Mamas*Little*Treasures

The Blessing of Simplicity

It happens every day, every season, all year long. But it seems that it is even more overwhelming at the holiday season, when we are moment by moment bombarded with what I call the “Message of Stuff.” Every direction we turn, we are being told that we need one more thing, one more gadget, one more electronic wonder, one more toy, one more “must have” fashion accessory. And, of course, if we all just stopped buying “stuff,” that would not be good for our faltering economy. But perhaps we might want to try to rediscover the blessing of a simpler time, a life filled with “stuff” other than  the material possessions that we all have overflowing from every cupboard, closet, dresser drawer, and garage.

So many families have struggled over the past couple of years just to keep up with a mortgage or rent payment, a car payment, and keeping our families clothed and fed. It is at moments like this when we come face to face with the reality that life can go on even if we don’t have all of the “stuff” that we see all around us. And perhaps it is a blessing in disguise when we suddenly discover that we cannot fill every moment of our lives with the entertainment of “stuff.” It is then that we realize that there are some things in life that are so much more important, and truly to be treasured, than mere “stuff.” Here is where we begin to understand the blessing of simplicity.

Here are a couple of ways to look to the future, with the goal of discovering the blessing of simplicity:

*  Make a determination to downsize your Christmas giving. It really is not as difficult as it might sound! Really, when you think about it, most of us already have everything that we truly “need,” so when it comes to gift-giving, perhaps we can really focus on giving something that is an expression of love for whomever is receiving our gift.

*  Focus on giving gifts from the heart, instead of from the wallet. Really. Make a batch of peanut brittle for Dad, a pretty pincushion for Mom, and handmade totebag for Sister, a new pillowcase and matching pjs for Big Brother. It’s a place to start!

*  Find a way to give to those in need. A community pantry or Christmas basket program, or Operation Christmas Child, or Toys for Tots . . . . anything that helps us remember that there are so many with so much less than we already have.

*  Keep our Christmas decorations simple. This will definitely minimize some of the time pressure and financial stress of the holidays. Handmade decorations may not be “elegant” but they definitely are treasures! Making our homes beautiful is all part of the “magic” of Christmas, but try to think of ways to simplify the season, and perhaps you’ll actually find time to relax and truly celebrate the Reason for the Season.

The blessing of simplicity can become a part of life every day of the year. Christmas is a great place to begin to discover that blessing, and trust God to touch your heart and your home in the  simple joys of the holidays. Blessings to you and your family from all of us here at Ruby for Women!

You can find ideas and instructions for homemade Christmas gifts and ornaments at the following websites:

Favecrafts

Young Homemakers

We will be posting more ideas for creating your own Homemade Christmas over the coming weeks, with links to other sites where you can find everything you will need to inspire you as you discover the Blessing of Simplicity!

The Blessing of Simplicity

It happens every day, every season, all year long. But it seems that it is even more overwhelming at the holiday season, when we are moment by moment bombarded with what I call the “Message of Stuff.” Every direction we turn, we are being told that we need one more thing, one more gadget, one more electronic wonder, one more toy, one more “must have” fashion accessory. And, of course, if we all just stopped buying “stuff,” that would not be good for our faltering economy. But perhaps we might want to try to rediscover the blessing of a simpler time, a life filled with “stuff” other than  the material possessions that we all have overflowing from every cupboard, closet, dresser drawer, and garage.

So many families have struggled over the past couple of years just to keep up with a mortgage or rent payment, a car payment, and keeping our families clothed and fed. It is at moments like this when we come face to face with the reality that life can go on even if we don’t have all of the “stuff” that we see all around us. And perhaps it is a blessing in disguise when we suddenly discover that we cannot fill every moment of our lives with the entertainment of “stuff.” It is then that we realize that there are some things in life that are so much more important, and truly to be treasured, than mere “stuff.” Here is where we begin to understand the blessing of simplicity.

