Products I Love ...in the Kitchen

While baking up some goodies for Easter, I thought of a few products that make the process a little easier.  One thing that I do NOT like is buttermilk, to drink that is!  However, I have quite a few recipes that call for the ingredient.  If I buy a whole carton of buttermilk, the unused amount would eventually go bad on me and have to be thrown away.  There have been times when I used a substitute of ??milk and vinegar. Then, I came across powdered buttermilk!  Yep, now I always have buttermilk on hand and it doesn't go bad.  I just put 4 tablespoons in a cup of warm water and mix it up in my Ninja, which brings me to another product.

My husband actually bought the Ninya for daiquiris and smoothies.  It works great!  I also use it as a mini chopper.  After we used this baby a few times. it was bye bye to my old blender!

But back to the baking, my last product I wanted to mention is a Wilton angled spreading spatula. It works so much better than a regular spreader for applying frosting to a cake.  Even a novice like me can have a smooth frosted cake. 

This is the three products that made my Easter preparations go a little bit smoother.  Now the one thing I need some recommendations on is a KNIFE.  I need a good medium range price knife for chopping vegetables.  There area so many on the market, from very cheap to super expensive.  I can't afford a super expensive one but am willing to pay a little more IF I know it's a good one.  Can anyone recommend one for me? 

Sharing with:
Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style
Bunny Hop @ Bunny Jeans Decor and More
White Wednesday @ Faded Charm Cottage 
Let's Dish @ Cuisine Kathleen  

Civil War Utensils and Artwork

Last month I toured several beautiful homes at the Audubon Pilgrimage in St. Francisville, LA.  In my favorite home tour, I saw a young boy's room that had the following artwork.  It is framed linen fabric with arrows and the next one with dream catchers.  I was so impressed I sneaked a couple of pics very quickly.  That's why the quality is not that great.

I was immediately inspired to make something for my house seeing this idea.  I thought of the utensils that I had purchased at a yard sale several years back.  A lot of merchandise was from an antique store that had been opened years before.  A fellow thrifter told me they were from the Civil War and I immediately came home and check ebay and, lo and behold, there were something just like 'em.  Every since then, they have been stuck in a drawer.

I asked my husband if he would make me a frame out of some type of wood that I could poly.  He had some scraps of cedar moulding left over from a job and it took him all of 10 minutes to make it! 

After my coat of poly dried, I gathered a piece of cardboard, spray adhesive, and a piece of linen I picked up at the local Wal-Mart.  I didn't like the look of just the fabric on the cardboard and I didn't have any batting on hand, so I dug a thin towel out of the rag bag and used it between the two to give it a little more padded look.

I used a hot glue gun to mount the utensils.  I was afraid it wouldn't hold but so far so go.

Here's a close up of the fork.

And this is my finished product!  My fabric could have been pulled a little tighter but this was my first time using spray adhesive and it dried really fast, but I'm quite satisfied with it.  I already know where it's going, my new china closet, which I plan on revealing next week!  My husband better get on the ball and hang those last few doors for me.

Blessings, Tammy

Sharing with:

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing 

Metamorphisis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage 

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesdays Treasures @ Myuncommon Slice of Suburbia

Swing into Spring Party @ DIY by Design

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Bunny Hop @ Bunny Jeans Decor and More

White Wednesday @ Faded Charm Cottage

Show Your Stuff @ Just Winging It
 Thrifty Things Thursday @ The Thrifty Grove

Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours

Home Sweet Home Friday @ The Charm of Home 

Inspiration Friday @ the picket fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday   @ Common Ground

Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello

Sunday Showcase @ Under the Table and Dreaming

An Easter Testimony

I would like to wish everyone a Happy Easter!  I recently did a post on my son, the junk collector, and thought it only fair that I share a story about my lovely daughter, Savannah. 

She will be 15 in a month and is a quiet yet strong willed girl.  Music and reading are her two favorite hobbies.  She was the one that actually came up with the name for my blog because her favorite music artist, at least right now, is Scotty McCreery and he has a song entitled "Walk in the Country."    That's not the only reason though for the title.  We live in the country and SHE walks the countryside everyday. 

I have always taught my children about the Lord and they learned more about Him in Sunday School.  In 2002, she was 5 years old.  It was Easter night and we were watching The Ten Commandments.  All of a sudden, she came to me crying saying that she wanted to make sure that she went to Heaven.  I calmed her down and asked her is she believed that Jesus was the Son of God, that He died on the cross for our sins and was resurrected.  She told me she did. We both knelt down and prayed together.  That was the day, my daughter accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior.  I was so proud, I was moved to tears!

Since this night, it is our yearly tradition to watch The Ten Commandments at Easter.  It is airing tonight on ABC and we will all be gathered around the television.

