Simply Home by Beth

A warm day, a farm-stand, and a few fluffy friends…

My new friends, caught at a bad time, had little to say…

I know you’ve heard me say this before, but I love nothing better than a leisurely afternoon’s drive through the countryside.

No matter the time of year, each season has beauty of its own; but this current late summer-to-fall, is one of my favorites.

Why?

September is a transitional month, easing us into the cooler fall temperatures, shorter days, with vibrant foliage still thick on the trees while the last warm rays of summers’ sun glides across our shoulders.

Doesn’t that sound glorious?

It. Does.

Lately, when I think of the word transition, I’m not thinking of comfy sweaters or leaves of red and gold.

I’ve been thinking of projects that are yet to be finished or started! thinking of delays, schedule changes and equipment shortages, help shortages, and feeling a sense of genuine frustration. I’ve been moving forward, which I have to remind myself of, but only at two steps forward, then one step back. Know what I mean?

I don’t like to be “negative”, but my problem is that I “can see” the finished project, before I start, and it’s exciting to me! I’m anxious to move forward because “in my head” I’m already there, the finish line. I told this to a friend of mine not long ago, as we were choosing her kitchen sink, and I said, “You probably think I’m crazy….”
“No” she said, “I think you’re gifted”!

I smiled…that was certainly a more positive perspective!

For me, creating consists of a million little decisions coming together, to look like one great idea!

I’m learning, or I should say, that I have learned to appreciate the “chance” to reflect and review, using the “delays” as extra time for myself. Not to take back “control”, but to consider the day, and appreciate all that it has to offer.

This is when I jump in the car, roll down the windows, and head out into the countryside. Within a few miles, less than ten, I’ll find myself driving by corn and soybean fields, pastures of grazing sheep, cattle and horses, and farms with impeccable gardens surrounded by white painted fences.

I find beauty and order combined.

I find peace.

Visiting the Pumpkin Farm with my favorite “Little Pumpkin”, sweet Hazel Ann!

What do you do for yourself when you need a little break?

Is there a special shop or “place” that you like to visit?

The last country-drive I took, landed me in this small pumpkin patch/fall market, and this is where I met my new friends, four sweet and hungry sheep.

Laser-focused on a late-afternoon snack…

I enjoyed watching them, they were so busy that they didn’t even slow down or look up as I spoke, laser-focused on finishing every bit of that gourd!

I admire their focus, their clarity of purpose and determination. I’ve decided that I am in a “season of transition” myself, September and I.

I hope you’ll join me in cherishing the unexpected by focusing on the opportunities it brings to us.

Moments to savor, memories to make and share,

and a new perspective to carry into the next season!

Hugs from me to you!,

“Ma’am, that’s a dollar…”

By Beth Wood

**“and well worth it!”, I said as I pulled out my only dollar bill. SOLD!**

Last night about 6p.m., my husband and I got back from spending a few days with our children and grandchildren in Gatlinburg, Tennessee.

On the way there, (you remember he’s a “picker,” right?”,) he decided that the 127 Sale in Kentucky would be worth going out of our way for, just to experience it. I was eager to see the kids, and the thought of “missing” any time with them didn’t sit well with me.

So… we took an hour detour into Southeastern Kentucky.

Miles upon miles of assorted tents, trailers, campers, and card tables, flew past my window, waiting for the “perfect” spot to stop.

Finally, he said, “oh, let’s check this one out,” bless him, he was so excited!

From my car window, I saw an old house with a tilting porch covered with items, of unknown origin, all waiting to be sold by the vendor, a woman in shorts, smoking and sitting on a collapsible lawn chair. Not only was the tilting porch floor covered with items, but in front of the porch, card tables continued the theme.

This was the LAST DAY of the 127 Sale, so, naturally, everything was HALF OFF!!!

(If only Pottery Barn would do the same…., but we can only dream, right?)

Excitedly, Jon jumped out of the car after parking by a tractor without wheels, and three walkers clustered together, waiting for someone to grab them for “half price”! After laughing for a good moment or more, I slowly exited the vehicle.

