightly onto the top of the cone...doing this after ensures messy lickable fingers.

Hang your peanut butter seed cone outside in a tree or from thebottom of the bird feeder. The birds love it!! So do the children!!

What's nice with this is all ages can do it...my almost 10 yr old and the four year old both got into this!!

About the Author:
Cassie Smit of Dezign dotcomhttp://www.dezigndotcom.com/ Cassie is mom to four children. She works out of her home designing web sites, and also does freelance graphic work.

http://www.oldfashionedliving.com/birdfeeder2.html

Simplicity

I want to share how you can have a fun and beautiful children's birthday party that won't make you crazy.

I used my silver pieces that I have been collecting from antique stores, thrift shops and online auctions. In the past I have easily spent $70 on paper decorations and matching plates and cups. Why? Because someone decided that children need to be surrounded by tacky and obnoxious commercial characters at all times. I have looked at pictures from birthday parties in the past. The food and decorations were simple and the focus was on the children having fun.

You would think there would be some great revolt engineered by the birthday girl over the lack of tackiness. Quite the contrary, she absolutely loved using all of moms grown up stuff. The party was fun and relaxing, I was not exhausted or stress out on what should be a day about love and joy.

I also avoid places that are designed to provide a carefree party with no clean up. I have yet to find that place, have you? The room is usually too small, yet the play area is too large to keep an eye on your little guests. I always feel like I'm rushing the natural flow of the party so I can get out of the way of the next party. Don't get me wrong, those places are fun for a playdate or a just because family outing. I find trying to coordinate parents, children and the few hours you have the space reserved stressful.

I put the juice, cake, some cookies and tea sandwiches on a side counter. I used sparkling apple juice in the punch bowl, some chocolate dipped shortbread cookies, and little crustless ham & cheese sandwiches. I made two cakes, the larger one is also placed on the side counter.

I placed the smaller cake on a pedestal in the center of the table. I also ironed and starched my best tablecloth for the party. We also have a special plate, bowl & cup set the children only use on their birthday. You can see part of the set in the picture. As the children get older I plan to update the setting.

Here is a picture of the birthday girl, Zoey on the left and her sister Shelby on the right.

With the money that wasn't used on disposable decorations, we decided to invest in better quality toys and clothes. It does not make sense to me to buy 10 cheaply made disposable toys. I would rather buy 3 or 4 well made classic toys. Magic Cabin has a wonderful catalog of children's toys and books.

I also recommend "Mrs. Sharp's Traditions " By Sarah Ban Breathnach 256 pgs. Her book some great ideas and a little history about children's birthday parties. Also check out the A Whimsical Tea Party for Children post. It has simple recipes and fun party ideas.

Spending Halloween in Stepford

I usually don't dress up for Halloween. This year someone had the idea of dressing up as a Stepford Wife and I ran with it.

Some housewives are bothered by the movies and what you can imply just by saying, " She's a Stepford Wife". I on the other hand have never been bothered by how the wives are portrayed. Life is too short to be serious all of the time!

Too be completely honest....I like them. I wish my hair and makeup was always perfect, my home was spotless and dinner was on the table every time my husband walked through the door.

Since I'm not a "real" Stepford Wife, I'm going to pretend on Halloween!

The dress I'm going to make is a Vintage Vouge Pattern, V2267. The original design is from 1954. I will be making it in a lovely green fabric. I'll try to post a picture of the fabric.

The dress I was going to make is a Butterick Pattern. A Retro 1960 dress, B6582 , view C.

I will be adding a hat, white gloves, pumps and of course pearls!!

A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of Six

"A Formidable List of Attainments for a Child of Six", a reprint
of a curriculum outline from a CM school in the 1890's.
from Summer 93 Parents Review pub by Karen Andreola

To recite, beautifully, six easy poems and hymns.

To recite, perfectly and beautifully, a parable and a psalm.

To add and subtract numbers up to ten, with dominoes or counters.

To read-what, and how much, will depend on what we are told of the child; children vary much in their power of reading.

To copy in print-hand from a book.

To know the points of the compass with relation to their own home, where the sun rises and sets, and the way the wind blows.

To describe the boundaries of their own home.

To describe any lake, river, pond, island within easy reach.

To tell quite accurately (however shortly) Three stories from Bible history, three from early English, and three from early Roman history.

To be able to describe three walks and three views.

To mount in a scrapbook a dozen common wildflowers, with leaves (one every week) ;to name these, describe them in their own words, and say where they found them.

To do the same with the leaves and flowers of six forest trees.

To know six birds, by song, color and shape.

To send in certain Kindergarten or other handiwork, as directed.

To tell three stories about their own "pets"-rabbit, dog, or cat.

To name twenty common objects in French and say a dozen little sentences.

To sing one hymn, one French song, and one English song.

To keep a caterpillar, and tell the life-story of a butterfly from his own observations.

A formidable list of attainments for a child of five or six, but it is nearly all play-work, and to be done out-of-doors. The "sit-still" work should not occupy more than an hour and a half daily, and the time-table will show how all can be done, little by little, by day-by-day efforts. Our aim is to gather up the fragments of the child's desultory knowledge, so that nothing is lost. There is now waste more sad than the waste of those early years when the child's curiosity is keen and his memory retentive, and when he might lay up a great store of knowledge of the world he lives in with pure delight to himself; but this fine curiosity is allowed to spend itself on trivial things, and the retentive memory-does it not some times store the idle gossip of the maids?

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