Fragrance of Spring - The Rose :: A Dandelion Moms Article



My newest article is live at Dandelion Moms this morning; it features the fragrance of spring - the rose!

Texas Travel :: The Jefferson General Store

Recently, I entered the Texas Forrest Trail Region's We Pine for East Texas photography contest. With over 300 beautiful entries, I was pretty sure my amateur photography skills didn't stand a chance. I was utterly surprised when I opened an email last week stating I had actually won a spot as honorable mention with my photo Way Back When taken in Jefferson, Texas at the Jefferson General Store.

 

 

The Jefferson General Store is a delightful step back into yester-year, featuring a fantastic old-fashioned soda fountain, a well-stocked candy bar, shelves filled with preserves, jams, snacks, salsa, honey and more. In addition, the General Store also sells clothing, toys, books and Texas souvenirs.

 

Located at 113 E. Austin Street, the Jefferson General Store is opened Sunday through Thursday from 9am until 6pm and Friday through Saturday from 9am until 10pm.

 

 

A Mother's Perspective :: Modesty

Mod-es-ty: propriety in dress, speech or conduct.

On Monday, the boys and I joined our fellow homeschoolers at our local Splash Pad for an afternoon of delight. Our group ranged from about 4 years old to 14. We had a mix of boys and girls throughout the age range and all were dressed modestly and appropriately for the outing. Boys wore swim trunks and rash guards while the girls wore something equally modest. None of our children were in bathing suits without proper coverage or cover-ups. Call me old fashioned…

However, I cannot say the same for the plethora of young mothers with toddlers and preschoolers. Most were in rather tight swimwear with sheer cover-ups and we even spied one pregnant young mom in what appeared to be an itsy bitsy teeny tiny hot pink bikini prancing around the water spouts with her toddler.

While I have no problem with women or mothers wearing swimsuits, please do so in an appropriate fashion, especially at a children’s play area. I know I’m not the fashion police, and I apologize if I offend anyone in this post, but please look at this issue from a mother with rapidly approaching teenage boys. I don’t want my sons to gawk at grown women’s cleavage. In fact, they don’t now, but why tempt them? Why be that women who feels the need to show-off everything she has. If you are the mother of daughters, how do you think the way you portray yourself will impact them as they get older?

I’m not conveying we should all don swimming suits from the 1920’s, although some of them are quite adorable;but rather, that as women, we take a step back and look at how we portray ourselves to children around us. Do we want a society of girls who feels it is necessary to dress inappropriately or boys who feel their eyes can linger over a girl's un-modest appearance?

Personally, I would rather side with modesty.

Texas Made :: Cindy's Cozy Kitchen

Cookies are made of butter and love.  – Norwegian proverb

 If you haven’t heard about Cindy’s Cozy Kitchen, nestled in East Texas, then you are missing out. Former educator, Cindy Best creates a variety of delicately detailed cookies for all occasions. Ranging from children’s story book characters to tartan plaid, her cookies are not only unique, but also deliciously buttery with a slight lemon zing.

Cindy began her journey into the cookie unknown a little over a year ago. She needed something to help overcome sorrow in her professional calling when resigning a ministry job. Cookies became her outlet. Cindy admits, “I was looking for something that I could be fruitful doing. In February of 2012, I saw a Valentine cookie which had been brush embossed. I thought, I should do that.” In addition, a former student had posted on Facebook how he missed the frosted cookies of his youth. Unsure of what he meant, Cindy began looking into the mysterious frosted cookies and soon embarked upon becoming a cookier.

I recently had the opportunity to visit Cindy in her Cozy Kitchen for an interview and a quick lesson in cookie decorating.

 

Texas Homemaking: Cindy, you’ve got all these great tools in the kitchen, but what are your “I can’t live without them” tools?

 

Cindy Best: Parchment, a heavy rolling pin, a spray bottle and my freezer are the best tools I have. You wouldn’t think such simple things would be useful, but they are. I love my rolling pin because I can adjust the width when I’m rolling dough. The spray bottle is great for mixing colors and keeping the icing from crusting. The freezer is helpful in keeping the dough from puffing up too much and losing its shape.

Texas Homemaking: I’ve seen many of your great cookie designs on your Facebook page, but what are your favorites?

