The Little Red Hen At Home

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-13T12:13:00.000-05:00

I had every intention of getting a post done for Valentine's Day, but time slipped away from me, as it does so often these days! I wanted to hop on though, and let you know that my daughter, Sarah, did do a really fun vintage Valentine's Day post on her blog, Sing and Don't Be Silent. If you have time, she'd love it if you stopped by! Happy Valentine's Day!

Dotty Swap Fun!

2012-02-10T15:27:00.000-05:00

On Wednesday, I received my Dotty Swap package in the mail from Shirley of Zetta's Aprons, who was my swap partner. It was a beautiful red and white polka-dot basket filled with so many fun surprises.

I loved the cupcake kit, which included a dotty cake mix, decorations, and the perfect cupcake liners. The Valentine's containers are so adorable with just the right amount of sparkle! They are filled with candy and a cute little Eiffel Tower keychain. And how about Lampchop, with her polka-dot bow? Isn't she adorable? I haven't seen her in so long. Such good memories! Shirley included some gift tags, Sweethearts candy with a cute bluebird tag on it, and a wonderful vintage valentine from her collection. Of course she had it all arranged beautifully, but as you can see, I had so much fun digging into the goodies that I couldn't get them back quite the way Shirley had them!

Now that I know Shirley has received her package, I'll share what I sent her:

It was such fun to make these, and to be a part of the Dotty Swap. Many thanks to Holly at Cutie Pie Cottage for hosting this swap. It brought anticipation and excitement during a normally gray and gloomy time of year.

"Thin" Mints

2012-02-06T19:15:00.008-05:00

It's that time of year. I'm in trouble and here's why:

I order mine from my niece, Abby, who lives in Ohio. I can't remember if I ordered 8 boxes, or 10 boxes, but who's counting? Of course that means I have to wait until I visit her, or she visits me, to get my cookies. The problem with that is my Girl Scout Cookie craving officially started last Thursday, with no cookie booths in sight. So what's a Thin Mint-starved person to do? Well, on that same Thursday my daughter came home to report the most amazing sight. Drive-thru Girl Scout Cookie sales! And it's right on the road I take home from work! They have a circular drive, so you can just pull through, order your cookies from a cute little girl and her mom, and pay right there. What a genius idea! Now I can satisfy my craving without even getting out of my car.

Of course this is not a good thing. I don't know about you, but I can eat a whole sleeve in one sitting. I counted, and that's 16 cookies and 640 calories. I've never chowed down a whole box at once, but you can do the math--1280 calories. Which brings me to this question: "Thin" Mints? Kind of ironic, huh?

Did any of you sell Girl Scout Cookies when you were young? I did, and my daughters did too. I went to the Girl Scouts website to do a little research, and discovered that cookie sales started as early as 1917. Only back then, the cookies were baked at home by the girls, with their mothers' help. Yes, moms were involved even back in those days! If you want to read more about the history of Girl Scout Cookies you can follow this link: http://www.girlscouts.org/program/gs_cookies/cookie_history/

I'm down to half a box now, and no visits with Abby in the near future. I think it's time for another visit to the drive-thru. Too bad they're not open 24 hours.

Understood Betsy

2012-02-03T13:02:00.002-05:00

I need to stay off ebay. There are things I don't know I need, until I find them while trolling around in one of the vintage areas.This time it was a vintage book. I don't even remember how I stumbled on it; a click here, a click there, and the next thing I know, I discover this book for only $15.00 with free shipping and handling. Of course I had to order it!

What is it about seeing your name in the title of a book? When I was a young girl, I devoured all the Betsy-Tacy books by Maud Hart Lovelace, and the Betsy books by Carolyn Haywood. Our library had all of them, and I checked them out over and over again. Somehow I missed this one; apparently the library didn't have it!

I was drawn to the cover of this book because of the vivid colors and the fact that Betsy had black hair, like me (well, at least I did before it started turning gray!). The back cover is just as colorful. Betsy is sitting in the kitchen, and on the table in front of her is a book and a needle and thread. It's such a cozy scene, and one you would find in my home.

The book was first published in 1916 (my copy is a 1962 version), and tells the story of Elizabeth Ann, a small, timid 9-year-old orphan who goes to live on her aunt and uncle's farm in Vermont. Over time, Elizabeth Ann becomes Betsy, and "discovers herself, her abilities, and all the lovely things in the wonderful world from which she had been shielded."

