Tea Party Shortbread Scones

Yesterday, I had some rare alone time. I had a day off of work, no binding commitments until later in the day, it was dark and rainy, so I decided to treat myself to a comfort food snack. 

After my morning coffee, I switch to tea for the rest of the day . . . hmmmm . . . now what kind of treat would go well with a few mugs of my Wellness Herbal Tea blend, a dreary day and something to read?

SCONES! And not only scones, but SHORTBREAD SCONES!

I enjoyed own private little tea party with my scones topped with butter and Elderberry jelly on my dear grandma's plate. Ahhhh . . . 

Now, there are two ways that I go about my scones. One is that quick way with a yummy tastes-like-homemade Fair Scone and Shortcake Mix by Fisher

The other way is to make them, of course.

You Will Need:

~2-1/2 c. flour, plus a little extra for kneading (I use unbleached bread flour)
~1/2 ts. sea salt
~1 ts. baking powder
~1/3 c. Turbinado sugar (Sugar-in-the-Raw) or coconut sugar (for a lower glycemic level)
~1 egg
~1/2 c. whole milk
~1 TB. vanilla extract
~3/4 c. cold butter, sliced (for my daughter who can't have butter, I use Earth Balance non-hydrogenated margarine. If you HAVE to have margarine, this is the one to get)
~medium mixing bowl
~small mixing bowl
~baking sheet
~parchment paper *optional*
~large mixing spoon
~whisk

Directions:

1) Preheat oven to 425*F, line baking sheet with paper, if desired
2) Mix together flour, salt, baking powder and sugar
3) Cut in pieces of butter into the dry mix until it is well mixed, dry and crumbly
4) In the smaller bowl, whisk together the egg, milk and vanilla
5) Add wet mix to dry mix and stir together until moist and crumbly
6) On a clean surface, sprinkle about 2 TB. of flour and knead your dough. Fold and knead, fold and knead 4 or 5 times
7) Divide into 2 halves, pat them out onto the baking sheet roughly 5" round and just a little higher in the middle, cut into 4 quarters; do the same with the other half. If you like, sprinkle a little bit of sugar on top
8) Bake 12-14 minutes, until lightly browned
9) Let cool on baking rack
10) Serve with butter, jam or jelly and if you want the real English Tea Party experience, use clotted cream.

Be sure to make a delicious Earl Grey, Oolong or herbal tea to enjoy with your scones. 

Let me know how your next private tea party goes.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Sometimes You Wish . . .

"Sometimes, you wish they could come back for just one more conversation, one more laugh, one more hug, one more memory." ~Kim Wolf

 Clockwise ~ Bigmom, Daddy, Mother, Grandpa C.

 Our darling Jessica

Sometimes, you just miss people.

Don't you?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

How Does My Garden Grow? . . . .

. . . Let me show you . . . 

This year, I didn't plant any veggies. With my busy schedule and because varmints got into my cucumbers, zucchini and squash the last two years, nope . . . didn't even plant tomatoes. I went the easy route and just planted herbs and some wild flowers. I'm still happy with what I have.

I have echinacea and lavender . . . 

echinacea, rosemary, sage, basil and English Daisies . . . 

I love my sage bush, it's now about 5 years old and when it blooms it's full of gorgeous purple flowers.

This year, I went with simply seeding the front bed with two large packages of assorted wild flowers and I couldn't be happier with how pretty and happy-looking they are.

I still have chamomile, dill, cilantro and oregano on my kitchen window sill. I'm debating whether to take them outside in planters.

Special kudos to our friend, Chet, who did all the preparing and weeding for me, this year, to make it look so good and to my DD#2 who often helps me keep it looking so nice and healthy.

What did you plant this year?

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Homemade Dusting Spray

So . . . we have our homemade laundry detergent (or homemade liquid detergent), our homemade dishwasher detergent, homemade dish soap, our homemade wet jet cleaner (whoops, looks like I still need to tell you about that ;-) ), our homemade rug deodorizer, homemade soft scrub . . . and on and on . . . we must also have our homemade dusting spray. 