 

Cindy Best: The Woodland Fairies; they hold a special place in my heart. I was inspired by a children’s pop-up book and created them. I also like the Some Bunnies I did not too long ago.

 

Texas Homemaking: The fairies are definitely my favorites! So, you inspire all of us with your cookies, but who inspires Cindy Best?

Cindy Best: Well, obviously Sugar Belle! She’s amazing. Also, my former student, Kim; she found me on Facebook and has shared all sorts of techniques, recipes and blogs. I’ve really benefitted from her expertise. Kim was in my 5^th grade class when I taught and now she is my teacher. She is a really gracious lady and has encouraged me when I needed it most.

Texas Homemaking: Sugar Bell is amazing! But, I think you do amazing work yourself. If you had advice for an up and coming cookier, what would it be?

Cindy Best: I think my biggest lesson when starting out was to take the time to make cookies correctly. If I was rushed or didn’t take the time, my icing consistency would be incorrect. The consistency of icing will make or break a deadline. Talking to your cookies helps, too {insert Cindy’s giggles}. It is also good to be competitive with yourself, but not with others. What I love the most about the cookie world is that everyone is so kind and supportive.

 

Texas Homemaking: Do you have any cookier tips to help save newbies heartache when they first start out?

Cindy Best: Well, living in East Texas, we have lots of humidity which can impact your icing, especially color transfer. If you’re filling lots of different colors, you definitely want to wait overnight before filling light and bold colors next to each other. I also use Julia Usher’s technique for stabilizing icing by using pasteurized egg whites, lemon juice and cream of tartar. A lot of people use meringue powder as a stabilizer but it can make icing take longer to dry and I don’t care for the taste. If you do use the meringue powder, I prefer Americolor; it also causes fewer bubbles in the icing.

 

In addition to our interview, Cindy gave me a tour of her cookie production line and a little insight into her newest creations. Her current cookies were headed to a former student whom lives in Baltimore. These cookies, a gift, were intended for an adorable one-year-old’s birthday party.

 

Cindy’s cookie process begins with design. She draws out her cookies, planning the icing colors and sets her deadline details. She rolled and baked this particular batch of cookies last Wednesday, outlined and flooded sections on Thursday, detailed on Friday, added finishing bling on Saturday and shipped this Monday. Before shipping, Cindy wrapped each cookie individually in bubble wrap to ensure they would arrive in perfect condition. Cookies properly sealed can be kept up to 3 weeks.

Along Cindy’s production line, I spied a dehydrator. It was being used to help give each cookie the initial crust over on the icing to prevent smudges or smears. Cindy will typically produce 2 orders of her charming cookies per week.

I’ve already got one order in with Cindy. My niece will be turning one in October and what better way to celebrate this occasion than with Cindy’s Cozy Kitchen. To place your cookie order with the sweetest lady I know, please email Cindy at cindyscozykitchen@gmail.com For information on pricing, delivery, shipping and more please visit her FacebookPage.

 

 

 

 

Simple Beauty :: Creating Your Own Spa Moments at Home

Today's post comes from guest blogger, Michelle Pino. She is the Spa Manager of the Skana Spa in upstate New York at the Turning Stone Resort. She shares some great tips with Texas Homemaking readers! Enjoy!

 

Nothing helps a woman feel more rejuvenated than a day of pampering at a luxurious spa. From hot stone massages to seaweed wraps, even a tired mom or busy career woman can leave feeling like she's on cloud nine. The reality is, spas are expensive! Taking a whole day off of work and finding somewhere to stash the little ones just to go empty your wallet just isn't a practical routine. Fortunately, there are ways that all women can create spa quality treatments in their own home, with ingredients that almost everyone already has in their kitchen or bathroom. These treatments are natural, healthy and fun. Light a scented candle, put on some new age music and let's get to work!

Need a quick pick me up that leaves your skin smooth? If you love the scent of a delicious latte, brew a pot of coffee. Take three tablespoons of the grounds in the coffee filter and blend them with a tablespoon of sugar- double the recipe if you really like exfoliating, but this is one treatment that needs to be used within 20 minutes of its creation, before the coffee oxidizes. Use the resulting mixture to exfoliate your body in the shower in order to take advantage of the many benefits of fresh brewed coffee, including Vitamin E and Magnesium. The scent is stimulating, making it a perfect morning pick-me-up.

