Little House on the Prairie: Apple Pie in the Orchard

"Ma was busy all day long, cooking good things for Christmas. She baked salt-rising bread and 'Injun bread,' Swedish crackers, and a huge pan of baked beans, with salt pork and molasses. She baked vinegar pies and dried-apple pies, and filled a big jar with cookies, and she let Laura and Mary lick the cake spoon."

- Little House in the Big Woods, Laura Ingalls Wilder

Disclaimer: The pictures you are about to see in no way actually represent the weekend our families spent together recently. The photos look so peaceful. Let me assure you that thirteen children running around the yearly hoopla that we call "Grandma Camp" is anything but. So, being the thoughtful and dutiful daughters that we are, we dumped our kids in our saintly mother's lap and ran as fast as we could to the orchard, or more appropriately: Heaven.  It was an idyllic setting for an apple-themed feast in honor of Laura Ingalls Wilder and Ma's dried apple pies.

We baked a homemade apple pie...

. . . set the table with these lovely thrift store finds, mixed with our ma's precious china . . .

...monogrammed apple placecards, using a gold permanent marker...

. . . And hung words in frames from the trees . . .

(We used some fall-themed words because this seemed like a perfect feast for apple harvest time)

Wouldn't you like to join us for a slice? They are very reasonably priced, after all :)

Finally, I would just like to bid adieu to Mrs. Wilder.  I want to thank her for the quiet moments this month when I have read to my little ladies about Charlotte the doll, and felt thankful for the simplest things. For the way I have seen their eyes light up when we talked about maple candy. Mostly, for the excitement in their eyes that started in mine many years ago. There's some sort of magic in her books that snuck into my heart as a child, and I haven't been able to let it go after all this time. 

Now, I hope you will stay with us in the coming month as we venture into a land of fairies and marvelous mischief: Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream."

Sharing at . . .

Beyond the Picket Fence ~ Between Naps on the Porch ~ Shabby Creek Cottage ~ Domesblissity ~ From My Front Porch to Yours ~ No Minimalist Here ~ A Delightsome Life ~ It's Overflowing ~ Common Ground ~ StoneGable ~ The Vintage Farmhouse ~ Potpourri Friday @ 2805 ~ French Country Cottage ~  Stuff and Nonsense ~  At the Picket Fence ~  The Charm of Home ~  My Romantic Home ~  Serenity Now ~ Jennifer Rizzo ~ Shabby Nest ~ Six Sisters Stuff ~ Tatertots and Jello ~  Funky Junk Interiors ~ Celebrating Everyday Life

Little House on the Prairie: Words of Wisdom

"There is no comfort anywhere for anyone who dreads to go home."

“The true way to live is to enjoy every moment as it passes, and surely it is in the everyday things around us that the beauty of life lies.” 

“A good laugh overcomes more difficulties and dissipates more dark clouds than any other one thing.”  

That Mrs. Wilder was one smart lady. We have had such a lovely month re-reading her beautiful works. My daughters have been enthralled with "Little House in the Big Woods," and "Little House on the Prairie." But my second little lady came to me with the BFG and asked me to read it to her today (Mind you, she only knows how to say approximately 4 words, but BFG is apparently one of them) And so I can see, it is time to move on.

(And no, July will not be 'The BFG' month.)

Check back tomorrow for our farewell to Laura Ingalls Wilder from the Apple orchard.
See you soon!

Little House on the Prairie: Cookies and Cream Popcorn

"Almanzo looked at every kernel before he ate it.  They were all different shapes.  He had eaten thousands of handfuls of popcorn, and never found two kernels alike.  Then he thought that if he had some milk, he would have popcorn and milk."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder, Farmer Boy

My husband and I rarely argue, but when we do, it is over something truly important.  Take our last argument, for instance.  It was over popcorn.  One of us believed that only certain types of corn could be used as popcorn.  The other one of us said that was ridiculous because, of course, all different types of corn kernels would pop.  How else would the Indians have introduced popcorn to the Pilgrims?  After all, it was not as though they had Orville Redenbacher back then.  Then one of said we were positive that not all corn could be popcorn because we learned it in 4th grade . . . at which point the other one of us started to laugh---big mistake when egos are on the line.  Thirty minutes later, we still hadn't resolved the popcorn debate, but it didn't matter because we were no longer speaking to each other. 