Here are a couple of ways to look to the future, with the goal of discovering the blessing of simplicity:

*  Make a determination to downsize your Christmas giving. It really is not as difficult as it might sound! Really, when you think about it, most of us already have everything that we truly “need,” so when it comes to gift-giving, perhaps we can really focus on giving something that is an expression of love for whomever is receiving our gift.

*  Focus on giving gifts from the heart, instead of from the wallet. Really. Make a batch of peanut brittle for Dad, a pretty pincushion for Mom, and handmade totebag for Sister, a new pillowcase and matching pjs for Big Brother. It’s a place to start!

*  Find a way to give to those in need. A community pantry or Christmas basket program, or Operation Christmas Child, or Toys for Tots . . . . anything that helps us remember that there are so many with so much less than we already have.

*  Keep our Christmas decorations simple. This will definitely minimize some of the time pressure and financial stress of the holidays. Handmade decorations may not be “elegant” but they definitely are treasures! Making our homes beautiful is all part of the “magic” of Christmas, but try to think of ways to simplify the season, and perhaps you’ll actually find time to relax and truly celebrate the Reason for the Season.

The blessing of simplicity can become a part of life every day of the year. Christmas is a great place to begin to discover that blessing, and trust God to touch your heart and your home in the  simple joys of the holidays. Blessings to you and your family from all of us here at Ruby for Women!

You can find ideas and instructions for homemade Christmas gifts and ornaments at the following websites:

Favecrafts

Young Homemakers

We will be posting more ideas for creating your own Homemade Christmas over the coming weeks, with links to other sites where you can find everything you will need to inspire you as you discover the Blessing of Simplicity!

What's Going on This Week at Ruby for Women!

Welcome to a new week here in the Ruby for Women community! There is so much going on that sometimes I can hardly keep up with all of it  ;o) But now that the holiday issue of the ezine is finished up, I am back to work full-time here in the community, so I thought it would be good to start the week by reminding you of some of the exciting activities that we have going for you:

* "New Chapter" Gift Basket Give-Away will be continuing through the end of November. I will be updating the gift list later today, but if you would still like to make a donation, please email me. And if you would like to enter your name into the drawing, please visit the Ruby for Women blog at www.rubyforwomen.com and leave a comment or you can visit our Gift Basket Give-Away group right here in the Ruby for Women community.

* New Book Give-Away will be posted later today, as well! This month we will be giving away a copy of "Ditch the Joneses" by Cathi Brese Doebler,so check back often for that update.

*  We will also be doing member features all week, so please let me know if you would like to be featured on our main page and we will get your  info and pictures ready to post.

* Also, we are still offering our HOLIDAY ADVERTISNG special here at Ruby for Women. If you are interested in advetising your home-based, family-friendly business with us, please visit the Ruby for Women blog for all the details.

* Don't forget about the holiday issue of the Ruby for Women ezine where you will find so many great resources for YOUR family's holiday celebration. Here's the direct link to the ezine: 

http://issuu.com/ruby4women/docs/rubyholidaynovemberdecember2010

Please share our ezine with your friends and family so they can see all of the amazing ideas we have for them here at Ruby for Women! Have a great week! Nina

Holiday Issue of Ruby for Women is now available!

Open publication - Free publishing - More book reviews

Just a little more sugar won't hurt . . . .

We really have been trying to make healthier choices in all areas of our lives this past year . . . . trying to eat right, get more exercise, minimize stress and anxiety, get enough sleep . . . . and most of the time we do quite well, actually!  Occasionally, however, we all get a bit off track, and with the holidays and all of the yummy stuff to eat that seems to magically appear this time of year, we are all hitting the bottom of the sugar crash. 

Monday things will be back on schedule.  Daddy will be back to work, the girls will be back in school, and I will be back to . . . . . . sanity!!!   ;o)   But for this weekend, our next youngest daughter and her family will be here this afternoon until Monday morning, with three children under the age of 5!  So I have a few more hours of wild and crazy, chaotic fun before things settle down. 

