Garden Blogs!

I found this post that is a great collective of some of the best gardening blogs. Just wanted to share it!

DIY Earring Holder

How cute is this earring holder? Very! And it was so simple and easy to make. It only requires 2 supplies and 2 tools; and it only takes about 2o minutes of your time. You could spend endless hours organizing your earrings on it into various combinations, but that is all on you! Plus, I really like the look of chicken wire and have really been drawn to octagon inspired shapes recently. I have even seen cabinets in farmhouse inspired kitchens that use chicken wire in the cabinets.

I have already found that I utilize more of my jewelry since making these because I can actually see what I have when I am getting ready. Before, I would just wear my regular go-to's because they were on top of the pile and I didn't really have time to dig around and look for the perfect pair.

What you will need:

1. Chicken Wire (I got a 24ft x 12in roll for about $6 at my local hardware store)
2. Wire cutters
3. Picture Frame (Picked up two for $1 at the thrifty)
4. Heavty Duty hand-held staple gun (like the kind used for upholstery)

Instructions:

1. Take backing off of picture frame and discard of glass, matte, backing and whatever hideous picture might be in there.
2. Lay picture frame down onto rolled out piece of chicken wire to see how much wire you need to trim off.
3. Use wire cutters to cut a piece of chicken wire slightly smaller than the frame.
4. Use staple gun to secure chicken wire to the back of picture frame.
5. Hang on wall and fill with your favorite earrings!

**You can adhere felt pads on the back of frame if you are worried about the rough wire edges damaging your walls.

Succulents!

Down the street from my house is a really charming local plant shop called "Libby's Plant Odyssey." I was passing by and noticed a sign that boasted "annual clearance sale." I quickly slammed on the breaks, and whipped into the parking lot. I got several great succulents (my favorite) and brought them home for potting.

P.S.-I got all of these for $13 (minus the flapjack which I picked up at the farmer's market this weekend).

Tips for Care and Maintenance of Succulents:

• Ensure proper drainage of your pot by placing pebbles in the bottom of you pot (too much water means rotting, dying plants...insert sad face here).
• Mix regular potting soil with equal (or close to equal) parts sand.
• Pack them in tight, they like to be snug. :)
• Top with small pebbles (not mulch, which could lead to rotting).
• During a hot summer, water every 5-7 days.
• Bring in during the winter and only water every 2-3 weeks.
• When in doubt, don't water...it's better to under water than over water with these guys

Pecan Pralines

Recently I took a trip to New Oreleans, LA. Upon returning home, I had the intense desire to cook all things creole and to make some homemade pralines. So far I have tackled the pralines. I got some local cajun seasoning from a nifty cookbook and whathaveyou store called "Kitchen Witch." I am hoping it will guide me in the former soon.

Candy making is no joke folks. It takes a lot of precision and patience. So, don't feel bad if you don't get it right the first time...I didn't! The first time I made these they were a little runny and took forever to set. I also decided that including pecan halves as well as chopped pecans helps. The biggest piece of advice I can offer is to make sure you stir the candy long enough before you add the pecans and portion out. The trick is looking for it to loose its sheen and lighten up in color and become more opaque.

Ingredients:

• 1 1/2 cups white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups brown sugar
• 1/8 teaspoon salt
• 3 Tablespoons dark corn syrup
  
• 1 cup evaporated milk
• 2 Tablespoons butter
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 1/2 cups pecan halves
  
• 1/2 cup chopped pecans

Directions:

1. Butter the sides of a heavy saucepan.
2. Add the sugars, corn syrup, salt, butter and evaporated milk.
3. Over medium heat, stir continuously until it comes to a boil.
4. Continue to cook until it reaches 236 degrees F on a thermometer (I use a digital one, but if you have a candy thermometer that would be great!)
5. Promptly remove from heat and let sit and cool for 10 minutes
6. Add vanilla and beat with a spoon for approximately 3 minutes until it starts to thicken up and become lighter and less translucent.
7. Add nuts and stir
8. Use a spoon to portion out onto wax paper.
9. Let dry/harden thoroughly before storing.

Liz the Art Whiz!

Art of the Day

My friend Liz is an awesome artist. She recently had an art opening at the Alabama Art Kitchen in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. The show is up until the end of the month, so you should stop by if you are in the area.

I wish I had taken more pictures of her work when I was there. The only two pictures I got were of the two pieces I bought. I really enjoy her whimsical, almost child-like approach to images and her oh-so dainty lines are so beautiful! Of course I loved her color palette (lots of pastels, vivid jewel tones, and lots of grays).

Homemade Vanilla Extract

John got me some vanilla beans to bake with for my birthday. I have used them in cakes, breads, and candies. It was coming up on 3 months that I had gotten the vanilla beans. They say they will last a year, but I didn't want to risk wasting any, so I took half of what I had left and made some homemade pure vanilla extract. After you make it, you have let it sit for a month or so before you can use it. I can't wait. Best part, is this was so easy.

What you will need:

• vodka
• vanilla beans (3-4 per every 1 cup of vodka)
• air tight glass jar

What to do:

• Cut a slit under stem of vanilla beans down to the base (make sure it is still in tact).
• Place cut vanilla beans in jar.
• Fill jar with vodka (I used 2 cups, but you can cut that in half or double it depending on the size of your jar).
• Close lid and shake!

Keep in a dark, cool place for around 2 months and then enjoy! Lasts for year.

Russian Stacking Doll Project

My friend Patricia noticed my interest in the little babushkas and gave me a blank wooden set she found at Hobby Lobby to paint and draw on! I can't wait. I have had fun this week sketching some little buddies for practice.