Monday, August 13, 2012


"The Vintage Kitchen"
by Cheryl Harwell Bailey




If you are crazy for kitchen utensils, we are like-minded. The guys in my scullery, like them as much as we chicks. I treasure the antique tools, and so does my husband. 

The ones that have been handed down many generations are most precious. Especially when I'm stirring soup, using the same wooden spoon, the great grandmother, I never  met used. My favorite tool goes back to the time of "Wilma Flintstone."  Well, it really does!  It's a "Sea Cockle" so long in the ocean its edges are smooth. Thick enough to have survived without being broken or chipped. I use it for scooping, as shown in the pictures. One of natures free gifts, picked up off the beach, seasoned by the sands of time.

An old mason jar with a lit candle will keep the painful "tears," away, when onion chopping!

My Grandma's  "Pots & Pans" just may survive anything! Even my modern stove top!


Mother & Child aprons. We still use them.

My Grandson is wearing the same "apron" his mom wore when she was his age. Passed down 3 generations!

Uncle Wally gave us $50.00 as a "Wedding" present. I bought a cutting board, a rolling pin, and a "cast iron" skillet, at the corner hardware store. Almost 42 years later, I use them on a daily basis. 


My Mama's almost indestructible cottage bake wear and bowls. They are full of character, age and beauty.


"Mama's" old seasoned wooden spoons.


Can't cook without the strainer.

Sharpening Stone 
&
Sharp knives
are the most important tools 
in the kitchen!






Friday, August 10, 2012

Happy Father's Day"

"Chuck Wagon"

Beef Burgers
Brats & Hot dogs
Chili
Potato Salad
Garlic Bread & Buns
Chips
Watermelon
Hot Pepper, Feta, & Blue Cheese
Fixing's
Salsa
Guacamole
Sweet Tea

Dessert
Homemade Ice Cream
Brownies
Fruit
I am so honored to have my husband, and our Dad's to cook for this "Father's Day." For the past 6 years, we have all lived on the same 5 acres, seeing each other on a daily basis. They are not only "Dad," but my best buds.
One is a "Car Encyclopedia," one is a "House Encyclopedia." Both are brilliant, walking, talking "Bible's!
Our oldest daughter, along with our son-in-law, and our 3 grandsons, live next to us as well, which we love, love, love! Even the grand-dog is a guy!
 There will 15, of us, all family, for "Father's Day." All guys, except 5 "Mama's"! Like "Grandma Harwell," I'm surrounded by a posse' of "buckaroo's."







 "Sea Shells"
by, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

A "Goodwill Store" chandelier is transformed, using  sea shells lei's, and various kinds of shells.


Sea shells were the first objects to be utilized as bowls. Did you know sea shells can be washed in the dishwasher? Making them perfect in our modern age, to use as kitchen gadget's, and unique serving pieces.
 My husband, couldn't believe his eyes, the first time he watched me put Abalone shells in the dishwasher, and use in so many ways. "Where did you learn to do that?" My mother taught me to collect shells, but I took it to next level. It was instinctive.

Abalone shells are awesome bowls, dishwasher safe, and beautiful.
 I have many sizes.
 Some from my mother's collection.

Assorted types of sea shells make pretty candle holders and oil lamps.

How about "A Bridal Bouquet?" 



Thick and sturdy shells are great scoops.


Sharp sea shell chopper.


With my handy glue gun, and sea shells, a yard sale mirror becomes a show piece, gracing our hallway.



Sea Shells have been handed down generation after generation in our family. Most of us have fun memories, of "listening" to the ocean, as we put one up to our ear, at grandma's house. I enjoy displaying them every summer. 


Use shells as planters.


This is one of my favorite shell idea's for summer events.


Simple and Elegant Sea Lamp


Sea shell summer garland in July, where the Christmas evergreen garland hangs in December.


Sea shell "wind chimes" have a distinct ring.


Every mermaid needs a "Crown."


Sea shells are loved by all, and wonderful free gifts of nature.
Happy Summer Sea Shell Hunting!
"Packing for the Trip"

 I remember my flight getting bumped, for a DC9
 full of G.I.'s, during the "Viet Nam" war.
 I was only 13, and on a flight to L.A.X. from Montana.
 (by myself, I know, what were they thinking?) 
Soldiers everywhere, and perfect gentleman. 
I felt like a little princess surrounded by knights in uniform.

 I carried my suitcase, and tennis racket on the plane. 
I had been away for an entire month,
and had everything I would possibly need
in my petite suitcase.
 5 blouses, 5 pairs of shorts, jambies, swimsuit,
 "Ked's" tennis shoes, sandals, socks. 
I carried my transistor radio in my purse,
 with my cosmetic bag, toothbrush, travel size soap, etc.

As I grew up, I traveled more.


Sometimes I packed to much stuff! 
Trying to carry all those bags, 
it didn't take me long to learn: 
 "Pack,"
 only what I needed!
 ONLY what I needed!








"Hummingbird Honey"
Recipe
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

This is it. After years of trial and error, 
I finally found the perfect balance about 5 years ago. The sweetie heart hummingbirds can't get enough, and empty the feeder's daily. I call it "Hummingbird Honey!" 


What You Will Need

Hummingbird Feeders
Dutch Oven
Measuring Cup
Funnel
Wooden Spoon
Stove
Gallon Container
Sugar
Water
Pot Pad


Recipe 

3 Cups Sugar
9 Cups Water
Boil until sugar is completely dissolved
in Dutch Oven, stirring often
Cool to Room Temperature
Funnel into Clean Empty Gallon Container
Such as "Milk Jug"
Using Funnel Again
Fill "Hummingbird Feeder's"
Hang Feeder's Outdoors

Tiny Miracle's




"Treasure Box"
By, Cheryl Harwell Bailey

 You just think, "YOUR" in control, but your "Godly" destiny cannot be thwarted!
 Not by the devil himself.

This week, I am reminded how my life would have been totally different.
 If circumstances had not changed.

I have a "Treasure Box!"
It contains memories I rarely look at, or mention.
I have some "Ribbons,"
in my box.

"Mom" how did you teach Conner to swim so fast?

"Olympics!"

"WHAT?"

"You? No way!"

"WAY!"



Yes, I was honored to be asked to represent,
 "The United States of America" in the "Summer Olympics." 
"Women's Swimming Competition."

During training, a terrifying family crisis took place.
 Back home in California my baby and only sister was in an accident, not expected to survive.
 Run over by a car, crushing her skull, 
among multiple injuries.
 I flew home that day, so grateful she was alive.

The heart for training was gone.
It went into my precious sister, as it should.
 Many months later she fully recovered.

  My life went in another direction.
A "BETTER" direction!

I would not trade my wonderful life for 10 "Gold Medals!"

You just never know,
 what
  "Grandmother,"
 has,
in her 
"Box!"

True Story.