Family Farm
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Monday, January 30, 2012
Recycled Towel Bath Mat
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzi-Homefaker/157277567665756
B. Next, turn your scissors on ...your towels and begin cutting them into 5 or 6 inch
long pieces about ¾ of an inch thick.
C. Now it’s just a matter of knotting each strip along the grid, making sure they all face the same way. For the best results, we recommend knotting along every box of the grid, but if you don’t mind a thinner mat – or just don’t have the patience - then every other box is fine, too. You can work on this project while you’re watching TV or sitting around with your family after dinner – whenever your hands are free. It may take you a while, but it will be more than worth it once you’re finished. Stepping out onto your fun new eco bath rug first thing in the morning after a nice hot shower will put you in a bright mood for the whole of the day!
Before you begin, make sure your towel or towels are all well washed. You can use old t-shirts as well...
A. Decide how big you want your bath rug to be and then cut your gridded matting to those dimensions.
B. Next, turn your scissors on ...your towels and begin cutting them into 5 or 6 inch
long pieces about ¾ of an inch thick.
C. Now it’s just a matter of knotting each strip along the grid, making sure they all face the same way. For the best results, we recommend knotting along every box of the grid, but if you don’t mind a thinner mat – or just don’t have the patience - then every other box is fine, too. You can work on this project while you’re watching TV or sitting around with your family after dinner – whenever your hands are free. It may take you a while, but it will be more than worth it once you’re finished. Stepping out onto your fun new eco bath rug first thing in the morning after a nice hot shower will put you in a bright mood for the whole of the day!
Wine Cork Bathmat
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Suzi-Homefaker/157277567665756
How to make a wine cork bath mat
Supplies
175 wine corks (plus a few extra to allow for mistakes)
hot glue sticks
non-adhesive shelf liner (I used Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner in taupe, found at Walmart. Or try [ribbed side down] Plast...-O-Mat ribbed shelf liner, available at Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond or The Container Store)
Tools
pocket knife (sharpened)
cutting board (one that you won’t mind if it gets slightly damaged)
rotary cutter and mat (or scissors)
long ruler or yardstick
hot glue gun
coarse sand paper
1. Cut each cork in half lengthwise with a sharp pocket knife. Be patient and careful so you don’t cut a finger off. It’s best if you use natural cork wine corks that are similar length and width. Sand the bottoms flat if any of your cuts are jagged.
2. Arrange the corks into a rectangle, flat sides down. Use a ruler or the lines on a cutting mat to make sure your configuration of corks is as close to a straight rectangle as possible. My mat is 18.5 x 30 inches (10 x 35 cork halves)—a little smaller than a standard size bath mat, but then my bathroom is smaller than a standard size bathroom.
3. Measure and cut the shelf liner to size with a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.
4. Transfer the outer rows/columns of corks to the shelf liner and glue them to the top side of the liner. Apply a rectangle-shaped line of glue to the flat side of each cork, about 1/8 inch from the edge, line up the cork with the edge of the mat, and press hard. Wipe away any glue dribbles before it hardens fully, but after it cools (so you don’t burn yourself).
5. Once your frame is in place, transfer the rest of the corks to their corresponding position on the mat. You’ll probably have to do some arranging and trading places to make all the corks fit. Then remove one cork at a time and glue it down. You’re done!
Supplies
175 wine corks (plus a few extra to allow for mistakes)
hot glue sticks
non-adhesive shelf liner (I used Duck brand Smooth Top Easy Liner in taupe, found at Walmart. Or try [ribbed side down] Plast...-O-Mat ribbed shelf liner, available at Ace Hardware, Bed Bath & Beyond or The Container Store)
Tools
pocket knife (sharpened)
cutting board (one that you won’t mind if it gets slightly damaged)
rotary cutter and mat (or scissors)
long ruler or yardstick
hot glue gun
coarse sand paper
1. Cut each cork in half lengthwise with a sharp pocket knife. Be patient and careful so you don’t cut a finger off. It’s best if you use natural cork wine corks that are similar length and width. Sand the bottoms flat if any of your cuts are jagged.