Right?

Of course.

This blend will give your furniture a sweet shine with a great fragrance (of your choice) and will not be greasy, sticky or tacky to the touch, causing your what-nots and antiques to leave a ring when you pick them up. 

You Will Need:

~1 c. distilled water
~1 ts. liquid castile soap
~1/4 c. distilled white vinegar
~2 TB. olive oil
~15 drops essential oil ~ I recommend EITHER: lemon, lemongrass, sweet orange, lavender or rosemary
~spray bottle; glass or plastic

Directions:

1) in the spray bottle, add the essential oils FIRST
2) add all other ingredients
3) attach spray lid and shake to blend

To Use:

1) shake well before using
2) you may apply to dust cloth, but it works better if you spray directly onto the furniture
3) wipe to clean, be sure to get into the intricate details of any antique furniture, picture frames or other wooden antiques 

How do you like it? Let me know.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Word-Filled Wednesday ~#142~ Proverbs 31 Pressure

"A wife of noble character who can find?

She is wroth far more than rubies. 

Her husband has full confidence in 

her and lacks nothing of value.

She brings him good, not harm,

all the days of her life . . . 

She gets up while it is still dark;

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls . . . 

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the 

elders of the land . . . 

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her

tongue . . . 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is

fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is

to be praised.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at

the city gate."

~selected verses from 

Proverbs 31

{emphasis, mine}

"Don't regret growing older. It's a privilege denied to many." ~Unknown 

I may stir up a little controversy here, but think about what I'm going to say . . .

As of this writing, I am 56 years old. My adult life has been, as has many others, a mix of good and bad ~ blessings and heartbreak ~ privilege and service ~ honor and humility. If you are a young woman, these "gifts" of life will be a part of your story as well. A story that will develop over time.

While talking to a dear friend today, our conversation reminded me of how, as young women, we (and possibly our husbands and others in the Christian community) put so much pressure on ourselves to live up to the Proverbs 31 Woman. Young women are thinking that they are failures because they can't do it all RIGHT NOW. Well . . . you're NOT failing, you're just rushing the process. NOT to say that you shouldn't do your best, you're just rushing the process. In this conversation, I spoke to my friend about a truth I discovered several years ago, at a time when I thought I was failing as a young wife and mother: 

**The Proverbs 31 Woman was OBVIOUSLY an older woman! Not only that, but she had household servants!**

How was I supposed to "compete" with that?!

Have you ever REALLY read the passage? Did you ever notice that? Let me show you:

she provides food for her family

and portions for her servant girls . . .

 

She IS NOT doing everything all by herself. Now, as Scripture clearing states, she is NOT lazy, but she is an older woman who is over-seeing a large, established household and directing her servant girls, and children, as to what to do and how to do it. On top of that, she is humble in her leadership and takes good care of her servant girls.

 

Her husband is respected at the city gate,

where he takes his seat among the 

elders of the land . . .

 

Here's another clue as to her age: Her husband is no spring chicken ~ only the elder, respected men in community leadership sat at the city gates. And in this case, not only was she a respected older woman, but her husband was a man who was old enough and respected enough to sit with the wise men at the city gate. This is where people of the town would come for advice, wisdom and to have minor disputes settled. Any disputes that they couldn't settle went to court. Only the most respected older men earned the right to sit there.

 

She speaks with wisdom,

and faithful instruction is on her

tongue . . .

 

If someone is seeking wisdom, they naturally go to an older, trusted person for wisdom, advice and instruction as to how to do something. This woman obviously has a well-established (over time) reputation for wise and faithful instruction.

 

Charm is deceptive, and beauty is

fleeting;

but a woman who fears the LORD is

to be praised.

Another sign that this is not a younger woman is that her lovely, outward beauty has started to fade and is now being replaced with the artful lines of age and experience, along with the glow of godly wisdom. And those who know her compliment her godly character.

