Have you recently dined on some delightful oysters at a restaurant and dreamt of indulging anytime you want? From Oct 1 till April 30, oysters are on the menu in Carolina. To truly enjoy seafood in a way that the locals do, oysters must be bought from a high quality and trusted seafood source, not a grocery store, but from the back of a pickup truck harvested that day by a local commercial fisherman. The next best to buy is a local market, where the fisherman takes his harvest to sell.
Countless types of oysters exist, differing in species, harvest location, size and taste, so tell the fisherman what you are looking, salty, briny, large, and small.
Just like most types of seafood, oysters offer great, well balanced nutritional value. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, zinc, calcium, vitamin B-12 and much more, so consuming oysters helps aid in a healthy heart and stronger immune system. In addition, oysters are low in fat, calories and cholesterol, allowing you to never feel guilty after eating a dozen of the ocean’s finest little gems.
I can’t think of a better meal and when you add the sauce of your taste, a salad and wine, you are dining as Royalty. At least Carolina Royalty.
While visiting in Japan, I tried much of their cuisine. At a small restaurant, I saw oysters on the menu. I thought, why not? Their sushi is awesome. The tempura is delish. Surely, the oysters will be as delicious as at home.
There is something about the Japanese aesthetic which calms the soul. So I must admit that it was with some hesitation that I dived into the little Japanese garden they brought to the table.
Happily, I was able to reconcile my appetite with the aesthetic by tasting the Wabi-sabi. Wabi-sabi first. In terms of Japanese art and arrangements, is centered on the acceptance of transience. This view, rooted in Buddhist ideals, particularly values imperfection and incompleteness, and considers these qualities to be beautiful.
And it was beautiful. The oysters were delicious and, afterwards, looking at their empty shells, I saw the beauty of their transience – into my tummy!
I paired the dinner with Chablis. Chablis is a white wine that originates in the northern area of Burgundy. It makes sense that Chablis pairs well with oysters because there are fossilized oyster shells in the soil where its vines grow. This soil composition gives Chablis a distinctively mineral, flinty note. Chablis is made from Chardonnay grapes and has a more acidic, less fruity flavor than most white wines, which makes it ideal for drinking it with seafood.
It was dining experience to be remembered and the entertainment was the finishing touch. I will expound on the entertainment in a later post.
Once the wait staff realized how much I enjoyed the meal and realized that I was in Japan on a spiritual journey, they opened up on their own stories. They asked had I ever found a pearl in an oyster. And I could answer, yes! They began their stories on diving for oysters and oysters with pearls. It reminded me of another trip, while in Qatar of how the oysters and pearl market kept the country afloat until natural gas was imported from there.
We ended the meal with a kind of poetic feel. The newly made friend quoted me this:
“While oyster pearls are beautiful on their own, they also have a delightful significance. The idea that an irritant can be turned into a precious gem is the story which has made oyster pearls timeless. If there is an annoyance or a bother in your life such as the grain of sand in an oyster, simply coat it in a layer of love. Add another layer of patience and another layer of acceptance and continue on until that which annoys you becomes something beautiful.”
As always, Billie
May we all see the pearl side of life..
Long a coveted secret of the locals, Coinjock Marina Restaurant is a place where it feels like home the minute you arrive. The staff treats everyone like family. But let’s get to the prime rib, shall we?Coinjock Marina is the home of the 32-ounce prime rib. It’s specially seasoned and slow cooked to perfection, served with au jus, a baked potato, house salad, and a roll. It’s practically calling your name. Can you hear it? If 32 ounces is bigger than your appetite, the menu also includes a modest 16-ounce portion. For those who prefer to have some fresh seafood, the lunch and dinner menus each feature a variety of delectable choices. From sandwiches to platters, and from fried or broiled to stuffed, the seafood on the menu has a little something for everyone.
The restaurant is open seven days a week for lunch or dinner
The next time you’re headed in the direction of Currituck County, add this tasty spot to your must-visit list.
Located on the intercoastal waterway, this delightful hidden treasure is accessible by road and waterway. Sitting outside , along the sidewalk of the docked boats , you immediately unwind and simply enjoy the scenery.. Arrive close to sunset and enjoy a glass of wine and prime rib, as you watch the sun disappear and see the sliver of the moon faintly coming into view with silhouettes dancing on the waters.
