Fall & Winter Wardrobe

Here are some patterns I have for the girls. They are all from Burda.

I like views A & B above. I think it's the cutest little girls dress EVER! Simple, beautiful, & not too long to run and play in.
When I look at this coat I think of the original version of 'A Miracle on 34th Street' & Shirley Temple (She wasn't in that movie, but she was really cute). I've never made a coat before, so why not try it out on the kids first!!
I also picked out this skirt pattern. I thought it would look cute in fabric with some funky patterns.

Dress #9667

Coat #9727

Skirt #9665

I bought my Burda patterns here: sewingpatterns.com

Simply Charlotte Mason

Today I came across a new (at least new to me!) homeschooling website, Simply Charlotte Mason.

I really like the planning section. It has a early years guide for the 3-5 age group and a curriculum guide for grades 1-12. The timesavers section has information and ideas for scripture memorization, book of centuries, narration, copywork, and a list of handicrafts and life skills.

Grab a cup of tea and enjoy!

Another great book resource: Yesterday's Classics

On the nightstand: Wuthering Heights

I went to Barnes and Noble the other day to let the kids pick out a book and got a little present for myself.

I came across their line of Collector's Library books. These little books are about 4"x 6", perfect size to keep tucked away on a little table or in a purse or diaper bag. They are hardback with a cloth cover and dust jacket. The series includes many classic writers and poets. And for only around $6.00 try something new.

I chose 'Wuthering Heights' by Emily Bronte. I wanted something I was familiar with but had not read or seen a movie version.

I'm going to start reading tonight. I would like to read for at least 15 minutes each day.

Chessy Hashbrown Potatoes

26-oz. pkg. frozen hashbrown potatoes
2 cup shredded Colby cheese
1/4 cup onion, minced
1 cup half-and half or milk
1/2 cup beef broth
2 Tbs. butter, melted
1 tsp. salt
1/4 tsp. pepper
1/8 tsp. garlic powder
Garnish: crisply cooked & crumbled bacon

Combine potatoes, cheese and onion in a large bowl; set aside. Mix remaining ingredients except bacon in a seperate bowl; stir into potato mixture until well blended. Spoon into a greased 13"x9" baking dish. Bake at 425 degrees for 45 to 60 minutes. Garnish with bacon.

Serves 8 to 10.

from Gooseberry Patch catalog

Pumpkin & Apple Butter Recipe

15 oz. can pumpkin
1 cup applesauce
3/4 cup apple juice
1/2 cup brown sugar, packed
1 tsp. pumpkin pie spice

Combine all ingredients in a saucepan. Bring to a boil over medium heat. Reduce heat; simmer for 1-1/2 hours. Chill; keep refrigerated.

Makes 2 pints.

from Gooseberry Patch catalog

Autumn

These just remind me of Autumn.

Celebrating Christmas Magazine

Celebrating Christmas has their 2005 magazine available for free download, HERE

The magzine has 90 pages and is in full color, it downloads as a PDF file. It has some really nice recipes and the pictures are great for decorating ideas.

They also have an e-book of 20 Christmas cake recipes, HERE.

The Children's Room is this weeks project at Holiday Grand Plan.

A flushed and boisterous group

I found this wonderful print in a box of "junk" someone gave my mother. It's an original from 1915 matted and framed. I would love to find some more of his prints. The funny thing is Shelby wants me to make her a dress just like the ones the young ladies are wearing in the print.

Background:

Originally written in the 1840s by Charles Dickens, the prints shown here are from the first American edition featuring illustrations by Arthur Rackham (1867-1939) published in 1915.

Rackham's artistry captured and documented the Victorian age in which he was born. The popularity of his work was due to the calm feel and good humor of his drawings, and his preservation of a lifestyle that kept the modern future at bay. Working as a clerk while attending Lambeth School of Art in London, his work originally appeared in magazines. Rackham's first book illustrations were published in 1893.

Holiday Grand Plan 2006

The Holiday Grand Plan has started. It's a 18 week program to help you get organized for Christmas. It may seem early, but starting now for Christmas will be less of a strain on the pocketbook.

Each week there are Christmas related tasks and a area of your home to get in order and declutter. Slow and steady wins the race!!

So far I'm on track, but is the only the first week!!

Antique Clipart

Dish Soap Apron

I wanted to share this great link. It was posted on the S&S message board. It's a pattern for making an apron for your dish soap bottle. How cute is that?!!!