I walked straight up to the card tables, quickly scanning them as I approached, grabbed the above item, looked it over closely,

and then I heard, “Ma’am, that’s a dollar!”

“Well, I said, “it’s worth every penny!”

She put her cigarette down and smiled in agreement.

We had bonded. I quickly gathered that I would not get a receipt, therefore I was glad that I had the exact amount of money to give her. Nor was a shopping bag offered…

Oh well.

Do you think I’m high-falutin’?

I hope my new friend didn’t think so.

So, I went back to the car, threw it in the trunk, sat in my seat and waited for Jon.

When he came back, he said “I didn’t find anything I wanted, how about you?”

I found this…

walking back to the trunk, I pulled out my purchase…

WHAT IS IT? he said,

Well, it was a topiary, which is styrofoam and a stick, but the pot is cute, and it was only a dollar!

Looking straight at me, seriously, he said,

“You over-paid”.

Perhaps.

Wait and see!

As soon as I can, I’ll post her “after” photo, and I hope you’ll be AMAZED at the transformation!

XO,

Jalapeno Jam, a cracker’s BFF!

By Beth Wood

One pan and five ingredients are all you need. Sweet and spicy Jalapeno Drip Jam is the easiest appetizer you could ever make.!

You guys! There’s just something about this appetizer that reminds me of watching football on TV !

Is it the spicy jalapeno? Because it’s cold outside?

Is it the sugary slur over the soft cream cheese that “does it” for me?

Who knows!

I’m NOT a football fan, but I married one! Let me tell you that every year, at every Super Bowl Party we’ve had, big or small, this appetizer was a hit, and it’s always gone before the game even starts!

And yes, I serve more than this one item, I would hate to see a grown man burst into tears, if this is all I offered on “GAME DAY”.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a picture for this, but I serve it by drizzling the jam over a room- temperature block of cream cheese, any brand will do, but make sure it’s at room temperature.

I surround the block of cheese with assorted crackers, pretzels, tortilla chips, or even sliced baguettes that are toasted and crunchy. Long pretzel rods or veggies would also be great. I consider this a “finger food”, but in reality, the jam has sugar in it, and if it’s on your fingers, or your furniture, it’s very sticky. Because of this, I add a small spreader beside the cheese block, that my guests can use for spreading the jam.

Here’s another thing! now that the weather’s cooler outside, there’s something so comforting about leisurely watching a few hours of TV in your sweatpants, a t-shirt and slippers.

I am not judging! I am right there with you!

Ladies, this is not the day for fashion, the guys could care less. At my house, I’m filling and refilling pots, serving trays, drinks, chip bowls, and the crock pots until the game is over! I will take a break, like a good American, to see the start of the game, and the half-time show, and you know we’ll have to talk about those “commercials” for a good month or two!

Could this be why I’m not a football fan?

Hmmmm….I’ll let you know after the next Super Bowl!

Note: The recipe is posted on the story called, “Jalapeno Drip Jam.”

Cheers to a great year for your favorite team!

Hugs!

Jalapeno Drip Jam

By Beth Wood

Freshly picked peppers at the Farmer’s Market

Today I’m sharing an appetizer that I use year-round, for holidays, birthdays, on a charcuterie board, and for hungry weekenders who can’t wait for the meal to be served!

Side note: If you offer this along with a cold brew, you’ve made friends for life!

Second Side Note! I think if you took a small Ball canning jar, with the Jalapeno Drip Jam inside, covered the lid with material or wrapping paper, tied it with twine or ribbon, to make a bow, you’d have a unique and homemade hostess gift!

A simple recipe:

Jalapeno Drip Jam

4 Tbs. unsalted butter
1 medium white onion, cut into 1/4″ dice
1 C. packed light brown sugar
One 4-ounce can diced jalapenos, undrained (about 1/2 cup)
2 Tbs. stone-ground mustard

In a medium saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the onion and sauté until translucent and tender, about 6 minutes. Add the brown sugar, jalapenos with their juice, mustard, and stir and cook until bubbling. Reduce the heat slightly and simmer until the mixture is flavorful and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 30 minutes.
Let cool slightly before using. Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Makes about 1 1/2 cups

Prep time: 5 minutes Cook time: 40 minutes Cool: 5-10 minutes

This sweet and spicy jam is from the Magnolia Table cookbook, Volume One. Joanna Gaines, and I as well, serve this over a block of room temperature cream cheese, with crackers and toast.