Give her the reward she has earned,

and let her works bring her praise at

the city gate.

 

Her life of godly wisdom, instruction and character, the care she gives to her family, her hard work, her care for others, the way she instructs and cares for her servant girls has had such an impact upon those who know her and the community she serves, she is even praised among the wise leaders at the city gate ~ bringing much joy and pride to her husband who is also at the gate. 

You see . . . This is a reputation that was earned over years of godly service, hard work and some of the perks that age may bring to us. We may not have servant girls in this day and age, but we do have "household servants" in our kitchen appliances and household gadgets and machines that we use. And we do the very best we can with what the Lord has blessed us with.

 

So, if you are young wife and mommy, please DO YOUR BEST with what you have and what you know at this time of your life. If you need wisdom, first, go to God's Word. Second, go to your mom or if that's not possible, another godly older woman and develop a Titus 2-type relationship with her. Glean from her godly wisdom ~ everything from serving your family, cooking, frugal living, homeschooling, crafts, home-based business, home remedies, herbalism . . . and cover everything in prayer. God will answer those prayers.

And DO NOT put so much pressure on yourself to be the Proverbs 31 Woman so soon in your young life. This is a position that is GROWN INTO. Live your life for the Lord and for the good of your family and in service to others as best as you can. Before you know it, YOU will be 56 years old and wonderful young women (and others) will be coming to you, asking you questions, reading your blog :-D observing how you live and love, wanting to know how to do what you do.   

 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Paleo Sandwich Bread

THE Man is dealing with some health issues that are result of a car accident he was in about 7 years ago. It is truly amazing how he came out of being T-boned with mostly scrapes and bruises . . . but as of roughly 3 years ago, he is suffering more from the results of the accident now than then. 

Some of these issues have even affected what he can and cannot eat. As the Lord would have it, we began eating largely what is "prescribed" in The Daniel Plan about a year ago. It is very close to The Paleo Diet and interchange very well with each other. 

Recently, he has had to go through some extensive medical tests because, even though he is a generally healthy guy, he is developing arthritis in the top and bottom of his spine, as a result of that wreck, and it is causing other problems. He started walking with a cane when he has to be on his feet for more than a few minutes because of the pain. So, while our Dr. and other specialists are looking into things a little deeper, he has been told to modify his diet a little more.

 My Paleo sandwich bread

is a yummy dark color.

One of the things he needed to change was bread. Last year I started making my own Ezekiel Bread and only make our old standard (and favorite) flax bread occasionally. :-( So, looking into what he can and cannot have, I found (and modified O:-) ) a Paleo-type sandwich bread . . . and . . . HE LOVES IT! 

Please note, that as with ALL Paleo-based breads, it DOES NOT rise very high. But it is VERY tasty. 

You will need:

~an 8"x3" bread/loaf pan (so that, since it doesn't rise very high, you will have a fuller-shaped loaf)
~2 medium mixing bowls
~electric mixer (hand-held works best)
~whisk
~vegetable oil (I prefer grapeseed oil)
~3/4 c. organic almond butter
~2 TB raw honey
~1/4 melted coconut oil
~6 eggs (brown, farm fresh are best)
~1/2 ts Bragg's apple cider vinegar
~1/4 c. ground flaxseed meal
~3 TB coconut flour
~1 ts baking soda
~1/2 ts Celtic sea salt (preferred)

Directions:

1) preheat over to 350 degrees (F)
2) grease loaf pan (I use grapeseed oil)
3) in a mixing bowl, with your mixer, mix first 5 ingredients until there are no lumps
4) in the other blowl, whisk together the remaining ingredients
5) Combine dry ingredients in with the wet
6) pour into the greased loaf pan
7) bake for 35-40 minutes
8) once baked, let cool for about 10 minutes before you let it cool the rest of the way on a wire rack
9) Enjoy!

Please leave a comment and let me know how much you enjoy this.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Sweet Reunion

Today was such a good day . . . 

