tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-33050715198648879482024-03-13T19:53:58.851-04:00Katie's FarmAnonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.comBlogger52125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-24825965858887260042014-05-16T10:54:00.003-04:002014-05-19T06:38:37.162-04:00Homestyle Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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In our house, we try to use all of our leftovers in some way. Food is expensive and, when we can grow it ourselves, I know how much work went into producing it! If we have chicken for dinner, I try to use the leftovers in the next day's chicken pot pie, Tuscan Chicken Stew (my stew <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/02/recipe-tuscan-chicken-stew.html">recipe here</a>), or chicken salad sandwiches.<br />
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There was also a time when Farm Girl would only eat things if she could dip them in honey-mustard dressing. Vegetables, sandwiches, and even pasta were acceptable with a side of honey-mustard. Eventually, I realized that it was really easy, healthy, and inexpensive to make our own dressing instead of going through bottle after bottle of Ken's Dressing from the store. Mix about 3 parts honey to 1 part mustard... that's it! This sandwich recipe uses fresh honey and mustard for a gourmet-tasting sandwich that only takes a few minutes to prepare from leftover chicken.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Homestyle Honey-Mustard Chicken Sandwich</span><br />
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Ingredients for one sandwich:<br />
- leftover chicken, shredded or chopped<br />
- about 2 tablespoons mayo<br />
- about 2 tablespoons honey<br />
- about 2 teaspoons bottled spicy brown mustard<br />
- sandwich roll (I like mine with poppy seeds), cut in half<br />
- paprika (optional)<br />
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1. Mix chicken and mayo in a bowl. Spoon onto roll.<br />
2. Drizzle honey and mustard over top of chicken, more or less depending on your taste.<br />
3. Sprinkle lightly with paprika. Top with other half of roll.<br />
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Join the ink Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://themindtohomestead.com/farm-blog-hop-fish-tacos/">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/show-friday-100/">Show-Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2014/05/foodie-friday-may-16th.html">Foodie Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/05/homestead-barn-hop-160.html#sthash.zFef6cr0.dpbs">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-91/">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-166/">Melt in Your Mouth Monday</a></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-59005826892146797262014-05-06T21:22:00.002-04:002014-05-13T12:43:23.956-04:00How to Divide Hostas<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I have to admit that I really, really love hostas and they are one of my favorite plants. Here in New England, they do well in both shade and sun, are easy to grow, and can be regularly divided into new plants. They come in a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, as well. Over the past ten years or so, I have only bought a couple pots of hostas, dug up one wayward clump at a demolition site, and snagged a few "eyes" off family members' plants, but have propagated at least two hundred plants from those. Hostas are a great plant to divide into new plants as they grow larger.</div>
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Since my farm is from the 1700's, one of my long-term goals is to focus on plantings that would have been grown at that time. Hostas are native to China, Japan, and Korea and were first introduced to European gardeners by spice traders and explorers who traveled to Asia during the 1700's and brought the plants back on their ships. By the early 1800's, hostas made their way to American gardens and could be ordered from catalogs by the mid-1800's. So while hostas were not native to America, they certainly were grown and loved by early American gardeners.</div>
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Last spring, I brought many hosta divisions from our previous home to our farm. I planted them along a shady part of the driveway and around the bases of some of our huge maples that line the road. I'm excited to see them starting to emerge in their second year! This week, I just divided a large plant into about 30 divisions. I'm trying to make the yard on the farm more low-maintenance. By planting hostas around the maples and in shady areas of the lawn, it will cut down on mowing, weeding, and weed-whacking (all of which I really dislike). There is the initial time investment of planting and establishing the new beds, plus spreading manure and mulch in the spring, but I'm confident it will cut down on the general amount of yard work.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZylweMT-1ZJeBzhLhHCJ3IL72NOLIx3yma4jHnwEJnc5AL-s1nmxrU4rZ8TQgpOBacgTrxRecyPXwSKGrHBzvLGthSCxtmmLZpFls0z791JiX0yRbsSht9RCKUwEBUSuQqyb6eokdZJ0/s1600/hosta+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZylweMT-1ZJeBzhLhHCJ3IL72NOLIx3yma4jHnwEJnc5AL-s1nmxrU4rZ8TQgpOBacgTrxRecyPXwSKGrHBzvLGthSCxtmmLZpFls0z791JiX0yRbsSht9RCKUwEBUSuQqyb6eokdZJ0/s1600/hosta+6.jpg" height="328" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">My Hosta Collection</span></div>
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The first hostas I bought were part of a "shade garden collection" I bought for my mom one Mother's Day. We planted "August Moon" and a few other varieties on a shady slope by her porch that was both too steep and too boggy to keep as lawn. After a few years, those couple of wimpy little plants became strong and stunning, spreading at least four feet wide and turning a bare dirt slope into a beautiful and easy-to-maintain garden. I was eventually able to split off a few eyes from the edges of the plants, which didn't even look as though they had been touched, for my own gardens.</div>
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The potted plants came from the Christmas Tree Shop. (If you're not lucky enough to live near a Christmas Tree Shop, you are really missing out! They have all the stuff you never knew you absolutely needed.) I fell in love with a few lovely types called "Broad Band", a large plant with dark green leaves with lime green borders, and "Faith", a yellow-green variety with a crinkled leaf texture. I split the potted plants into as many smaller plants as I could and planted them under the maples and grape arbor in my yard.</div>
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One of my best finds (and free, so even better) was a huge hosta clump next to a mid-1800s cottage that was slated for demolition. The cottage was across the road from our previous house in a neighborhood of Victorian-era homes. It made me sad that the little antique cottage was being torn down, but even after opposition during a public meeting about it, the owner could not be persuaded to save it. The night before it was torn down, my husband and I went over under the cover of darkness, shovels and garbage bags in tow. It took both of use to remove the giant plant, which was probably as old as the cottage. Over the next few days, I carefully split the plant, prepared a long bed with plenty of compost and horse manure, and replanted it. Although it may have never been a named variety because of its age, it's a bushy plant with long, thin </div>
leaves that resembles "Surfer Girl".<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Spring is the time to divide!</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JHpncjbuk2tWe7nzDooAC3wjvf91HNl9t1ITWcfuVlSFLZqsYh1SZDn7qXf_2jXqxThTYKXe8sBfm-fALGWjejquGmNuwyyNuOT78H1DbTRcl49_d4HsGCiFu6BpoQdm0XCfTl4_LE0/s1600/hosta+split+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8JHpncjbuk2tWe7nzDooAC3wjvf91HNl9t1ITWcfuVlSFLZqsYh1SZDn7qXf_2jXqxThTYKXe8sBfm-fALGWjejquGmNuwyyNuOT78H1DbTRcl49_d4HsGCiFu6BpoQdm0XCfTl4_LE0/s1600/hosta+split+4.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a>Spring and fall are the ideal times to divide hostas. In spring, the best time is when the eyes (leaf tips) start to poke out of the ground, but before the leaves unfurl. The plants will be growing rapidly, the weather is cooler, and they can recover from a division and transplant easier. A few times, I've had to divide plants during the summer and I can definitely say that spring divisions require less watering and care and they grow quicker.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Steps for successful hosta divisions...</span></div>
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1. Start by choosing and preparing the planting sites. Hostas are a wonderful shade plant, but most varieties can also do well in the sun as long as it's not extremely hot and dry. (A hot, dry location can lead to leaf burn.) Hostas love moist, rich soil and are heavy feeders, meaning they use up a lot of nutrients in the soil. To improve the soil...</div>
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- turn over the planting site to loosen soil</div>
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- dig in lots of compost and aged manure, which will help retain moisture, improve the soil texture, and add the natural fertilizers that hostas love. (I have added fresh horse and cow manure to planting sites without problems, but high-nitrogen manure, like chicken manure, is so strong when fresh that it can kill plants. Age chicken manure at least one year before using.)</div>
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- If you're planting around a tree, you can avoid damaging the roots by adding a thick layer of compost and manure so you don't need to dig as deep.</div>
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2. Either dig up the whole hosta plant to be split, or use a spade to slice off a few eyes from the edge. If you're slicing off eyes, try not to damage the eyes or separate any eyes from their roots. You can do this by trying to get the spade between eyes and pushing it straight down into the plant, then dig underneath from the side to free the transplants.</div>
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3. Use a garden hose to spray off extra soil from the roots. It's a lot easier to separate tangled roots if they are washed off first. </div>
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4. To divide the plants, I like to either work right on the ground or have the clumps in a wheelbarrow. Keep a few buckets or trays next to you to put the split plants into. Separate as many plants by hand as possible. Plants near the edge of the clump can often be wiggled away, preserving their roots. You may need to continue to wash off the roots as you divide up the clump.</div>
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5. Use a long, serrated kitchen knife (not your best knife, but one you can donate to gardening projects) to carefully cut through the clump. Make sure each eye retains some good roots. You can divide up plants into big or small clumps with several eyes each or just one eye. Large clumps will look fuller sooner, but with single eyes you can get more plants. </div>
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If you have a clump so large that you have trouble using the knife, you can also split it into manageable sections with a shovel. A shovel, however, is less accurate and can damage some of the eyes, so be careful.</div>
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6. Plant right away and water well. Mulching will reduce moisture loss and will prevent weeds. I like to use the aged bedding from my animal stalls; it contains manure which will slowly leach nutrients into the soil while smothering out the weeds and retaining moisture. (Just avoid using fresh, high-nitrogen manure as it can burn plants.)</div>
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7. Water the transplants deeply every few days, if there is no rain, or if they look wilted. If you divide and transplant when the eyes are just emerging, they won't need as much water and will recover quickly.</div>
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<span style="font-size: large;">Hostas aside...</span></div>
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As I was planting my new hosta divisions under this maple, I kept hearing a funny chirping noise coming from a hole about ten feet up the tree. I guessed it was raccoon babies, and I was right! Tonight, at dusk, I caught mom raccoon lounging out the hole, watching me. </div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Join the ink Party fun! This post linked up to... </span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-138/">Cast Party Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-may-6/2">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/2014/05/cottage-style-party-birdbaths-in-garden.html">Cottage Style Party</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/136th-wildcrafting-wednesday/">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/05/wicked-awesome-wednesday-159.html">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/05/236th-penny-pinching-party.html">Penny Pinching Party</a> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/05/show-share-wednesday-79.html">Show & Share Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/05/down-home-blog-hopnumber-86-how-to.html">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/05/share-your-cup-thursday-101-and-give.html">Share Your Cup Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/05/home-and-garden-thursday-80.html">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/05/07/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-138/">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/05/the-homeacre-hop-69.html">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-5714/">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-home-169.html">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/05/rooted-in-thyme-gardens-and-simple.html">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/">Be Inspired</a> and <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/05/welcome-fridays-unfolded-108.html">Fridays Unfolded</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/05/frugal-friday_8.html">Frugal Friday</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/05/little-changes-show-and-tell-friday.html">Show & Tell Friday</a> and <a href="http://thehomesteadinghippy.com/pressure-cooking-old-hen/">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/show-friday-99/">Show-Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/diy/simple-saturdays-blog-hop-may-10/">Simple Saturday</a> and <a href="http://www.pistachioproject.com/2014/05/simply-natural-saturdays-51014.html">Simply Natural Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://too-much-time.com/2014/05/get-schooled-saturday-126.html">Get Schooled Saturday</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/05/clever-chicks-blog-hop-86-with-3.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/home-projects/">Monday FunDay</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-90/">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/05/homestead-barn-hop-159.html#sthash.vtOwe59B.dpbs">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/05/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no-212.html">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/05/tuesday-talent-show-128/">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/05/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday.html">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/05/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-80.html">Backyard Farming Connection Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/05/one-project-at-a-time-51314.html">One Project at a Time</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/tuesday-garden-party-5-13-14/">Tuesday Garden Party</a></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-6097203621303209512014-04-29T19:00:00.000-04:002014-05-05T18:20:56.781-04:00Cheddar-Chive Egg Souffle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8C70ujZBiSo/U2AkszxudEI/AAAAAAAABrY/Yy_t-5AyeqY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-8C70ujZBiSo/U2AkszxudEI/AAAAAAAABrY/Yy_t-5AyeqY/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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Here in New England, at the end of April, it feels like<br />
such a relief to be leaving winter and to finally start <br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibbvvku_vac/U2AkuFMH1SI/AAAAAAAABrk/jLlfEQSGEZY/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Ibbvvku_vac/U2AkuFMH1SI/AAAAAAAABrk/jLlfEQSGEZY/s1600/image.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finally... fresh chives from the herb garden!</td></tr>
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seeing daffodils and some green grass. The weather is still pretty cold, however, and the ground is muddy and squishy from all the rain. The only perennial starting to peek out in the garden are the chives, which seem to be growing visibly taller each day. The hens are also starting to feel the change in season and their egg production has picked up to almost a dozen a day.<br />
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This is a great recipe that uses both chives and eggs, so I decided to make this springtime dinner tonight with fresh ingredients. The baked souffle looks light, fluffy, and complicated, but it's actually pretty easy and quick with less than 30 minutes in prep time.<br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Cheddar-Chive Egg Souffle</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
- 5 tblsp. butter<br />
- 3 tblsp. bread crumbs<br />
- 1 1/2 cups milk<br />
- 1/2 tsp. garlic powder<br />
- 1/4 cup flour<br />
- 1/2 tsp. salt<br />
- 7 eggs, yolks and whites carefully separated into different bowls<br />
- 1 1/2 cups cheddar cheese, shredded<br />
- 2/3 cup fresh chives, coarsely chopped<br />
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<b>Directions:</b><br />
1. Preheat oven to 375 degrees F. Coat a 2-quart casserole dish with 1 tblsp. butter. Dust dish with breadcrumbs.<br />
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2. In a medium pot over medium-high heat, bring milk and garlic powder to a simmer. Reduce heat to low. In another medium pot over medium heat, melt the rest of the butter. Stir in flour and cook for 3 minutes. Add milk to butter-flour mixture while stirring. Cook and stir until mixture is smooth and has thickened, about 5 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in salt.<br />
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3. In a large bowl, whisk the egg yolks. Temper the yolks by whisking in a cup of the milk-flour mixture in a slow stream. Continue to whisk in the remaining milk-flour mixture. Stir in the cheese and chives.<br />
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4. In a medium bowl, use an electric mixer on medium-high to beat the egg whites until stiff (but not dry) peaks form. Using a spatula, stir 1/3 of the egg whites into the cheese mixture, then fold in remaining whites. Pour into casserole dish.<br />
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5. Bake until souffle has risen about 3 inches and top is golden brown, about 40-45 minutes. Do not open oven door until souffle has baked for at least 30 minutes.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjysOw5GY3U/U2AkuJ93DcI/AAAAAAAABro/Qug_nJRc_Wo/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-fjysOw5GY3U/U2AkuJ93DcI/AAAAAAAABro/Qug_nJRc_Wo/s1600/image.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Join the ink Party fun! This post linked up to... </span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://www.smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-april-29/2">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/135th-wildcrafting-wednesday/">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-138/">Cast Party Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/04/wicked-awesome-wednesday-158.html">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/2014/04/kitchen-kitsch.html">What's It Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/04/wednesday-whatsits-105/">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/04/down-home-blog-hopnumber-85-backyard.html">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/fabulously-frugal-thursday-linky-party-65/">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/04/share-your-cup-100-and-giveaway.html">Share Your Cup</a></span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;"> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/04/home-and-garden-thursday-79.html">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/#.U2GRq_ldWN0">Recipe Round-Up</a> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/05/the-homeacre-hop-68.html">HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-43014/">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/04/30/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-137/">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2014/05/from-farm-blog-hop-may-2nd.html">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/05/happy-may-day-and-simple-sweet-fridays.html">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/05/home-sweet-home-168.html">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/show-friday-98/">Show-Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/05/show-and-tell-friday.html">Show and Tell Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/2014/05/be-inspired-187.html">Be Inspired</a> and <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2014/05/thrifty-things-friday-158-use-it-up.html">Thrifty Things Friday</a> and <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2014/05/foodie-friday-may-2nd.html">Foodie Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/05/frugal-friday.html">Frugal Friday</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/diy/simple-saturdays-blog-hop-may-3/">Simple Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.pistachioproject.com/2014/05/simply-natural-saturdays-5314.html">Simply Natural Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/05/clever-chicks-blog-hop-85-featuring.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-89/?utm_source=Motivation+Monday&utm_campaign=1bdfd434f8-motivation_5_4_145_2_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d5d0c271e-1bdfd434f8-99553473">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/05/04/sunday-best-link-party-13.html">Sunday Best Link Party</a> and <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/05/sunday-showcase-party-243.html">Sunday Showcase</a> and <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-164/">Melt in Your Mouth Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/05/homestead-barn-hop-158.html#sthash.YT1t6iyO.dpbs">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-67434439776863304002014-04-27T22:04:00.003-04:002014-05-04T20:36:41.840-04:00Vintage Tablecloth<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3mk0N6sxAAJEeUtKYFgGeyDDExqtX3tXpUfPYxPSMLyuyLyAFjNd0mmv3W-aC2zEezc0Rb6UJLKAnQLqo2bKl06SF71l5JRANrRMFXQWFeqav5_noIPJddiaf5oJyam5_Z5zCit8Clg/s1600/100_1391.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu3mk0N6sxAAJEeUtKYFgGeyDDExqtX3tXpUfPYxPSMLyuyLyAFjNd0mmv3W-aC2zEezc0Rb6UJLKAnQLqo2bKl06SF71l5JRANrRMFXQWFeqav5_noIPJddiaf5oJyam5_Z5zCit8Clg/s1600/100_1391.jpg" height="387" width="400" /></a></div>
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Last week, I visited my Mom's house and she had an adorable vintage table runner on her small kitchen table. It was originally a tablecloth with some stains that would not come out, but it was too sweet to toss. She gave it to a friend who enjoys sewing. MaryLou decided to make the unstained parts into table runners and gave one back to my Mom. I'm a sucker for a cute kitsch design!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Ln1zx30z3hljeqpLLC_ZOSf7nGrfcz2_pH8GDXj4IZmkKq1UNRJhVamU9wvZ9-V-GvUf5EGYRc1Cvml-ODK-0jwMJwTEWonSU6Ct6cVgaIX5jIl8hF25XAQkzoxFjc_WX6El65b1I0/s1600/tablecloth6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiP-Ln1zx30z3hljeqpLLC_ZOSf7nGrfcz2_pH8GDXj4IZmkKq1UNRJhVamU9wvZ9-V-GvUf5EGYRc1Cvml-ODK-0jwMJwTEWonSU6Ct6cVgaIX5jIl8hF25XAQkzoxFjc_WX6El65b1I0/s1600/tablecloth6.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></div>
