This is the most incredibly versatile vegetarian casserole! Serve it as a meatless alternative on taco night. Simply heat corn tortilla shells and provide a mound of chopped lettuce (I prefer iceberg for this recipe) and a pot of sour cream. Yummy, filling and healthy (includes 7 vegetables/legumes: lentils, tomatoes, celery, carrot, onion, lettuce & arguably corn!) It is easy to prepare, economical to stock, good on its own or as a side dish, easy to keep warm for late-comers to the table ... and freezes beautifully.
Meanwhile, grate an ample amount of cheddar cheese. Remove foil, spread cheddar cheese over top and heat for 10 minutes (or until melted). Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2022
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Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2022
I would love to see a return to femininity; in advertising, films, make-up trends, hairstyles and clothing choices ... especially for teens and young women! Lately, I've noticed that there really aren't very many feminine clothing options for the teen or young woman of today. There is still an abundance of pretty clothes for little girls and tweens; and even flattering clothing options for a woman of my age. But for teens and young women? Not so much. It's hoodies and joggers or crop tops and yoga pants. Check out popular clothing stores online if you are out of the loop as to what's on offer. You will probably see, as I did, that clothing for the teenage girl/young woman fits pretty much into three camps: 1) active wear; 2) overt sexuality to the point of being comical; or 3) a unisex look ... that leans heavily towards de-emphasizing a woman's natural curves and adopting a more male style of dressing (I suppose, in a misguided attempt at equality or to make women look powerful). But ladies, we already won that fight!
Fortunately, I have seen a very heartening trend. I belong to a vintage clothing group and a number of young 20 somethings are becoming entranced with the wide array of flattering clothing styles available. They are having a great deal of fun ... and taking selfies of the results! They ask a lot of questions because some of them honestly have never seen fitted clothes like this before. One dear girl had zipped a business skirt up the front - she simply didn't know it could zip at the side or the back - depending on where it "fell" on the hips. We've lost a generation here!!
The reaction to this, of course, is many teenagers and young women have rejected expressing their feminine side ... since the only femininity presented to them is the overdone "Kardashian" non-reality. Yes, every generation creates their own style. But too often it is really created by heavy marketing of a particular style influenced by the politics of the day. Being feminine is not a sign of weakness. We don't need to look and dress like men to be equal, nor do we need to exaggerate female features to comic proportions. And if that is one's preference of style; that's okay too! Because the old sayings still hold true. "Variety is the spice of life" and "Just be yourself". PS The absolute hardest part of writing this article was deciding on which photos to use of the always gorgeous Marilyn Monroe! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan, 2021
Is there anyone who doesn't love lasagna? In the immortal words of Garfield the Cat; "I never met a lasagna I didn't like." This incredibly well-stacked lasagna is easy to make and one that hardly anybody will say "no" to! All measurements are approximate since I never measure when I make this lasagna - I just throw it all together! I have also purposely chosen pre-made ingredients for speed; but you could "gourmet" this recipe up with freshly-made noodles, fresh tomatoes, spinach and finely chopped onion. And if you don't have ready-made Italian Seasoning in your cupboard, you can make your own concoction with dried or fresh oregano, basil, rosemary, marjoram, thyme, sage and savory, or any combination of these herbs. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
Does it feel like a soup night? This is a very easy, fast and delicious recipe for a comforting home made soup.
Soups are wonderful meal items that can be easily altered to suit your taste and preferences ... and I've altered the original version a good deal! For this recipe, I prefer using frozen kernel corn but it is also great to boil up and strip cobs of corn that would otherwise go to waste. Or tinned corn works as well. Vegetarians can omit the bacon and use vegetable stock. You may also increase/decrease quantities of corn and potato to what you have on hand and substitute leek or other onion varieties. All types of potatoes work in this recipe. Makes a nice solid meal with crackers or buns and a sharp white cheddar. Enjoy! Bibliography: Better Homes & Gardens New Cookbook, 12th ed, Meredith Corporation, 2004 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
The weather is warm, the sun is shining, the crocuses are blooming and starting to outshine the snowdrops ... and the birds are singing! All this tells me that it must be Spring. So off comes the winter coat and scarf and on goes a light button-up sweater coat ... worn open. Suddenly, the next day is overcast, cold, drizzly and windy -- and the heavier apparel is required once again. Then the next day is sunny and noticeably warmer! So back and forth it goes until the end of March. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021
This is a wonderfully easy and yummy meal to make for dinner inspired by a soup recipe that I have altered somewhat to turn into a casserole. It uses up left-over cooked chicken and requires few ingredients. Reduce wet ingredients for a "dryer" pasta meal or increase for a "soupy" casserole. Adjust cooking time accordingly. It's all up to you!