Apparently this book was a classic in its time, and remains in print. It's recommended for children ages 8-12, but this little girl at heart is looking forward to reading it. Since I still live in my childhood hometown, I went online and searched our library's catalog. I'm happy to report that there are now two copies of Understood Betsy. It's good to know that the young Betsy's of today have another option to read!

This Room Is Mine

2012-01-27T23:06:00.007-05:00

I recently rediscovered one of my favorite childhood books, This Room is Mine, by Betty Ren Wright. It's the story of two sisters who share a room, just like I did with my sisters.

You can tell this book was well-loved! It's all taped together and is actually missing some pages. You'll see that I had dreams of being a librarian when I was a young girl. Inside all of my books I made columns for people to sign their names and check them out. Two of my favorite "toys" were my date stamp and ink pad that I got for Christmas one year. Apparently this book was checked out once, by my sister, in March 1970. I also made sure that they knew where to return the book, even if they lived in the same house!

Like all sisters, Chris and Mary got mad at each other.

Their solution was to lay a jump rope on the floor to divide their bedroom in half.

They agreed that whatever was in their half of the room belonged to them. I had to laugh when they argued over who was breathing the other's air. It sounds like something my sisters and I would have argued over.

All is well until Mother comes by asking who wants milk and cookies. The door is on Mary's side, so Chris is stuck.

She goes on to imagine spending her life on her side of the room, until her sister comes back and asks her if she wants to play jump rope. All of a sudden Chris doesn't feel mad anymore, so she picks up the jump rope and goes out to play with her sister.

I love the illustrations in this book, but more than that I think this book spoke to me as a child because I was always looking for a space to call my own. With three younger sisters and one younger brother, there were not many solitary spots! To this day, I yearn for a space to call my own. But just like when I was a child, I'm surrounded by loved ones, which makes quiet moments hard to come by. That's okay though. I know that much too soon, the time will come when I can have quiet time on a regular basis. But that will mean all our chicks have left the nest for good. So for now, I'll gladly share my space--no jump rope necessary.

I'm linking up with Corey Moortgat's Lil' Vintage Story Books.

We Have A Winner!

2012-01-21T11:37:00.000-05:00

Thanks to all of you who commented to enter my first giveaway! This morning, we held the "official" drawing, which was me pulling a name out of my daughter's red vintage hat.

And the winner of the Throw Out Fifty Things book was...

Donna from The Sunny Side of the Sun Porch! Congratulations Donna! Be sure to visit Donna's blog, where she shares her life from her beautiful sun room. As you'll see, it's a lot more organized than mine is.

Not So Little Vintage Storybook

2012-01-20T16:22:00.001-05:00

It's Friday, so it's time for Lil' Vintage Story Books on Corey Moortgat's blog. This week, my vintage book isn't little, but it sure is cute. It was published in 1945 by Whitman Publishing Co., and the illustrator was E.B. Segner.

Each page features a different animal charmingly illustrated

Anytime I find a vintage book with a farm theme, I have to buy it (if the price is right). I'm drawn to these because I hope to live on a small farm someday. I really am a farm girl at heart, and hopefully that dream will come true in the near future.

Last year, my heart skipped a beat when I saw this fabric:

It matches the book! How fun is that? I haven't decided what to do with it yet, but think it would make a cute quilted wallhanging. A project to add to my long list!

If you haven't had a chance, be sure to stop by Corey's blog and link up with your favorite vintage story book.

Nursery Rhyme Baby Bottle

2012-01-17T20:02:00.000-05:00

As you may know, I collect anything related to The Little Red Hen. Recently I was on ebay scrolling through listings, looking for books I don't have, when I discovered the bottle below.

I did some research, and discovered that it's a Samuel Callet nursing bottle. Starting in 1947, Samuel Callet contracted with the Knox Glass Company in Parker, PA to make a line of nursery rhyme nursing bottles. There were many designs through the 1950s and 1960s, but obviously this one is my favorite! I have never seen one before, and am so happy to have it in my collection. Just for fun, I took a photo of it with my favorite Little Red Hen book and my polka-dot apron, which matches the one worn by the hen in my blog header.

Today I'm linking up with Holly at Cutie Pie Cottage for Dotty Hop Day and Sue at It's a Very Cherry World for Rednesday.

Utter Clutter...and my very first giveaway!

2012-01-13T14:37:00.003-05:00

Winter has finally hit here; snow is on the ground, and swirling around the corners of the house. With the exception of a trip to the library, I'm cozying in and watching it out the windows of my sunroom. I think I'll make a cup of tea and grab one of those books I picked out this morning. Sounds like a relaxing way to spend the afternoon right? Well here's a picture of what my sunroom (which is also my craft/sewing room) looks like right now.