2. Arrange the corks into a rectangle, flat sides down. Use a ruler or the lines on a cutting mat to make sure your configuration of corks is as close to a straight rectangle as possible. My mat is 18.5 x 30 inches (10 x 35 cork halves)—a little smaller than a standard size bath mat, but then my bathroom is smaller than a standard size bathroom.
3. Measure and cut the shelf liner to size with a rotary cutter, ruler, and cutting mat.
4. Transfer the outer rows/columns of corks to the shelf liner and glue them to the top side of the liner. Apply a rectangle-shaped line of glue to the flat side of each cork, about 1/8 inch from the edge, line up the cork with the edge of the mat, and press hard. Wipe away any glue dribbles before it hardens fully, but after it cools (so you don’t burn yourself).
5. Once your frame is in place, transfer the rest of the corks to their corresponding position on the mat. You’ll probably have to do some arranging and trading places to make all the corks fit. Then remove one cork at a time and glue it down. You’re done!
Easy Artisanal Yeast Bread
http://www.facebook.com/PamperedChefConsultantCarolsCorner
The quickest yeast bread you'll ever make. Warm, fresh, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, delicious home made bread in just over an hour and for about $1.
Ingredients:
5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat flour for 1 or 2 cups)
2 tablespoons dry yeast (regular, NOT rapid rise, yeast)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups hot water (120° to 130°) Note: water temperature is critcial to proper yeast activation
Directions:
1. Grease the Deep Covered Baker and the bowl that you'll let the bread rise in. Set aside.
2. Combine 4 cups of the flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the hot water and three minutes with a mixer (or 100 stokes by hand). Add the remaining flour (I've never needed to add more than 1 cup) until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead* the dough for 8 minutes on a floured surface, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Place the dough in the greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise 15 minutes. Remove dough to floured surface, punch or fold down** (3 minutes should do it) and shape into a large loaf. Place the dough in deep covered baker.
Cut a slit about 1/2 inch deep along the top of the loaf and several small slits on either side of the first slit. It will look a little like a branch with leaves when you are done.
4. Put the lid on the baker and place in a COLD oven. Turn oven to 400° and bake for 50 minutes. Remove from overn, uncover, gasp in amazement, remove loaf from baker to cool on a rack.
Cook's Tip: to slice bread set it on it's side and cut wth a serrated bread knife. By cutting from the side you avoid crushing the flaky top crust.
Note: this recipe makes a VERY LARGE loaf (over 5 inches tall x 7 inches wide x 10 inches long). The Deep Covered Baker has a 3.1 QT capacity. If you use an alternate to the Deep Covered Baker please makes sure it's large enough for the recipe!
Need a little help? These videos help illustrate kneading and punching down the bread. Note that videos are referenced to illustrate techniques only, they are NOT part of the recipe.
* Kneading bread: http://youtu.be/dWj8oHMPFm0
** Punching down bread: punching or folding down bread is an important technique for I prefer the gentler folding and rolling down process, but either will do. http://youtu.be/tsCqZMCLqnU
The quickest yeast bread you'll ever make. Warm, fresh, crusty on the outside and soft on the inside, delicious home made bread in just over an hour and for about $1.
Ingredients:
5-6 cups all-purpose flour (you can substitute whole wheat flour for 1 or 2 cups)
2 tablespoons dry yeast (regular, NOT rapid rise, yeast)
2 tablespoons sugar
1 tablespoon salt
2 cups hot water (120° to 130°) Note: water temperature is critcial to proper yeast activation
Directions:
1. Grease the Deep Covered Baker and the bowl that you'll let the bread rise in. Set aside.
2. Combine 4 cups of the flour, the yeast, sugar, and salt in a large mixing bowl. Add the hot water and three minutes with a mixer (or 100 stokes by hand). Add the remaining flour (I've never needed to add more than 1 cup) until the dough is no longer sticky. Knead* the dough for 8 minutes on a floured surface, adding flour as needed to prevent sticking.
3. Place the dough in the greased bowl and cover with a damp towel. Let rise 15 minutes. Remove dough to floured surface, punch or fold down** (3 minutes should do it) and shape into a large loaf. Place the dough in deep covered baker.
Cut a slit about 1/2 inch deep along the top of the loaf and several small slits on either side of the first slit. It will look a little like a branch with leaves when you are done.
