The Porch Swing @ Shady Creek Hollow

Easiest Frugal Quilt

Have you ever wished that somebody would teach you how to quilt? Or have you ever wanted to quilt on the cheap? I have. I used to quilt with my Grandma around her big ole quilting frame. I got to have time with her and learn to hand quilt too. Nowadays, I'd rather machine quilt but I haven't had the means to buy a high tech machine that could do that easily and nicely. So yesterday when I was at the library and mentioned that to my friend Trish [who works there and was in one of our movies] she told me about making rag quilts.

Last Christmas Trish made one for each of her grandchildren using Christmas dollar a yard material from Walmart. She had a great time and now her grandkids have a holiday heirloom made by 'Granny'. 

Obviously I've been under a rock or something as these have been around for years, and I've not known about them. Anyhoo, now I'm hooked! I found an especially cute and informative site that details exactly how these little jewels are constructed. If you can sew a straight line, you can make these type quilts. A small throw rag quilt would be an excellent first project for anybody- child or adult. 

An added bonus is that this blog has instructions for more than just quilts. There are really cute belts, purses, tablecloths etc there. If you're a paper instruction kind of girl, Joanne Fabrics has the tear off one page kind of instruction sheet at their stores for the basic quilt.

I'm going to start small with rag pot holders that I'll make from fabric I already have. I'm thinking using old jeans would be cool too. Instead of batting you could use heavy scraps that you have or have cut from old clothing. The finished products wouldn't be puffy quilts but old fashioned heavy ones.

Heck, I might even make several of these type projects. They would make very neat little gifts....or if you made a quilt... a really nice big gift. Anyhoo go here: jubilee homespun   to check them all out.

Off to my sewing machine....      

Easiest Cheap Enchilada Sorta Healthy Casserole

Here is the recipe that I made for the kids when they came over for supper last week. It is cheap, fast to throw together, and relatively healthy. Best of all this recipe makes a lot of food!!!

I'm sure you could feed 8 easily on one batch. We ate a lot and Josh and Allie took the rest home to use for a weekend meals.

OK here are the easy steps to making this super good Mexican dish.

Ingredients:

1- 2 pounds ground beef [my casserole was closer to one pound meat] browned, drained, and rinsed- this gets rid of most of the fat.
1 can enchilada sauce -or one cup homemade
1 cup salsa- I used the leftover salsa I'd made the day before- recipe here at The Porch Swing
1 can whole kernel corn drained -I used generic
1/2 red pepper- less or more- up to you
1 block of cream cheese- I used .89 cent generic
2 cups cheese grated- I used Cabot low fat cheddar sharp- it's the only low fat cheese that tastes real to us, you can get it at Walmart
1 can black beans drained and mashed fine with a fork [my budget version re-fried beans LOL] I believe any leftover bean would do- you just need 1 cup mashed beans.
12 small soft corn tortillas- or 6 big flour ones- your choice. I used corn [I buy these in bulk in the Hispanic section of my grocery store. They don't need to refrigerated and last forever!!!] and everybody loved the taste of the corn tortillas.

In a skillet mix the first 6 ingredients until cream cheese melts and it becomes sort of smooth. In the mean time spray a big pan with Pam, and spread the mashed beans onto the tortillas, one at a time. Put 6 small tortillas with bean mixture or 3 large ones in bottom of pan. Top with half the meat mixture. Sprinkle with half the cheese and repeat. Bake at 350 degrees 20-30 minutes or until cheese on top is thoroughly melted and bubbly. I made this up before lunch and let it sit to marry the flavors until I popped it into the oven around 5 in the afternoon. You could probably make a crock pot version by making it in the morning and then setting the crock pot to warm. Hmmm....that sounds like an experiment.

  
  

Fall has Finally Gotten Here

Fall has finally gotten to North West Georgia. Yesterday was such a fun day for me. I got to do my typical Fall things for the first time this year. Typical Fall things??? You're probably wondering what those may be.
Well......