Would be a great addition to your next charcuterie board!

Friends, if you make this, let me know how you like it, and what you used it for, what type of event…

Enjoy!

August Arrives,

By Beth Wood

with a flurry of activities!

August is our last chance to get away, before school starts.

August bears the heat of late summer; offering us lightening bugs to catch, swimming holes to jump into and cicadas singing us to sleep, time seems to move slowly, and the days are precious and fleeting.

Don’t you remember when just a few months ago, we thought summer would never be here, it was still “too cold”, the days wouldn’t warm up fast enough, and the wind was bitter and harsh….

deep down, you knew you were wrong, just impatient.

As I write this, I just can’t believe it’s August already. I titled this AUGUST ARRIVES, just to remind myself to remember that!!!

I have a list for this month, and I’d bet that you do as well!

Do you have special activities that are set aside for August?

Are you taking a last-minute vacation, before the kids go to school? The last week of August is when we would take our children to the beach. Our schoolyear started in September, and their school year started in August, in South Carolina. Therefore, we would get the “end of season” discount, and it was so appreciated. Without that timing of the vacation, we wouldn’t have been able to go. On the day we had to check out, we would rebook for the next year; the same time, and same place, that way, there were no “sad faces” when we got into the car, we were happy to know that we’d be back!

Two arms full of happy wiggles, a heart full of love.

I have to admit, that when my children were younger, I’d lay on the beach with a to-do list in my head, thinking of everything that was waiting for me when I returned home. Sadly, I wish someone would’ve told me then, that it didn’t matter. Enjoy the day! Time spent with your children is irreplaceable, your work and duties, and all responsibilities will wait for you to return.

Once you’re home, you now have the “back to school” shopping list to address.

Children get so excited to get a new “backpack”, to carry through the year. Also, a chance to meet their new teacher is a welcome relief for many. All three of my girls loved school, and I believe it’s due to the fact that they had excellent, involved, and invested teachers. All three loved EVERY teacher they had! As a parent, I was so relieved, and happy for them.

A New Backpack and shoes of Gold, someone’s ready for Preschool!

During 2020, when the children were home, forced to be home, with parents forced to be their teachers, I wondered how that would affect the children. As it turns out, it created a greater awareness of the educational system, it’s strengths and weaknesses for the parents. That is a huge positive!

I’ll move on, but not without a shout-out to all of America’s teachers.

Thank you for caring for our children beyond the classroom and thank you for all that you do to add joy to their day, to their self-esteem, and to their pride of accomplishment.

The value you place on our children, and to us as parents is beyond measure.

My sweet little Hazel Ann celebrates her birthday with her Preschool Class…Best Day Ever!

I joke with my grown daughters, that if I had home-schooled them, we’d all still be sitting around the kitchen table doing homework!

The school bus arrives as the sun comes up, better be ready!

In my last home, before I moved back to Indiana, the Elementary school bus stop was directly at the end of our driveway. I loved watching the neighbor children climb those bus steps each morning, their giggles and excitement to start a new day was so refreshing, and a reminder that we should approach our days the same way!

Joyful Positivity….what an awful thing to “outgrow”!

Note: I literally watched twin infant boys in a double stroller pushed by their mother, “see off” their older brother each morning at the Bus stop. By the time we were ready to move from that home, I watched those same twins proudly climb the steps on their first day of kindergarten. I also saw their mother wipe her tears away…

If you get the chance to take a quick trip this month, drop a message below and let me know if it was a “before school starts” quick get-away., this is a busy travel month, even with gas prices as high as they are, it’s hard to not GO when you get the chance.

To all of the parents counting down the days till the bus arrives…. I’m not judging!

Been there myself…sometimes summers are VERY long my friends!

To the teachers getting their classrooms ready for our littles, I do so appreciate you, and I’m not alone in this. God Bless you and your year ahead. Thank you for all that you do so well!