There are days for cake, and days for ice cream and cookies. But every now and then, you crave a different kind of finish to a satisfying meal. Enter Atlantic Beach Pie, a salty and citrusy staple of the North Carolina coast.
Katie Workman is the author of The Mom 100 Cookbook: 100 Recipes Every Mom Needs in Her Back Pocket. She says the Atlantic Beach Pie from Crook’s Corner restaurant in Chapel Hill, N.C., is the best pie she’s ever had. She shared a recipe for the dish for All Things Considered‘s Found Recipe series.
Workman describes Crook’s Corner as a “shrimp and grits, fried oysters and hush puppies kind of Southern food restaurant.” She fondly remembers enjoying a particularly large spread on one visit.
“We were having this amazing dinner, eating more than I think I’ve ever eaten in my entire life,” she says. “I had no intention of eating dessert, and then he sent out this pie.”
Atlantic Beach Pie has a filling similar to those in key lime and lemon meringue pies, but Workman says the crust is what makes it special.
The appeal is in the pie’s simplicity. It takes all of four seconds to make. In reality, it’s just 18 minutes to bake the crust and 16 minutes to cook the filling.
You don’t have to wait for the crust to cool. The only thing that takes any time is it has to cool enough when you’re done so you can cut it without making a mess. But it couldn’t be faster. Nothing hits the spot after a good meal of seafood and slaw than to top it off with a slice of Atlantic Beach Pie.
During the summer, I have created designs from the sea glass I collected while visiting in Japan. The prints and designs have been a hit and while
sharing them with friends and customers, they ask about my visit. Today’s post is just a small window of my stay. Japan is a compact area. The cities are tight with people and moving. Everything seems to be in motion. It is much too busy for a Carolina Girl. However when you travel outside of the larger cities, you find small fishing villages where the locals are still living as they did in 1940. They work their land and the sea is their source of income. They welcomed me with warm hugs and generosity. They realized I didn’t like raw foods and made sure all my food was cooked. They understood, I didn’t sleep on tatami mats and give me the sofa to rest. Their customs are much different from America, but the one thing that shines through is the pride of their heritage and history of each family generation.
I was lucky enough to have locals that showed me throughout the countryside as well as the big cities. We used google translate to converse and there was never a dull moment. We laughed, drank saki, danced and started everyday on a new adventure to show me their country. It was magical to me.
I have been busy traveling and not able to post as often as before. I just have to tell you about my latest adventure. Traveling took me to Japan. I experienced from a local’s view. I stayed in a small fishing village called Taiza. It is right on the coast of the Sea of Japan and at night you heard the waves hitting on the rocks. The sunrises are spectacular. The weather was a perfect 72 degrees with sunshine. Memories of this trip are Japanese drink a lot of saki. And they love their raw foods. Luckily for me, they have 7/11 stores in every town, even the little towns and I was able to find chicken nuggets.
The highlight of my trip was Mt. Kurama. I developed an interest the study of Reiki. More, reiki was sent to me. A friend of mine, who is a retired NASA researcher, who now is earning his degree in transpersonal studies, to add to his bachelors in Foreign Service introduce it to me. He had traveled extensively to Japan during his career with NASA and at dinner, we were discussing beliefs and faith and the subject of reiki came up.
What is reiki ? The word reiki means light and energy. In a nutshell, it is the energy of the cosmos and the energy of ourselves. It is healing practice that is passed down from one master to another. I became interested.
Now why would I want to go to Mt Kumara ? The master of Reiki, Dr Mikao Usui , climbed Mt. Kurama and found a spot to meditate for 21 days. He went to find spiritual guidance and enlightenment. He was disappointed as he felt nothing life altering . On the 21st day, he decides he would leave the mountain and while going down the mountain, he stumped his toe. As he was checking the wound and touching it, it started to heal. He felt energy through his hands. He did not understand and was in disbelief, but yet, he saw the healing.
Please follow this link to know more about Dr. Mikao Usui . It is an extraordinary story . The history of reiki along with the healing properties and even how it is used today is astounding.