I've opened all the windows and have the kitchen door open so that all that lovely coolness can seep into the house. Instead of burning candles, I can let my nose feast on the unique Fall aromas that are drifting through that apple crisp air. There's a particular freshness to the air in Autumn, isn't there? it smells like God is starting over with the world. I love it!

Then of course I had to make myself a traditional Fall meal yesterday. For me that is cooking a big crock pot of pinto beans with a little minced polish sausage for seasoning. That cooked all day- yum. Then I made a big black skillet full of corn bread. Southern cornbread. No insult intended, but cornbread from other parts of the country always taste more like cake to me for some reason. Sorry, got stuck on a rabbit trail there for a minute.

And of course, I had my food dehydrator going full steam with my seasonal apple drying. I try to dry enough during the Fall for snacks the whole year. So that means for a couple of weeks I'll be drying apples every day. I sprinkle some with cinnamin [those are really good around Christmas, although I ate the whole first batch right out of the food dehydrator!!] and some I leave just plain.

Hutch feasted on muscadine grapes yesterday. If you've never had the real thing in muscadines, I encourage you to find them in the produce section of your grocery store. Muscadines have a very unique flavor and they make killer jelly and even wine. Hutch just eats them fresh. If you're trying to eat seasonally & locally, they would be a pretty cool way to do an appetizer if you're having friends over. Muscadines, a mild cheese, and some whole grain crackers or bread rounds sound extremely tasty.      

Today I'm going to get out my Fall clothes and go through them. I'm intent on getting rid of lots of 'stuff'. The more I downsize my closet the happier I seem to be. And I need to get out in the yard and tidy it a little. After the floods there are lots of strange objects sitting in my backyard. Also, the library called  a few days ago. I need to swing by there and pick up some books I've got on hold.

I may take the pooch on a long extended walk around the neighborhood this evening. It'd be nice and cool, that's for sure. Probably the stars wiIl be out as it's a pretty cloud free day out there right now. I may even take him down to the stables to see and pet the horses[it's a couple of blocks away]. Ernie [our dog] has a real powerful affinity for horses.

I need to sweep all the porches and tidy them as well. *Sigh* I need to quit writing and start doing so I'll try to check back here after a while.

More later today.        

    

Ragamuffin Music

Hutch and I visited the greatest music venue this past weekend. OK, we are musicians so we love music in all its various forms, but this place was very very special. It is Ragamuffin Music in Roswell, Ga.

The folks who run it are Christian but the venue itself is not marketed as Christian. It is marketed as a place where all ages are welcome. There is a tiny front part that comprises a counter where you can buy ice cream, coffee, and lattes etc. Then you go into a bigger room that is furnished with old sofas, chairs of all descriptions and a very small low stage. The decorating is a pleasing amalgamation of funk and shabby chic. It's just hard to describe....but it works.

Right now you're saying....hmmm...that just sounds like a low budget coffee shop. It's not! In fact you feel like you've been invited over to somebody's cozy home to just sit in the living room and hear some really good music. And the music that night was incredible. Two wonderful guitarists- Jeffrey Ables & Shaun Hopper performed. Shaun travels a lot so if you ever get a chance to go hear him in your hometown, take it!

We had a lovely time at Ragamuffin Music [I had my 1st ever latte LOL] and now here's the best part: It only costs 5 bucks a head. Yep, for 5 bucks each we got more than three hours of a once in a lifetime sort of concert.

We are going back as often as we can. It's bit of a hike from where we live, but we feel that it's surely worth it to experience that type of special evening. Go here if you're interested: Ragamuffin Music.  

 

Making a Mexican Feast

Yep, I'm back. We've had some pretty sporty times around here in the last week. There was the 500 yr flood [honestly- our county had 21 inches of rain in 24 hours]. We had 150 roads and bridges closed. We still can't drink the water....maybe it will be safe by Sunday. So many folks have been flooded out of their homes, than goodness we didn't! And of course there were the poor souls who lost their lives- my prayers have been with their families. It's amazing to see how everybody in town is pulling together to set things right. 

Amazingly enough my gardenia bushes must be confused as they are blooming for the second time this year. They bloomed in the Spring, and now they're blooming again. I'm not complaining...I've got vases of them in the house and they smell marvelous.