I had lunch with my very 1st bestest friend. :-) 

We met in kindergarten and went all the way through our school years together. We hadn't seen each other since our high school graduation in 1977.

Life has handed us both a few lemons, but the Lord made sweet lemonade out of it all.

Love you, Bev.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Homemade Herbal Chai Recipe

When the cold winter winds blow outside, there's nothing like a delicious hot drink, a snuggly sweater and a cozy warm home. A favorite drink of mine is a nice, hot herbal tea or chai tea.

 I love it when my tea pot whistles 

at me '-)

As much as I enjoy chai, and as much as I enjoy a toasty warm herbal tea or other hot drink in the evening, I have had to give up drinking chai in the evening because of the caffeine in most chais. Well . . . NOW I can enjoy that same warm, wintery taste of chai in an HERBAL blend!

And you will love this blend, too . . . 

You will need:

~cinnamon stick
~orange peel
~fennel seeds
~ginger root
~licorice root
~cloves
~mortar and pestle OR small hammer and paper towels
~fillable tea bags OR tea ball
~air-tight container

Directions:

1) with your mortar and pestle (or use a hammer with the cinnamon stick between two paper towels), crunch up a small cinnamon stick into small chunks
2) put small amounts of the cinnamon stick, orange peel, fennel seeds, ginger root, licorice root and cloves into the tea bags. Experiment a little with the amounts you like for your own perfect flavor

 Use heat-sealed tea bags . . . OR . . . 

muslin, reusable tea bags . . . OR . . .

 use a tea ball

3) make as many tea bags as you want and store them in an air-tight container for future use OR use your tea ball and make each serving as needed (**tins of homemade tea bags make great gifts**)

I like to use an old mint tin to keep

homemade tea bags in my purse ~ 

that way, I can have my own favorite teas

anywhere I go

4) TO USE: steep tea bag or tea ball for in a mug of hot water for 10 minutes, discard used bag 
5) enjoy  

 Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Busy, Thankful Thanksgiving

We are plenty busy this year, at Thanksgiving. However, all the preparation will be worth it when family gets together to enjoy our small feast and to enjoy each other's company. 

So very, very thankful to have my family with me for the day, as DD#1 lives just far enough away from us that the drive and everyone's work schedules make it difficult to connect in person. Oh, how I miss that beautiful face.

In the meantime, I am going to post the links to 2 of my favorite past Thanksgiving offerings that you may have missed: 

~Lincoln's Thanksgiving Proclaimation

and

~the REAL story of the First Thanksgiving from Those Who were There. These are excerpts from the actual diaries of Gov. Bradford and Edward Winslow.

Enjoy and share these pieces of history so that they won't be forgotten.

REMEMBER and be THANKFUL for all that God has done for you. THAT is what this holiday is all about.

From our house to yours ~ God's richest blessings upon your household and our great country . . . Kim<><

Homemade Spiced Pumpkin Latte Mix

I have already given you my Spiced Chai Latte Mix, now I want to show you what I did to give that recipe a great fall kick.

Dress up your canning jar mixes by cutting

out pretty fabric squares, lay them 
over the lid and under the ring, 
then screw it onto the jar.

You know, you HAVE to have pumpkin . . . everything . . . in the fall on into winter, right? So, I decided to modify my recipe and do that "pumpkin thang" to it. :-D

You will need:

~1 c. coffee ~1 ts. cinnamon ~1/2 ts. cardamon ~1/4 ts. Frontier powdered pumpkin pie spice ~1/8 ts. ginger ~whisk ~small mixing bowl ~air-tight glass container

Directions: 

1) whisk to mix all ingredients together in a mixing bowl.
2) carefully pour into air-tight glass container

To use:

#1 ~ use 1/3 c. per mug, fill with hot water, stir thoroughly to mix.

#2 ~ if you are making a pot of coffee and want something with a little kick, especially on a chilly day or night or around a camp fire, add a heaping TB of chai mix per scoop of coffee to your coffee maker. A great taste treat!

