Tag: Southern Living

The Woven Stitch ,Texture that Matters Most

chatgpt image jan 17, 2026, 04 36 27 pm

The Woven Stitch

Some stitches whisper.
The woven stitch? She speaks—softly, beautifully, with structure and soul.

If you’re looking to add rich texture, visual interest, and a little “how did you do that?” energy to your needlepoint, the woven stitch deserves a front-row seat in your stitch vocabulary.

Let’s break it down.

What Is the Woven Stitch?

The woven stitch is a decorative, surface-covering stitch that creates the look of interlaced threads—almost like a tiny basket or textile woven right into your canvas. Unlike basic tent stitches that lie flat, woven stitches add dimension and depth, making them perfect for areas you want to highlight.

Think:

  • Ginger jar bodies
  • Sweater details
  • Brick paths
  • Background panels
  • Rugs, baskets, or architectural elements

It’s classic. It’s elegant. And yes—it looks more complicated than it actually is.

Why Stitchers Love It

Here’s why the woven stitch has a loyal fan club:

  • Gorgeous texture – Raised but refined
  • Strong coverage – Minimal canvas peeking through
  • Visually interesting – Adds movement without chaos
  • Customizable – Change threads or spacing for different effects

This stitch is especially stunning in monochromatic or tonal color palettes, where the texture gets to shine without competing colors.

Best Threads for the Woven Stitch

Thread choice matters here—this stitch loves a little body.

Great options include:

  • Pearl cotton (sizes 5 or 8)
  • Silk blends
  • Wool or wool blends
  • Smooth cottons with slight sheen

Avoid anything too fuzzy or overly delicate—the stitch needs definition to keep that crisp woven look.

Where the Woven Stitch Works Best

This stitch thrives when it has room to breathe. It’s not meant for tiny, tight spaces.

Ideal uses:

  • Larger background areas
    • Repeating sections
  • Framed panels
  • Decorative borders

If you’re stitching a preppy-coastal or chinoiserie design (hi, welcome, you’re home), this stitch fits right in.his stitch fits right in.

Skill Level: Confident Beginner to Adventurous Stitcher

While it looks intricate, the woven stitch is very learnable once you understand the rhythm. If you’re comfortable counting canvas threads and following a stitch diagram, you’ve got this.

Pro tip:
Practice on a small sample first. Once your hands catch the pattern, it becomes almost meditative—over, under, repeat… very soothing, very chic.

Final Thoughts

The woven stitch is one of those techniques that elevates a piece instantly. It adds texture without shouting, structure without stiffness, and charm without trying too hard.

In other words:
It’s the needlepoint equivalent of a perfectly tailored linen blazer.

Classic. Timeless. Worth learning.

Stay tuned—more stitch tutorials, tips, and design inspiration are coming your way. And if you ever wonder “would the woven stitch work here?”
The answer is probably yes. 💙

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Categories: Needlepoint Stitches

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Easter Egg Arrangements

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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.

 

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Pecans are Falling

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IMG 4782 269x192Pecans 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.

Storing pecans

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.

Caring for your pecan trees in the fall

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.

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 . 

IMG 4783 193x192Here are some ideas that are sure to please. 

1. Cajun Spiced Pecans

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.

3. Classic Pecan Fudge

Of course, fudge is not complete without pecans.

4. Shelled 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.

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Categories: Ponderings

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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

can improve, get help.

 

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Apples Apples Apples

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Image result for apples in a basket

 

‘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.

This bite-size version of caramel apples is the ultimate fall treat. Get the recipe at Mom Loves Baking. Tools youTurn this fall-time favorite into woodland creatures your kids will love with leftover Halloween candy. Get the recipe. Tools you

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gracing Your Home with Hydrangeas

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IMG 4027 197x192Hydrangeas 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!

TAKE A CONTAINER OF WATER OUT TO THE GARDEN WITH YOU WHEN CUTTING 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.

PREPARE WATER IN A CONTAINER OR VASE

Use clean, room temperature water for hydrangeas. If you have floral preservative use it too. 

STRIP THE LEAVES OFF OF CUT HYDRANGEA STEMS

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!

SMASH OR CUT THE BOTTOM OF THE STEMS

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.

BOIL WATER AND DIP EACH HYDRANGEA STEM INTO

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).

REPLACE WATER EVERY OTHER DAY

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!

ANOTHER WAY TO KEEP CUT HYDRANGEAS FROM WILTING

You can cut the ends of the hydrangeas on an angle and cut up the stem a little and dip them in ALUM before putting them in a vase of fresh water.

 

It takes a little extra care to have a big beautiful bouquet of hydrangeas gracing your home but they are worth it.

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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                        

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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

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10 Things to Do after 50

1 Comment

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

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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

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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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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.
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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 !

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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.
https://thepamperedintrovert.com/
 

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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.

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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.  

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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.

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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!

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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 !

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