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I'm not a vintage tablecloth expert, but after doing a little reading I think it may be from the 1940's or 1950's. During the 1940's, after World War II, popular tablecloth designs included people and animals, farm and farmhouse scenes, and kitchen themes. Scenes were often what we would now call "kitsch". This smiling granny, knitting in front of a warm stove with her cat, is certainly "kitsch"!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB7rrSWYB2rbQpYjWEMBguitiCnOsFbxG8CCjLOImWyQFMOqPlMA6wXVk8InIUFc6L23fPsk57-_10b0MbY9Ypc7jDMRRJr8L8SuY5NCDLkbLZ1sEffIl5MeSx3vCP2AsarMIQniB3gc/s1600/tablecloth1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzB7rrSWYB2rbQpYjWEMBguitiCnOsFbxG8CCjLOImWyQFMOqPlMA6wXVk8InIUFc6L23fPsk57-_10b0MbY9Ypc7jDMRRJr8L8SuY5NCDLkbLZ1sEffIl5MeSx3vCP2AsarMIQniB3gc/s1600/tablecloth1.jpg" height="271" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">Screen-printing became popular and four or more colors in a tablecloth were common.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeDXwLXrZ_JgxkpV_eSQRNo0triL3YoCzunTdUbwvB9rhnfKTLwFbrYPD_DwwfDkVY-rvL2mQB94q1V7SU9bYjzM-VXKIhl5pbYf8QBN6xnNOyUveGEwJyn3QVq54dVKoRGe7VlJYsDw/s1600/tablecloth2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiXeDXwLXrZ_JgxkpV_eSQRNo0triL3YoCzunTdUbwvB9rhnfKTLwFbrYPD_DwwfDkVY-rvL2mQB94q1V7SU9bYjzM-VXKIhl5pbYf8QBN6xnNOyUveGEwJyn3QVq54dVKoRGe7VlJYsDw/s1600/tablecloth2.jpg" height="400" width="398" /></a></div>
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The 1950's saw a continuation of quirky, fun scenes and bright colors. More modern dyes, printing techniques, and fabrics allowed a wider range of designs and colors. Kitchen themes, which included utensils, food, vegetables, dishes, bottles, teapots, and kitchen furniture, were especially popular. Stylized florals and bold shapes were worked into designs.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRLITLxcD1nejiOyH8JxgBzX_6RNfdx982UgEmhAIz93cpg5AIDjOzsQU5tQSYYUqSOUYzHoZYUKVRxMBqDPvmXhJA4cLq6sSyOU1Ox5pQsQ-vJZYTTEWnASajtlmryJ58vBDtzaR0-4/s1600/tablecloth3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRLITLxcD1nejiOyH8JxgBzX_6RNfdx982UgEmhAIz93cpg5AIDjOzsQU5tQSYYUqSOUYzHoZYUKVRxMBqDPvmXhJA4cLq6sSyOU1Ox5pQsQ-vJZYTTEWnASajtlmryJ58vBDtzaR0-4/s1600/tablecloth3.jpg" height="381" width="400" /></a></div>
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I also love the wood grain pattern in the background and how the bold shadows make the objects stand out. I'm glad this tablecloth could be saved!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b0_h_WkFj6p7yFsv5poq92P4y76TJBp1IjP3xhr7x3y4-NbpxG39tNx1y7sFJEhlH_W9mRUFAHzxygpxRIDhizknqurofpsDgkuD4lhYuD4wJZUzjZRWASYJtyJ4DL1iQO09bIS5jR0/s1600/tablecloth5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5b0_h_WkFj6p7yFsv5poq92P4y76TJBp1IjP3xhr7x3y4-NbpxG39tNx1y7sFJEhlH_W9mRUFAHzxygpxRIDhizknqurofpsDgkuD4lhYuD4wJZUzjZRWASYJtyJ4DL1iQO09bIS5jR0/s1600/tablecloth5.jpg" height="400" width="208" /></a></div>
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<i>Resources: <a href="http://gramasattic.wordpress.com/2008/10/25/dating-your-vintage-tablecloth-collection/">Grama's Attic</a> and <a href="http://info.fabrics.net/history-of-the-printed-tablecloth/">Fabrics.net</a></i><br />
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<i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #38761d;">Join the ink Party fun! 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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-53430493682281890492014-04-24T21:55:00.004-04:002014-05-01T06:25:27.228-04:00How to Root Geraniums & Coleus<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiZDf1BZC4EaT_e1yNx-kwd-ntXpyaYTa1nKb9eCxQyJ5LFkz94MkR-h06vFexhGPngX1IeKdjvvv307GG4GSVxpoaoakCE69GKQVroPZ0ytErZSx9EWa5H441BAYh4jyvqzKbBCkrXo/s1600/how+to+root+geraniums+TITLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdiZDf1BZC4EaT_e1yNx-kwd-ntXpyaYTa1nKb9eCxQyJ5LFkz94MkR-h06vFexhGPngX1IeKdjvvv307GG4GSVxpoaoakCE69GKQVroPZ0ytErZSx9EWa5H441BAYh4jyvqzKbBCkrXo/s1600/how+to+root+geraniums+TITLE.jpg" height="386" width="400" /></a></div>
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I have rooted many of my own plants for years, trying different techniques from soil layering to using rooting hormones. By far, I have found that the easiest plants to root from cuttings are geraniums and coleus. It's a quick and easy way to propagate a lot of new plants completely for free!</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuHc4RGK-I2ip5uzxAD9cxW2NqA5rmIV0oUl4D8LfAroxIwnjV7r-RSYiuj7qjs6OmMt2-Q3hnW7bfv29K-FuHhS1J7ffiPIPpbqvTtKWDATR_W6oPxKGEyftN3yzZOSy98V3ZIBhmpE/s1600/rooting+geraniums+8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiuHc4RGK-I2ip5uzxAD9cxW2NqA5rmIV0oUl4D8LfAroxIwnjV7r-RSYiuj7qjs6OmMt2-Q3hnW7bfv29K-FuHhS1J7ffiPIPpbqvTtKWDATR_W6oPxKGEyftN3yzZOSy98V3ZIBhmpE/s1600/rooting+geraniums+8.jpg" height="320" width="296" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Several rooted coleus plants.</td></tr>
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I plan on propagating a lot of plants this way so I don't have to buy as many. Traditional varieties of geraniums do well in sunny beds, pots, or hanging pots and don't mind dry conditions. Martha Washington varieties (aka Regal) are less tolerant of dry, hot conditions; however, they make especially beautiful plants for pots because they will cascade over the sides. Coleus come in a wide variety of patterns and colors and are excellent for shade or partial shade beds or pots.<br />
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Both geraniums and coleus can be overwintered in pots in the house. If they don't look so great, they can be put in the cellar near a window until spring, as long as they continue to get watered. (Geraniums don't mind dry soil between watering but coleus will wilt if the soil is dry.) They will tend to get leggy and overgrown, but that's actually a good thing for taking cuttings! If you don't already have plants, you can buy a big plant in early spring and take cuttings from that. From the time you take the cuttings, rooted plants will be ready to plant in about 2-3 weeks.</div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">How to Root Geraniums and Coleus</span></b></div>
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1. Using scissors or kitchen shears, take cuttings by snipping off sections of stem right above leaf nodes. A cutting should include a length of stem with at least two leaves and one additional leaf node.</div>
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A<b><u> leaf node</u></b> is a bumpy spot along the stem which may or may not have a leaf or stem coming out. (See the photo below for two leaf nodes along the lower part of the stem.) Cutting off right above a node will encourage the plant to create new stems and leaves from that node, creating a bushy plant. A node is also the place where new roots can grow from. Nodes have natural hormones which encourage new growth, whether it's leaves, stems, or roots.</div>
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Geranium cuttings from soft, newer growth tend to root the quickest. You can also try cuttings from older growth, but I have found they take longer.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_ihZkDutnISNMAU-U6y5MiN7ydrY80eOT01GR6d_GV8YL3JOMyV_BoXLR6suaZ_k-JmFiZ6K7Mqc5qX5p-nCwUn8fyVV_jV19xOGvHEqkxQAP0Mi2HoDfrcABgZDQ4Q8ls3NDe4GLiw/s1600/rooting+geraniums+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW_ihZkDutnISNMAU-U6y5MiN7ydrY80eOT01GR6d_GV8YL3JOMyV_BoXLR6suaZ_k-JmFiZ6K7Mqc5qX5p-nCwUn8fyVV_jV19xOGvHEqkxQAP0Mi2HoDfrcABgZDQ4Q8ls3NDe4GLiw/s1600/rooting+geraniums+2.jpg" height="400" width="285" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A geranium cutting showing two leaf nodes along the bottom half of the stem.</td></tr>
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2. On each cutting, trim off any stem slightly below the lowest node, like I did with the geranium above and the coleus below. Extra stem may rot and cause problems. Roots will sprout from the node, not the smooth stem.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv3KCv_8RatE41apCWmPCHSlU4ZMLAjUg1fBtVSxCOVJrYZvkw9Uz8Oa3q1yRqq9KnIyPE7NUWODpynnFfrZzLH2RgqVgS7GuypvrnNCT9sClHCUU6khRGwbshCmtJvYxD7EERbBurbc/s1600/rooting+geraniums+4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcv3KCv_8RatE41apCWmPCHSlU4ZMLAjUg1fBtVSxCOVJrYZvkw9Uz8Oa3q1yRqq9KnIyPE7NUWODpynnFfrZzLH2RgqVgS7GuypvrnNCT9sClHCUU6khRGwbshCmtJvYxD7EERbBurbc/s1600/rooting+geraniums+4.jpg" height="400" width="316" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A coleus cutting showing a leaf node at the bottom.</td></tr>
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If you have a really overgrown plant, you can cut a long stem into a few cuttings. I got two cuttings from this geranium stem.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmJKxgvjNLsBE2dRVvdMvIaKY7jGz17rnz-NadgICG1H44XCNhz747NvjcW5zKbgruEFUpscbPAHqaUJAuW1vDnC0MWyKkyoCljLtnMH-2TN9fBBXBGqaofl7zjjfdbZfdPFvVnl4U58/s1600/rooting+geraniums+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxmJKxgvjNLsBE2dRVvdMvIaKY7jGz17rnz-NadgICG1H44XCNhz747NvjcW5zKbgruEFUpscbPAHqaUJAuW1vDnC0MWyKkyoCljLtnMH-2TN9fBBXBGqaofl7zjjfdbZfdPFvVnl4U58/s1600/rooting+geraniums+3.jpg" height="400" width="338" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This was one long stem cut into two cuttings.</td></tr>
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3. Pinch or cut off any leaves from the lowest leaf node, or any part of the stem that will be in the water. Leaves in the water may rot.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMAgbuJlPV9_2demeWrFBP8PvPWRwgGuUVsMcxtQijTgXbZ7gn24J4K8958VIW_FsTXbD8ELE6HE6R0zakGm5S5chTMBPaDzHQ4nQ_vnt3e2YI5SkaI-lSFFgPueIvCht4FuzftQN6Ng/s1600/rooting+geraniums+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihMAgbuJlPV9_2demeWrFBP8PvPWRwgGuUVsMcxtQijTgXbZ7gn24J4K8958VIW_FsTXbD8ELE6HE6R0zakGm5S5chTMBPaDzHQ4nQ_vnt3e2YI5SkaI-lSFFgPueIvCht4FuzftQN6Ng/s1600/rooting+geraniums+1.jpg" height="362" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This honey jar from a local farm was the perfect size.</td></tr>
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4. Place the cuttings in jars filled with plain water. The lowest nodes should be submerged. Leave the jar in a sunny place. Add more water as needed and remove any stems that look like they may be rotting. Cuttings can be planted in 2-3 weeks.</div>
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Old-fashioned gardeners in my family swore by using brown-tinted glass jars and bottles for starting cuttings. Maybe the dark encourages growth? The next time I come across a brown glass jar, I'm going to try cuttings in both the brown and clear to see which works better.</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zyuy3N1Ymmhb7f808SPIj47vBovsS1WaN9V_uBDN0Ot1qjWTyLFbFO_48E6UOPQZZam1v_U4HnmLxOkOrOLmwm6hokPZ1hGZzhnAfNith81OGvOk4tXbiMGX_c7W7sSAn5blfthJ4Gg/s1600/rooting+geraniums+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5Zyuy3N1Ymmhb7f808SPIj47vBovsS1WaN9V_uBDN0Ot1qjWTyLFbFO_48E6UOPQZZam1v_U4HnmLxOkOrOLmwm6hokPZ1hGZzhnAfNith81OGvOk4tXbiMGX_c7W7sSAn5blfthJ4Gg/s1600/rooting+geraniums+6.jpg" height="249" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A baby food jar worked well for some little cuttings.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlhHzqHwlXWN5DnMpiUCaefnKaDdOXrkjFuh4Zp1tP4S4eUQVfeOJKasTvCfQcCLUHW6Xv9noHI1DkSEjTgPzN1rOUvj81E7A6V9LdgeHnQoRPLq-HFxyqW6sbT7kwCr_Yvt-m91-fx0/s1600/rooting+geraniums+7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVlhHzqHwlXWN5DnMpiUCaefnKaDdOXrkjFuh4Zp1tP4S4eUQVfeOJKasTvCfQcCLUHW6Xv9noHI1DkSEjTgPzN1rOUvj81E7A6V9LdgeHnQoRPLq-HFxyqW6sbT7kwCr_Yvt-m91-fx0/s1600/rooting+geraniums+7.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-46287002477510424482014-04-18T11:40:00.000-04:002014-04-24T06:40:59.893-04:00Tapeworms & Chickens... Advice Needed!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS845MjQyx0eWlNI6hwPEQQuAe84SlnJZGRqFUlRc0i_PgmGPFd1P-3D1pWRwWyj3C2oGkJAmniACCcCQmsKPeDMTJXjzb08v3YpnbxSCLmzVtcMUNzqexpJw7-sNaVE-Vp0BCeSH_77U/s1600/mrs+chicken+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS845MjQyx0eWlNI6hwPEQQuAe84SlnJZGRqFUlRc0i_PgmGPFd1P-3D1pWRwWyj3C2oGkJAmniACCcCQmsKPeDMTJXjzb08v3YpnbxSCLmzVtcMUNzqexpJw7-sNaVE-Vp0BCeSH_77U/s1600/mrs+chicken+copy.jpg" height="340" width="400" /></a></div>
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Two weeks ago, I decided to call my veterinarian about my flock of 19 chickens. My old hen, a 5-year-old Rhode Island Red who is the only one left from our previous flock, was having diarrhea and, as a result, skin scald. (Sorry about the nasty photo of her problem!) Many of the others were having strange patterns of feather loss: on their backs as well as underneath between their legs and up the chest. At first, I thought they were simply molting or our one rooster, Fabio, was pulling their feathers out during mating. <br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCdxh7mIGgi5Cv3cQx3yRG4hdb53tP42cw4V12dIinvwkcHcB1-ot723Cp3jMU4iVcz0wgspNsKsZn3HSVI1OfxdaYQeoOSt8P__mGjqevlZRnB3Np8wbR7qFZ5ZThp9HieRAPRYdDmU/s1600/skin+scald.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCCdxh7mIGgi5Cv3cQx3yRG4hdb53tP42cw4V12dIinvwkcHcB1-ot723Cp3jMU4iVcz0wgspNsKsZn3HSVI1OfxdaYQeoOSt8P__mGjqevlZRnB3Np8wbR7qFZ5ZThp9HieRAPRYdDmU/s1600/skin+scald.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I know... pretty gross! Poor Mrs. Chicken before<br />
her bath. She had diarrhea and then skin scald.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I'm all for trying natural home-remedies when possible, but I looked through my two chicken-raising books and reputable online sites, and couldn't pinpoint the problems. My veterinarian suggested I bring in my Rhode Island Red and another one with the worst feather loss, plus several droppings samples. He couldn't find any trace of external parasites (mites/lice) and it did not look like molting. We came to the conclusion that the feather loss was due to either the rooster mating or hens picking at each other, or a combination, and suggested we try to get more space for them. This made sense, since they do have an outdoor run but refused to go outside in the snow all winter. So project number one for this summer: build a bigger coop.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXh_VoWw_HE/U0BeCBnd4rI/AAAAAAAABj0/9RWqg9mObTs/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-OXh_VoWw_HE/U0BeCBnd4rI/AAAAAAAABj0/9RWqg9mObTs/s1600/image.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mrs. Chicken getting a bath in the utility tub.<br />
She was really calm and I think she liked the bath.<br />
I had to get all of the matted droppings out of her feathers<br />
and off her skin.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
My Rhode Island Red (named "Mrs. Chicken" by our kindergartener) was having some kind of intestinal problem with the diarrhea and we hoped that the droppings sample might tell us more. The vet recommended I bathe her to help the skin scald, which I did that night. In fact, she seems to have gotten past the diarrhea and her "rear-end" feathers have remained fluffy and clean since.<br />
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However, we got very bad news when the fecal sample test came back. They had tapeworms. Apparently, many types of worms are fairly common in chickens, but tapeworms are unusual. They could have gotten the tapeworms from being in contact with mice or eating earthworms and other insects. I have seen the occasional little field mouse in the coop, but the chicken feed is kept in closed garbage cans. The flock also has daily access to an enclosed outdoor run and I give them arm fulls of weeds and lots of table scraps. So while their access to insects and mice is limited, it's clear that they came into contact with something that carried the tapeworms.<br />
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After talking to my vet several times and doing my own research, I'm still indecisive on our next steps. There is a wormer called Praziquantel which will kill tapeworms (tapeworms are not killed by most wormers, but they are killed by this specific one). It can be purchased as "GTWormer" or "Worm-Out Gel". Worm-Out Gel can be added to the drinking water. It's approved for human use when people get tapeworms, so it's pretty safe. I have found some information (below) which says there should be a 7-day withholding period before eating the eggs again. However, with trying to give my kids organic foods, having eggs with traces of medication in them seems to defeat the purpose of raising our own chickens.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXaVP2bk5Hg/U0BeEApLIfI/AAAAAAAABkE/PjCsMyqHlHc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXaVP2bk5Hg/U0BeEApLIfI/AAAAAAAABkE/PjCsMyqHlHc/s1600/image.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A nice fluffy, clean rear end after the bath!<br />
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</tbody></table>
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While I appreciate natural cures, I obviously don't want to take the chance with myself or my kids getting tapeworms. To make things more complicated, tapeworms often do not show up in fecal testing, so just bringing another dropping sample to the vet, after treatment, would not prove <br />
that they are free of tapeworms. In the future, there are some natural ways to prevent worms, such as pumpkin seeds and nasturtium, that I will use as well.<br />
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This information about tapeworm treatment is from an avian veterinarian at <a href="http://birdhealth.com.au/flockbirds/poultry/diseases/Worms.html">www.birdhealth.com</a>:<br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">"A high percentage of chickens may be infected with tapeworms if they are reared on range or in backyard flocks. These parasites are found more frequently during warmer seasons when intermediate hosts are abundant. Tapeworms may obstruct the intestine of an infected bird in the same way as roundworms. Tapeworms are more ribbon like and clump together in a tangled mass of thin strands whereas roundworms are more spaghetti like in appearance. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">Worm treatments containing praziquantel are used to kill tapeworms. Two follow up treatments at 3 week intervals are then recommended. Routine three monthly seasonal treatments together with control measures against flies, beetles, slugs, snails, earthworm ingestion is necessary to prevent further infection. </span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">Tapeworm problems are more widespread when insect activity peaks during the warm spring, summer and autumn months. Insect control is a necessary part of tapeworm treatments if recurrent outbreaks are to be avoided...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">...</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">Moxidectin and Praziquantel - GTWormer (5mls/2 litres of drinking water for 2 days) This is a combination tapeworm, general worm and lice treatment...</span></i><br />
<i><span style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; text-align: justify;">... </span></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: HelveticaRegular;">Adult chickens</i><br />
<div style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i>Adult chickens do not require as frequent worm treatments as the young chickens. Instead they should receive strategic treatments at times when worm infection is most likely to occur. Worm treatments are recommended each 3 months at the beginning of spring, summer and autumn when warm wet conditions favour worm infections in adult chickens. Many of the worms that infect adult chickens require an intermediate host before they are able to infect them. A large part of worm prevention involves the control of these creatures that include cockroaches, beetles, houseflies, slugs and snails. Cleaning away any uneaten table treats each evening and applying insecticides to the surfaces of pens are a recommended routine used to help prevent these type of worm problems.</i></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: HelveticaRegular; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Recommended Adult Chicken Worm Routine:</i></span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i>Beginning spring - Levamisole or Prazole treatment<br />Beginning summer - GTWormer<br />Beginning autumn - Levamisole or Prazole treatment </i></div>
<h2 style="background-color: white; color: #555555; font-family: HelveticaRegular; margin: 0px; padding: 0px;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><i>Withholding Period</i></span></h2>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #464646; font-family: HelveticaRegular; padding: 0px; text-align: justify;">
<i>There is a 7-day long withholding period following the administration of worm treatments. For those with back yard chickens I suggest you boil the eggs and feed them back to the chickens during this period of time. The benefit for the chickens following the worm treatment far outweighs the inconvenience of not having perfectly fresh eggs."</i></div>
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The <a href="http://msucares.com/poultry/diseases/disparas.htm">Mississippi Sate University Extension Service</a> website had this information, which lists other medications and good preventative methods, but no information about a withholding period:</div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>"Tapeworms or cestodes are flattened, ribbon-shaped worms composed of numerous segments or division. Tapeworms vary in size from very small to several inches in length. The head or anterior end is much smaller than the rest of the body. Since tapeworms may be very small, careful examination often is necessary to find them. A portion of the intestine may be opened and placed in water to assist in finding the tapeworms.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>The pathology or damage tapeworms produce in poultry is controversial. In young birds, heavy infections result in reduced efficiency and slower growth. Young birds are more severely affected than older birds.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>All poultry tapeworms apparently spend part of their lives in intermediate hosts, and birds become infected by eating the intermediate hosts. These hosts include snails, slugs, beetles, ants, grasshoppers, earthworms, houseflies and others. The intermediate host becomes infected by eating the eggs of tapeworms that are passed in the bird feces.</i></span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; font-size: 14px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><i>Although several drugs are used to remove tapeworms from poultry, most are of doubtful efficacy. In general, tapeworms are most readily controlled by preventing the birds from eating the infected intermediate host. Tapeworm infections can be controlled by regular treatment of the bird with fenbendazole or leviamisole."</i></span></div>
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<b>So, I have decided to reach out to the chicken-keeping community that I have come to know through my blog! Have you dealt with tapeworms in chickens? What is your advice? Please leave a comment if you have!</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>And specifically...</b><br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjYyR9bH6YLuZ8BP7Eoai-KwycKO98DFkVvDjS6BmOqK7DQJ5UYNTuZv6_YAAEAy9nLLw2lXFn9KRbD2G0oAZb1-CsVcoG8vtDPMq9MT0-j1xXjNtMj5OIP7eJqwoSKp_xXUB67W9iY/s1600/mrs+chicken+shower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_NjYyR9bH6YLuZ8BP7Eoai-KwycKO98DFkVvDjS6BmOqK7DQJ5UYNTuZv6_YAAEAy9nLLw2lXFn9KRbD2G0oAZb1-CsVcoG8vtDPMq9MT0-j1xXjNtMj5OIP7eJqwoSKp_xXUB67W9iY/s1600/mrs+chicken+shower.jpg" height="289" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">After her bath, Mrs. Chicken got to spend the night <br />
in the shower stall because it was frigid outside.<br />
A bathed chicken can get chilled<br />
and sick in the cold.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<b></b><br />
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<b>- Have you used Praziquantel or Worm-Out Gel? What were the results?</b><br />