I am so thankful to the Lord for my family.  We are not perfect by any means but try to live our life the way God would want us to.

So in honor of the Resurrection of our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, I pray that this message will reach out and speak to your heart. 

Wishing everyone a blessed Easter!

Tammy

Inspiration Friday at the picket fence 

Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello 

Sanford and Son Wanna Be

I mention my son, Hunter, quite a bit since he helps me out quite a lot with my projects. So today, I'm going to tell everyone a little bit about him.  As I am writing this, it seems fitting that Sanford and Son is on.  You'll see why in a minute.

Hunter turned 17 in January but he is very mature for his age. He works harder than a lot of grown men. He is smart and full of common sense. You know how some people are super intelligent but don't have a lick of common sense? Well, he got his fair share plus more. He built this barn/storage area when he was 13 using mostly scrap lumber. As most of you know, my husband is a carpenter so he does come into scrap materials. Hunter is a collector of junk or as he says "merchandise." He likes antiques, really anything old. This past weekend I took a tour though his barn to see what he has stockpiled.

pie safe....

I remember last summer when I never knew what he was going to drag home and I do mean drag. I would starting hearing loud noises from outside, look out the window and see clouds of dust billowing up from the road. A couple of times, I would come home and see the deep grooves in the gravel road and wondered, "what's he got now?" I am proud of him but at the same time can get very aggravated. You see, he purchased a lot of junk from the neighbor across the road for a couple of hundred dollars. The neighbor was happy to have his land cleared off but then it came across the road to my house! I think he had 9 vehicles, some dating back to the 40's. He drug home stock trailers, hay racks, cars, trucks, vans, even a sugar grinder! I am so glad we have acreage where I don't have to see all his "merchandise." Hunter being quite the salesman, posted a lot of it on craigslist. He enjoys wheeling and dealing! A lot of it was also hauled off to the scrap yard. Needless to say, Hunter had a very profitable summer.

approximately 30 sets of hubcaps  and license plates stored in his boat...

If anyone needs anything, they ask him. My sister recently purchased land and needed a culvert.  She called Hunter, and yes, he had one. He has over 300 National Geographic magazines dating back to the 1940's. He has about 60 vinyl records and 9 record players. I finally put my foot don't about this because some are big console types. He has a collection of old radios, Underwood typewriters and a dresser full of old cast iron cookware.

a pair of toile ware lamps

I could go on and on listing the things he has, some I don't even know about, but I'm getting tired of typing. No, I don't buy his "treasures" for him.  He doesn't even buy a lot of it,  most people are wanting to clean out their barns or outbuildings and let him have it. What he does buy, he pays for.  He works with his dad some, he cuts grass in the summer, hauls scrap to the scrap yard, and all sorts of odd things to make money. A couple of weeks ago, he replaced the screens in all the windows at another neighbors house. He has also been known to trade work for things. Last year, he traded carpentry work plus a little cash for a dual wheel truck that he calls "the beast."

I know what you're thinking, "Her house must really be junkie!" Nope, even his room isn't too bad. His barn is 12X60 plus we have other outbuildings where he stores a few odds and ins. He stores things in the attic and he has a room in my fil's storage building that he keeps under lock and key. He knows everything he has, I think he even has an inventory written down. If he buys a vehicle and works on it before selling it, he knows exactly how much he spent on it. He has a folder for each vehicle and keeps all his receipts. At the moment, he has 5 trucks, including a restored 1977 Ford F-100.

And this is Hunter, sitting in his trash found metal chair. That lovely young lady in the background is my daughter, Savannah. 

Now do you see what I mean about Sanford and Son? Yep, my 17 year old son and Fred Sanford would make quite a pair! He is quite unique and I am very proud of him!

Blessings, Tammy

Sharing with:

Treasure Hunt Thursday @ From My Front Porch To Yours
Inspiration Friday at the picket fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday @ Common Ground
Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Grove
Saturday Nite Special @ Funky Junk Interiors

Weekend Wrap-Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello
Newbie Party at Debbie Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing
Metamorphisis Monday  @ Between Naps on the Porch
Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm
What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Entertaining for Easter

Whenever we have larger family gatherings, I set up a buffet in my kitchen on the island.  I use a heavy white tablecloth with a seasonal topper.  For this Easter, I'm using some pink satin remnants that I picked up a yard sale. 

I use books, tucked under the pink topper, to elevate the decorate elements, in this case, the tulips and the bunnies.  I like the elevated height that it adds to the buffet.  I have a stack of plates on the corner so guests can work their way around the island.  Normally, napkins and flatware would be at the other end but my tables are already set with glassware, flatware and napkins.

