Aspiring Homemaker

When young women are interested in staying at home until marriage, the question often comes up: "What's there to do all day if I don't go out to work?" Everyone's situation is different...But if you do have the option to stay at home, I just wanted to offer some thoughts on Cottage Industry.
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Since graduating in '09, I've been able to use this time for growing in my interests and hobbies. I quickly found that the most valuable way to spend time before working from home is to Volunteer your time to learn a skill that you admire. By gaining the experience, you're able to grow more in your knowledge of that field :) Whether you're interested in Midwifery to Basket-weaving, use this time to study and learn all you can :)
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So here are a some ideas for jobs you can start from the home:

Hampton university Home Ec class, 1902

Baking from home and selling to local cafe's/shops

Making 'freezer meals' for families (this is such a blessing in the church)

Putting together a frugal meal plan for families on a budget

Culinary photographer for businesses

Cooking/baking classes for students

Teaching a class on food history

Teaching a Nutrition/Organic food awareness class
Sell canned/preserved foods from home
Start a home-based catering business
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~Lead a sewing class~
If you're skilled in the area of sewing, there's a huge demand for affordable modest clothing, historical attire etc. Websites like Etsy and Ebay are great places get started. Embroidering initials onto cloth handkerchiefs, Tailoring garments, sewing purses/totes/bible cases are also projects you can sell.
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Teaching a class is such a beneficial way to share your interest with others, and at the same time, you're able to bring in an income for what you love to do... Many establishments welcome independent teachers of hand-crafts!

~ ^Learning the art of Butter making, NC college 1899^
Teach a gardening class, start a home-based plant nursery, sell heirloom/organic seeds online, organize a flower/plant swap in your community, make homemade soap, lotion or candles. Sew heavy-duty gardening aprons. The list could go on, but these are just ideas to get you started ;)
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What we've been up to:

My brother begins to work on yet another story he's writing...
~ When we went to visit my Uncles' shop, he told us about his community garden he started earlier this year...Now it's time for a fall planting!
~We stopped by the local booksellers...
~ The beauty of books. I don't believe we stayed long enough!
~My family took a walk through a quiet downtown neighborhood...
~And we were struck by the beauty of all the greenery and gardens in the front of many of the homes..quite a lovely sight to leave with before heading back on the road.
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Time for an Old-Fashioned Camp Meeting!
Driving through the foothills of Missouri
The landscape was so refreshingly lush, those hills filled with clover and promise of a lovely week. I watched as the sweet, warm breeze moved among the thicket of trees...
~Nestled down a long country road, we finally arrived at the Camp-meeting :) Surrounded by nearby farms and clear skies, it was a beautiful sight to behold.
~One afternoon, a group of us took up our chairs to have an outdoor service under the canopy of the trees. As we hiked up to the trail, we passed an old cabin that was built over a century ago...
~ ~An old songbook rests against the antique pew~

In the calm of the morning hour, it was lovely to begin the day with acapella singing and prayer. The slight rustling sound of dried grass, and the earthy scent of the fresh hay became sweetly familiar to me as we knelt together in prayer daily.
~ A precious moment--my dear friend writes with a young girl.
~ A light rain brought about cooler temperatures--quite a relief from the August heat :)
~ One morning I asked this young lady what she was drawing, and after showing me her beautiful illustrations, I encouraged her to write about it--I wanted to know the story behind the traveler & his horse! ;)
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She said they were on their way to the Camp-meeting...I asked,"Where did they come from? Will he let the horse stay by the lake during the day? What's its name?" And from there her story began to unfold.. So all during the the week we'd come up with more ideas!

I must admit, there's something beautiful about assembling together with friends... in unity of spirit and mind. Within the serene atmosphere of the countryside, it quietly reminded me of home.
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"Rise in the presence of the aged, show respect for the elderly and revere your God. I am the LORD." Leviticus 19:32
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It was a blessing to be able to lift the spirits of the precious elderly, as we visited a nursing home to sing. There were dozens of young people who attended with a song on their heart, ready to share. It was a memorable experience, indeed.

The sights and sounds of young children at play, whether they're dashing behind hedges or running across the lawn in delight, were filled with that old-fashioned innocence that truly made me smile :)
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Back to our dear Cottage duties.

Aprons to sew, Meals to prepare, Laundry to wash, A heat exhausted Garden to clean up... Our home & recipe updates will be coming up soon, my friends!

~Taking time to mend a favourite dress~

How delightful to wake up to cooler mornings...indeed even the sun has begun to set sooner, all signs of a new season that I welcome wholeheartedly!
~ Throughout our cottage schooling years, I'm certainly grateful that my Mother took delight in the wonder and beauty of books...encouraging us to explore our various interests. We visited the town library *quite* often..ah, the memories!!
~In the kitchen baking Sticky Caramel Rolls: *1 cup milk (warm) *1 pkg. of yeast * 1/4 cup sugar * 1/4 cup melted butter *1 tsp. salt *1.5 cups of flour.

In a large mixing bowl, combine dough ingredients. Add 2 eggs & 2 cups of flour...mix by hand and begin to knead until smooth. In an oiled bowl, insert the dough and let rise until doubled (about 1 hr). Punch down the risen dough, divide in half and let it rest a few minutes.
~Mix 2/3 cup sugar with 3 tsp ground cinnamon--set aside. In a small bowl, have 1/4 cup softened butter set aside as well. Take half the dough, shape into a rough rectangle, about 9x13 in. Brush with half of the butter, and sprinkle with half the cinnamon sugar. Roll and cut into 12 pieces, then repeat the process with the second half of the dough ;)
~Caramel sauce: 2/3 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup butter, 2TBsp table syrup. Instead of corn syrup, I used Log Cabin table syrup--a great alternative and adds a lovely maple taste as well.
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In my cast-iron pan, I poured half the brown sugar mixture in the bottom of the skillet...Place the rolls, side down into the caramel. Space them evenly, eight on the outside, four in the middle.
Repeat with the second part of the dough in a seperate cast iron pan (or cake pan). Cover both with a damp towel and let rise in a warm area for 1 hour. Bake in a preheated 375 degree oven for 15 mins or until golden brown...
~Cool ten minutes and then turn upside down onto a plate so that the glaze is on top ;) These sticky caramel rolls turned out great, I'll be making them again soon. Enjoy!!
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On the side porch, I found my brother practicing weaving together vines he'd found in the woods.
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Since then, he's woven quite a few wreaths-- It's a creative project to try :)
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Early one morning, we traveled down to the coast to have breakfast on the beach. As we left our home, the dark sky was still illuminated by the stars. Hours later, we arrived--just in time to watch the sun rise.
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As the seagulls soared above us, we began to set up our picnic--I had prepared homemade pancakes and syrup, and we brought an assortment of fruit. It was a lovely breakfast. The morning dawn was a beautiful sight across the sea...In the distance we watched as the ships came into port and as the pelicans flew gracefully above the waves.
~ It's nice to be able to take such a spontanious trip down to the coast, just to experience the morning hours. My parents have always shared with us the delights of appreciating the simple things in life-- so even when we go on road trips, our destinations usually involve some aspect of nature, state parks or museums! And we so enjoy it.
~ My mother and sister walking along the shore...
~As we prepared to leave, my brother convinced me to take one last trip out into deeper waters--and I'm glad I did! We collected a nice amount of sea shells :) Soon enough, tourists began to arrive as we were packing up our picnic. The sun was now high in the sky, and we took one last look before we headed home.
~It's fun to go through old catalogs, cutting out images that inspire and spark new ideas!
~ "Next year, I'm going to build a proper cold frame, mark my words, just like the one I saw in The Tale of Benjamin Bunny. Now that was a fine piece of craftmanship, with stout brick sides." --Tasha Tudor
~ As I was weeding the Peanut patch, I must admit I had to laugh--why is it that in the garden we're always accompanied by our curious pets...this one in particular having quite the crooked tail, I must say!
~ My father and brother working on the front porch..now its finished!
~I take delight in the simplicity of cottage living. The fewness of its objects keep us focused on the beauty of everyday, down to earth things--I do believe there's a satisfaction that comes with leading a quiet life.
~On a sunny afternoon, my mother begins to tidy our old storage shed..
~ This summer, my dear sister graduated from cottage-schooling! One evening, we celebrated together by candle-light on the front porch. My mother presented the certificate, as we all shared stories, thoughts and marveled at how quickly the years have flown by!
~ As I walked through the yard, I turned around to find out I was being followed ;)
~Here's a simple recipe I revised last week..I thought y'all may enjoy it.