So with my love of reiki and being in Japan, I was set to climb to the site where Master Usui sat for 21 days. The mountain is 1918 ft . The trek to the top was winding and shrines dotted the way all the way to the top. It took me three hours to reach the shrine of Master Usui. The roots of the majestic cedars are still there and the cedars are gorgeous. The wind blowing through them gives you feel of other worldliness. It is peaceful. Very peaceful. I meditated and gave prayers and the symbols of reiki to receive the energy of the universe.
The experience is another post in its self and maybe one day , I will share it. However this post is about the trek up the mountain. You know while climbing it is sacred. You sense the light and you sense the presence of the masters and monks before you, that have traveled this path for guidance. Once climbing it and coming back down, I am sure you will be changed. You will feel the vastness of our world and the power, ki , of the universe.
One of my favorite things about Spring and Easter are the beautiful organic decorations and arrangements and vignette to be made! And the sweet, little Easter Egg arrangement I’m sharing today is my favorite. So easy to make and just think of all the fun possibilities! Group them together down the center of the table and it makes a springtime centerpiece. Put one of these arrangements at each place setting and they become pleasant surprises for your guests! How fun! And don’t forget to tuck them into a spring vignette or shelves! Let’s make an easy Easter Egg arrangement!
What you need.
eggs flowers and egg cups.
If you want to color your eggs crack them first and then watercolor them.
Crack the egg about 1/4 the way from the pointy end. And gently break it. Wash it out.
Choose pretty, tiny flowers. I got these from my local grocery store and if your lucky enough, your spring trees are full of blossoms. The twigs of the First breathe of spring look so pretty mixed with daffodils.
Spring is here and The Easter basket needs something special. Complete your basket with a gorgeous seaglass pendant. I made it myself. The seaglass is from the Sea of Japan. I have family who lives lives near the beach and they send me treasures from the sea they have collected . Check out my store and I hope you will find inspiration and beauty in what I’ve created. Wishing you a Happy Happy Spring. BeeBee Designs . 
The seaglass used in all the artwork has been collected from the shores of the Sea of Japan. It is collected by my family and we spend hours designing with it. I am Carolina born and raised by the Atlantic Ocean. The treasures and finds along the sea are so magical . The prints are all custom designed by me and each one varies . Seaglass is like snowflakes. No two pieces are the same. I hope you enjoy visiting my shop and of course, I hope one of my pieces of art will speak to you and you will want it for your home.
Please visit my Etsy shop. And Make it a favorite if it inspires you.
Www.etsy.com/shop/SeaglassArtTreasures https://www.etsy.com/shop/SeaglassArtTreasures
Go placidly amid the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story.
Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others, you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.
Keep interested in your career, however humble; it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs; for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is; many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.
Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be critical about love; for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment it is as perennial as the grass.
Take kindly the counsel of the years, gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune. But do not distress yourself with imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness. Beyond a wholesome discipline, be gentle with yourself.
You are a child of the universe, no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you, no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.
Therefore be at peace with God, whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations, in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.
With all its sham, drudgery and broken dreams, it is still a beautiful world. Be careful. Strive to be happy.
I found this poem folded in a small square in my Dad’s wallet after he passed. He had not shared it with me during his lifetime. I do wonder why, but I know it was the right time for me to have it when I opened it and read it. It has never been decided who really wrote this poem. Many have wanted to claim it as their original words. Lucky for us, someone prose it and this mantra can guide us to a life of contentment and love.
Winter is coming and it is time to remember your feathered friends.
I love putting out birdseed and suet , watching the birds come in to feed. Their songs can brighten anyone’s day. In my yard, I have such a variety of birds that visit. I don’t have a favorite as each on them are so pretty . The small finches love the berries on the wax myrtles and flock in the top branches , flying in and out grabbing berries. The cardinals stay for a while and actually perch for a while to eat.
While visiting Yankee Candle this year , I came across Mr. Birds Edible Birdhouses. They are absolutely gorgeous. The prices started at eighty dollars and I really didn’t want to pay that . but I love the look and idea of the edible birdhouse. When I got home, I started researching how to make an edible birdhouse and as you know, you can find anything on Pinterest.
Here is what I found.