In the meantime, I finished up the Danish Puff that we always make on New Year's weekend - sometimes we have it for a special brunch on New Year's Day, but this year we are saving it for a special brunch tomorrow with all of kids and grandbabies.  Just another one of those family traditions that seem to mean so much to us, and perhaps the kind of thing that you love, too.  If you are still looking for one more special recipe to add to your holiday traditions, this one is so easy!  You will be surprised, however, how yummy it is.  Actually the only sugar is in the almond glaze that is swirled over the top.  This recipe originally came from Great Grandma Steed who loved to bake.  Another one of her specialties was Peanut Brittle.  We didn't get that made this year, but I'm definitely going to make some next year! 

I also found the recipe in my trusty old Betty Crocker Cookbook, so that's a double confirmation that this is a very special recipe!  It would really be a great treat for any special brunch or breakfast, not just at New Year's celebrations.  This would make a wonderful addition to an Easter breakfast, or Mother's Day treat, or any other special occasion that your family celebrates.  

Great-Grandma's Danish Puff

1/2 cup butter or margarine, softened

1 cup flour

2 T. water

1/2 cup butter or margarine

1 cup water

1 t. almond extract

1 cup flour

3 eggs

*  Almond Glaze

*  Chopped nuts

Step 1:  Heat oven to 350 degrees.  Cut 1/2 cup butter into 1 cup flour.  Sprinkle 2 T. water over mixture; mix.  

 

Step 2:  Round into ball; divide in half.  On ungreased baking sheet, lay out two sheets of tinfoil to make individual baking "pans." 

Pat each half into oval shape, approximately 4" wide X 8" or 9" long.  Fold tinfoil up around each dough oval to make a small edge.

 

Step 3:  Heat 1/2 cup butter and 1 cup water to rolling boil in medium saucepan.  Remove from heat and quickly stir in almond extract and 1 cup flour.

Step 4:  Stir vigorously over low heat until mixture forms a ball, about 1 minute. 

Remove from heat and beat in eggs, all at once, until smooth and glossy. 

Step 5:  Divide  mixture in half; spread each half evenly over strips. 

 

Step 6:

  Bake about 60 minutes or until topping is crisp and brown.  Cool.  (Topping will shrink and fall, forming the custardy top of this puff.)

Step 7:

  Frost with Almond Glaze and sprinkle generously with nuts.

* Almond Glaze:

  Mix 1 cup confectioners' sugar, 2 T. butter or margarine, softened, 1 1/2 teaspoons almond extract and 1 - 2 T. milk or water until smooth and of spreading consistency. 

 

*  If you want to wrap them up for gift-giving, the little tinfoil "pans" make it very easy to pick them up, put them in individual plastic bags, and tie up with a festive ribbon.

And there you have a beautiful Danish Puff with very little effort!  Have fun on this last few hours of celebration before life returns to normal . . . . . but perhaps we should all make a commitment to celebrate EVERY day in 2010 for all of our blessings and even for the difficulties, because they always bring us opportunities for new open doors.  We'll chat about that more next week!  Until then, hugs and happiness for this day    ;o) 

New Year Greetings from Our Little House

We are cuddled up here in front of the fireplace with our bubbly juice, shrimp cocktail, cheese and crackers . . . . . all in our jammies, just hanging out together to celebrate the beginning of a new year. Just thinking back over the past year, remembering all of the struggles and all of the blessings.  Memories; be sure to hold them close and capture them before they disappear in the mist of fleeting moments. 

Best wishes to you and your family from all of us here at Our Cozy House. Let's get busy come next week with all of our new projects and goals for a successful and prosperous 2010!

Contemplating the New Year

It has been really wonderful around here this week, after the holiday festivities, hustle and bustle, and all the fun of gift-giving. . . . . it's been kind of quiet.  But that's the way we like it!  After our little roller skating outing yesterday, the girls informed us that they were "in pain."  What???  You are only 7 and 8 years old - well, Gracie will be nine next week, but really . . . . kids who are having aches and pains?  Since they had never been roller skating before, I suppose they were using some of those strong, young muscles that they hadn't used much before, so they were complaining about a sore back, arms, legs, sides, and even armpits!   They sounded like a couple of old grannies, talking over each other, to see who was in the most misery   ;o)   Oh, wait a minute . . . . I'm a grannie now, so that doesn't quite sound right! 