Around here at Shady Creek Hollow, I've been busy with things that keep me close to home. Lots of cleaning, baking, & some planning for sewing. But today I've got my mariachi CD in the kitchen player. I just finished making a Mexican feast for Josh and Allie. Mexican is Josh's favorite and we've not had it before with them. They are coming by to join us this afternoon and staying for a a big meal and maybe some Mexican Train dominoes.

As a family we're pretty much addicted to Mexican Train Dominoes. If you haven't ever played it, you ought to give it a try. You can buy the game [with instructions] at Walmart. It seems deceptively simple until you start using strategy....once you sit down to play it, you'll be there until bedtime!

For the meal we are having homemade salsa and guacamole with cheese nacho chips, a enchilada casserole, & apple pie. The casserole is full of good stuff- beans, corn, meat, cheese, tortillas, etc. Yum!!!

Tomorrow Hutch and I go to Christian retreat workday and then tomorrow night we are going to a guitar concert one of our friends' son is performing. He is extremely talented on the guitar and we can't wait to hear him. 

Sunday Jon is joining us for the day. I will be cooking up a storm and we will be talking about spiritual things most of the day.

So as you can tell, our weekend is shaping up to be pretty busy. I will try to post the super simple enchilada casserole later in the week.      

Flooding!!!

If you've been watching the news at all today, you know that my county [Douglas Co. Ga.] is under a huge risk for flash floods. We had one last night that swept away our bridge, landscaping, & bench across our little creek. It rained 18 inches and we're supposed to get between 3-5 more inches before tomorrow morning.

Our neighborhood's tennis courts are under about 3 inches of mud that was swept up from the larger creek that borders that part of the neighborhood recreation area.

Schools were closed here today as there are about 45 roads washed out. Several folks are missing [I've heard up to 6] and I know that one poor man died when his car was swept off a bridge. Police scanners say his car was found under the bridge.

We feel really blessed that no water is in our home or basement. Some of our neighbors have been flooded in their basements and garages. Up to about 2.5 feet. One of our next door neighbor's roof is leaking badly. She says they have buckets in several places trying to limit the damage. 

Our power was off most of the night and until about noon today. And we have been warned not to drink the water from faucets without boiling it first. Water mains have broken all over the county.

Right now I am so thankful for our warm dry home. And I am so glad that God prompted me to pray for my county and neighborhood, and especially for all the emergency personnel involved in heroic rescues all over the county last night and today.

I'll try to post photos as I get a chance. The power continues to flicker ominously on and off from time to time. More later.         

Easy 'Real' Southern Pralines

OK, this is my praline recipe. I can verify that it is reaaaaly an old old recipe. And if you have a candy thermometer it is virtually foolproof...honestly.

Ingredients:

3 c sugar
1 c buttermilk
3 Tbs corn syrup [ I use dark]
1 t baking soda
1/8 t salt
2 c chopped pecans
2 Tbs butter
2 t vanilla

In a pot bring the first five ingredients to a boil over medium heat. Cook until candy thermometer says 'soft ball'. Remove from heat and let sit 5 minutes. Stir in rest of ingredients and beat till it thickens. Drop by spoonfuls onto wax paper. Let stand at least 30 minutes. If its the least bit humid it's going to take more than 30 minutes.

Hope you make these and enjoy them. They make really nice Christmas gifts too!

Busy Around Shady Creek Today!!

 
Yep, it's been really busy around Shady Creek Hollow today. I've been busy on the phone with my Aunt and my cousin's son. They are starting up two new businesses based on a tip I found from an international vendor. They just needed some info that I had and now they're getting ready to make their first big purchase. I think it's so neat that my aunt is able and willing to give 2 of her grandchildren 'seed' money to start their own businesses. She's really a cool lady.

In between fielding calls I got some apples ready [peeled and sliced] and put into the dehydrator. It's buzzing away on the counter as I type. I sprinkled them with a little cinnamon so it smells kinda like Christmas around here LOL. I also made a huge batch of apple/date oatmeal cookies.

