The Beauty of Succulents

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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.

IMG 3950 156x192A 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.                   IMG 3945 320x153 IMG 3946 181x192                        

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Oh What to do with all this corn ?

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Corn On The Cob Keils Produce And Greenhouse Swanton OH 320x180  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. 

Corn Relish
so good on Hot Dogs
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Ingredients
  1. 16-20 ears of fresh corn
  2. 3 cups of chopped celery
  3. 1 and half chopped sweet red pepper
  4. 1 and half chopped sweet green pepper
  5. 1 cup of chopped onions
  6. 2 and half cup of vinegar
  7. 1 and 3/4 cup of sugar
  8. 4 tsp of dry mustard
  9. 2 tsp of pickling spices
  10. 2 tsp of celery seeds
  11. 1 tsp of turmeric
  12. 3 TBs of cornstarch
Instructions
  1. Remove the husks and silks , cut corn from cobs. Measure 8 to 10 cups of corn and place in a large pot.
  2. Add vinegar, chopped celery, peppers and onions. Simmer over medium heat about 10 minutes until corn and veggies are tender.Stir in sugar,mustard, spices and celery seeds. the mixture should be partially soupy. Bring to a boil and simmer for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  3. Stir cornstarch with 3 TBs of water until smooth. Add to corn mixture. Cook until slightly thick and bubbly., cook and stir two more minutes.
  4. Ladle hot relish into juars, leaving 1/2 in headspace. Waipe jar rims and top with jar lids and bands. Process in boiling hot water bath for 15 minutes., starting the timer when the water boils.
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Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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10 Things to Do after 50

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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.

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Easy Peazy Herb Jar

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A simple and  fun way to add  a decorative touch is a Mason jar herb garden. Most herbs are extremely easy to grow and growing them in a jar is easy peazy  as long as you provide plenty of light and proper drainage.Mason Jar DIY Herb Garden | How To Grow Your Herbs Indoor - Gardening Tips and Ideas by Pioneer Settler at http://pioneersettler.com/indoor-herb-garden-ideas/:

 

A couple of herb garden Mason jars tucked into a bookshelf or resting in a sunny windowsill brings the outside into the kitchen. Plus, the added benefit is you can easily snip off a sprig from your jar of herbs for your latest culinary masterpiece. The easier herbs to grow in a jar are 

Just How Do You Start.

The first thing is finding the jars. Mason jars are the easiest and look great in the Farm House setting. I have  used Skippy peanut butter jars and decorated them with burlap ribbon and bows.  After finding your jars, wash them and let them dry.  You are now ready to plant your herbs.

Starting your jar of herbs from seeds in the Mason jar is not a recommended course of action. Using transplants is a surer recipe for success when planting herbs in canning jars, such as the plants for herb jars listed above. Herbs have roots that are a little larger than their top growth so be sure to use a jar that allows for the root growth. It is helpful to select drought friendly herbs in case of missed watering, and trailing herbs like some thyme look lovely in the glass jar.

Also adequate drainage is essential for your herbs , so I add a few stones in the bottom of jar before adding the soil. It also adds a cute look to the jar.

My favorite herbs are mint and rosemary because of their  fragrances. Bring them in from outside and their delicate hints of freshness fills the room.

Dressing up the jar is up to your imagination. I even top mine off with herbs spikes, complete with writing their names in chalk. 

Mason Jar Herbs

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Pillow Wraps

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Spring is officially here !  And it has put me  in the mood to change the look of patio furniture. What better way than to update cushions and pillows. I have so many pillows and they are still in very good shape. This year I decided I would make Pillow Wraps to add to them . They add just the right touch to my patio and the cost was so budget friendly.  I purchased a roll of burlap ribbon from Hobby Lobby

and also used ribbons I already had on hand from prior projects.  You  can stencil your burlap ribbon or apply premade adhesive letters or sayings.Image result for adhesive letters for burlap hobby lobbyImage result for adhesive letters for burlap hobby lobbyImage result for adhesive letters for burlap hobby lobby

 

 

 

I love simple sewing projects that have a big impact.  And this project is super easy.  All you have to sew is the Velcro closure on the ends of ribbon . So it is only 4 seams.  When wrapping a 12 inch pillow, you cut your ribbon 30  inches. This gives you plenty of room to adjust your wrap .  