I made two birdhouses and I plan to give them to my grandchildren as surprise gifts for Christmas. They were very easy to make and I completed them in least than an hour. I let them dry overnight and wrapped them in clear cellophane , complete with a red bow to give as a gift. Super easy and so pretty
What you need.
Birdhouse – you can either make one or buy one for fairly cheap at a craft store
Edible Glue – there are many recipes out there, or you can even just use peanut butter. The recipe I used calls for flour, corn syrup, and gelatin
Different types of birdseed, raisins, dried fruit, raw nuts, etc.
Decoration – I went outside and gathered some pretty stalks of grass, holly berries, and sweetgum tree balls. Use anything you can find (as long as it’s not poisonous to the birds!)
Step 2: Make Edible Glue – I used a common recipe that I found online:
Heat up the water and then dissolve the gelatin in it. Then mix in the corn syrup and flour. Using whole wheat flour will make a light brown glue, white flour will make a white glue. Whole wheat flour is preferable for the birds as it is more nutritious.
I found that this glue is pretty workable for about half an hour before it starts setting up too much.
Step 3: Glue Birdseed and Decorate
Starting from the top down, spread a thin layer of edible glue on the house and then press birdseed, dried fruit, nuts, etc. into it.
Last year, I received an adorable Christmas gift. It was a framed old vintage red truck with led lights shining in its wreath and headlights. It graced my mantel and I didn’t want to pack it away after the holidays. Guests loved it and all wondered where I got it.
So I asked my friend where did she find this great gift and her answer was ” I made it .” She told me she created it using a gift bag she had purchased at the Dollar Tree. She was kind enough to share me how she did it and was excited that I wanted to share it on my website.
She purchased a canvas, 10 bulb led lights, and a Christmas bag. Three dollars… all from the Dollar Store and started creating.
You cut the picture from the bag to fit the canvas. Using ModgePodge , you coat the canvas with it . Press the picture onto the wet canvas and let it dry. Once dry, put another coat of ModgePodge on it to seal it completely. Let it dry. Using an icepick or sharp scissor point, punch smalls holes where you would like to the lights to shine through. Be sure to make the holes from the front to push the frays toward the back of pic. On back of canvas, push the lights into the holes. Hot glue the lights box back of canvas to secure. It is now ready to frame and dress up your mantel.
I researched on You Tube Old Red Truck and Pinterest Old Red Truck and found that others used wooden backs and drill holes to put in the lights. In addition, instead of framing the picture, they use bows and string to hang. They are absolutely adorable .
Using LED lights as a basic part of a piece of canvas art has grown into a large trend for home decor. There’s something about adding that warm glow that brings the image to life and sets a mood. We especially love this touch for the holidays. Whether it’s a candle flickering in a wintry cabin window or headlights on a red truck, that little pop of light can transform the canvas into a glowing masterpiece. Christmas signs with lights on a Christmas tree look bright and multi-colored. There are many ways to brighten the place with decorations. It can be plain white or you can use clear bulbs that look elegant and stylish. You can even add baubles and other decorations that highlight the Christmas tree and offers the opportunity to last for the entire festive period.
I have gotten so excited about them , I used my creative juices in making one for Halloween to put inside my front door wreath and I am now creating a frame for display to use during the Thanksgiving holidays. Who knows, I may even make several to give away as gifts this year.
The pic is made with dollar store bags modge podged to canvas then after it is dry I topcoat again then pop holes with pointy scissors and hot glue in battery operated lights .
Pecans are a staple in many recipes. To ensure you have the best quality nuts for your next dish, harvest pecans as they drop from the trees. Do not wait and try to harvest them all at one time at the end of the season.
“Harvest your pecans promptly for best quality. Don’t let them lie on wet ground for extended periods of time. The shells need to dry out . They may taste a little green until they dry.
As soon as pecans fall from the tree they begin to dry and cure.
This process improves the quality of the nuts until they reach their optimum appearance, aroma, flavor and texture. If the nuts get wet after initial drying the seed coat will darken and the oil in the kernel increases the fatty acid levels. This condition causes the nut to be stale and rancid. Take pecans to a dry location inside.“Drying is one of the most important steps in assuring a high-quality appearance and flavor in pecans. “If possible, spread pecans out in a dry, moderately warm place and dry several days before storing. Once dried to a crisp texture, pecans should be refrigerated or frozen.