There is no way I can relax in this room. Here's another angle:

I didn't move a thing for this picture. And here's a close up of my desk:

Have you ever seen such a disorganized mess?

So for 2012, I've chosen a theme word:

CREATE

And to start with, I'm going to create space. Peaceful space. Space where I can relax, think, read, sew and well...create!

Here's the book I've been reading since the beginning of the year. I read it for the first time years ago and thought it was motivating and inspiring, and boy do I need some motivation and inspiration right now.

To celebrate the start of a new year, I'm giving away a new copy of this book to one of you! To win, all you have to do is make a comment on this post. Where do you need to clear clutter in your home or life? My guess is we all have certain areas that continue to give us trouble! I'm starting in my sun room and will keep a count of how many things I throw/give away (and I'm starting with this book!). It's amazing how freeing it can be!

If you know someone else that might be motivated by this book, let them know to stop by and make a comment. I'll randomly draw the winning name next Friday, January 20. Be sure to leave an e-mail address so I can contact you if you're the winner.

I'll update you on my progress as I create peaceful space in this room. I want to give it a complete makeover--on a budget of course! But for now, I'm going to ignore the clutter, grab that cup of tea and watch the snow fall.

The Launch of Sing and Don't Be Silent!

2012-01-03T17:47:00.000-05:00

I had every intention of posting something really inspiring yesterday, but instead ended up with a bad virus on my computer, so it's on its way to the Geek Squad as we speak. Not how I thought I'd be starting 2012, but it can only get better from here, right?

I hopped on my daughter's computer to let you know that she has launched her new blog, Sing and Don't Be Silent!

Introducing Sarah!

I hope you'll stop by and pay her a visit.

And check back here for that inspiring post I had planned!

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T08:00:00.018-05:00

The passing of one year, and the beginning of a new one, is always a time of reflection for me. The new year brings a fresh start, new possibilities, and potential opportunities. My greatest hope for 2012 is that I find the courage to act on the many dreams I have harbored for so long. What George Eliot (Mary Ann Evans) said many years ago is still true today.

"It is never too late to be who you might have been."

Happy New Year! Blessings to you and yours in 2012. May this be the year we discover who we might have been.

My Special Christmas Gift

2011-12-29T13:10:00.003-05:00

Christmas is over. All the anticipation and waiting is past. Today I will take down all the decorations, and the trees we so carefully chose will go to the curb. That always seems so sad to me. They look so lonely out there, after being so beautifully garbed, standing as the focal points of our home for over a month.

Before moving on, I wanted to share a very special gift I received from my youngest daughter. She used some fabric I had stashed away, and embroidered my blog header, adding buttons to match the theme.

I was so surprised and touched by her thoughtfulness and creativity. Isn't it cute? I plan to put it in a shadow box frame and display it proudly.

I call her my Chicken Little, and she will start sharing her thoughts and creativity on her own blog on January 1. I'll send you the link once she puts up her first post. I think you'll enjoy it!

Let the Countdown Begin!

2011-12-21T22:13:00.006-05:00

Only 3 days until Christmas, and boy do I have a lot to get accomplished before then! So tonight I thought I'd just share some random pictures of Christmas decorations in our home.

My daughter made the collage with vintage cards

My kids made these when they were younger

From our house to yours,

A Very Vintage Christmas

2011-12-20T19:53:00.014-05:00

It may be a little late for this year, but if you want to take a nostalgic look at Christmases past, you should look for Susan Waggoner's vintage-inspired books.

It's a Wonderful Christmas celebrates Christmas traditions from 1940 to 1965.

Under the Tree focuses on toys and gifts from 1930 to 1970 (Easy Bake Oven, anyone? I sure wish I still had mine!).

And Christmas Memories presents holiday styles from the 1920s to1960s.

Her newest book is Have Yourself a Very Vintage Christmas. It just came out in November, so I don't have a picture of it (in other words, I haven't been able to buy it yet!). I did check it out from our library, and it's a fun book full of vintage-inspired Christmas crafts.

Looking through these books, which are filled with wonderful, old-fashioned images, takes me back to a simpler time. If you like A Christmas Story, It's a Wonderful Life, and White Christmas, these books are for you! Put on your favorite Bing Crosby Christmas CD and let the memories begin.

Joy To the World

2011-12-17T12:22:00.001-05:00

Every year, after Christmas is over, I tell myself that next year, I'm going to simplify things, slow down, and put less pressure on myself to create the "perfect Christmas." In all the busyness of this season, it's easy to lose the true focus of our celebration. Don't get me wrong, I love my Santa collection, and singing about Rudolph and Frosty. But the wonder of Christmas, and what brings peace during this season, is preparing for the birth of Jesus.