When I made this meal ... I realized I didn't have any carrots. Then I remembered that I still had some out on the front brick patio (mid-January!) in a suspended iron planter. I had grown some in pots, elevated, away from the slugs which had ravaged our garden this year. Anyway - they were just enough to complete this meal. These winter carrots were lovely, fragrant, crisp and sweet. You can always scrape a meal together somehow! Bibliography: Fix It Fast Cookbook, Better Homes and Gardens, 1979 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2021 Even if Christmas sees us home alone this year, or with limited family or friends, here are some suggestions from the Meadow Sweet Grove fairy folk to make your season bright! Although 2020 might not allow for as much merry-making as is custom with Yule; you can still experience the magic of Christmas: ![]() Dec 1 - Open your advent calendar Dec 2 - Send pretty Christmas cards to friends Dec 3 - Watch classic movies like: A Christmas Carol or It's a Wonderful Life Dec 4 - Make a bowl of oranges studded with cloves - they smell wonderful Dec 5 - Trim your cedar or holly tree and leave out the free trimmings for your neighbours ... or go on the search for pine cones or free trimmings someone left out for you! Dec 6 - Decorate your front doorway with cedar boughs, holly & pine cones Dec 7 - Build a snowman ... if you have snow, or watch Raymond Briggs' The Snowman Dec 8 - Haul out the Christmas decorations and deck those halls Dec 9 - Put up and decorate your Christmas Tree (save a few branches from the bottom) Dec 10 - Make a wreath for the front door from stray branches cut from your Christmas tree Dec 11 - Wrap up all those gifts you kindly purchased from Meadow Sweet Grove! Cut up old Christmas cards to use for tags Dec 12 - Make catnip bags for the kitties or homemade treats for the doggies Dec 13 - Do your grocery shop (online if you can) to gather all the Christmas fixings together for the big day Dec 14 - Put together a Christmas puzzle with a child, spouse, roommate or by yourself with a glass of wine of course! Dec 15 - Bake sugar cookies and cut into old-fashioned shapes like trees, stars, & snowmen Dec 16 - Drop some of those cookies off on a neighbour's doorstep, knock, walk away and wave from a safe distance Dec 17 - Watch funny movies like: A Christmas Story or Merry Christmas, Mr. Bean Dec 18 - Make a cup of fancy hot chocolate Dec 19 - Clean your little abode from top to bottom while listening to Christmas music Dec 20 - Walk around the neighbourhood and look at all the Christmas lights ![]() Dec 21 - Yule / Create a Winter Solstice Tree for all the little birds and woodland creatures that visit your yard or balcony (click picture to read how!) Dec 22 - Watch unique cartoon movies like: Raymond Briggs' Father Christmas or Klaus Dec 23 - Spend a quiet evening, gazing at the twinkling lights & enchanting ornaments on your Christmas tree ... pour your favourite drink! Dec 24 - Hang up your stocking, sit quietly by a window at midnight, and feel the approach of Santa's sleigh Dec 25 - Yule / Christmas - HAVE YOURSELF A MERRY LITTLE CHRISTMAS! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
My cook top's a bit dirty, but I'm thinking that's likely how any stove looks in a kitchen witch's home? (Wink!) Here's a tasty vegetarian casserole that works wonderfully as a side dish, and can be complemented with soup or a meat dish to make a full supper meal.
