A 'Step' in the Right Direction

We don't wear shoes in our house, so we shed them in the garage just before stepping inside. Since there are three stairs leading up to that door, guess where mine typically landed? I confess that we have had a few discussions about this practice of mine because it is, admittedly, an unsafe habit.

Through the years, we've tried many different storage solutions. None has proven to be too efficient, however, so when my husband found this Sunbeam "shoe closet" system, he thought it could be a step in the right direction and bought it for me.

I really like it because my footwear is easily accessible and I can see everything at a glance. An added bonus to this nifty system is the dust flap on the front. I try to share satisfactory products just in case it helps someone else who has a similar need/interest. Now the stairs look like this!

Aren't you proud of me to have started 2018 on the right foot?! Are congrat-shoe-lations in order?! 👠👟👞

Tuesday's Tablescape

Can  you believe that it's almost February? Before January is completely gone, I decided to pull-out this winter set which I always enjoy this time of year.  The greenery, nuts and pinecones seem fitting for post-Christmas /pre-Valentine's Day use.

These flawless Mikasa luncheon plates were a yard sale find a couple of years ago and for a quarter a piece, they had to come home with me! I coupled them with my everyday white plates for today's table.

Oversized pinecones and pine boughs  created the centerpiece.

Happy evening, everyone!

Kids Against Hunger

Although this is the third time I have posted about Kids Against Hunger, it is definitely worth repeating. Saturday was the third year in a row that our church has hosted a pack-a-thon and we've had the privilege of participating each time. Click here to see last year's post, which actually contains another link to the first year's experience. It will enable you to read some background on this worthy endeavor which provides nutritional meals to 70 different countries throughout the world. 

Volunteers work together to fill bags of food. Each pouch is filled with a scoop of vitamin powder, 

a scoop of dehydrated vegetables and chicken flavoring,

a cup of soy and...

a cup of rice.

It is then weighed, hermetically sealed and packed in a box. Each bag will provide a family of six with a nutritionally-balanced casserole. In a desire to increase the number of meals we were able to provide last year, our church collected enough funds to purchase food for over 30,000 meals! Saturday was divided into two sessions and those of us in the first group that morning filled 70 cartons, which is equivalent to over 15,000 of the meals. It was very rewarding! Perhaps you have already had the opportunity to be a part of Kids Against Hunger. If your community hosts a packing party for them, I encourage you to consider participating so that we can help to end world hunger.

Have a blessed day!

Beer Bread

A friend recently gave me this recipe, which is my "assigned" contribution for an approaching event. Since I had not made it before, I thought it best to practice beforehand. It turned out well and we enjoyed it.

Beer Bread

3 cups self-rising flour

2-3 T sugar

1 can beer (12 ounces)

1/2 stick butter, melted

Mix just until moist in a glass bowl. Place in a greased loaf pan and pour melted butter over the top before baking.

Bake 1 hour at 350 degrees.

Have a happy weekend, everyone!

Just an Idea...

My mother recently shared this clever storage idea and I thought I'd pass it along! Do you use Bath and Body Works wallflowers?

This is from my parents' house, which I shared yesterday.

I use this snowflake throughout the winter months.

If you do have these "plug-ins", then you likely have a stash of the refill bulbs. It's great to have them on hand, but organizing them can be a problem since they roll around when tossed in a container. The easy solution?

An egg carton is perfect! Just trim off the top and side flap and you have a storage bin!

Now you can stockpile all of your fragrance bulbs in an effective manner. Isn't it a 'scent'-sational idea?!

Have a blessed evening!

Tuesday's Tablescape

Whoooo is ready for today’s table? I actually flew over to my parents' dining room for this one. My mother owl-ways pulls out this set during January. 

Better Homes and Gardens carried this pattern several years ago. While they now have other animals (rabbits, deer, etc.) on their dishes each Christmastime, I guess they don't give a hoot about these beautiful birds because they haven't carried the owls since. She coupled them with solid green dinner plates from Dollar Tree and used her lovely tapestry pine runner which matches the dishware so well.

See the little figures playing in the snow and the owls perched in the centerpiece? 

In addition to these birds, there's a parliament  in the remainder of the dining room!

There are even owls in the outlet! 

A wise old owl sat in an oak.

The more he saw, the less he spoke. 

The less he spoke, the more he heard.

Why can't we all be that wise old bird?

Silhouette

I was asked to provide a baby picture of myself for an approaching event with which I am involved. As I sorted through my packet of photos and considered which to submit, I found this silhouette in the collection. 

Before photography, silhouettes were made to capture people's images. From the 1500s to the mid 1800s, artists would either paint or cut,  from black paper,  individual's profiles. Today silhouettes are sometimes available at special events as a novelty. Mine was cut, rather than painted, and was a souvenir from my first trip to the IN State Fair. My parents took me when I was 15 months old. I decided it would be fun to frame this little keepsake and display it, so I switched-out a frame that was already hanging in one of the guestrooms. 