Okay, now let’s make one, you’re going to need:

An existing pillow

30 inch ribbon of burlap  or any ribbon you like to wrap around your pillow

Fusible Seam Tape or velcro

Summer Pillow Sleeves by Melissa Mortenson of polkadotchair.com

On the front of the pillow measure how much of the pillow you want covered by the burlap or ribbon, this plus 2” will be the width of your pillow sleeve piece. 

Cut and then sew your velcro backing to the each end of the ribbon.  

Adhere your premade decal on front of burlap or stencil your saying.

Wrap around your pillow. You are done. You can dress up your patio within 30 minutes for less than 15 dollars. Now that’s a bargain.

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Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Easy Chocolate Easter Eggs Recipe

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Easter eggs

Imagine a room filled with 55,000 chocolate Easter Eggs wrapped in purple foil all ready for delivery.   The smell of peanut butter and cream cheese together with melted chocolate . That is what you will find at the Kernersville First Presbysterian Church each Easter season.  Volunteers from the church begin the Lenten season hand dipping chocolate Easter eggs.  This is an annual fundraiser for the church and the monies from the 45 cent eggs have offered financial support to various charities  in their community.  In 2015 they  provided support to:  Kernersville Police Department’s Camp for Kids, Kernersville Fire Department’s Safety Seat Program, Crisis Control, Next Step Ministries Battered Women’s Shelter, Kernersville Local Schools Gift Cards for Student Needs, and Kernersville Library for Children’s Books.  The Egg Ministry also  provides support for First Presbyterian’s Scholarship Fund and Youth Mission activities.    

Church ministries throughout North Carolina have their Easter egg hunts and Chocolate ministries, but Kernersville Presbysterian  is known statewide.  The orders for eggs begin in January, from people from all over the state.  You can even order them online and have them shipped. Their recipe is a secret.   I have tried several chocolate Easter egg recipes through the years and I have my own favorite. It has the added ingredient of cream cheese combined with the chocolate that makes the inside so creamy and light. So if you are not able to order your eggs in time from the local church, try this recipe at home.  Personalized it with your special love one’s names.  They are delicious and they won’t last long.

 

 

 

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Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs
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Serves 24
The secret ingredient is the cream cheese and Girardelli chocolate.
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Ingredients
  1. 1cup creamy peanut butter
  2. 4oz cream cheese
  3. 1cup powdered sugar
  4. 1tsp vanilla
  5. 1oz Ghirardelli® Dark Melting Wafers
  6. 4oz Ghirardelli® White Melting Wafers (optional, for decoration)
  7. food coloring (optional, for decoration)
Instructions
  1. Line a baking sheet or tray with waxed paper. In a large microwave-safe bowl, combine peanut butter and cream cheese. Microwave, uncovered, on high (100% power) for 30 seconds or until mixture is slightly softened, stirring once. Stir in powdered sugar. Shape the peanut butter mixture into egg shaped ovals using an egg shaped tablespoon. Place balls on the prepared baking sheet. Cover and freeze for 15 minutes or until firm.
  2. Place Ghirardelli® Dark Melting Wafers in a microwave-safe container. Microwave at half power or defrost setting for 30 seconds. Stir thoroughly (product keeps its original shape until stirred). If not completely melted, continue to microwave at 15 second intervals and stir until smooth. Overheating will cause wafers to burn.
  3. Using a fork, dip eggs into melted mixture, allowing excess to drip back into bowl. Place dipped eggs back on baking sheet. Chill for 30 minutes or until firm.
  4. For decoration, melt Ghirardelli® White Candy Making wafers in a microwave safe container (follow directions above). Pour into piping bag and decorate as desired. Food coloring can be added to wafers to make Easter colors.
  5. This recipe can also be reversed, using the White Candy Making Wafers for the Eggs and the Dark Wafers for decoration
https://thepamperedintrovert.com/

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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National Bittersweet Chocolate Day

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Chocolate lovers, it is time once again to celebrate.  January 10 is annually recognized as National Bittersweet Chocolate Day.
 