4. Put the lid on the baker and place in a COLD oven. Turn oven to 400° and bake for 50 minutes. Remove from overn, uncover, gasp in amazement, remove loaf from baker to cool on a rack.
Cook's Tip: to slice bread set it on it's side and cut wth a serrated bread knife. By cutting from the side you avoid crushing the flaky top crust.
Note: this recipe makes a VERY LARGE loaf (over 5 inches tall x 7 inches wide x 10 inches long). The Deep Covered Baker has a 3.1 QT capacity. If you use an alternate to the Deep Covered Baker please makes sure it's large enough for the recipe!
Need a little help? These videos help illustrate kneading and punching down the bread. Note that videos are referenced to illustrate techniques only, they are NOT part of the recipe.
* Kneading bread: http://youtu.be/dWj8oHMPFm0
** Punching down bread: punching or folding down bread is an important technique for I prefer the gentler folding and rolling down process, but either will do. http://youtu.be/tsCqZMCLqnU
15 Recipes that will make your house smell delicious!!!
http://www.thekitchn.com/15-recipes-that-will-make-your-house-smell-amazing-recipe-roundup-165151
Cooking isn't only about the food, or the eating, or the pleasure of the table. It's also about the smells! Certain foods offer up delicious aromas that can make your whole house smell amazing. Last weekend we asked our Twitter friends to tell us which recipes they love to smell cooking. There were some nearly universal favorites — fresh bread, beef stew, cinnamon rolls, anything with onions. Here's a look at 15 of these favorites from our own archives — these are comfort foods for winter that will make your house feel and smell homey and cozy.
• 1 Apple Yogurt Cake with a Cinnamon-Sugar Streak
The cinnamon in this ultra-easy and quick cake puts it in another zone — it smells intoxicating.
• 2 IKEA-Inspired Cinnamon Rolls
If anyone has the art of enticing aroma nailed, it's IKEA, drawing us through their stores with the promise of cinnamon buns. Recreate that irresistible scent yourself!
• 3 How To Make No-Knead Bread
Is there anything more delicious than the smell of hot, fresh, homemade bread? Make it the easy way with this no-knead recipe.
• 4 How To Make Basic Banana Bread
Banana bread has it's own special sweetness in its fragrance as it bakes — so good.
• 5 How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies (Without a Mixer)
But we think that chocolate chip cookies may still win out over the rest of these baked goods for sheer irrestible aroma. Resistance is futile!
• 6 Baked Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal
This morning dish bakes in the oven and fills your house with the smell of pumpkin and spices.
• 7 Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie: A Corn Syrup-Free Recipe
Nutty, sweet, and browned — this pie smells like you just walked into an awesome bakery.
• 8 How To Make French Onion Soup at Home
Onions caramelizing in butter may be the most powerfully delicious scent you can introduce to your kitchen. This soup uses a huge mess of caramelized onions, steeped in rich broth.
• 9 Sausage and Fennel Ragu
Building up a good ragu from scratch, cooking onions and garlic and sausage all together, will make your house smell amazing for days.
• 10 Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms
The quintessential smell of winter comfort food.
• 11 Friday Night Slow-Cooked Brisket and Onions
Your slow cooker can make your house smell awesome too — all night long! This slow-cooked brisket is a good make-ahead meal that you can freeze for later.
• 12 How to Make (and Freeze!) Individual Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pie was mentioned by some Twitter friends; how can you resist that aroma of buttery crust and creamy chicken filling?
• 13 Potato and Cauliflower Curry
Any curry will smell amazing as you build flavor with ginger, garlic, and onion — and this vegetarian curry is a great weeknight meal.
• 14 Coconut Milk Chicken
This coconut milk braised chicken has a lot of good flavors to make your kitchen smell delicious: Lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, and ginger.
• 15 Easy Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers, a homey, delicious classic!
What are your favorite dishes to make your house smell delicious?
Related: 10 Things that Will Make Your House Smell Amazing
Cooking isn't only about the food, or the eating, or the pleasure of the table. It's also about the smells! Certain foods offer up delicious aromas that can make your whole house smell amazing. Last weekend we asked our Twitter friends to tell us which recipes they love to smell cooking. There were some nearly universal favorites — fresh bread, beef stew, cinnamon rolls, anything with onions. Here's a look at 15 of these favorites from our own archives — these are comfort foods for winter that will make your house feel and smell homey and cozy.