~Fried Salmon Cakes~
*14.75 oz can of wild Alaska Salmon, drained * 1/2 cup minced onion
*2 tsp ea. of spicy brown mustard & lemon juice *1 TBsp relish *1/2 tsp ea. of garlic powder & Old bay spice *1/4 cup ea. of cornmeal and flour *1.5 Tbsp parmesan cheese *1 egg
~ Gently mix all the ingredients together, and form into small patties, I made 14. Arrange the patties on a cookie sheet thats been lightly covered in cornmeal. Refrigerate for atleast 15 mins. In a well oiled pan, cook the cakes until nicely browned on both sides. Serves 4-6. Ah, These turned out so so flavorful!!
~ As September slips into October, the days are getting shorter... Nevertheless, 'tis more of an excuse to bring out the candles and enjoy quiet evenings in the parlour.

Autumn has arrived, indeed.

In the cottage garden, the abundance of flowers are in full bloom.
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It's amazing that in only a few months, the bushes and flowers have really filled out and grown--adding fullness along the pathway. These Cosmos waited till the cooler weather rolled in to blossom.

My mother does a wonderful job tending to the garden. I look forward to adding more wild rose bushes...It's rainy and damp outside, perfect for transplanting ;)
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Within the picket fence, I noticed there's a new crop of tomatoes coming in. The plants seem to love these Autumnal temperatures.

My dad planted collard greens a few weeks ago, and the seedlings are making their entrance quite well! Leafy greens and root crops seem to grow wonderfully during our mild winters...I love it because they're dependable, and a major part of our meals during the cooler season.

At a local museum, there were old pear trees heavy with fruit--and I was happy to find out I could glean as much as I wanted, what a blessing!
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The pears were huge, each one about a pound each. So I got to work, peeling & dicing--Ready to preserve for later!

I ended up canning 20 quarts of diced pears and 18 pints of Vanilla Spice Pear Jam. I also was able to make "All Fruit" jam (no sugar!) using Apple juice concentrate as the sweetener! That was very exciting ;)

After his school lessons, my brother decided to have a camp-out. He pulled out his tent, supplies, built a fire, and headed into the kitchen to create a meal.
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He ground up Oats to make oat flour, then added salt, baking soda and milk. He stirred up his created recipe, then fried his cakes over the open fire. Garnished it with preserves, and we even got a chance to taste--I was shocked...it was really good!

Sprouting Garlic

I decided to try garlic again this year--So I bought 2 packs of fresh garlic for $4, then divided up all the bulbs..there were 120 cloves total. I got a shallow pan, filled it with with bathroom paper and poured water over it until it was soaked just enough. Then I arranged all the garlic cloves on the saturated surface.

In 2 days, every clove had sprouted fresh roots--Some even sent up green shoots. I'm glad the experiment worked, and so quickly!

My dad had prepared an area out in the back field for us to use, so after weeding it thoroughly, I began to plant the garlic cloves. In a 25 ft. bed, I was able to plant all 120 bulbs, with a little extra room to spare. I'll be buying more garlic to plant soon!
~In the backyard, Mother helped moved old pieces of wood into the burn pile...
The wood ash can be used on the garden as a natural fertilizer.
~Down the lane, the soft cotton is in full bloom. The wondrous way it grows never ceases to fascinate me year by year. When the fibers blow into the road, we glean what we can & use it for homespun projects.
~We had friends come over to stay for the weekend, and one exclaimed, "You have books in EVERY room...even the kitchen!" It was quite humorous because it was so true...Its wonderful to be surrounded by good authors, timeless stories & a wealth of information. This is the backbone behind our cottage schooling. Almost all of our bookshelves were constructed by my Dad, which is nice.
~This week I taught my first canning class! There were about forty children ages 3-14, while some adults watched on as well.
~ I brought everything that I'd need, so while my water bath canner was heating on the stove, I focused on teaching about why food preservation is so important. I asked them to guess what was in my various jars of preserves I brought from home, and also to name "fruits of the spirit" (love, joy, peace etc).
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It was good to see how much the children got involved, especially in answering questions. This is all so new for them, but they caught on quickly! As I stirred in the pectin, they watched as the fruit began to thicken. I also talked about how fruit was preserved in biblical days. As I added the sugar, I mentioned that our spiritual journey can be a sweet experience..they loved it!
~ By the end of the class, the children were able to taste some of the Peach jam they 'helped' me to make! I made homemade bread for them to sample as well. Afterwards I was asked to do a presentation for the parents as the children shared what they learned. It seemed to spark alot of interest, so it looks like I'll be doing another class soon!
Next time I hope to share more on self-sufficiency ;)
~ I'm so thankful for these peaceful days.

"But the meek shall inherit the earth; and shall delight themselves in the abundance of peace." Psalm 37:11

The last few weeks have been full with projects, keeping us outside while the weather is pleasant. I appreciate that Autumn is not the end of the gardening year, but rather the start of next year's growing season! So with that in mind we're doing all that we can before the cold front sets in!

On a clear & windy afternoon, we decided to go out searching for any roses, shrubs, and other plants in the woods. The yellow Goldenrod was everywhere, so we transplanted a few as well.

The air was wild with leaves falling upon our shoulders, as we searched for the perfect sized plants. In the warm sunlight, I came across a bee resting contentedly on the blooms.
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My mother began to move a few bushes...

Yet it was nice to see so many types of flowers..Some may be considered weeds, but I think they're just lovely.

We loaded up the wagon with the plants, and watched as my brother pulled it across the property. It creaked and wobbled all the way to the front garden, and even the chickens observed as we passed by the gate.

This is our favorite time of year to go bike-riding through the neighborhood. The roads are scenic, and most families out here are farmers, so it stays quiet--except for the distant hum of tractors out in the fields during harvest-time.
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To keep the task of dish-washing interesting, I listen to the radio, especially classical music. It holds a special nostalgia to me because we listened to classical music during 'school time' in our early years of homeschooling(10 yrs ago!). It calms the atmosphere, and you even learn about composers which is nice.