Bittersweet chocolate is chocolate liquor to which sugar, cocoa butter and vanilla have been added.  It does have less sugar and more liquor than semisweet chocolate.  Unlike milk chocolate or white chocolate, it does not contain any milk solids. According to FDA standards, bittersweet chocolate must contain at least 35% chocolate liquor (a non-alcoholic liquid produced from cocoa beans).

Studies have revealed that there are certain health benefits from eating bittersweet chocolate. 

Consuming bittersweet chocolate on a daily basis is actually quite good for you. All variations of dark chocolate contain antioxidants that lower blood pressure and help protect your heart.

 This is an intense, creamy one-ingredient chocolate mousse adapted from the molecular gastronomist Hervé .  The nearly instant recipe also happens to be vegan; without the distraction of cream or eggs, a complex chocolate can shine. The mousse serves four, and it can be doubled. But even if you’re serving two, don’t be tempted to halve it.

This is a super easy, super rich. Follow the recipe to a T.
The mousse holds up quite a while too, so I was able to make this way ahead of time, and just scooped it into pretty glasses.
I didn’t have the arm strength to whisk by hand so cheated and used a hand mixer. 🙂
Everyone likes it, but it got a little….intense after a while, so I added a bit of high quality olive oil, which made it taste even more amazing

This is how the Spanish make their delicious “chocolate.” They use milk serve it hot with churros. The cold version has to be eaten immediately or the fat separates and floats to the top. I love it because It’s like getting a shot of espresso for a chocoholic.  Let’s Celebrate Bittersweet Chocolate Day !

 

 

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Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse
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Intensely Chocolate Mousse and so easy to make.
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Ingredients
  1. 285 grams bittersweet chocolate (about 10 ounces), roughly chopped, more as needed (see note)
  2. Fleur de Sel, to taste
Instructions
  1. Step 1Create an ice bath in a large bowl using ice and a little cold water. Nestle a smaller bowl in ice bath.
  2. Step 2Place chocolate and 1 cup water in a small pot and heat over medium. Whisk until mixture is melted and smooth, about 3 to 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3Immediately pour melted chocolate into the bowl in the ice bath. Vigorously whisk chocolate mixture by hand until thick, 3 to 5 minutes. The chocolate should be fluffy and form a mound when dolloped with the whisk (it should generally have the texture and appearance of mousse). If the mixture does not thicken, add a bit more chopped chocolate and remelt over the heat. Spoon into serving bowls and garnish with fleur de sel.
https://thepamperedintrovert.com/

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Monograms and Lettering

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Do you need a silhouette cameo machine ?  Do you like crafts and creating ? Do you always need another monogram ?  If you answer yes, you just might want to invest in a cameo.   Sewing has always been a passion for me. When I retired, I invested into an embroidery machine and began the world of designs and personalizing anything I could sew a design on.    One day while shopping for material, I saw an embroidered tote. It wasn’t done in thread, but vinyl. I didn’t know this could be done . I discovered the world of vinyl and heat transfer and I wish there were more hours in a day, just to create and complete my creations.

If you are interested in designing your own monograms and designs at a nominal cost, the Cameo Silhouette is perfect.  Since purchasing the Cameo, I hardly ever use my embroidery machine. The Cameo is easy to learn and with you-tube tutorials, you can be an experienced user of the Cameo in the matter of a month.  Please enjoy some of my and other’s designs that have been created with a Cameo.