And as an extra treat ~ enjoy your spiced pumpkin latte with a batch of pumpkin chai cookies. 

Yes . . . I know . . . you're welcome. ;-) 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<>< 

Gentlemen ~ The Bar Has Been Set . . . High

THE Man and I have two beautiful daughters. DD#1 (26) is married, DD#2 (23) is still single. DD#2 has determined in her heart, between she and the Lord, to pursue courtship when the time comes that she shares an interest with a young man. And we are thrilled because that was always our desire for our girls.

Last night, the show 19 Kids and Counting aired the proposal of Jessa Duggar and Ben Seewald. It . . . was . . . lovely. So well thought-out, involved both families, filled with the love of a young couple determined to start their lives together with God as their firm Foundation.

My DD#2 was so impressed with this that she wrote a great 'status' on her Facebook about it. I couldn't have said it any better . . . 

"Gentlemen, the bar has been set!

I know, really, no men watch 19 Kids and Counting because why would you, "It's so girly!!!" That is usually the comment I get every time I bring up that show or "19 kids?!?! Are they all theirs!?!?!?!" Yeah........ Anyways, this season has been all about courtship, something that is highly frowned upon in our society (and if its not your choice that is fine; so I'm not judging you.) But This season has been so awesome and enlightening for me, as a godly woman, especially. Let me explain to ya'll why I loved it so much this season: 1. The hearts for God in both courtships. 2. The parents on both sides being involved for godly guidance and accountability. 3. The patience both couples had; even though both couples said it was very hard to wait, but they did it anyways, and just how awesome the reward was of waiting!

Wow, God is good, all the time He is good.

I wanted to talk about last night's episode, especially, because it touched my heart in many ways. (I am going to attach the article of all the details on the bottom of this status for anyone who would like to read it.) It was the proposal episode; Ben Seewald proposing to Jessa Duggar. I am saying the bar has been set gentlemen, not because I want you to spend all your money and savings just to make your girlfriend happy when you propose to her . . . no, let me explain . . . This young man, Ben, really put his heart and soul into this proposal and did a beautiful job in keeping God at the center of his proposal. (I'm not going to give everything away for those that haven't watched it yet. But I am going to say where he led her to for the proposal.) At the end of the scavenger hunt he led her to a church that was up on a mountain, that was made of glass and was completely see-through; and he waited for her at the alter. She went all over the place searching for his clues but in the end she had to walk down the isle to get to him; and once she got there he grabbed her hand and just thanked God for putting her into his life. 

Now, I said the bar was set, did I not gentlemen? Because if you are a man of God whether you are single, dating/courting, or married this was such an awesome way of showing how to love a woman like Christ loves His church. We have lost this awesome gift in this day and age, it is so rare to watch a man PURSUE a woman in a godly way, just as Christ pursues His church. And I am praying for my brothers in Christ to not miss out on something like this because it is just so awesome and well worth the wait. And to my sisters in Christ, we need to step up our game as well; if we make ourselves easy prey and not make these men of God work hard to pursue us, then what example are we setting for them? That we are an easy catch? No. If we are God's daughters then we are far more then pieces of meat; do not EVER think of yourself as second best or that you should settle for the first man that looks your way. You, my sister/brother, were bought at a price and have so much value and worth! Do not sell yourself short just because you do not want to be patient and wait for God's best. We need to start acting like children of the King and not like children of the world. 

God Bless your day"
http://www.people.com/article/jessa-duggar-ben-seewald-enagaged-scavenger-hunt

Well said, my dear daughter, well said. 

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

30 Years ~ Tempus Fugit

Can it be possible that THE Man and I have been married 30 years?! 

My, how time flies.

 At the Golden Lamb ~ 

Ohio's Oldest Inn/Restaurant

still in use

I would do it all over again.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

DEERly Beloved

Here's something very cool ~ 

A couple weeks ago, a couple were enjoying their backyard wedding reception when a herd of deer came to the edge of the woods to see what all the excitement was about. The photographer asked the couple if they were willing to see how close they could get for a photo without frightening the deer ~ looks like it worked out very well. What a fantastic keepsake! 