In the kitchen, my mother and I sat down to discuss our Thanksgiving meal preparations...It was so enjoyable to go through our favorite cookbooks, reading inspiring recipes to come up with ideas. I'm really looking forward to sharing with y'all what we do :)

~In the garden, the English peas have been planted.
~I love fresh, tender salad greens...there's something visually delicious about the combination of its vibrant mixed colors & delicate taste. Truly, even a simple salad can be an art form in its own way.
~Homegrown food is an expression of humble economy. Although our gardens aren't very established yet, its been encouraging to see what we have been able to harvest thus far. With a little patience, these seedlings we transplanted today should do pretty well.As they grow, they're able to supply nourishment to our family throughout the upcoming winter months.
~One afternoon, I came across a butterfly enjoying this old, forgotten piece of fruit. It struck me because even though the fruit is slowly deteriorating, the butterfly doesn't care about the outside..only the sweet inside that I couldn't see.

{"...For man looketh on the outward appearance, but the LORD looketh on the heart." 1 Samuel 16:7}
~Lately I've been trying to gather pecans from our many trees around the property. So when I have extra time during the day, I shell the pecans and put them up in jars for later use.
~At the sewing table, a winter hat gets freshened up with a few flowers sewn onto the band.
~The picket fence needed a bit of paint in a few spots...so on a clear day, my sister was able to remedy the situation :)
~Simple White Alfredo Sauce
This is an all-purpose and basic recipe..I've used it many different ways...enjoy!

In a sauce pan, heat 1 TBsp butter & 2 Tbsp Olive Oil until hot..then add 3 TBsp flour (mix it in well). Turn off heat and let sit for 1 minute. Add 1.5 cups milk, stir and bring to a boil. Add 1 (heaped) cup of Parmesan cheese & 3 minced garlic cloves. Return to a boil, then add 2/3 cup milk and 1/2 tsp sea salt. Serve over pasta ;)
~One of our pumpkins from the garden...
~As the sun began to set, I watched the calm landscape from across the meadow.
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Lately, meals have been prepared over an open fire. It's been lovely to gather around on chilly mornings and evenings as we eat together outdoors.
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The chicken pen was expanded a few months ago, and so the new grassy area was cleared in record time. One thing's for sure, weeds aren't an issue when chickens are in residence!
~~A corn-husk broom & dried cotton plants~
I recently got a chance to spend the day in an 1850s cookhouse, and I do believe I had too much fun ;)
~ Early that morning, I arrived with my baskets filled with fresh vegetables, herbs, and everything else I'd need for the day. After preparing the bread dough, I began to make old-fashioned apple fritters before the students arrived.
~ "...The mass of cottagers lived on bread, bacon, lard and weak tea as their staple diet, and whatever fruit and vegetables they could grow themselves. Eggs and milk were available to many, and according to the season, they were able to gather blackberries from the hedgerows..." -Philippa Drury
~I encouraged the children to gather in close as I balanced answering questions while demonstrating how to fry apple fritters. I brought along an old iron that belonged to my great-grandmother, and what a delight to watch the children experience how heavy it was! As it was passed around, the expressions were priceless!
~There's nothing like good, hearty potato soup on the stove, mingled with the aroma of fresh bread right out of the oven. It's amazing to me how the most rustic meals are often so simple to make.
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'Tis true that it may not be fast, quick, and less than 4 ingredients...but let me tell you-- at the end of the day, the rich, flavorful broth and fresh veggies produce a soup you'd enjoy immensely, I'm sure. I wish you could've joined me though, I had an extra wooden bowl and plenty to share. Standing in the doorway, I watched as the last of the children walked down the brick path, some with shouts of, "Bye miss Mia!", others with shy waves. As I walked down to the herb garden, I tucked a few sprigs of lavender in my apron before entering the cookhouse to tidy up. Soon my baskets were packed, and I swept the floor one last time before traveling back home.
~I'm so excited that I have over 1,000 followers! To celebrate, I'd like to giveaway a few things that I've tried and enjoyed:

*The Complete book of Small Batch Preserving {by Ellie Topp and Margaret Howard} Wonderful book, it has over 300 recipes, many full color pages, and its easy to read.

*Pomona's Universal Pectin {This has been THE BEST pectin--It doesn't need a ton of sugar to gel--Rather, I'm able to sweeten jams with fruit juice concentrate, maple syrup, honey, stevia, low sugar etc...its adaptable, and you have freedom to create your own recipes.}

**Also: I'm including a note to you, and Hand-written recipes {including the vanilla-spice jam recipe}.
~ "What do you love most about the Autumn season?" Answer this question in the comment section and you'll be entered! The giveaway ends Saturday November 12th, 2011. If you don't have a blog, be sure to include your email so I'll be able to get in touch with you :)

Thanks again, and I look forward to hearing from you!

~*~Mia

Congrats to Ms. Lydia! I've contacted you with details :)

There were 132 entries in the Giveaway, and the online random generator landed on #107! Many thanks to all who joined in, I wish I could send everyone something...your comments on the season of Autumn were inspirational, truly!
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Question to all my readers:

What would you like to see more posts on? (Hair care, Clothing, Reading, Lifestyle, Family etc.) Do you have a question that wasn't answered in the Interview post? Please comment, and let me know :) I look forward to answering all that I can. A new post will be coming up soon!

~Mia

I'm so grateful for our cottage; tucked away in the country. A small piece of the world where all we have is all that we need. I believe that a home is a lovely reflection of what inspires you.
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A life filled with gratitude often has so many quiet, beautiful moments.
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Recently, we traveled up the back roads to visit friends for the weekend. Surrounded by the beauty of the season, we all walked from their home up to the town.
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What a delight to walk through the historic neighborhoods.The homes had so much character, and I enjoyed hearing some town history from some of the locals. After going through the outdoor market, we took our time as we walked back to the house.

Inside, we talked together as supper was being prepared.

At a local estate sale, I ended up taking home a quilt from the 1860's-1870's. Originally the local museum was going to buy it, but they didn't come back so I was able to talk the price waaay down! I'm looking forward to mending it by hand this winter.

A tree leaning against our old shed. Rustic textures of the season.
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We each try to gather a basket of pecans daily...My sister was coming down to the house after checking on the chickens and bringing in a few eggs.

