Author: Timelesslady

Married with children and grandchildren. Reader, writer, painter - maybe a bit of an artist. Gardener... Led by the Spirit.

Projects & Phavorites & Phlipping – Flea Market Flip/Vintage Formica Table

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, phlipping, Projects2 Comments

I love the how-to show Flea Market Flip. Recently, while walking through a local town, my husband and I passed a small red formica table. I loved it, and knew I had to have it; the price was right, only fifteen dollars. The table is about the size of a TV tray.  It is perfect for crafting, a computer table, eating, etc. Another advantage is the table is lightweight. I can carry it up and down flights of stairs, outside, and all over the house. Wherever it is needed the table goes.

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I liked the aged look of the wood on the table, but the edges were a bit jagged and rough. Since I use the table for crafts, I decided yard sticks would be a quick and easy cover, useful, as well as decorative.

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I measured the table, sawed, sanded and attached the yardsticks with Aleene’s Tacky Glue.

red table collage one jpg

I’m real pleased with the finished table.

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Check out Flea Market Flip!

 

Pots & Pans – Quick and Easy Pumpkin Bundt Cake with Drizzle Icing

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans2 Comments

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This quick and easy bundt cake can be created with a box cake mix. Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin is available August through January in most larger grocery stores.

Cake
Pillsbury Perfectly Pumpkin Cake Mix
4 eggs
1/2 Cup oil
1 Cup Water
1 pkg Instant vanilla pudding
1/2 tsp baking powder
1 tsp vanilla

Combine ingredients well. Mix until blended, 2-3 minutes.

Topping
4 tsp sugar
1 1/2 tsp cinnamon
1/8 tsp ground cloves
1/8 tsp ginger
1/8 tsp nutmeg
1 cup chopped nuts,  (walnuts or pecans are good choices)

( I leave the nuts out as we have a grandchild with an allergy to tree nuts. The cake is just as delicious without any nuts in the topping)

Grease and flour (I used Pam instead) sides of bundt pan and sprinkle 1/3 of topping in bottom of pan. Add 1/2 of cake batter. Sprinkle on rest of topping and the rest of the batter. Bake 50-60 minutes at 350 degrees. The cake is delicious without any added icing. Freezes well.

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I used this Pumpkin Bundt Cake as a birthday cake and wanted to dress it up a bit, but was very short on time and energy. I used a can of Duncan Hines Creamy Vanilla Icing as a drizzle by heating it in a glass bowl in the microwave for 5-8 seconds, stirring, and then heating for 5 seconds more. I added a bit of food coloring and the icing was ready to drizzle over the cake. This can be done by allowing the icing to drip from a spoon, or you can do as I did and place the icing in a small zip top baggie, clip a very small hole at one corner and squeeze the icing out through the opening. This technique is much more controlled than just letting the icing run off the spoon.

The cake was pretty and festive, and best of all, becomes even better tasting a day or two after it is made. Here’s a clip about a bundt cake from “My Big Fat Greek Wedding.” The funny thing is I look very much like the poor woman trying to explain the “bundt” cake. Funny!

Projects – Welcome October

On By TimelessladyIn Projects2 Comments

I’ve posted several projects over the past four years while blogging on WordPress. Today is a rerun of several of my favorites. Most are easily duplicated without instructions. I’ve included links back to the original posts for the project ideas that are a bit more involved. Happy October to All!

Jack O Lantern Choir

I love Jack O’ Lanterns. They are a favorite of mine in the Autumn.

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Several years ago after seeing an idea on how to make Oyster Jack O’ Lantern ornaments on Pinterest, I created several. They have held up for years and today I will be decorating my Norfolk Island Pine tree with these adorable pumpkins.

jack o lantern tree

You can find full directions here:
Jack O’ Lantern Tree Part I
Jack O Lantern Tree Part II

jack o lantern tree 2

These playful glasses were certainly a hit with my grandchildren and trick-or-treaters who came to our door.