 

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TWO SIDES - Swirly Monogram Mailbox Address Vinyl Decal

Source :http://www.theinspiredhousewife.com/2011/02/do-i-need-a-silhouette-machine/

cut your own name topper from glitter cardstock and post board with a cricut explore

Source :https://www.pinterest.com/pin/312929874089521114/

 

Il 570xN.1007130581 9t1q                                                             Source:https://www.etsy.com/listing/276952794/personalized-mailbox-decals?ref=shop_home_listings

 

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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National Bubble Bath Day

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IMG 3083 256x192On a cold winters day, relaxing in a nice warm/hot bubble bath sounds like the perfect way to commemorate National Bubble Bath Day, which is celebrated annually on January 8 th.  More and more people are celebrating this national holiday. So much so greeting card companies have cards to send your favorite people celebrating the day. 

It is a great holiday to have a tea party with friends and share bath products and small bath gifts. I like sharing soothing bath recipes . I make my own bath soaks and give them as gifts in a jar .  Pinterest has tons of recipes too.

And while we are celebrating this fun day, it wouldn’t be complete without having Mr. Bubble close by.  Who hasn’t had a Mr. Bubble bath ? He is as American as  Buster Brown shoes.

Mr. Bubble  is the #1 brand of bath products in the United States and in 2011 it celebrated its 50th birthday.  Mr. Bubble is a brand of bath product made by The Village Company. He was created in 1961 in North Dakota .

 And we all know this slogan  ” Makes Getting Clean Almost as Much Fun as Getting Dirty!” 

 But did you know that Mr. Bubble   made several TV  appearances. His career as a TV celebrity has lasted through several decades. Mr. Bubble TV show appearances:

  • Family Guy
  • The Simpsons
  • 1983 Eddie Murphy Delirious
  • 1987 Gold Through the Fire
  • 1996 Ed (starring Matt LeBlanc)
  • Everybody Loves Raymond (Season 3)

 

So run a luxurious bubble bath today. Invite Mr. Bubble or add your own favorite soaks and bubbles. Add a bit of oil to the water to majorly moisturize your skin, light some candles for ambiance, grab a magazine and maybe a glass of wine and just totally bliss out for a bit.  Take the opportunity to treat yourself to some you-time and celebrate this National Holiday. And relax in your own Bedroom Sanctuary  Happy Bubble Bath Day !

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Hot Chocolate and Snow ..

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We are getting ready for the first snow in the Carolinas. 2017. And they promise it will be a big one. To a East Coast Carolina Girl, any  snow is big . The water and bread shortage has begun and the snow doesn’t arrive until midnight. Other necessities like wine, movies, evaporated milk and sugar  can still be found. A favorite in Carolina is snow cream. And my mother made the best. A recipe close to hers is made by Mama Peggy. Click to enjoy her recipe. Mama Peggy  . I love hot chocolate and my plans are to put the crockpot on and settle in with a scrumptious cup of peppermint hot chocolate and catch up on  my kindle unlimited books. Awwww.

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Crockpot Hot Chocolate
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Ingredients
  1. 1 TBS cocoa powder
  2. 1/3 cup hot water
  3. 5 oz. bittersweet chocolate, roughly chopped
  4. 1 quart whole milk (4 cups)
  5. 1/2 cup heavy cream
  6. 1/3 cup sugar
  7. 7 candy canes finely crushed. I crush mine in the food processor
  8. Optional.. Peppermint Flavored Vodka
Instructions
  1. Instructions
  2. 1.Mix the cocoa with the hot water to make a thin paste.
  3. 2.Add all the ingredients to the slow cooker. Cook on low for 2 hours, stirring every 30 minutes. If the chocolate does not melt after the first hour turn the slow cooker on high for the last hour stirring every 30 minutes.
  4. 3.Serve with marshmallows drizzled with chocolate syrup.
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Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Me Before You

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The movie came out June 3rd; but before you go to the movie, read the book .  The book is definitely better than the movie.  And you relive the book as you watch the movie unfold. If you cant make the movie, and you want the best summer read of the year, This is it..  Me Before You, by Jojo Moyes, is one of the best books I’ve read in a really long time.