Bibliography: Easy, Elegant Entertaining Recipe Book by Irish Sainty, 1984
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020 ![]() Though we are into Fall now; the roses are still blooming here in the Grove, so I thought I would try my hand at some cheap and cheerful, homemade skin care. Here is my recipe for "Quick and Easy Rose Petal & Witch Hazel Toner": You will need: 2 handfuls of fresh rose petals boiling water 1 covered dish metal tea strainer and funnel witch hazel 2 same size containers 1 dark glass bottle
Step 3. Measure out an equal amount of pure witch hazel to your rosewater. Pour both the witch hazel and rosewater together into a dark glass bottle, cap tightly and shake gently or rotate bottle to mix. Store in a dark, cool cupboard. Apply to skin with a cotton ball. Rosewater is anti-inflammatory and has anti-bacterial qualities and so soothes irritated or acne-prone skin. As a natural astringent; it tones skins and tightens pores as well as reducing the appearance of wrinkles. It is also used to hydrate, revitalize and moisture all skin types as it balances the serum of the skin. Witch hazel has similar benefits as it pertains to toning, tightening and cleansing the skin. And since the beautiful Queen Cleopatra is said to have washed her face in rosewater and indulged in milk baths heavily laced with rose petals; as part of her beauty regime ... I think that is good enough for me to incorporate some rosewater into my daily skin care routine! Bibliography: Magical Powers of Rosewater for Glowing Skin, Read & Digest, 2020 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
![]() May was never supposed to be a month of isolation for those who celebrate May Day or Beltane... or just love the official beginning of summer. It's the Merry, Merry, Month of May! Accompanying that should be all kinds of outdoor May revels like a procession or parade, Morris dancing or weaving ribbons while dancing around the maypole and crowning a Queen of the May. It's time for "strolling through the park one day" and perhaps having your heart stolen away by a pair of roguish eyes. We certainly weren't meant to be sitting inside missing all the lovely May flowers that were brought to us by April showers! ![]() But as the saying goes "When God closes a door, he opens a window". There is always a way to work the magic of May into your year - no matter what befalls it. So take that COVID! More people are baking and cooking at home during this time, so here's a delightful recipe for that perfect May treat - the Victoria Sandwich. A variation on the traditional Sponge Cake, the Victoria Sandwich is named for Queen Victoria and we have the Victorians to thank for the addition of butter to the recipe. This formed a more solid, flatter sponge that allowed for the construction of a "built cake", which appealed to their engineering mentality. This recipe (wording altered) is from the "The Victorian Kitchen" series of books - "The Book of Cakes and Cookies". Enjoy!
Bibliography: The Victorian Kitchen Book of Cakes and Cookies, The Bridgewater Book Company Ltd., CLB Publishing, Godalming, Surrey 1995 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
As we're all inside right now in an effort to slow down the spread of Coronavirus; the timing seems very auspicious for a bit of a Spring Clean. This article won't focus on de-cluttering since it is probably unwise or indeed impossible to donate items to charities right now ... and besides, I'm one of those people that keeps everything! However, with all the extra cleaning products that many bought in order to keep their families and homes safe and free from the virus; a deep cleaning is indeed possible for some ... whether or not I will do one; remains to be seen! The zest for cleaning right now is brought about from the hope of eradicating an invisible foe; any and all traces of this terrible virus, that if missed, can cause sickness. Ironically, there is a likening here to one of the goals of magic - which is to replace bad energy with good energy. Both the virus and magic are invisible, but both exist.
I think this year I will focus instead on a simple, slow, yet thorough Spring Cleaning ... liberally sprinkled with magic intended to remove bad energy and replace it with good energy.
Wash it and make it yours: (Element - Water) Most of us are spending lots of time disinfecting and cleaning groceries and other packages received at our homes at this time. There is a magical, as well as prosaic, premise to this. The Coronavirus is invisible but it can be likened to the "bad energy" that we are doing our very best to remove with disinfectants and lots of soap and water. This isn't new for me as I buy lots of used and vintage items. I always take the time to wash, repair and mend my new treasures. If I can lather my purchase up with soap and completely immerse it in water ... or put it through a washing machine, I do. For delicate figurines, I often use an old toothbrush and Q-tips to clean into all the little crevices. Clothing is washed and any tiny repairs made. The magic in this process is that by cleaning, repairing or altering an item; I know I have made the item mine. I feel that I have removed all traces of its prior ownership. The dirt (visible) is removed and the vibes and any germs (invisible) are likewise removed. ![]()
Windows, sunlight & prisms: (Element - Air)
A big facet of magic is changing your outlook and improving your circumstances. One quick and easy way to improve your "outlook" is to clean your windows. Give all of your windows a good clean inside and out; at least those that you can safely reach. This provides an immediate positive change to your ability to "look out" on the world, as there is little as depressing as gorgeous sunshine struggling through a dirty window (and revealing all the smudges). Clean them and let the sun shine in - literally. If this is heavy work for you; just clean one window a day - with the amount of time we may have to stay isolated, there should be time enough for all of those windows to sparkle! ![]()
If you have some prisms going spare, now is the time to hang them up and lure some good light energy into your home. Don't have a prism and are avoiding the store? Take a look in your jewellery box - many earrings, pendants or crystal bead necklaces reflect the light beautifully. Maybe you have a cut crystal tumbler, wine glass or bowl. Experiment with what you have around the house by holding the item into the sun's rays and see what good vibes you can catch and reflect around your magical home!