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<b>- Have you come across any other reputable information about a waiting period for eating eggs after using Praziquantel? (From a veterinarian, university, or other reputable source?) And, if possible, could you share the source?</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thank you!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Katie (& chicken flock)</span></b><br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... </span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://themindtohomestead.com/farm-blog-hop-natural-rooting-hormone/">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/animal-care/simple-saturday-blog-hop-april-19/">Simple Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/04/clever-chicks-blog-hop-83-with-grandpas.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/04/homestead-barn-hop-156.html">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-77.html">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/134th-wildcrafting-wednesday-last-chance-to-enter/">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-homeacre-hop-67.html">HomeAcre Hop</a></span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-8888302036789556712014-04-16T13:02:00.002-04:002014-04-23T07:51:10.641-04:00Flood Worries on the FarmLast August, we had a few days of on-and-off rain. We had lots of squishy ground around the farm, but nothing unusual for wet weather. We also have a brook that runs down Ragged Mountain, which separates the house, large barn, and chicken coop from the smaller sugar house/barn, pastures, garden, and forest. It was running fairly normally. In fact, I wasn't very concerned about flooding because the town had recently completed a large project in which sections of the brook were redesigned in efforts to reduce flooding on several properties and roads and address environmental concerns.<br />
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When I was a kid, I remember the brook drying up in the summer, except for a few small trapped pools of water where we would catch frogs. Now, thirty years later, it runs year-round with a good amount of water. In addition, a new stream has formed across the meadow which drains into the main brook, creating even more volume and causing concerns about part of the pastureland turning into a marsh. Somewhere up stream, the land must have changed to create this surge of constant water and new watercourse.<br />
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That fall day had started off with some rain but cleared by mid-morning. Farm Baby was taking a nap so I decided to bring out some food scraps to the chickens. I was shocked when I stepped outside the door. The brook had hopped it's bank and I could visibly see the edge of the water inching across the grass, towards the nearby chicken coop. The water was rushing so fast and violently that I was worried that, if it reached the coop, it could sweep it off it's fieldstone foundation and send my hens down the river. So, I had to evacuate the chicken coop. As I watched the water rise up through their enclosed run, I made trips back and forth with my hens in cat carriers, relocating them to a stall in the stable. <br />
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When all twenty chickens were safe, I grabbed my camera to take photos and a video. This first picture is at the height of the flash flood; the building is our sugar shack/small barn and the opening between the bushes in the center is the bridge, which is under water. The watermark on the barn was up to my knees and everything in the barn had floated to the left corner, including heavy tack boxes and rubber stall mats. The second photo shows how it normally looks (minus the logs and sand washed down) within minutes of the flash flood receding.<br />
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The chicken coop is a few feet from the play set, near the slide. The water level rose several feet above it's normal level; the second photo shows it's normal height in the brook.<br />
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This is the bridge over to the barn, with a tree and lots of branches lodged under it.<br />
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And here is the video. Look closely in front of the barn and you can see a big log floating down. Luckily, the horse was not in his stall and I didn't have to try to get him out, but everything in the barn was soaked and wedged against one corner.<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/zzRn1yhWf5Q?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe><br />
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Last night, we got a lot of rain and the water level started rising and rushing furiously. I kept checking on it and was nervous all night, but it never hopped the banks. Just to be safe, we moved the sheep over to the large barn, but poor Burt was scared and didn't want to cross the bridge with the water rushing so noisily underneath. Eventually, a bucket of sheep feed prompted him to race full-speed across the bridge.<br />
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My grandma, who lived here before us, was always concerned about floods. She lived through the 1938 Hurricane, of which she gave me photos of houses with exterior walls torn off, so they looked like eerie dollhouses. The 1955 Flood was even worse. (A photo Main Street in nearby Winsted is below.) In Riverton, the water in the Farmington River rose so fast and unexpectedly that people were trapped inside homes and businesses. I have a photo of the famous Hitchcock Chair Factory which, I heard, flooded within minutes and workers were trapped on the second floor. A rope was strung across the river to the Riverton Inn and workers actually inched across the rope, over the river, to safety. Our farm borders the Inn, but is on higher ground so was not flooded by the river itself, but suffered from the brook flooding and a massive rockslide/mudslide which filled the farm and road with a thick layer, several feet high in some areas, of rocks and mud. After the devastation, the village's roads and bridges were impassable (or altogether missing) and the National Guard brought in emergency supplies by helicopter, which were able to land in our meadow.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/04/home-and-garden-thursday-77.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/04/down-home-blog-hopnumber-84-early.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/04/the-homeacre-hop-66.html#comment-15863" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-41714/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/04/happy-easter-show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/04/home-sweet-home-166.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://themindtohomestead.com/farm-blog-hop-natural-rooting-hormone/">From the Farm Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/animal-care/simple-saturday-blog-hop-april-19/">Simple Saturdays</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/04/clever-chicks-blog-hop-83-with-grandpas.html">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> </span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;">and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/04/homestead-barn-hop-156.html">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-77.html">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-maple-hill-hop-27.html">Maple Hill Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/134th-wildcrafting-wednesday-last-chance-to-enter/">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a></span></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-78582818807076931292014-04-13T21:45:00.001-04:002014-04-19T09:29:57.682-04:00Sour Cream Coffee Cake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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We had a busy and productive start to our April Vacation and I felt like doing a little baking tonight, so I whipped up this super coffee cake after the kids went to bed. Our day started with Farm Girl going to Story Hour at the library and then the penny auction at her school, where I won a massage and spa basket!! She had a birthday party to attend and I went grocery shopping, then we all spent time outside moving the sheep over to our smaller barn with bigger pasture. I spread grass seed in the barnyard where they spent the winter, which is pretty muddy and squishy in the spring. We're trying rotational grazing with them, so we will move them through the different pastures as they eat down the grass. Then, after dinner, JP and I set up a larger, gated area in the cellar for the ducklings, as they have quickly outgrown their brooder.<br />
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I adapted this great recipe from my Farm Journal Homemade Bread book. I always thought coffee cakes were supposed to be difficult, but this one is really easy! It has a delicate cake topped with lots of cinnamon crumbs. <b>BETTER than any Entemann's!</b><br />
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Sour Cream Coffee Cake</span></b><br />
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<b>Ingredients for cake:</b><br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 tsp. baking powder<br />
1 tsp. baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp. salt<br />
1 cup sugar<br />
1/2 cup butter (or I substitute some Smart Balance for some of the butter)<br />
2 eggs<br />
1 tsp. vanilla<br />
1 tsp. lemon juice<br />
1 cup sour cream<br />
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<b>Directions for cake:</b><br />
1. In a large bowl with mixer at medium speed, mix together 1/2 cup butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs well. Beat in lemon juice and vanilla.<br />
2. Reduce mixer speed to low and mix in dry ingredients alternately with the sour cream.<br />
3. Spread batter evenly into greased 9" x 9" square pan or 10" tube pan.<br />
4. Loosely crumble topping over batter (recipe follows).<br />
5. Bake at 350 for 50-60 minutes, until a skewer comes out clean when inserted into center. Cool pan on a wire rack.<br />
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<b>Ingredients for crumb topping: </b><br />
2 cups flour<br />
1 cup packed brown sugar<br />
3 tsp. cinnamon<br />
1/2 cup butter (or Smart Balance)<br />
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<b>Directions for crumb topping:</b><br />
1. Using your hand, mix all ingredients until crumbs form and can be pressed into a ball.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/04/clever-chicks-blog-hop-82-featuring.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-161/" target="_blank">Melt in Your Mouth Monday</a> and <a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-98/" target="_blank">Sweet Sharing Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/04/homestead-barn-hop-155.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/04/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday_14.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/04/totally-talented-tuesdays-8.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-76.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/04/tuesday-talent-show-127/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2014/04/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist-54.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-april-15/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/04/wicked-awesome-wednesday-156.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/04/wednesday-whatsits-103/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/04/show-share-wednesday-77.html" target="_blank">Show & Share Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/04/home-and-garden-thursday-77.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/2014/04/easter-dinner-dishes-recipe-round-up.html#.U07xL_ldWN0" target="_blank">Recipe Round-Up</a> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/04/share-your-cup-thursday-98.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/04/down-home-blog-hopnumber-84-early.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/04/the-homeacre-hop-66.html#comment-15863" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/04/happy-easter-show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/04/home-sweet-home-166.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/04/easter-tablescape-and-simple-sweet.html" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/2014/04/foodie-friday-easter-round-up.html" target="_blank">Foodie Friday</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/show-friday-96-have-blessed-good-friday/" target="_blank">Show Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/04/frugal-friday_17.html" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://themindtohomestead.com/farm-blog-hop-natural-rooting-hormone/">From the Farm Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/animal-care/simple-saturday-blog-hop-april-19/">Simple Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://sewlicioushomedecor.com/show-licious-craft-recipe-party/">Sour Cream Coffee Cake</a> and <a href="http://too-much-time.com/2014/04/get-schooled-saturday-123.html">Get Schooled Saturday</a></span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-65329980838402735722014-04-09T07:41:00.000-04:002014-04-23T16:56:35.127-04:00The Truth About Easter Pets: What to Consider FirstWhen I was about 10 years old, my little sister and I were given baby rabbits as Easter gifts. I remember, very vividly, going into the barn of a lady who bred rabbits in order to choose our pets. I fell in love with a sandy-brown mixed breed rabbit and, lucky for me, she was for sale. My sister chose a sweet, black-and-white Dutch. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP8_YLVQ8djj8R8qgrhokhR6XJpoJ_YpruM8UUstYnSw7AkrQt2j20EjKQpdrJX0bHiPjguotecN82CiNfixTefYMg0rItXLmW4ycW3q4ESpYRtib_o62e1nKWM8bJyAbMMu3zxEhJ-I/s1600/duckling+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyP8_YLVQ8djj8R8qgrhokhR6XJpoJ_YpruM8UUstYnSw7AkrQt2j20EjKQpdrJX0bHiPjguotecN82CiNfixTefYMg0rItXLmW4ycW3q4ESpYRtib_o62e1nKWM8bJyAbMMu3zxEhJ-I/s1600/duckling+1.jpg" height="233" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our Pekin ducklings at three weeks old.</td></tr>
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Although the two female bunnies would be living together, we had three rabbit houses ready for them at home. In the summer, they had both an outdoor hutch for the daytime and good weather and a larger hutch in the garage for night. During the winter, they would stay indoors in our warm basement and had a large, safe, gated area to roam around in. Inside their "corral", they also had wooden boxes with hay to sleep in and a litter box (yes, they were litter box trained!). We brought Baby and Carrots (also affectionately known as Fat'n'Sassy) into the house often to play with them and give them exercise and attention. <br />
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They were friendly and lovable pets... but also lucky that they got a good home. We knew they would be with us permanently and would be part of the family. We knew they would require care, cleaning, attention, proper housing, and would incur expenses.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">However, the sad truth about Easter pets is that most are bought without taking into consideration the long-term commitments and plans. They wind up shifted from home to home, in a shelter, put to sleep, or abandoned. </span><br />
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I've had baby rabbits, chicks, and ducklings and, yes, they certainly are super-cute. There is a lot more to consider though when deciding to get an Easter pet. Here are some important questions to ask yourself first.<br />
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<strong>1. Do you want some cute, little, fuzzy creatures to give as Easter gifts, or do you want long-term pets?</strong> Baby animals grow quickly into adults. Will you love the adults as much as you enjoy the babies? Will your kids love the adult animals and spend time with them? Or will they lose interest? For example, will a five-year-old really want a full-grown rooster as a companion? Probably not. Don't assume that the local farm will take in your animal either. (When buying chicks, "straight run" means the chicks are a random mix of male and female. Roosters may or may not be OK around kids and more than one rooster can lead to fighting.)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvABSc7__f2oj6miFNbSlt7Hp1BlrjJKVBip-IJxV0cj8hNDgt0pmP7jAUuLpY_HznM-tDsMQH_TFG8twnGwFDpRHn2_cUVx6JZ_cq5UYTT_FNlTilICe1l3TgRq41yzjt3DizYbXdcQ/s1600/chicks+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNvABSc7__f2oj6miFNbSlt7Hp1BlrjJKVBip-IJxV0cj8hNDgt0pmP7jAUuLpY_HznM-tDsMQH_TFG8twnGwFDpRHn2_cUVx6JZ_cq5UYTT_FNlTilICe1l3TgRq41yzjt3DizYbXdcQ/s1600/chicks+6.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One of our baby chicks from a year ago. They are<br />
now full-grown ladies!</td></tr>
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<strong>2. Who will take care of the animals?</strong> Kids are notorious for promising to care for animals and then lose interest. I think the best approach is to make caring for the animals something that the whole family does together, since kids learn about responsibility through example and helping, not by being forced to do it. <br />
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<strong>3. Do you know how much work is involved in caring for this animal?</strong> Coops and hutches need to be cleaned regularly, plus there is the daily work of feeding and watering. Will you mind going out in the snow and rain day after day? Will shoveling out manure bother you?<br />
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<b>4. Is your property zoned for this animal?</b> Many towns do not allow chickens, ducks, or roosters, may have limits on the numbers, or have specifications for housing and containment (such as keeping coops a certain distance from neighbors or no free-ranging). I would recommend emailing your town hall or animal control officer first; then, keep the email as written proof if a problem should ever arise. Don't assume that they will let a broken rule get by, either, if you already have the animals. The town can and will force you to remove animals that are not allowed.<br />
You should also check with your landlord and get written permission if you rent your home. At the Humane Society, many of the pets we took in were from renters who either did not get permission from landlords and had to get rid of the animal, or who were moving to a new home that did not allow pets.<br />
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<b>5. Can you afford this animal? </b> Can you afford vet expenses if the pet should need vet care? When I worked at the Humane Society interviewing potential adopters, people often assumed "expenses" meant the cost of a bag of food. For rabbits and birds, include housing (a coop or hutch with plenty of space for full-grown animals), feed, bedding, hay, vitamins and supplements. <br />
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<b>6. Can you afford to bring the animal to the vet if they get injured or sick?</b> Baby, our Dutch rabbit, developed kidney stones later in life and needed surgery to survive. I also had to seek veterinary advice and fecal testing when my flock of chickens developed diarrhea. Problems do and will occur... make sure you can handle it before bringing the animal home.<br />
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<b>7. Are there rescue organizations or shelters where you can get a pet instead? </b> Most humane societies have rabbits for adoption and there are many rabbit rescue groups across the U.S. A bonus is that they have been checked by a vet. You can also see the personalities of adult animals better and can chose a pet that will fit your family.<br />
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<b>8. Do you have enough space and the proper housing for this animal?</b> Chickens need a minimum of 4 sq/ft per bird of coop space if they have an additional outdoor run. (If you only want two or three chickens, movable chicken tractors are a great option.) Ducks are larger and will need more space, plus room for a kiddie pool as they get older. Both types of birds will need secure, locked housing for night. In addition, my personal opinion is that birds should have an outdoor run that is fully enclosed from predators (including the top); dogs, raccoons, coyotes, and even hawks will kill chickens and ducks given the chance, as well as the danger of passing cars. <br />
Rabbits, also, need plenty of space to run and play in order to stay healthy and happy. An extra-extra-large dog crate is often OK as long as the rabbit gets out to play often. Litter box training is the best option since you can then keep bedding on the cage floor instead of a wire floor. Rabbits should also not be in an outdoor hutch that is exposed to the elements during very hot or cold weather. Also, it's great to let a rabbit out in the house to play (especially if litter box trained), but they need to be watched closely because they can be killed by chewing on electrical cords.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXfFGmqumkHowgPebc_6us3vMKcTxxbkGYrrgBbRbWUAqwqDJhB-UWQYYOuHfanxbiwDqcQ9Wpl3X9QmOlPmvDLFnmKKwVOOhk23qZU9YtS_vSb4RWvv_qr9IgyFGByt_x9cloE6ivAw/s1600/duckling+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXfFGmqumkHowgPebc_6us3vMKcTxxbkGYrrgBbRbWUAqwqDJhB-UWQYYOuHfanxbiwDqcQ9Wpl3X9QmOlPmvDLFnmKKwVOOhk23qZU9YtS_vSb4RWvv_qr9IgyFGByt_x9cloE6ivAw/s1600/duckling+2.jpg" height="301" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our new ducklings at three weeks old. We have <br />
four Pekins (yellow) and two Rouens.</td></tr>
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<b>9. Have you done your homework on the care and health of this type of animal before getting it?</b> Before getting new animals, I get a book on that type and read it cover-to-cover. I make sure I have the proper housing and food, know how to care for them, and that I'm familiar with health problems. Researching breeds is also important to know their personalities and size. (Leghorn chickens are unsuitable for kids since they can be flighty and nervous, while my Ameraucanas are pretty calm and easy to handle. The pros and cons of bird breeds can vary widely.) When we moved to our farm, we had never owned sheep, chickens, or ducks before. The books I found most helpful were <u>Storey's Guide to Raising Sheep</u>, <u>Storey's Guide to Raising Chickens</u>, <u>Keeping Chickens</u> by Ashley English, and the blogs <a href="http://www.fresh-eggs-daily.com/" target="_blank">Fresh Eggs Daily</a> (for both chicken and duck-keeping) and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/p/chicken-care-resourcesguide.html" target="_blank">Tilly's Nest</a> (chickens).<br />
Baby animals require specialized care. Learn the proper way to care for them and have everything set up before you bring them home.<br />
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<b>10. Do you have the time, space, and knowledge to care for baby animals in your home?</b> Chicks, ducklings, and baby rabbits need a lot of care, cleaning up after, and attention. When we got our Pekin and Rouen ducklings three weeks ago, I knew they would love to play in their water and make a big, wet mess in their brooder... and did they ever! I spend a half hour every evening and morning cleaning their wet brooder so they won't get chilled and sick. Be ready for constant cleaning and care when they are little.<br />
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<a href="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/ad9dc0c5-5f80-4ed7-a18c-c6e9fb42d156_zpsde41d9bb.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://i1287.photobucket.com/albums/a627/greenmary_smith/ad9dc0c5-5f80-4ed7-a18c-c6e9fb42d156_zpsde41d9bb.jpg" /></a><i><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></i><br />
<i><span style="font-size: large;">This was a featured post on Tuesdays With A Twist! Thanks Mary @ <a href="http://back2basichealth.blogspot.com/2014/04/tuesdays-with-twist-55.html">Back to the Basics</a>!</span></i><br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/wildcrafting-wednesday-give-away/" target="_blank">WildCrafting Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-april-8/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/04/wednesday-whatsits-102/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/04/down-home-blog-hopnumber-83-heirloom.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/04/home-and-garden-thursday-76.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://crystalandcomp.com/2014/04/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-142/" target="_blank">The Mommy Club</a> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/04/the-homeacre-hop-65.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://themindtohomestead.com/from-the-farm-blog-hop-garlic-tincture-diy/" target="_blank">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/04/spring-cottage-mantel-and-simple-sweet.html" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/04/home-sweet-home-165.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/recipes/simple-saturday-blog-hop-april-12/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.pistachioproject.com/2014/04/simply-natural-saturdays-41214.html" target="_blank">Simply Natural Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-87/?utm_source=Motivation+Monday&utm_campaign=fd2021a0aa-Motivation_4_13_144_13_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_0d5d0c271e-fd2021a0aa-99553473" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/04/clever-chicks-blog-hop-82-featuring.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/04/homestead-barn-hop-155.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-76.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/04/tuesday-talent-show-127/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">The Maple Hill Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2014/04/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist-54.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a></span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-45778038906235835892014-03-30T22:30:00.002-04:002014-04-02T06:49:00.077-04:00Thin Mints Knock-Offs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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My daughter is a Daisy Scout and we just got done selling Girl Scout cookies, which is the main fund-raiser for her troop. We really appreciate all the people who support Girl Scouts by buying cookies because it helps the girls with special projects, trips, and camp. However, there is a point (usually not too long after buying the cookies), when the last box is gone and we have to wait an entire year for the official cookies to come around again. So during the "non-cookie" season, I found this easy recipe to make homemade Thin Mints!<br />