I wasn’t sure I was up for a heartbreaker, so even when friends recommended the book, I was thinking , I love happy, witty , fun summer reads. I am not into books about breaking hearts .  However, because I’m Emilia Clarke’s number one fan…I mean what’s not to love about the Mother of Dragons and because I always read the book before seeing the movie, I downloaded it to kindle and couldn’t put it down..  It is the kind of book that breaks your heart. You may cry, but it leaves you with  a whole new perspective on life and love.

Me Before You follows the heartbreaking romance between a rather unlikely pair, Louisa Clark and Will Traynor.  Their paths never would have crossed had Louisa not been desperate for a job and Will not been left wheelchair bound after an accident.  When Louisa takes a last resort job assignment working as Will’s caretaker, constantly reminding herself that it’s only temporary is the one thing that helps her to get through each work day.  In the beginning, their personalities are at odds with each other.   Will is rather hateful towards Louisa.  Though not too many weeks pass by before Louisa’s quirkiness and refusal to deal with his rudeness cracks Will’s tough exterior, and she starts to genuinely care about the man she’s been hired to serve.

As the story continues, you see love , not in the usual way that people love. I don’t want to give too much away. It is a book that will stay with me for quite a while

Needless to say I’ll be reading the sequel very soon .

After You,   which is available now.

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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June is filled with back yard grilling, catching fireflies, water fun and games.  And lets not forget that June is the month of the Bride.   I recently attended an outdoor wedding. The wedding was Shabby Chic theme and the reception party was a blast.  The wedding had many homemade games and fun things to do while celebrating the afternoon with the wedding couple.  One of the games really caught my attention and I immediately started snapping pictures of it.  This week I tried my hand at my own.

It is a Ring Toss Game. It is made from old used bottles. We all have them around.  I spray painted them different colors. So perfect for a child’s birthday party.  I purchased the wooden rings from Hobby Lobby. The size is 1 7/8 inches in diameter.  I had left over jute and wound the jute tightly around the ring. I finished it off with a small know and then modpodge the ends to seal 

My husband had an old crate he let me have. He painted it for me.

I can’t wait to have a back yard party, just to try out my new ring toss game.

So easy to make and so much fun.  

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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HELLO JUNE !

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Awww. June is here. I love summer and June brings summer . Pollen has long gone. Foliage and flowers are in full bloom . The trees look lush. The weather is warm during the day and breezy at night. I love riding the winding roads of Carolina in my convertible, just listening to the night sounds of Carolina.

And it is no wonder that June is the month of weddings.  In fact, in the South, there is a saying,

“when you marry in June you’re a bride all your life, and the bridegroom gets a sweet-heart for a wife.”

June is also Black Music Month. Imagine that ! The music I grew up with. Good music and summertime just go together.

Think of a June night. Now think of the song “Summertime” by DJ Jazzy Jeff or the song “Hot Fun In the Summertime” by Sly and the Family Stone.  Isn’t there something about those songs that makes a great summer night even better? That’s the essence of black music. As we say in Carolina, it is like a cool breeze on a warm night with a beer in your hand. That’s music !

And June is not complete with a stack of good summer reads. My latest find is The Summer’s End by Mary Alice Monroe . It is the last of the three part series of Lowcountry Summer. This series is could have been written about any Southern family. The first book is The Summer Girls and second is The Summer Winds. The series’ background is Sullivan Island , South Carolina and we read of a Grandmother who is on a mission. You know, we all have that special Grandmother who brings us back to our roots. It is a poignant and heartwarming story of three half sisters and their grandmother, who is determined to help them rediscover their southern roots and family bonds.

With great music and summer reads, and weddings each weekend to attend, it is time to start the special month of June.