GOOD THINGS FROM THE OVEN
• 1 Apple Yogurt Cake with a Cinnamon-Sugar Streak
The cinnamon in this ultra-easy and quick cake puts it in another zone — it smells intoxicating.
• 2 IKEA-Inspired Cinnamon Rolls
If anyone has the art of enticing aroma nailed, it's IKEA, drawing us through their stores with the promise of cinnamon buns. Recreate that irresistible scent yourself!
• 3 How To Make No-Knead Bread
Is there anything more delicious than the smell of hot, fresh, homemade bread? Make it the easy way with this no-knead recipe.
• 4 How To Make Basic Banana Bread
Banana bread has it's own special sweetness in its fragrance as it bakes — so good.
• 5 How To Make Chocolate Chip Cookies (Without a Mixer)
But we think that chocolate chip cookies may still win out over the rest of these baked goods for sheer irrestible aroma. Resistance is futile!
• 6 Baked Pumpkin Steel Cut Oatmeal
This morning dish bakes in the oven and fills your house with the smell of pumpkin and spices.
• 7 Old-Fashioned Pecan Pie: A Corn Syrup-Free Recipe
Nutty, sweet, and browned — this pie smells like you just walked into an awesome bakery.
GOOD THINGS FROM THE STOVETOP
• 8 How To Make French Onion Soup at Home
Onions caramelizing in butter may be the most powerfully delicious scent you can introduce to your kitchen. This soup uses a huge mess of caramelized onions, steeped in rich broth.
• 9 Sausage and Fennel Ragu
Building up a good ragu from scratch, cooking onions and garlic and sausage all together, will make your house smell amazing for days.
• 10 Beef and Barley Stew with Mushrooms
The quintessential smell of winter comfort food.
• 11 Friday Night Slow-Cooked Brisket and Onions
Your slow cooker can make your house smell awesome too — all night long! This slow-cooked brisket is a good make-ahead meal that you can freeze for later.
• 12 How to Make (and Freeze!) Individual Chicken Pot Pies
Chicken pot pie was mentioned by some Twitter friends; how can you resist that aroma of buttery crust and creamy chicken filling?
• 13 Potato and Cauliflower Curry
Any curry will smell amazing as you build flavor with ginger, garlic, and onion — and this vegetarian curry is a great weeknight meal.
• 14 Coconut Milk Chicken
This coconut milk braised chicken has a lot of good flavors to make your kitchen smell delicious: Lemongrass, cilantro, garlic, and ginger.
• 15 Easy Sausage and Peppers
Sausage and peppers, a homey, delicious classic!
What are your favorite dishes to make your house smell delicious?
Related: 10 Things that Will Make Your House Smell Amazing
Top 10 Casserole Recipes
Try one of these top-rated casserole recipes, including chicken casserole recipes, beef casserole recipes, tuna casserole recipes, potato casserole recipes, lasagna recipes and more great casseroles!
http://www.tasteofhome.com/Top-10-Recipes/Top-10-Casserole-Recipes
Ball Canning Jar Chart - How Old Are They?
Very cool chart to tell you how old those Ball canning jars are.
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Squared-Acres-micro-farm/147076935340533
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Two-Squared-Acres-micro-farm/147076935340533
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Friday, January 27, 2012
Girl Scout Cookies
♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪Viviane wanted me to let everyone know that Girl Scout pre-sales ends Sunday...not that you can't order after that! Please let me know if you would like a box...or two or three!!! Thanks!♪♫•*¨*•.¸¸♥ ¸¸.•*¨*•♫♪
kirkntrish1993@comcast.net
kirkntrish1993@comcast.net
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Ornament Storage
Pretty nifty. ornament storage - glue cups to the cardboard cut to fit the box. http://www.apartystyle.com/
35 Pest and Disease Remedies
35 Pest and Disease Remedies
Turn to your pantry and medicine cabinet for simple solutions to common garden problems
http://www.finegardening.com/how-to/articles/thirty-five-pest-disease-remedies.aspx?utm_source=email&utm_medium=eletter&utm_content=20110704-remedies&utm_campaign=fine-gardening
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