![]() Rugs, incense and a magical journey: (Element - Fire) If you are fortunate enough to have a Persian rug (or any other richly patterned or pretty rug), first start by giving it a good vacuum. Take that wool beauty outside and beat it with a broom or rug beater if you have one. Then take the time to sit down on your newly cleaned carpet, light some incense or a scented candle (in a fire safe holder of course) and go back in time with one of the "Tales from the Arabian Nights". If you have a small child to read aloud stories of magic - that's a very special bonus. Afterwards, close your eyes, let your mind wander and see where your travels take you on your very own magic flying carpet. Since we likely won't be boarding a plane for quite some time, you could also use your carpet whenever you want to visit the lands and places you are missing. ![]() Note: Make sure you inspect your rug for any indication of moths. If you find any damage, and the rug is expensive or dear; it pays to get a professional assessment. If the rug is not valuable, take it outside and give it an extra deep vacuum, top and bottom. When you return it to your home, sprinkle with lavender and/or place cedar wood liberally on the carpet. Continue this process every few days. ![]()
Clear the air: (Element - Air & Fire)
Don't forgot to open all those doors and windows! Pick a nice sunny and breezy Spring day if you get one. The air in your home gets stagnant and there you have that heavy, negative energy. Just like magic, you can't see poor air, but you can feel its effects. A good airing out of your home with honest-to-goodness fresh air helps to get rid of indoor air pollutants, stale food odours and moisture. This is especially important in bathrooms, kitchens, bedrooms as well as any shut or closed rooms. Let the carbon dioxide out and the oxygen in! Your living room probably smells heavenly now from that excursion on your magic flying carpet so extend that to the rest of your home by burning incense, scented candles or doing a sage smudging. (Note: Always use proper fireproof holders when burning any incense or smudges and do not leave candles or other lit items unattended.) The goal of a Spring Clean is usually to clean every room - top to bottom. To polish furniture, wash curtains and windows, shake out and turn rugs and mattresses, wash floors, clear clutter ... and well, wash and wipe down everything else! This year, I'm focusing on priority cleaning of items and surfaces - to try and keep us safe from the virus and to remove that "bad energy". At the same time, I'm utilizing some of the magical tricks and tips in this article to infuse as much "good energy" into our home as I can. Flowers: (Element - Earth) Last but not least, don't forget to enjoy Mother Nature and bring in some new Spring flowers from your garden or rare walks outside. The beauty of nature and the aroma of flowers are among the top magical additions that are sure to bring good energy into your home.
Important Note: Nothing in this article should be construed as advice on protecting yourself from COVID19 (the Coronavirus). Follow the advice of your local health authorities.
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020
Venus, the Goddess of Love, is very accustomed to receiving petitions from those hoping to attract a lover. Valentine's Day seems an appropriate time to appeal to this lovely lady, and Friday just happens to be the day of the week sacred to her. How fortuitous that this Valentine's Day, 2020, falls on a Friday! So take advantage of this opportune timing and make your appeal that day. To craft your petition or wish, look no farther than Frankie Avalon! All the components of a successful spell are here. Modify to suit your desire.
Bibliography/Sources: "Venus" by Frankie Avalon, written by Ed Marshall; The Book of Spells by Nicola de Pulford, 1998 Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020 Do you ever have one lonely hamburger left over after a barbecue or hamburger night? That's all you need for this recipe. Just freeze any left over, cooked hamburger patties and you will be ready to make this meal, anytime you desire. This recipe is perfect for a rainy night when you want to make a meal without having to run out to the store. It's great on a budget too, or when you want to clean out the fridge or pantry! Note that you can make this soup with numerous substitutions ... depending on what you have on hand. Bonus: Kids absolutely love this soup.