The wall I'm standing in front of is an enclosed porch my dad recently built onto the back of the cottage..it's made entirely of wood from our own trees that we chopped down last winter. //Second-Hand Treasures: Crocheted shawl $0.50--Vintage dress from an estate sale $3.00
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Preparing for dinner, fresh green beans are washed and sorted.
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We harvested quite a bit of peanuts..So far we've made boiled peanuts, but I look forward to roasting and grinding them for homemade peanut butter..
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With these extra green tomatoes, I'll be using them to make a relish. Secondhand Treasure: Vintage 1940's apron (found at an antique mall) $3.50
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In the garden, this is the perfect time for dividing up the flowers.
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My brother made homemade Reese's Cups! I thought it was pretty creative... All he did was layer melted chocolate & peanut butter in a cupcake liner, then pop in the freezer!
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The English peas in the cottage garden are doing well! Since our recent rainstorms, they've actually grown quite a bit and are ready for trellising.
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My dad went and picked up a free load of farm-yard manure, and my sister helped unload it into the wooden compost crates he built.
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As our meal cooks over an open fire, the wood smoke rises into the air, revealing the sun rays.
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Several baskets filled with pecans. It's a little overwheming thinking about us shelling all those, but its worth it in the end....right? haha! So much for a pecan shortage this year ;)
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My dad sketches our homestead as we discuss ideas for producing more home-grown foods.
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A Countryside Thanksgiving

This holiday, we decided to have a countryside thanksgiving, attempting to eat as organic/home-grown/local as we can. So I went onto LocalHarvest to find nearby farms to support. It was a pleasant surprise to have an opportunity to tour a couple farms and meet our neighbors! In the end, we ended up purchasing some organic produce, and pasture raised fresh ham & sausage.
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Acorn squash filled with Apple Pecan stuffing--delicious!
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In the background, soft music plays as we all cook and prepare the baked goods together...
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Outside under the shade of an old tree, we began to fill our picnic table with the various dishes-- and after spending all morning in the kitchen...we were ready to EAT! hehe
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Menu (From far right to left)
*Fresh Ham w/ a sweet apple glaze, *Old fashioned creamed corn
*Homemade cranberry sauce w/ fresh apples and pears
*Macaroni and cheese
*Sweet potato and Apple casserole
*Fresh collard greens, *Acorn Squash with Apple Pecan stuffing, *Buttermilk biscuits, *Cornbread dressing,
*Apple cider, *Homemade Apple Pie w/ Vanilla Ice-cream
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~My parents taking a walk together after dinner~

After enjoying a wonderful meal & dessert, my brother declared it was "The BEST thanksgiving ever." That was so rewarding to hear, and I'm thankful that we were able to have the celebration we wanted--simple, with foods that are seasonal & local to our area...And the time spent together was memorable, indeed.
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My brother gathered up acorns from up under the oak tree, to make Acorn flour he had read about in one of his survival books :)

~After rinsing, boiling and drying the acorns, he ground them up into a coarse meal..not quite flour..but close! He added it into a pancake recipe, and we were surprised at how "earthy" it tasted! heh. I believe its called survival food for a reason...
~ My sister was recently inspired to crochet new projects...
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And I'm inspired to dig new areas for the onions!

Yesterday I dug four garden beds that are 4 ft x 12 ft each...only a few more to go. The ground is extremely soft because of all the rain lately, but the days are chilly and overcast.
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We bought Georgia sweet onions from a farmer, for only $5 per bundle...We ended up buying 9 bundles...Gracious, that's 700 onions! Almost done planting though..I look forward to giving away many of the onions next year. It's so important to share with others the fruits of the harvest. Food is just too expensive these days-- we need to help each other out! ;)

~Mia

The past few weeks have passed by quietly indeed. Similar to last year, we've continued to keep things simple and homespun. We recently traveled up to Ohio a couple weeks ago, and had a memorable time spent with dear friends. However, it's so nice to be home and fall back into our normal routine.

Gathering collard greens for a quick stew for lunch.

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(A stew of Potatoes, ham, cabbage & collard greens)

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"The home: Where troubled souls find peace, weary hearts find rest, hungry bodies find refreshment, lonely pilgrims find communion, and wounded spirits find compassion.” -J. Ortlund

A friend recently gave me this heirloom pumpkin--it's a type that dates back to the 1860's. Of course I couldn't keep it as decoration for long ;) I'm eager to save the seeds for planting this year.

After carving the pumpkin in half, I removed the seeds and set them aside in a small bowl.
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On a greased cookie sheet, I laid the halves down and covered with foil. Placing it in a 350 degree oven, I baked the pumpkin until it was soft (about an hour). Then you simply scoop out the inside and cut into chunks.

In "The Young Housekeepers Friend" published by Mrs. Cornelius in 1859, I looked up a recipe for the pumpkin. It's the original book, so I have to be ever so careful with the pages!

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Although I collect antique & vintage books, I definitely believe in putting them to good use! I'd rather my cookbooks be used often with care, rather than just sit on the shelf. Studying old recipes has been such a benefit to helping me develop my own recipes.
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For a smoother puree, I blended up the chunks. All together it was about 10 cups of fresh pumpkin. So far we've used it for pie, and even muffins. Also, it freezes extremely well. The flavor of the puree is fantastic, but I had to be honest...
This is just glorified baby food! heh ;)
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That reminds me..
When I was a little one, my parents would buy organic produce, blend it up, then freeze little portions as 'baby food'. I think it's a great idea..Much more economical than buying pre-packaged.
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After rinsing the seeds a few times, I dried them on a cotton cloth overnight. Then I stored them in a basic paper envelope. There's about 300 seeds--I look forward to seeing how they do this summer!
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Simple decor--vintage jars and baskets.

As I went into the garden to harvest some lettuce, my cat accompanied me of course...
So far, the garden beds are doing well. It's been so very rainy lately.
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Recently at a second-hand shop, I came across these treasures: 2-3 yards of brown wool, a piece of burlap and 3 vintage books. When I brought it to the counter, the saleswoman asked me if I had a dollar bill. Puzzled, I said yes, and handed her one. Then she asked someone to wrap up my items and told me, "Have a nice day." I was shocked..all these for $1.00!? That's the way I like to shop! heh.
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{The school-room}
As I walk down the hallway, I often hear the voices of my Mother and brother in the parlour--writing fractions on the chalkboard, the table filled with books and maps. Sometimes I drop in to explain a math equation...insisting I'm the substitute teacher! ;)
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Between school lessons, my brother has been working on many various projects--building birdhouses, science experiments, making fruit leather, baking bread, building water filters and so on. Everyday is different :) it's fun to see what he will come up with next!

Here are a few school-books my brother is using (there are many more!)
*Encyclopedia of the Bible by John Drane

*Family Math by Jean Kerr Stenmark

*Adam to Abraham unit study by Robin Sampson

*Mastering essential math skills by Richard W. Fisher

My sister brings in fresh picked salad leaves...
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As you can probably tell by now, collard/turnip/mustard greens are our winter crop! lol

They grow extremely well here, so like many cottagers before us, we just eat what's in season. I find that lettuce and collard greens seem to make their way to the supper table daily...

Out in the back field, the garlic is doing well. I wonder if it's too late to plant more...?

Boots n' baskets are used daily at our home. I didn't realize their value until we moved out to the country! I've found that there's no use trying to walk across the property without either one. Trust me...
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January is such a quiet month.
So far we've had a mild winter, but Georgia has a peculiar way of dropping temperatures just when we start to get comfy. Pleasant evenings are spent shelling pecans and talking together in the parlour--now that our sewing machine is fixed, new projects are beginning as well.

{Fresh bread dough rising, and ready to be baked!}

A remedy for stale bread: If you're like us and enjoy baking several loaves of bread at a time, sometimes the situation arises where a loaf gets old or stale if not eaten soon enough. What we do is freeze our stale loaves, then take them out to use only for french toast. Oh dear, its delicious!
~

Please excuse my cat. Apparently she enjoys attacking the laundry.

