Harvest Lane Cottage

Hello Ladies! So good of you to drop in today.  I've been thinking of things I would like to get done over the next week or so.  You know how it is.  Always something to do.  So, here are some things I hope to do this week.  I think I'll come back here and change items to italics as I do them just to give myself a little encouragement along the way. *Update, while I didn't do it all, I think I did more than I would have without the list. Baking: ~  I'm going to make a batch of my chocolate chip cookies .  Remember my plan for making cookies?   Hubby made them instead.  He wanted to try out a giant cookie scoop.  It's actually a big ice cream soup.  ~  Italian Cream Muffin in a Mug Decorating:  All finished! ~  Finish putting out my Autumn decorations.   ~  Wash up my autumn glasses. I found some more that match to complete my set at the Dollar Tree. Cooking:   ~ M...

The Reading Lesson by Helen Allingham Ever wonder what life's like for a Homeschooler?  It can be summed up in one word: Busy.     Maria at Five Simple Things asked me to share about what a homeschooling day in our family looks like.   It was a hard task.  We're rather eclectic and flexible in our learning.  I do hope you'll pop over to Maria's blog and read my guest post.  

Like caramel apples but your caramel doesn't stick? Gooseberry Patch has shared their tips to make perfect caramel apples at their blog. Secrets to Success:  Caramel Apples Check out their new recipes for caramel apples using some rather unusual toppings like bacon and Oreos. Take a Dip  5 New Toppings for Caramel Apples I like Gala apples best for eating fresh.  They have a crisp, sweet flesh that doesn't bruise as easily as Red Delicious. Enjoy the season! Blessings, Laura Happy at Home ~~~~~ May I suggest? Autumn Fires ~~~~~ The Art of Homemaking       

These cool days of fall are the perfect time to prepare for the busy holiday season coming in November and December.  In an ideal world and when we're not recovering from a tornado, these are some of the ways I like to prepare for the busy days of November and December: Prepare double batches of soups and casseroles.  I do this on normal evenings as I'm preparing dinner.  It's easy to put the extra in the freezer for a busy day meal.  Just be sure to label it.  I've had a few surprises over the years.  Oh my, did I say that aloud?  ~smile~ I'll be sharing favorite soup recipes over the next few weeks to help you.  For now, I think you'll find some lovely soups and stew s on this list from my blog: An Autumn Mix: Warming Up with Soups and Stews... A List of Favorites Begin now to prepare cookies for your family often.  I bake a dozen for the family to enjoy now and freeze the rest for busy November and December days....

I'm welcoming cooler weather and just a few colored leaves.  Today, I'm meeting up with Danni of Silo Hill Farm and Marci of Stone Cottage Adventures for a little shopping and a ladies' luncheon.  What a fun way to welcome Autumn! Have a terrific weekend and make a pot of soup to welcome the season!

Hey y'all! I'm just finishing up birthday season around here.  One more party, then it's fall!  In the last three weeks, Amy turned 12, Michael turned 14, and Emily is now sweet sixteen and never been kissed.  I just like my kids. My oldest, Matthew, is 22.  He's out on his own now, but calls and comes by often.  It's been so neat to have the privilege of being with my children as their personalities and interests develop.  I wouldn't trade being a stay-at-home mom for anything.  I never made a paycheck that was worth the relationships I have with my four children. Thank you Lowell! Thank you God! Laura Thankful to be Momma P.S.  Big myth, your husband has to make a lot of money if you're going to stay home.  Truth, you have to stretch your money if you're going to stay home.

 Just playing around with Tagxedo .

We took Friday afternoon to do some deep cleaning in preparation for our first guests of the season.  We've been rather inhospitable for quite awhile due to hubby being very busy with tornado rebuilding volunteer teams.  He did all the coordinating and much of the cooking over the last couple of years. Last night our dear friends, Gene & Joyce and their family joined us for dinner.  The occasion was Michael's 14th birthday.  As far as I can remember, we've shared every one of Michael's birthdays with them.  The boys had an air soft war.  Lots of protective goggles protected lots of eyes.  Praise God for goggles! So, now that we've had a terrific time with old friends, the next occasion will be my daughter Emily's party.  I hope to open our home to friends, family and acquaintances on a regular basis from now on. Do you have any quick, easy, and inexpensive hospitality tips to share?  I need to get back in the swing. ~smile~ ...

It seems everyone and their second pup is making homemade laundry detergent these days.  I've tried my share, too.  I tried a powdered type once, but I found that the soap didn't dissolve in the water.  I had bits of Ivory soap all over our clothes.  Although I love the convenience of powder, the mess wasn't worth it for me.  I tried Jillee's recipe and liked it.  I just didn't like fiddling with gallon jugs.   So I changed things up a bit and tweaked some of the proportions to better fit my family's needs.  We wash a lot of jeans and towels around here. This is so easy, I could have my 22 year old son make it.  I know, usually you'd say your 12 year old, but she's a girl.  ~smile~  I like using some small 50 oz. detergent jugs that I saved from detergent bought on sale before I tried this super quick, super cheap laundry detergent.  I have experimented a bit to find the strength that I like.  Here's how I do it su...