Single Batch Super Easy Sugar Cookies

 

This was the "rainbow dessert" I made for my little grandlove.  

She loves cookies and I love to make them - we are a match made in heaven.   Baking is so much more fun, when you have someone to do it for.  I didn't want too many cookies left, so I reduced down a recipe to this....they were so good!  

1 Cup butter, soft

1 Cup granulated sugar

Cream together

1 egg 

1 teaspoon vanilla

Blend together and then add

1/2 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

1/2 teaspoon salt - give or take

2 Cups flour

Roll into balls, roll into sugars - bake 350 until done (8-10 min)

That's it, nothing "new" - just simple recipe.

I told her earlier in the week that I would get "pink" icecream.  Wouldn't you know, there wasn't any at the store.  She loves rainbows, so I bought sherbet (fat free...with those cookies, it helps...ahahha).  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Cultivating a Collection - Baskets

More in Cultivating a Collection - Baskets

Basket weaving is one of the widest spread craft in history of any human civilization and I dare say one of the oldest.  I'm sure while Eve was whippin' up a fig leaf dress, she thought...I could make something to carry my apples in...ahahha.   This is funny, but could be true.  

Baskets are often identified by the culture that made it in material and style.  Some baskets were made for use, ceremony and as art (decoration).  Using what one found in nature, weaving, bending and twisting into a usable shapes:

1.  Coiled Basketry - grasses, rushes, pine needles

2.  Plaiting Basketry - palms, yucca, flax

3.  Twining Basketry - roots, bark

4.  Wicker/Splint Basketry - reed, cane, willow, ash, oak

There are numerous names for baskets too:  market, gathering, bread, bushel, fruit, bonnet, egg, fishing, bannock, grain, hampers, laundry, sewing, funeral, buttock, trappers and this is only to name a few.  Baskets are also identified by the Indigenous, who were masters at making them.  

(from Wisconsin Museum website)

We have Winnebago/HoChunk ones here in my area, as tribal women traded for other goods and sold them.  In fact, Wisconsin Dells, was actually not only "put on the map" for it's natural beauty and rock formations, but also by the artistic basketry from the Winnebago.  I recently read a book about Wisconsin women.  I was delighted to learn that it was these Indigenous and ingenious women who started trading in a "fair" atmosphere.  Now, I always thought my "resale/trading/flea marketing" abilities came from my Grandpa Kincaid - but, could be my Ritchie side too.  My great (Clara) and great, great ("Old Bam") Grandmas who were Potawatomi made baskets.   I can imagine that they sold and traded them too.  

Here is a picture of "Old Bam" which may be intrepted as "Old Bear" according to my brother, but we aren't sure.    However, I like to think it, because I'm a mama bear too.  The next few pictures are of my Ritchie family too.

My Great Grandma Clara as a younger girl.

The couple in the middle are my Great Grandparents, Clara and Henry.  Standing in back of Clara is my Grandpa Valentine, next to him is my Great Uncle Harry.  The little girl between my Great Grandparents is my Aunt Verol and the baby is my Aunt Ruth on my Grandma's (Marie) lap.

My Grandma Ritchie is standing on the far right the first little girl is my Aunt Ruth, then my Aunt Verol and my dad (what a cutie) in front of her.  

In this one, my Aunt Verol is eldest, my dad next to her, my Uncle Wally is the baby and my Aunt Ruth is standing next to my Great Grandpa Henry.  My dad's name is Henry too.

Here is my Great Grandpa Henry splitting wood on a schindelbank for making baskets.  We had 1 basket he made for my dad in our family.  My dad put it out every Easter with his naturally died eggs of onion skins and berries.  When my parents passed on, my eldest brother Henry was given this as the patriarch of our family.  It was/is very special!  

Baskets are timeless.  Used in every decade, era, decorating and design since beginning of time.  2021 is no different.  No farmhouse would be complete without an egg or gathering basket.  No "BoHo" she shed would be complete without a wall vignette of assorted baskets.  No cabin would be complete without a trappers or market basket next to the fireplace.   

Baskets have and will stand the test of time and trend.  So....

