The news these days is always negative and it seems that everywhere we turn people are down and discouraged. So I decided that I needed to spread a more positive attitude to counteract the negative. I’ve learned a few things and wanted to share some tips on how to be more encouraging. Do you frequently catch yourself getting sucked into people’s negative attitudes. This can snowball and pretty soon youRead More →
I’ve talked about my love of gathering natural materials to use in my home decor. Another thing that I like to do is forage for edibles. I am not talking about eating plant stalks and roots. I am talking about real foods like blackberries, apples and elderberries. I use them to make delicious food such as Blackberry Syrup and Apple Crisp. I gather the Elderberries each year to make aRead More →
Daffodils, tulips and crocus are the last things on my mind right now. Instead, I’ve been thinking of pumpkins and apples. Processing the garden herbs and harvesting the last of the produce. If you garden, then you know that this is a busy season where you’re trying to wrap everything up for the year. But if you want some beautiful blooming flowers next spring, then now is the time toRead More →
Autumn is the perfect time to go on a picnic. The weather is cooler but not yet cold. The changing colors of the leaves are so beautiful and inspiring. And you get to spend time outdoors with friends and family. But do you ever struggle with getting out the door? You intend to go on a lovely picnic but can’t seem to make it work? I want to share myRead More →
Can you believe that it’s October already and that means it’s time for the October Soup of the Month. This month I’m showcasing a classic dish as a soup. Chicken and dumplings are a family favorite, so I thought that I would create a soup that uses the same tasty ingredients. This Chicken and Dumpling Soup uses basic ingredients like chicken, onions, carrots and celery. If you like comfort foodRead More →
Today I’m doing a mash up of two of my favorite foods…pumpkin pie and bread pudding. I enjoy pumpkin pie so much but I am trying to hold off on making one because maybe I enjoy it a little too much. And bread pudding is a favorite breakfast item around here. It’s such a great comfort food. So the blending of the 2 becomes the best Pumpkin Pie Bread PuddingRead More →
I love to make home decor from gathered materials. There are so many reasons that I enjoy this process. During the gathering phase you get to be outdoors, exploring the world. What will you see while you’re walking that country field or forest road? An eagle soaring above or a deer jumping out of the brush. The fresh air and the beauty of the world around you is so energizing. Read More →
Usually when I talk about porches I am referring to the porch on Pinecone Cottage. But today I want to talk about the porch on the front of my house. It’s very sad looking right now and needs a redo. By this time of year the flower pots are looking scraggly and it’s time to add some cozy to my furnishings. Do you need a fall update for your porch? Read More →
If you have a cutting garden or you like to gather natural materials, then having a flower press can be a great way to extend the use of your flowers. There are so many things that you can do with pressed flowers, ferns and leaves. Over the years I have pressed leaves and flowers many different ways. In fact, I was about 7 years old when I pressed my firstRead More →
I walked out to the garden a few days ago and my heart sank. Changes that signaled the end of the growing season were everywhere. I had been out of town for about 3 days and in that short time it was evident that the seasons are changing. Autumn can be a wonderful time of year with all it’s colors and crispness. But I don’t like losing the garden. AndRead More →