Super eggplant
Main Page

Dish Soap Apron
Opens as a PDF

Treasuring the Gift of Tea Time

Guess who called me today?!!!

Julie Peterson! She is the author of a wonderful Tea party book, "Treasuring the Gift of Tea Time: Tea Parties for Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, and Friends".

I placed a magazine order and she called to let me know she just received the newer issue. She asked if I wanted her to send me the new one.

I can't belive I haven't written about this book before. The book has a hardcover and 128 pages. My favorite part of the book besides the great ideas and recipes is the beautiful photography. She has a page with lovely samples from the book, here is the link, when you click on one of the samples it will open to a new page.

Besure to check out her tips & recipes page and when you buy the book you get free shipping and she'll sign your copy!

A Backyard Celebration for Dad from Old-Fashioned Living

A Backyard Celebration for Dad
by Brenda Hyde

I think it is safe to say that one of the ways to a Dad's heart really is through his stomach. Knowing this, I took some quick opinions of the fathers I know and came up with a dinner menu to please even the pickiest of Dads. I also have some quick ideas for jazzing up your celebration. The best memories are created not by fretting over perfection, but by the laughter and love that is present as family members join together to make Dad's day a special celebration, whether it's Father's Day, his birthday or you just want to say "Thanks Dad!".

The Menu:
Country Style Ribs
Homemade Cornbread
Sweet Coleslaw
Corn on the Cob
Crumb Apple Pie

The Recipes:

Country Style Ribs

Ingredients:
4 pounds country style ribs
BBQ Sauce-Dad's favorite
salt and pepper to season
1 cup vinegar
1 cup water
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 tsp. garlic powder

Combine the vinegar, water and spices in a shaker bottle or a bowl (use brush to baste).Cut ribs into 1 rib portions. Place a large piece of foil over the coals to catch drippings. Place ribs on grill about 6 inches above coals, or gas grill unit. Season with salt and pepper. Close hood and cook for 10 minutes. Sprinkle the ribs, turn them, and sprinkle or baste the other side. Repeat this every 10 minutes; closing the hood inbetween basting. Cook a total of 50 minutes, then brush on the bottled sauce the last 15 minutes or until the ribs are done. Makes 8 servings.

Sweet Cole Slaw

Ingredients:
1 large head green cabbage, shredded
2 medium carrots, shredded
1 medium green pepper, finely chopped
1 1/2 cups mayonnaise or salad dressing
3 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon vinegar
optional: one handful of chopped chives or green onions

In a large bowl, toss together the cabbage, carrots and green pepper. In another bowl, mix salad dressing, or mayonnaise, sugar and vinegar. Spoon the dressing over the cabbage mixture. Store, covered, in the refrigerator. Add chives or onions just before serving. Makes 8 cups coleslaw.

Homemade Cornbread

Ingredients:
3 cups cornmeal
1 cup flour
6 tablespoons sugar
2 tablespoons baking powder
1 tsp. salt
1 cup milk
1 cup plain yogurt
1/4 cup melted butter or margarine
1/4 cup oil
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 cups creamed corn

Preheat oven to 400 degrees. Butter a 9x13 baking pan. Combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder and salt in mixing bowl. Combine the milk, yogurt, melted butter, oil and eggs in another bowl. Add to the cornmeal mixture. Stir until just combined. Stir in creamed corn. Pour batter into the greased pan. Bake for 45 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean. Cool on rack. Note: You can make this the day before, and store covered.

Corn on the Cob

Allow 2 ears per person. Choose fresh green husked corn without blemishes. Put on a large pot of water to boil. Husk the corn and remove silk. Place in pan so it is just covered with water. Cook 3-5 minutes. You can also start with cold water and cook until water reaches boiling, then remove corn. Serve with butter, salt and pepper. For a special treat mix a stick of butter with a tablespoon of finely chopped chives the night before, so the flavors have time to develop.

Crumb Apple Pie

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. salt
1/3 cup solid vegetable shortening
1/4 cup ice water

Filling:
7 medium Granny Smith or Golden Delicious apples
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/4 tsp. nutmeg
1/4 tsp. salt

Topping:
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3/4 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1/3 cup chilled butter or margarine, cut into pieces

Place rack on lowest position. Preheat oven to 400 degrees.

To prepare crust; in a medium bowl mix together flour and salt. Using a pastry blender or 2 knives (I also use my fingers) cut shortening into flour mixture until course crumbs form. Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, tossing with a fork, until a dough forms. Shape into a disk, wrap in plastic wrap, and chill for 30 minutes. On a floured surface, using a floured rolling pin, roll dough into a 12 inch circle. Fit into a 9 inch pie plate. Trim dough, leaving a 1 inch overhang; pinch a decorative edge.