Nestled between its large leaves, the broccoli has grown twice its size due to this rainy season we've had lately. They're certainly ready to be harvested-- Homegrown broccoli has so much flavor, and even the stalks are tender.
~

Oh, and I can't forget the spinach ;)
I had bought a pack of organic seeds and just sowed them right on top of the ground, not sure how they'd manage. Spinach is a slow grower..In fact, it took 'em so long to come up that I almost planted something else in their place! So now we're enjoying adding the young leaves to our salads.
~

What I've been sewing today... A Wool Petticoat
~*~

Today I finally finished sewing my wool petticoat, using the brown wool I purchased second-hand, and cut up an old skirt as a yoke. So it didn't cost me anything, really. I didn't use a pattern--Here's what I did: I cut the wool into 2 pieces, then gathered it at the top to fit my lower waist. Then I cut the top of my cotton skirt, and attached the gathered material to the skirt hem. Sewed up the side seam and That's it!

~
So for my winter living history events, I'll stay much warmer in wool! Because my role/portrayal is rural lower class, this rugged petticoat is appropriate for the 19th century era. If you're interested, in a future post I can show what my dress looks like with all three petticoats, and other attire. I have lots of sewing ideas, but not enough time!
---
Y'all are so patient, I know it's taken me a while to update :)

I'll talk to you soon,

Mia

Mother and child, circa 1890s

In the above photo, notice the childs handmade attire. It reminds me of my sister's recent project...

She's been crocheting baby clothes for a dear friends newborn, and just finished up a matching blanket. I'm hoping to begin hand-quilting soon, and I'm looking forward to it!

On a chilly afternoon, I catch a glance of the clothesline-- earnestly hoping the wind isn't too fretful. Thankfully the warm sun is out for a moment, so I hurry outside to finish up garden chores.
~

Sunday Morning.
After a filling breakfast of warm pancakes {with homemade preserves & thick vanilla syrup..yum :) }, it was mentioned that perhaps we could go up to the woods. With much excitement, I picked up some shawls to bring along while my Mother gathered a few worn quilts--and together we made our trek up to a favorite area.
____

"..Joy and gladness shall be found therein, thanksgiving, and the voice of melody." Isaiah 51:3

____

Under the shade of the pine trees, how delightful to spend time surrounded by nature itself. Frequently birds would come near us, hopping amongst the crunchy leaves in search for a late breakfast, I suppose. Yet, I couldn't help but notice, in the midst of it all: Reading together and earnestly praying together...
Draws you CLOSER together, indeed.
~

It's wash day, and time to put together some homemade liquid starch.
The recipe is simple, and it really does work!
~

Mix 1/4 cup corn starch into 1 cup of water until it's dissolved. Then stir that mixture into a quart of boiling water. Continue to stir constantly until it comes to a boil and thickens...then remove from heat.

When the starch has cooled off a bit, dip your garment in plain water-- then wring out well. Then you add it to the starch...working it in to make sure its soaking through evenly. Wring out the excess starch, then repeat with any other garments. Hang the items on the line to dry, until barely damp.

While my corded petticoat was still a little damp, I began to iron. Talk about crisp! haha the store-bought spray cannot compare! It took a while of ironing, but turned out nice & stiff ;) So with my plain cotton dress, I wore 3 layers of petticoats (including my wool one) all day, cooking meals & working in the garden etc.

Privet berries, Quince blooms, and Arugula blossoms.

A primitive bouquet of the wintry season.

One evening, we visited our neighbors homestead to stop by & pick up some organic produce. Soon enough, we were greeted by a small herd of cattle. These old heritage breeds are beautiful!

Curved staff in hand, their owner kept a steady eye on 'em as I quietly stepped closer to observe. I watched as the calves leaped about, yet didn't wander too far from their mothers. As we continued to walk down the property, they followed right behind us!

The wind swept up clouds of dust as the sun rapidly began to set, casting its warm rays upon the cows. These primitive breeds are so hardy-- well suited for the rough terrain and climate of our area.

A ewe and her lamb

*~*

Before heading home, we walked further to get a glance of the flock of sheep...They kept their distance, but nevertheless were a serene sight against the woodland surroundings.

Later that evening, my father shared childhood memories, read out-loud, and together we all discussed this years hopes for the homestead. I can't believe we've been out here in the country for 3 years! Time has flown by so quickly.
~

We ladies in the household wear aprons for everything.
I'm finding that they're actually wearing out, as we keep our favorites in daily rotation. So I'm going to start sewing new cobbler aprons & bibb aprons using our current garments as an easy pattern.
~

Recently we mixed young broccoli leaves into our salad (we've been eating fresh salad leaves daily and ran low..so we turned to broccoli!) Not only are the leaves tender and sweet, but they're actually more nutritious than the heads of broccoli usually consumed. You can cook them the same way as cabbage or any other greens, or even as a wrap-- stuffed with seasoned rice etc.

February garden activities:
Ordering from garden catalogues.

Pruning trees, shrubs and bushes.

Weeding and tending to the garden.

Relax and read a new book off the bookshelf.

Protect cold-sensitive potted plants.

Repair the fence.

Put straw mulch over garden beds or new areas not planted.

Prune and mulch dormant perennials.

Enjoy the bulbs and rosemary in bloom.

Repair and sharpen tools.

Continue the gardening journal..attempt to sketch alongside writings.

Take a slow walk through the garden.

Observe. Create new goals.

I'm looking forward to the next few weeks of seed starting. I just finished planting more red onions and sweet onions as well. They'll do the best out in the field, while we'll keep the veggies in the smaller cottage garden areas. The anticipation for the upcoming season nurtures our homesteading dream.

My brother dug up some clay, and began to make bricks. He enjoyed figuring out what to mix with the clay to make it sturdier.
~

I thought I'd share with you a few tips for preparing cake/baked goods..
1. Always, always use room temperature eggs. This gives the batter more volume and aids in the mixing process.

2. Adding whipped egg whites makes for a lighter, fluffy batter.
Make sure the egg whites are room temperature before you start!

3. Previously soften the butter before creaming with sugar. Also, I like to use salted butter ( to give the cake more flavor), then omit the regular amount of salt called for.

4. Sifting flour is an important (an often overlooked) part of the baking process. It softens the flour, and its able to absorb liquids more evenly. This will create a noticeably lighter cake!

The comforts of home--how sweet the name! A place we sought and humbly came.
Wherewith I am content.
-Mia

This month has flown by! I try not to do short posts, but this one is because I won't be able to update until next week...Please continue to stop by-- I look forward to updating with lots of photos from the homestead, and also answering any questions you may have :)

Talk to you soon my dear readers,

*Mia

The Spring air is now saturated with the fragrance of honeysuckle and wisteria.
~
Inspired, I quickly get a small basket and make my way across the pathway, toward the vines that creep up the old hardwood trees.

No matter how many times we repair it, our screen-door squeaks and creaks as it always has :) Hearing that familiar sound, I quickly open the door for my sister as she brings in the eggs from the hen-house.

When we added compost to the garden, little did we know that volunteer Tomato plants would sprout! It's fun to have mystery plants...I wonder what variety they'll turn out to be?

The seedlings are now over 6" tall, and we're beginning to transplant them into other areas.

We've had days where we get quite a harvest of leafy greens--broccoli, various lettuces, kale, mustard & turnip greens, and of course collards ;)

We divided and planted the strawberries a few weeks ago, and so far we've been harvesting a good handful daily. I freeze the berries for now, so that we can have strawberry preserves later!

The beauty of peach & pear blossoms.

One hazy afternoon, I began to pull up old collards to freeze for later...

