Graceful Little Honey Bee

Gardening Journal – March

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I can’t believe it’s almost April. It definitely doesn’t feel like Spring around here. We had some really nice weather a week or so ago and then it’s been freezing and snowing ever since. I’m hoping that after this week we can move on to some warmer temps.

I transplanted my tomato seedlings into larger cups and they are doing very well. 
I have 70+ plants this year. 



This flat is planted with lots of random flowers, herbs and some jalapeno peppers. I’ve never grown herbs or many flowers from seed so I’m excited about them! They are going to be transplanted into larger cups next week.  
 Here are some of my bell peppers. I ended up planting 50 plants. 
(What was I thinking?!?) 
I gave half of them away so now we only have around 25 which still seems like a lot.

We planted onions, peas and potatoes outside last week. We also planted the bok choy and cabbage plants that we grew from seed. I’m not sure what is going to make it since it’s been so cold this past week. I guess we will just wait and replant if we have too. We are planing in four foot sections with a row of newspaper and grass in between. Has anyone ever tried this before?

Hopefully next month’s post will be cheerier and brighter! 
What have you been growing?

Homestead Barn Hop

Gardening Journal – February

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Our winter has been pretty mild so far. I think we’ve only had around 3-4 inches of snow total. Two of those inches came in the past 24 hours along with some ice, sleet and freezing rain. Here is the current view of the garden from the kitchen window:


I have some onions plants and sets to put out at the end of this month. I’ve never grown onions before so hopefully they will do well. 

I bought a basil plant from the grocery store about a month or so ago and it’s doing well! I’ve never had much luck growing herbs indoors before, but maybe it will work this time. I’m kinda surprised since it’s next to the cold window. I should probably give it some fertilizer soon. 


I started my cabbage, bok choy, leeks and peppers at the beginning of this month. They are all doing pretty well so far. I hope to transfer them to larger cups in a couple of weeks to make room for the tomatoes I’ll be starting. Then I’ll set them out in the garden in mid March. Here’s a close up of the cabbage and bok choy:


And here are my bell peppers: 

We upgraded our seed starting system from years past as you can see below and I’m quite happy with it! It keeps the seeds of off my kitchen table and gives me more room to start seeds. I bought the two seed starting trays on clearance at Dollar General last August for like .50 each and I’m kicking myself for not buying more!! 

That’s about all that’s going on around here in the garden. 
What have you been growing?

Homestead Barn Hop

No Soda for a Year – The First Month

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**In case you didn’t know, my husband and I have given up soda and sweet tea for one year. You can read about our reasoning here.


Well, we’ve made it one month without soda! I’m so excited to be able to sit here and type that! It actually hasn’t been as hard as I thought it would be, but I did have a few moments of wondering why I decided to do this in the first place. I tend to jump in head first without thinking things through. My husband however, is way better at sticking to things than I am so he’s kept us on course.

The first week or so I felt horrible. I had a slight headache and I was tired allll day long, but I pushed through and now I feel so much better. We’ve been drinking a lot of water and unsweet tea. Also, we’ve had a few bottles of sparking apple cider which is actually a wonderful substitute because you still get the sweetness and the fizz which makes me happy. 🙂

We’ve also decided to give up most fast food for the year because we were eating it 2-3 times per week for convenience sake. In the past, I would have a rough day or just feel lazy and we’d go grab a burger at Sonic or something, but now that isn’t an option so I’m actually cooking every night! It’s crazy! 🙂 The only thing I really kinda sorta miss is Chick fil a, but I guess I will survive without it. I tried to “mimic” fast food the other night for dinner and we had baked crispy chicken, oven fries and sparkling cider. I must admit is was really good. 

I’m hoping that when this is all said and done I will drink a Dr. Pepper or eat a fast food meal and I won’t even like them anymore. It’s been so freeing to not even have those things as an option. 

Well, that’s 1 month down and 11 to go!!

Gardening Journal – January

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The winter has been mild so far with no snow to speak of, but I’m still hoping for a few hard freezes to kill off some of the bug population. 

We got an old tiller going (with a new motor!) and so we are expanding our garden. The last two years we’ve had two 4′ X 12′ raised beds. This year we will have a 24′ X 28′ plot. I’m a little nervous for the challenge of going from raised beds to the ground. Any tips? We will be amending our soil with manure, grass and agri lime.

I’m super excited to be expanding the garden because that means I can grow a bigger variety. I’m trying some new veggies, flowers and herbs this year.
I got my seed order from Baker Creek (I just love them!) and I will be starting some seeds indoors soon. Mike is also going to build me a seed starting rack so I don’t have to use the kitchen table! Yay!