My experience and the link to Martha Stewart’s directions for the glasses can be found at Martha’s Halloween Glasses

halloween glasses

Finally, although I didn’t make this snarky sign based on the Wizard of Oz, I love the quote. I only wish I could keep a straight face long enough to use it when someone “bugs” me, but I know I would dissolve into laughter before I could get out two words. Enjoy the season, and remember, “I have flying monkeys, don’t make me use them.” Teeheehee!

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Photograph – The Bone Yard

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, photograph2 Comments
LILY SEEDPOD
LILY SEEDPOD

Autumn has brought out the beauty in the “Bone Yard” of my garden as my blossoms turn into seeds.

In response to The Daily Post’s writing prompt: “Change.”“This week, show us a change in progress. This can be done in one or multiple photos — we’ll let you decide!”

ZINNIA SEEDPOD
ZINNIA SEED HEAD
MOONFLOWER SEEDPOD
MOONFLOWER SEEDPOD
ECHINACEA SEED HEAD
ECHINACEA SEED HEAD
VITEX/CHASTE-BERRY SEEDS
VITEX/CHASTE-BERRY SEEDS
ACORNS - WASHED BY RAIN FROM THE ROOF
ACORNS – WASHED BY RAIN FROM THE ROOF

Pic-Monkey is a terrific site for adding special effects to photographs.

Pots & Pans – Applesauce

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans14 Comments

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Apples are plentiful at this time. I thought I would try to create a bit of applesauce with a few that were becoming a bit mealy. I peeled and sliced the apples. Instead of sugar, I added about five strawberries I had on hand for flavor and sweetness. I added a bit of water, about a 1/4 cup, and a squeeze of some type of citrus. I brought this to a boil and simmered lightly until the fruits were soft and on the verge of falling apart. A hard stir, and just like that I had my applesauce. It is absolutely delicious. The applesauce will keep for about three days in the fridge. A sprinkle of cinnamon is also nice.

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Perspective – A Grateful Heart

On By TimelessladyIn Perspective4 Comments

grateful heart

Today I don’t want to take for granted any good thing from my Father in Heaven. I have been saying thank you to God out loud throughout this morning for his love to me and the many blessings he has bestowed upon my life. Take a moment today to dwell upon all the blessings in your life. Thank God for everything large and smile. (I meant to type, and small, but liked the way large and smile sounded, so it stands as is.)

Amazing Love

People and Praise – Tasha Cobbs

On By TimelessladyIn People, Praise2 Comments

For we are not fighting against people made of flesh and blood, but against persons without bodies—the evil rulers of the unseen world, those mighty satanic beings and great evil princes of darkness who rule this world; and against huge numbers of wicked spirits in the spirit world.”
~ Ephesians 6:12

Are you in a battle? There is a great message in this song. A reminder to rely upon THE ONE can break every chain. Hallelujah!

There is power in the name of Jesus! Amen.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world.” ~ I John 4:4

Perspective – Rewinding

On By TimelessladyIn PerspectiveLeave a comment

I think most of us in the blogosphere remember VHS tapes, and the stickers on most rentals that kindly asked us to rewind by saying…

be kind

Today I’ve altered that now obsolete catch-phrase into a thank you to those who will understand why I have nothing else to give in my blog post today.

Rewind

I am scattered, with too much too do, and some pressing concerns that are pecking at me like a chicken scratching for grain. I think many of us feel that way throughout the week, and even more so on the weekends, when there are isn’t enough time for all the tasks we must accomplish, let alone the time to fulfill our dreams. So…my advice… be kind to yourself today…rewind, relax…and relinquish your worries to the Lord.

“Cast your cares on the LORD and he will sustain you; he will never let the righteous be shaken.” ~ Psalm 55:22

Phavorites – Oceans

On By TimelessladyIn PhavoritesLeave a comment

Times might feel shaky…people might let you down, but keep your eyes upon the Lord. Walk on the Water! I consider this one of the most uplifting and beautiful music videos I have ever viewed. Please take a few moments to watch it. Take the words to heart. You won’t be disappointed.