Ironically, one treat that my husband and I can ALWAYS agree on is Cookies and Cream Popcorn.  It is easy to make, it's a hit with kids and adults alike, and it tastes like it came from a gourmet kitchen.  Best of all, when eating a batch of this yumminess, no one seems to care what kind of corn it came from.  They simply want to know where they can get more.

Cookies and Cream Popcorn 

by Be Book Bound

1/2 cup popcorn kernels

4 squares almond bark (8 ounces or so)

1/2 package Oreo cookies

extra-large mixing bowl

Pop the corn in an air popper and crumble the Oreo cookies over the top.  Place the almond bark in a bowl and microwave for 2 minutes, stopping to stir every 30 seconds until the almond bark is melted and completely smooth.  Pour the almond bark on top of the popcorn and Oreos and stir with a spatula until the popcorn and Oreos are evenly covered.  Let the almond bark harden.  (I spread the popcorn on a cookie sheet and place in the freezer for 10 minutes to speed the setting up process).  Break into pieces and serve!  (Makes 12 to 14 cups)

This popcorn is the most requested treat at my house and never fails to woo crowds when I take it to parties.  I've even used it as an inexpensive teacher gift around Christmas time.  (My son's band instructor still talks about the bag we gave him last year.)

May your kernels always pop and may you ever avoid the topic of popcorn with your husbands . . .

P.S.  I was right.

Sharing with . . .
On the Menu Monday @ StoneGable
Seasonal Sundays @ The Tablescaper
TipJunkie

Tutorials and Tips @ Homestories A to Z

Tuesday's Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Cowgirl Up Party @ Cedar Hill Ranch
Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style 
Somewhat Simple

Six Sisters' Stuff

Little House on the Prairie: Poultry Proud

"The cloud was hailing grasshoppers.  The cloud was grasshoppers. . . . All over the ground was a crawling, hopping mass of grasshoppers.  They were eating all the soft, short grass off the knoll.  The tall prairie grasses swayed and bent and fell. . . . The hens were funny.  The two hens and their gawky pullets were eating grasshoppers with all their might. . . . 'Well, we won't have to buy feed for the hens,' said Ma."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder, On the Banks of Plum Creek

I don't know what it is about chickens and roosters this week, but I seem to be calling them to me.  Every store I go into, there they are, beckoning me with their rustic charm and their steal-of-a-deal price tags.  Pardon me for a minute as I "crow" about my thrifty finds . . .

I acquired this darling little finial-of-a-rooster at a local craft store for 5 dollars (80% off its original price).  Woot, woot!

I also snagged this 14x14 framed print for under 10 dollars on a clearance shelf!  It makes the perfect addition to my kitchen. 

Finally, I was in a furniture store when I found this lovely pair of plaques on a quiet little shelf in the corner.  And what to my wondering eyes should appear, but a clearance sticker!  I took them home for only 3 dollars a piece.

I hung the plaques on the back porch.  I think they are a delightful contrast against the grey and white of the house.  Besides, they match the rocker and chair perfectly.  Kismet, I tell you.  Kismet.

The irony is, my husband has always wanted a flock of chickens to call his own.  

Well, now he has one.  :)

Linking Up:
My Romantic Home
 Vintage Inspiration
Feathered Nest Friday

Southern Hospitality

Little House on the Prairie: For the Love of Quilts

"There was no door and there were no windows.  There was no floor except the ground and no roof except the canvas.  But that house had good stout walls, and it would stay where it was. . . . Pa hung a quilt over the door hole.  The quilt would be better than no door."

~ Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House on the Prairie

I just know that somewhere deep inside of me there is an excellent quilter waiting to get out.  However, every time I try to get in touch with my "patchwork" side, I create an embarrassing display of calico and stitches that looks as though I took a stab at piecing fabric together while under the influence of alcohol and a snug blindfold.  Making quilts: it's not my gift.  But I love them all the same.  Today I thought I would share some quilts with you in celebration of just how charming and versatile these textile treasures can be . . .

I was in a neighboring town when I passed by this adorable quilt shop store front.  I looked like a crazy woman as I swerved the curb, took a few snaps with my handy camera, and then stood for a moment and sighed happily at both of those American quilts.  Aren't they lovely!?  

Quilts can take any bed from being "sleepy" to being "dreamy" . . .

{via Southern Living}

 {via Sarah Richardson Design}

{via Tumblr}

 But they are equally lovely on display outside of the bedroom, whether on racks . . .

 {via Pottery Barn}

 or in armoires.

{via Pinterest}

Quilts aren't just beautiful; they are practical, too.  You can use them as headboards . . . 

{via All People Quilt} 

as pillows . . .

 {via All People Quilt}

as chair pads . . .

 {via All People Quilt}

as picnic blankets . . .

{via Red Brolly}

 

{via Country Living}

or as wall art.

 {via All People Quilt}

 {via Sarah Richardson Design}

Quilts can also inspire a world of ideas throughout your house, from graphic art design . . .

 {via Red Brolly}

to patterned floors.

Even if you are a miserable quilter like me, I hope you'll still put your quilts on display.  There is magic in it.  Quilts can make any "little house" feel more like a "home."  Happy homemaking to you all . . .

Sharing at . . .

Wow Us Wednesdays @ Savvy Southern Style

  

Little House on the Prairie: Rustic Bread

"With yeast cakes, Ma set the sponge for light bread that night, and she put the dried apples to soak for pies."

- The Long Winter, Laura Ingalls Wilder

I get a bee in my bonnet sometimes to find "THE ULTIMATE..." cupcake, pie crust, etc. etc. A few years ago, rustic bread became my quest. And you know what? Most of those recipes are horrible!!! Not because they make horrible bread; they make amazing bread. But they take too much effort for one loaf. And this is coming from someone who really really loves her bread. So after weeks of heating up my house, baking on stones, spritzing water into 500 degree ovens, I threw up my hands in defeat. Not worth it. Not worth it at all. Until now....

This bread is MAGIC! It requires no kneading (I usually use a stand mixer anyways, so it was no big deal to me either way,) but the magic truly lies in the outcome: airy, soft, chewy bread surrounded in that buttery crunchy crust that is completely irresistible. I cannot tell you enough about how much I love this bread (And I swear by my thighs: I know bread.) The one negative is that you have to plan a day ahead. It is "18 hour bread," after all. But roughly 17.75 hours of that title are consumed in you sleeping, eating breakfast, etc. So here is the link to the recipe from the New York Times & Sullivan Street Bakery:

18 hour bread

 Try it with some butter and homemade apple butter.

I should have never doubted Erika's second son. For some reason we were discussing this bread a while back (before I tried it), and he spoke of it in very reverent tones, assuring me of its magical qualities. I think if there is any bread in this world that commands that kind of awe in a ten year old boy, it is worth a try.

As a note, I do not own one of those fancy cast iron pots; Le creuset has failed to show up at any of the garage sales I frequent. So I used a cast iron skillet and domed foil around it for the first 30 mins, and removed it afterward. It worked like a charm. You can also use a dutch oven if you have one of those collecting dust in the garage. 

Also, I used bread flour :)

Happy eating!!!

Sharing at . . .

French Country Cottage

Stuff and Nonsense

Rattlebridge Farm
2805

My Romantic Home
Serenity Now

Little House on the Prairie: A Doggone Bathroom for Boys

"Laura knew that wolves would eat little girls.  But she was safe inside the solid log walls.  Her father's gun hung over the door and good old Jack, the brindle bulldog, lay on guard before it.  Her father would say: 'Go to sleep, Laura.  Jack won't let the wolves in.'  So Laura snuggled under the covers of the trundle bed, close beside Mary, and went to sleep."