Sick of those enlarged pores that strip your skin of its' youthful glow? You may not have known this, but a banana can help you clear that right up. Cut a ripe banana in half, and place half of the banana into a bowl. Mash the fruit with a fork or your hands until it reaches a creamy consistency. Apply the creamed banana to your face and allow it to rest for about twenty minutes. When you rinse your face, your pores should have closed a bit!

If you need to get rid of a cold, a hangover or just want to pull lingering toxins from your body, try a detox bath! Run a hot bath as usual, and add three pints of hydrogen peroxide plus two ounces of ground ginger. The peroxide works as both an antibacterial and antiviral agent while promoting full body oxygenation, and the anti inflammatory properties of the ginger encourages your body to sweat out toxins by improving circulation. Bathe for 30 minutes and follow up by drinking 32 ounces of water to replenish your body.

Finally, a short, sweet and simple tip to achieve soft hands in minute:

 -Blend two tablespoons of olive oil with two tablespoons of sugar.

 -Scrub your hands thoroughly in circular motions, paying special attention to cuticles and dry or rough areas.

-Rinse well and enjoy a much softer touch.

_______________

 

 

Michelle Pino, is a Spa Manager at Skana, a spa in upstate New York at the Turning Stone Resort and Casino in Verona, NY.  She enjoys DIY projects, healthy recipes, exercise, and all things related to skin care. If you have any comments or questions feel free to contact Michelle via email at michellepino@turningstone.com.

 

 

Carter BloodCare :: In Honor of Moms



Mother's Day is traditionally a day filled with pampering, flowers, chocolates and quite possibly the occasional breakfast in bed. While I'm not necessarily opposed to this idea, sometimes doing things different can really be heartfelt. This year, why not make Mother's Day about helping others in honor of Mom?

Carter BloodCare is encouraging you to help start a blood drive in your community this Mother's Day weekend in honor of your mother. There are many centers across Texas and starting a blood drive is simple. To get one going, please contact a recruiter and ask to host one in your community on May 11th or 12th.

Did you know that every 90 seconds someone in the Carter BloodCare service area needs blood or that one in three people will need blood during their lifetime? The life you save with your donation could be your own or the life of someone you love.

In addition, please take a moment to join The Great Big Give Back - the Carter BloodCare program for continuous donations.

_____

To contact a recruiter, please visit www.carterbloodcare.org/youcanhelp/organizedrive or email at bookablooddrive@carterbloodcare.org

The Happiness Project :: A Dandelion Moms Article



Check out my newest article on Dandelion Moms featuring The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. Not only do I offer a review of the book, but I also challenge the entire Dandelion Moms community (and my Texas Homemaking readers!) to create their own Happiness Projects beginning in May! Join in all the fun : )

Experimental Recipes :: Strawberry Popsicles, Sorbet & Shortcake



Early last week, the boys and I went strawberry picking with friends at McPeak's Orchard just outside of Gilmer, Texas. Since it is still early in the season, we didn't pick enough for the year, but we did get enough to make some strawberry creations!

Strawberry Popsicles

2 cups strawberries, hulled and quartered.
1 1/2 tbsp. lemon juice
1/4 cup powdered sugar*

In a small pan, bring strawberries and powdered sugar to a slight boil and slowly stir until the strawberries are cooked down into a pulpy mixture and there is a lot of juice present.

Allow the mixture to cool for about 3 minutes, then add the lemon juice. Once the strawberry mixture is completely cooled, place into a food processor and puree until thoroughly mixed. Pour into a freezer pop container.

This recipe makes approximately 8 Popsicles.

*If you want to avoid sugar, you can substitute honey for sugar. Just taste test to check for desired sweetness.

Strawberry Sorbet

2 cups fresh strawberries, rinsed, stemmed, and quartered

2/3 cup sugar (Definitely to your own taste. I prefer a sweeter sorbet)

1 ounce freshly squeezed lemon juice

1/2 ounce vodka (Voli light is a great choice for this recipe as there is no taste or smell of vodka in the sorbet.)

Pinch kosher salt

 

Puree the fruit in a food processor along with the sugar, lemon juice, vodka and salt. Pour into another container and refrigerate until the mixture reaches at least 40 degrees F, for approximately 4 to 6 hours.