And later that evening we drove down to visit a neighbor--and we were greeted by her goat, Chocolate Chip! I had a good laugh when I heard the name :)

Our town recently had a plant sale, where local residents could come and bring their plants form the backyard, and either swap or sell! We attended bright n' early, so that we wouldn't miss anything!

My Mother picked up a hydrangea right away :)

What a great way to meet new neighbors and learn about different varieties of plants. I made sure to get an Aloe Vera plant--there's nothing like fresh aloe in the garden!
~

We often use Mason jars to display flowers from the garden.

Homegrown Broccoli salad for lunch...yum!

*~*

Here's a basic recipe:

1 bunch of broccoli (about 6 cups of florets)

1/4 cup yellow onion

1/4 cup raisins

(chopped pecans are optional)

1/4 cup chopped bacon

*up to 1 cup of shredded cheddar cheese

Dressing: 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup sugar, 1 TBsp red wine vinegar. Mix this dressing separate before adding to the broccoli mixture.

What a delight to come across these delicate wildflowers... I enjoy the wonder of discovering new types of plants at the beginning of the season :) You never know what will decide to bloom here at the cottage!

It's nice to be able to take a moment to get some last-minute mending done. I finally had enough time to sit down and sew a 'new' button onto my linen blouse. The button is handmade from gourd--I love it!
~

It's early in the morning, and after traveling miles through rural backroads, we stop at a local eatery for breakfast. Across the way, acres of farmland were highlighted by the warmth of the sun; and it was simply inspiring to see a landscape so unaltered.

I had an opportunity to go on an adventure :)

With our carpet bags packed, and hat boxes tucked in, I would say our group is ready for a trip!

Dressed in 19th century attire, we gather up our things at the station. In the distance, we could hear the whistle of the train begin to get closer to the station.

Soon enough, a vintage steam locomotive makes its way towards us. I held tightly to my carpet bag, and made sure we had everything we needed--Ticket in hand, I climb aboard.

As we traveled through mill towns & scenic countryside, it was lovely to be able to greet and wave to spectators who came out to see the train.

The rhythmic 'clickity clack' of the train certainly added to the nostalgia, and soon we were engaging in activities to pass the time. One was a game of Draughts, but we soon realized we didn't have a board.
~
So one young woman decided to make one, and ended up sewing the checkerboard, using a spare cloth. It worked wonderfully well.

As we walked down one of the narrow corridors, I enjoy glancing out the window as the train travels over high bridges. Many of us brought our own 19th century plates, drinking vessels and such, which was used during meal time.

The next day, anticipation increased as we neared the station. Traveling by railway had many amazing moments and opportunities for various scenarios. New friendships were formed & many memories made along the way. When we did reach our destination, we began to prepare for a busy week ahead...

We were set up at the living history event as a working camp--meaning that we had to feed all the wagoners and refugees. Every morning at 5 am, we awoke to the crows of 'Drumstick' the rooster ;)
He caused a little mischief, but it added to the fun of having animals around.

Washing and hanging up the laundry is a daily task.

And with all the rain and mud, it was much needed!

Everyday the wagoners and men on horseback came into camp weary from their travels. I enjoyed hearing their stories about the events that would go on during the day.
What a magnificent sight to see so many mules, horses and oxen hitched onto authentic wagons.

We probably hauled water about twice a day, filling up as many buckets as we could. To get to a water supply, we crossed a large field, until we made it to the corner of the woods.

One morning, it decided to downpour in rain. That was the day the wagoners needed rations for their journey, which meant 40 loaves of bread! We were certainly determined, and were able to keep a hot fire going, even though it was still drizzling steadily.

I learned quickly how to keep the heat on the dutch ovens consistant, and I think we ended up making about 35 loaves that day...we were worn out and soaked with rain!

Before I headed into town, I was able to participate a few scenarios,

and camped under this shelter for a while. :)

It was so nice to be able to go through the various shops, and purchase needful things. I was able to finally get a good set of original 19th century cutlery for meals.

The peach pastries were fairly simple to make..filled with pickled spiced peaches, brown sugar and cinnamon, & baked over the fire.

This darling young girl stopped by with her mother to visit us in camp.

After each meal, we washed everyone's individual dishes...

...And more dishes! There were many original crocks, red ware, etc. And even though they were antiques, I was encouraged that we were able to use them freely, just as they were intended :)

(This wagon was hand built by one of the wagoners to use with his team of oxen)
I'm thankful for all the cooking I've learned at home, because at events like this, those skills certainly come in handy :)
~
One of my favorite challenges was in preparing a Chocolate cake from scratch using an 1840s German recipe. Although I had to triple the recipe, luckily it turned out quite well and I think the camp enjoyed it.
~

Here's a peek of my tintype. My portrait was taken right before we traveled back home.

~

It's nice to be home and finally be able to share with you about my adventures for the week :) I had a delightful time, but I count it a blessing to return to such a peaceful little spot out in the country.
Everything has grown so much-- I look forward to updating you on the various vegetables in the garden, and our homesteading endeavors!

~Mia

The days have drifted by, like a soft wind on a hazy afternoon. I look up and wonder, "where has the time gone?" Its swift, unwearying wings have quietly led us into a new month--Yet, I can't help but marvel at how time seems to stand still, here in the countryside.

Earlier this season I planted the seeds I had saved from last year, and to my delight, the heirloom pumpkins have been growing well. These seeds are local to our area, so they should be quite hardy!

Collecting straw for a handmade broom.
~
Each moment of joy is a gift. Gather and cherish those moments, so that one day you'll have a bundle of beautiful memories to look back on.
*~*

What I love about gardening is the variety of fresh veggies that are in season. We've had a nice crop of onions, garlic, & summer squash-- so now we're anticipating more cucumbers & tomatoes!

In the garden, on a clear day--Harvesting strawberries.

I'm currently freezing many of the berries for future preserves!

{An inspiring book: "All the places to Love" by Patricia MacLachlan.}

One of my favorite storybooks, this keepsake highlights the rural life of a close-knit family. The illustrations have brilliantly captured the wonders & adventures of everyday living through a child's perspective.

Observed the quiet landscape as we took an evening drive through the neighborhood..
~

On the 26th day of last month, it was my birthday, and my sister made a glorious cake!

3 layers with butter cream icing, fresh flowers & fruit from the garden!

~
Lazy Daisy Cake

4 eggs/2 cups sugar/ 2 tsp. vanilla

2 cups sifted flour/ 2 tsp. baking powder/ a half tsp. of salt

1 cup milk/4 TBsp butter
~

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine eggs, sugar & vanilla--stir until thick. Add sifted dry ingredients. Heat milk and butter to boiling point, then add to mixture. Bake in greased pans for 30-40 minutes or until golden brown. Enjoy!

I decided to spend time browsing through a local vintage shop.

While there, I ended up meeting a few neighbors--they greeted us by exclaiming, "You're the family who are always in the garden! I see y'all all the time!"

I love small towns :)
~

Upon arriving home, the sweet fragrance of climbing roses greet us at the gate.

One afternoon, I found my brother in the kitchen, making artisan bread.

I believe our animals enjoy the slow paced days as much as we do. :)

A hand-sewn dress. It turned out quite nice, and my sister finished it in an afternoon or two. Based off of the Butterick B4973 pattern, but with a modest neckline & added length to the hem.