Sorry about the unavoidable reflection in the mirror! 

Although it's now part of a trio above an old cabinet in the room, I will be switching that arrangement by removing the flowers and hanging a different wall hanging.  I made the mirror years ago and simply added childhood pins to the bow on the frame. There is another little change coming to this room in the near future, so stay tuned. I have ordered something and it's slated to arrive in a few weeks.

I think silhouettes are interesting! Do you have any? 

A Blast from the Past Recipe

I've been trying to do a little household organizing lately and recently went through a container of miscellaneous keepsakes. Among such treasures as my Barbie watch from when I was four, my Brownie beanie and now-petrified-elastic Brownie uniform belt, cards and letters from my "Sweet 16th" and (not as sweet) 30th, 40th and 50th birthdays, I came across a very yellowed newspaper clipping highlighting today's recipe. As a high school student, I was selected to be featured in the weekly cooking column of our local paper. In addition to a short paragraph and a much younger picture of me in the kitchen, was this favorite recipe for Black Bottom Cupcakes. Of course, I obtained it from my mother and this traditional Southern treat has been popular with our family and friends forever! We have always made these delicious cupcakes for lots of special occasions and special people over the years. I haven't made these mouth-watering goodies for a few years, but was inspired to do so since the discovery of this 37 year-old clipping coincided with my need to prepare baked goods for an event.

Black Bottom Cupcakes

1 (8 ounce) package cream cheese

1 egg

1/3 cup sugar

1/8 tsp. salt

1 cup semisweet chocolate chips

1 1/2 cups flour

1/4 cup cocoa powder

1/2 tsp. salt

1 tsp. baking soda

1 cup water

1/3 cup vegetable oil

1 T vinegar

1 tsp. vanilla

chopped nuts

powered sugar

Combine cream cheese, egg, sugar and 1/8 tsp. salt. Stir in chocolate chips and set mixture aside.

In a large bowl, sift together flour, sugar, cocoa, 1/2 tsp. salt and baking soda. Add water, oil, vinegar and vanilla to flour mixture. Beat well.

Fill cupcake liners one-third full with cocoa batter. Top each cupcake with 1 heaping T of cream cheese mixture. Sprinkle tops with chopped nuts. 

Bake in a 350 degree over for 30-35 minutes. Dust with powdered sugar before serving.

Yield: 18 cupcakes

Note: There cupcakes freeze well.

For a printable copy of this recipe, copy here.

By the way, I purged lots of items from my container and while I felt I could part with such things as my Oscar Mayer Weinermobile ring, the old Brownie belt and my ID card from college, I have kept the "blast from the past" newspaper clipping of this favorite recipe! 

Happy Friday!

Happy Michigan Day!

Did you know that today is set aside to recognize Michigan, the Great Lake State? We find it a highly interesting place to visit and, in fact, have enjoyed many travels there. Surrounded by four of the five Great Lakes, Michigan has more freshwater shoreline than any state, aside from Alaska. Their coasts are dotted with beautiful beacons, which are an enormous draw for us since we're lighthouse enthusiasts. 

Michigan Lighthouses is our favorite guide, which we have used for years. It's an excellent source of information to travelers because it provides maps, lighthouse pictures and facts pertaining to each. 

With so many options, it would be hard to pick a favorite lighthouse. One which stands out to us, though, is Little Sable. It stands 115 feet high, which makes it the tallest on Lake MI and has been in continuous operation since 1874.  According to our travel log, we visited this beauty in June of 2001. We walked an enormous dune to reach the destination and took several pictures.

We have had the privilege of visiting over 100 lighthouses and some offer wonderful museums. At the time we saw this one, it could only be viewed from the outside. Since that time, however, it's been opened to visitors who are now permitted to climb the stairs to the top of the tower for a gorgeous panoramic view. 

Of course, there is lots more to MI than the lighthouses. We have also toured many of its cities, taken in historic sites and museums, state parks and The Grand Hotel...just to name a few.

How about you? Have you been to MI? Happy Michigan Day!

Tuesday's Tablescape

It's another winter tablescape for another winter day! Extremely cold temperatures are back and this time, they dipped so low that all of our area schools had to cancel. Our dusting of snow isn't sufficient for building snowmen, but I pulled out these dishes anyway.

I bought this set of four salad plates at a yard sale a few years ago and love them!

My "runner" is really a scarf and the centerpiece bowl was a wedding gift from my great aunt and uncle. For the season, it's filled with greenery, pinecones and a candle.

I have to say that I am really enjoying the winter tree (which you will notice in the background). Having the soft glow of the lights feels warm and cozy when it's so cold and gray outside. Lights out for this shot!

Have a warm and cozy evening!

This and That

I have a few random lessons to share with you today. Once a teacher, always a teacher!