For those experienced seed starters, do you use a commercial seed starting mix? If so, what do you fertilize with?

Frugal Days, Sustainable Ways

A Money Saving Tip for College Students!

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It’s no surprise that college is expensive. I remember paying around $1200 per year just in textbooks, which is NuTs!! What if I told you you could rent your books and save a lot of money? 
CampusBookRentals.com is a textbook rental company that allows you to rent your textbooks at a fraction of the new or used cost. Seriously, you can save 40-90% off bookstore prices. I wish this company would have been around when I was in school. I could have saved some serious cash. 


Here are some more perks:
Free Shipping both ways
Can highlight in the textbooks
Flexible renting periods
30 day risk free returns
Huge selection of books

Watch the video below to find out more:


Sounds pretty great, right? 

You can also go to RentBack.com and rent out your own textbooks that you might already have and make some money on them. How cool is that??

You know the biggest reason I like this company? They donate to Operation Smile (a children’s charity for cleft lip and cleft palate surgery) with each textbook that is rented. I absolutely LOVE supporting a company that gives back. 

 I hope you will consider letting CampusBookRentals save you or someone you love some money this semester!

Sponsored by CampusBooksRentals.com

No Soda for One Year

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**I’m not sure if this ad is fake or not, 
but it’s shocking none the less. 
 
Guess what? My husband and I have decided to give up soda (and sweet tea) for one year. This will probably sound either boring or crazy to you depending on your own soda drinking habits, but I’ve been trying to quit for awhile now and I’ve always ended up giving in to temptation.
 
You see, I love Dr. Pepper. There’s just something about the sweetness, the fizziness and the “23 flavors” that makes it so good! I probably drink 3-4 per week on average, which isn’t too shocking, but my real issue with soda is one of the heart. I’ve had guilt for “needing” my Dr. Pepper for awhile and I know that it has become an idol in my life. The bible says, 
 
“Blessed is the one who has no reason to pass judgement on himself for what he approves. But whoever has doubts is condemned if he eats, because the eating is not from faith. For whatever does not proceed from faith is sin.”
-Romans 14:22-23
 
I’m not saying drinking soda is a sin, but what I am saying is drinking soda for me personally has become sin because I can’t say with full faith that it’s okay. The reason I feel guilt is because soda has become a bigger part of my life than God has intended. I depend on it too much, I think I deserve it after a hard day, and I look too it for comfort. This is not right. I should be depending on God and looking to HIM for my comfort, not soda. 
 
 It’s been 10 days so far and I haven’t struggled too much yet, but I know that it will get harder. I am praying that I have the strength to do this! 
 
*My husband doesn’t feel the same way about this issue, but is joining me purely for support. He is wonderful.
 
What are your thoughts on soda drinking?
 

 No Soda for One Year – One Month Update

No Soda for One Year – Four Month Update

No Soda for One Year – Twelve Month Update

 

Perfect Pecan Pie

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Learn how to make this super quick, easy and delicious recipe for homemade pecan pie that you will want to make for your family and friends again and again.
Finished pecan pie slice with whipped cream on top.

Perfect Pecan Pie

I’m normally in charge of pies for Thanksgiving dinner, but each year I seem to forget what recipe I used the year before. Well this year I can tell you that I’ve found a pecan pie recipe that I definitely won’t forget. It was soooo delicious. The best I’ve ever tasted. And guess what recipe I used? 

The one on the back of the Karo Syrup bottle. Yup. Sorry healthy folks, but this recipe is a keeper. I thought I’d share it with y’all just in case you’d like to try the deliciousness out for yourself. 

How to make Perfect Pecan Pie:

Stir the first 5 ingredients thoroughly.

Mix in pecans.

Pour into pie crust.

Bake at 350 on center rack of oven for 60-70 minutes.

Cool for two hours.

Serve or store in refrigerator.

*Pie is done when center springs back when pushed.

 

Need more holiday recipes? Here are some of my favorites:

Homemade Pecan Pie Bars
Kentucky Derby Pie
Butternut Squash Pie
Apple Pie Crescent Ring

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Print Recipe

Perfect Pecan Pie

Try this gooey and delicious recipe for homemade pecan pie!
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time1 hour 10 minutes
Total Time1 hour 15 minutes
Course: Dessert
Cuisine: American
Keyword: Homemade Pecan Pie
Servings: 8
Calories: 493kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Karo Light Corn Syrup
  • 3 eggs
  • 1 cup sugar
  • 2 tbsp butter melted
  • 1 tsp vanilla
  • 1 1/2 cups pecans 6 oz
  • 1 unbaked 9-inch pie crust

Instructions

  • Stir the first 5 ingredients thoroughly.
  • Mix in pecans.
  • Pour into pie crust.
  • Bake at 350 on center rack of oven for 60-70 minutes.
  • Cool for two hours.
  • Serve or store in refrigerator.