So grab your bucket and and start filling it up. Get in a cozy place at night and then start to cracking. And you can’t help but munch on them while you try to fill up your bowl. Once you crack them, the shelled pecans can also be frozen until you are ready to use them.
Pecans stored below freezing can keep for two years. Be sure kernels are dried properly before freezing. Lay the nuts out several days in a warm, dry place. Kernels should be crisp and break easily in half if dried properly.
“Don’t store pecans in packages with apples or other fruits,” he said. “Also, don’t store them in rubber-like packages or in rooms that may be musty.” Pecans absorb gases from the storage atmosphere, which can change the flavor and the pecan’s stability.
If you need to apply lime or zinc to pecan trees, fall is a good time to do so. Soil testing will provide detailed instructions on fertilizing and liming. Clean up and destroy pops, shucks, leaves and limbs to reduce pest problems.
If trees have lost leaves by Nov. 1 because of aphids, downy spot, pecan scab or other damage, expect to see a reduced pecan crop next year.
Pecans are so worth the picking up and cracking. They are so tasty .
Here are some ideas that are sure to please.
Add some spice to your New Year’s celebrations with several bags of our Cajun Spiced Pecans. Always a best-seller, these pecans are roasted and buttered, then seasons with our special blend of Cajun seasoning to make a hot, spicy south Louisiana treat.
2. Premier Pirogue Gift Package
Make this beautiful, hand-painted Pirogue the centerpiece of your celebration. It’s filled with an array of pecan items including our famous Classic Seven, Chocolate Caramel Candies, Supreme Nut Mix, Roasted Pecans, Pecan Pepper Jelly, and much more.
Of course, fudge is not complete without pecans.
And if you aren’t lucky enough to have your own pecan tree, you can always order them. And start using them in so many ways.
If you need some help with those recipes, check out Mama’s Divinity from Paula Deen’s recipe. Its the old fashioned way of divinity.
1. Try everything twice.
On one woman’s tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
“Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!”
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
3. Keep learning.
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever…
Never let the brain get idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’
And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s!
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6. The tears happen: endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with us our entire
life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever…
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health.
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don’t take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where
the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
I love you, my special friend!
11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance
can improve, get help.
‘Tis the season for apple picking — and along with it comes the smell of cinnamon and spices. And don’t forget caramel with all types of sprinkles, nuts and chocolate bits.
Apples , apples, apples. Remember learning that an apple a day keeps the doctor away. What is so special about this beautiful fruit ? .
A medium apple is equal to 1.5 cups of fruit.Two cups of fruit daily are recommended on a 2,000-calorie diet.
Here are some nutrition facts for a medium apple:
Calories: 95.
Carbs: 25 grams.
Fiber: 4 grams.
Vitamin C: 14% of the RDI.
Potassium: 6% of the RDI.
Vitamin K: 5% of the RDI.
Manganese, copper and vitamins A, E, B1, B2 and B6: Under 4% of the RDI.
Apples are also a rich source of polyphenols. While nutrition labels don’t list these plant compounds, they are likely responsible for many of the health benefits.
To get the most out of apples, keep the skin on. It contains half of the fiber content and many of the polyphenols.
Apples are a good source of fiber and vitamin C. They also contain polyphenols, which can have numerous health benefits.
Apples are good for Weight Loss
Apples are high in fiber and water — two qualities that make them filling.
In one study, participants who ate apple slices before a meal felt fuller than those who consumed applesauce, apple juice or no apple products.In the same study, those who started their meal with apple slices also ate an average of 200 fewer calories than those who didn’t .
An another study, 50 overweight women added either apples or oat cookies to their diets for 10 weeks. Each item had a similar calorie and fiber content. Those who ate apples lost an average of 2 lbs and ate fewer calories overall .Researchers think that apples are more filling because they are less energy-dense, yet still deliver fiber and volume Also some natural compounds in them promote weight loss.