Today's tradition turns to the sacred side of Christmas. To help us slow down and focus on the wondrous expectation of the season, our family celebrates Advent on the four Sundays before Christmas. We quiet our hearts (that's hard to do these days, isn't it?), read a devotion, and light that week's candle.

Each year, I try to find a book to read that will help me focus on the true meaning of Christmas and to use during our devotions. This year, I am using two books. The first is The Journey, by Adam Hamilton. This fascinating book takes us on Mary and Joseph's journey to Bethlehem, and provides fresh insights into a familiar story. I highly recommend it.

We are also using the book Come Thou Long-Expected Jesus, by Paul Wesley Chilcote, which is a book of Advent and Christmas devotions based on the wonderful hymns of Charles Wesley.

In past years we have read Advent Conspiracy, which talks about replacing consumerism with compassion during the Christmas season. I also enjoyed Immanuel: A Daily Guide to Reclaiming Christmas.

As we head into the week before Christmas, I hope you all find moments to slow down, quiet your hearts, and experience the true joy of the season.

How Lovely Are Your Branches

2011-12-13T19:42:00.000-05:00

Our living room Christmas tree is in the stand and ready to be decorated. The boxes of ornaments are stacked up and the music is on. Tradition number two is what we have for refreshments while we decorate. Every year I have to go out and buy Fruit Juicy Red Hawaiian Punch and Sprite and those round containers of Christmas cookies they sell at Walmart for around $4.00. It's high class all the way at our house! We mix the Hawaiian Punch and Sprite together, and serve it in the Christmas glasses my brother bought for us over 25 years ago. If you've never tried the cookies, you should. They are delicious little tea cookies and to us they taste like Christmas. Of course we make all kinds of cookies and candies of our own, but we keep buying these for tree-decorating. There were years where I had to run all over town to try to find them, but Walmart has carried them regularly for quite awhile now, thank goodness!

Our tree never looks like the trees you see in magazines, but we're okay with that. The ornaments that hang on our tree have meaning to us. Each of my three has a small pair of mittens we bought the year they were born. Those are what they look for first.

My favorites are two worn and dirty white bears. One is missing its eyes, and I have no idea what happened to the third one. One year when I was a child, my mom let us choose an ornament at the Woolworth's store downtown. I chose the three bears that came all together in one package (I'm always looking for the best deal!). Now it's just the two, but they will always be my favorites. I've looked all over to try to find a complete set, but no luck. I guess they wouldn't be the same anyway.

Aren't they a sad-looking pair? But I love them anyway. They represent childhood Christmases to me.

So this is where you're supposed to see the big reveal, right? The beautifully decorated Christmas tree in all its glory. The results of our hours of work, every ornament in just the right place. The colorful lights glowing and the red beads shimmering.

Oh, but did I mention that we have two kittens in our home this Christmas season? Here's what our tree looks like most of the time:

And here's why...

So here's the reveal. It's the best I can do.

We think it's pretty, even if it's a little light on ornaments at the bottom. And in the end, it's the time we spend together, and the memories that we share, that make our tree more special to us than any perfectly decorated magazine tree could ever be.

Christmas Traditions

2011-12-11T19:22:00.004-05:00

It's only two weeks until Christmas, so I thought I'd use this time to share some of our family's traditions. My "children" are 21, 23 and 26, but they still want things done the same way every year. Many of our traditions were started by my mom when I was a child, and I'm guessing that my children will pass some of them on to their children someday. I hope they will add some of their own new traditions as well.

The season begins when we drive to Cassens Tree Farm to choose and cut down our Christmas tree (or trees this year!). As a background to the festivities, we play our family's favorite Christmas CD, Amy Grant's The Christmas Collection. The rule is it can't be played until after Thanksgiving, so we can really appreciate it. So on the day after Thanksgiving this year, Amy made her yearly debut as we made the drive.

Some years, it's cold and snowy and my kids hide between trees and pelt each other with snowballs. This year was warm and sunny, so they had to make do by swatting each other with dried weeds.

After a short search, we found a tree that everyone could agree on.

It didn't take long to find a second, smaller tree. Why is it that it takes forever when it's bitterly cold outside, but on a warm, sunny day we found our trees in record time?

And while my husband pays for the trees, we visit another favorite, the stuffed bear that sits inside the barn, year in and year out.

Both trees are nestled all tight in the bed...

