tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-38270931927201179822023-11-16T02:54:21.388-08:00Simple Yes, Easy NOSo many things in life are very simple in concept but the execution is anything but easy. Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.comBlogger92125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-9006567495888836612016-08-29T18:03:00.003-07:002017-10-31T11:50:36.513-07:00Perfect Hard Boiled FRESH EggsFor those of you who love to buy farm fresh eggs AND want the perfect hard boiled eggs - read on. If you use store bought eggs, or just don't care to ever make hard boiled eggs, I will save you the trouble. Stop now. Come back for a different post.
I have read all kinds of tips and tricks on how to get the perfect hard boiled eggs using fresh eggs. Because, you know, I have a ton of Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-61239212382741258022016-08-29T18:03:00.001-07:002016-08-29T18:03:09.044-07:00Pecan Pie
Pecan Pie is my husband's all time favorite dessert. I never liked it. Maybe I didn't try it enough or only had less than good pies? I don't know. BUT, I wanted to learn to make them so I could do something special for my hubby.
The first pecan pie I made was a complete fail. He ate it, but it probably should have gone in the trash. He is such a good sport. I don't have any Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-89673618382036534362015-04-29T19:19:00.003-07:002015-04-29T19:19:39.375-07:00Spring on the Farm 2015Spring is in full swing on the farm. I took a few minutes today to walk a bit of the farm to check on our progress. I discovered lots of happy progress.
The grape leaves are still growing and we have lots of TINY grapes beginning to grow. Such a great relief as last year we didn't get any. They had been so overgrown we had to do a major pruning job - and as a result went a year without grapesJill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-11904846656757192462015-02-28T06:16:00.001-08:002015-02-28T06:16:26.706-08:00Miss Pearl's Broomstick LaceI have been working on this crochet blanket for what seems like an eternity. Actually, I started working on it during the 2014 ice storm in NC that left us without power for a few days. But, as the weather warmed up, I stopped working on this project as it was just too hot. Then as the weather started to cool, I started working on it again. I have finally finished this lovely blanket and they Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-8422713143270690352015-01-14T17:05:00.001-08:002015-01-14T17:05:50.694-08:00Crazy Farm
This weekend we welcomed some sheep to our farm! It has been so exciting adding some larger animals to the farm.
Meet Daisy May and her baby Binky (both are white). Binky is about 3 weeks old.
We also brought home Mabel who was pregnant. On Monday, Mabel gave birth to a cut little boy we named Hunter. Hunter looks a bit like a cow. I was lucky enough to witness the birth!! Mabel did a Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-59502349592894943592014-09-14T17:58:00.001-07:002014-09-14T17:58:12.970-07:00Grandma Leffler's Molasses Cookies
Gramma Leffler - well, actually she was my great grandmother. I had the privilege of having her in my life until my senior year of high school. I just wish I had the opportunity of knowing her now - as an adult. Gma use to sweep the front porch when she came to our house to visit. I always thought that was the WEIRDEST thing. I mean, dirt does belong outside after all. But of course, now I Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-76379297359534940132014-07-19T18:51:00.002-07:002014-07-19T18:51:54.318-07:00Hand Made Bathing SuitOff the rack clothes fit most. HAH! As I learn more about alterations, I am learning to see how most people go around in clothes that just don't fit. A dart here or there, the right sleeve length, pant length, etc can make such a difference in how a garment fits and feels. I still have A LOT to learn, but that is part of the fun, right? RIGHT?
I am really supportive of others - it's not you, Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-28991045224396626662014-07-09T07:54:00.000-07:002014-07-09T07:54:36.312-07:00Farm GrowthOur farm just always keeps us busy. We are in a bit of a 'lull' now - but really, that still means a lot of work!