Notes

Pie is done when center springs back when pushed.

Nutrition

Calories: 493kcal | Carbohydrates: 71g | Protein: 5g | Fat: 23g | Saturated Fat: 5g | Cholesterol: 69mg | Sodium: 162mg | Potassium: 119mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 59g | Vitamin A: 188IU | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 32mg | Iron: 1mg

Fierce Women: A Review & Giveaway!

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I just finished reading Fierce Women: The Power of a Soft Warrior by Kimberly Wagner and loved it! It’s about how God created us as women with a special inner strength and ability to influence, inspire and encourage our husbands towards all God created them to be. 
 
In the book, Kimberly shares how her “fierceness” became a source of conflict early on in her marriage because she was using it for her own selfish gain, but thankfully God intervened and showed her how to use it for His glory! This book gives insight on how to encourage and inspire our men to be the spiritual leaders that God wants them to be! 
 
Since reading this book I’ve definitely been more aware of how I treat my husband and especially how I talk to him. I’ve kept my mouth shut more than once in the last few weeks because of this book and I’m grateful for it!
 
 I’m excited to announce that the publishers are giving away a copy of Fierce Women to one of my readers!! All you have to do is enter using the rafflecopter below. Yay!! You won’t be disappointed with this read!
 
 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

2012 Garden Review

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Our garden is officially done for the year (aside from tilling). We dug our sweet potatoes and sadly they were few and small. They did MUCH better last year. I think we planted them a little too late and had some tough soil. Anyway, I had enough to make puree for Walker so he can enjoy some homegrown goodness!


Banana Peppers and Jalapenos were definitely our best producers this year because of the heat. I had more peppers than I knew what to do with! The okra, green beans and tomatoes also did well. 


However, the corn, carrots, potatoes and bell peppers didn’t fair that well. I’m assuming because of the drought and triple digit heat. 

This was my first year canning and I’m happy with the results.
Here’s what I ended up with:

11 pints strawberry jam (Mike LOVESSS this stuff)
8 pints tomato puree (homegrown)
5 half pints pickled peppers (homegrown)
3 pints sweet pickles
8 pints dill pickles
8 pints pearsauce (homegrown)
12 1/2 pints apple butter

We also froze 3 dozen ears of corn and 12 cups of peaches. 

It won’t be long until I’m planning next year’s garden.
 I can taste the homegrown tomatoes already!

How did your garden do this year?

Women Living Well Wednesdays
Homestead Barn Hop

Peasant Style Top

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I made this top using one of my shirts as a pattern. At first I made the front and back way too small and then (after some bad math) it was way too big! Anyway I had to add the elastic band around the waist to make it work. 

I love how it turned out! Peasant style tops are easy to sew if your just starting out. I bought New Look 6892 which is a similar style pattern and plan to make another top very soon.


I’ve been hesitant to start it because I’ve had a couple of bad experiences with fitting patterns lately. It can be so frustrating, especially when you go off of the measurements on the back and it still is all wrong. I guess that’s why your suppose to make a muslin first. Anyway, this pattern should work out since not much “fit” is involved.

Do you sew with commercial patterns or make your own? 
Any tips for fitting a pattern? 

The Invested Life: A Review

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I just finished reading The Invested Life: making disciples of all nations one person at at time by Joel C. Rosenberg and I loved it. He emphasizes that every follower of Jesus Christ should be able to answer two simple questions:

Who is investing in me?
Whom am I investing in?

Rosenberg explains how Jesus made disciples and commands us to follow his lead. He gives lots of biblical wisdom and practical advice on how to be discipled and how to turn and disciple others. He also gives stories and testimonies of the effectiveness and multiplying effect true discipleship has had in believers lives. 

This book has really challenged me and caused me to stop and think through biblical discipleship on a practical and intentional level. It’s gotten me excited about beginning a journey of true biblical discipleship, something I’d never before thought a whole lot about. I’m in the process of prayerfully pursuing discipleship. I believe all Christians will glean something from reading this book and I highly recommend it!

Tyndale House Publishers has provided me with a complimentary copy of this book for review. 

Dollar Store Organization

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 If you read yesterday’s post on our clutter free bedroom, then you know I’m on a simplifying & organizing kick. Today I’m going to show you how I tackled some unorganized areas of my home using dollar store organizers.
 
