Homesteading / Simple living / Downshifting... anyone?

[OverEggstended]

I too make my own bread! It is a dying art... glad to see that I am not alone.

 

[Whispering Winds]

I am getting back into the cookie baskets I gave as gifts years ago, to family and friends . . .and another thing that kids absolutely love as well as adults is the cornstarch dough ornaments. I am sure if you google it, it will come!

They make gorgeous ornaments, can be cut with cookie cutters and painted, glittered or whatever . . .I am saving 12/19 for the cookie painting day for my wonderful granddaughters. They are all growing up, and I want them to have one more time with granny and her cookies. We take icing, color it, water it down to a thin consistency and then "paint" the cookies I have already cut out and baked. Regular dollar store brushes are fine, and while its a mess its well worth the memories. I don't have my tree up yet, which is unheard of in our household, but time and circumstances mandated I do it later . . .

 

[Rathbone]

Quote:
I agree it is, and its been mentioned several times on BYC. Im not trying to deter that at all

Its just also fun to have a little spot over here for us to chat as well.

I have actually visited that site...but something about this thread fits me very well.

 

[TeamChaos]

Making paper chains is fun- just the little strips of colored paper that you tape, staple, glue or "tab" together- (put a "snip" in each end so you can slide them into one another to complete the link)- my daughter and i have done these in the past with different focus ideas (writing down things we're thankful for, wishes, names of people and animals we love etc.) and draping them around the house can be a colorful way to decorate for the holiday at hand. Your boys are probably old enough to try their hand at paper weaving too- it's fun to do with left over wrapping paper.
This year, as we have in years past, my daughter and I are going through the photo boxes and picking out special pictures and making simple paper frames to slip them in to give to family members. Most of the time, it's not about an artsy striking picture but rather one that maybe the recipient hadn't seen before or a photo of a loved one that has passed- I've cut up free magnets in the past to make magnetic frames, or we glue soda pop tops on the back for the hangers. It's always fun to look through the pictures!

I am totally on board with the idea of enjoying the process, rather than being focused on emotional pay off when you finally get what you want.
I think that's one of the things that gardening has instilled in me- I think it's the ultimate form of optimism! The hard work and care put in early on can't be done if you don't truly enjoy the process- those seedlings won't make it to bear fruit if all you care about is the tomatoes that are months off.

 

[Rathbone]

I have always liked the paper chain idea - but your twist on it TeamChaos I love - writing down things we are thankful for. This is definitely going on our to do list.
And...my CHICKS ARE PIPPING! Sorry, got to go and press my nose against the glass some more!

 

[ChikeeMomma]

Quote:
Directions for popping popcorn in a pot are: use a tablespoon or two of oil in a pot (pot needs to have a lid). Place one kernel in the oil and turn on the burner med/high heat. When the kernel pops, you know that you can add a single layer of kernels. Place a lid on the pot and shuffle it around over the heat until the popping slows. Remove from heat and remove lid. Voila, you have just popped popcorn in a pot! If you were making it to eat now it the time for adding melted butter and salt. For the garland just leave plain. Good luck!

 

[Rathbone]

THANK YOU! I think somewhere long ago I knew all that - I remember my mom making the BEST popcorn and swirling the pan over the burner. But I am so happy you included the instructions. I would have forgotten to put the test kernel in. I think we will make some for stringing...and some for snacking - splurge with real butter.

 

[Beekissed]

Quote:
Not alone.....

We haven't really used store bought bread for many years now.

 

[ChikeeMomma]

Love making bread, too. Still do store bought for the hubby's PB&J because that's what he likes. Other than that it's homemade bread all the way. Love making flour tortillas, too.

 

[Blackbird]

Quote:

Good!