Laura Ingalls Wilder, Little House in the Big Woods

We have a dog, but she's nothing like Jack the bulldog.  She's a black lab, her name is Sascha, and she would let anything into our home---especially wolves---as long as they patted her first.  She is 13 years old now, and it took her 12 of those years, some cataracts, and acute arthritis to stop jumping up on people.  Yes, most of Sascha's misbehavior is my own fault.  I'm no dog whisperer, after all.  What matters is that the boys adore her, and she adores them.

A few months ago, Sascha had a massive seizure.  We took her to the vet who looked at her test results and explained that our sweet old dog had a brain tumor.  At her age, surgery isn't a viable option, either financially or practically as the doctor didn't see her making it through the operation.  So we bundled our brown-eyed girl into the car and brought her home to die.  

For the next few days, the entire family kept vigil at her side.  The boys drew her pictures and read her stories.  My husband sat next to her on the floor, stroked her fur, and talked to her in the voice he uses with babies.  As for me, I didn't quite know how to make peace with the animal who had dug up my hydrangeas on a regular basis, who would sneak food off of my dining table, and who dragged me behind her on a leash for all of those years.  In the end, I sat down next to her in the laundry room and told her how much I appreciated her being my children's beloved dog.  In that quiet moment, I realized that she and I shared a common purpose: to mother and protect a houseful of boys.  I then proceeded to blubber and spill my heart out to a dog who really just needed to sleep.  But at least I had made my peace.  We prepared ourselves for the possibility that our dog wouldn't make it through the night.

Well, that was months ago and Sascha seems to have stolen a sip from the fountain of youth.  (We like to think that God heard at least one of the 3.7 bazillion prayers that my children offered up in Sascha's behalf.)  Yesterday, she escaped from the yard and we found her in an obliging field where she was chasing insects.  I'm not sure how long our dog will be with us, but in honor of her and her eventual memory, I redecorated my little boys' bathroom in a dog-friendly theme.   

Here is the before and after.  Before, the room was serene bordering on boring---not quite the right feel for busy and energetic boys.  After, it is a fun-filled room that's perfect for kids of the "snips and snails and puppy dog tails" variety.

I found this adorable print at TJ Maxx and used it as the inspiration for the room.  In a pinch for cash, I opted to put this red basket on the wall as convenient toilet paper storage above the toilet in lieu of shelves.

I sewed a wide-striped shower curtain to mimic the scarf on the dog in the inspiration print.  I love the fresh, happy feel it brings to the room.  The letters above the shower were on clearance at a local arts and crafts store.  I wanted to spell the word "Splash" or "Bath," but they were fresh out of the letter "H."  I had to settle with the word "Soap."  (Never a bad reminder for little boys . . . )

I found this hardware for a steal at Hobby Lobby and knew it had to go on the cabinets.

I spruced up the brass light fixture with a few layers of black spray paint.

I couldn't pass up this adorable piece of vintage looking hardware.  I thought it would be the perfect hand towel holder to the right of the sink.

A few fresh towels, a budget rug, and another fun dog print later, and we have a whole new bathroom.  It has such a fun vibe that I almost don't mind scrubbing the toilet in there . . . almost.

Project Budget

Shower Curtain Fabric and Rings  $25

Decorative Hardware/Towel Holder  $13

Art Prints   $19

Basket  $4

Towels  $10

Letters  $8

Rug  $7

A whole new bathroom for $86 . . . Now that's a doggone deal if you ask me.  Sascha will probably outlive the life of this bathroom, but for now, it's a happy little reminder of man's best friend.

Sharing at these lovely parties . . .

Savvy Southern Style
Beyond the Picket Fence
Between Naps on the Porch
StoneGable
Tatertots and Jello 
No Minimalist Here
Fingerprints on the Fridge
Six Sisters' Stuff
Shabby Creek Cottage
A Delightsome Life
Domesblissity
Stuff and Nonsense

At the Picket Fence
Redoux
From My Front Porch to Yours 
2805
Embracing Change