Inspiration: Lesley Silverstone (my lovely mother-in-law) Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2020 / edited 2021
There are lots of little natural touches you can add to your home to "bring in the green" this Winter Solstice, Yule and Christmas Season! Here's a few quick and easy ideas:
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 ![]() Running short of money a couple of days before payday or trying to stick to a budget? Don't have time (or the energy) to run out to the store? If you've got a can of salmon or tuna, and a healthy spice cupboard, you might just have dinner. This recipe is inspired by "Salmon Chops" from Patricia R. Wagner's "Depression Era Recipes" and I altered it a little bit to suit my taste ... and with what was available in my cupboard! I often turn to her recipes as they are easy, use few or low cost ingredients, and make a good meal in a pinch. The beauty of this recipe is that you likely have most of these items already ... and the ones you don't have are easy to stock up on, and don't spoil by storing. It pays to keep your pantry stocked up on basic items such as the ones used in this "Salmon Cakes" recipe. The Depression was a time when people had to make do with what they had, and also what was available. I like to apply that to today by just living simply ... which usually saves money to boot!
Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2022
If you have an apple tree or two, you know how easy it can be to wind up with an abundance of apples! But there is no such thing as an over-abundance or even a "bad crop of apples"; once you learn the beauty of preserves. (And, actually, especially so if you have a bunch that are going soft or are otherwise scabby or bruised.) After you have given away some apples to neighbours and friends, made apple pies, apple chutney, apple butter, apple muffins, apple cider and apple you-name-it ... and even eaten your "apple a day", if you find yourself with left-over apples, don't discount making up a great big batch of applesauce - even if you can't see yourself eating it! Because here are some of the many uses for applesauce ... Easy to thaw! Simply remove from freezer the night before and defrost in fridge. Or, place jar in a bowl of warm water until thawed enough to remove. You will probably need to stir your applesauce before serving. Not enough sugar? Simply reheat your applesauce with a little extra bit of sugar to taste. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
![]() Summer is flying by and we can already feel Fall in the air! But last month was hot and dry and my husband decided to take advantage of the weather and finally apply varnish to an old vintage plant stand ... that he had been diligently sanding and preparing for the better part of the year! By far the largest part of the job was painstakingly removing the white paint from all the little crevices -- and all without damaging the detailed woodwork. Lots of delicate sanding was involved but the Grumpy Old Gnome in the Grove stuck with the task. Here's the backstory ...
While I liked the "shabby chic" look of the planter before (and being able to use it outside without guilt) - I think it looks just beautiful as a restored piece and will make a wonderful addition to our front living room! The next task is to build, or have built, a glass atrium for the top ... so that maybe we can transplant many of our little succulents into it. I know it would be perfect for growing some kitchen herbs too ... but we have far too many of those in the Grove already!! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
It's hot! But you still need to make dinner. Here's a full and satisfying (yet cool) meal that works great on a hot summer's day. Okay, I lied, you do need to boil a couple of eggs ... but other than that, we are completely stove-free preparation here! Chef's Salad. Done right, this baby is full of lovely cuts of deli meats, hard-boiled eggs, cheese and lots of veg. The dressing is really easy to make. Put the salad in the fridge 20 minutes before serving and it is wonderful! It is satisfying in itself, but if some are still hungry, just have a couple of crusty buns on hand. Save a bit of the meat, cheese and lettuce and they can make an accompanying sandwich to go with! Cool Chef's Salad
Preparing the salad: In a large mixing bowl create bed of torn spinach and iceberg lettuce. Add 1/2 cup of red pepper, chopped to desired size, and halved cherry tomatoes. Chop up deli meats and cheese and thinly slice boiled eggs. Add on top of mixture. Preparing the dressing: In a small mixing bowl add grape seed oil and slowly combine vinegar, sugar, Worcestershire sauce and extremely finely chopped garlic. Then add dry ingredients (paprika, salt, crushed red pepper and dry mustard). Use a fork or small whisk and blend well. Drizzle over salad and toss lightly. Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
![]() What does Summer Solstice mean? Beyond that it is the longest day of the year, in terms of daylight, it means to me that I finally need to dig out the summer clothes! That's right. I wear my winter clothes as long as possible. I scrape along in T-shirts and jeans and a pair of slip-on Clarks until I realize that ... it ... is ... HOT! Then I find that I can't wear my sandals (because my toes aren't polished and I'm just not that kind of a girl) and all my summer clothes are stored in the basement! Time to swap out the clothes. ![]() It's a bit of a task. I have to look through the light clothes in my old childhood dresser in the basement, see what is viable and then lug them all up 2 flights of stairs to our bedroom. Because our bedroom has a cove ceiling and a big "pocket" over the staircase - the dresser has been built into the wall. Then sweaters, long-sleeved shirts and heavier pants get relocated back down in the basement. But I'm not complaining - I love our little old house, with its small rooms, sloped eaves ... and many, many stairs. At least I get my exercise! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