Phavorites & Phun – Throwback Thursday – Birthday Song

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, Phun4 Comments

I had a good time visiting Birthday Jams. You enter in your birthday, and they tell you what song was #1 on the charts that week in the US. The drop down menu also allows you to check out what was #1 in the UK, Top Dance Tracks, and Alternative Hits. Number one on the US charts when I was born, way back in 1957, was Elvis Presley singing “Jailhouse Rock.” Give this fun site a try…I would love to hear in the comments section what was number one when you were born. Number One Song the Week You Were Born.

“Diana” sung by Paul Anka, was number one in the UK.

Plants & Phavorites – Sunset Runner Bean Vine

On By TimelessladyIn QuirkinessLeave a comment

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I’ve been very pleased with my Sunset Runner Bean Vine this summer. The vine sprouts easily, grows quickly, and is soon exhibiting lovely snapdragon-like clusters of flowers. The spent flowers develop into pods, and the pods develop beautiful black seeds with purple blotches. I purchased these seeds from one of my favorite seed sources: Baker Creek Heirloom Seeds

The seeds are beautiful.

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After the pods dry to a tan color, the seeds are ready to harvest. I like to display mine in a jar throughout the winter.

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They are a good reminder of the promise of a new spring, and flowers to come.

Plants & Phavorites – Lemon Grass

On By TimelessladyIn Phavorites, PlantsLeave a comment

Summer is at an end. I thought it would be good idea throughout this week to take time for some reflections on the garden…successes and failures, and make note of what I want to plant again next year.

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At the top of my list is Lemon Grass. I found this plant in my local Amish Market. I must have planted it in the perfect spot this year for it has thrived and grown to about a thirty inch height in the afternoon sunshine.

I found some terrific information on WebMD on the benefits of Lemon Grass.

“Lemongrass is a plant. The leaves and the oil are used to make medicine.

Lemongrass is used for treating digestive tract spasms, stomachache, high blood pressure, convulsions, pain, vomiting, cough, achy joints (rheumatism), fever, the common cold, and exhaustion. It is also used to kill germs and as a mild astringent.
Some people apply lemongrass and its essential oil directly to the skin for headache, stomachache, abdominal pain, and muscle pain.
By inhalation, the essential oil of lemongrass is used as aromatherapy for muscle pain.
In food and beverages, lemongrass is used as a flavoring. For example, lemongrass leaves are commonly used as “lemon” flavoring in herbal teas.
In manufacturing, lemongrass is used as a fragrance in soaps and cosmetics. Lemongrass is also used in making vitamin A and natural citral.

How does it work?
Lemongrass might help prevent the growth of some bacteria and yeast. Lemongrass also contains substances that are thought to relieve pain, reduce fever, stimulate the uterus and menstrual flow, and have antioxidant properties.” ~ Webmd.com

There are some side effects and dangers when using Lemon Grass –
LEMON GRASS IS UNSAFE DURING PREGNANCY – It can start menstrual flow.
From my own experience I can caution you to be aware of the sharp edges when you gather the grass. I experienced a painful cut, pretty much like a deep paper cut while picking the grass to use in tea.

“Lemongrass is an aromatic storehouse of essential nutrients providing a wide array of health benefits. It is a source of essential vitamins such as vitamin A, B1 (thiamine), B2 (riboflavin), B3 (niacin) B5 (pantothenic acid), B6 (pyridoxine), folate and vitamin C. It also provides essentil minerals such as potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, manganese, copper, zinc and iron, which are required for the healthy functioning of the human body. It offers no harmful cholesterol or fats.” ~ Organicfacts.net

I was astounded by all the benefits of this plant as I researched facts for this post. Lemon grass is widely available as an ingredient in herbal teas. Check out the labels in the tea section and drink more tea this winter!
Benefits of Lemon Grass

Before the grass falls victim to Autumn frosts, I plan on gathering and drying more of the grass to use throughout winter. I have had great results harvesting the grass, gently washing off any garden debris, cutting into 1/2 – 3/4 inch lengths, and drying for a day or two in the heat of my car.

Place – Conservatory Gridlock/Longwood Gardens

On By TimelessladyIn Photo Challenge at Wordpress, Photographs, Place2 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Grid.” This week, let’s take the humble grid out of the shadows, and make it the star.”