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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DIY Sea Glass and Shell Charger

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While visiting Japan , my husband was lucky enough to walk the shore of the Sea of Japan daily. He took beautiful pictures of sunrises and sunsets and fishermen checking their nets. His favorite pastime was collecting the sea glass. And it is abundant in the area we resided. All sizes and colors washed up daily and especially after a storm, he actually would carry a bag to bring it back. We sorted it into colors and sizes. Pinks, greens, blues, amber and clear. Occasionally, he would find red. We bought it home and you can only do so much decorating with sea glass. 

A couple of weeks ago, I was shopping at Pottery Barn  and found a set of seashell plate chargers. A set of four cost 260.00. They were beautiful. I got ready to purchase them and then I remembered the containers of sea glass at home. I can make them. All I needed were Hobby  Lobby chargers, a bag of shells , sea glass , and a glue  gun. 

It is a DIY that takes time . I wanted mine to be in a pattern, so a lot of my time was placing the shells in a round design before glueing them on the charger. The glueing doesn’t take that long. My cost was 7.96 for four chargers, a bag of shells at 19.99 and sticks of glue . Luckily , I had plenty of sea glass. Total cost of four was 30 dollars. Not bad for an afternoon of fun and creating.

And they passed the store bought test . I used them at a dinner party and my girlfriends were asking where they could buy a set.

It looks like another afternoon DIY  party is in our future. Potluck and special desserts, plus DIY. Let the party begin!

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Wine Bottle Tiki Lights

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Summertime is approaching and the bugs are back.  Living in Carolina, you are going to find yourself outside. Whether it is back acre, by the pool, playing corn hole in the yard or just relaxing at dusk on the deck,  those pesky little skeetzers come around.   I found the perfect way to reuse my wine bottles and deter the bugs too. 71q6yhyjIKL. SY679                                                                                                                                Source: Amazon

 

What You Need

 

1/2″ x 3/8″ copper coupling ($0.97)
Tiki replacement wick ($1.54)
Nylon thread seal tape ($.97)
Recycled wine bottle or beer bottle 

Citronella torch fuel (price not included)

Instructions

The construction is pretty simple:

1. Wrap the pipe wrap around the copper reducer many times. The opening on our wine bottle required about 15 times around so that it would stick and we actually inserted the smaller 3/8″ side into the bottle as the 1/2″ side didn’t fit (as compared to the original How-to). In the future, we’d also want to try it in beer bottles for smaller torches to place around the yard.

2. Insert the wick into the reducer.

3. Fill the bottle with Citronella and insert wick. Let the oil be absorbed into the wick before lighting.

4. Light and enjoy!

  It is a quick DIY project.  Only takes an half at the most to complete and you are set to enjoy that new bottle of wine on the deck as the sun sets.  No Bugs Allowed !

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Monogram and Personalized

One of my many pastimes is putting a name on it.  I love monograms and bows. I love the extra touches of personalization.  I decided to venture out with an online store.  I want to share some of the designs I am using this spring.   The bunnies were a hit and with  summer is nearly here, the hibiscus decals are the rage.  There is a new item called LIFE theme and it is used on tee shirts and totes.  I am just learning how to create these designs.

Announcing the opening of BeeBees Designs  at Etsy.       

Iusb 760x100.19633000 Olyp

Personalized Mailbox Decals SVG and Studio Files

 

 

Hibiscus Monogram and Flowers SVG and Studio files

BEACH LIFE Theme Studio file

Talk Southern to Me Bow

 

Please enjoy the designs and share with fellow crafters.

 

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Relaxed Dinner Party for Eight

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French Country Picnic 2

It’s time for an Italian dinner party. I purchased some new wines for taste testing and I found on Pinterest the copycat recipe of Carrabba’s dipping oil. All that’s left is my son’s guaranteed-for-delicious spaghetti sauce recipe and add the finishing touches to the menu. I love dinner parties and will use any excuse for friends to stop by. Today I liked to share a few tips I use to create a fun dinner party.

