A Pair of Bartletts

Got Toast?

....it laughs in the face of apple butter.  Heaven in a jar...thanks Mom! 

 

Pantry Painting & Organizing Project~The Beginning

Well, just to let you know, I am typing this post with semi-blistered hands.  I am also typing this post with a body that's aching a little as well...but it is worth every blister, ache and/or pain that I have incurred!  There is bliss...even with blisters!  My pantry is ALMOST finished!  I started painting at 1:00 today and wrapped up about 4:00, with only a little bit left to do....and as soon as I finish it tomorrow night, I will have successfully repainted the pantry in our new house~and a pantry that I'm about to stand on my head to organize and decorate!  I ordered the cutest rug that's a picture of an old-timey tomato sign.  And, I have some cute aprons to hang up on the wall.  Also, reminiscent of Julia Child's kitchen, I have a peg board on the wall (in her honor) that is just waiting to have all kinds of accessories hung about it from the holes-a-plenty.  

 
 

It's just so satisfying to complete a home project, especially one that is labor intensive.  I know that when I go to one of its many shelves, my fingers will feel the smooth semi-gloss paint and I'll remember this afternoon over and over in my mind.  

Projects = pride in the accomplishment.

And the picture above was a huge accomplishment for me, considering that the nine shelves of this pantry had been painted in a flat paint that had seen a pretty good amount of wear.  But even in the wear, I know that there was a lot of love in those shelves.  There was love being put into the items either taken from or re-stocked from it's wooden shelves.  There was certainly a HUGE amount of love in just the construction of this pantry by the man of the house.  The shelves appear to have been painstakingly hand sanded and the wood until they were smooth as silk....and the wood and molding, well they were chosen from the finest quality.  There was a husband and a wife (both now deceased) who poured a lot of love into the details of this house, with the pantry only being one of the many.  

(I am painting them a fresh solid white...you'll see some of the green left behind on the shelves that I'll be finishing tomorrow)

As you can see from the pictures, I've still got to finish the bottom half, which I'll be doing tomorrow evening.  But I've included the pictures for a different reason.  The reason is that I noticed so many details today that the former owner put into the construction of this pantry for his beloved wife.  There are sections of the pantry that are different sizes, more than likely because she had items that were special to her that went in different special places.  One detail in particular stood out to me more than any of them....and that detail you can really see illustrated above....it's just a simple clothespin, mounted about midway down one of the walls.  I was just about to rip it off of the wall to paint over it, and something stopped me.  You know, there was a special reason that the woman of the house placed that clothespin there with such purpose (the picture doesn't do it justice...it's mounted on there quite firmly).  Something within me just didn't have the heart to take it down...so I'm painting around it.  I have no idea what I'll use it for, but I promise, I'll find a use for it.  

Why all the rambling about a pantry?  Well, first of all, I believe that the Lord wants us to take pride in what we do, especially when it is caring for our home.  Secondly, I love learning about utility discovered by others (like the clothespin).  And thirdly (and the most important), I'm reminded of the Lord's constant provision in our lives, for every little tiny need....and how He always exceeds our expectations when He meets that need.  And the Lord knew (down to the detail) how I would want a pantry constructed.....and He not only gave me that, but He gave me about 5 more shelves than what I ever thought I would find.  NINE SHELVES I TELL YOU!  And they wrap around not one, but TWO walls!  And a pegboard...just like the one that Julia Child had! Julia's kitchen was totally utilitarian.  But back to the Lord....He totally and completely exceeded my expectation, as is the usual way of the Lord that I serve.  

"And my God will meet all your needs according to his glorious riches in Christ Jesus."   Philippians 4:19

What are the projects that you are working on now and what has the Lord been teaching you through your projects?

Now, if you'll excuse me, I think I need to go find some icy-hot to rub on my sore muscles!

 

P.S. I'll post more pictures of the finished decorated and organized results! And in the spirit of being an American Frugal Housewife, my project came in at under $20!

 

 

Nana's Southern Pickled Peaches

 

Directions Combine the sugar, vinegar and water in a large pot, and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes. Press one or two cloves into each peach, and place into the boiling syrup. Boil for 20 minutes, or until peaches are tender. Spoon peaches into sterile jars and top with liquid to 1/2 inch from the rim. Put one cinnamon stick into each jar. Wipe the rims with a clean dry cloth, and seal with lids and rings. Process in a hot water bath for 10 minutes to seal, or consult times recommended by your local extension.

via allrecipes.com

I cannot wait to get jars of these good ol' standby's on my pantry shelves. It's so funny, these are things that we only had at holidays, funerals and family reunions! I make a motion that we have pickled spiced peaches all year 'round!

What is something that you feel is something that has been more a part of traditional days than regular days and what are you going to do to try and bring in into your home year 'round?

 

Homemade Pantry Pleasures

I discovered this great recipe over at Monica's blog, The Homespun Heart.  This is a great mix to have on hand!  I'm going to make a jar for myself this weekend and think I may even may a few "gift jars" of this handy dandy little mix!

2 Corinthians 9:7 (New King James Version)

⁷ So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver.

Thanks to Monica for always sharing such great tips and ideas.  If you have not visited Monica, please stop by her "house"....I guarantee that you will see something there that will make you smile!

Cream Soup Mix

2 c. powdered milk
3/4 c. cornstarch
1/4 c. chicken bouillon
2 Tbsp. onion flakes
1 tsp. basil leaves
1 tsp. thyme, ground
1/2 tsp. pepper

Mix all ingredients in an airtight container. When you have a recipe that calls for cream of chicken soup, blend 1/3 c. of dry mixture with 1 1/4 c. cold water. Cook, stirring until thickened. Use as recipe requires.