They call it "Deerly Beloved." :-D

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Pumpkin Chai Cookies ~ You're Welcome :-)

 {Google photo}

I know it's the 1st of August, but FALL IS COMING! My favorite time of year! And with the falling temperatures come favorite cold weather comfort foods. 

Because of supply, some things may only be available at certain times of the year. One of those things that we can only get during the early fall is Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses. OH MY. Yes, you heard me right. And they are PERFECT for a little change-up on everyone's favorite Hershey Kiss cookies.

These yummy Pumpkin Chai Cookies make my mouth water just to think of them. Now, admittedly, you CAN make them with regular, yummy Hershey's Kisses, but the Pumpkin Spice ones just MAKE it, know what I mean?

You will need:

~1/2 c. butter; softened to room temperature
~1/2 c. sugar

~1/4 c. Oregaon Chai's Chai Latte Concentrate
~1 large egg
~1 ts. vanilla extract
~1-3/4 c. flour (I use bread flour for a little more fluff and puff)
~1/2 ts. baking soda
~1/8 ts. sea salt

~1/3 ts. chai spice mix (my favorite is from Tastefully Simple)
~1 bag of Pumpkin Spice Hershey Kisses
~Mixing bowl
~Cookie sheet
~Parchment paper (*optional)

{Google Photo}

Directions:

1) In a mixing bowl, combine sugar and butter until fluffy; about 2-3 minutes
2) Blend in the egg, chai concentrate and vanilla; mix thoroughly
3) Blend in flour, baking soda and salt; mix thoroughly
4) Cover bowl with plastic wrap and chill in refrigerator for 1 hour
5) 10-15 minutes before you take the dough out of the frig, pre-heat your oven to 325*, line cookie sheet with parchment paper (*optional)
6) Roll dough into 20-24 1" balls, place onto cookie sheet
7) Sprinkle tops cookies with the chai mix
8) Bake cookies for 12-15 minutes
9) While cookies are baking, unwrap the Kisses
10) When cookies are finished baking, remove them from the oven and IMMEDIATELY gently press the Kisses onto the middle of the cookies; DO NOT TOUCH until the cookies have cooled

Pour yourself a hot cup of your favorite fall flavor of coffee, tea, chai or apple cider. Now, sit down and enjoy the yummy spicey fragrance that will waft through your home while the cookies are baking and then enjoy this wonderful cold weather treat.

By the way . . . You're welcome ;-)

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><

Kentucky Wilted Salad

As far as our American family tree blooms, both sides of my family hale from the beautiful hills and hollers of Eastern Kentucky. In my humble opinion, Kentucky is one of the most beautiful states in our Union. Lush greenery, mineral-rich fields and water sources, and some of the kindest, funniest, most pleasant people you could ever meet.

Lots of wonderful memories.

As a first generation Buckeye (Ohioan), I cook more like a Kentuckian. One of my favorite dishes to eat is also one of the simplest: Wilted Salad. 

You will need:

~a large head of Romaine and/or Bib lettuce (Red Leaf Romaine makes a lovely presentation)
~1-2 c dandelion greens
~1/2-1 c chopped green onions (scallions) 
~1 c bacon grease, warmed
~2-3 ts sugar (I use Turbinado sugar [Sugar in the Raw])
~salt and pepper, to taste

Directions:

1) tear or shred all lettuce and greens
2) mix all lettuce, greens and onions together in a large salad bowl
3) stir sugar into bacon grease until it dissolves
4) pour over salad and toss
5) serve; salt and pepper to taste

Now . . . you know me . . . sometimes I just can't leave well-enough alone O:-) so from time-to-time I do a little "improving" upon my dear wilted salad.

If you wish, add sliced mushrooms, spinach, bean sprouts, boiled egg slices and/or seasoned croutons to your wilted salad.

Enjoy this simple staple.

Blessings from Ohio . . . Kim<><