Monthly Archives: December 2016

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Mom’s Special Macaroni & Cheese

By |2017-09-01T12:06:37+00:00December 24th, 2016|Fall Table, Health & Wellness, Winter Table|

Like most kids, especially in the 1980s and 1990s, Kraft Macaroni and Cheese in the blue box was a standard staple for lunch or dinner. Quite frankly, both of my kids grew up on it. I remember in college in the early 80's our dorm and "little house" brought back a gross of White Generic Macaroni & Cheese Boxes to college after visits home. We lived on the stuff, along with instant mashed potatoes and green beans and butter! Those days are far behind me and though my children still appreciate a good blue box once in a while, my youngest has begun to appreciate the value of a good pan of homemade Macaroni and Cheese! He brags to his friends and co-workers about the goodness and inevitably I am making several pans every time we have a gathering! 1 Lb Elbow Macaroni Cooked Drained Sauce: 4 Tblsp. Butter 2 heaping Tblsp. Flour 4 Cups Whole Milk 1/2 large onion, diced 1/2 tsp. Himalayan or Celtic Salt [...]

2016 Holiday Musings #2

By |2017-09-01T12:08:21+00:00December 9th, 2016|Creative Living at Home, Creative Parenting, Fall Table, Health & Wellness, Holiday Table, Holidays, Spring Table, Summer Table, Winter Table|

After the Thanksgiving decorating blitz, this week has become Christmas detail week and lists are flying! Things to do, things to get, things to make and the everyday chores as well. In the midst of all of this, the reality of everyday life kicks in. There are friends to talk to, support to give to grieving friends with lost loved ones and those asking for prayers for medical tests, recovery and the unknown. This week we work on the final touches to our home that makes it uniquely ours and welcoming to all of our friends and family who come to see us. This week the Snowflakes my mom carefully has crocheted for decades and given to all her friends and especially her family and starched them to a crisp flat beauty were finally found. This are a constant in our holiday decorating and one that we treasure. With mom's recent stroke, we may not get these again in years to come so these precious treasures were [...]

Christmas decor in the Country

By |2017-09-01T12:09:19+00:00December 9th, 2016|Creative Living at Home, Creative Parenting, Health & Wellness, Holiday Table, Holidays, Winter Table|

There is nothing like Christmas in the country! All my life I have lived in the country, somewhere in the United States. I love the rural life and how with a little creativity we can decorate our homes and create a welcoming environment for family, friends and out of town guests. Here in Dinwiddie County Virginia we have one of the largest populations of pine tree farming in the state. This makes decorating for Christmas a joy! On our farm we are surrounded by trees, mainly pine trees. As I prepared for the Holiday Season this year, I wanted to keep a more organic and natural feel to our home, both indoors and out. Using pine boughs, cedar sprigs, pine cones, holly and berries one can create a beautiful setting while capturing the feel of the season as well. Today I jumped in our Ranger and headed for the edges of the woods. I scavenged for greenery and nature that would go well with the variety of [...]

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