"Tisket, Tasket, Wanna Buy a Basket" Sale, tomorrow, February 27, 2021 at 9:30 am.  Link here:  Town Hall Trinkets Online Estate Sale

Do you have any heirloom baskets?  Please comment and let us know.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  My Thrift Store Addiction -  vintage charm party

Cultivating Titus 2:4 Mentor not Monitor

 It happens over night, but here it is:

My Titus 2:4 interpretation:  "Older women help to lovingly train young women, by example"  I know, it's a broad interpretation....but, that is the "jest" of what I read.

My intention is to mentor not monitor...ahaha

When Lisa and I were just starting out doing antique shows we had such great examples of older vendors.  JoVonnie comes to my mind first, Kay (she is still doing them), "Granny," Pat, I should stop before I forget someone.  

The world was different, as in no internet, craigslist, even eBay or Google.  These women were little gems of knowledge.  Many were eager to share it, some not so much...teehee...

These past few years, Lisa and my favorite quote from JoVonnie is "girls, you're going to regret that one day!" as we carried in a primitive wardrobe - no dolly - just us.  We laughed at this as we set up our booth.  We aren't laughing now...

Setting up barn sales, we did this first at Lisa's house...."why would anyone have a sale in a barn?".... over 25 years ago.  Monthly markets at my farm in my buildings...."why don't you have a shop in town?" or "you do this only once a month?" ...yes, we've heard it all....in all those years.  So, we do have some knowledge to share in these areas.  

Some women in the business don't want to share.  I get it, you've worked hard to establish yourself, no one "helped" you, but listen...sharing is not just "giving away your secrets" it is mentoring a person to hopefully carry on in a trade long after you are done.  Also, sharing helps a business more than it hurts it.   A local greenhouse owner decided to retire this year, we all didn't see it coming, she had such a gracious post and I thought, I want to retire that way!   Know when it's my time to go and not hang on to it.  I'm not retiring yet, but I know I will want to do other things one day.  I already do and have different plans (wink, wink) on how to age in this business.  

So, whatever it is you do, don't forget to share in the knowledge of it, be a mentor, but not a monitor.  Do you have someone that helped you get started?   What examples did they leave you with?  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Monday Mood - Excited

 Good Monday morning.  

I believe we made it through the cold snap of 2021 here in Wisconsin.  I heard the birds sing....they are happy too!

We didn't have as much snow this year - yet - as we have had in previous years.  I'm happy for this, because I am on snow removal duty while Al recovers from his wrists and elbows surgeries - he has had 2 surgeries this month.  He has a hard time sitting still and we had wanted to do some "stuff" while he was/is off.   However, his recovery was harder than he thought.  He is on the mends, but now physical therapy starts.   I like being home anyway.  I don't need to buy more stuff.

Oh, but I am going on a little "pick" today....that's not for me, that's for resale....ahahah

My mood for this Monday is excited.  I will be picking up over 50 baskets from a client tomorrow for a virtual sale on Saturday, "Tisket, Tasket Wanna Buy a Basket?"  I love looking at other's collections, especially when I can buy or sell them....teehee.

What I find rewarding in what I do, is that I'm saving a piece of the past, passing it on to another steward, educating what it is and how to use it and doing my part to create a new generation of collectors.  

I have been doing this...washing, ironing, sorting and selling...linens.  

I find ironing so relaxing and rewarding, I really do.

What is your Monday Mood?

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Matthew West, "Let the Truth Be Told"

 

I've heard this song, but it didn't resonate with me, like a light bulb moment, until just the other day.  Here is the link to the video:  Let the Truth be Told

The song is so applicable to our human experience.  However, this one line really hit me:  "truth be told, the truth is rarely told....and I don't know why it is so hard to admit it, when being honest is the only way to fix it."

I heard this song, but for the first time listened the other day on my way home from town.  It was just after I revealed my "cultivating my core" posts.  Now, I'm not embarrassed to share these things with my reader, as I have had so many messages from readers telling me "thanks for being so honest."  "I stuggle with that too."  

Listen, being honest is the only way to fix it.  First though, be honest with yourself.  When that line came on, I was actually at a T in the back road I was taking home, sitting at the stop sign.  As I listened to the song, I heard a sentence in that lyric, really heard it, for the first time.  Just at that moment, I kid you not, the sun, came out from this cold, dark cloud of weather we've been tolerating, and I actually thought, wow, this is a sign.  Yes, Dicky Bird, your journey and growth, cultivate shall I again say, had your being honest about your weakness and I can honestly say....this fixed it.  