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></b>
<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Thin
Mints Knock-Offs</span></b><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">8 oz. semi-sweet chocolate chips or semi-sweet baking squares</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 teaspoon peppermint extract</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">36 Ritz crackers</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Directions:</b></span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1. Melt chocolate over a double-boiler on the stove. (Or, melt it in the microwave, but be careful to stir every 20 seconds and do not over-cook!)</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2. Stir peppermint extract into the chocolate.</span></span><br />
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">3. Using two spoons, dip each cracker into the chocolate and coat each side. Scrape off extra chocolate. Allow to cool and harden on a sheet of wax paper or parchment paper.</span></span><br />
<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">* Optional: Top with sprinkles or crushed candy canes.</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"><i>Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-159/" target="_blank">Melt In Your Mouth Monday</a> and <a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-97/" target="_blank">Sweet Sharing Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/03/31/made-by-you-monday-197/" target="_blank">Made By You Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/03/tweak-it-tuesday-84.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/03/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no206.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/03/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday-anything_31.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/03/totally-talented-tuesdays-6.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-74.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-4114.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/03/tuesday-talent-show-125/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2014/04/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist-52.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-134/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-april-1/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/6013/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-21/" target="_blank">Get Inspired!</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/04/its-time-for-wicked-awesome-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/04/wednesday-whatsits-101/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whitsits</a></i></span>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-85597358459126183792014-03-30T09:57:00.001-04:002014-04-14T11:09:09.147-04:00Baking Soda: 25 Household Uses<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Baking soda is a great non-toxic cleaner, mild abrasive, and odor-remover. It's cheap and doesn't contain harmful odors or ingredients. My favorite uses are to scrub out my stainless-steel kitchen sink and to remove baked-on food from pots and pans. Here are some other tips for using baking soda around the house...<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Cleaning</span></b><br />
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1. To remove baked-on or burned food from pots and pans, sprinkle a few tablespoons in the bottom, add some hot water, and let it sit for 30 minutes or more. For really tough jobs, simmer the water and baking soda on the stove for a few minutes and then let it sit overnight.<br />
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2. Sprinkle baking soda into your stainless-steel sink, add a little dish-washing soap, and scrub. The baking soda is a mild abrasive and will make the sink shine! Some baking soda on a sponge can also be used to clean and shine stainless-steel fixtures.<br />
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3. Scrub out toilets, bathtubs, and porcelain sinks with a homemade baking soda scrub to remove stains and odors. Mix 1/4 cup baking soda, 1 tablespoon liquid dish-washing detergent, and a little vinegar to make a paste.<br />
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4. Clean baby toys by mixing a few tablespoons of baking soda into a bucket of warm water. Soak or scrub toys and rinse. I like that this solution doesn't use dangerous chemicals on toys that will be handled (and put in the mouth) by young kids.<br />
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5. To remove crayons marks from walls and floors, make a baking soda and water paste and gently scrub marks off.<br />
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6. To make an effective fruit and vegetable wash, sprinkle baking soda on wet produce, scrub, and rinse.<br />
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7. Clean and deodorize your dishwasher and coffee maker by running a cycle with baking soda. Scrub out your coffee pot with baking soda on a sponge to remove stains.<br />
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8. To clean silver, make a water-baking soda paste and rub on silver with a cloth. Rinse and dry well.<br />
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9. Unclog drains by pouring 1 cup baking soda over the drain followed by 1 cup hot vinegar. (Kids think this reaction is pretty fun, too!)<br />
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10. For fluffier omelets, mix baking soda in with the omelet mixture. Use 1/2 teaspoon baking soda for every 3 eggs.<br />
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11. To take the bitter taste out of home-made iced tea, mix in a pinch of baking soda with a pitcher of iced tea.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Safety</span></b><br />
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12. Keep an open box in a cabinet near the stove. In case of a stove-top fire, carefully throw handfuls of baking soda onto the fire to extinguish the flames. Baking soda can even be used on grease fires.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Deodorizing</span></b><br />
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13. Leave open boxes of baking soda in the refrigerator and freezer to absorb smells. These boxes can then be used for cleaning, but don't cook with them as they will have absorbed bad flavors.<br />
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14. Sprinkle onto carpets, let it sit for a few hours or overnight, and then vacuum. The baking soda will absorb odors from both the carpets and vacuum cleaner.<br />
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15. Sprinkle baking soda into cat litter boxes to absorb odors.<br />
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16. Add a cup of baking soda to the washing machine when you have smelly or stained clothes; it will help deodorize and remove dirt.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Health & Beauty</span></b><br />
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17. Make a gentle skin defoliant by mixing 3 parts baking soda to one part water. Rub on skin and rinse. This works great for sensitive skin!<br />
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18. To make a relaxing foot soak, mix a few tablespoons of baking soda in with with warm water in a basin. The baking soda will gently clean and deodorize feet. Add sprigs of fresh mint or a few drops of essential oils for your own little at-home spa!<br />
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19. Make an antacid for heartburn by mixing 1/2 teaspoon baking soda with 1/2 cup water and drink. (This was also recommended when I had a bloated sheep. However, I couldn't get the stubborn guy to swallow it! If you have sheep, TheraBloat works much better and should be kept on hand since bloat can turn deadly quickly. I bought a case from <a href="http://www.pbsanimalhealth.com/details/Therabloat-Drench-Concentrate/365-8620.html" target="_blank">PBS Animal Health</a>.)<br />
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20. To relieve pain and itching from bug bites, sunburn, poison ivy, and bee stings, apply a water-baking soda paste to the area.<br />
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21. Gargle with baking soda to freshen breath. You can also use it to brush pets' teeth.<br />
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22. Add baking soda to your shampoo to fight dandruff and itch. <br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EN-US; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-language: AR-SA; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-bidi; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;">Outdoors</span></b><br />
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23. Baking soda can be used to keep pool water clear. See the Arm & Hammer website for more information on using it in pools.<br />
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24. For burned build-up on grill grates, soak the grate in hot water with a few tablespoons of baking soda. Sprinkle baking soda on your grill scrubber and scrub the charred pieces off. Tough jobs may need to soak overnight. (Since my grill grate is larger than my sink, I have soaked mine in a kiddie-pool filled with a few inches of hot water and baking soda. It can then be scrubbed and hosed off outside.)<br />
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25. I haven't had the occasion to try this one, but I've heard that you can remove corrosion from a car battery's terminal with baking soda. There are excellent directions on how to do it <a href="http://www.wikihow.com/Clean-Corroded-Car-Battery-Terminals" target="_blank">here</a>.<br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Join the Link Party fun! This post was linked up to... <a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2014/03/silver-pennies-sundays-link-party-features.html" target="_blank">Silver Pennies Sunday</a> and<a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-80-featuring.html" target="_blank"> Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-85/" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-153.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></i></span><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://linda-coastalcharm.blogspot.com/2014/03/nifty-thrifty-tuesday-no206.html" target="_blank">Nifty Thrifty Tuesdays</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/03/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday-anything_31.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/03/totally-talented-tuesdays-6.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/04/the-backyard-farming-connection-74.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/04/one-project-at-a-time-4114.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/03/tuesday-talent-show-125/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2014/04/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist-52.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-april-1/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/131st-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">WildCrafting Wednesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/6013/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-21/" target="_blank">Get Inspired!</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/04/its-time-for-wicked-awesome-wednesday.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13; line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/04/wednesday-whatsits-101/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whitsits</a> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/04/the-homeacre-hop-64.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/04/home-and-garden-thursday-75.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/04/home-sweet-home-164.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/04/vintage-rabbit-images-for-gifts-and.html" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2014/04/thrifty-things-friday-154-finding.html" target="_blank">Thrifty Things Friday</a> and <a href="http://thehomesteadinghippy.com/training-goat-milked/" target="_blank">From the Farm Blog Hop</a></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-44746092666536657322014-03-23T18:14:00.003-04:002014-04-14T11:09:30.520-04:00Easy Kids' Chore Chart & System<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKgCL2dNLInJmH-uoywgZVvn6HUhYKEnZ6UW97dQvLxmIIjkg7RwVpUtGiRfjw0zdV4s-NC0eKbTSkFpl0DkD6W1TvlOjIwvgLFrlShMGrjWpHVP7fH7kgXbQ_RPSMZrqeZwol9Bk1GY/s1600/chore+chart1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAKgCL2dNLInJmH-uoywgZVvn6HUhYKEnZ6UW97dQvLxmIIjkg7RwVpUtGiRfjw0zdV4s-NC0eKbTSkFpl0DkD6W1TvlOjIwvgLFrlShMGrjWpHVP7fH7kgXbQ_RPSMZrqeZwol9Bk1GY/s1600/chore+chart1.jpg" height="584" width="640" /></a></div>
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My 5-year-old daughter has many wonderful qualities. She is caring, creative, enthusiastic, and loves to spend time with her little sister and pets. However, she is not a morning person. At least when she has to get up early for school. Most of the time, she's a good helper and does what I ask, despite her sleepiness. But then there are the mornings when she would rather lay on the couch and watch <i>Curious George</i>. It's sometimes a struggle to get her ready for school while also getting the toddler ready and myself ready for work... and out the door on time. I often feel overwhelmed and frazzled all before 8 am!</div>
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I decided that we needed a better system to keep things moving in the mornings and, at five years old, to have Farm Girl take responsibility for her morning jobs. I don't want to nag her to get ready and have everyone in a bad mood by the time we leave the house. Since she enjoys watching a kids' TV show on the iPad with breakfast, I thought that would be a good incentive for when she finishes her jobs. (Generally, we have a "no TV during dinner" policy, but I'm OK with it during breakfast when I'm trying to do a million things.)</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JzS2n3bkVXnwgVI6UMF93EiuvCkkF965_mOJu9taOxHYhiNR0m2zM0V9lfx_Oq-LdzmEf3h6MwNGfY2jHWjDFG5Zr19mBvKfpVxE7WDhRV5LjMaPz2q1-Qnwwr5jfm4Ji_D7Y1ojtxo/s1600/chore+chart2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2JzS2n3bkVXnwgVI6UMF93EiuvCkkF965_mOJu9taOxHYhiNR0m2zM0V9lfx_Oq-LdzmEf3h6MwNGfY2jHWjDFG5Zr19mBvKfpVxE7WDhRV5LjMaPz2q1-Qnwwr5jfm4Ji_D7Y1ojtxo/s1600/chore+chart2.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The job and reward labels are removable thanks to sticky-backed Velcro. </td></tr>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">Making the Chart:</span></b></div>
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Materials needed: </div>
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- paperboard, cardstock, or bristol board</div>
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- a few scrapbook papers or construction paper</div>
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- all-purpose glue</div>
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- print-out or hand-written labels of jobs and a reward (if your child is not reading these words yet, also put a picture with the word)</div>
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- Velcro with sticky backing (I had this left-over Velcro in my sewing box, but you could come up with other ways to stick the labels to the chart. Some other ideas are to have see-through pockets to slip the labels into, ribbon on the labels which can be hung on little hooks on the chart, tying the labels to the chart which then can be flipped back and forth, or magnets.)</div>
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- envelope for storing labels</div>
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To make the chart:</div>
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1. Cut the paperboard slightly smaller than the scrapbook paper (about 1" smaller on each side). Center and glue down the scrapbook paper onto the paperboard. Overlap the extra scrapbook paper around the edges of the paperboard and glue onto the back.</div>
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2. Cut out the labels. Layer with scrapbook paper shapes and then back with paperboard for strength. Let labels and chart dry under a few heavy books.</div>
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3. Cut a few small strips of Velcro (about 1"-2"), separate them, and stick all the rough "hook" sides to the chart where you want the labels to eventually go. Stick all the remaining Velcro pieces to the labels (they should all be the "fuzzy" side). </div>
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<b><span style="font-size: large;">The System: </span></b></div>
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<b>Every school morning, the chart will start off empty with all the jobs and reward (iPad) cards in an envelope.</b></div>
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<b>All 5 jobs must be completed before she can have the iPad with breakfast.</b></div>
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<b>As each job is completed, she can take that card out of the envelope and stick it on the chart. When all 5 job cards are on the chart, she can put the iPad card on and ask me for the iPad.</b></div>
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I think this system will work out well. It will help Farm Girl to take responsibility for getting certain jobs done in the morning without me constantly nagging her. She can complete jobs in the order she wants and the chart (hopefully) makes it fun and challenging. Plus, there will be the incentive of watching <i>Curious George</i> while she eats breakfast!</div>
<a href="http://www.grassfedmama.com/2014/04/11/from-the-farm-blog-hop-april-11th/" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;" target="_blank"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpOcTbJW2ex2EdKaPCoLrMNTtWPllqacEHhHmX3z2uwOo5EMvTPHeyJ7-JpMB8fIwDYQB6CQnBBK7ayF8X1adT2ZVgbqdLD2dgZTqCraV9I6oJU4xdOtx1J0seR5xH3b-MNLDsaTxL-XQ/s1600/ftffavorite.jpg" /></a><br />
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<span style="color: purple;">This was a featured post on From the Farm Blog Hop! Thank you to <a href="http://www.grassfedmama.com/2014/04/11/from-the-farm-blog-hop-april-11th/" target="_blank">Grassfed Mama</a> for choosing this as a favorite!</span><br />
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... </i></span><i style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-79-with-two.html#" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-84/" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://homemadeforelle.com/natural-living-monday-324/" target="_blank">Natural Living Monday</a> and <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/03/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-152/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.scratchmommy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays-linky-partyblog-hop-week-73/" target="_blank">Mostly Homemade Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-68.html#more-2691" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/03/make-it-pretty-monday-week-94.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/03/totally-talented-tuesdays-5.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/03/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday_24.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/03/the-backyard-farming-connection-73.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/03/tuesday-talent-show-124/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-32514.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-133/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-march-25/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/03/wicked-awesome-wednesday-153.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/03/wednesday-whatsits-100/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/03/230th-penny-pinching-party.html" target="_blank">Penny Pinching Party</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/down-home-blog-hopnumber-81-upcycled.html#more" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/03/show-share-wednesday-74.html" target="_blank">Show & Share Wednesday</a> and<a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/03/share-your-cup-thursday-96.html" target="_blank"> Share Your Cup Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-74.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-homeacre-hop-63.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/03/26/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-132/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/03/the-inspiration-gallery_27.html" target="_blank">The Inspiration Gallery</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/03/safari-crown-and-simple-sweet-fridays.html" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/03/fabulously-creative-friday-linky-party-5.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday</a> and <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2014/03/thrifty-things-friday-153.html" target="_blank">Thrifty Things Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded</a> and <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2014/03/from-farm-blog-hop-march-28.html" target="_blank">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-bedroom-chair-show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_27.html" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a> and <a href="http://becomingmartha.com/creative-connection-0327/" target="_blank">Creative Connection</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/show-friday-94/" target="_blank">Show-Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/03/home-sweet-home-163.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/family-life/simple-saturdays-blog-hop-march-29/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a> and <a href="http://www.pistachioproject.com/2014/03/simply-natural-saturdays-32914.html" target="_blank">Simply Natural Saturdays</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-31569917491362385532014-03-20T21:19:00.001-04:002014-03-27T06:38:45.869-04:00Herb & Buttermilk Dressing<div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DH98qdUVhg/UyuOusXGDfI/AAAAAAAABb8/9kEaa0QRIAc/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-5DH98qdUVhg/UyuOusXGDfI/AAAAAAAABb8/9kEaa0QRIAc/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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There was a time when I thought salad dressing had to come in a bottle from the grocery store. And was really expensive and had a long list of ingredients that I couldn't pronounce. Eventually the cheap-skate in me surfaced and I started looking up and trying homemade dressing recipes. I was really surprised at how easy they are to make for a fraction of the cost of store-bought. They taste much better and have fresh, real ingredients instead of chemicals.</div>
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We love this fresh-tasting Herb & Buttermilk dressing, which has definite Ranch flavor. </div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Herb & Buttermilk Dressing</span></b></div>
