Palm Sunday & Weekend Shenanigans

March 27, 2024

I was super excited Thursday, alone... the rest of the family did not feel this excitement, because a friend dropped off a big bundle of Red Russian Kale. Let me tell you how fast I nixed that salad I was making and started cleaning and sautéing kale. 



My go-to greens recipe is easy - sauté sliced shallot and minced garlic in butter. Toss in your greens. Season with salt and pepper, maybe a splash of lemon juice. That's it. 

How pretty is this kale!?



Garden update #1, it appears that the "winter" lettuce I bought was really preferring Spring. It has taken off in the last month. I even picked some this weekend for a sandwich. 


I know, this is the riveting blog content everyone is looking for. 




The school auction was this weekend and I dropped off my favorite Lemon Butter Cake. I linked the recipe a few posts back in the meal plan. It's easy, from scratch, and a crowd pleaser. You can't go wrong with it. 



More riveting garden content. I decided to replace my lavender with lobelia this year. We shall see just how upright Upright Lobelia happens to be. I need anyone living in that front yard to be HARDY as humanly possible. 




I finally finished my quilt top this weekend! 

Holy smokes that thing got harder to sew straight lines the larger it became. I imagine that the quilting part of this process is going to be equally as easy. I finally started clipping the folded parts just to keep it together a bit more and I moved it around in my lap. 




Final quilt top product. 




This is the garden update #2 if you are keeping count. 


My same lovely friend that grew that beautiful kale had also tried growing Biquinho Peppers, I planted two of them in my grow bags. Hopefully they do well this season. 





The teenagers had me laughing Sunday. As I was attempting to take a cute photo of my cute coffee cup at a local coffee shop (Komade in New Iberia) and the Palm Sunday passage we were reading... I was abruptly called out by teens. 


They accused me of taking "mom Instagram photos." They broke out into their usual laughter and mocking, and I just had to laugh too. I also said they have no room to talk about IG moms, because they take photos of themselves for Snapchat constantly and I keep my lips sealed. Anyway, they're funny, and I do love a sense of humor and can appreciate that they are willing to dish it back out at me. 




Sunday was also the annual church Picnic at City Park. The boys always enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt, and now for 8 years in a row we have not suffered a single ant bite at the high start of ant bite season. 




If you see the plain kids shirts for $4 at Walmart, take advantage of them. They are seriously better quality then the Old Navy shirts I bought them last spring. 





Have you tried the new Gooey Butter Cake Blue Bell flavor? Jeremy and I weren't entirely impressed, but the kids were into it. So much so they stole nearly the entire pint from me. 


My final verdict was that the cake batter ice cream base didn't make it taste like the bars. I wanted more butter and cream cheese and then a back end taste of cake. 



Read More

5 Key Shoe Care Practices for Long-lasting Footwear

March 22, 2024

Ensuring the longevity of our footwear often takes a backseat in our daily routines, yet proper shoe care is essential for preserving both their appearance and functionality. While investing in quality shoes is a wise decision, maintaining them effectively is equally important. Here are five fundamental tips to help you make your shoes last longer:




Regular Cleaning and Conditioning


Consistent cleaning and conditioning are foundational to shoe maintenance. Different shoe materials require specific care routines. For leather shoes, gently wipe them with a damp cloth to remove dirt and grime, then apply a leather conditioner to keep the material supple and prevent cracking. Suede shoes, on the other hand, benefit from brushing with a suede brush to revive the nap and remove stains. Understanding the cleaning needs of your shoes and adhering to a regular cleaning schedule can significantly prolong their lifespan.


Utilize Shoe Polish


Shoe polish serves a dual purpose beyond mere aesthetics—it's a crucial instrument for safeguarding and prolonging the lifespan of your shoes. Its application not only revitalizes the shine but also establishes a protective shield against moisture, dirt, and scratches. Select a polish that harmonizes with your shoes' color and administer it evenly using a brush or soft cloth. Consistent polishing not only upholds the visual appeal of your shoes but also fortifies them against premature deterioration and damage. You can get yours from burrowsandhare.co.uk.


Proper Storage Techniques


How you store your shoes when they're not in use can greatly impact their condition. Avoid storing them in a damp or humid environment, as moisture can lead to mold and mildew growth, particularly in leather footwear. Instead, opt for a cool, dry storage area away from direct sunlight. Additionally, using shoe trees helps maintain the shape of your shoes and prevents creases, especially in leather shoes. Proper storage practices play a fundamental role in preserving your shoes' integrity between wears.