That’s about it for me, I absolutely love summer and I do hate to see it go. To me, the school busses remind me that Fall is coming up soon, how about you?

Do you hate to see summer go?

Looking forward, excited to see Fall decor and get the Halloween stuff out of the basement?

I personally hang on to each season, trying to savor it and just soak it all in.

There’s no hurry, no rush, to get to tomorrow.

Go soak up some sun, I’m right behind you…!

Happy August, friends!

XO,

The B-Old and Beautiful

By Beth Wood

**We’re not all born beautiful, for some of us, it takes WORK!**

Is it ODD that I’m starting my post with an AFTER photo?

I can see how you might think so!

If the table looks familiar, you’ve already met.

I shared this table months ago, stating that I would refinish her and use her for a kitchen island at the cottage…you can see that that did not happen.

My garage is my workshop, and storage facility, and keeper of things not yet found…

I do my messy painting, sanding, Easy-Off “stripping”, (I blush), and general mess-making in the garage. The neighbors have seen it all, they don’t understand any of it, but they still like us!

Please don’t ask me, because I don’t remember where we, or Jon, found this table. I loved that it was pine, blackened with age, and I thought the hardware was copper, which would be so pretty with the pine.

The B-Old and Beautiful Table needed some Love

At that time, I photographed the table, made a post about what it “could be,” then waited for more than a month before I actually got around to working on it. By that time, it was so embarrassing, I thought, I can’t even stay on my own schedule!

Never speak of what you’re going to do…. until after you do it.

This is my new motto.

**Pine table, worn but solid, copper hardware, a gem!**

Did I mention that the original plan was to use the table at the lake cottage?

Our cottage kitchen is the size of a small patio, 9’x9′, to be exact. Try as I might, I couldn’t fit the table in, from any angle. Plan B was to put her in the living room/main room next to the kitchen, with a black towel rack on the end facing the kitchen. Maybe casters to raise her up a bit?

Both of those decisions fell flat.

**Measure, Measure, Measure. Antiques are not level, prime or square!**

So, back to making her pretty.

I knew that no matter what I did, or where I would put her, use her, I had to refinish the pine first.

I removed the drawer pulls and set them aside. I always tape the tiny screws inside the handles, so I don’t lose them.

I decided to try the Easy-Off method of stripping, I knew it worked, I had used it on a small Singer Sewing machine drawer, just to practice. Practice? Yes, how long would the spray have to stay on the finish, how thick/heavy should the spray be, how long would it take to be effective? Got the answers I needed, now on to a larger piece, the pine table.

It was a hot day, so I pulled the table out of the garage and onto the driveway. I put a tarp under the table and began to spray an even, heavy coat of Easy-Off on the tabletop and table sides. I did the legs after the top was finished. I covered everything with Plastic Wrap, and let the sun warm the spray for an hour. After an hour, the top was black from melted varnish, and I waited another 15 minutes before removing the plastic wrap.

Before I took the plastic wrap off, I pulled the table onto the lawn, so I could use the garden hose to spray it down. The varnish had completely melted, or dissolved, and came off easily with the force of the water. Spots with varnish still remaining, were scrubbed with an old scrub brush. Entirely clean, I was so thrilled!

Next, the legs of the table. They’re completely straight, so easy to scrub or sand if needed.

I boiled the hardware in a pot of boiling water for about 20 minutes. Scrubbed with an old toothbrush, (hope it wasn’t my husband’s!), and this worked. Again, if anything remained, I scrubbed with a stiffer brush, or used sandpaper on the wood.

At this point, the table sat in the sun, on the lawn, until completely dry.

As it dried in the sun, the “finish” of the wood grew lighter and lighter.

I am thrilled with how it turned out, sad I don’t have a kitchen island, but sometimes Plan B stands for Plan Beautiful, my friends!

One more after photo…

This was a quick, fun, and worthwhile project, a little DIY with big returns!

I hope you give this a try….

actually, what I really want to say is

You should try this, and if you do, please send me a quick, Guess What! in the comments!

Let’s talk again soon!

XO,

simplyhomebybeth