This cabinet is in our kitchen and it holds our medicine, cookbooks, dog stuff, etc. Obviously it needs a little help.
Here it is newly organized!
I simplified my cookbook collection and bought two baskets from the dollar store which now hold medicine and dog stuff. It looks so much better now.
 
Here’s another kitchen cabinet that needed a little help.
 And here it is after! The top basket holds canning supplies and the bottom one holds bottles and sippy cups. 
OK here is the most embarrassing one of all. My craft closet. It was seriously just a black hole of “stuff” before. Sadly there are two shelves above this that look just as bad. 
 And here is it after!! I am so proud of it! I bought all of the purple baskets from the dollar store.
Ahh crafty bliss!
 
 It feels so good to be organized. I’ve also purged around 50% or more of our “decor” because I felt a lot of it was just clutter. I only kept what I really and truly loved. Anyway, I hope you enjoyed my OCD post! 
 
What do you do to control clutter in your home?
Do you have any organizing projects you need to tackle?

To Heaven and Back: A Review

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I just finished reading To Heaven and Back: A Doctor’s Extraordinary Account of Her Death, Heaven, Angels, and Life Again By Mary C. Neal, MD. If you didn’t pick it up from the title, this book is about a woman’s story of drowning, going to heaven, coming back, talking with angels and figuring out God’s will for the rest of her life. She has definitely lived an extraordinary life and in this books she tells us of all the significant “coincidences” that she believes are really God revealing himself to her. 
 
This woman has an amazing story and testimony of God’s will, power, and sovereignty in her life. If you want your faith to be challenged and to see God in a new way working in your life then I would recommend this book. It is a pretty easy read with short chapters, but they get right to the point and I promise you they will make you look at your own life and God’s hand in it in a new light. 
 
To learn more about Dr. Neal’s story you can go here:
Dr. Mary Neal on Fox News
Dr. Mary Neal’s Website
I received this book for free from WaterBrook Multnomah Publishing Group for this review.

 

How to Make the Baby Bear Hat

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I’ve had a lot of people ask me how I made Walker’s bear hat so I thought I’d share the videos I used. Here is the finished hat made with one strand of brown and one strand of creme yarn:

This video shows you how to make the ear flap hat 
and it has a link to a video on how to make the tails.
 

This video shows you how to make the ears. I used a larger hook and did one less row than her. My ears kinda stood up on their own so I sewed them on that way, she makes the ears a little different than mine.
 
Hopefully this helps those of you wanting to make the hat.
 Let me know if you have any questions! 🙂

Crochet Baby Bear Hat (and Vest FAIL!!)

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 I’ve been working on a couple of crochet projects this week including this bear hat for Walker:
I love LOVE how it turned out! 🙂 I think he likes it too:

Anyway, I made the hat basically to redeem myself because the pink vest I showed last week turned out to be a horrid mess. Here’s the pattern in case your wondering what it’s suppose to look like. Anyway, it turned out way too large around the bottom so I added a border and decreased my stitches to make it smaller, but then it just looked like a giant pink bubble on me. Not the look I was going for:
I decided that it just couldn’t be saved so I took it apart and now I have two pink rectangles of single crochet. Any ideas as too what I should do with these?? I’ve thought about folding them in half to make tote bags or adding cream and making a baby girl blanket or adding a fabric lining and making a crochet hook holder. Any thoughts?!

Just goes to show you that not every project is a success. Oh well. Hopefully I’ll do better next time!


What have you been working on lately?

Teach Me Tuesdays

Gardening Journal August 6th

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We’ve finally gotten a few rains over the past couple of weeks which has done our garden (and our grass) some good! You just can’t water your garden enough to compare to a good rain. Here’s what I picked today:
Here are my pepper and okra plants. The okra and banana peppers are still going strong, but the jalapenos seem to be slowing down a bit. 
As you can see, my tomatoes are about done for the season. They are dying off and not producing much except some small fruit.  
Here’s the green beans, cucumbers and sweet potatoes that we planted a few weeks back. They are all looking pretty good so far. The carrots we planted must have blown away because I don’t see any coming up. And the potatoes we planted in crates never came up either. I think it was too hot. 
Just in case you’ve never seen an okra blossom, here’s one. They bloom in the morning and are gone by the evening. You can’t really tell in the picture, but the inside is purpleish. 
I’m hoping that we begin to see cooler temperatures soon and I’m looking forward to maybe planting some fall crops. We’ll see. 

Have you been growing anything lately?

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