To prepare filling; peel, core and very thinly slice the apples. Mix together with other filling ingredients. Spoon into crust.

For topping, in a small bowl, mix together brown sugar, flour and cinnamon. Cut butter into mixture until course crumbs form. Sprinkle apple filling evenly with topping. Bake pie until topping is lightly browned and filling is bubbly, 35 minutes. If pie is overbrowning, cover loosely with foil. Cool on a wire rack. 8 servings.

Recipe for corn relish

This is the recipe for my mother-in-laws corn relish. After years of begging and whining she finally shared it with me. I can't wait to make this my self!!


Corn Relish

10 cups whole kernel corn
1 ½ cups chopped green peppers
1 ½ cups chopped red peppers
1 cup chopped celery
1 cup chopped onion, (use white or sweet)
4 cups white vinegar
2 ¼ cups sugar
1 cup water
1 tbs. + 1 tsp. mustard seed/powder
1 tsp. celery seed
½ tsp. turmeric

Makes 6 to 7 pints

Put corn in large pot and combine all ingredients. Boil for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Make sure jars are warm. Put water in canning pot, enough to cover top of jars. Take out when warm.

Fill jars ½ inch from top. Use non metal spatula to remove air from jar.

Put lids and rings on jars. Make sure lids are warm as well.

Put jars back in water, boil 15 minutes. Remove, let seal and cool. You should hear lid pop as it is sealing.


Here is a link to some canning information:
Successful Home Canning

Canning Supplies:
Lehman's

Bed In Summer

Ruth Sears Bacon,1887

By John Singer Sargent

Bed In Summer

*

In winter I get up at night

And dress by yellow candle-light.

In Summer, quite the other way,

I have to go to bed by day.

*

I have to go to bed and see

The birds still hopping on the tree,

Or hear the grown-up people's feet

Still going past me on the street.

*

And does it not seem hard to you,

When all the sky is clear and blue,

And I should like so much to play,

To have to go to bed by day.

*

'A Child's Garden of Verses'

By Robert Louis Stevenson

*

'A Child's Garden Of Verses' Online

May I have some cheese with my whine?

I'm still alive! Everyone here has been sick, one after the other. I've been sick for two weeks, yuck. I have the worst cough of my life. I can barely talk inbetween coughs!! O.K. I'm officially done whinnying.

Easter is almost here! I'm close to finished with our Easter dresses. I'll post pictures when I'm done. I'm looking forward to trying the menu that's posted below.

Good News Report!!

My best friend is expecting her second child, due in November!! I've known her since I was 10 years old, so I'm just as excited as her!!!

I've been working on losing weight. Watching portion size has made the most difference. Although, I haven't been able to exercise as much as I would like too. So far I have lost 28 pounds!!

I saw 'The Lion, the Witch & the Wardrobe' over the weekend. I knew it would be good, but I had no idea how good. We have the 7 books in 'The Chronicles of Narnia' series, now I can't wait to read the other books.

p.s. If anyone knows a good home remedy for a cough let me know... Share the love!! I sound and feel like a chain-smoking asmahtic, it's not pretty !!!

Lady M

Light and Festive Easter Dinner by Brenda Hyde

Traditional dinners at the holidays are wonderful, but sometimes it's nice to change the menu and surprise your guests with something festive and light. Fresh and dried herbs add an elegant touch to the following menu that is just perfect for Easter Dinner. Be sure to bring out the nice dishes and a spring tablecloth for the occasion. A simple centerpiece of daisies and daffodils will add that extra touch to cheer your guests.

Shopping List:
3-4 pound pork roast
dried rosemary
dried thyme
black peppercorns
fresh or frozen corn
garlic
olive oil
scallions
8 oz. sour cream
2 lbs. potatoes
Parmesan Cheese
Pineapple Cake Mix
orange gelatin
2- 8 ounce packages of cream cheese
whipping cream1 can (11 ounces)
Mandarin orange segments
one orange


Herbed Pork Roast

3-4 pound boneless pork roast
2 tsp. black peppercorns
2 tsp. dried rosemary
2 tsp. dried thyme

Peppercorns need to be crushed using a grinder, or by simply crushing on a cutting board with a heavy pan. Combine pepper with the herbs. Coat the outside of the roast with herb mixture by rubbing it into the meat.