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1 cup buttermilk*</div>
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3 tblsp sour cream</div>
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2 tblsp mayonnaise</div>
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1 tblsp dried herbs or 2 tblsp fresh herbs (such as tarragon, parsley, dill, chives or a combination)</div>
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1/2 tsp garlic powder or 1 tsp minced garlic</div>
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1/2 tsp dry mustard</div>
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season to taste with salt and black pepper</div>
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Whisk ingredients together in a medium bowl. Transfer leftovers to a sealed container and store in the refrigerator for up to a week.</div>
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* To make a buttermilk substitute: Mix 1 cup milk with 1 tblsp lemon juice or white vinegar. Let sit at room temperature for at least 3 hours to thicken.</div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Join the Link Party fun! 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target="_blank">Natural Living Monday</a> and <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/03/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-152/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.scratchmommy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays-linky-partyblog-hop-week-73/" target="_blank">Mostly Homemade Monday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-68.html#more-2691" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/03/make-it-pretty-monday-week-94.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/03/very-first-blooms.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/03/totally-talented-tuesdays-5.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/03/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday_24.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/03/the-backyard-farming-connection-73.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/03/tuesday-talent-show-124/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/tuesday-garden-party-03-25-14/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-32514.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-133/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-march-25/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/03/wicked-awesome-wednesday-153.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/03/wednesday-whatsits-100/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/03/230th-penny-pinching-party.html" target="_blank">Penny Pinching Party</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/130th-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">WildCrafting Wednesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/down-home-blog-hopnumber-81-upcycled.html#more" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/03/show-share-wednesday-74.html" target="_blank">Show & Share Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/?utm_source=Fabulously+Frugal+Thursday&utm_campaign=5e542730cb-Frugal_3_26_143_26_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fb882dab61-5e542730cb-102159441" target="_blank">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and<a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/03/share-your-cup-thursday-96.html" target="_blank"> Share Your Cup Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-74.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-homeacre-hop-63.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/03/26/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-132/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-32714/#more-4546" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-24207980980628710082014-03-18T18:13:00.002-04:002014-04-14T11:09:52.378-04:00Newspapers: Garden Tips A to Z<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHUCv7_0vBTF-q90X8pEWXFNWuoROKNild3fh_NdQR25PYXo2APzvu2JoUIN1BPisoilAzWZRhh12a1CK5FNo5uASpUvNwv28PGyjuZ-kU39rdv_Y0jUVD2ah7C6JfjQvo_H83ZRYA7c/s1600/william-morris-letter-n.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPHUCv7_0vBTF-q90X8pEWXFNWuoROKNild3fh_NdQR25PYXo2APzvu2JoUIN1BPisoilAzWZRhh12a1CK5FNo5uASpUvNwv28PGyjuZ-kU39rdv_Y0jUVD2ah7C6JfjQvo_H83ZRYA7c/s1600/william-morris-letter-n.png" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Do you have any other tips for growing or using corn? Share your tips in a comment!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: Papyrus; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%;">Newspapers</span></b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 48pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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I <i>love</i> newspapers. However, I hate to admit that I don't read too much in them, purely out of lack of time. (I have to apologize to my sister here who was a former newspaper journalist!) I save my coupon inserts, so stay tuned for a post on my quick and easy coupon method. And I have a neat pile of papers just waiting for their many uses in the garden and around the farm!</div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Garden Mulch</span></b><br />
This is my secret weapon in the garden! My mom used sheets of newspaper as mulch in her garden since I was a kid. It suppresses weeds and retains moisture in the soil. Plus, it's biodegradable so it can be easily tilled into the dirt the next spring and becomes rich compost.<br />
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<b>To apply a newspaper mulch:</b> After planting, spread a layer of newspaper 2-3 sheets thick over the dirt. Only use non-glossy newspaper and make sure to overlap the edges to prevent weeds from growing between sheets. Cover with grass clippings or straw to prevent paper from blowing away. This works great in both paths and between plants. I have used this in my vegetable garden, around trees, in flower beds, and garden paths. I think it looks really nice and solves my weed problems.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbwQNpoUcCNARF83kk8FcTvnxZ739AqG2eAI7OC4jNYAvwfybR40uObYrSEBoAauaT7iD7YYJW3XULcSG9xGE7DD6iWFaBqCzEPYaVN0qhIUBHhlhgUL2sxsF3D4CXgoHCxStcznHcoE/s1600/sterilize+soil3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsbwQNpoUcCNARF83kk8FcTvnxZ739AqG2eAI7OC4jNYAvwfybR40uObYrSEBoAauaT7iD7YYJW3XULcSG9xGE7DD6iWFaBqCzEPYaVN0qhIUBHhlhgUL2sxsF3D4CXgoHCxStcznHcoE/s1600/sterilize+soil3.jpg" height="320" width="277" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year's seedling pots made with a Pot-Maker.</td></tr>
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<b>To smother weeds with newspaper: </b> Weeds sometimes pop up before I even get a chance to mulch, but you can smother most weeds with paper instead of pulling them. I have also used this method on areas of grass that I wanted to turn into a garden. If possible without damaging your lawnmower or weed-whacker, trim the weeds or grass short and lay down paper and then grass clippings. If you can't trim first, just lay 5-6 sheets of paper on top, while pushing the weeds flat, and immediately top with grass clippings to hold the paper down. (The key is to weigh the paper down as much as possible. Freshly-cut grass clippings work best for this since they are heavier with moisture. I have even used a few rocks here and there on top of the paper to hold down particularly fierce weeds. You can also dunk the paper in a bucket of water right before laying it down.) The weeds will weaken within a few days and the mulch will lay flat on the ground. <br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 30.66px;"> </span>Make Your Own Seed-Starting Pots</span></b><br />
My husband bought me the Pot-Maker a few years ago for making my own seed pots and they work great. I have some tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers growing in them right now. It's inexpensive, easy, and the pots will decompose in the soil when planted (plus no root disturbance during planting). For a tutorial and my own helpful tricks, visit my post on <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/02/newspaper-seedling-pots.html" target="_blank">Making Newspaper Seedling Pots</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 30.66px;"> </span>Ripen Green Tomatoes</span></b><br />
I'm always stuck with lots of green tomatoes when the frost hits in the fall and kills the plants. You can use this ripening method for any green tomatoes that are starting to turn pink. The ones that are <i>really green</i> will have to become Fried Green Tomatoes instead!<br />
Pick tomatoes and wrap each one in a sheet of newspaper. Store them in a warm spot in a deep tray or box (like on top of the refrigerator). They will ripen slowly, which is nice so you can have fresh tomatoes into the fall months.. Check often to catch them from over-ripening.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Store tubers in newspaper.</span></b><br />
I have a collection of beautiful canna that must be dug up and stored in the cellar during the winter. After the first frost kills the foliage, I dig up the tuberous roots, brush off the dirt, cut off the stalk, and lay them in a single layer in a newspaper-lined box. Most tender tubers can be stored the same way.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Prevent rust on garden tools. </b></span><br />
At the end of the gardening season, wash, oil, and wrap tools in newspaper to prevent rust.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 30.66px;"> </span>Compost</span></b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8IdvpdbwfAYyc-7OYsAehvo0hQD82c756t8aMEJcgaqmVjjYbmU1_N3vO9AOitQ-YtL6jBYz7yYr8ixSwodAGyw26cd40SH2yi5MOu1wHtUlJ5qaPuajbxvi72C9esqGClEFnJHde-I/s1600/seed+card+13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj8IdvpdbwfAYyc-7OYsAehvo0hQD82c756t8aMEJcgaqmVjjYbmU1_N3vO9AOitQ-YtL6jBYz7yYr8ixSwodAGyw26cd40SH2yi5MOu1wHtUlJ5qaPuajbxvi72C9esqGClEFnJHde-I/s1600/seed+card+13.jpg" height="196" width="200" /></a>Small amounts of newspaper can be added to the compost pile at a time. Tear it into a few strips, pull some of the pages apart, and add it as layer to the pile. Avoid adding glossy paper, though.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 30.66px;"> </span>Make Seed Cards</b></span><br />
We made "seed cards" this Valentine's Day, but seed cards could be made for many occasions. We made hand-made paper from old newspaper and copy paper and embedded seeds. We included directions for the recipients to plant the cards and watch their plants grow this summer. You can see my directions and post <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/02/seed-valentines-day-cards-to-plant.html" target="_blank">here for Making Seed Cards</a>.<br />
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 27px; font-weight: bold; line-height: 30.66px;">d</span><span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="background-color: white; color: #1a2a1a; font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 30.66px;"> </span>In The Chicken Coop</b></span><br />
One of my most disliked jobs in the chicken coop is cleaning the droppings board below the roost. Chickens sleep on the roost and do a lot of pooping as they sleep, hence the need for a droppings board to catch it all. It can get pretty caked on and hard to scrape. After I scrape and haul out the poop, I line the board with several layers of newspaper. It makes it easier to scrape and the used paper can go into the compost pile with the manure.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocnZ-h-Xb1HgQby7GvlA_etKFk4Da1pPhoBrADmmtqYbsXO7ZXBvf4m3JTSNOs7cbZqpjQAeFNnOLihkikFcfrKWJ0HQDMnWVxd6RVDckmzaD4dWDRGWYQK0NRnwD9jIGgc90vfZunRw/s1600/chickens+2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiocnZ-h-Xb1HgQby7GvlA_etKFk4Da1pPhoBrADmmtqYbsXO7ZXBvf4m3JTSNOs7cbZqpjQAeFNnOLihkikFcfrKWJ0HQDMnWVxd6RVDckmzaD4dWDRGWYQK0NRnwD9jIGgc90vfZunRw/s1600/chickens+2013.jpg" height="323" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My hens and rooster in their outdoor pen.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 33.733333587646484px;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; line-height: 33.733333587646484px;"><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/130th-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">This post was featured on WildCrafting </a></span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif";"><span style="color: #38761d;"><a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/130th-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">Wednesday and </a></span></span></b></span></b></span></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #274e13;"><i>Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-march-18/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cottage Style Party</a> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-132/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a></i></span><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/129th-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/5896/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-19/" target="_blank">Get Inspired: Easy Recipes, Crafts, & Projects</a> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/03/wednesday-whatsits-99/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/03/229th-penny-pinching-party.html" target="_blank">Penny-Pinching Party</a> and <a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/03/before-and-after-wednesday-week-10.html" target="_blank">Before & After Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/down-home-blog-hopnumber-80-how-to.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-73.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/?utm_source=Fabulously+Frugal+Thursday&utm_campaign=8140229d0a-Frugal_3_19_143_19_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fb882dab61-8140229d0a-102159441" target="_blank">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-homeacre-hop-62-and-giveaway.html#more" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/green-thumb-thursday-32014/#more-4369" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/03/19/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-131/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/03/welcome-fridays-unfolded-102.html" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/" target="_blank">Be Inspired!</a> and </span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-bedroom-show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://becomingmartha.com/creative-connection-0320/" target="_blank">The Creative Connection</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a 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href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-79-with-two.html#" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-84/" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://homemadeforelle.com/natural-living-monday-324/" target="_blank">Natural Living Monday</a> and <a href="http://newlifeonahomestead.com/2014/03/mondays-homestead-barn-hop-152/" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.scratchmommy.com/mostly-homemade-mondays-linky-partyblog-hop-week-73/" target="_blank">Mostly Homemade Monday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-68.html#more-2691" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/03/make-it-pretty-monday-week-94.html" target="_blank">Make It Pretty Monday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/03/very-first-blooms.html?utm_source=bp_recent&utm-medium=gadget&utm_campaign=bp_recent" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.mandysrecipeboxblog.com/2014/03/totally-talented-tuesdays-5.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesdays</a> and <a href="http://www.kathewithane.com/2014/03/youre-gonna-love-it-tuesday_24.html" target="_blank">You're Gonna Love It Tuesday</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/03/the-backyard-farming-connection-73.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/03/tuesday-talent-show-124/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/maple-hill-hop-23.html" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/tuesday-garden-party-03-25-14/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-32514.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-68959609131854941852014-03-14T13:07:00.001-04:002014-03-21T07:04:36.149-04:00Easy-Sew Hamper Liner<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HRIuQP1hxU/UyMlCxUcm6I/AAAAAAAABa8/Doc8Zj57L0Q/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4HRIuQP1hxU/UyMlCxUcm6I/AAAAAAAABa8/Doc8Zj57L0Q/s1600/image.jpg" height="640" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've had this wicker laundry hamper for about a decade. The top edge was starting to show wear-and-tear and the lid had unraveled a bit. The lid has been retired to the brush pile and has now become a nice little house for a chipmunk or salamander, but I decided to give the rest of the hamper a new life by sewing a liner. The new liner covers up the top edge, so it's not scratching me every time I reach in!<br />
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This is really easy to sew and took me just about an hour, start to finish. And since I used leftover fabric, it was FREE! A quick and pretty project to get done while my Little One was napping this morning.<br />
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<b>Materials Needed:</b><br />
- wicker laundry hamper or basket (the uglier the better, so you can boast to anyone who will listen of your super thrifty furniture transformation!)<br />
- enough fabric to create a liner that will over the bottom and up over the top a few inches (I chose a heavy-weight beige twill that I got on clearance); should be machine washable<br />
- fabric to make a decorative panel around the outside; should be machine washable<br />
- thread<br />
- straight pins<br />
- pinking shears or scissors<br />
- tape measure<br />
- iron<br />
- sewing machine (or sew by hand)<br />
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Before I started, I washed and dried my fabric to reduce shrinking later on. I also gave my wicker hamper a quick rinse in the shower to remove dust.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbmp4tNAq6c/UyMg6lr3CtI/AAAAAAAABZM/DTwwncrZ83E/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Rbmp4tNAq6c/UyMg6lr3CtI/AAAAAAAABZM/DTwwncrZ83E/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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Steps:<br />
1. Wrap the liner fabric around the outside of the hamper. Pull it down over the bottom just enough so that it will cover by meeting in the center. Pin the fabric along the side so it fits snugly over the hamper sides.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmNUOTJFh2A/UyMg57I8rWI/AAAAAAAABZQ/q1cI8uVbRP0/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-gmNUOTJFh2A/UyMg57I8rWI/AAAAAAAABZQ/q1cI8uVbRP0/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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2. On the bottom, pull the fabric together so it meets in one long seam. Pin it as closely to the hamper as possible.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyKdwB90MuQ/UyMg7ucCyfI/AAAAAAAABZY/ypubKQiWkZk/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wyKdwB90MuQ/UyMg7ucCyfI/AAAAAAAABZY/ypubKQiWkZk/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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3. Trim off extra fabric from the bottom, leaving a 1" seam allowance. The edge should be straight and even. Also, trim off extra from the side, leaving a 1" seam allowance.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXrxmQBJJA/UyMg9wBMV_I/AAAAAAAABZ0/bE4ZoDOLB4Q/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fDXrxmQBJJA/UyMg9wBMV_I/AAAAAAAABZ0/bE4ZoDOLB4Q/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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4. Cut a straight line around the top edge of the fabric, just under the top of the hamper.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qdXGDY1ia4/UyMg9poYmzI/AAAAAAAABZs/cmDJVqFInzQ/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_qdXGDY1ia4/UyMg9poYmzI/AAAAAAAABZs/cmDJVqFInzQ/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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5. Measure the circumference of the hamper near the top. Cut a panel from the decorative fabric that is 2" wider than the circumference and 6" high. (You can change the height of the decorative panel; I liked how 6" looked on my hamper and it held the liner in place well.)</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BwUtSn7f4A/UyMg-myjsCI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ffNmInmp08c/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--BwUtSn7f4A/UyMg-myjsCI/AAAAAAAABZ4/ffNmInmp08c/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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6. Slip the fabric off the hamper without removing any pins. Place the decorative panel <u>inside</u> the liner with the <u>right side facing the liner</u>. Line it up with the top edge of the liner, align the seam, and pin in place.</div>
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CK_iAY-fSPY/UyMg_vb-3fI/AAAAAAAABaA/_lPPsfxEo7U/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CK_iAY-fSPY/UyMg_vb-3fI/AAAAAAAABaA/_lPPsfxEo7U/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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7. Stitch down the side, starting at the top of the decorative panel and going all the way down to the bottom, leaving a 1" seam allowance. </div>
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8. Along the top edge of the decorative panel, fold 1/2" over and iron. Fold it over another 1/2" and iron. Stitch across the top to hold down the fold. I also added a zig-zag stitch overlapping the fold.</div>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGNE_Eusb_8/UyMhAt5NwrI/AAAAAAAABaI/3bbqHKtsi_Q/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-pGNE_Eusb_8/UyMhAt5NwrI/AAAAAAAABaI/3bbqHKtsi_Q/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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9. Finishing the bottom: If needed, re-pin and trim the bottom so it lays flat and is even. (The bottom of mine had a curve to it.) Stitch across the bottom, leaving a 1" seam allowance.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1d2N1smVks/UyMhBKywUZI/AAAAAAAABaQ/lFEnYxlfzXA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Y1d2N1smVks/UyMhBKywUZI/AAAAAAAABaQ/lFEnYxlfzXA/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