Will I struggle ever again with things, of course.  Will I suffer from it as long - never again.  "Truth be told, the truth is rarely told"....we all do!  Thanks for the nice comments!  I love you guys and appreciate my followers so much!

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Cultivating my Core - Last Word on "This"

I did a post last week about (2021 word of year) "cultivating" at my core.  Read it here:  Cultivating at my core

First:  I don't type these posts as "fishing for compliments" - however, I had some really nice ones - Thanks!  It really helped me!  

Second:  "This" is something I stuggle with.  I've been told by so many of my "friends" since writing it, that they do too.  So, the posts are for reflecton and growth not only for me, but the reader. 

Third:  Social Media is the devil...ahahah  Last month, at our virtual living estate sale, we did get some awesome prices for our client.  When customers picked up their items, they asked me "how did you come up with your prices?"  I didn't know what to say at first, then this hit me..."well, I'm dancin' with the devil here....I have to find a price that is good for my client, where Lisa and I make a bit of money and the customer still want to buy it....it's a dance."  

"This" what I struggle with is too!  

I came across, which I don't believe in coincidences, a youtube video I accidently clicked on.  It was a young lady, with an accent (Australia?) she was talking about social media issues.  I was intrigued, so I watched.  The jest of it was, she was an influencer on Instagram.  She said that "this" trying to live her "best fantasy life" was making her real life less enjoyable.  Her biggest issues were with the "instastories" and watching what other influencers were doing.  She wasn't happy with her own content, she had to keep being influenced to, buy more, wear less, share way too much of her life and it became addicting, defeating and depressing.  She said she was so addicted to the notification "ding" that she would spend hours watching who was liking her stuff.  She no longer was happy with average likes, she strived for other influencers to like her posts.  Addictions come in all packages. 

She decided to leave that venue of social media and focus on her youtube channel.  Where, she now, turns off notifications and schedules times to look at and respond.  In doing so, she has become more creative and happy.  She is mindful of her time, content and influence to a new audience.  

So, #knowyourowntruth time, I can relate to much of what she said.  A few years back, I ventured out of state to set up at a show, just because some of my favorite "influencers" were setting up too.  I thought of some of them like little celebrities, because in the resell, staging, antique, picking, blogging, writing  world...they are rock stars!  Anyway, this country bumpkin was just niave enough to think "everyone" would want to be my friend (silly me!).  I even did a LIVE where I introduced myself to one, only she wasn't that interested in getting to know me or my audience.  That was how the whole experience was.  Up here, I'm use to lines of customers waiting for me....ahaha....there was no line at my booth....I watched as others had customer's with arm loads of items leaving.  It wasn't until later in the day, a few of these "influencers" came into my booth...and they bought!  I actually had one ask, "Why is this still here?  Your prices are great!"  I said, "I guess I'm not popular." ahahah (my life's story)

O.k. that was the reflection....I had to share the "this" in a way you could see my point of view.  Now on to the important thing, growth....

So, I no longer waste time and money on that show - I do so much better up here were my audience appreciates me and I can share my awesome finds directly with them.  I don't need to keep my "best to impress" others.  

In my previous blog post a reader questioned my "I'm happier not looking at other's posts."  This did not mean blog posts.  Blogging is my meat and potato - good nourishment for mind and soul.  Some of the other social media sites are like junk food.  You crave it, over endulge and then feel like crap after....ahahah...  

I finally, feel, I can let this rest now.  You don't need to comment or leave me a message.  I am mindful of my own growth.  To use my word of the year....it was my 2020 "progression" that motivated me to really "cultivate" my core.  Now I just have to plant good seeds and catch the "weeds" early on.   

If you made it this far, thanks for reading.  My hope would be that if you find yourself struggling with "this" too, you could maybe glean some good from my experiences and use it on your journey of growth.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Dicky Bird's Carrot Cupcakes

 

I asked L what her favorite flavor of cupcake was, she said "carrot"...."carrot!! not chocolate?!"..."I like carrots (just like the horses)."  So, a carrot cupcake was on my menu for Sunday.