Anyway, we just hung out at home today trying to get the Christmas stuff picked up and put away.  I worked on a few projects in my studio and in here on the computer - so the rest of the work was kind of hit or miss, but eventually the girls got the ornaments off of the tree (with Daddy's help) and we were able to get the tree out of the house.  Last I looked in the living room, there was still a bunch of stuff on the floor that needed to be picked up before we could run the vacuum.  We'll see what it looks like when I get back out there!  I did manage to get a few little corners of my world tidied up, and as I contemplated new beginnings I couldn't help but think about how time has a way of changing so many things. 

I know that I can sometimes be rather philosophical (which comes kind of naturally to me, since that is what I studied once upon a time and taught for a few years!), but really I think that as we get older we do begin to see things differently than we did when we were younger.  That suddenly came to me again this afternoon while chatting with our daughter-in-law.  They live out west, in the Rocky Mountains, and we live back here in the Indiana.  The rest of our family is mostly in Michigan.  She was talking about how they really need to think about what it will mean now that they are getting a bit older (!!!) and their parents and grandparents are also getting old(er) . . . . and how difficult it is to be so far away from family.  This is my kids talking about getting old! 

Then I started thinking (in the midst of the girls fighting over who got to be the first to take an ornament off of the tree . . . . duh!!! . . . . . I think there are enough for BOTH of them) about the differences in what seems "important" now as opposed to what I thought was "important" say, twenty years ago.  If you ever watch TV, which I don't do much just because there is just SO much more to do in life that I rarely have time), you will notice that so often relationships are portrayed in images of wealth, beauty, "sex appeal," and success.  All of that is nice, but not always realistic.  Especially as we all get older.  All of the glamour, money, and professional success becomes meaningless if you don't have the one thing that every human being longs for:  the unconditional love of family. 

Of course, those of us who have religious and / or spiritual inclinations also include in that list of the necessities of life, a relationship with God.  But even for those who do not recognize this as a significant aspect of life, there is still a deep longing and constant searching for the safety, stability, and peaceful presence of a loving family, either biological or otherwise.  For many of us, that is found in our church community, or our neighborhoods, and sometimes it is found in our biological families.  But biology is definitely NOT the determining factor, as evidenced by the overwhelming number of articles and blog posts that I have come across this past week describing the crazy, dysfunctional, and often painful experiences people have at the holidays when they feel obligated to spend time with family. 

My observations are that, if we want relationships that are truly meaningful, non-toxic, healthy, safe, and stable, we have to invest a great deal in building those relationships.  But we should always remember . . . . . it takes two to make a relationship work.  Life is too short to be miserable in relationships that are hurtful.  Take care of yourself, make that a commitment to yourself in this new year.  You deserve it! 

What's Up on your Wednesday?

OK I've spent the entire morning updating pictures, profiles, and all kinds of other stuff on some of the community websites that feature vintage and crafting connections. Still have much more to do, but I want to encourage you to check out new community websites when you find them. I'll be back later and post some links so you can check them out if you haven't already found them. Now it's off to the studio to finish up a couple more projects, then to the PO to ship out a couple of orders, and guess what!!!! The girls want to go roller skating again ;o) There's a "party" at the skating rink tonight (instead of tomorrow night on New Year's Eve) so we're thinking about it. I'll keep you posted! Check back later because I will also be posting our traditional recipe for Great Grandma's Danish Puff that we always have for New Year's Day brunch. Super easy, and so yummy!

A New Year: A Time to Simplify Life

What is it about New Year's celebrations that seem to make us all reflect on where we've been and where we want to go?  Perhaps for some of us it is a bit of nostalgia or sentimentality.  For others there is a desire to change some of the experiences and realities of the past and move in new directions.  I'm not sure what it is about moving from the festivities of the Christmas season, right into a period of new beginnings . . . . but I've always felt a renewal of purpose; a recommitment to goals; and an overwhelming sense of regaining focus and direction in my life. 