We all had a great time at Hutch's birthday celebration this past weekend. The pralines I made were a big hit. There is only one lonely praline left on the platter. I will try to post the recipe. It's super old and doesn't use many ingredients which makes it a handy candy to whip together.

Today is Hutch's actual birthday. He's been getting tons of calls, e-mails, and facebook greetings. In fact one of our friends from college sent him a nice 'hello'. It was good to hear from him and he had some incredible old school of music photos on his facebook wall. How neat to see Hutch as a college rocker.

I got an invitation from one of my kind neighbors to attend a housewares swap party. What a unique idea [she's good at thinking up things like this]. Looking forward to joining the swap! Everybody is supposed to bring 3 swappables and a brunch type dish. Sounds like so much fun.

Hutch and I are getting ready to go to a work Saturday for a local Christian retreat. Hutch will be working on the music and I will be serving behind the scenes.

Well, I guess I'll close and get the tilapia I'm making for supper in the oven. Hope your day has been great.  Love Never Fails... 

   

Beginners Easy & Delicious Homemade Bread

 
This is by far the easiest bread recipe I know of. Even if you've never made a loaf of bread you can succeed with this one! It makes 2 nice French style baguettes. These would be great with a meal, or even as the basis of a wonderful family sized sandwich. Remember that fresh bread is only really good the day you bake it. The next day the leftovers are good for bruchetta, french toast, bread pudding, salad croutons, etc. Ok, here goes.

Ingredients:
1 pkg yeast
1 1/2 cup wrist warm water
1 tbsp sugar [or honey]
2 tsp salt
1 tbsp melted shortening
4 cups flour
some corn meal

Proof the yeast in 1/2 cup of the warm water. That just means stir it together and let it sit for a while until its bubbly. Then stir it together with everything else except the flour and cornmeal. Add the flour and stir really well. It's going to look like a huge mess at this point, but that's OK. If you want you can knead it some, I like to knead since it makes me feel so 'Little House on the Prairie'. OK, cover the bowl with a damp towel and let it sit on the counter for an hour. It's going to get pretty big in that time. After it rises, dump it out onto a floured counter-top. Divide it in half and let it rest for 5 or 10 minutes. Then roll each blob out into  a 10 by 8 inch rectangle. Roll each rectangle up from the longer side. Pinch the seam together. Place each baguette on a greased cookie sheet that you've sprinkled with cornmeal.

OK, now cover it again and let it raise for 45 minutes. Make a few cuts in the top of the loaves after they finish the last rise. As the bread is rising again, prepare your oven. Preheat it to 400 degrees and set a pan full of water on the lowest rack. When the bread is through rising put it in the prepared oven and bake till light brown...start checking about 15-20 minutes.

Once it's done let it cool before cutting. Unless you're like me and have very little self control- if that happens just tear off the end of a loaf with your hands and enjoy with gobs of butter. 

Just a day in the Life

Yeah, today looks like it might shape up to be 'just another day in the life'. That's not a bad thing though. I've yet to get started with my 'to-do' list, but Hutch and I had a really productive discussion on the topic of where we think God's taking us these days earlier this morning. For me the Summer was a kind of dry time...spiritually speaking. But Fall seems to be presenting some exciting new prospects. We are working as servants on a Christian retreat weekend in October- that should be fun. But most of all we feel God leading us to perhaps plant a house church with our son in his college town and work as mentors to a small group of young adults there. God will show us what we should do by opening and closing doors. We merely need to be obedient in this effort.

On the home-front I have been pretty busy this week trying to get the house ready for Fall and the cooler temperatures that will accompany it. I have been doing a big clean and a sort of inventory on what needs to be fixed both in the house and in the yard. I have really taken to heart the 1st part of Proverbs 31 which speaks so well about being a capable woman and wife. I am constantly surprised that God lends me the strength to be so much more than I could ever be in my flesh when the moment calls for it.

I am still working on learning the skills that I hope will one day become a nice little side line business for me. It is going slowly, but it fun! I'm learning to set gems and make simple jewelry. To me, it is creative and interesting.