When I think of grids I think of conservatories. My favorite public garden is a perfect subject for this week’s Daily Post photo challenge. Most often, the flowers and plants are the stars of my visits to Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. This post features the bones, or the grids, that hold the thousands of glass panes in place.

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You will find grids and grates wherever you look in the Longwood Gardens conservatory. The fragility of the flowers and foliage is protected by the strength of the metal, while the glass panes let in the life-giving light.

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The view looking up reveals even more grids and glass.

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Grids are used outdoors also as a support for vines and other plants. This is a row of spectacular clematis vines that were on display this year.

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Steel grids and cement are the base for the reconstruction of the fountains that is going on at this time. Take a look at the Online Fountain Exhibit at Longwood Gardens.

Planting – Terrarium Creation

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness4 Comments

This is a re-post from a few years ago, but well worth repeating once again. If you have small outdoor plants you want to save from winter weather, they are the perfect candidate for placing in a terrarium.

1. Select Container/Add a layer of pebbles.

2. Add a layer of charcoal.

3. Add a layer of humus/soil.

4. Add plants and mosses.

5. Add lichens, rocks, and small statues. (Mine are elephants from Red Rose Teabag boxes) Water sparingly, rinse excess dirt off of sides. Cover with lid of some type. Enjoy your beautiful terrarium.

Care of terrariums: Mosses like gentle sun, morning light exposure is best for a terrarium. Try to lift lid each day to give terrarium fresh air. Your terrarium will self-water, if it develops a look of dryness water sparingly once again.

Quote – George Washington

On By TimelessladyIn QuotesLeave a comment

George Washington Quote

In the coming months there will be a lot of political drama, campaigning and speculation in the United States. Let us examine the lives of each candidate for public office and look beyond the posturing and promises to the truth. Each citizen who is registered to vote has a responsibility to our country, and its people, to investigate where each candidate has stood on important issues in the past, and in the present. Don’t believe everything the media spins out about the candidates. Watch every debate that airs on television and listen carefully. Be well informed and make your decision according to the facts.

Let us pray for discernment to correctly choose the person who will lead us out of this mire of sinking sand we are floundering in, and bring us back onto the solid rock of morality and common sense.

Pheathers – White on White

On By TimelessladyIn Quirkiness3 Comments

Pheather

While walking in the woods last week, I found a few beautiful white feathers. I researched them a bit, and believe they might be the feathers of a snowy owl. Snowy Owls in New Jersey are rare but at times the birds venture beyond their normal breeding and feeding grounds. Another possibility is the feathers belonged to a hawk. At one time seeing hawks was also rare in our area, but they have adapted, and now thrive in civilization.

“Monochromatic”

Pots and Pans – Carrot-Ginger Soup

On By TimelessladyIn Pots and Pans7 Comments

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Oh my how this soup made my spirit sing! Have you ever taken a mouthful of pure sunshine? This soup is just that good and so beautiful in appearance. The carrots add subtle flavor and color, the ginger warmth and depth, the lowfat milk a nice touch of creaminess. I found and adapted the recipe in an old cookbook that gave the credit for the soup to the Junior League of Pasadena. I adapted it to my own taste and pantry ingredients. It’s easy and took under an hour to prepare, and also has the added bonus of being low in calories.

CARROT GINGER SOUP

1 TBS butter
1 lb carrots, peeled and sliced thin
1 medium onion, chopped
1 14 – 16 ounce can chicken broth (or 2 cups homemade broth)
1 1/2 tsp. shredded orange peel
3/4 tsp ground ginger
1 1/4 Cup (10 ounces) lowfat (2%) milk
salt and pepper to taste
can be garnished with a fresh parsley sprig

Melt butter in saucepan. Add carrots and onion & 4 tbs water. Cook over medium heat for about 15 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Check and stir often to prevent burning.

Stir in one cup of the broth, orange peel and ginger. Lower heat and simmer for 20 minutes or until the vegetables are fork tender. In blender or food processor, puree the saucepan ingredients. Transfer back to the saucepan and add remaining broth and lowfat milk. Heat on low heat until warm, stirring as needed. Salt and pepper as needed. Enjoy.