The pumpkins are growing!!! We have lost several plants to viruses, but the molds and bugs have not really been a problem as of yet. Knock on wood!! It is really nerve wracking to watch everyday when we NEED these pumpkins to grow for the patch this fall. I don't know how full time Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-59566116379838516182014-05-27T06:28:00.000-07:002014-05-27T06:28:00.640-07:00A little break(down)Yeah, I am a bit busy. It seems I crave being super busy and having lots to do. Looking back, I have always been this way. Always on the go doing something. The 'something' always seems to change, but the underlining theme is the same I need to be doing SOMETHING pretty much all the time. Every now and I again, I too get overwhelmed. Yes, I do - you just don't see it. I keep that to myself. No, Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-64071984799376661322014-05-23T06:12:00.002-07:002014-05-23T06:12:51.674-07:00egg and noodleEgg and Noodle - this has got to be one of our all time favorites. There are NO leftovers - ever. I know - it looks kind of gross and sounds extra gross. But really, everyone likes this dish. No kidding. I served it to a bunch of boys a while back and had their mom's asking for the recipe because the boys said it was SOOOO good.
My husband found this recipe several years ago, but I have no Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-16744049323569889162014-04-29T07:29:00.001-07:002014-04-29T07:29:37.132-07:00farm update spring 2014I have been a bit absent lately from the blog. Well, I've just been busy and have not taken the time to update the blog. So today, as it is rainy and a bit yucky outside, I thought I would spend a little time on an update for the farm.
We have been so busy this spring. We started by clearing a path in the woods for hay rides this fall with the pumpkin patch. 9 acres of solid woods. It only took Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-79222187343864522232014-02-03T06:10:00.000-08:002014-02-03T06:10:52.137-08:00Venison Wild Rice Soup
We are not hunters in general. This year my son decided he wanted to learn how to hunt. Luckily, we have a few good friends that are avid 'hunters'. He is learning many lessons about conservation and land management in the process. Well, he also got his first deer this fall. That means, we have a bit of venison to eat. I have never cooked with venison before, so this year will be a year of Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-15079066787682646402014-02-01T16:52:00.000-08:002014-02-01T16:52:48.681-08:00Parmesan Knots
This recipe is from the Frank family. If you are interested in a recipe that is not all sugar, you are in luck! These little babies are always requested by my husband. They really could be used any time of year - but for no specific reason, we only make them at Christmas time. Most of the Frank family wonders why, but no one ever breaks from tradition. Well, this year, I broke from tradition! Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-59691775538384176632014-01-28T12:22:00.003-08:002014-01-28T12:22:50.349-08:00Winter Crochet FunI have been playing around with the crochet again. Here are a few projects I have done recently.
Owl hat.
I used basically this pattern.
Fox hat.
Because my youngest LOVES 'What does a fox say' so, I made her this hat. However, my middle child has decided she likes it better than her owl hat, so they switched. I kind of made up my own pattern. I used this pattern as inspiration, Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-58804176126221826772014-01-05T07:52:00.000-08:002014-01-05T07:58:26.661-08:00Pretty Party CookiesThis is a Carson family recipe. If you like chocolate and marshmallows, this is for you. I have also heard these called stained glass chocolates.
1 bag semi-sweet chocolate chips
1 stick butter
1 bag colored mini marshmallows
aluminum foil
1. Melt butter and chocolate in the microwave. Stop every 30 seconds or so to stir.
2. Fold in marshmallows until fully covered.
3. Make 2 sheets of foil Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-70538286005004320192013-12-22T16:00:00.000-08:002013-12-22T16:00:01.512-08:003-layer bars
These are from the Frank family and are my hubby's favorites. These are time consuming, only because you have to keep waiting for things to chill. This is a good one to do in steps and make other simple cookies in between steps.
Mix together in a bowl:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs
1 cup finely chopped coconut ( Bakers flaked coconut works well)
1/2 cup finely chopped walnuts
Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-524090176834533382013-12-22T10:00:00.000-08:002013-12-22T10:00:00.736-08:00Buckeyes
This is a Carson family recipe and is a favorite of just about EVERYONE that ever tries them. Basically it is a homemade version of Reese's PB cups. And really - can that ever be bad?