Apples are good for your heart, Apples have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease One reason is that apples contain soluble fiber, which is the kind that can help lower your blood cholesterol levels.They also contain polyphenols, which have antioxidant effects. Many of these are concentrated in the peel.One of these polyphenols is a flavonoid called epicatechin, which may lower blood pressure.An analysis of studies found that high intakes of flavonoids were linked to a 20% lower risk of stroke .Flavonoids can help prevent heart disease by lowering blood pressure, reducing LDL oxidation and acting as antioxidants .Apples promote heart health in several ways. They’re high in soluble fiber, which helps lower cholesterol. They also have polyphenols, which are linked to lower blood pressure and stroke risk.
They’re linked to a lower risk of diabetes .In one large study, eating an apple a day was linked to a 28% lower risk of type 2 diabetes, compared to not eating any apples. Even eating just a few apples a week had a similarly protective effect .It’s possible that the polyphenols in apples help prevent tissue damage to beta cells in the pancreas. Beta cells produce insulin in the body and are often damaged in people with type 2 diabetes.
So they were right, An apple a day helps keep the doctor away. And they taste good too. Try this great link with yummy recipes . While you have an extra mess of apples, try them in a delicious dessert. too. Wrap it up pretty and go knock on the door of your neighbor. The best gift is homemade.
September is apple time. My apple tree is full of little apples this year. And when I think of back to school, I think of apples. September brings us warm and cozy scents, colors of reds, yellows and greens . What has all those wonderful colors…….Apples! They way they smell, the way they crunch, the way they taste and especially the way you can decorate with them. Decorating with apples is so simple, yet elegant. You can have them in a centerpiece or floating in vases. You can use them in garland and make candles out of them. And of course, we eat apples and use them in scrumptious recipes. So today I want to share the ways I grace my home using apples.My favorite way to decorate with apples is to use them in a vignette on my kitchen table. They make a colorful fall centerpiece.
I’m a green apple girl in decor! I think it is because I love green and black and white together! How about you? I bet you could recreate this early fall vignette!
After the apples have been in the vignette a little while you can use them in a recipe. Yes, nothing beats a stress reliever like a slice of apple crunch cake and a cup of coffee. My favorite apple cake recipe is below. You can also add a scoop of ice cream on top…. YUM!
If you have 5 extra minutes you can make this beautiful centerpiece below. I ran out to my garden and grabbed some pretty little flowers and put just a few in each mason jar. Then spilled a bag of green apples into a basket .
And remember your front door. An apple wreath with a touch of burlap and black dresses up your entrance.
I love to core fruits and veggies and put candles in them. And apple candles lined up in a wood bowl all lit up are magical! Even if you are not a crafty, you can do this!
And of course I love the smell of apples , so I make my own simmering pot.
This is a simple simmering recipe. All you need is some apples, oranges, cinnamon and vanilla beans or vanilla extract.
Cut up your fruit and add to a small pot-you can use the entire orange or just the rind, it won’t matter. Add about a half tablespoon of the vanilla and a couple of cinnamon sticks.
Add water to cover the mixture and bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and just barely simmer it. It only took about 10 minutes of simmering for our entire home to smell amazing. Add water every so often to replace the water that has evaporated.
This is just a few ways to dress up your home with apples. Please check this Pinterest Link with more ideas.
Hydrangeas are the quintessential romantic summer bloom!!! Their big, moppy heads and little clusters of flowers are iconic! A bountiful bouquet of them cut and arranged on a table is pure heaven. Hydrangeas are one of the best loved flowers around! But like many things, these dramatic beauties can be a little bit of a diva! They often wilt as soon as they are cut and brought into the house. And there is nothing pretty about droopy hydrangeas! Here’s a few ways to guarantee long lasting cut hydrangeas!
As soon as hydrangeas are cut the stems should immediately be put into tepid water. Use a sharp knife or clippers to cut each stem on a diagonal and submerge!
Cut hydrangeas in the morning and choose only the most mature blooms. They will look a little more papery than others.
Use clean, room temperature water for hydrangeas. If you have floral preservative use it too.
When you bring hydrangeas inside make sure you strip off the leaves from each hydrangea stem. I break this rule often… and I shouldn’t! The leaves are big water drinkers and will steal it from the blooms. At least, strip off most of the leaves. Those that are below the water line should absolutely be removed!
Cut the hydrangeas stems to the desired length. Smash the very bottom of them to allow more water to travel up the stems and feed the blooms. I use a wooden meat mallet to crush the ends of the hydrangeas I bring inside. You can also cut the bottom of each stem on the diagonal and then make a cut up each stem instead of smashing it.