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10. Fit liner into the hamper. Pull the top over the sides of the hamper until the inside fits correctly.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... </span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/03/my-bedroom-show-and-tell-friday.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a> and </i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://thededicatedhouse.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Anything Blue Friday</a> and <a href="http://what-about.co/#" target="_blank">Show-Off Friday</a> and <a href="http://tatertotsandjello.com/2014/03/link-party-palooza-25-target-gift-card-giveaway-2.html#more-60443" target="_blank">Link Party Palooza</a> and <a href="http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Flaunt It Friday</a> and<a href="http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-149.html" target="_blank"> Farm Girl Friday</a> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/diy/simple-saturday-blog-hop-march-15-2014/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a> and<a href="http://becomingmartha.com/creative-connection-03-14/" target="_blank"> Creative Connection</a> and <a href="http://too-much-time.com/2014/03/get-schooled-saturday-118.html" target="_blank">Get Schooled Saturday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.findingsilverpennies.com/2014/03/silver-pennies-sundays-link-party-features-59.html" target="_blank">Silver Pennies Sundays</a> and <a href="http://thetablescaper.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Seasonal Sundays</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-78-featuring.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/16/sunday-best-link-party-5.html" target="_blank">Sunday Best Linky Party</a> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a> and <a href="http://byyourhands.blogspot.com/2014/03/blog-party-sunday-show-off-your_16.html" target="_blank">By Your Hands</a> and <a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-96/" target="_blank">Sweet Sharing Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.bystephanielynn.com/2014/03/the-sunday-showcase-party-238.html" target="_blank">Sunday Showcase</a> and <a href="http://www.ablossominglife.com/2014/03/frugal-crafty-home-blog-hop-67.html#more-2621" target="_blank">Frugal Crafty Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-151.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/03/17/made-by-you-monday-195/" target="_blank">Made By You Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/03/tweak-it-tuesday-82.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.astrollthrulife.net/" target="_blank">Inspire Me Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/03/scoop-110.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.kammyskorner.com/" target="_blank">Trash 2 Treasure Tuesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-march-18/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a></span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://lavendergardencottage.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Cottage Style Party</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-132/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/5896/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-19/" target="_blank">Get Inspired: Easy Recipes, Crafts, & Projects</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://ivyandelephants.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">What's It Wednesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.whitelightsonwednesday.com/2014/03/wednesday-whatsits-99/" target="_blank">Wednesday Whatsits</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/2014/03/229th-penny-pinching-party.html" target="_blank">Penny-Pinching Party</a> and <a href="http://www.thededicatedhouse.com/2014/03/before-and-after-wednesday-week-10.html" target="_blank">Before & After Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/down-home-blog-hopnumber-80-how-to.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.frommyfrontporchtoyours.com/" target="_blank">Treasure Hunt Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-73.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/?utm_source=Fabulously+Frugal+Thursday&utm_campaign=8140229d0a-Frugal_3_19_143_19_2014&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_fb882dab61-8140229d0a-102159441" target="_blank">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-homeacre-hop-62-and-giveaway.html#more" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/03/19/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-131/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/03/welcome-fridays-unfolded-102.html" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/" target="_blank">Be Inspired!</a></span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://becomingmartha.com/creative-connection-0320/" target="_blank">The Creative Connection</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_20.html" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-55572721505460206692014-03-12T18:11:00.000-04:002014-03-26T06:13:46.629-04:00Protecting Your Homestead Before a Death<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Not an easy topic, I know.</div>
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Unfortunately, I know because I've been through it. I know what we did right and I know what we did wrong when it came to inheriting our homestead from my Dad. And it's so much more than simply visiting a lawyer to write up a will (although, of course, that's an important part). There's a lot that we never thought of getting straight beforehand that came back to haunt us with time, money, and heartache during a period that was hard enough already.</div>
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Our family farm has been in the family for 234 years. The farmhouse was built in 1780 right after our ancestor returned from fighting as a Minute Man in the Revolutionary War. It was important that the old homestead continued to stay in the family. When my grandparents lived here, it went through stages of being a dairy farm, tobacco farm, and bakery, always with a large garden and various farm animals. My Dad continued with a maple syrup business, horses, chickens, and cattle. In his late 50's, he developed cancer and was gone by the age of 62. He had a recent will drawn up, made me executrix, and gave me health care power of attorney. We had discussed his wishes. He even left me with a heart-felt letter and a notebook full of important information regarding the property. With his health failing, we thought everything was in order. Here are the lessons we learned. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">e</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Go to an estate attorney and write up a will. </span></b> </div>
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Decide on who will inherit what and be specific. Never put off decisions on inheritance by saying "we'll figure it out when the time comes". A will can always be changed later on if your wishes change, but don't put the burden on family to make important decisions after a death. Discuss with your attorney the best way to pass a property onto someone else: either through gifting or inheritance. Inheritance and gifting taxes vary by state and even by the year, so there isn't one best answer to this.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">e</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Discuss the will with family and other inheritors so there won't be surprises or conflicts.</span></b> </div>
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The executor should have a photocopy of the will and other documents and know where the original is located (usually in a vault at an attorney's office).</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Consider a revocable trust. </span></b> </div>
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A revocable trust is used in conjunction with a will so that inheritance can be dispersed more quickly and easily by bypassing probate. It does not change anything in the will and can still be modified if your wishes change. An estate attorney can create a revocable trust. </div>
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My Dad never got around to doing the revocable trust. Going through probate wound up being extremely expensive, time-consuming, complicated, and it took 18 months to finally get the estate settled. The process made a difficult time so much harder on all of us.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Talk to an accountant who specializes in farms.</b></span> </div>
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Ask for references from other farmers. Not all accountants are knowledgeable about farms, farm businesses/taxes, and inheriting a farm. We were lucky to get connected with an accountant who gave us invaluable advice about forming a farm business, saving on taxes, and finding government farm and environmental grants. Plus, he gave us guidance on inheritance and taxes. Make an appointment to just sit down and discuss the direction of your farm, finances, how to save money on taxes, and how to prepare for future inheritances. And make your initial "planning" appointment before tax season so there is plenty of time to discuss and prepare.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Get organized and keep it in a safe.</span></b> </div>
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I naively assumed that having a copy of Dad's will was enough. No, it certainly was not. The days after his passing I had to start going through his desk and safes to find a variety of papers I needed for probate and to assume control of accounts. The disorganization and uncertainty was extremely stressful, to say the least, as well as time-consuming. I filled tote bags full of any papers I could find, brought them home, and spent hours upon hours sorting and organizing. There were bank accounts which had been closed, banks that had gone out of business, and stocks which had merged... all which I had to spend hours researching. It was like piecing together a jig-saw puzzle with tiny scraps of information here and there. </div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: 20pt;">e</span><b><span style="font-size: large;"> </span></b></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep these important papers together in a safe</span></b>. </div>
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Check that all statements have account numbers, addresses, phone numbers, and website log-in information so that the executor can easily access accounts. (For statements like credit card, bank, utility, etc., you don't need the most recent copy: the important thing is to be sure account information is current.)</div>
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- a bank statement from each account </div>
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- a statement for every credit card, utility, etc. </div>
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- stock certificates or statements </div>
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- statements from all retirement accounts including pensions, IRAs, 401k, 403b, social security, etc.</div>
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- life insurance policies</div>
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- copies of property deeds and land surveys</div>
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- copies of will, revocable trust, health care power of attorney, and other legal documents</div>
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- contact info for estate attorney (including attorney who has the original, signed will)</div>
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- titles to vehicles</div>
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- homeowner's insurance policy</div>
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- insurance documents for vehicles</div>
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- contact info for veterinarians; breed registration certificates and bill-of-sales for animals</div>
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- tax documents for last 2 years</div>
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- names and contact info for family members and friends</div>
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- social security number</div>
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- photos of valuable items for insurance purposes: farm equipment, tools, tractors, etc. (this is more in case of a loss, but important to keep in the safe)</div>
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In addition...</div>
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- the executor should have the key/combination to the safe and know where it is</div>
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- if accounts are online, print out statements to keep in the safe</div>
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- write as much important account information as possible on statements</div>
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- keep an updated "quick-reference sheet" with a list of all accounts, account numbers, and social security number</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e</span><span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></span><b><span style="font-size: large;">The executor should be familiar with the finances and accounts.</span> </b>I was really surprised that papers and accounts were not in better order. <b> </b>My Dad had a long career in the IRS/accounting and his finances had been well-organized during most of his lifetime. I think his ability to get financial information organized was limited as he became sicker. That leads to my next point: if a family member is ill and having trouble with finances, the executor should assist so they are familiar with everything.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Make sure all animals will have a good, permanent home.</b></span> As an animal-lover, there was no question that I would care for the animals. However, when I worked for the Humane Society, it broke my heart when I saw wonderful pets being brought into the shelter because the owner died. Talk about who can and will give animals permanent homes and make definite plans in writing. Consider leaving money to those people, in a will, for animal care. It's possible to also set up a type of "trust fund" for pets so there will be money for their care.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Consider long-term care insurance, if possible</span></b>. </div>
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Going into a nursing home can wipe out a lifetime of savings and possibly put the homestead in jeopardy.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Keep a notebook of important and helpful information about the property.</span></b> </div>
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My Dad had kept a small notebook and filled it with important information about the property and how things worked. It was full of things I would not have known, like how to turn on the gravity-fed well in case of a power outage, where to shut off power to the barn, and maps of the septic and wells. There was advice, like "be careful of fire in the barn because it will go up like a match", and "don't throw out old tractor parts because they're hard to find". It may sound silly, but right after his death these papers meant a lot to me; it felt like a little bit of reassurance that I could pull things together during a devastating time.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 30.66px;">e </span><b><span style="font-size: large;">Have copies of all relevant land records.</span></b></div>
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When the first town property tax bill came after my Dad's passing, I was surprised to find a tax bill for a small adjacent piece of land which I didn't know was owned by us. I was sure there was a mistake because I should have known about it. But there it was. I spent multiple days going through two centuries of land records, deeds, transfers, sales, and surveys in the town hall. I drew up my own maps of our property and surrounding properties in order to get a sense of how the properties were transferred over time. Now, it was much more confusing than it sounds. Before modern survey methods, parcels of land were written up as "bounded by a stone wall, hence over to that old red maple, up to the Miller's fence, 100 feet more or less to the large rock, and bounded by the property once owned by a said Mr. Smith". And then properties were split, merged, and changed dimensions. I had to hire a title search expert. Then, I had to hire a surveyor to survey the entire 80 acre farm. In the end, the adjacent property did not belong to us and it was a 50-year-old clerical error after a property sale.</div>
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Keep copies of all land records and know exactly what is included in the property, especially if the homestead has been in the family a long time. It took me many hours in town hall to locate the records I needed. One important piece had been misfiled decades ago and I never would have found it if I had not known it existed, somewhere.</div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Wingdings 2'; font-size: 20pt; line-height: 115%;">e </span><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Don't put it off.</b></span> Make appointments and get started now. Make the tough decisions, even if you may change them later on. Spend a day getting all of your papers in order and filed into a safe.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">This post linked up to... <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-72.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and </span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/fabulously-frugal-thursday-linky-party-58/" target="_blank">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/03/the-homeacre-hop-61.html" target="_blank">the HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://homesteadbloggersnetwork.com/green-thumb-thursday-49/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2014/03/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-112/" target="_blank">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.nancherrow.com/2014/03/fridays-unfolded-101.html" target="_blank">Fridays Unfolded</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/03/home-sweet-home-161.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a> and <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2014/03/thrifty-things-friday-151.html" target="_blank">Thrifty Things Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2014/03/from-farm-blog-party.html" target="_blank">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.shabbynest.blogspot.com/2014/03/frugal-friday_13.html" target="_blank">Frugal Friday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/improving-seed-germination.html" target="_blank">Little House Friday DIY</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and<a href="http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-149.html" target="_blank"> Farm Girl Friday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/diy/simple-saturday-blog-hop-march-15-2014/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-78-featuring.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-151.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/2014/03/tweak-it-tuesday-82.html" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a> and <a href="http://smartschoolhouse.com/link-party/whimsy-wednesday-march-18/2" target="_blank">Whimsy Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://mindbodyandsoleonline.com/herbal-information/129th-wildcrafting-wednesday/" target="_blank">Wildcrafting Wednesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/03/down-home-blog-hopnumber-80-how-to.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a></span></i><br />
<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-53094855550505230192014-03-09T21:54:00.001-04:002014-03-21T18:07:22.872-04:00Encouraging Kids to Help on the Farm<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hE9P2bTtQtWlQgeVs6JwK0rGm4OiAoGTFzErKAs7PaT1qu4L86k0I8zI0l2rBuRUkOwy8KEwiZS9_eVRgf6kOYRGwvQC4wwWWkwflZsEn5sfuxXqSrxu87I9M5GWOVBTwgmUN9oZ54c/s1600/sheep+book6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_hE9P2bTtQtWlQgeVs6JwK0rGm4OiAoGTFzErKAs7PaT1qu4L86k0I8zI0l2rBuRUkOwy8KEwiZS9_eVRgf6kOYRGwvQC4wwWWkwflZsEn5sfuxXqSrxu87I9M5GWOVBTwgmUN9oZ54c/s1600/sheep+book6.jpg" height="640" width="532" /></a></div>
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After having our second daughter, I wanted more than anything to have our kids grow up on the family farm. I wanted them to love being outdoors, be compassionate towards animals, and not afraid of hard work. I wanted them to be knowledgeable about nature and the environment, learn to be independent women, and appreciate the history of their ancestral home.</div>
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Farm Girl, now five years old, started helping out as soon as we moved to the farm. Going outside to take care of the animals is now something she looks forward to every day and takes responsibility for. She has overcome her apprehension of the chickens (I think it was the flapping wings that scared her one day) and makes sure her sheep have hay. She is starting to recognize that she has responsibilities and a part here. Although we are still learning as we go, here are some ways that we have been encouraging our kids to help and take responsibility around the farm.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfViu51BNdKvmeRTV9Ie1CJxPB3yBiXKEFsH5AGeVT_UkKsUBWsywFWyEQbplJvkn7gn5YhRs7IxE28rB_4OduO9A91effKBEyJtJRajtTJsNsg9_ZLPdViYYn_h4IpPm1hGI1B9S4Vaw/s1600/sheep+book1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfViu51BNdKvmeRTV9Ie1CJxPB3yBiXKEFsH5AGeVT_UkKsUBWsywFWyEQbplJvkn7gn5YhRs7IxE28rB_4OduO9A91effKBEyJtJRajtTJsNsg9_ZLPdViYYn_h4IpPm1hGI1B9S4Vaw/s1600/sheep+book1.jpg" height="640" width="536" /></a></div>
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<b>1. Encourage compassion.</b> We've stressed being gentle, kind, and respectful of animals since Farm Girl was little. Tail-pulling and hitting were absolutely not permitted. When we go to take care of the sheep, she is very in-tune with Burt and Ernie. She is extra gentle with Burt because he's more skittish. This week, Farm Girl even brought her radio into their stable because she thought they might like some music! I encourage her to empathize with them and think about how they are feeling. <b><i>Developing compassion is a trait that will help her not only on the farm, but to lead a full life as a member of this planet.</i></b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzchCoZdnoioz8bEBCpaYqJ6Zc1WelfGDB48hF87tv74nvJBs5-hSOI5G5WMnzOuXVKb4s5q-8EEPK_fvB5kkDxK9GFsKcQ-uWGe-FjLv6sS7Tbcr24JNRXpWF3veg8LxcvYNY4bmn3k/s1600/sheep+book2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilzchCoZdnoioz8bEBCpaYqJ6Zc1WelfGDB48hF87tv74nvJBs5-hSOI5G5WMnzOuXVKb4s5q-8EEPK_fvB5kkDxK9GFsKcQ-uWGe-FjLv6sS7Tbcr24JNRXpWF3veg8LxcvYNY4bmn3k/s1600/sheep+book2.jpg" height="640" width="539" /></a></div>
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<b>2. Make kids a part of daily chores</b>. In the evening, Farm Girl has been putting on her coat, boots, mittens, and hat and going out with Dad to put the animals in for the night. When I took over one night, I was amazed that she knew where to get the sheep's hay from, how much feed they get in the bucket, and to make sure their water was full. Her jobs also include gathering the eggs from the nesting boxes and reporting to me how many we got. She felt proud that she knew what to do and that she was helping the animals and the family.<br />
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<b>3. Let kids help with special projects and problem-solving.</b> There's much more that goes on around here than daily chores. Problems come up. Like when one of the hens became a bit scraped up by our overly-zealous rooster's romantic tendencies. Farm Girl helped me hold the hen while I applied the medication to her back and dressed her in a special "chicken saddle" to protect her skin. We have also encouraged Farm Girl to take on her own special projects. Last year, she was really interested in lemon cucumbers and thought they were really unique. We bought her a flat of seedlings and she nurtured them through the summer. It gave her independence and curiosity to be able to choose her own project and learning.</div>
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<b>4. Include kids in making decisions.</b> As I was browsing the seed catalogs this winter, it came time to choose our pumpkin varieties. Farm Girl and I looked at all the varieties, thought about their growing habits, and what we wanted to do with them. We decided on three varieties together. As spring rolls around, Farm Girl will help plant the seeds she chose. I know she will be excited to see "her" pumpkins grow!</div>
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<b>5. Teach them about the science behind farming and nature. </b> Farm Girl had watched me take out the compost and dump it into the compost bin day after day. She knew it was good for the garden and helped us to reduce our garbage. But why? And how? We talked about how compost worked... decomposition, nutrients, worms, etc. Then, one day, I found a shoe box on the kitchen counter filled with leaves, coffee grounds, and carrot peels. She explained to me that it was her compost! <b><i>Farming is so much more than learning and repeating certain skills; to be a great farmer is to understand and apply science.</i></b><br />
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As I was taking these photos of Farm Girl with the sheep, I got my partly-frozen foot stepped on by Ernie (who would have thought a sheep hoof would be so pointy??) and Farm Girl got a finger a little nibbled as she was feeding grain (also by Ernie). But farm girls have to be tough, so we dealt with it and continued on with our photos. Every day, she continues to prove to me that we belong on our farm.</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-76531326828172334752014-03-06T19:54:00.004-05:002014-03-28T07:08:56.778-04:00Spiced Carrot Bread<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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I was a strict vegetarian for over a decade until that one fateful day when my Mom was cooking burgers and they just smelled too good. Up until that point, I would pass up half the dishes at Thanksgiving and made my own beans-and-grains veggie burgers. Mom bought me a vegetarian cookbook, now dog-eared and worn around the edges, that I still use today. I adapted this wonderful spiced carrot bread recipe from that cookbook; it's great plain or (my favorite) with a bit of cream cheese.<br />