Rotate Your Shoes Regularly


Wearing the same pair of shoes day in and day out accelerates their wear and tear. To extend the lifespan of your footwear, rotate between multiple pairs. Not only does this allow your shoes to air out and dry properly, but it also prevents excessive strain on any single pair. Consider diversifying your shoe collection to cater to various occasions, ensuring that each pair receives adequate rest and maintenance.


Invest Wisely in Repairs


When your shoes begin to show signs of wear, such as worn-out soles or loose stitching, don't hesitate to invest in quality repairs. Addressing minor issues promptly can prevent them from worsening and potentially becoming irreparable. Whether it's resolving, reheeling, or restitching, entrusting your shoes to skilled cobblers ensures that they receive the care they need to remain in top condition for years to come.


Conclusion


Incorporating these five essential shoe care practices into your routine can significantly extend the lifespan of your footwear. By prioritizing regular cleaning and conditioning, utilizing shoe polish, practicing proper storage techniques, rotating your shoes regularly, and investing wisely in repairs, you can ensure that your shoes not only look great but also stand the test of time. Remember, a little care and attention go a long way in preserving the functionality and beauty of your beloved footwear.


Read More

Weekly Meals on Wednesday

March 20, 2024

Meal planning at our house isn't the fun it use to be. With the kids being older, and trying to find meals Harrison will eat we have turned to a rotation. I'll start sharing what we cook again, but only a few days a week change. We also now plan from Thursday to Wednesday for the sake of grocery pickup without too many substitutions.


 

Thursday - Grilled Porkchops, Chopped Salad Kit (Asian this week), and Baked Potatoes


Saturday - School Auction/Making this Lemon Butter Cake for the dessert auction. I've made it several times and it is a favorite Spring dessert. 

Sunday - Pasta alla Zozzona for lunch and Pepper Jelly Cheese Dip our our Sunday Night App Dinner. This dip has long been a blog favorite, it gets reposted all over the place and buzzez on Pinterest. I was actually searching for another app, but my own recipe kept coming up so I gave in and decided to make it. 

Monday - Bacon, Scrambled Eggs, Toast, Hashbrowns. I really want to try to heavy cream fried eggs, but can't convince the rest of the household. 

Tuesday - Spaghetti Night with French Bread (I need to share my go to recipe) 

Wednesday - Sam's Club Chickfila Knock Off Nuggets and Fries. This is our compromise to keep Harry off the nuggets all week. The fact that he use to eat them every night and we've gotten down to one night is insane! So don't judge the revolving Wednesday that is a easy nugget church night. 

That about wraps us up! I'll let y'all know next week how Sunday lunch goes, it's a new recipe I've heard good things about. 
Read More

Sammys and Chunky Squirrels

March 15, 2024

Somehow we've made it to another Friday. Based on the state of the floors in the house, you could argue that we made it by the skin of our teeth. 


Children's Ministry at church as been preparing for their Easter program. Harrison has been willing to get on stage and even has lines. I'm hoping he can muster up the courage to be on stage for the performance, it tends to get stage fright when he sees all the people. He made it on stage during Christmas for school but looked like he was on the verge of an emotion break down the entire time. Poor baby was so upset when it was finally over. 


I can't blame him though, I HATE being on stage or in front of people. 




After a field trip to We Rock the Spectrum and then gymnastics, Elliot asked for a second dinner. But considering I've never convinced him to eat a sandwich... but he's recently taken to deli meat, he wanted two pieces of turkey between bread. 


His friend Lilah had inspired this, and he told me she would be so proud of him for eating it. 


In all his silliness this week, when I picked him up from school on Tuesday he was mad that it wasn't his birthday and then started in on what he wanted for his birthday. 


He wants to be a doctor. So I asked if he wanted a doctor costume, nope not a costume. What it really seems he wants in a medical license and the ability to practice medicine at 6. Knowing him this is probably a way to control the medicine and vaccines he gets. 




The boys have also enjoyed watching the chunky squirrel that tends to stay in our yard eating acorns. I've even witnessed him laid across the fence. This week though I snagged a photo of him eating nuts, covered in acorn shell, and his belly hanging over his little knees. Harrison has named him Chubby Squirrel. 




Now for those field trip photos. 


Thank goodness for mom friends who take photos when you aren't at a field trip. I'll have to make sure and take off for the next one, Elliot gave me an ear full that neither of us came with him. 





