A Handmade Moment

~I know Christmas is past already, but I wanted to mention this.
"New in Town", the movie, has been out for at least a year now. It's a simple movie, but a touching one.
~The particular scene I want to mention is when Blanche gives Renee Zellweger her Christmas present. Renee's character first gives Blanche money, as a gift. Then Blanche tells her that here, they give presents that are handmade. She gives her a handmade scrapbook. The money seems very unimportant and hollow compared to the scrapbook. There are also references to Jesus without being preachy. I think this is my new favorite Christmas movie!
~It is another example to me that there's nothing better than a gift that's handmade and heartfelt.

Will You Be My Valentine?

Peony #5: Peony as Heidi

Collectors Doll Set

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Peony wants you to be her valentine!

~ 11" Peony Doll wearing completely removeable clothing: Vintage black velvet vest, with glass button and ribbon closures, and is lined in the same red fabric as the skirt of the dress; Dress has a bodice and snaps in the back, and features an eyelet apron. The sleeves have hand crocheted edging. She wears pantaloons that have matching hand crocheted edging. She wears a triangle scarf, that can be worn as a headscarf or shawl, depending on the weather.

~ The miniature "Alpine Meadow" quilt is 5 3/8" x 4 3/4", and features the tiny hand stitching around the flowers.
~ Then there's Swanli- Heidi's favorite goat. Swanli is modeled after Saneen goats. She measures approximately 4" high and 4" in length. She stands on her own and is made from a wire armature and cotton. She wears a bell around her neck.

~  a red cotton print bag.

More of Peony#10

See even More of Peony #10

on the Flickr slideshow above!

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~ Peony #10 "Winter Fun"

~ She wears a Lined White Wool Jacket, with handmade Wool Beads, and hand crocheted metallic thread fastners in the front. She also has Suspendered Jodphur Style pants, and a Winter Blue overskirt.

~She wears (fake) fur trimmed outerwear-- a hat, also trimmed with a wool bead, a muff, with a vintage beaded cord, and leather boots.

~There's also a felted wool quilt, with over 90 hand sewn beds, sequins, and metal findings, which is also embroidered with silk floss.

~The winter accessories can be stored in the hatbox, which is trimmed with a vintage earring piece from Dottie Rose, and glitter! The hatbox is entirely handmade --it is not a purchased box!

~She comes packaged in a fun winter flannel print bag, which is also cross stitched on the front.

~How could you resist this cute little face?

What Is It About Beans and Cornbread??

Biscuit with Pinto Beans and Cornbread with Honey on Top
Pinto Beans

Cornbread Mix (the Secret's in what you put in it!)

Cornbread with Honey on Top ~ Yummy!
What is it about beans and cornbread that we love so much? It's one of our southern comfort food combinations, and is good for you, of course! Even Biscuit likes it! And these recipes are so easy, even Biscuit could make it herself! We like pinto beans because they seem to be easier to digest than kidney beans or even white beans. We usually like to make cornbread from scratch, but this mixture is great if you're in a hurry, and tastes just as good. Remember ~ we don't get paid for advertising this brand of cornbread mix, we just like it and know it produces consistent results every time, and think you will like it too!

Auntie Esther's Pinto Beans

1 1/2 cups pinto beans, washed and rinsed

6 cups of water

2 teaspoons of salt

2 tablespoons Extra Virgin, Light Tasting Olive Oil

(*Bertolli's is a good brand and easy to find in most stores.

We use this oil as it has a less "olivey" taste.)

1 sweet onion, quartered

DIRECTIONS: Put rinsed beans in pot with water, salt, olive oil and onion. Bring to a boil, then simmer until tender with the Lid On. Stir every once in a while, to make sure beans aren't sticking. You will know when the beans are done, when they have a smooth texture in your mouth. If it feels grainy, they aren't done. You May have to add a little more water towards the end of the cooking, as some of it will evaporate out of the pot. It usually takes about 2-3 hours to cook them completely.

Our "Secret" Cornbread Mix

The "secret" is buttermilk and real butter- staples in a southern baker's refridgerator!

1 package Betty Crocker Cornbread and Muffin Mix

1 lightly beaten Egg

3 heaping teaspoons white granulated sugar

(you can leave sugar out if you don't want it on the sweet side)

1/3 cup Buttermilk-no substitutes

6 tablespoons of sweet cream, UNsalted Butter- no substitutes - melted

DIRECTIONS: In a mixing bowl, put in the package mix, sugar, egg, buttermilk, and 3 tablespoons of the melted butter. Mix together well. You may add another tablespoon or so of the buttermilk, if necessary. In a square metal pan - 8x8 inches - pour in the remaining melted butter, and rotate pan so butter covers the entire bottom of the pan. Pour in the cornbread mix, and bake in a preheated 400 degree oven for 15 minutes or until slightly brown on the sides.

We like the cornbread with honey, of course! It's like dessert!