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<b>Ingredients</b><br />
1 1/2 cups flour<br />
1/2 tsp salt<br />
1 tsp baking soda<br />
1/4 tsp baking powder<br />
2 tsp cinnamon<br />
1/2 tsp allspice<br />
1/2 cup vegetable oil<br />
1/2 cup brown sugar<br />
1/2 cup sugar<br />
2 eggs<br />
1/4 cup orange juice<br />
2 cups shredded carrots (or finely chopped in a food processor)<br />
1/2 cup chopped walnuts (optional)<br />
Topping: 1 tblsp cinnamon-sugar mixture<br />
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Grease and flour a loaf pan.<br />
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Sift flour, salt, baking soda, baking powder, cinnamon, and allspice in a bowl. Set aside.<br />
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Beat oil and sugars in another bowl until well blended. Add eggs and orange juice and beat well. Stir in carrots, nuts, and flour mixture and mix well.<br />
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Pour batter into greased loaf pan. Sprinkle cinnamon-sugar mixture over top. Bake at 350 degrees for 65-70 minutes or until top is browned. Let cool 10 minutes and then turn out of pan.<br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-77909505844726765812014-03-04T06:08:00.000-05:002014-03-14T14:33:59.631-04:00Improving Seed Germination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
With spring right around the corner, the gardening "itch" is really starting to get to me. I want to be out there in the garden! We have a fairly large, fenced-in garden with enough room for a pumpkin patch, corn, and as many tomato plants as I want, among all the other favorites. Over the past few weeks, I have started some of my plants indoors under our cellar grow lights, watching intensely for those first little green sprouts poking through the dirt.</div>
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I've been interested in growing plants from seed for a long time. I've collected and saved seeds from many of my own plants and even belonged to a "seed swap" group so I could lay my hands on hard-to-find, native species. For other plants, like tomatoes and hybrids, I order seeds from a catalog. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXzFrNJYtRLP8Kku4yPdiej_eLp_hyphenhyphenA42kMMEgD_O0eT59AobfQJKpZdpoc7jO0Vqgwww8ROsqt1wnQzp94eSU8lzXC-hLMNlxn5xKx2FOPTuBWoI5LY_xEbHCSnJu90WPagpTJa35Cg/s1600/seeds.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRXzFrNJYtRLP8Kku4yPdiej_eLp_hyphenhyphenA42kMMEgD_O0eT59AobfQJKpZdpoc7jO0Vqgwww8ROsqt1wnQzp94eSU8lzXC-hLMNlxn5xKx2FOPTuBWoI5LY_xEbHCSnJu90WPagpTJa35Cg/s1600/seeds.jpg" height="265" width="320" /></a></div>
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Despite the effort put into starting seeds either indoors or sowing directly in the garden, problems can arise. Germination may be poor or seedlings can fail to grow. Here are some helpful tips that I've learned along the way for improving germination and helping seedlings to thrive.<br />
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<b>Start with good seeds.</b> You can save seeds from many garden vegetables and fruits. Beans, pumpkins, squash, and melons are all easy to collect from. Avoid saving seeds from any diseased plants. And don't bother with saving seeds from hybrids; the offspring will not be true to the parent plants. <br />
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<b>Storage</b>. I dry and store seeds in labelled plastic bags until spring. Include the variety and as much growing information as you can. I save the silica gel packets from clothing and the dessicant packets from medicine bottles to keep in with my seeds; they will help absorb any moisture. I then store my seed bags in a plastic bin with lid to keep out any wayward critters.<br />
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<b>Don't throw out last year's seeds.</b> The germination rate may be lower so plant a few more seeds in the <br />
same space to compensate, then thin as needed. You can also test older seeds through this old-fashioned method: pour seeds into a glass of water; the seeds that fall to the bottom are probably good and the ones that float should be tossed.<br />
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<b>Keep warm. </b>Many plants germinate quicker and grow faster and stronger at a warm temperature, usually between 65 and 75 degrees F. Catalogs sell special heat mats designed for starting seeds; they can be expensive but may be worth the investment over time. The top of a refrigerator is another warm spot good for seed flats.<br />
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<b>Lighting.</b> Seedlings like bright light, so choose to start them by south-facing windows for the most direct light. If using artificial lights, be sure they are labelled as "full spectrum" or "plant lights"; ordinary light bulbs don't offer the full spectrum that plants need. If using fluorescent bulbs, try to hang them close to the plants. We have a long bench in the cellar for our seed flats, with fluorescent lights hanging by rope pulleys. The lights are let all the way down to start, then we gradually pull them up as the plants grow so they are always a few inches above.<br />
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<b>Soil. </b> Use a good seed-starting soil mix or seed-starting pellets. Be sure that soil has been sterilized. Avoid fertilizers until plants have been set out in the garden; fertilizers can easily burn young roots or cause plants to become leggy.<br />
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<b>Harden-off plants before placing in the garden.</b> Bring them outside during the daytime for a few days before planting.<br />
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<b>Stratification</b>. Some seeds germinate better if stratified, including lupine, peony, phlox, day lily, bleeding heart, juniper, lavender, and peach pits. Stratification helps seeds complete their dormancy cycle and begin to grow. Soak seeds in water for 24 hours, mix them with damp peat and sand in a plastic bag, and keep in the refrigerator for one to three months. When you remove them from the cold, plant them as normal and they will come out of dormancy.<br />
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<b>Scarification. </b> Scarifying can help seeds with hard coatings to germinate better. Large seeds can be filed with a nail file in one spot until the coating is broken. Small seeds can be soaked in warm water for 24 hours and then immediately planted before drying. Seeds that benefit from scarification include nasturtium, morning glories, sweet peas, and peaches and other stone fruit.<br />
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvraObtFA8w/UvEiIfMMCCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Z2e3D8pLT80/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-VvraObtFA8w/UvEiIfMMCCI/AAAAAAAAAzA/Z2e3D8pLT80/s1600/image.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our garden in early March. Snow, go away!</td></tr>
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<b>Direct sow. </b> Some plants cannot tolerate being grown indoors and then moved to the garden, so direct sowing is best. For others, starting in pots indoors is perfectly fine (and is sometimes needed to get a head-start on the growing season, especially in colder climates). Do research on your plants' growing needs and your area's growing season to decide which planting method is best.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/03/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-70.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection Hop</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-maple-hill-hop-20.html" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.stonecottageadventures.com/2014/03/link-party-tuesdays-with-twist-48.html" target="_blank">Tuesdays with a Twist</a> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/5793/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-17/" target="_blank">Get Inspired</a></span></i><i style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/03/home-and-garden-thursday-71.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/fabulously-frugal-thursday-linky-party-57/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+alifeinbalance%2FhBtk+%28A+Life+in+Balance%29" target="_blank">Fabulously Frugal Thursday</a> and <a href="http://homesteadbloggersnetwork.com/green-thumb-thursday-48/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2014/03/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-111/" target="_blank">Frugal Ways, Sustainable Days</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and </span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> <a href="http://104homestead.weebly.com/1/post/2014/03/blog-hop-10-and-giveaway.html" target="_blank">104 Homestead Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-148.html" target="_blank">Farmgirl Friday</a></i><i><span style="color: #0000ee;"> and <a href="http://www.grassfedmama.com/2014/03/08/simple-saturday-blog-hop/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a></span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/03/clever-chicks-blog-hop-77-with.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-150.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-maple-hill-hop-21.html" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/03/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-71.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.abowlfulloflemons.net/2014/03/one-project-at-a-time-31114.html" target="_blank">One Project at a Time</a></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/tuesday-garden-party-03-11-14/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.sunnysimplelife.com/2014/03/from-farm-blog-party.html" target="_blank">From the Farm Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/03/improving-seed-germination.html" target="_blank">Little House Friday DIY</a></span></i><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-23507008301717701872014-03-02T11:47:00.000-05:002014-03-28T07:09:21.791-04:00Crock-Pot Baked Beans & Cornbread Supper<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnOjENr96Jg/UxNajj9NHrI/AAAAAAAABPE/VU0NgEf0jSw/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-gnOjENr96Jg/UxNajj9NHrI/AAAAAAAABPE/VU0NgEf0jSw/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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For an easy dinner, I often make this baked bean recipe with a side of corn bread. I can throw all of the ingredients in the Crock-Pot in the morning (or the night before) and let it cook during the day. The corn bread takes a few minutes to mix up and a half hour to bake. This is a super dish for pot-lucks too- it always gets compliments!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Crock-Pot Baked Beans<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 cans dark red kidney beans</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 can lima, pinto, or another bean</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 <u>large</u> can Campbell's Pork and Beans</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup tomato sauce or Chili sauce (depending on how spicy you want it)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">3 onions, sliced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 pound of bacon, diced</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon dry mustard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup brown sugar</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Drain and rinse the canned beans (but not the Pork and Beans). </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Saute the bacon, remove bacon and saute onion in bacon fat. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Add all ingredients to Crock-Pot and stir. Cook on low for several hours. Add more sauce if needed.</span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Easy Corn Bread<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">3/4 cup corn meal</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 cup sugar</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">2 teaspoons baking powder</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/2 teaspoon salt</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup milk</span></div>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #444444; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;">
<span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup vegetable oil</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg, beaten</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Heat oven to 400 degrees F. Grease an 8 or 9-inch pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Combine dry ingredients. Stir in egg, milk, and oil until moistened. Pour batter into greased pan.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake 25-30 minutes, until lightly browned.</span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-53963663596826737792014-02-28T07:46:00.002-05:002014-04-29T14:35:00.983-04:00Easy Lined Curtains<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnBB-JhikJP-E8vHYOSm_GQs62V1eYGva6rlR0_ReFQrqrvYQedNHfeO7i1RXtTDjIaZ7gffbK6vI6BS7k8AAs9CGs6DcBQ4UwT7XfS7LxgPcdfHibS7fK6TntLf8aFIBx8gJCbEB4j8/s1600/curtain.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMnBB-JhikJP-E8vHYOSm_GQs62V1eYGva6rlR0_ReFQrqrvYQedNHfeO7i1RXtTDjIaZ7gffbK6vI6BS7k8AAs9CGs6DcBQ4UwT7XfS7LxgPcdfHibS7fK6TntLf8aFIBx8gJCbEB4j8/s1600/curtain.jpg" height="368" width="400" /></a></div>
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I've come to appreciate that "farm skills" are not just outdoor tasks, but can also be inside-the-home projects. Sewing, cooking, baking, canning, and raising the kids all count! I'm a bit proud to say I can muck out a stall, hay a field, and put up a fence as much as I can bake a good loaf of bread and sew pretty curtains.</div>
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When we moved into the farmhouse, I envisioned the sitting room as a blue-toned throwback to the Federal period. The hand-carved molding from the early 1800's and the wide-plank American chestnut floor are original and the beautiful fireplace and mantel have been restored. Most of the stenciled furniture is from the historical Hitchcock factory, only a short walk down the road. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRako-XZvY7ah7AC5br3iveUAzhahKoddzkuLg_1INBSwYKmVrpnqKgk3VFWaRUCXWS1EQkrEwsFLA33os8TUanu3IhMXegGbF31HkVSklb6bieB6TdIA3OboND-QYpU06Dg92Ksprg/s1600/curtain1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUMRako-XZvY7ah7AC5br3iveUAzhahKoddzkuLg_1INBSwYKmVrpnqKgk3VFWaRUCXWS1EQkrEwsFLA33os8TUanu3IhMXegGbF31HkVSklb6bieB6TdIA3OboND-QYpU06Dg92Ksprg/s1600/curtain1.jpg" height="400" width="236" /></a>When I started thinking about curtains, I had very specific requirements. I didn't want long curtains in this room since they would cover up the carved window moldings, so I decided on valences. I also needed a fabric and print that would be reminiscent of the Federal period. It had to be perfect, since I know I'll be living with these curtains for many years. And it needed to be inexpensive. If you've ever looked at good quality, lined curtains made with upholstery fabric, you know they cost a lot. With decent sewing machine skills, I decided to order the fabric and make my own. <br />
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When I saw this lovely blue and white floral upholstery fabric online, I knew it was "the one". I even ordered a bit extra to make pillows. I found a thick white twill on clearance to become the lining and bought a new spool of thread. I was able to make valences for all three windows for less than $25. <br />
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I came up with this really easy method for making lined curtains; just adjust the height and width to make different sizes and styles. If using washable fabrics, wash and dry before cutting to avoid shrinking later on. With pets and kids, machine washable is the only kind I would consider!</div>
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<b>You'll need:</b></div>
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- fabric for the front side </div>
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- lining fabric for the back side</div>
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- thread</div>
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- straight pins</div>
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- pinking shears or scissors</div>
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- iron and sewing machine (or sew by hand if you like old-school)</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFLLZUFc7NCZ0tAr9d9pvIpG1VrYU3TUYX2qShWUQIRITJ7bToNIXajbLynsZ8s4fJe0PQk1clQ2z1cH1mEMNOvfEH6J5LCChE5ZMNi9ZW2KFG8k-VnJt1BQQf_9Ba3PROeBz3Hp1QfA/s1600/curtain9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYFLLZUFc7NCZ0tAr9d9pvIpG1VrYU3TUYX2qShWUQIRITJ7bToNIXajbLynsZ8s4fJe0PQk1clQ2z1cH1mEMNOvfEH6J5LCChE5ZMNi9ZW2KFG8k-VnJt1BQQf_9Ba3PROeBz3Hp1QfA/s1600/curtain9.jpg" height="424" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 1:</b> Measure for height and width of panel. I decided I didn't want a gathered look, but if you do, the rule-of-thumb is to have a panel width 1 1/2 times the window width (so if the window width is 3 feet, the panel width would be 4 1/2 feet).<br />
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- If your curtain rod is curved at the ends, measure around the curve also. </div>
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- Although my directions are for one valence per window, it's easy to adjust this to make two longer panels per window.</div>
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- This plan has a curtain rod pocket that is 1 1/2" high (3" circumference), plenty for most curtain rods. Measure your curtain rod to make sure it will fit.</div>
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<b>Step 2:</b> You will want 1/2" seam allowances on all sides, so add 1" to each the height and width. Using pinking shears, cut out two pieces from your fabric: one from the front-side fabric and one from the lining. (Keep in mind how the pattern or grain is facing. I used a pattern with a large design, so I had to make sure it was centered and looked the same on each curtain.)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU6OcS2GBT0C2XNzw_otP9qnbASgzhUSV-_6YF5tKHabjPiPHiB0GmtsOd3qa-t2xfVjgyLKa6cNOMQ-x0esm5mmSouCzu1BguDVc1iscuZiNzwRJj-7aC_RqU3f4T-VuHXLx5GG78NM/s1600/curtain3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDU6OcS2GBT0C2XNzw_otP9qnbASgzhUSV-_6YF5tKHabjPiPHiB0GmtsOd3qa-t2xfVjgyLKa6cNOMQ-x0esm5mmSouCzu1BguDVc1iscuZiNzwRJj-7aC_RqU3f4T-VuHXLx5GG78NM/s1600/curtain3.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 3:</b> Match up both pieces of fabric, right sides facing in. Pin around the bottom edge and both side edges (but not the top). Measure 2 1/2" down each side from the top and make a mark; this top section will become the curtain rod pocket.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAPpDZkp4_CCrFwGw5pNolG6e4-bFsdPF5PQGHQ8P5QUwhmV_RcrBgZqqm1wWsZYo2dg0IV2VWocEJ-L3iYoK3U8z6yf-mRIpl5ada6Wunhrb08rE6_4akRReChQ3iduJESUiqlsicqI/s1600/curtain4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrAPpDZkp4_CCrFwGw5pNolG6e4-bFsdPF5PQGHQ8P5QUwhmV_RcrBgZqqm1wWsZYo2dg0IV2VWocEJ-L3iYoK3U8z6yf-mRIpl5ada6Wunhrb08rE6_4akRReChQ3iduJESUiqlsicqI/s1600/curtain4.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 4</b>: Starting at the mark you made near the top of one side, stitch down one side, across the bottom, and up the second side until you come to the other mark. Leave a 1/2" seam allowance. Do not stitch across the top yet.<br />
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<b>Step 5:</b> Turn the panel right-side-out. Iron the stitched seams so they lay flat. Continue to iron the fold up each side past the mark (see photo below).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloCojkepGf3tNHP2PuaTflVy-laIlSsqFxrKKEK-wSfWfc3ltIYoDC03BQCVKb-Fi0d3NMqwnYOCwQ3vDOMXtz0d-ccJLxcNqqco4yGeULy1TY3YxjVE9oxk8Nek-3nPXJjFSuaEqHIA/s1600/curtain5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjloCojkepGf3tNHP2PuaTflVy-laIlSsqFxrKKEK-wSfWfc3ltIYoDC03BQCVKb-Fi0d3NMqwnYOCwQ3vDOMXtz0d-ccJLxcNqqco4yGeULy1TY3YxjVE9oxk8Nek-3nPXJjFSuaEqHIA/s1600/curtain5.jpg" height="284" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 6:</b> Fold the top edge of both fabrics in 1/2" for a seam allowance. Iron flat. (See photo below) The top edge should align.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGTD9jlLf8kVmYApPG27S1FJ91lt3OSoV0oX7nsHJy-y7E9184JI-HIm7dfq7hq2DEqL-MzY1a2-av70dlYxVwAURiAcjByiolU1ekjc3FFHSgRqR2DUbWdT6IaomHXhq-DPbxtBg63M/s1600/curtain7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibGTD9jlLf8kVmYApPG27S1FJ91lt3OSoV0oX7nsHJy-y7E9184JI-HIm7dfq7hq2DEqL-MzY1a2-av70dlYxVwAURiAcjByiolU1ekjc3FFHSgRqR2DUbWdT6IaomHXhq-DPbxtBg63M/s1600/curtain7.jpg" height="232" width="320" /></a></div>
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<b>Step 7</b>: You will now be stitching three lines across the top:</div>
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- Stitch a straight line across the top, 1/4" from the top. This will sew the edge closed and cover the seam allowance.</div>
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- Stitch another straight line, 1/2" from the top edge. This will be the top of the curtain rod pocket.</div>
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- Stitch another straight line, 2" from the top edge. This should create a curtain rod pocket that is 1 1/2" high.</div>
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<b>Step 8:</b> Iron, hang, and enjoy your awesome new curtains!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsdAloH9UFvl6lM8delRXVz3UDUU2uDRRliTQqYAr9Yry2eeYuhZs_Xf3HdJt-D5HvwqWHY3lS4oAfSEaBQGmIjpaQbTHep4bUrbS7T0xqcOhjGSFkffrefs0oAKliKufn2itVIXHGJM/s1600/curtain8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFsdAloH9UFvl6lM8delRXVz3UDUU2uDRRliTQqYAr9Yry2eeYuhZs_Xf3HdJt-D5HvwqWHY3lS4oAfSEaBQGmIjpaQbTHep4bUrbS7T0xqcOhjGSFkffrefs0oAKliKufn2itVIXHGJM/s1600/curtain8.jpg" height="320" width="284" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielNftsa6p5V2GpewGjigJn72DyVdl3CWClQNOFZkCub2fk9E_aSXbBzinPl6gaNhMDXQT67vT0xbeo0UL5t3RsqYdCNmahgrREGCSWIkVNh3a0J0vQGLuNch4b-PYEIgQnzSiz8mT1-4/s1600/curtain2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEielNftsa6p5V2GpewGjigJn72DyVdl3CWClQNOFZkCub2fk9E_aSXbBzinPl6gaNhMDXQT67vT0xbeo0UL5t3RsqYdCNmahgrREGCSWIkVNh3a0J0vQGLuNch4b-PYEIgQnzSiz8mT1-4/s1600/curtain2.jpg" height="251" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Katie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-21003282714160282292014-02-24T21:03:00.004-05:002014-03-12T18:28:01.259-04:00Irish Soda Bread: History & Recipe<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-mg_vC5-XA/UwvFDU-AboI/AAAAAAAABM0/AJZ4mc4OAk4/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-T-mg_vC5-XA/UwvFDU-AboI/AAAAAAAABM0/AJZ4mc4OAk4/s1600/image.jpg" height="400" width="400" /></a></div>
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With St. Patrick's Day approaching, I decided to finally try my hand at Irish Soda Bread. I tweaked a recipe in my <i>Farm Journal</i> cookbook to make it sweeter and to substitute raisins for currants. It was a hit! It's great fresh out of the oven or as toast. </div>
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I was curious about the origins of Irish Soda Bread and found out it's actually a pretty recent (1800's) recipe. Baking soda, in its pot ash form, had been used by Native Americans for centuries as a leavening agent in baked goods. During the 19th-century, baking soda was made commercially available in Ireland and became especially popular among the peasants and poorer classes. Irish wheat tended to be "soft", which did not work well in yeast breads. They found that combining baking soda with buttermilk could be used to leaven bread in place of yeast and actually cooked better on their open hearths. </div>
