Category: Ponderings

Me Before You

August 11, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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

Tags: in the Moment, love, North Carolina, Southern Living

June 11, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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

Tags: DIY, in the Moment, Southern Living

HELLO JUNE !

June 4, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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

Tags: in the Moment, North Carolina, Southern Living, Southern Reads

DIY Sea Glass and Shell Charger

May 16, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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

Tags: DIY, North Carolina, Southern Living

Wine Bottle Tiki Lights

May 16, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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. 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

Tags: DIY, hospitality, North Carolina, Southern Living

Monogram and Personalized

April 22, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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

Tags: Bows and Embroidery, DIY, Floral design silhouette cameo, North Carolina, silhouette cameo, Southern Living, Vinyl

Relaxed Dinner Party for Eight

April 20, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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.

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 .

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.

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

Tags: celebrate, dining table, hospitality, Southern Living

Pinecone Zinnias

April 18, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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.

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 .
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Categories: Ponderings

Tags: DIY, Southern Floral Designs, Southern Living

The Herring are Running, The Herring are Running

April 13, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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.

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.

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

DIY Table Lights

April 7, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

I love this time of year and at the end of a day, I really don’t want to go inside. The weather is cool but still enjoyable. Watching the sunset and the sky changing colors gives me such a restful feeling. I love my tabletop fire pit. It adds just enough heat to keep me cozy. I found another great DIY outside project that takes only a hour to create and by night fall, I can enjoy the results with my tabletop fire pit.

It is inexpensive too. I bought Dollar Tree solar lights and flower pots . I already had the paints. Since I’m not crafty as an artist, I just pour a small amount of paint on the flower pots. Let them dry. Insert your lights and you are all set with perfect little table lights.

Now all I add is a glass of wine, toes up and watch the sunset.

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, DIY, hospitality, Southern Living

Bedroom Sanctuary

March 23, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Have you ever spent a night at a motel or hotel and found it was a restful night? You actually felt more rested than if you were in your own bedroom. If you have, then it is time for a bedroom revamp. First notice what was it about the motel room that made it more restful. You will want to reinvent this mood in your own bedroom.

I love a cozy bedroom. I love lots of pillows, Egyptian sheets and fluffy coverlets. I love subdued lighting and a touch of white noise to block out the world. And I love a healthy bedroom.

love a cozy bedroom. I love lots of pillows, Egyptian sheets and fluffy coverlets. I love subdued lighting and a touch of white noise to block out the world. And I love a healthy bedroom.
What is a healthy bedroom? It is when you walk into the room and it feels and smells fresh. Here are ways to keep your bedroom healthy and cozy.

Replace your mattress every 5 to 7 years. Quality counts. Choose the best quality you can afford. You want your spine to be properly aligned. And the size of the mattress matters. A bed too small is a big mistake. You need to be able to stretch out and feel free in bed. Use high quality thread count linens. They breathe easily and feel cool to be skin.

Stay away from the memory form pillows. They often emit dangerous Volotile Organic Compounds or VOC’s that can cause headaches, nausea, and eye irritation. You don’t want your face, mouth, or nose anywhere near them. Use instead pillows filled with organic materials, like wool or feathers, or at least safer foam like natural latex foam.

A quiet air filterer is an efficient way to purify your bedroom of dangerous pollutants and agitating allergens like dust mites, pollen, and pet dander. It also can be used for white noise to block out sporadic noises.

My favorite thing is to have house plants in my bedroom. Not only will a potted plant or two beautify your bedroom, but they will also release oxygen and help filter out harmful compounds emitted by everyday cleaners, detergents, and fragrances. They are several houseplants that thrive in low light and are perfect in a bedroom.

The décor of your bedroom needs to invoke peacefulness to yourself when you enter the room. We all have that special color hue that we gravitate to for restfulness. Use this palette for your wall and accents. I love the colors of beiges and blues in my bedroom.

I personally don’t have a TV in my bedroom. It detracts me and I can not relax with its chatter. I prefer to be quiet and mediate before sleeping. Ease your anxious mind. Wind down before bed. Take a bath, meditate, or do whatever it takes to relax and wipe away the day’s stress. I like an oversize chair with a rug underneath to sit in before retiring to bed. A soft light with low wattage sits on a side table beside the stair. I can read or use my ipad and enjoy some evening tea or milk. This helps me wind down for bedtime. Your bed should never be a desk, dining room table or a couch. A radio or sound system of soft music playing the background while reading tends to relax the body, but before I get into bed, I turned it off.

Always, always have scented oils or candles in your bedroom. Lavender and lemongrass are two of my favorites in the bedroom. Another scent is peony and rose. Studies show the sense of smell of calming aromas helps to reduce your stress levels.