Place the roast in a shallow pan in a preheated 350 degree oven for 1 1/2 hours or until temperature reaches 155 degrees on a meat thermometer when it is inserted into the roast. Remove from the oven and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing to serve. Note: You may also use a combination beef/pork roast. Serves 6.


Mediterranean Style Corn

Ingredients:
2 tablespoon olive oil
1 garlic clove, crushed
4 cups fresh or frozen corn
1/2 tsp. fresh thyme or rosemary
pepper and salt to taste

Combine oil and garlic in a small skillet. Heat over low heat just until the garlic begins to sizzle. Add the corn and stir to blend and heat through, about 1 minute. Add thyme or rosemary and pepper to taste. Serve at once. Serves 6.


Garlic and Cheese Mashed Potatoes

Ingredients:
2 tablespoons butter or margarine
1/4 cup chopped scallions
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 pounds potatoes; peeled, cubed and cooked
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup milk
1/4 cup Parmesan Cheese

In large saucepan melt butter or margarine. Add scallions and garlic; cook until tender. Add hot cooked potatoes, sour cream, milk and cheese. Mash until smooth and well blended. Serve. Garnish with chopped chives if desired. Serves 6.


Orange Cheesecake

Ingredients:

Crust:
1 package Pineapple Cake Mix
1/2 cup butter or margarine, melted

Filling:
1 4 serving package orange gelatin
1 cup boiling water
2 tsp. grated orange peel2
8 ounce packages of cream cheese, softened
1 cup whipping cream1
/2 cup sour cream
1 can (11 ounces) Mandarin orange segments, drained

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. For crust, combine cake mix and melted butter in large bowl. Mix at low speed until crumbs form. Lightly press into 9 inch springform pan so crust is 1 inch up the sides. Smooth remaining crumbs on the bottom of pan. Bake at 350 for 20 minutes. Cool. For filling, dissolve gelatin in boiling water in small saucepan. Add orange peel. Refrigerate until thickened. Beat cream cheese until smooth in large bowl. Gradually beat in thickened gelatin. Beat whipping cream until stiff in large bowl. Fold into orange cream cheese mixture. Pour into cooled crust. Refrigerate until firm, about 3 hours. Drop teaspoonfuls of sour cream around edge of cheesecake. Garnish with drained orange segments.

About the AuthorBrenda Hyde is a Mom of three, a freelance writer and editor of the six newsletters here at Seeds of Knowledge. For information on subscribing Click here

Victorian Scrap for Valentine Cards

Dover Publications has a weekly newsletter with samples of clip art, coloring pages, and more. The images below are from the sampler, I plan to use them for Valentine cards. I printed them out on glossy photo paper.

Link to above clip art

When you go to the link, right click on image and choose

"Save Picture As"

Link to above clip art

When you go to the link, right click on image and choose
"Save Picture As"

Link to above clip art

When you go to the link, right click on image and choose
"Save Picture As"

The Dover Sampler

Valentine Samples & Printouts

Sign yourself up for the sampler

My Summer Dress: Simplicity 5193

I went into JoAnns a few weeks ago and their Simplicity patterns were on sale. I bought two summer dress patterns for the girls and one for myself. I picked out Simplicity #5193. The pattern included pants, a shirt (looks like the top half of the dress), and a dress.

The dress comes in two lengths; long and short. However, the "short" length still went below my knees. I think the long length would be close to my ankles. I'm a towering 5' 3"!!!
The pattern went together very fast. I was able to cut out the pattern and sew most of it together in an evening. I just need to finish the hem on the sleeves and bottom of dress. There is also a sash/belt I need to make. It should make the dress look less boxy around the waist.
There are no buttons or zippers!! It was a lot of fun to put together. I would like to make a few more in different fabrics.

Valentine's Day Tea Party

Each Valentine's Day our house is full of hearts, teddy bears having tea, straw hats with big red bows, and more homemade Valentine's cards than I can count. We start decorating in January soon after I take down the Christmas decorations. It's a month of love and laughter in our family.

A few years ago we started a tradition of having a Valentine's tea party. Sometimes we keep it simple with chocolate hearts, dainty cookies and tea. Other times it's more elaborate. Today I am sharing a menu I put together that will serve many friends and grandma too! I hope it will inspire you to become whimsical this month!

The Menu

This is a simple menu, which can be made ahead of time. The sandwiches should be fresh, but making them the morning of the tea is fine. The spread can even be prepared the night before.