A closer look at the elevated pieces...

Our family gets together ahead of time and decides who will bring what so I have a pretty good idea what dishes I'll need to make room for.

I tucked a few yellow daisies in the grass

and, of course, what would Easter be without some eggs?

Soft cottony bunnies were a local purchase several years ago for $5 each.

The desserts will be set up in the dining room on the sideboard.  This is the area that is hard to plan because someone always brings unexpected sweets.  But, hey, I'm not complaining!  This will be the first time I get to use my dispenser.  This was a Christmas gift from my younger sister.  On my wish list is a few of the crystal flatware holders that Susan had on Between Naps on the Porch.

Weather permitting, we usually play croquet on the front lawn in the afternoon.  Since the forecasts says it'll be in the mid 80's, I thought I'd set up a table for lemonade on the front porch.

I recently rearranged my front porch and added this sewing machine table just for this purpose.  I topped the table with a vintage tablecloth and matching napkins.  Yes, another yard sale find.  It was actually a boxed set of 2 coordinating tablecloths and napkins.  I'll be using the coordinating set on the table that will be set up on the screened porch.

I recently purchased this dispenser fromWalmart.  I liked it for two reasons, one it's plastic, which is good for use around the pool, and two, it has an ice holder in the middle so your beverage will not be diluted. I purchased a couple of cases of these mugs from the Dollar Tree a couple of years ago to use at parties for serving punch.

Easter Blessings,

Tammy

Sharing with:

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Centerpiece Wednesday @ The Style Sisters

 Tablescape Thursday @ Between Naps on the Porch 
The Tablescaper: Seasonal Sunday
Tabletop Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life
Thrifty Tablescape Saturday @ Thrifty Grove

Chalkboard Platter

Yes, I'm jumping on the chalkboard paint wagon!  I saw a similarly post from a fellow blogger, Cindy at Beaux R'eves and decided to make my own.  Cindy's was round and more ornate, and absolutely gorgeous but I was too "chicken" to use my better ones.

I purchased some chalkboard paint from Lowe's.  Using a little sponge brush, my daughter carefully followed the recessed part of this platter. I have three of these platters that I purchased from a yard sale.  They are made of metal but not silverplate.

A very easy and simple project!

Sharing with:

Metamorphisis Monday @ Between Naps on the Porch

Newbie Party at Debbie Doo’s Blogging & Blabbing 

Masterpiece Monday @ Boogieboard Cottage  

Table Top Tuesday @ A Stroll Thru Life

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tuesdays Treasures @ Myuncommon Slice of Suburbia

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

What's It Wednesday @ Ivy and Elephants

Bunny Hop @ Bunny Jeans Decor and More

Swing into Spring Party @ DIY by Design

Show Your Stuff @ Just Winging It

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Feathered Nest Friday @ French Country Cottage  

Home Sweet Home Friday @ The Charm of Home

Thrifty Things Friday @ The Thrifty Grove

Signs of Spring in the Yard

Spring has arrived in my yard.  I have a feeling though that we are going to go straight to the heat of summer before we know it.  My knock roses are in full bloom!  They are so fresh and pretty right now.  I lost one right in the middle of the bed last year.  So what to do with that empty spot?  I had a little pedestal with an angel on it but then a couple of weeks ago I bought this pretty little statue at a yard sale for $3!  Who cares if she is missing a little piece in her arm?  That just gives it character!

The rose bed in on the side of my house by the driveway.  So why don't we stroll though the gate into the back yard to see what's blooming?

The first bloom on the "Nearly Wild" roses that are planted at the gate.

The "Stella d'Oro" are blooming.  These are smaller day lilies that bloom all summer.  My regular lilies have not started blooming yet.

The mandevilla hanging baskets spent the winter in the greenhouse.  They fared well and are just now starting to bloom.

Down the sidewalk to the pond, Mr. Crawfish rules supreme against a back drop of cast iron plants.  The elephant ears are going crazy this spring.  I have lost count of how many I have actually already pulled up.  I'm not going to show you the pond just yet.  It hasn't been cleaned out since all the pollen stuff started coming off the trees and the pump has been acting a little crazy lately.

I have two of these baskets on the fence behind the pool.  The little green thingy made it though the winter but I recently added the white trailing flowers.  Once they fill out, it will be spectacular against the fence.  I REALLY want to hang one on my house but the house is white and every time it gets watered it's going to leave a brown trail underneath it to the floor.

My banana trees are really growing!  They are going to really fill out this space once summer gets here. You can see the totem pole that watches over the pool.   

Since we had a mild winter here, I didn't lose too many of my shrubs.  Most did die down but are already showing signs of rebirth.  Such an appropriate word for this time of year, don't you think?