Now, not that my life is ever particularly exciting, chaotic, adventurous, or even slightly risque   ;o)  That's why New Year's Eve is typically just another night for us.  We are not the party-going type of family.  We really are pretty boring, but when I look around at the world and see all of the really unsettling things happening everywhere I look - well, I guess I'm just content to stay in our little corner of our community and work from here.  I ran into a friend from Our Town yesterday at the post office.  She and I worked together briefly at the bank, and that's how I got to know her.  She is also unemployed, but she doesn't have a family support system and she is really struggling.  She is trying to find a job, but she is also trying to figure out how to sell her house so that she could move somewhere else where she might be able to find employment. 

As we were chatting, she mentioned to me that the recent murder in Our Town took place just a couple of miles from where we live.  I knew that it was somewhere up here around the lakes, but didn't really know it was that close to us.  Seems that a woman was murdered by her ex-husband who then took off with their 11 year old son.  The body was not located for several weeks, but I had heard on the news that they were searching in a lake.  Eventually they did find the body, and it was in one of the lakes near our house.  So, even living out here in the Heartland of America, in the midst of cornfields and lakes, crazy stuff happens.  Can't always avoid all of the nutty stuff in the world!  But I always feel just a little bit better about trying to avoid the obvious places and situations that could potentially be dangerous. 

Well, all of that is to say that, even though our lives are pretty tame compared to millions of other people in the world, I always anticipate the newness of the new year.  It is a time to rearrange the furniture, wash the windows and the curtains, clean out the cupboards and the closets, and return to my commitment to a more healthy, simple, and intentional lifestyle.  Even the girls seem to appreciate playing in their room more when it is orderly and tidy   ;o)   Of course, it is a chore to teach them how to get it that way, and then keep it that way.  But that's just part of my Mama Job!  So, after all of the cooking and baking, decorating and creating, wrapping and mailing packages . . . . . I am so ready to simplify! 

I want to sort out all of the junk that somehow accumulates, even though I am not a pack rat.  We go through all of our closets and dresser drawers two or three times a year and get rid of the stuff that no longer fits or is worn out.  But somehow, no matter how much stuff I take out the door, more and more stuff ends up in our house!  It is time for it to GO!!!   How many pair of shoes does one mama need?  And how many pair of blue jeans do two little girls need?  Or what about TOYS??? We bring in new toys at Christmas (and then we have a birthday right away for Miss Drama Diva on January 4!) . . . . and then we have to wade through all that stuff until I have time to sort it and get rid of a bunch of it.  Hopefully this year I can get rid of MORE than we brought in, so that I can begin to make some progress on this mountain of STUFF  ;o)  

Today we are going roller skating with our Dear Daddy and some friends . . . . . and then I'm going to start pitching stuff out the door:  a bunch of it is simply trash and I always wonder why we keep some of the junk that I find when sorting through the piles.  Some of it will go to the thrift store (but as it turns out, I will probably buy MORE stuff at the thrift store, just hopefully not nearly as much as I toss out!).  Some of it will be stored in those neat, tidy plastic tubs that you can buy now in every color imaginable.  And I always label those tubs so that I can find what I'm looking for . . . . . there's not much in this world that I hate more than knowing that we own a watchamajigget and not being able to find it, and then having to go out and BUY ANOTHER one!   Finally, what we decide to keep will be returned peacefully and orderly back into the dresser drawers and closets.  Good job!  At least until spring when I know we will have to do it all over again . . . . . but that's the cycle of life.  Or at least one part of the cycle of life! 

This year the other image that comes to my mind at the thought of the New Year is new birth.  With the arrival of two beautiful new grand-daughters in November, the idea of babies and new life and new beginnings is even more meaningful than perhaps in previous years.  Let's celebrate all of our opportunities to begin again . . . . whether it be in a recommitment to a healthier lifestyle; refocusing on our goals; redefining our relationships; or simply a decision to bring peace to our little corner of the world . . . . the new year is a great time to embrace the challenges and opportunities that are just ahead on our Journey of Life.