We are still eating as healthy as possible, which becomes easier every day. I guess its really kind of a habit thing. But I'm finding it more 'normal' to add beans and fresh fruits & veggies to most meals and use meat as a garnish instead of the basis of our meals. Hutch has more discipline than me in this area....but I'm plugging along. 

Another thing I've done this morning is place a new order with my Chinese wholesale vendor. I had some folks who wanted to add their purchases in with mine and that will make the total bill smaller. The more you order, the less you pay kind of thing.

Hutch's birthday is this next week. We are celebrating with a small family party on Sunday. Oysters- in all their various incarnations will play a big role. He will be having a birthday Key Lime Pie [he's not much on cake since his dad owned bakeries when he was a child and he kind of OD'd on cake as a youngster].

So that's the daily round up from here. I will be posting some recipes and How Tos in the next day or so. Hope you'll come by and visit.          

 

Lemon Lavender Luxury

If you stop by here often you know that I'm a real candle/scent junkie. I just think a home is so much nicer when it smells good! On our recent vacation I ran across my new favorite candle scent. I've decided to make it my home's signature aroma. It is The Yankee Candle Co.'s Lemon Lavender. OK here's my normal disclaimer: I have never bought a candle that is expensive. And these are sort of pricey.

But thankfully a few years back my aunt gave me a beautiful wax tart warmer. You know what I'm talking about. It is warmed by a cheap tea light underneath and you melt a scented tart in the basin on top. Even though Yankee Candles are very dear, the tarts can be quite cost effective.

I'm burning the votive I bought [1.99] on my vacation as I write and it's wonderful aroma is swirling around my computer desk here in the kitchen. Smells great!!

I believe that even as I'm striving to live a simple & frugal life, some things are truly worth the extra pennies you invest into them. For me, this particular candle/scent is one of those things. Hope you find your own frugal luxury today.   

Another Great Product I Love!!!

In my ongoing search for ways to live a simple but fulfilling life, I was struck once again this week by the fact that household cleanliness makes me happy, truly. To that end I decided yesterday that it was time to reglaze the kitchen floors. Over the course of the Summer they had taken on a dull sheen that I wasn't loving.

So as I was running errands yesterday, I stopped by Lowe's to see what kinds of products they might have. My ability to get just the right product for this particular job had been sort of hit or miss in the past...but this time I found one that worked wonders. My floors look brand new and are extremely shiny.

And the great thing is that this product is pretty available mostly everywhere. It is Orange Glo's Hardwood Floor Refinisher. Just as promised it was super easy and did produce professional results. I have to say I really really love this stuff!

One bottle will refinish 500 sq feet of hardwood floors. That's a pretty good value for 11 bucks! 

Back From Vacation

Yes, Hutch and I are finally back from our vacation. We had an absolutely marvelous time! We sat in the sun & ran on the beach. My personal favorite activity was time in a beach hammock at the Windjammer Inn on Atlantic Beach NC. We took exciting ferry rides through the Outer Banks. Hutch, Allie, & Josh ran the Rock & Roll Half Marathon in Va. Beach. We saw loggerhead turtle nests in Carolina Beach NC. But best of all we had fun with far flung friends!

I don't know why spending time with friends who are so different then we are is so much fun, but it is!!!! One of our buddies just got a DP job for a famous sports figure's biography. Can't say a whole lot about it, but it so fun to hear about. And then there was the super duper waterfront cook-out we had with some dear dear Christian friends [thanks Doug and Chrissie!!!]. Nothing as special as taking communion with family and friends you haven't seen for a year. And, Oh my, the dolphins on the ferry trip were incredible. And then... just the ride with the love of my life was a startling highlight of our time away. We love to travel and talk together. Life is just so sweet:)!

Our son in law, Josh, taught us so much about being mellow on this trip! And our dear son Jon was the epitome of being a servant for keeping out pooch Ernie company while we were gone! Allie was the model for perseverance!13.1 miles...you go girl!!!

And as always we were so glad to go on vacation but even more happy to get home. Home is so sweet! Thank you Lord for giving us such a cozy place to call our home sweet home!

Hope your week was filled with faith and love and the best kinds of homely treasures!!