Yes, boiling water! Hydrangeas produce a “sap” that clogs their stems and blocks water from traveling up it to those gorgeous blooms. The boiling water helps to do away with the sap.
Put boiling water into a cup. Dip each stem into the boiling water for 30 seconds and immediately put them into a vase or container filled with room temperature water (see directions above).
Replacing the water in the vase or containers that hold hydrangeas will keep them fresher longer! Also, give hydrangeas a fresh cut and dip them in boiling water before putting them in the fresh water!
It takes a little extra care to have a big beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas gracing your home but they are worth it.
Succulents are a drought-resistant plant, and oneof the more popular and well-known varieties isthe basic aloe plant. The leaves and tubers of succulentsare generally fleshy and water-filled. The best part of using succulents in your garden or home is they are easy to maintain, and even themost-unsuccessful gardeners can attain a flourishing crop of plants with little effort. I always thought you needed rocks for the bottom, but no, the soil will fill in those rocks over time. Just make sure your pot has proper drainage. The worst thing you can do is overwater them.Because succulents are smaller in size, they make perfect plants for containers and terrariums. They can be grouped together for an interesting variety of textures and colors. The best thing about succulent gardens is that they require little maintenance and look wonderful with almost no effort. If you’re wondering how to brighten your place up and have a small garden all year round, then creating one of these is ideal.
A big plus is that you can recycle items from around the house for planters.
I have seen succulents planted in old wagons andwheelbarrows and even in vintage tubs and pots.I used an antique colander above, which allows for good drainage.Using a mixture of different plants, I also added an assortment of mosses and lichen as filler, and it adds another element of texture and color.Give succulents a try in your own home or garden. And of course, delight a friend with the perfect gift of their own potted succulent garden. And if you decide to put them in some old farm boots,you’ll be gardening in official Southern style. 
In Carolina on any given summer day, you are likely to find a mess of corn still in its husk at your back door. Carolina is known for its agricultural and farming . The best agricultural colleges in the states are in North Carolina . And one thing you learn is always plant more than enough.
On this early morning, I walk out my back door and find a bushel basket of corn. A neighbor farmer had left it there with a scratch pad note on top. Please make me some of that corn relish like you did last year. I like it on my hot dogs. Also the note said, hold on to my basket. Ill pick it up later this week. So I get myself in gear and start to shucking. That’s what we call it in Carolina.
It is a fairy easy process. You only need a stove top canner to process. The only real work is cleaning the corn and getting it cut from the cob. But with Beach Music playing in the background and a glass of wine close by, it doesn’t feel like work. It actually brings back fond memories of my childhood , a time where my aunt stayed with us in the summers and she was always in the kitchen , canning and preserving.
There are many recipes on corn relish. Mine is tried and true Carolina. It is on a 3 x 5 index card, stained from overused. And it is in my aunt’s handwriting.
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1. Try everything twice.
On one woman’s tombstone she said she wanted this epitaph:
“Tried everything twice. Loved it both times!”
2. Keep only cheerful friends.
The grouches pull you down.
(Keep this in mind if you are one of those grouches!)
3. Keep learning.
Learn more about the computer, crafts, gardening, whatever…
Never let the brain get idle. ‘An idle mind is the devil’s workshop.’
And the devil’s name is Alzheimer’s!
4. Enjoy the simple things.
5. Laugh often, long and loud.
Laugh until you gasp for breath.
And if you have a friend who makes you laugh, spend lots and lots of time with HIM/HER.
6. The tears happen: endure, grieve and move on. The only person who is with us our entire
life, is ourselves. LIVE while you are alive.
7. Surround yourself with what you love, whether it’s family, pets, keepsakes, music, plants, hobbies, whatever…
Your home is your refuge.
8. Cherish your health.
If it is good, preserve it.
If it is unstable, improve it.
If it is beyond what you can improve, get help.
9. Don’t take guilt trips.
Take a trip to the mall, even to the next county, to a foreign country, but NOT to where
the guilt is.
10. Tell the people you love that you love them, at every opportunity.
I love you, my special friend!
11. Forgive now those who made you cry. You might not get a second chance.
