Basil Salt...



Basil Salt to freeze for winter

Basil Salt - my favorite way to use up the summer crops of Basil and keep the fresh taste of herbs through the winter months.  We use Celtic Salt in our house and when combined with fresh Basil - it makes a fresh seasoning for fish, salads, chicken, etc. 

Place basil and salt in the food processor until smooth.  Bake in a 225 degree oven, on a baking sheet, for approximately 45 minutes or until dried out (stirring to make sure it doesn't stick to bottom).  Let cool.  Put back into food processor and grind until smooth.  Store in airtight containers.  Freezes well!

(Sometimes I add parsley to this recipe, if I have too much.)  Yum.

Herbs...

The last parsley of the year.  And one more pumpkin!

Sadly, this is the last herb I will be picking, this year.  I've been harvesting and drying herbs all summer - and now it's over...?  I've enjoyed picking and hanging bunches of parsley, basil, sage, chives, mint and oregano all over the place.  When it's dry, I pulse it gently in a grinder and package it to use through the winter.  Truly, there is nothing better than fresh herbs.  The ones from the store don't even compare!  Winter is close at hand.

Now, time to plant the garlic...

New Cupcakes...

Girlie Pink Cupcakes!

I'm working on adding some more Felt Cupcakes to the shop.  A few more details, and they'll be ready to go...  Fun gift for the holidays.

Coasters for my fall table...

Yep, keep it simple.  That saying keeps proving itself over and over, here in my home.  Why I didn't catch on to that before now is beyond me...!

I needed something neutral for my fall kitchen table that wasn't too fussy.  These are perfect.  These Crochet Coasters  are 'simple', but 'oh' so fun to make.  They whip up quickly for a holiday gift too - wrapped with mugs, tea, chocolate, gift card, whatever you like...

I am looking forward to the weekend of rest with my family (although we have places to be and lots to do).  Getting chores done and running errands today.  How 'bout you?

Fall...?

Coffee Sleeve ($9.50)

Can't believe that October is already here (and half over).  In my house, it seems to be the busiest time of the year (although December hasn't gotten here yet!).

We had a fabulous family vacation a few weeks ago and I have had a difficult time getting back into the swing of things at home.  We were able to be away from the regular routine of life - be pampered, lay on the beach, search for perfect restaurants overlooking the ocean, hang out, laugh and play in a different way than normal (without the clock ticking or the next project looming).  Being back home reminds me that although the vacations of life come to an end, we are so very blessed with all we have.  When I am with the people I treasure, I am at peace.

So, the routine continues!...A hot cup of my favorite coffee, snuggly wrapped in one of my Coffee Cozies makes me feel warm today...Happy Autumn...

Face Scrubbies - Quick and Simple Pattern...!

Crochet Face Scrubbies ($4.00)

I think these are just adorable - not to mention reusable, eco friendly, safe, affordable...

Quick and Simple - a new motto around here! 

Something about the seasonal 'candy corn' colors makes me feel warm this year...

These Crochet Face Scrubbies are the perfect size for getting your face clean without too much mess (approximately 3").  Reusable.  Great texture.  Easy to throw into the wash.  Much more fun than a washcloth or cotton pad.  My children enjoy using them, as the large washcloth is always dripping down their arm and making a huge mess!!!

They make a sweet homemade gift for a teenager - wrapped in a jar with face wash, moisturizer and headband!  Fun idea for the holidays.

Although there are plenty of instructions (out there) on how to 'crochet in the round', this is a pattern I have tweaked and enjoy using.  This is very basic!  Have fun.

Round Facial Scrubbies Pattern

Stitches:
slip stitch = sl st
chain = ch
single crochet = sc
double crochet = dc

Materials:
'G' hook
cotton yarn

Finished size:
coaster should be approximately 3" round.

Instructions:
round #1:
ch 4.  12 dc in first ch.  join with sl st in first dc. (12)
round #2:
ch 2.  2 dc in each stitch around.   join with sl st in first stitch. (24)
round #3:
ch 2. *1 dc in next stitch. 2 dc in next stitch.* repeat around.  join with sl st in first stitch. (36)
round #4:
ch 1.  *sl st in next stitch.  sc in next stitch.* repeat around.  join.  fasten off.

Finishing:
weave in loose tails.

~this pattern is for personal use only~ 

Precious Hearts

Crochet Hearts (9 for $4.50)

Oh, how much fun are these?  I'm having a hard time stopping this addiction!  So fun to give away or send in the mail.  I have been making them for a teacher at church to pin on the children for birthdays - so precious!

Denim Scraps

Well, the stack of old denim jeans and scraps around here is getting to be too much.  The question is always "What should we make...?"  This little creation is a fun way to use up some of the denim pieces, incorporate some wool felt and have more small storage bins on my shelves for thread, punches, ribbon, scraps, buttons, etc. (you get the idea).  Oh, they are so much fun to fill!

Denim 'Box'

'Candy Corn' Hearts

 

'Candy Corn' Crochet Hearts ($4.50)

A fun thing to do on a rainy Pennsylvania day - crochet some heart love!  The colors are just perfect for this season...and although Candy Corn isn't my favorite sweet thing, I am fascinated by the happiness  it spreads. 

These little sweeties measure about 1 1/2" wide x 1 1/2" high.  A perfect treat to pin on your jacket, sweater; slip in an envelope to send to someone you love; or put on top of a package!  I'll put some of these in the shop (set of 9).

School has been in session at my house for 5 weeks now - oh my!  Time goes so quickly.

We've taken many vacations throughout the summer & enjoyed many festivals & concerts & baseball games.  We took a break from school for a family vacation & now we're back working at the regular routine.  Fall is here with some cooler temperatures & it feels good to  curl up in a blanket with hot chocolate instead of finding ways to find relief from the summer heat.  Soon enough, we will be talking about how we miss the warm summer temperatures...!

I am back to baking my breakfast casseroles, for special morning treats.  French Toast Casserole seems to be the favorite around here, drizzled with maple syrup & blueberries!  Yum.

There have been so many projects going on around here over the past few months.  Many of these things I end up using for gifts & they don't make it into the shop.  But, I have some Hang Tags, Denim Boxes, Crochet Hearts, & Coffee Cozies that will be listed in the shop soon.

Fall 2013

"Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.  Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is - His good, pleasing & perfect will."   Romans.  Twelve.  Two.