Concord grapes...they're growing fast!

The 'volunteer' tomatoes seem to be a nice variety. My task now is to stake them up, as they've become quite tall!

Last year, when I was pruning off the flower heads, I decided to try something different.

I buried the flower heads nearby, to see if it would re-seed. Sure enough, many of our flowers came back this Spring because of those seeds!

On our way into town, my Mother wore fresh flowers in her hair.

As I weeded the pumpkin patch, I could hear my brother coming out of the woods. He made many trips though the high grass, hauling fresh pine mulch into the garden.

A beautiful plant came up unexpectedly--Can anyone identify the flower? It's quite fun to find 'mystery plants' in the garden!

One of our hens escaped up into a shade tree, and apparently thought herself very clever indeed. However, her proud cackling to the other chickens promptly gave her hiding spot away-- So back into the coop she went!

A thought: Life is a gift to be used every day. How glorious is it to be surrounded by nature's beauty, the simplicity of daily devotion to the Lord; to feel the true joy of contentment.
~

{My parents took an evening walk up to the garden}

~Collecting wild muscadine vines~
"...For the pastures of the wilderness do spring, for the tree beareth her fruit, the fig tree and the vine do yeild their strength." Joel 2:22

May the true harvest of my daily life, be a reflection of inner peace and light.

Every shelf in our home is different..often filled with vintage treasures that are certainly put to good use. How thrilling it is to read a book of poetry while you're waiting for the oven to warm! :)

For years we used our red wagon for yard work, but over time it has indeed become quite rusty and worn. So it's now resting in the herb garden :) Our cats think it's a perfect spot for naps...

Recently I was invited to a Ladies Tea, and gave a presentation on 19th century life. We were all gathered under the shade of a large oak tree; & quite a few ladies were in attendance. What a lovely time we had!

My dear readers, It has been way too long since my last post! I appreciate your patience, and I'm definitely going to begin posting much more regularly now-- I look forward to sharing more with you soon!

For the past week, I've been kept busy in the kitchen canning our fresh fruit!
~

A homemade quick bread is easily made for the occasion, so that we can sample our fresh Blueberry/Strawberry jam. This goes quite well with afternoon tea.

Fruit and veggie scraps are often brought out to the Chickens. The younger chickens should begin laying soon!

~
Homemade Relish
~

3.5 lbs of cucumbers, 2 cups green peppers, 3.5 cups sweet onions...

1 red bell pepper, 2.5 cups diced carrots..

Everything minced fine, and combined in a large bowl. Feel free to keep the cucumber skin on.

I wont mention it took me 5 hrs to chop all this by hand...nope, won't mention it! hehe

Now for the spices!!

2 TBsp pickling spice, 2 tsp each of: celery seed, dill weed, & dry mustard powder.
1 tsp turmeric and 1/2 tsp garlic powder.
In a large stock pot, combine minced veggies, spices, 4 cups sugar & 3 cups apple cider vinegar. Bring to a boil, and simmer until carrots are soft.

Ladle into jars, & process for 15 mins. Makes 6-7 pints.

The relish turned out excellent and very flavorful! I hope you'll try this recipe :)

One morning we all traveled to our nearby small town to shop at the open-air market. Our friends sell organic veggies that they'd hand-picked that same morning.
We're going to start shopping here for any surplus food we may need--I so enjoy supporting our local growers!

In the garden, it's not uncommon to see a roll of twine atop one of the wooden stakes, with a worn pair of garden scissors hanging nearby. This has been so helpful & convenient as we often tie up heavy tomato vines.

In the early evening, while the Summer sun was beginning to set--we headed over to our neighbors homestead. With a pasture of over 50 acres, it's a beautiful sight.

We called in the herd of goats (which numbered over forty) and it's so much fun to watch them approach the gate. The horses and cattle follow soon after.

To help out our neighbor, my dad offered to build a new structure for the chickens, and it's coming along very well. My brother often works alongside my dad with this project.

~
While they worked on the chicken house, my sister and I walked through the pasture with our shovels and wagon in tow. We gathered up manure for the garden, which will be a huge help for our soil!

Often our meals are eaten out-of-doors, as we gather around the picnic table decorated by fresh picked flowers.
~
I find that preserving the harvest helps you to appreciate all the hard work that goes into every jar--and that feeling of accomplishment has been a blessing.

The months have passed by rapidly, my dear friends!

As I've observed the neighboring fields grow white with cotton ready to harvest, and wild grass growing higher by the day, I realize that I've gone an entire season without journaling!

I do appreciate your patience--please know that I've missed sharing my thoughts with you ;)

The pear trees did well this year! It's always a delight to go into the orchard to harvest a few.

We had an abundance of late cucumbers, so I made about a dozen pints of sweet pickles. I'm so excited about them--So if you happen to stop by the cottage, I'll be sure to give you a jar of course :)

The cottage has been under-construction!

For the past few weeks, we've been taking down our old walls in order to create an open space. What a joy it has been to see it slowly change..Now we'll have more room for guests!

Lately, I've had wonderful opportunities to help out at several state parks.

I enjoy spending time in the old cabins--demonstrating open hearth cooking, bringing to life the abandoned garden, or just sharing about rural 19th century living---ah, I love it!

The hedge of blueberry bushes.

The leaves are vibrant with a bright showing of crimson, browns, and golds..

They seem to exclaim, "Tis Autumn, tis Autumn!"

And I couldn't agree more.

Inside the garden gate..

The leafy greens are still young, but make a fantastic side dish--especially when it's sauteed with homegrown garlic. It's nice to pick collards right before supper--lovely flavor!

I recently traveled up to the mountains to go Apple picking!

What a delight to learn about the different fruit varieties..

Walking down the well-traveled paths,

you could almost get lost in the seemingly endless rows of fruit trees.

My dear friend brought her darling baby to the grove..

It was so sweet to watch the little one reach for the apples with such wonder!

Before we left the orchard, I met the owner of this year 1930 automobile.

We had traveled behind it for a good distance, so it was fascinating to learn more about it!

The sounds of crunching leaves under my worn boots.

The warmth of the afternoon sun.

The occasional pecan being thrown at me by a squirrel. :)

I love the autumn season.

In the living room, my brother finishes up school lessons

Down at the neighboring farm..

I'm greeted at the gate by a curious friend.

"A true home should be the container for reviving real hospitality...."

--John Seymour, author of The Self Sufficient Life and how to live it

*~*

Thanksgiving Day

I gathered the last remaining rose blossoms to make homemade rosewater--

a needed ingredient for old-fashioned Turkish delight candies!

The heirloom dishes are carefully taken out,

and hand washed before setting the picnic table for the afternoon meal.

As we work in the kitchen, the record player cheerfully fills the room w/ big band music,

While the air is fragranced with cinnamon and mulled spices.

My brother begins to make his 'famous' Apple pie..

It's become a tradition to bake it in our cast-iron skillet!

Thanksgiving Supper Menu:

Wild greens Salad w/ pecans, cranberries and raspberry vinaigrette

Greenbean Casserole w/ portobello mushrooms

Mashed Potatoes with Turkey gravy

Fresh creamed corn

Traditional baked macaroni and cheese

Slow cooked Lemon Pepper Turkey (stuffed with fresh lemons)

Homemade spiced Cranberry sauce w/ pears and apples

Apple-glazed baked ham

Banana Bread

3 layer Spiced Cake w/ Pumpkin Buttercream frosting

Southern Apple Pie

'Three Kings' homemade bread

Sweet Tea

Perfect weather for a Picnic.