What makes a great dinner party? Besides food, wine, and friends, what are the easiest ways to set a dinner party atmosphere? Well, here are my own top tips for creating the dinner party atmosphere. They are all really simple .

Before, I give you my tips, there is one important thing and it is the most important. To invite friends who are your friends and who you enjoy around your table. Whether you are serving a simple dish , grilling or several courses, your guests are here to spend time with you. This feeling comes from the heart and a relaxed and hospitable party begins it. The spirit of the hostess carries the party.

My favorite time of the day for a party to begin is dusk. Whether you are serving the meal from your deck , back porch or dining area, as evening sets in, people tend to relax and are ready to enjoy cocktails and conversation.

Midsummer Night

My first tip is to turn down the lights. It is the easiest thing to do and sets a tone of peacefulness.   Secondly, I light candles. You can purchase tea lights and place them in clear glass containers. Candles add movement and warmth to a table. They don’t have to be an expensive habit. I own the Luminara Real-Frame Effect candles that operate with a rechargeable battery. The flame appears so real. I never have to worry about fire, plus honestly, in the long run, they are less expensive than real candles.

Another tip is use fabric napkins. People enjoy the feel of fabric and they add a gracious touch to the table. They don’t have to be expensive. In fact, you can make your own .

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Source: www.lfinderhof.com

 

Be sure to bring the outdoors inside. It doesn’t have to be lavish, like a florist centerpiece. Whatever is growing in your yard, can be placed near the candles or even spread a little greenery and flowers throughout the serving dishes.

Always  have water and water glasses on the water and remember the salt and pepper. I add pitcher of water at each end of the table and several sets of salt and pepper.

Orange And Lemon Slices In Water Pitcher 500x333

Source: www.elizabethannedesigns.com

Last but certainly not least, don’t forget the music. My pastime is dance and most of all my friends are dancers. So naturally, we love our music. I use Pandora and have preselected stations that play our favorite tunes. I set it on shuffle and it is like we have our own DJ in the booth. 

By the time, we have finished our meal, we are usually ready for another cocktail and enjoy dancing and learning new steps from each other on the deck.  We take the party outside , by the tabletop firepit  and  enjoy as the night moves in.

 

 

 

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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Pinecone Zinnias

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My pinecones are still falling. Im ready for summer and summer flowers. So until my zinnias bloom, Ill do the next best thing.  Create pretty zinnias from pinecones.  I use pinecones in many of my rustic, fall and country designs.  I like their textured feel and look and they add dimension to a design.    I am always researching new ways of design and I came across an article on creating zinnias from pinecones.   What a fun idea.  I decided to give it a try.  How easy they are to create.

What you will need  :

Sponge Brush, Paints, mod podge acrylic sealant, and pinecones.

Any type of pine cone will work. Just be sure the bottom of it turned upwards resembles a flower.  You can use different sizes of pinecones  as you are creating  “a bouquet” .

Once you gather your pinecones, Dry brush them to clean any pine straw and dirt off .

Some  use spray paint to color the pinecones.   I tried it , but found that it  spattered and was a little messy.   So I opted for the acrylic craft paint and a sponge brush. It gives me more control of getting into the cracks and layers of the pinecone.

I let the paint set for about  a minute on the pinecone and then I dry brushed it for an outdoorsy and natural look. 

I dabbed a little yellow paint  in the center to create the pollen part of the zinnia.  Don’t be afraid to layer different colors and layer shades for depth.

Pine cone Zinnias

The  paint will be dry to the touch in about an hour, but I wanted to be sure it was completely dry in all the nooks and crannies.  I waited until morning for the next step.  I sealed them with the modpodge sealant.  Let them dry and you are ready to arrange them in a  beautiful bowl . They make a great accent piece. I love the colors they add to a room  Be creative. You can  use them to make a wreath or string them as a garland.  Here is a link to a step by step tutorial on creating  pinecone zinnias .

