Inspring Quote

by Sally ~

We learn to fly quote

 

“We learn to fly not by becoming fearless but by the daily practice of courage.”

–        Sam Keen

 

I like the idea of a daily practice of courage.  It is a gentle approach.

 

Imagine what you want to do and take small steps each day as you practice having what you want.

Citrus Marmalade

by Sally ~

citrus-bowl

I love when you can do things in stages, like the 5 minutes a Day Artisan Bread.   http://embracingcreativity.com/blog/2012/01/03/baking-bread-in-5-minutes-a-day/.

 

This Citrus  marmalade, tangerine, orange, and lemon,  is a great example.  I looked up several recipes and most recommended that you cut the fruit, simmer it and then let it set overnight.

 

Tip: If you use a food processor and a slicing blade, it is much faster than cutting it by hand.  I had a few larger chunks that I needed to pull out and cut by hand.

citrus-marmalade-in-pot

You return the next day to add the sugar, cook it, and can it in a water bath.

 

I know canning is a bit time consuming but it is not as labor intense as I first thought.

 

Tangerine, Orange, Lemon Ginger Marmalade

Tangerine, Orange, Lemon Ginger Marmalade

And for some reason, I have felt the desire to make some of my own jams, condiments, and vinegars, preserving flavors of the season and creating my own gourmet treasures to share with my family and friends.

 

Perhaps it’s memories of my Grandma on my father’s side, wearing her flowered apron and sensible shoes.  When I was little, she lived in the house behind us and had a garden brimming with rhubarb and berries.

 

Her fluffy mashed potatoes, sweet apple crisp, pies, and luscious banana cake were among my favorites.  Everything she made was delicious and her way of showing her love.

 

I wish she was still here to share with me her wisdom and wizardry in the kitchen like how to make that perfect pie crust.

 

Bedroom Makeover Bed Runner

by Sally ~

bedroom-makeover-bed-runner

I started this bedroom makeover  some time ago but other things have taken priority.

 

I was planning on finding furniture for one room at a time but the reality is that since I am looking for pieces to fix up or items that are resale, you have to be patient.  And I haven’t spent a lot of time looking.  So, I am allowing myself to do it a little at a time when I’m inspired.

 

I’ve got lots of other projects and I want to enjoy them, not feel like I’m on a specific timeline.

 

I love this special fabric with embroidered squares and wanted it to be a focal point but for something that doesn’t get heavy use.

 

So, I fringed the ends and hemmed the edges and have it as an accent piece at the foot of the bed.  Simple!

bedroom-makeover-bed-runner-view-1

It’s like having a table runner only for the bed.