Favorite Things

 A few of my favorite things are my cookbooks. 

I used to have TONS.  Then I moved, and got rid of a lot.

Then I wanted more cabinet space.  So I got rid of more.

Now I realize, I didn't need all the other ones to begin with.

So I stick to my very favorite ones.

I have added two new favorites to my collection this year.

Ones I rented from the library and renewed, renewed and renewed again.

That's how I know they belong with me. 

 

 

 

This one has taught me that it doesn't take rocket science to make my own pie crusts.

Which I do so every week.

 

This one taught me how to truly feel like a Southern cook and make good

chicken and dumplings from scratch.  Yum.

 

 

I have more than this in my collection.  This shelf houses only what I use regularly.

 

What is your favorite cookbook?  Your "when I really want to cook something good" go-to?

Katie Bug at the Creek

My niece Kristen and I took some time out last Saturday to play in the creek and took Miss Kate along with us.  Kate has been to the creek and through it on the four wheeler but hasn't played in the creek before.  At first she wasn't sure about getting the the water and ran along side the creek.  After I squatted down and she came to me realizing that it was ok... it was on!

 

I love her looking at me.  So cute.



Summer Feet

It is the dead of summer and I have declared war against my awful, dry, polish chipping, cracked up heel feet!  I sewanee y'all... I had a pedicure a couple of weeks ago and one day later you would have never guessed it.  Not because the gal didn't do a good job.  Believe me, she had her work cut out for her that day!  The truth of the matter is this... I live in the country.  I garden, I work, I play in the dirt.  I also go barefoot a lot.  I chopped out the garden yesterday morning and had mud squeezing up between my toes because it rained on me a little bit.  I do good to keep polish on.  Big change from seven years ago when I was single and treated myself to pedicures on a regular basis. 

Now... I just don't look down.

 

This is real ugly y'all but I remember looking at my Grandmother's heels on her feet, the one who lived in the country, and noticing how dry and cracked her heels were when I was a very small child and thinking... poor thing... I hope my heels never look like that.  They look like they hurt.  And dang it if they don't look just like them!  

 

Until now.  Last night I broke out my Heel Tastic.  I tell you what... that stuff is a miracle.  My heels looked eighty percent better when I rolled out of bed this morning.  Then I sanded on my heels and side of my toe in the shower.  My feet feel much better today.  I will spare you before and after pictures.  Mainly because I didn't take any.. and won't.  But here's what I did use and a picture list of my pedi go-to's.

 

 

You can get the Heel Tastic, the Ped Egg and foot file at Walgreens.  I go to Sally Beauty Supply for my favorite OPI colors and Out The Door lightening-fast-drying top coat.

 

 

 

Summer

It's Summer.  And I'm nesting.  I have felt so good over the last week.  I have been able to spend more time at home.  I have moved furniture and "things" around making new areas in our home and on our porch.  I have repotted plants greening up my surroundings on the porch.  I worked and worked in the garden trying to save it and it felt great.  I have been trying out new recipes and really enjoying my kitchen.  I have said goodbye to some unwanted items and just cleaned up.  I am finishing projects that I have started.  I am getting things done.

Maybe it's because I lost most of the month of June dealing with my mother-in-law's illness and death.  Maybe it's the antibiotic I am taking for my tooth and sinus aches.  Maybe it is part of my own healing process and acceptance of a childless life style.  Maybe it's because I am normally up to my ears in canning this time of year.  Maybe it's the tropical rains and breezes we've been having.  Maybe it's our new puppy and being blessed with a fantastic marriage. 

Then again, maybe it's just Summer.