And we head home with Amy Grant singing It's the Most Wonderful Time of the Year. And it is!

Abby's New Apron

2011-12-09T21:47:00.001-05:00

My niece, Abby, and I have a new tradition. She is 8 years old and has a real interest in sewing. During a summer visit, we made a pillow together. She, her mom and dad, and her two younger brothers were with us over Thanksgiving, which gave us the perfect opportunity to work on a new project. We looked through my fabric stash and she chose some cheerful cherry fabric that matched her new earrings. We found some fun embellishments, and with no pattern, worked together to create an apron for her to wear at home. She has a steady hand at the machine (my hands were right there guiding hers), a real eye for detail, and can envision what the finished project will look like. Here is the result of our time together:

Doesn't she look cute? My sister told me that when Abby got home she changed her list for Santa. Now she's hoping for a sewing machine, fabric and thread. I'm so happy she has discovered sewing as a way to use her creative gifts. Before I know it, she'll be teaching me!

Taking a Break

2011-11-12T10:36:00.000-05:00

I'm finding it necessary to take a break from the computer for awhile, but hope to be back sometime in the near future. I wanted to let you know and to thank you for reading my blog up to this point. I'll look forward to rejoining you soon!

A Fun Surprise!

2011-11-06T12:39:00.001-05:00

Just a quick post this afternoon to share something fun that happened this past week. Shirley from Zetta's Aprons was at Disneyland recently and found an adorable apron that she sent to me! It was so fun opening up the package. This will have a place of honor in my apron collection.

One of the things I've enjoyed most about starting a blog is discovering so many thoughtful and generous blogging friends, like Shirley. She has the cutest blog, so be sure and stop by for a visit.

Butterball

2011-11-04T17:42:00.000-04:00

No, I'm not talking turkey here. Not yet, anyway. This is a story about Butterball the Little Chick. I found this charming vintage children's book at a flea market several months ago, and just discovered it in a pile I had forgotten about. I'm sure it comes as no surprise to you that I am always on the hunt for old children's books about hens and chicks! This is a Rand McNally Junior Elf Book from 1955, and the pictures are just adorable.

Here are my favorite illustrations

Looks just like me standing at my front door!

I love her polka-dot apron with the red rick rack

I recently discovered Lil' Vintage Story Books on Corey Moortgat's blog and am linking up today.

Prayer Ladies

2011-10-30T17:37:00.000-04:00

Like many of you, I have many collections displayed throughout my home, but one of my favorites is my collection of Prayer Ladies. Also known as "Mother-in-the-Kitchen," they were made by Enesco and sold in department stores, dime stores and gift shops in the 1950s and 1960s.

My first discovery was the salt and pepper shaker set. I was drawn to it because of the soft pink color, the way the ladies' hands were clasped in prayer and the fact that they were wearing aprons. I also loved the sayings on the aprons. They reached me on an emotional level because they reminded me of my youngest daughter, who often wore her brown hair up in a bun.

At that time, I didn't realize that there was a whole collection of these ladies, but it didn't take me long to find out. I've been able to find most pieces at a pretty reasonable price, and hope to add more. Some day, I'll pass them on to my daughter.

Below is the scouring pad or soap holder

This one helped mother save her pin money

The napkin holder is pretty common

My original purchase

The toothpick holder

And finally, the set I splurged on because I had never seen one--the sugar and creamer set. I found it over two years ago and paid around $30. I've never regretted it.

Yesterday I was on Ebay to see what Prayer Ladies are going for, and discovered a teapot that would go nicely with my sugar and creamer set. But alas, one with chips is priced at $95.00 and one in mint condition is going for $325.00! Out of my price range!

If pink isn't your color, these ladies were also made in blue and yellow, but I don't see them as often. I'm partial to pink, and although I don't use them as they were intended to be used, I do enjoy seeing their heads bowed in prayer in my kitchen cupboard.

Library Love

2011-10-26T19:59:00.002-04:00

I don't know about you, but to me there's nothing more relaxing than sitting down with a good book and a cup of tea. One of my favorite quotes is from C.S.Lewis: "You can never get a cup of tea large enough or a book long enough to suit me."

I have a lot of books on my shelves at home, but there's nothing better than a trip to the library for new reading material. Free books--as many as you want. Bring them back and get some more! It doesn't get much better than that. I thought you might enjoy a picture from a recent trip to the library.

Yes, this was one trip! My daughter and I were loaded down. And if you're like me, you're probably scanning the titles--I love to look closely at pictures of people's bookshelves to see what they read.

I admit it, I'm a biblioholic. And there's no hope for recovery.