You can still get this finished before Christmas!

Just in case there is still one more name on your gift list, and you can't figure out what you can possibly give to that person . . . . here's an idea that might be perfect!  Well, of course it depends on WHO that person is, but often times we have people in our lives who really don't NEED anything; they seem to already have everything that they need and want; and yet you still want to give them a little something to show them how much you love them.  This Vintage Collage Wallhanging is so super simple that you could whip it up this afternoon and take it to Grandma's Christmas Dinner or even to the family Christmas Eve get-together. 

This project is really quite beautiful, and it is very personalized . . . . and it can be as creative as you are!  But it really works best if you give it to someone you love who tends to be rather sentimental   ;o)   especially for Grandmas, Mamas, Aunts, or Sisters.  But you could also make something up for Grandpa or Daddy, especially if he has a hobby or a sports interest.  Our Grandpa really loves John Deere tractors.  So we could make up a collage for him using images of tractors, and then include pictures of him in his younger days with one of his tractors . . . . or perhaps you could make a collage with a poem that Aunt Sally wrote once upon a time . . . . or a song that Uncle Bob wrote back in 1962 and include a picture of him with his favorite guitar.  So many different ways that this project could be interpreted! 

I decided to use a favorite family recipe that has become a traditional treat, especially at birthdays, but has even been included in a couple of family weddings.  This is my original recipe for Waldorf Astoria Red Cake.  I wrote this recipe down over 30 years ago, given to me by a special aunt on my husband's side of the family.  For many years after that, we would always have Red Cake for every birthday celebration.  And it became one of our most important traditions.  Every time I would pull those recipe cards out of my recipe box, I would think that I really needed to re-write the recipe down on a new card, because it was getting so old, tattered, and worn.  If you look closely, you will see that there are stains from all the years of use when children would spill vanilla or smear buttery fingers over the card.  In one place, you can even see some tiny scribbles in a childish hand. 

I realized that these cards are truly a treasure just the way they are!  But the originals won't last forever, but the memories will . . . . and one way to keep those memories alive is to preserve them today.  So, go ahead and be creative with your design, and use whatever treasured momentos you have in your family, and make a collage that will preserve those memories for generations to come. 

Vintage Collage Wallhanging 

Supplies: 

* Frame 

* Vintage momentos such as pictures, images, baseball cards, tickets, tags, anything that you might use to create a scrapbook page 

*  Glue or acid-free scrapbooking tape 

* Acid-free scrapbooking paper  

* Various trims and embellishments such as stickers, tags, puzzle pieces 

* Vintage buttons 

Step 1:

  You can either use the original momentos or make photo copies of them on acid-free paper.  

Step 2:  Cut out the copies or using the originals, mount them on acid-free scrapbooking paper in a coordinating color of your choice. 

Step 3:  Place objects on acid-free paper background.  Include any additional paper shapes or designs to complete your composition. 

 

 

 

Step 4:  Add any additional ephemera or embellishments desired.  I also added a small notation in the corner of each of my wallhangings with the date and that it was from me, Mom! 

Step 5:  When your collage is complete, place it into the frame and lock the back into place. 

Step 6:  If desired, you can embellish the frame with vintage buttons, lace, or ribbons. 

This is such a quick and easy project, but it shares treasured moments and family traditions with someone you love very much . . . . or several someones, as in my case I made one of these collages for each of my adult children and their families.  They will all remember the family tradition, as they have all carried on the tradition in their own homes.   Such a personal gift for anyone who shares a love of family traditions, whether it be our parents, grandparents, children, or grandchildren . . . . . really anyone you want to tell, "I love you, and I remember all the special times we have shared together."  Have a wonderful Christmas with those you love . . . . and remember that the giving is what makes your heart glow with the warmth of family, friendship, and the love of our Heavenly Father.  Blessings this day!