I have not made carrot cake for years.  So, I searched my pantry and good ol' Betty Crocker and came up with this one.  I always put my twist on things.  

Start with grating some carrots.  I recently received 3 Food Share boxes from our tribe, so I had those.  

3 cups grated carrots

2 teaspoon cinnamon

1 teaspoon nutmeg

1/2 teaspoon salt

mix all of this together in a separate bowl.

In a different bowl, mix all the dry ingredients:

2 1/2 cups flour

1 1/2 cups sugar

1 teaspoon baking soda

1/2 teaspoon baking powder

stir the carrot and spices with dry mixture

Mix wet ingredients together:

1 cup vegetable oil

3 beaten eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla

Mix dry with wet, now here is where you can get creative, I added:

1 cup golden raisins

1 cup chopped walnuts

You add what you like.  These could be loaded up with nuts, seeds, berries, coconut....

Bake 350 until toothpick comes out clean.  

I made cream cheese frosting and sprinkled with extra chopped walnuts.  You really don't even need to put frosting on them.  

If you try them, let me know.  Enjoy

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day from our little home to yours.  I was up early enough to make Al his favorite, coffee cake, for breakfast.  I'm almost embarrassed to tell you how easy this is to make.  Two towns over...ahaha...there is a family owned grocery where they had cake mixes for only 0.59 each.  I haven't seen them that price for years.  Stock up time, just for times like this.

 

Make the cake according to directions on back of box.  I used some crushed cinnamon and sugar graham crackers, butter, sugar, cinnamon to make the crumble.  Just sprinkle on top and bake.  SUPER easy.  He loved it and I made it out of love.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin

Cultivating at my Core

I spent most of quarantine 2020 working on my interior and exterior self.   I have made some improvements.  Some you can see and I enjoy the compliments and others, you can't.  It's the others you can't that are the hardest to work on.  

Last Friday, we took supper to Al's mom's house.  Anna was up, Justine, Josh and L came too, we had a wonderful visit.  We haven't been together like that since August 2020 outside visit.  Anyway, as we were leaving, L went around to hug her goodbyes and she came to me last.  I said "I don't care I'm last, just as long as I get a hug too."  Both of my daughters, almost at same time said "since when...ahhha..."  I said, "well I do now, I've been working on me."

Someone asked me "how are the new puppies?" 

Well, they have been rather destructive, as in chewing chunks out of my walls, cords from lamps, threads from rugs, corners from foor and door trims, legs to tables, chairs, pie safe...I lost it at pie safe.  I also lost it, after burning my candle at both ends last month working so many hours.  I would come home 10 pm tired and they were up at 1:30, 2:45, 3:15, 4:22...barking to go out to do their business all different times on different nights.  It would be one thing if they did it and came back in to sleep.  But, noooo, they were bouncing off the walls wanting to play as I try to fall back to sleep in the recliner.  I would just fall back to sleep and they would start in again.  When I finally got up to stay up....they were sleeping!!  Ya, so I wasn't too happy with them.  Thankfully, when I was upset, Al was calm.  He wanted the puppies more than I.  I really wasn't over Dolly yet, but I let these two little terrors into my life.  

They are a tiny bit better.  The other morning after letting them out around 4:10 at -29 (actual temp) we all crawled into my recliner.  As I lay there, 2 dogs stretched from chest to toes, I happen to look at Lady and pull her close to my face.  She was all snuggly, pushing her little rat terrier looking head into my neck...she is cute...and I said this.."listen here little dog, you have some big shoes to fill, if you think I could love you like I've loved others before....we have had some awesome dogs before you."  Then it hit me...that's it Dicky Bird...

I don't have to love this dog more than the other dogs, I just can love it too.  It doesn't have to be a competition to who I love more or compare between the dogs, it can just be...these are my dogs now and I will grow to love them.  

I'm not sure why I have these issues with compare and compete, I really don't.  I have a blessed life, I don't need to feel competitive or compare mine to another's.  Truthfully, if I did, mine would be far better than many....stop...you're doing it even now...help me Lord.  