Churn in an ice cream machine according to the manufacturer's instructions until the mixture resembles soft serve ice cream. Freeze for at least 4 more hours in a container.

This recipe was delicious. You can also make other varieties of sorbet by simply changing the types of fruit you use.

Strawberry Shortcake

This recipe was devoured in my home before I could capture an image to share with you all! It comes from the Food Network show Chic & Easy.

1/2 pounds strawberries, stemmed and quartered

5 tablespoons sugar

2 cups all-purpose flour

2 teaspoons baking powder

1/4 teaspoon baking soda

2 tablespoons sugar

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 1/2 cups heavy cream

 

Mix strawberries with 3 tablespoons sugar and refrigerate while juices develop, at least 30 minutes. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F.

Sift together the flour, baking powder, baking soda, remaining 2 tablespoons sugar, and salt in a medium bowl. Add heavy cream and mix until just combined. Place mixture in an ungreased 8-inch square pan and bake until golden, 18 to 20 minutes.

Remove shortcake from pan and place on a rack to cool slightly. Cut into 6 pieces and split each piece in half horizontally.

Spoon some of the strawberries with their juice onto each shortcake bottom. Top with a generous dollop of whipped cream and then the shortcake top. Spoon more strawberries over the top and serve.

Whipped Cream for Strawberry Shortcake

1 1/2 cups heavy cream, chilled

3 tablespoons sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest

 

Using a mixer, beat the heavy cream, sugar, vanilla, and lemon zest until soft peaks form, about 1 1/2 to 2 minutes.

_________________

If you are looking for a Strawberry Jam recipe, here is a link to last year's strawberry picking creation! This was very easy and extremely yummy! We made enough to share with family and friends!

West, Texas :: How You Can Help or Get Help During This Time of Need

My heart aches this evening for fellow Texans after the West, Texas Fertilizer Plant explosion. The images are devastating; the injuries and loss of life unbearable.

I've found some great resources for those who have been affected, those looking for family and those wanting to help. Please note, these are official sources.

Emergency Information - This comes from the office of Congressman Bill Flores and contains important numbers and location for family phone lines, blood donations, shelters, nursing homes, donation locations and more.

Red Cross Safe and Well Site - Residents can register to let their loved ones know they are safe and people can search for their loved ones.

Red Cross of Central Texas 
Make a donation by phone by calling 254-523-4985
Text  REDCROSS to 90999 to make a $10 donation.

Housing Assistance for People Offering Housing

Capital Area Food Bank of Texas
If you can help, please reach out to our fellow Texans in their time of need.
~ Michelle

A Woman's Beauty :: Dove's Real Beauty Sketches Video

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder...

Have you seen the newest Dove advertisement sweeping the Internet? After viewing it yesterday it made me realize I judge myself to harshly when it comes to looks. I'm going to go out on a limb and say we probably all do.

Dove Skin wants to change our perceptions. Their newest social campaign being launched across the web via Facebook, Twitter, YouTube and blogs hopes to a challenge women's personal critiques (while also increasing their sales revenue through instant and, oftentimes, free mass-market advertisement).

On Today.com, the vice president of Unilever's Dove Skin, Fernando Machado stated, “When you ask a woman to talk about herself, she kind of tends to focus more on the negative than on the positive, but funny how if you ask a women to describe a friend or someone else she will be more positive. That all goes back to the fact that women are sometimes their own worst beauty critics. And only four percent of them view themselves as beautiful. So this whole campaign aims to help contribute to change that statistic.”

In addition to focusing on women's self-esteem, the company also caters to the younger sect. Unilever offers the Dove Self-Esteem Tool Kit for girls and their parents in an effort to curb negative aspects in young girls' and young women's lives. The company's social mission is to discuss beauty, confidence and self-esteem. Anxiety about beauty begins at an early age, and can even keep girls from doing what they love. Dove believes, you can change that with a conversation.

Even as an adult, I struggle with the idea of being beautiful. I'm not sure why. Could it be the bombardment of beautifully edited photos gracing the covers of magazines or our nation's obsession with beauty products, plastic surgery and other devices to preserve youth and enhance cultural beauty? I don't have the answers, but I am moved Dove has taken a proactive approach when discussing what is beautiful in our society today.