![]() It is the last day of the merry, merry month of May and the little fairies in the Grove are busy packing up the maypole and ribbons and storing them away for another year. One day this May, a few callous humans happened to spot the fairies at their dance. They informed the fairies that their dance, although old, was now symbolic of conquest and power and an evil group of people. To this the fairies stared at each other in astonishment (although with a certain amount of sage recognition as well) ... and then burst into laughter at the ignorance of the humans' comments. They merrily continued their communal dance around the sacred maypole chanting (in the immortal words of their kin Robin Goodfellow) - "What fools these mortals be!" Fairies are immortal. And eternally young. They do what they do and disregard the foolish folly of mortals. They have danced since the beginning of time and have seen holidays come and go, wax and wane. They have seen maypoles torn down and burned in small villages; only to be joyously erected in others. They have seen May Day processions outlawed, only to cover their faces in masks and hold their festivities at night. And they celebrate in private, in their sacred groves and await the time when their dancing will once again herald the joyous beginning of summer. It would seem that "so it has been and so it will always be". Long live May Day! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
Does anyone remember Creepy Cinderella? She's a vintage doll that my daughter found at a thrift store - in a terrible, neglected condition. I spent a fair bit of time cleaning her, but unfortunately got busy on other things (like you do) and never got back to the job. The hardest part remains - her face and hair. Since each of these is a really big task ... I think I'll just embrace the face! She was so filthy! The rubber on her face is discoloured, but that can't be helped; however, dirt can be removed .... with hot water, soap and a nail brush! Her eyelids are now a lovely clear pink and a little bit of the fog was removed from the glass eyes. Now scrubbed and scrubbed and scrubbed some more, we present a nice clean face! The water turned black as I scrubbed her face, ears, nose and neck - but the result is so worth it. What struck me most was how the oily, sticky, shiny appearance of her face disappeared upon washing - caused by deteriorating rubber I guess ? Not sure. But the result is a lot less creepy! I think her lipstick needs a little touch-up now though ... my daughter has offered to paint her lips; colour - ruby red maybe? Interested in Cinderella's transformation story? You can read the first 6 chapters here which follow her Arrival at the Grove until now: Chapter 1: creepy-cinderella-creepydolls-collectordolls-vintagedolls.html Chapter 2: creepy-cinderella-creepydolls-collectordolls-vintagedolls7928443.html Chapter 3: chapter-3-creepy-cinderella-cinderellas-cleaning-commences.html Chapter 4: chapter-4-creepy-cinderella-gets-a-shoe-shine-cinderella-creepydolls-vintagerestoration-vintagedolls.html Chapter 5: chapter-5-creepy-cinderella-saving-a-lost-soul.html Chapter 6: chapter-6-creepy-cinderella-the-dark-side-of-the-year.html Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
Over the years - from the 1990s to early 2000s - every time we visited England, I would always try and pick up a different mini cookbook in the "Favourite" series. With such titles as "Favourite Teatime Recipes", "Favourite Yorkshire Recipes" and "Favourite Farmhouse Recipes" ... how can you go wrong? Always in the gift shops at many of the tourist traps (and usually right at the cashier) and only 99p. These little cookbooks were so nice and small and fit easily in the suitcase. Then, one English relative, who had noticed I was collecting these; started mailing new ones to me each Christmas. I now have a wonderful collection of these mini cookbooks - store in an old vintage tin of course. I haven't seen them for sale on our last few trips so this collection means even more to me now. This recipe comes from "Favourite Casserole Recipes" and I have altered it slightly (as you do!). It calls for one can of Guinness ... but make sure you buy more than one, in case you have a fan in your house. My husband loves this stew and his only complaint is that I don't buy a can of Guinness for him!
This is a simply sumptuous meal! You will notice the gravy thicken and bubble beautifully. It is imperative that you keep the heat low to low medium. This is a very slow cooking meal ... but so easy to prepare and worth the wait. Comfort food at its best! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021
Mmm, mmm! Home-made Baked Beans - yummy, comforting and economical! Make them in a crock pot or open-face in the oven. A fantastically warm and wonderful dinner with baked potatoes and a salad. And lots and lots of left-overs for breakfasts, lunches and the freezer! See recipe below.