I read a study on sleep patterns and what helps in sleep. I was surprised it suggested having a dark red night light. If you wake during the night, this color doesn’t cause you to feel wide awake. It gives a glow of contentment and helps you fall back to sleep. I use a red glow infuser in my bedroom. It cast its glow as well as the smell of lavender fills the room.

I find that keeping it simple in décor is best. If a picture of a sunset makes you feel rested, hang one in your room. I personally like water scenes and flowers. So my room has cottage cozy written on it. Keep it clean and simple. Remember to keep your sleep environment uncluttered, dark, quiet and cool.

For the best sleep, avoid exercising or eating near bedtime. Eliminate alcohol and nicotine intake, especially before sleeping. And treat your body right during the day. Eating right and exercise during the day. Bedtime is the body’s time to rejuvenate for another day.

Take it day by day. Changing your schedule and attitude about sleep isn’t going to happen overnight. It requires lifestyle changes, dedication and practice. Just like improving any aspects of our lives, making sleep a priority takes time.

Remember your bedroom is your getaway room. It is like that motel/hotel away from home. Close the door and unwind and call it a day.

Here are several inspirations of a cozy bedroom.

Cozy Bedroom

Little Girl’s Room

Pinterest is full of ideas to create the Cozy Bedroom

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: aromatheraphy, essential oils, North Carolina, Southern Living, spa

Easter Dinner

March 21, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Easter, which celebrates Jesus Christ’s resurrection from the dead, is Christianity’s most important holiday. It has been called a moveable feast because it doesn’t fall on a set date every year, as most holidays do. Instead, Christian churches in the West celebrate Easter on the first Sunday following the full moon after the vernal equinox on March 21. Therefore, Easter is observed anywhere between March 22 and April 25 every year.

My Easter morning begin with Hot Cross Buns and Hot coffee. I wake at 4 am. Sunrise services at church begin soon. I love making this service. Seeing the sun rise gives me the reassurance that Jesus Christ indeed was raised from death . How fitting to see “The Son ” rise on Easter morning. After this service, I chat with fellow Christians , glad to have this day to give pause and reflection to our faith. We will be back in a couple of hours for worship service and afterwards, many of us have guests arriving for dinner to celebrate the day. Our Christian friends who don’t have family nearby are invited to our homes. Our church family is close and we make sure all can celebrate with friends on this special day. My traditional Easter Dinner begins with a Honey Basted Ham. Most of my dinner menu can be prepared the day before, so my Easter Day can be enjoyed with family and friends. When family arrives, they always have a side dish. Our table soon becomes a feast fit for a king. The children have their annual Easter Egg Hunt in the back yard and hurry in with their baskets full of eggs to count, to see who wins the big prize chocolate bunny. No one goes home empty handed. They are miniature bunnies for anyone who looked for eggs. Enjoying family and friends at Easter makes such a special day. We gather around the table, hold hands and give God the Glory for his Beloved Son who is our Lord and Savior. Wishing you all a very Blest and Christlike Easter.

Honey Basted Ham from My Recipes

Deviled Eggs by Sandra Lee

Glazed Carrots by Country Living

Fresh Green Beans by Country Living

Easter Tablescape by Southern Living

Happy Easter from Woman’s Day

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, hospitality, in the Moment, Southern Living

Easter Eggs

March 19, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

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.

Chocolate Peanut Butter Easter Eggs

2016-03-19 10:03:09

Serves 24

The secret ingredient is the cream cheese and Girardelli chocolate.

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Ingredients

1cup creamy peanut butter
4oz cream cheese
1cup powdered sugar
1tsp vanilla
1oz Ghirardelli® Dark Melting Wafers
4oz Ghirardelli® White Melting Wafers (optional, for decoration)
food coloring (optional, for decoration)

Instructions

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.
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.
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.
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.
This recipe can also be reversed, using the White Candy Making Wafers for the Eggs and the Dark Wafers for decoration

By Ghirardelli

https://thepamperedintrovert.com/

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, chocolate pie, dining table, personalized, Southern Living

Tabletop Fire Glass Pit

March 14, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Spring is here! Spring Mornings in Carolina are beautiful. Waking up before the sun rises and you see the mellow moon casting its light through shades of pinks. As the sun shows it glow, for about an hour you can see the sun and moon . The moon fades away in white. And the sun lights the horizons with streaks of gold, pink, and blues. Sunrise and dusk are favorite parts of your day in Carolina. The air is still a tad nippy . You can bundle up with your cup of coffee and enjoy the view . I like sitting by a fire. i saw an idea on Pinterest I just had to try. It is a FireGlass Pit. It was so easy. I only needed three items. A terracota pot, three cans of sterno and couple of bags of fire glass. Just what is fire glass? It is glass that has been crushed, tempered and the edges are smooth. It doesn’t combust or leave an odor.