Finding the Balance

2011-10-23T15:24:00.000-04:00

One of my priorities in recent years has been to simplify my life, and it seems I've been successful in some areas, but not so much in others. There are so many good things to say yes to. Spending time with family and friends, church activities, keeping up my home and yard, creative projects, blogging--you get the picture. All worthwhile and important things, but once again I've taken on too much it seems, and I'm having a hard time keeping up with it all. I know I'm not alone in this. I'm sure you've experienced that overwhelmed feeling that comes when things are out of balance.

A good example of this is the fact that it's been over a week since my last blog post! I had good intentions, but not enough time or energy. I think I need to take some pressure off myself and be content to blog when I can. It's been great fun so far, and I don't want it to become just another pressure. I hope you won't give up on me!

I did make progress on a fun project that I want to share with you. I bought some cute Halloween fabric when I was in Rossville, and decided to make an apron out of it this weekend.

I made the pockets from some vintage-style fabric that I found at Joann's, and of course I couldn't resist adding ric-rac.

You can't see it in these pictures, but on the waistband by the ties are buttons that say BOO. I thought they were a cute touch. This was a fun project that got me in the Halloween spirit. Maybe I'll put some candy in the pockets and answer the door wearing this!

Five Dollar Friday

2011-10-14T19:22:00.000-04:00

In an attempt to find a better balance between work and home, I recently cut back to 30 hours a week at work, and as a result have Fridays off now. I love having more time at home, and hope that in the near future I can be home even more. Little steps!

Of course, that means I'm also going to have to watch my spending more carefully. I love wandering through antique stores and flea markets looking for vintage treasures, and can't imagine giving that up. So my solution is $5 Fridays! My challenge will be to find something that catches my eye, inspires me, or would be just perfect in my home for $5 or less.

Today I visited an antique mall in our town. I had limited time, and it seemed like the best option. In the future, I'll visit garage sales, auctions, secondhand stores, flea markets--anyplace I think I can snag a $5 vintage deal. I think this will be a really fun challenge.

So here's my first $5 Friday find (it was actually only $4!). I collect vintage children's books, and this is one I have never seen. It's called My Sunday Book and was published in 1956 by C.R. Gibson and Co. I was taken in by the lovely subtle colors and charming illustrations, along with the message of the book.

You and I know that it's not always possible to be happy all the day, every day. But trying to see the good in things, and having a positive attitude is worth striving for. And for me, singing and praying lift my spirits every time.

Making Time For Tea

2011-10-11T13:13:00.002-04:00

Teatime is an important part of my day. In the morning before work, it's a quick mug of Earl Grey to get me started, and a teabag will do the trick. In the evening, I take a little more time, and often use my Harney and Sons loose leaf tea. On weekends, I often treat myself to loose leaf Earl Grey with lavender brewed in one of my many teapots. Years ago, I enjoyed my tea this way every day. It was a quiet moment in my day, usually while my children were napping, or at school. I would choose a teapot and a teacup from my collection and a book to enjoy with my tea. I miss those moments and wish I had more time to slow down and enjoy the ritual of teatime.

I'm sharing a picture of two of my favorite teapots below. I especially like the verse on the small one. It reads You will fill me with joy in Your presence. Psalm 16:11 NIV.

I'm linking this post to Dotty Hop Day at Cutie Pie Cottage and Rednesday at It's a Very Cherry World.

What special moments in your busy day bring you peace?

Laundry Day

2011-10-08T18:01:00.000-04:00

Today was laundry day at my house. I really enjoy doing laundry, which may seem strange, but I love the smell of fresh, clean clothes folded in the basket.

I collect aprons, so it seemed natural to me to use my laundry room as a place to display some of my favorites, along with other vintage items that fit the theme. You know that I love bright colors, and this room is a testament to that.

Of course what you see isn't the true picture! The ironing board is usually piled high with clean clothes that need to be folded, and the dirty clothes are out of sight on the floor.

If you're like me and enjoy doing laundry, you might also enjoy reading Irene Rawlings and Andrea Vansteenhouse's book The Clothesline. It's full of cute pictures, vintage items, laundry room ideas and the history of laundry. I took this book out of the library so many times, and finally found a copy at a half-price bookstore. Now I can look at it any time I want.

To me laundry isn't a chore, but a satisfying ritual that brings a sense of calm to my day. And though I do laundry on Saturday, instead of Monday, like our grandmothers and great-grandmothers did, our routines are much the same. My washer is much easier to use, and I'm glad for that, but I'm ready to go back to the clothesline. No bottle of fabric softener can recreate the sweet smell of fresh air and sunshine.