Bake covered in a 300° oven for 2 1/2 hours. Uncover, give it a poke, and bake, uncovered, for an additional 1 to 1 & 1/2 hours. Seriously enjoy with buttered baked potatoes and a green salad. ![]() This recipe makes a lot! So you will have yummy left-overs. Here's some options: Breakfast: Do a traditional English fry-up with bacon, eggs, sausage, fried tomatoes, toast ... and a side of homemade baked beans! Lunch: Warm up and put in a thermos for the kids' lunches or enjoy with a bit of buttered toast. Dinner: Makes a great side with most Indian and Mexican dishes. Try breakfast burritos for dinner! Load up a soft tortilla shell with warmed baked beans, scrambled eggs, shredded cheese, and chopped veg of your choice -- like green onions, peppers and tomatoes. Roll up, sprinkle a bit of left-over cheese and veg on top, place on a baking tray and heat in oven until cheese melts. Make sure you freeze some: After 2 or 3 days, if you haven't used all the beans, do make sure you freeze them. I tend to freeze several portions right away in different sized containers for a single serving or main meal. Really helps out to have a loaded freezer of left-overs! Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019
Okay, now that I have just said something so radical that many may be literally falling off their chairs; something that seemingly goes against all current and popular way of thinking ... grant me the opportunity to share another viewpoint! But first, a sincere apology to those sputtering; "But I feel better when there is no clutter around!" or "My parents' / grandparents' stuff is so out-dated ... I don't want it!" or "I'll have more time for experiences if I'm free from taking care of dust collectors!" And so on and so forth. Yes, I do hear these protests ... ad nauseam in fact. It is pounded into my head constantly by posts on social media and by well-meaning individuals who truly believe in a minimalist lifestyle. I believe their viewpoint resonates with many people for one very simple reason ... that there is indeed good value in clearing out useless clutter! But the keyword here is "useless". The alternative viewpoint I wish to share is not to be so over zealous that we "Throw the baby out with the bathwater"; and instead to focus on "Sorting the wheat from the chaff". (I do love old sayings!) ![]() Here's the thing. I love my "stuff"! It fills me with great joy to be surrounded by sentimental items. They jog memories that I thought forgotten. They provide a warm connection to family, friends and pets who have since passed, to my family history and cultural heritage, and to travels taken. And these items reflect back to me, a little of who I am, where I've been and what I believe in; thus providing a sense of grounding in a sometimes unstable world. I wholeheartedly believe that this sense of belonging is something that so many people today are desperately searching for and that I believe, could at least be partially found, in celebrating their own personal (and family) story through that very "clutter" that is so often overlooked, devalued and discarded. The definition of clutter has recently evolved to mean basically anything and everything in the home - except for only the most necessary and (usually) neutral items. Under current attack in the name of "clearing the clutter" are sentimental items, heirlooms and keepsakes. We are also urged to discard books, records, videos, CDs, DVDs, photos and documents that can be transformed (or re-purchased - Aye, there's the rub!!) into digital form. It has come to mean vilifying anything and everything that can't be used in the actual moment. It has come with the illusion that new products are always better. And it is this new definition of "clutter" that I don't actually see as clutter at all, but in fact, an attack on heritage, disdain for the generations that came before us, and an inability to recognize quality household goods that last and last. It is also a symptom of the "throw away" culture and goes against the goal of sustainability. ![]() Defining heirlooms An heirloom is defined as "a valuable object that has been owned by a family for many generations". Value is determined by you; and many generations can also start with you too! This really comes home when you have a child. I take great joy in mixing up some baking ingredients in my Mom's old Pyrex bowl set - but what greater joy is there to watch my daughter do the same thing? ![]() Save money by keeping hard copies of books, music, movies & photos Don't get me wrong - I absolutely LOVE being able to snap digital photos and have access to them immediately; without the need for processing or printing. And I enjoy scanning old photos and having the tools available to restore them and thus prolong their survival. But printed photos in themselves, have a story to tell and are still necessary to safeguard your special memories. I have dozens of photos I need to print and I intend to do so. Once they are printed, I will be able to view them all by myself. It is dangerous in my mind, to rely solely on technology that requires power and a provider, in order to view your photos or documents. The important ones really do need to be backed up on paper. And a lifetime collection of favourite books, films and music is very expensive to reassemble on your devices. True, it may save space - in fact considerable space, but the (somewhat) old joke holds true that every time the medium changes ... we all have to buy "The White Album" again! But it is really no joke. At even 99¢ a song, that can really add up if you are a serious music lover. And I had gotten so used to hearing