So how do you create your own tabletop pit ? Take your three sterno cans and place in your terracota bowl. I make a triangle shape . Add your fire glass. Completely surround your cans with the fire glass. Fire Glass comes in assorted colors, so you have options on accenting your table. I love the blue. Watching the fire reflecting off the glass makes me feel cozy and the heat is just enough to warm the air while you enjoy the sunrise and your cup of coffee. It is the best way to start your Carolina morning.

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, DIY, hospitality, in the Moment, North Carolina

Garden Cloche

March 11, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Remember as a child learning the difference between an aquarium and a terrarium. I went right from minnows in a glass jar to wanting the glow in the dark fish in an aquarium. I remember bringing home the square glass container. The fish survived the trip home in the plastic bag, but after a month of sporadic feedings and not maintaining the water temperatures needed, my little glow fish went to the other side and I was left with an empty container. I felt I had let my fish down, and as a eight year old, I felt like it was the end of the world. My Dad came to the rescue. He said , “why don’t you try making a terrarium with your empty container?” I didn’t know much about terrariums; certainly no more than the I did about aquariums. I was unsure, but dad boasted my interest . I went to the local library and found a book on terrariums. It seemed pretty easy. I needed pebbles, small charcoal , potting soil and plants. Once you plant them in the glass container, you put a lid on it and watch your plants grow.

I created my terrarium and loved the way the plants seem to grow overnight. Some mornings I wake and there was condensation on the sides and I remember the book saying to open up the top to “let the fog lift.” I came in one day and saw something moving in the terrarium. It was a little turtle. My Dad had put him in there. I now had another mission. We took a little shell and fill it up with water and found what little turtles needed to eat. I kept my terrarium for three years. The little turtle grew and he seemed very happy . He definitely thought he was human. Eventually my passion for terrariums subsided and other passions came into my life. I decided to let my turtle go. He crawled away into the water of our ponds.

This favorite memory stayed with me. Loving floral design and gardening has always been my passion. And I love what you can do with plants under glass. If you don’t have a green thumb, this is the ideal planter for you.

Create Your Garden Cloche

There are so many pretty and versatile miniature terrariums available. Your local nursery/greenhouses make it easy. They have potted plants that favor living in low light and under glass. Also there are even kits available from Amazon that give step by step in creating your garden.

Garden cloches make a beautiful gift for that special someone. And you will want to have your own.

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, Floral design silhouette cameo, North Carolina, Southern Floral Designs

Herbs and Essential Oils

March 10, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Growing up in rural North Carolina I was surrounded by farms and fields. My family operated a Bed and Breakfast, which was called The Gatesville Hotel.

This home had 33 rooms with five baths and three stairways. My mother and her help cooked breakfast daily for the visitors. The huge dining room table was always set by afternoon for the next day.

We had our own garden. It was over an acre. Fresh vegetables and fruits were planted by the seasons. In a corner of the acre of the garden was my Mother’s herb garden. The perimeter was surrounded by flowers and the rows of herbs had little stakes with their names on them.

The menus for breakfast changed according to the seasons of the garden.

In the back pantry, which was a large room with windows and shelves built between the windows was the oils and herbs table. On top of this table was measuring spoons, pretty little glass bottles, and a recipe book from Rodale. My memory of this room was the aroma from the herbs. My nanny and I picked the fresh basil, peppermint, rosemary, lavender, etc, early in the mornings, while the dew was still on the leaves. She would separate the herbs on the table. Some of these were used in recipes and others were mixed with carrier oils to put in the baths with the linens. I enjoyed watching my mother and Ms. Hattie working at this table. The book they used for recipes was well worned. When they would leave the table, I would sit at it, pretending I was mixing too. I spent plenty of playtime at this table

So throughout my life, I have had an interest in herbs and their value in our lives. I learned that besides being used in our foods, that they had medicinal and healing purposes and even natural ways of cleaning and insect repellants.

Besides all the benefits of natural herbs and oil, I simply enjoy watching them grow and the aroma of the garden.

A little bit of history about herbs

Essential oils and herbs have been used since civilization. Myrrh was used by the Ancient Grecians and Romans to heal wounds and as an anti-inflammatory. During the outbreak of the Bubonic Plague in the 12th Century, Cinnamon, Ginger and Sandalwood served as lifesaving antibiotics. In the 1920s, French Chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse was badly burned in an accident in his lab and he found that by dipping his skin into lavender, he eliminated infection and prevented scarring. Studies show essential oils from herbs have antiseptic, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antifungal and anti-parasitic properties. It only takes a few drops to have an effect when using them.