As it stands this weekend's plans are more sewing and hopefully making the quilt sandwich, Sam's club, searching for 3 more distylium shrubs, and a neighborhood prayer walk to hand out flyers about the Palm Sunday picnic at City Park. 

Read More

Green Eggs and More Quilting

March 12, 2024


Harrison surprised me this week. My ultra picky child, who had attempted to convince me that foods you don't like are actually allergies... tried an egg at school. 

Granted it was just a nibble, but curiosity and informing him on what is healthy has always gotten him to try something new. Luckily that Sam I Am show on Netflix has had his attention enough to try this egg. 



It's finally good gardening weather, regardless of what temperature dip might happen between now and Easter. I decided to would keep my Bridal Wreath Spirea that I hated so much last year, it actually was pretty hardy and flowered great with heavy neglect on my end. 



The gardenias in the front yard also got replaced. They were far too delicate for my gardening style, which is high yield with high neglect. I ripped out two of them and replaced with more Coppertone Distylium. That small shurb also did amazing last year. I need to get my hands on 3 more to round out the gardenia I am replacing. 

I also grabbed my veggie while I was roaming around the garden center (which I think I am a convert to local if it isn't some random item they don't carry). This year (still small container gardening) I am planting two grow bags with sweet basil, and then in my container I have a Chocolate Cherry Tomato, 2 Giant Marconi Peppers (loved them last year), and one Candy Candy Sweet Pepper. I still have my rosemary, Italian oregano, and peppermint in pots. I need to replace my lemon thyme and grab two more lavender for the front yard. 

As someone who can not resist a houseplant that is delicate or whimsy... I bought a Maiden Hair Fern. Let's hope I can keep this going, I've given up on the nerve plants I've tried in this pot year after year. 



Elliot had strep this weekend, so we ended up having to miss a wedding and live under house arrest. except for my foray to the garden center. As you can guess, I did more quilting. The sewing machine was set up Friday night and stayed there until Sunday afternoon. 



I got much further than this over the weekend, but this is a photo I sent to a friend. All that is left is to attach two more columns and then the border. This weekend I'll probably buy my backing fabric, basting spray, and batting. Fabric should be on sale this week at Hobby Lobby. 

The goal this next weekend is really to just finish the quilt topper and iron it well. 


We really are terribly uneventful as much as possible to make up for the weeks and weekends when ministry are terribly eventful. Honestly I could be one of the critters at Brambly Hedge, so uneventful dreary weekends are probably my favorite. 

Read More

More Than 5 Things on Friday

March 8, 2024

 What did I do last weekend? Based on my camera roll it appears I fermented things and sewed. 


[One] I tried my hand at French style yogurt. You use the Oui brand as your based and heat whole milk. After I finished painfully heating milk I read that you can also make it out of ultra refined Fairlife. So while this first batch was vanilla with blueberry preserves, I made a batch last night with chocolate Fairlife milk. The macros will be way better and I've got my fingers crossed that it just tastes good overall.


I don't own a candy thermometer so I borrowed the one Jeremy uses to fry in his big ole pot. I propped it up on a big glass jar to keep the point from touching the bottom of the pan and giving a false read.


[Two] I've made potato flake sour dough for several years and lost ours after we moved back to Louisiana. Over Christmas I had a friend restock me and we've been back to baking bread. My favorite has been a cinnamon loaf that I'd like to remake and add raisins. 

 



[Three] I didn't time my bread well and it would have been done Monday morning instead of Monday night. I enlisted a trick I learned from Murmurs of Ricotta (with her cinnamon roll recipe) and popped the bread in the fridge over night on Sunday. Then it spent the day rising for the last time Monday and came out great. 




[Four] This was the photo I sent Mom as I was trying to figure out how to get the bobbin correct. Seriously I really would like to forgo feeding anyone this weekend and just set up shop in the kitchen and sew the entire time we are off. 



[Five] It's been quite evident that I didn't plant my salad seed mix early enough. As of right now I've got a side salad for one and need to start ripping it out to get my other plants in next weekend. 


Honestly this weekend I need to trip the hydrangeas, fertilize, and then purchase 5 distyliums because my foray into gardenia gardener ended terribly after a drought/heatwave/and freeze combo.




[Six] If you've thought, surely you're done fermenting now Emily, you were wrong. I also had to bottle another batch of kombucha and spent yet another week making unflavored because I've been too lazy to puree and store my fresh ginger. (I really prefer ginger kombucha as a means of eating more ginger.) 



Kombucha bottles with the evening sun hitting them. What could be better? 





Read More