First of all, take a look at Saturday's sunset. Isn't it spectacular? I was driving home from a quick trip to the grocery when I noticed this gorgeous view. I pulled over into the closest lot to snap the picture, which really doesn't do the scene justice.

Lesson #1: Don't overlook the simple joys in life because the Lord provides them to put a smile on your face!

Next, I have a product endorsement. Are you familiar with Win Schuler's cheese? It's a product I often enjoyed while growing up and although we were not able to purchase it locally at the time, we would buy it when visiting our MI family and tote it back home. In fact, we have eaten at Shuler's Restaurant in Marshall, MI many times and that's where the product originated. Mr. Win Schuler took over his family's restaurant in 1934 and began serving this cheese spread and hot bread to the diners while they waited for their food to arrive. Although the guests enjoyed their entrees, it was this tasty cheese that pleased them most. After requesting to purchase it, Mr. Schuler began selling the product for customers to take home. During this recent Christmas season, I was excited to find it in our local grocery (refrigerated case) for the first time! It's flavorful and great with crackers, but it's also wonderful in casseroles or stirred into dishes (steamed broccoli, for example). According to the website, it's now sold in nine states. In MO, you will find it at both Dierbergs and Schnucks. It is just as good as I recalled! Although cheddar cheese is the first ingredient, it is a processed food and I realize that doesn't make it the healthiest option.

Lesson # 2: Sometimes it's okay to eat something that tastes good even if there is a more nutritious alternative...especially if it's associated with good memories!

Last of all, I am happy to announce that I tweaked my mantel. After being dissatisfied with it ever since putting it together, it wasn't until after I actually posted that the solution occurred to me. I guess what they say is true. Admitting you have a problem is the first step! 😉 The post was Friday and Saturday morning I walked through the room, glanced at the mantel (and shuddered!) and I suddenly envisioned a few additional, but shorter, candles. Then I realized the entire thing was screaming for more texture, so I grabbed additional faux greenery. I still wanted it to be simple and sleek and I am satisfied with the amendments. 

Lesson #3: When you feel like you're stuck, walk away and give yourself a little break before revisiting the project. Creativity doesn't always come "on demand". Additionally, remember that little changes can sometimes make all the difference.

That concludes today's lessons! Enjoy the remainder of your day.

Winter Mantel

After enjoying a little reprieve from the cold temperatures, it's back to winter. The chilly winds blew through town late yesterday afternoon and now it's a return to "penguin weather". After the Christmas mantel came down, I switched to a simple winter look and it is nothing special! In fact, it looks so sparse compared to the Christmas decorations. I believe the recent cold froze my creative juices! 😏

How do you like the crooked candle? I straightened it several times before taking the photo 

and it's still not right! Remember to cluster objects in groupings containing an odd number.

Happy weekend to everyone! 

Comfort Food

Does comfort food appeal to you this time of year? I was flipping through recipes the other day and saw this one in a collection of family favorites. My aunt compiled the notebook and all of the recipes were my grandma's. They're special because Grandma was a marvelous cook who found it satisfying to prepare delicious meals for others. This particular dish definitely qualifies as a good choice for cold winter weather.

I happened to use rotini pasta when I prepared mine.

Joe Mazzatti

1/2 green pepper, chopped

medium onion, chopped

1 pound ground beef

1 T butter

seasoning salt and pepper to taste

1 small can mushrooms, drained

1 can tomato soup

1/2 box pasta, cooked and drained

1 Old English sharp cheese spread (or shredded sharp cheese)

In a large skillet, brown beef, onion and green pepper in butter. Add salt, stir in mushrooms and tomato soup. Mix well.

Cook pasta according to package directions and drain. Place in large casserole and stir in cheese. Add sauce and mix. Bake in a 350 degree oven for an hour.

I'm serving this tonight with a large green combination salad. What comfort foods do you enjoy? 

Winter Porch

Like most of the country, it's been quite cold here. As a result, I was late in tweaking our porch for the season. We (and by "we", I mean Randy!) took down the pine roping long ago, but it was so cold that we coiled it up and put it in the inside corner of the garage until milder weather permitted our removing the bows (which I will reuse next year). I am happy to say that today I tackled unwiring all of the ribbons so I can cross that off my list. The wreaths have also been down, but I still had up the ornaments on the swag until this morning.

This is a photo from this past Christmas season.

I always keep up the pine greenery and even the red bow until mid-February, but I take down the ornament balls and replace them with snowflakes after Christmas. It was too cold to attack that detail until now. Since it was nearly 60 degrees and I had a little time this morning, I seized the opportunity.

I added my snowman doormat,  new pillow (click here to see the recent post of this DIY project), a little basket of pinecones and I was finished.

Even though it's going to remain mild for another 24 hours, the temperature is supposed to drop tomorrow afternoon and there's a possibility of precipitation in the evening. I'm glad I have the porch completely switched-over for winter!

What are you up to today? Whatever you're doing, I hope it's a good day!