My building is all set up and looks stupendous, even if I do say so myself. Many little fires were put out over entry and judging weekend and even into opening day. However, the fact they were able to be put out and issues were resolved is wonderful. I have a few moments to make my new post for July so here we go……………….
Projects
Thanks to my friend, Sue Y. , I found a chest of drawers to complete a project that I have had in mind for quite awhile. It was missing one drawer but that was not essential for what I had in mind. I bought two cans of a summery coral spray paint some plants and 4 window box planters.
- spray paint the chest and drawers
- have son move chest to porch (that was hardest part. I know you moms feel me on this)
- move drawers to porch
- put drainage in the flower boxes
- put soil and plants in to flower boxes
- insert boxes into draws
- decorate appropriately
A side-note, I had to replant the bottom draw with light pink petunias since the flowers I had there apparently needed more sun than they were getting on the porch.
Thanks to another friend, Karen, I am supplied with burlap coffee bean sacks. I have made a couple of tote bags but then got distracted making table runners. Below are a couple of samples of them.
First I cut the bags open on both sides. If I wanted a long table runner, as in pictures 2 and 3, I would use the whole length of the cut bag. If I needed a short table runner, as in picture 1, I just used the front half of the burlap bag. The next step is to fray the edges. I frayed them more on each end and just a little on the sides. Finally, to keep them from fraying more with use, I stitched around the complete circumference of the piece.
If you have something made of burlap here are the washing instructions;
https://www.wikihow.com/Wash-Burlap
Product Alert
I just have to share a product I have recently discovered. It is a anti-chafing stick. Any parts that may rub together (insert thighs here) will not become irritated when you use this item. Of course, it won’t be useful to everyone but there are those of us that it will be of great benefit. They even make a version for men. There are other brands too. My favorite name is Chub Rub (lol).
Let’s Hack That
Let’s discuss a few uses for a household staple………………butter.
Rub a little on the top of your cat’s paws to keep him or her occupied if you need them to stay away from a visitor or whatever.
Is your ring stuck on your finger? Rub a little on your finger and it will slide right off!
If you have a hard time swallowing pills you can put a light coating of butter on your pill and it will easily go down!
Butter will also dislodge gum from hair.
Of course, one of the most popular uses is to put a light coating on your fingers when working with dough or the like. My favorite is to use it when making Rice Krispie treats.
Recipes
My grandmother who passed away in 1967 would make this fudge and my own mother passed the recipe on to me. It holds great memories for me and it a really great recipe.
Peanut Butter Fudge
1 and 1/2 cup brown sugar
1/2 cup white sugar
1 cup milk
2 dabs of butter the size of a walnut (don’t you love the old fashioned directions)
heaping tablespoon of peanut butter
Cook all ingredients except peanut butter to a boil in a saucepan. Stir continuously while the fudge boils to keep from burning it. Keep a small bowl of cold water near you and drip a bit of the fudge in it to test for done-ness. If it is able to be rolled into a ball then it is done. I would check after boiling for 3 minutes or so and see how it is (my grandmother didn’t use a candy thermometer). You will probably have to cook a little longer but you don’t want it too done. When you are able to form a ball in the water then remove from the stove. Add the peanut butter and beat with a spoon until thick then spread onto a buttered plate and spread out. Allow to cool and cut to serve.
I will see you next month! Here’s hoping you found something of value for you. Let me know if you try the fudge. I think I am going to do just that tonight! Happy July to you all!