Essential oils are super-concentrated. It takes about 16 pounds of fresh peppermint leaves to produce an ounce of essential oil. These oils are the active ingredients and flavor additives in many kinds of everyday products , candies, syrups, toothpastes, mouthwashes, cleaning products, skin creams, lip balms, shampoos, bath salts, and soaps. Essential oils even give flavor and aroma to the spices that you use to add zest to your cooking, such as cinnamon, allspice, and nutmeg used for apple cider, pies, and baked goods.

And essential oil and herbs are used to relax and refresh our bodies. . The healing and holistic medicinal properties of essential oils have been known to treat everything from minor colds to diabetes.

On my sidebar you will have more information on Essential Oils and their benefits. You can also order online a great resource book. I use the The Essential Life“. Like the wore torned book in my Mother’s pantry, I find recipes and uses of the herbs from my garden in this beautiful illustrated book.

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: aromatheraphy, essential oils, in the Moment, lemon

Carolina Coleslaw

March 10, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

North Carolina is known for its barbeque. We love it so much we even have an app where to find the best bbq. And you can’t eat it alone. Carolina is known for its many different recipes of coleslaw. There is creamy slaw, Asian slaw, milk slaw, vinegar slaw. I have tried them all and my favorite is just too simple to make. You don’t have to pull out the handy grater or marinate it overnight. It is another Sandra Lee moment. My mother would call me out on it. But I swear by this recipe and know once you try it, you will put it in your recipe book.

Carolina Coleslaw

2016-03-09 18:33:10

Semi Homemade ColeSlaw

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Ingredients

1 pound of bag shredded coleslaw mix
2/3 cup mayonnaise
2 TB sugar
2 TB apple cider
1 TB fresh parsley
3 green onion, finely chopped, save a little for the top of the coleslaw
1/4 cup of very fine chopped red pepper, and save a little on the top for garnishing
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp pepper
Put coleslaw mix into a large bowl .
In another blow, add mayonnaise, sugar and cider vinegar. Mix well to make a dressing . Pour the dressing into the coleslaw mix and combine. Add the parsley, green onions , red peppers, salt and pepper.
Refrigerate until ready to use.

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And thinking of the handy grater. I realized gone are days of the hand grater. We all have one still in our pantry. And it is way in the back. With blenders and choppers, the handy grater doesn’t get the appreciation it once did. My grater was a gift when we married and I would never part with it. So instead of it hanging alone in the back of the pantry, I decided to dress it up and display it in the kitchen. It got so many compliments, I bought several , YES, I bought several, to decorate for gifts. You never know what and when you are inspired by something. The handy grater is now back in demand in a new way.

Categories: Ponderings

Tags: BBQ, dining table, hospitality, North Carolina, Southern Living

Bunny Ear Napkins

March 7, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

It’s spring! Fresh flowers are the best and easiest accents for Easter. They make a table come alive. There are so many table linens and napkins in spring colors. It is hard to choose.

Source: Joss and Main

Source: Create Your Table Linens

A favorite of mine is to make bunny ears with the linen napkins. They look so adorable gracing the table for Easter. Just how to make them is easy.

Source: Bunny Ears

Fold the napkin in half and then in half again, forming a long rectangle.

Fold the right and left sides down to meet in the center, forming a point at the top.

Fold the bottom corners up, also meeting at the center.

Fold in the side corners so that they meet in a point. Your napkin should now be in a kite-like shape.

Very gently turn the napkin over and fold the top point downward.

Gently turn the napkin back over.

Roll the right side of the napkin over, a bit past the center point.
Fold the left side over and tuck it into the pocket on the right side.

Stand your napkin bunny upright. You may need to adjust the bottom to form a base.
Fluff the bunny ears and position the napkin on your plate.

There you have it. Cutest little bunny ears ever. Happy Easter !

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Categories: Ponderings

Tags: celebrate, dining table, Easter, hospitality, Southern Living

Easter Tablescapes

March 7, 2016 The Pampered Introvert

Bring the fresh look of spring to the dining table. Easter says pinks, yellows, lilacs, lively greens, little rabbits, chicks and jellybeans. Just displaying one large bunny with a bouquet of daffodils says SPRING has arrived. Once you add festive dishes and linens, all is left is the menu. And that is easy. A make ahead breakfast casserole with fresh fruits and cheese can be prepared the night before. You are able to celebrate Sunrise Service and be back home in time for an easy morning brunch. Check out these table settings for ideas. The simple tulips in lavender colors with the colored eggs are so pretty. For more ideas, please visit this link. Also MY Pinterest Page has lots of ideas for spring and Easter.