I've had this blog post saved for awhile now.  I've changed it, added to, took it all away and started again.  I wasn't even going to post any of it, but, truthfully, compare and compete is a stuggle for many.  It's in my face alot, as it's part of the job of what I do.  I want everyone to succeed, I really do, so it's not that.  It's just too much.  I have made strides in not letting it consume me like it once did.  Not looking at all the posts (fakebook & instasham) from others is a big help in that.  But, this little epiphany parable in my life with the dogs, thank you Jesus for allowing me to see it.  "It" I think, hit me to the core.  

Healing from past "hurt," is hard.  Working on yourself is too.  This scripture keeps coming to my mind:  

"You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done..."  Gen. 50:20

I now understand, all of that is not meant to hurt me, it's meant to help me - help me be a better version of me so that I can be a better version for what His plans are for me. 

Cultivating at the core, inside and out.  I plan to work on my own (my inventory) on my own (out of my shop) and on my own (by myself).  Shannon, who has worked with me for a few years, is moving.  They will be renovating and building their dream home out of an old barn.  I will miss her, but I am happy for her too.

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.    

 

Cultivating a Collection - Mismatched Dishes

 Cultivating a Collection - Mismatched Dishes

I recently saw an article about the new "old world style" of modern homes.  The shelf after shelf of salt & pepper collection at grandma's house is a thing of the past, however a few salt & pepper shakers are not.  

The past several years of farmhouse style is giving way to cottage whimsy.  This hygge, cozy style, really resonates with the minimalistic lifestyle.  To that, the desire for things of the past.  A bit of kitchy, is still in the hearts and memories of even the most minimalist stylist.  I know it to be true, because I have customers like this; 20-30 somethings, that want to set their style and staging apart from their cookie cutter friends. Bless them for it! 

One of the easiest and cheapest ways to add farmhouse or cottage whimsy to your home is with mismatched dishes.  The once highly sought after yellow or pink depression glass of 1980's collector is now a few bucks at the thrift shop.   Don't be a afraid to add these things to your home, if you don't like it, take it back to the thrift shop.  Be an original sylist and designer of your home, curate it with the charm of yesteryear.  

When I first started keeping my home, it was also farmhouse, only cluttered, mine still is, but I like it.  Don't be intimidated by trending styles, add pieces to your home that make you happy or bring back a memory of grandma's house.  Honestly, there is no better time to start a collection.  It's so easy now, even from the comfort of your own home.  

Mix colors and styles of the dishes.  You don't need to know that the white plate is milk glass open lace to see that it could look great with any other pattern of dishes.  I added the little red ribbon to show that you could do that too.  As you add pieces to your collection, you'll get to know the maker names, pattern designs and other trade secrets of collecting.  You will gavitate and educate yourself on what you love.  

I'm doing an inventory "lots drop" tomorrow, February 13 at 9:30 am.  These pieces and more will be listed on the Town Hall Trinkets Online Estate Sales link also in the sidebar.  

So, turn up your indvidualistic style, buy vintage, collect what makes you happy and add some cozy charm.  Just like you remember grandma's salt & pepper colletion, your friends and family will remember you and your style when they come into your curated space - you call home.   

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.  

Linked to:  Vintage Charm Party My Thrift Store Addiction

Homemade Suet Cakes

 Cultivating Creativity - Homemade Suet Cakes

We had one of our "4H families" raise an extra hog for us this year.  When it was processed recently, I asked for some of the fat for making suet cakes.  

It's very easy to do.  We had some peanut butter powder that was expired so I added that in for flavor.  Start by melting your fat in a kettle.  When you do this, pieces of meat called "cracklings" will also fry out.  All you need do is drain that off.  When my mom was little, she said that the ate crackling sandwiches.  I'm sure that may be good, but my chickens are getting these (wink, wink).

Mix the peanut butter powder and birdseed, slowly add in the strained pork fat.  Stir together until well mixed and pour into pans for cooling.  Once hard enough, cut into squares roughly the size of a suet feeder.  I wrapped mine in foil and stored them in a container, as I don't want other critters to eat them.  

Nothing goes to waste here, cracklings for the chickens.

The weather forecast in Wisconsin this week is all in the negative range with double digits in wind chill.  The chickens could use an extra boost of protein and fat.  

Using everything is something I feel convicted about in herdsmanship and as a homesteader.  If you raise it, kill it, use it.  

Blessings from Ringle, Wisconsin.