The Tea

Earl Grey or Lady Grey Tea is a perfect match for this menu. Remember, for your little guests add cream and sugar to the tea in generous amounts. Alternative teas would be a strawberry or raspberry flavored tea.


Shrimp Butter Tea Sandwiches

Ingredients:
1 cup butter
1 cup minced cooked shrimp
1/4 tsp. salt
dash paprika
3 tablespoons lemon juicel
ettuce (I like Romaine for crunch)
thinly sliced country style white bread, crusts removed

Cream butter shrimp, salt, lemon and paprika to a paste or leave a little more texture if you wish. Spread a small slice bread with the shrimp butter, add a piece of lettuce and top it with another slice of bread. This is also good on a cracker with a tiny sprig of fresh dill topping it off.

Mini Herb Crescents

Ingredients:
1 8 ounce can refrigerated crescent roll dough
Butter, melted
dried basil leaves, crushed
Parmesan Cheese

Separate the dough into triangles. Cut each one in half lengthwise. Brush with butter; sprinkle with basil and Parmesan Cheese. Roll up from the wide end and press gently into crescent shape. Place on ungreased baking sheet and brush with more butter. Bake at 375 degrees for 10-12 minutes.

Chocolate Tea Bread

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, softened
2/3 cup sugar
1 egg
1-1/2 cups all-purpose flour
1/3 cup cocoa
1 tsp baking soda
1/4 tsp salt
1 cup buttermilk

Cream butter, sugar and egg in large mixer bowl until light and fluffy. Combine flour, cocoa, baking soda and salt; add alternately with buttermilk to creamed mixture. Beat on low speed just until blended. Pour into greased 8-1/2x4-1/2x2-1/2 inch loaf pan. Bake at 350 for 55 to 60 minutes. Remove from pan; cool completely on wire rack and slice.

Raspberry Crumb Squares

Ingredients:
3/4 cup butter
1 cup brown sugar
1 2/3 cup flour
1 tsp. baking soda
1 1/2 cups quick oats, uncooked
1 12 ounce jar of raspberry preserves

Cream butter, beat in brown sugar, gradually beat in flour, salt, baking soda and mix well. Stir in oats. Pack 1/2 the mixture into bottom of greased 9x12 pan. Spread the preserves over bottom of crust--not quite to the edges. Spread remaining crust mixture over preserves. Bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 20-25 minutes until browned. Remove from oven and cool in pan placed on rack. When cool, trim off 1/2" around sides if the edges are too crisp and cut into small squares.

French Chocolates

Ingredients:
8 squares unsweetened chocolate
4 ounces German sweet chocolate
1 can sweetened condensed milk (15 ounces)
1 cup crushed nuts

Melt chocolates together in saucepan over very low heat, stirring constantly until smooth. Add condensed milk and mix until smooth and well blended. Cool a few minutes. Shape into balls, using about 1 tsp. for each. Roll in nuts. Makes about 6 dozen.

Note: Since this recipe is so large you can place one platter of chocolates on the table and there will be plenty leftover to send home a special package for each guest. You can buy small plastic theme bags at most gift stores or small boxes that can be lined with tissue paper or colored plastic wrap. We've also decorated white lunch bags ahead of time and put the name of each guest on a bag to bring home.

Activities and Crafts

Reading books aloud is our favorite thing to do at a tea party. For your Valentine's Day tea choose books with a love theme. Here are several titles we always enjoy: The Runaway Bunny By Margaret Wise Brown, Guess how Much I Love You by Sam McBratney, and I Love You the Purplest by Barbara M. Joosse.

A Poem of Love

The following poem can be read aloud and discussed during your tea. Ask the following questions: Why is home special? Do you feel loved and safe at home? What does love mean to you?

Home Is Where There's One To Love Us

Home's not mearly roof and room-
It needs something to endear it;
Home is where the heart can bloom,
Where there's some kind lip to cheer it!

What is home with none to meet,
None to welcome, none to greet us?
Home is sweet-and only sweet-
When there's one we love to meet us!
~Charles Swain

Valentine's Day Activities

These pages can be printed out for guests to color!
-Valentine Heart Bookmarks
-A Big Heart to Color
-Two smaller Valentine Hearts-cut them apart after printing
-Two Valentine's Elves with Heart (has room to write a message!)

About the AuthorBrenda Hyde is editor of Old Fashioned Living and a freelance writer. She lives in the Midwest with her husband and three children, where they look forward to their annual Valentine's Day tea party!