Warning, the original recipe makes a TON. I always half this recipe.
2 lb Peanut Butter
1 lb Butter
3 lb Powdered Sugar
2 bags semi-sweet Chocolate Chips
1 stick paraffin
1. Line cookie sheets Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-31782544635106619462013-12-21T14:00:00.000-08:002013-12-21T14:00:01.993-08:00Coconut Indulgences
This recipe if from the Frank family - but has become one of MY favorites. No one else really likes coconut like I do - so I must be REALLY careful when making these. I try to give a lot of them away - although at times it feels like I am giving away a child. Ok, maybe not the separation is not THAT bad, but I really do love these.
5 ounces condensed milk
1 cup Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-61215454034159431352013-12-21T11:00:00.000-08:002013-12-21T11:00:00.773-08:00Christmas Baking
The holiday season, aka the season of eating LOTS of junk food and gaining LOTS of weight. We don't have any family close by, sometimes we are with family for Christmas (which requires a lot of travel for at least one family) and sometimes we are on our own. Either way, I always bake all of our favorite cookies, candies, bars, etc since there is no one else really to do it.
How to STOP Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-40005656641719737692013-12-20T21:24:00.000-08:002013-12-20T21:25:12.449-08:00Thread Sketching Love
I am totally in love with thread sketching. I guess I am a few years behind the times, but I don't really care. I saw this tutorial on Pinterest and thought - I MUST try this! So I did. These are the 3 pillows I have made to date, with several more planned. I have also done a few kitchen towels and napkins. Ohhh the possibilities. I have started a Pinterest board for thread sketching ideas. Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-77236132190990502512013-12-04T16:05:00.000-08:002014-01-06T19:17:20.649-08:00Peaches!!
I LOVE peaches! This summer I did a bit of canning and have a few jars of peaches just waiting to be used. Most will be used right out of the jar - because really, there just isn't much better than a simple peach. When canning, I used very little sugar so they taste pretty fresh. And, they will have fewer calories. YEAH!
I love having a little bit of summer in the winter - don't you?
Peach Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-76486642480024160492013-11-22T05:54:00.002-08:002013-11-22T06:09:18.109-08:00Crochet projects 2013
It is getting cold again - a time I usually start turning to my yarn for projects. There is not much better than curling up on the couch with some yarn, hot chocolate, a fire burning, and the TV on chick flicks!! Seriously, one of my favorite ways to spend an evening. Now, if we could just get our fireplace converted back to wood burning, I would be set!
Last night, I was able to whip up Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-31184662864321052012013-08-24T18:47:00.002-07:002013-08-24T18:47:52.595-07:00My Name is Paul - red carpet premierOne of the very fun projects I have been working on lately - a red carpet dress! I had so much fun working on this dress. Yes, a few moments of wanting to tear my hair out too. But that is usually true when working on a larger project.
Our dear friend Abigail Cornell was in the movie My Name is Paul. She and I designed the dress together - and in 3 weeks, we had the final product. I used a Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-53533030776631844702013-07-29T05:58:00.000-07:002013-07-29T05:58:21.850-07:00Welcome Cupcake!
Meet the latest addition to our family, Cupcake. For some reason, I keep calling her Penelope. I chalk it up to mommy mush brain. She has the annoying habit of waking up between 3 and 4 to go out and play. I would say to use the 'facilities' but usually she has already done that inside. :( Needless to say, with shortened sleep and messes in the kitchen - I am not the easiest person to be Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3827093192720117982.post-26769359581188564282013-07-21T13:48:00.003-07:002013-07-21T13:48:43.606-07:00Upcycle ProjectsYes, we have been really busy outside lately, but I have still found some time to sew. Here are some pics of a few of the projects I have been working on. These projects are focused on finding new uses for old items.
Up first: coffee sack tote bags. This is the front and back of one bag. I have several more in the works. I love the look of these - but really, working with burlap is not my Jill Frankhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10565221581782033348noreply@blogger.com0