The Beatles on digital recreations, that when my husband ran one of my old albums on his turntable; it literally felt like John, Paul, George and Ringo were singing right in our living room! I had simply forgotten the fantastic and superior sound of vinyl records and all the feelings evoked by hearing these blokes again, properly ... and re-examining the much worn and loved covers of my 35-40 year old record collection - the best feeling! Let's not forget the sheer pleasure of holding a real (and much loved) book in your hands, late at night, without the added distraction of "firing up" that electronic technology. Don't even get me started on how much it would cost to replace my book collection ... and how about cooking recipes from your Mom's, Grandma's or even Great-Grandma's recipe books and cards! (Sure, you can easily look up new recipes on-line and why not? though I do encourage compilation of these new-found recipes into a book of your own). It's truly a joy and comfort to see the scribbles, notes, clippings and long-ago food splotches in your Mom's much utilized recipe book! I guarantee you will learn something you didn't know about your family by following the path they took in their kitchen on some long ago day. Find new uses for items you would otherwise discard Another benefit that is often missed with keeping a little "clutter" about, is the amount of money that can be saved by having items on hand that can be reused or repurposed; not to mention that you receive Mother Nature's undying gratitude! This is huge for any one committed to "going green" and once started you begin to see possible reuses in just about everything. Old clothes, linens, containers, craft items, school supplies, cards - this stuff does add up and adds to the clutter. But what a savings to have these items on hand when a costume is needed for Hallowe'en, school plays or dress-up days! Old clothes that are in good shape should be donated, but worn out clothes can be made over into a variety of items - like doll or pet blankets, hankies, catnip bags or potpourri pouches! The rest can be cut into rags and used for all kind of tasks from polishing furniture to cleaning bike chains. Cards can be cut up to make new cards and tags; wrapping paper and tissue can be re-used; brown grocery bags can be turned inside out and re-used to mail parcels; cloth ties on bags and shoelaces can be re-used to tie up tomato plants and popsicle sticks can be re-used as seedling markers. The list becomes endless. A big one for me was sorting through my child's previous year's school supplies. I would compare what we had on hand against next year's school list - often saving a small fortune (and unnecessary waste) by just supplementing missing or worn out school supplies, and not buying a completely new set of everything ... each and every year. ![]() This little fellow and matching blanket was made out of an old blanket from my childhood. I had kept it, even though it was worn and torn (literally falling apart) and couldn't be mended anymore. Inspiration came from my daughter on a rainy day when watching "Little Bear" cartoons. So with some of the good bits of material, we made my old blanket over into a couple of "new" things my little one could enjoy! "Little Bear" stories and cartoons by Else Holmelund Minarik / Maurice Sendak Find new uses / new owners for inherited items Dishes inherited from older relatives are sometimes unneeded or unwanted. They are often discarded due to their "dated" patterns. But the high quality of china of generations past is phenomenal and can not be matched by visiting the box stores of today. They also provide a tangible link to your family and while I truly believe in creating your own style (and weaving your own magic) into your home - I think such decisions should be made carefully. Quality lasts - and that saves you money. It may be that certain pieces of an inherited set can be blended into your existing set - especially such useful items as extra platters and serving dishes (which don't need to match your place setting) and to have on hand as dinner and side plates for large gatherings. Forget using paper plates for appetizers - hand everyone an eclectic mix of fancy side plates or orphaned saucers. Or pack up a full set of 2 to 4 basic place settings - all ready to accompany a young person to their first home - the traditional "hand-me-downs" that save money on furnishing that first apartment! Inherited furniture should also be cherished - if not for the gorgeous style or craftmanship, but because it is often real solid wood; a commodity difficult to find these days. Even the most expensive modern furniture is usually made from MDF, or has it hiding somewhere as part of its structure, and will not stand the test of time. All of these practices and more make Mother Nature smile, save you money ... and reduce the demand on manufacturing. So by all means, de-clutter your home of useless items. But remember what useless clutter truly is - the old bills, the half-empty make-up jars, the books you won't read, the clothes you won't wear, the unneeded or outgrown items that can't be reused - and low quality items. Those appreciated but unwanted gifts. All other possessions that you love and cherish, bring back good memories, or can be re-used or re-purposed; to those I quote these old and wise adages that still hold true and will keep your home fresh and un-cluttered: "Use it up, wear it out, make it do, or do without" " A place for everything, and everything in its place." Meadow Sweet Grove © V. Buchanan 2019 / edited 2021 & 2022
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