Comfort Me With Apples

2011-10-05T22:08:00.001-04:00

One of our favorite fall traditions is to make a trip to an apple orchard that's about an hour from our home. Sunday afternoon was sunny and beautiful, so off we went. It was a little late in the season, and the pickings were a little slim, but we came home with a full bag. We have plenty of juicy, crispy apples to eat, and enough for a pie or two. Of course we took the camera with us! My daughter captured our day with these photographs:

At our house, when we have apples fresh off the tree, we like to cut them into slices and dip them in caramel dip. This recipe is so much fresher than the dips you can buy at the store and it's so easy to make. The hardest part is unwrapping the caramels!

Caramel Dip

1 bag Kraft caramels

1 stick butter

1 can (14 oz.) sweetened condensed milk

Microwave caramels and butter until melted.

Stir, then add condensed milk and stir again

until mixed together and smooth.

Enjoy! Apples and caramel dip - the ultimate comfort food on a chilly October evening.

Welcome to Rossville

2011-10-02T21:46:00.000-04:00

The beautiful fall weather made me want to fly the coop again this weekend, so my daughter and I headed for our favorite small town destination--Rossville, Indiana. It's just a 20 minute drive through open fields, rolling hills and lots of farms. For some reason, I experience a true peace in my soul in this town, and hope that someday I might be able to live in this area.

For a small town, this one has everything I need! To start we headed for the Flour Mill Bakery. It's off the main road, but worth the side trip.

By the time we got there in the early afternoon, they were low on the good stuff--donuts, cookies, pies--but we did bring home some bread and pumpkin butter!

Our next stop is always the farm market.

On to Rossville Quilts, which inspires my creativity.

And of course, no quaint small town would be complete without antique shops, and this one has two! They both have ever-changing, creative displays and the prices can't be beat. First is Back Through Time Antique Mall.

We couldn't take pictures inside, but this gives you an idea of what's inside. You can see the old buildings reflected in the window!

Across the street and just a little ways down is The Peacock Perch.

I loved the fall display that was in their front window.

Rossville is my idea of a perfect place. No crowds, no traffic, just friendly people everywhere we go. This little red hen feels right at home.

Hens and Chicks

2011-09-28T21:40:00.001-04:00

To celebrate the launch of my blog, I decided to bake some cookies. At my house, iced sugar cookies are not just a Christmas treat; we make them all year round. I have drawers in my kitchen that are filled with nothing but cookie cutters, and a cookie recipe I've used for 20 years or so.

But this time, in the spirit of all things new, I tried a recipe I found in my Cookie Craft book. The taste was very similar to my recipe, but the cookie dough didn't spread as much when it baked. As a result, the cookies maintained their shape, and you could actually tell what they were!

I love the professional look of cookies that are decorated with royal icing, but I use a much simpler icing recipe that doesn't take long to whip up, and in my humble opinion, tastes better! Mix together the following ingredients:

3 cups confectioner's sugar
3 tbsp. milk
3 tbsp. corn syrup
3/4 tsp. almond extract

Stir together until smooth and glossy. If too thick, add more corn syrup. Add food coloring as desired.

The one problem I have is that the cookies look great the first day, but after that the color starts to dull. Do any of you have a simple confectioner's sugar icing recipe that remains shiny for longer?

Here are the results of my afternoon of baking and decorating:

And here is a whole brood of aproned red hens and their chicks:

I had so much fun baking these Little Red Hen cookies and just had to share them with you!

Feasting

2011-09-25T23:02:00.006-04:00

Yesterday, my family and I attended the Feast of the Hunters' Moon, which is a historic reenactment of 18th century life at Fort Ouiatenon, the first French outpost in Indiana. In spite of some early rain, it was a perfect day for the Feast--partly cloudy and cool.

The Feast is a treat for the senses. The smell of the campfires hits you first, followed by the sounds of cannonfire, fife and drum corps, dulcimer and fiddle players, and blacksmiths pounding out tools on their anvils. There are tents as far as the eye can see, and the hardest part is deciding where to start.

I thought I'd just share the day with you in pictures:

The 42nd Royal Highlanders

Love the red and white checked socks!

Music to my ears

Signs of fall

...and a little taste of fall

Hand-dyed ribbon--I had to buy some of this!

Colorful hand-dyed linen

Parasols

Bird whistles--add water and they sing!

Ribboned hoops and sticks

Jacob's Ladders

So many colorful things to see! As you might have guessed, I love anything with polka-dots on it, and there were plenty of them on display at the Feast.