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Originally, soda bread contained only flour (whole wheat flour for daily use and white flour for special occasions), buttermilk, baking soda, and salt. A cross was cut in the top of the dough to help it cook more evenly, although some believe the cross design helped to ward off evil. The dough was placed in a covered cast iron pot, called a bastible, and placed on the hot embers to cook. Today, Irish Soda Bread is usually made with eggs, sugar, and butter in addition to the traditional ingredients. Adding raisins or currants is a variation called "Spotted Dog".</div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Recipe: Irish Soda Bread<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;"><b>Ingredients:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">4 cups flour</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2/3 cup sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp. salt</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp. baking powder</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tsp. baking soda</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1/4 cup butter, softened</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 1/3 cups buttermilk (* or see directions below for making buttermilk substitute)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 egg</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 cup raisins or currants</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">2 tblsp. caraway seeds (optional)</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Glaze:</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tblsp. sugar</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">1 tblsp. warm water</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a large bowl, mix together first 5 ingredients and caraway seeds. With pastry blender, cut in butter until coarse crumbs form. Stir in currants or raisins.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">In a small bowl, mix buttermilk and egg. Add to currant mixture and stir until moistened. Knead 12 times. Shape into a ball and place in greased 2-quart casserole dish or pie plate. With a sharp knife, cut a 4'' across, 1/2" deep cross on top.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Bake at 375 degrees F for 55 minutes, or until golden brown. Remove from dish and place on cooling rack. Mix together glaze and brush over hot bread.</span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: inherit;">Makes 1 large loaf.</span></span></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">* B</span></span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">uttermilk or sour milk is </span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;">necessary</span><span style="line-height: 18.399999618530273px;"> to react with the baking soda. </span><span style="font-family: inherit; line-height: 115%;">To make buttermilk substitute: Add 1 1/3 tblsp. lemon juice or white vinegar to a bowl. Add slightly less than 1 1/3 cup milk and stir. Allow to rest for at least 15 minutes. </span></i></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Enjoy!<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "Segoe Script","sans-serif"; font-size: 22.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> - Katie<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-81/" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/diy-home-projects-2/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://www.makeaheadmealsforbusymoms.com/melt-in-your-mouth-monday-recipe-blog-hop-155/" target="_blank">Melt in Your Mouth Monday</a></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/03/02/sunday-best-link-party-2.html" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-94/" target="_blank">Sweet Sharing Monday</a></i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/03/homestead-barn-hop-149.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Ho</a>p</i><i style="background-color: white; color: #274e13; font-size: 15px; line-height: 21.299999237060547px;"> and <a href="http://www.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/2014/03/scoop-108-mega-spring-linky-party.html" target="_blank">The Scoop</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-91050669356505756032014-02-22T18:38:00.001-05:002014-03-07T20:09:42.385-05:00Country Snapshots: Avalanche & Bears!<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaGiz4utpEv4I4VczFUDTm70rVyPKmSVHs3LAxwqjcxJfDoHDQQA0WeF0dAs9dDd4cOCu3qeR65O7KLkZr8oOlFKSjBkV2sqxnbVn_9buHxN-Oa6frWzedQbboSkNoEaaYen-q4a-bLM/s1600/100_1319.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhhaGiz4utpEv4I4VczFUDTm70rVyPKmSVHs3LAxwqjcxJfDoHDQQA0WeF0dAs9dDd4cOCu3qeR65O7KLkZr8oOlFKSjBkV2sqxnbVn_9buHxN-Oa6frWzedQbboSkNoEaaYen-q4a-bLM/s1600/100_1319.JPG" height="280" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Last week, a very blustery winter day!</td></tr>
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Here in the northeast, a few warm 50 degree days get us excited for spring. I've started seeing the first buckets being hung on sugar maples, starting to collect sap for syrup, and it makes me want to go up in our loft and search for our own buckets. I called a sheep-shearer to make an appointment to get our boys sheared in a few weeks, as I just don't feel confident enough yet to do it myself. And I started my tomato and pepper seeds under the grow lights in the cellar.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The result of giant sheets of snow slipping off the barn roof.</td></tr>
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This warmer weather is also bringing a lot of melting. Over the past two weeks we have continued to get snow and it has piled up to three feet... including on the roofs. It makes me nervous when it starts getting that deep and I start thinking about getting out the roof rake, although it's a job I truly hate. Then, yesterday, I heard a HUGE crash that shook the house. My heart skipped a beat as I rushed to the window, fearing the barn collapsed. I was so relieved to only see a giant mountain of snow in the driveway.<br />
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Our big barn is old (from the 1800's) but sturdy and has been well-maintained. The aluminum (or tin?) roof is over 100 years old. Many of the homes and barns in the area have this unique type of roof. The story told by my grandpa was that a metal roof tile peddler came through this area and sold tiles to many of the locals. A metal roof will last indefinitely if maintained and periodically painted with a special paint. On warm February days, it also causes the snow build-up to slip off in a big, barn-size sheet. The crash can be alarming! And dangerous, to say the least. We avoid walking next to the barn and don't park the cars near it. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Yeller's old doghouse. He was one of my Dad's golden retrievers. <br />
Yeller was a rescue dog and a really wonderful companion.</td></tr>
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Some photos from the night camera over the past few months... a pretty doe, a big fox, and bear buns! (A mom black bear and her two cubs. I've seen quite a few bears in the past two years.)</div>
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I pass this farm on my way over the mountain to the feed store. Such a pretty old farm. I'm a sucker for old barns - there's something stoic about them.</div>
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Hope you enjoyed this week in country snapshots! Visit my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/katiejpm/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> page for more photos!<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Giddyup Std';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Cheers! -</span></span></b><b><span style="font-family: 'Giddyup Std';"><span style="font-size: x-large;">Katie</span></span></b></div>
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://homesteadlady.com/sunday-social-blog-hop-22314/" target="_blank">Sunday Social Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.the-chicken-chick.com/2014/02/clever-chicks-blog-hop-75-featuring-hey.html" target="_blank">Clever Chicks Blog Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.alifeinbalance.net/motivation-monday-linky-party-80/" target="_blank">Motivation Monday</a> and <a href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/02/homestead-barn-hop-148.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and </span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/02/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-69.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a> and <a href="http://mymaplehillfarm.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Maple Hill Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/02/down-home-blog-hopnumber-77-puppy-pom.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/2014/02/share-your-cup-thursday-93.html" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/02/home-and-garden-thursday-70.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/02/26/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-128/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://homesteadbloggersnetwork.com/green-thumb-thursday-47/" target="_blank">Green Thumb Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/02/the-homeacre-hop-59.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2014/02/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-110/" target="_blank">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2014/02/spring-dining-room-and-mirror-makeover.html" target="_blank">Show & Tell Friday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2014/02/home-sweet-home-159.html" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/2014/02/french-inspiration-and-simple-sweet.html" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Fridays</a></span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://104homestead.weebly.com/1/post/2014/02/blog-hop-9.html?" target="_blank">104 Homestead Blog Hop</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://timbercreekfarmer.com/animal-care/simple-saturdays-march-1-2014/" target="_blank">Simple Saturdays</a></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mysimplecountryliving.blogspot.com/2014/03/the-farmgirl-friday-blog-hop-148.html" target="_blank">Farmgirl Friday</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-34396880053562943672014-02-20T20:29:00.001-05:002014-03-18T10:20:47.876-04:00Perfect Baked Potatoes<br />
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Last week, I was listening to an NPR show about healthy foods and both the nutritionist and food scientist were praising the health benefits of potatoes. I think they got a bad rap back when the Atkins diet was popular, but are making a comeback as people realize all the good stuff packed in:<br />
- good source of potassium (more than a banana!) at 18% of the daily recommended value (DV)<br />
- excellent source of vitamin C at 45% of the DV<br />
- good sources of fiber, vitamin B6, and iron (more nutrition details <a href="http://www.potatogoodness.com/nutrition/nutritional-facts/" target="_blank">here</a>)<br />
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And most kids love them! My two kids are picky eaters and would be content living on chicken nuggets, but are happy to eat almost any potato dish I make. I always buy organic potatoes, however, since conventionally-grown potatoes absorb a lot of pesticides and are sprayed with an anti-sprouting agent. (My grocery store carries 5-lb. bags of organic potatoes which are only slightly more expensive than conventional. Totally worth it! See my post on <a href="http://katiesfarm.blogspot.com/2014/01/12-foods-to-buy-organic-or-grow.html" target="_blank">12 Foods to Buy Organic</a> for more info. This summer we will be growing some of our own also.)<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQVskspphTE/UwadjT7zDjI/AAAAAAAABJI/SCRu1l-15pA/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ZQVskspphTE/UwadjT7zDjI/AAAAAAAABJI/SCRu1l-15pA/s1600/image.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a>Baked potatoes are one of our favorites and are super easy. However, I've made my fair share of mushy, lumpy, and unevenly-cooked taters over the years... until I found this easy recipe! They come out fluffy and evenly cooked on the inside with a crispy, salty skin -- perfect!<br />
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<b>Ingredients:</b><br />
<b>- medium or large baking potatoes (like Russet)</b><br />
<b>- coarse Kosher salt</b><br />
<b>- olive oil or vegetable oil</b><br />
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc8MkJCoby4/UwaeB7tDTfI/AAAAAAAABJk/y9FNDYZ23-w/s1600/image.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Nc8MkJCoby4/UwaeB7tDTfI/AAAAAAAABJk/y9FNDYZ23-w/s1600/image.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><br />
1. Set oven to 400 degrees F.<br />
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2. Scrub potatoes and dry with a towel.<br />
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3. Use a cooking brush to coat potatoes lightly with oil. Lightly sprinkle coarse Kosher salt over each side. Place potatoes in a shallow baking dish, not touching each other.<br />
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4. Bake medium potatoes for about one hour, large potatoes for an extra 10-15 minutes. Turn them over half way through baking.<br />
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<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! 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href="http://www.theprairiehomestead.com/2014/02/homestead-barn-hop-148.html" target="_blank">Homestead Barn Hop</a> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a> and </span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"><a href="http://www.backyardfarmingconnection.com/2014/02/the-backyard-farming-connection-hop-69.html" target="_blank">Backyard Farming Connection</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.chef-in-training.com/2014/02/tuesday-talent-show-121/" target="_blank">Tuesday Talent Show</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://mandysrecipebox.blogspot.com/2014/02/totally-talented-tuesdays-1.html#more" target="_blank">Totally Talented Tuesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.ladybehindthecurtain.com/cast-party-wednesday-129/" target="_blank">Cast Party Wednesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/5691/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-16/" target="_blank">Get Inspired</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.tillysnest.com/2014/02/down-home-blog-hopnumber-77-puppy-pom.html" target="_blank">Down Home Blog Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.thethriftyhome.com/" target="_blank">Penny Pinching Party</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/02/show-share-wednesday-71.html" target="_blank">Show & Share Wednesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.handymancraftywoman.com/2014/02/wicked-awesome-wednesday-149.html" target="_blank">Wicked Awesome Wednesday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.adelightsomelife.com/2014/02/home-and-garden-thursday-70.html" target="_blank">Home & Garden Thursday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/02/26/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-128/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.theselfsufficienthomeacre.com/2014/02/the-homeacre-hop-59.html" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2014/02/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-110/" target="_blank">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways</a></span></i><i style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://sewlicioushomedecor.com/saturday-showlicious-craft-recipe-showcase-party/" target="_blank">Saturday Show-licious Craft & Recipe Party</a> and <a href="http://gooseberrypatch.typepad.com/blog/recipe-round-up/#.UxfDxPnwnHU" target="_blank">Recipe Round-Up</a> and <a href="http://www.anoregoncottage.com/" target="_blank">Tuesday Garden Party</a></i>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3305071519864887948.post-66978203037649628302014-02-19T21:56:00.001-05:002014-02-26T18:40:13.626-05:00Farm-scape Silhouette<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7nA4FviLJtEIJX1yA2AcIHHQfsspk1-pbn2Py4G0k8oszRloYwWO7HeZ7VzrXOKI8DLi38IBdHTJF30lvaZkPzTWYLFa4SYRvWLl0LNk5s83cFygb8z4afaGAlTVchVDOiuyojFuyrk/s1600/farmscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO7nA4FviLJtEIJX1yA2AcIHHQfsspk1-pbn2Py4G0k8oszRloYwWO7HeZ7VzrXOKI8DLi38IBdHTJF30lvaZkPzTWYLFa4SYRvWLl0LNk5s83cFygb8z4afaGAlTVchVDOiuyojFuyrk/s1600/farmscape.jpg" height="473" width="640" /></a></div>
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I've been working on silhouette art of my little daughters and started thinking about how to create a silhouette of a landscape... or, in particular, my farm. I took a photo years ago from way out at the end of the meadow, looking towards the barn and house, and it was such a lovely outline. I decided to try to turn that view into a cut-paper silhouette. You could also use the same idea to create a silhouette of your own house or a favorite landscape.<br />
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This is a good project for kids, too. I teach art and thought this would be a great assignment to help my young students understand the concepts of foreground, middle-ground, and background as well as overlapping and landscape.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXoNoBtnBrlzHHuV4fiSnVtmmJ6Pn_XXCoVIAWA19xByIC-A5775YDgRlfxlPa05Znlb795Llt2vuj_ooOnUkpqBiWjD4fjMssn5Yw5lDXpwH2BIvT4GhMKorooIKTCc7x7YsWhFZnEc/s1600/ransom+farm10a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizXoNoBtnBrlzHHuV4fiSnVtmmJ6Pn_XXCoVIAWA19xByIC-A5775YDgRlfxlPa05Znlb795Llt2vuj_ooOnUkpqBiWjD4fjMssn5Yw5lDXpwH2BIvT4GhMKorooIKTCc7x7YsWhFZnEc/s1600/ransom+farm10a.jpg" height="285" width="400" /></a></div>
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<b>Materials needed:</b></div>
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- photo of a landscape, farm, or your house (8" x 10" is a good size)</div>
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- thick paper in a range of values (I chose greens, white, and blue handmade papers, but fade-resistant construction paper will work.) and a backing paper</div>
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- scissors (small sewing scissors are great), X-Acto or utility knife is optional for tiny details</div>
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- all-purpose glue</div>
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1. Think about how to split your photo up into foreground, middle-ground, background, and sky. Cut </div>
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out each of those areas separately. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSQJFEBCf5R9TwQrocrBgj1wuDXCebeLbWuXQ5SOlcvZ3hJDHnz52zq5Yfj6xfe_UxtdLedPGlgUUK662R2VG0bG6dYQuL3RuqYoIk8BOWOUtZWnr4BCOxV3GQf66z24I3xX7Q5cMes/s1600/farmscape1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; text-align: left;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-KSQJFEBCf5R9TwQrocrBgj1wuDXCebeLbWuXQ5SOlcvZ3hJDHnz52zq5Yfj6xfe_UxtdLedPGlgUUK662R2VG0bG6dYQuL3RuqYoIk8BOWOUtZWnr4BCOxV3GQf66z24I3xX7Q5cMes/s1600/farmscape1.jpg" height="293" width="320" /></a></div>
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It's OK if a section has more than one piece. I have both the house and trees/hill in the middle-ground but they were split by the barn.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Xfq-1sc7hWdFiOSJk6wrIPqLG7EtJrdY_Y7WHF1QOafLYxXvvgTYvQZg1tefSSHV2dW_vJ4951qS8jSuOIjT518t_vUjp1i3JQpOdsUOT3J-oN5dlnb9zv9bC0BHw_Wt0PriCZVfBE/s1600/100_1508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg14Xfq-1sc7hWdFiOSJk6wrIPqLG7EtJrdY_Y7WHF1QOafLYxXvvgTYvQZg1tefSSHV2dW_vJ4951qS8jSuOIjT518t_vUjp1i3JQpOdsUOT3J-oN5dlnb9zv9bC0BHw_Wt0PriCZVfBE/s1600/100_1508.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a>2. I decided to go with dark green, light green, and white for the foreground, middle-ground, and background, with blue as the sky. (Going from dark to light gives the illusion of distance.) Turn both the foreground photo cut-out and the first collage paper over so you're looking at the backs. Place the photo over the collage paper and trace; leave a bit extra at the bottom and sides to allow for overlapping the silhouettes.</div>
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3. Carefully cut out the collage paper. Repeat tracing and cutting for all sections.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h7xD79xig0QkU8UXb6Ff05_RSsikKVsEoSy13FMU-eSCb96xHZpZY0hKM7goua_OTKVKmTLrSLjHfYqki12i232FOt1mnQEQNmElYvJSwefz5xlJzMCDXO7Wtd3cIKlJT8ctheUbNCM/s1600/100_1510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-h7xD79xig0QkU8UXb6Ff05_RSsikKVsEoSy13FMU-eSCb96xHZpZY0hKM7goua_OTKVKmTLrSLjHfYqki12i232FOt1mnQEQNmElYvJSwefz5xlJzMCDXO7Wtd3cIKlJT8ctheUbNCM/s1600/100_1510.JPG" height="241" width="320" /></a></div>
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4. Turn all of the collage papers to the right side. Begin arranging them, starting with the sky and then moving from back to front so they overlap. Make adjustments with spacing and cutting as you need to.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZxQ4SesDstjrt-xElUqTSns2GSxCEwhq-4spCTwFbK715eTQpXI6ySyIdegG1-6LGmyE1RknCLGLSehaje3q8AtBpXzuuVQQkJuJGFStzfA6H20tnibZvzLbSGAzRnHUP1UO-sjybWY/s1600/farmscape.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqZxQ4SesDstjrt-xElUqTSns2GSxCEwhq-4spCTwFbK715eTQpXI6ySyIdegG1-6LGmyE1RknCLGLSehaje3q8AtBpXzuuVQQkJuJGFStzfA6H20tnibZvzLbSGAzRnHUP1UO-sjybWY/s1600/farmscape.jpg" height="236" width="320" /></a><br />
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5. When you're satisfied with the arrangement and spacing, begin gluing onto the backing paper. Start with the sky and move back to front again.<br />
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After I finished gluing, I decided to add in the fence, which I cut with a utility knife. I dabbed glue onto the back of the fence with my pinkie so it wouldn't show.<br />
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<b><span style="font-family: 'Segoe Script', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33.599998474121094px;">Happy Crafting!</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: Segoe Script, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 29.600000381469727px; line-height: 33.599998474121094px;"><b> -</b></span></span><span style="font-size: 7pt;"> </span></span><b style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: 'Segoe Script', sans-serif; font-size: 22pt; line-height: 33.599998474121094px;">Katie</span></b></div>
<i><span style="color: #274e13;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span style="color: #274e13;">Join the Link Party fun! This post linked up to... <a href="http://katherinescorner.com/2014/02/19/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-127/" target="_blank">Thursday Favorite Things</a> and <a href="http://jannolson.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Share Your Cup Thursday</a> and <a href="http://summersacres.blogspot.com/2014/02/the-homeacre-hop-58.html#more" target="_blank">The HomeAcre Hop</a> and <a href="http://frugallysustainable.com/2014/02/frugal-days-sustainable-ways-109/" target="_blank">Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways</a> and <a href="http://www.commonground-do.com/2014/02/be-inspired-177.html" target="_blank">Be Inspired</a> and <a href="http://rootedinthyme.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Simple & Sweet Friday</a> and <a href="http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/" target="_blank">Home Sweet Home</a> and <a href="http://thethriftygroove.blogspot.com/2014/02/thrifty-things-friday-148.html" target="_blank">Thrifty Things Friday</a> and <a href="http://www.jenniferrizzo.com/2014/02/fabulously-creative-friday-11.html" target="_blank">Fabulously Creative Friday</a> and <a href="http://crystalandcomp.com/2014/02/the-mommy-club-share-your-resources-and-solutions-135/" target="_blank">The Mommy Club</a> and <a href="http://www.craftberrybush.com/2014/02/the-inspiration-gallery_20.html" target="_blank">The Inspiration Gallery</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://too-much-time.com/" target="_blank">Get Schooled Saturday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.creatingreallyawesomefreethings.com/" target="_blank">Monday FunDay</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.thegirlcreative.com/2014/02/23/sunday-best-link-party.html" target="_blank">Sunday Best</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://saynotsweetanne.com/2014/sweet-sharing-monday-92/" target="_blank">Sweet Sharing Monday</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.cozylittlehouse.com/" target="_blank">Tweak It Tuesday</a> and <a href="http://www.skiptomylou.org/2014/02/24/made-by-you-monday-192/" target="_blank">Made By You Mondays</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.itisakeeper.com/5691/get-inspired-easy-recipes-crafts-projects-16/" target="_blank">Get Inspired</a></span></i><i><span style="color: #274e13;"> and <a href="http://www.mostlyhomemademom.com/2014/02/show-share-wednesday-71.html" target="_blank">Show & Share Wednesday</a></span></i><br />
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08330765110949156220noreply@blogger.com0