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl

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The Herring are Running, The Herring are Running

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Some people claim robins are the harbingers of spring. Others say it’s crocuses or daffodils. William Wordsworth, the poet, immortalized spring’s fore-runner as a lone snowdrop.

They are all wrong.  

The Herrings are running, the herrings are running.   Any Carolinian knows what that means. There wasn’t a set time of the day they would be running. The men took turns at Merchant Mill Pond , Nixon’s Ditch, and Cannon’s Ferry to watch the waters start moving like a wave was rushing in. We didn’t have cell phones in those days, so kids would rush back home to let the men who went home to rest or grab a bite to eat, that the herrings had arrived. The men gathered around the big nets. My dad wore waders and would walk out on the edge as close as he could get to the main stream of the of the herring run to steady the net. This would go on sometime until the night. There could be at least 10 to 12 pickups parked by the waters and each trucks’ bed was overflowing with herrings. Fish were jumping.

Back home mom and the other neighbor ladies were getting the buckets ready for cleaning the herring. And when I say buckets, I am talking about washtubs. If you think a hog killing in Carolina is a big time, cleaning and salting down herrings is equal the fun. They had a process. First , they would let the kids cut off the heads of the herrings. After that, it was up to the adults. Several would scale the fish and gut them. There was a big huge bowl that they would flip the herring roe into and then toss the cleaned fish into a pan of salted water. The next group of ladies would wash the fish out and score the sides of the fish. Some of the fish were filet. Others were sorted with no notches or filet, just cleaned. This was proably done by size, but as a child I never thought of why they did this. Now it was time to salt the fish. My dad called it brining. If you had any open place on your hand, it would sting to high heaven. My dad would let me help in this process. He had huge  large mouth jugs and even several vats that he would put the fish into. He would layer the jugs with salt , then put a layer of fish. This would go on til it was completely fulled.Note how these raw herring have been scored all along their sides. This insures that they cook quickly, through-and-through.

Source : www.roadfood.com

This time only happened in  late March and early April of each year.

Mom would always hold out some of the larger herring for frying. And I can tell you,  They were some good eating. She would dust them with cornmeal and seasoning. The seasoning was her secret and to this day, I don’t know it. With a plate of boiled potatoes, cole slaw, and hush puppies, you were set for a big meal. We always saved room for the homemade chocolate pie the way my moma made it.

Those days are now gone. Nobody really knows by the herrings have declined in coming in from the Atlantic waters to spawn in the fresh waters of the coast. The experts give several reasons they think, but I’m not sure if they really know. Maybe it is all of the reasons they give.

“At one time, these coastal rivers supported thriv­ing herring and shad industries, with millions of fish harvested each year. Populations of these fishes declined dramatically in the last century due to dam constructions, overharvest­ing and other factors.”

But because of the decline in the herring run to spawn in the spring, laws have been put into effect in North Carolina to limit the catch of herrings.   

 

 

Roe is available at the Cypress Grill on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday. Served with a couple of herring, the crisp-crusted packets pack a flavor wallop.

Source : Cypress Grill Menu

You can still purchase herring packed in salt brine. The packaging says Chowan Herring, but when you look in the fine print, they are packaged in Canada and shipped here for sale.   If you want a plate of herring the way my mom cooked them, you are in luck. There is a little restaurant called the Cypress Grill    in Jamesville NC.. They are only open from January to mid April each year. And it definitely worth the drive to the menu.  And if you want to experience Carolina Country living and a fun time, put the NC Herring Festival  on your calendar for a to do.  And if you want to just enjoy a great read about the Chowan River and Herring fishing. E Frank Stephenson of Murfreesboro authored a great book on the history of fishing the Chowan.

Another little history story told by the Smithsonian Folklore Festival is found here.

 

Categories: Ponderings of a Carolina Girl