We set up our table underneath the shade of the old pecan tree,

*~*

And enjoyed pleasant conversation...

Soon enough, the apple pie was brought to the table.

My dear sister prepared a fantastic cake!!

Holiday Spice Cake with Pumpkin Buttercream Frosting

3 cups flour, 2 cups sugar, 1 cup Buttermilk, 4 eggs, 2 sticks of softened butter, 2 tsp baking powder

1 tsp each : Baking soda, Nutmeg, Cinnamon, Ginger

1/2 tsp each: ground cloves and sea salt.

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Grease and flour 3 (8 inch round) cake pans

In a small bowl, combine dry ingredients. Cream butter, sugar and salt...then add in eggs.

Beat in dry ingredients with buttermilk, alternating one at a time, ending with dry.

When batter is smooth, divide it among the 3 pans and bake about 25 mins (or until golden).

Let cool completely before removing from pans...then frost with your favorite icing! Enjoy :)

"...Preserve everything in a pure, still heart, and let there be for every pulse a thanksgiving,

and for every breath a song." --K.V. Gesner

After our meal, my sister and I sang the hymn: 'For the Beauty of the Earth.'

What a delight it was to lift our voices in humble gratitude of life's many blessings.

At the end of the day, I put together a simple meat stock (Nothing goes to waste, right?) Nicely seasoned with herbs, fresh garlic, onions and celery. This will make quite a few quarts of flavorful broth, perfect for winter stews!

Hope you all have a blessed weekend!

We enjoy our outdoor laundry room...

Dashing back and forth, with warm, fresh clothes in hand--

Hearing the familiar sounds of family conversation and laughter...

'tis the everyday comforts of home.

The warm tones and textures of well-loved baskets.

In the kitchen, preparations begin for a hearty stew for dinner...

Near the woods, my mother gathers wild pear leaves.

We couldn't forget about the pinecones!

They're for the wreath we'll make soon.

I walked with my mother as we gathered up decorations, and glanced back at the cottage-- it's view surrounded by the beautiful colors and plants of the season.

Soon enough, the basket was full to overflowing with berries, leaves, & branches.

On the front porch, cheerful blossoms greet us at the door.

This week I had prepared a 19th century gingerbread recipe,

and so my sister took out the batter today, and began to bake!

Many of these cookies we'll be giving to relatives as we go visiting soon.

Taking an afternoon break on the porch.

The dining room table is filled with fragrant pine needles and greenery-- waiting to be arranged and displayed around the hearth and home :)

I'm so thankful for the beauty of this season,

All praises go to our Creator--the true artist.

It's been a little while! I've been keeping busy with fun projects, but have managed to capture a few moments of what we've been up to lately. :)

My brother sawed, painted, and labeled quite a few signs from our scrap wood.

They look great out in the garden!

The sugar-snap peas are beginning to make an appearance..

Their smooth leaves are such a contrast to the sandy, gritty earth below.

February is the perfect time for pruning roses and also staking up the climbing varieties. Many of these are wild roses that I transplanted last year...I had discovered them in the woods :)

Recently we visited our dear friends for a weekend spent on their farm.

There's nothing quite like good fellowship, music, and an abundance of laughs-- as memories are made and shared in the company of kindred spirits.

A glimpse of old fashioned femininity...

Fresh picked apples complimented our meal as we gathered around the sturdy, antique table for breakfast.

A few of us decided to take a stroll through the garden..

I received some great tips about planting in raised beds.

The tender blossoms of the broccoli were a familiar sight..

However, I never grow tired of observing the bees as they hover around the delicate flowers--I watch as they gently sway in the wind...

We decided to take a walk down the lane, and soon our conversation turned to farming, family, and holding to important values. The restless breeze teased our hair, as we paused to greet a curious calf along the way.

At home, we've had many days of rain lately. It's the perfect excuse to pull old books off the shelf to read-- and soon enough, become filled with inspiration.

A neighbor of ours invited us to tour his property one afternoon...

Old cabins he has re-built are tucked in the valley,

Quite a serene sight to behold.

There was such a quietness about walking through the woods--It's landscape so un-touched, so un-altered. As I crossed over streams, took delight in the wild Spanish moss, and even collected leaves...I felt that these woods were clothed in such a radiance that it made it hard to leave.

From the porch of one of the cabins, It's easy to imagine homesteaders coming to 'stake their claim', dreaming of a self-sufficient life on their own piece of land.

Inside one of the dwellings, the door's paint has begun to crack and peel from age...

Yet it's made of a heavy oak that will stand the test of time for years to come.

"He turns a wilderness into pools of water,

And dry land into watersprings." Psalm 107:35

Before we left, I took one more glance inside the cozy cabin, admiring the one room home--convinced that it's not the size of a cottage that matters, but the abundance of love found therein.

In our front garden, my Mother gathers tender greens for dinner.

Recently my brother decided to build a stove...

So he gathered old stones and crushed them, then mixed in clay to form its structure.

It works amazingly well, and he plans to put a door on it soon.

I traveled to a state park for the weekend, and spent a lovely time camping with friends!

One morning, I was asked to sing for the site,

so I sang a medley of "Down to the river to pray/Amazing Grace"

Everyone seemed to really enjoy it :)

Afterwards, a dear friend surprised me with a tea party she had planned!

So we sat in her canvas tent, and had a wonderful time. I was deeply moved as she encouraged me in my walk with the Lord. There's nothing like edifying fellowship.

"Let your conversation be always full of grace..." Colossians 4:6

(I found a quiet area to read, on a warm May morning..)

My dear friends, I wanted to take time to thank you all for your wonderful support of my blog! It has been such a beautiful journey to document the blessings of being a stay at home daughter, and share with you so many glimpses and moments of our home life.

As I find myself busy with new projects and ventures, my time journaling online has not been as frequent--So I have decided to quietly conclude this chapter of blogging.

I didn't think it fair to continue on so infrequently, so I thought it best to come to a close.

This blog is dedicated to all my faithful readers whom have celebrated the beauty of everyday life along with me.

You've been an encouragement and have blessed me in more ways than you will ever know...

To my fellow kindred spirits, who still believe in good, old fashioned living...and know that there are Aspiring Homemakers out there, who willingly choose this narrow path.

Thank you!

~Mia

My dear friends,

Many seasons have passed, but I keep you all forever with me along this journey. I'm excited to say that I've decided to begin blogging again in the Spring!

I will start up a new website/link (posted here) , so that my new posts tell their own story, and write their own chapters.

This blog will always be here, a reminder of how I started this journey, and the new site will simply be a continuation of my endeavors to simplicity.

~Mia

Cottage Industry:Thoughts on working from home

A Patchwork of Days

Celebrating simplicity.

A Portrait of country living {& A Giveaway}

To my Readers...

Inspired.

Keeping busy at home

~:February update:~

Next week.

Spring events.

Old Paths...

Preserving the Harvest

A glimpse into everyday life.

Natural Elements of Home

A curiously warm winter.

To my readers.

Hey there!