It was a fun-filled day of eating, browsing in traders' tents, listening to music, and enjoying the beautiful fall weather. Can't wait until next year!

Vintage Cookbooks

2011-09-22T20:42:00.001-04:00

There's a chill in the air tonight and it makes me want to turn on the oven and bake something. I have a variety of cookbooks I can turn to for recipes, but sometimes it's fun to go back in time and look through my little vintage paperback cookbooks for recipes that my grandma might have used.

These little booklets were put out by various companies; this one by the American Can Company and it features recipes using canned items.

This one highlights the Hotpoint Automatic Range and must have come with the stove.

I love the cover on this one, put out by General Foods in 1945. It would look so cute framed and hanging on my kitchen wall, but I can't bear to separate the cover from the booklet.

This one is most special to me. It was published by Crisco in 1949. If you look closely, you can see the words "Mother's Book" in the top right hand corner. This actually was my Grandma's and the handwriting is my then 11-year old mom's, who gave this to me recently, and I treasure it. As I look through it, I can tell which recipes were most used by the aged brown splotches on the pages. Apparently the Crisp Sugar Cookies, Rich Brownies, and Walnut Slices were baked often!

Have you ever made a recipe from one of these old gems? There's a recipe for Spice Cake and Creamy Caramel Icing in my Grandma's book that sounds perfect for this crisp, cool weather. I think I'll get to work adding some more brown splotches to the little cookbook that's been passed down from mother to daughter twice now. Time to get out that can of Crisco!

Farm Dreams

2011-09-18T19:44:00.000-04:00

One of my dreams, and one that I hope will come true in the near future, is to move to the country. I’ve lived in a college town for most of my life, and I love my hometown, but my heart has always been drawn to the wide-open spaces beyond the city limits. For now, when I feel the need to sit on a big front porch and look out to the horizon, I visit the nearby Historic Prophetstown Farmstead, which is a working 1920s-era farm complete with a large farmhouse built from plans for a Sears catalog home.

While I'm there, I check to see what's new in the garden,

visit "my chickens,"

and rest on the front porch of the farmhouse for awhile.

Somewhere out there is a little farmhouse just waiting for me and my family. And there I'll have my own garden, my own chickens, and my own front porch. I already have the porch swing that will hang there, and look forward to days spent reading, thinking and just enjoying my peaceful surroundings.

For now I'll be content where I am. But one of these days, my farm girl dreams will come true! And I plan to share the journey with you.

Late Bloomers

2011-09-14T21:38:00.005-04:00

Here we are in the middle of September, and I'm just now starting to get ripe tomatoes! It's been many years since I've tried to grow tomatoes, but this spring, my daughter encouraged me to try again. My husband built a raised bed, and off to the greenhouse we went.

Unfortunately, we planted them a little later than recommended (there's that getting started thing again!), and our yard is a little shady, so August came and went with just one Early Girl to show for our efforts.

Now the growing season is winding down, cooler days are here, and I need to find ways to use the tomatoes that are coming on all at once. Late bloomers...just like me.

Beginning

2011-09-12T19:56:00.038-04:00

"Whatever you can do, or dream you can, begin it." Goethe

Welcome to my blog!

I don't know about you, but I struggle with beginning things. I think about something, dream about it, read everything I can about it, but have a hard time sitting down and just getting started. I've followed many inspiring blogs over the last few months, but have been nervous about starting my own. I've read everything I can get my hands on, and even had my blog designed by Michelle at Shabby Creations (I highly recommend her!). But I kept putting off writing my first post.

I think what it came down to was that I wanted it to be perfect. I wanted my blog to be as much fun to visit as those that I follow. What I've realized is that everyone has to start someplace. Blogs are a work in process and I have a lot to learn. But I also have a lot to say and share, so here I am.

One of my favorite childhood books is The Little Red Hen, and I would describe myself as a "do-it-yourselfer," just like her. She was a very homey sort and took good care of her chicks. Now if only I could bake a loaf of bread like she did! I have a collection of Little Red Hen books, and they were the inspiration for my blog name. It just seemed to fit me and my life. Some of my favorites are shown below and I'm always on the hunt for more!

Recently I made my first apron (after years of collecting vintage ones) and submitted it to Amy Karol's Tie One On blog. This apron was the springboard that launched my blog dreams and it hangs in a place of honor in my writing/creating room.

My goal down the road is to have aprons for sale in my Etsy shop. I also plan to have embroidered items for sale and hope that you'll check back later.

Thank you for stopping by! I do hope you'll come back to visit again soon.