Sunny Summer Server and Matching Chairs

Sunny summer server and matching chairs to make your little staycations even more special I recently spotted a small gray server with whimsical chairs for sale. They looked like a simple refurbishing project. We all know how...

More

Proudly Made in Iowa

Birker's10

Those of you who live near Vinton may have noticed even fewer downtown parking spaces than usual. A brand new shop at 117 West 4th Street has been enticing a steady stream of shoppers. The...

More

Sadly, Mrs. Ray Didn’t Make An Appearance

Ray House

one of our glass art candle holders The glass art projects we’re making for craft fairs were so engrossing that we got carried away and nearly didn’t give ourselves enough time to make hors d’oeuvres for the candidate reception...

More

Spring Psalms

Psalms 118:24 declares, “This is the day that the Lord has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it.”  The birds certainly seem to be rejoicing with their melodic spring calls. I want to put a...

More

Closet to Butler’s Pantry

pantry

Recently I nostalgically reminisced about the handy butler’s pantry in our former Victorian home.  Sister Sue suggested I turn one of my kitchen closets into a butler’s pantry. With kind carpentry help from Tom, we...

More

Brie Box Crafting

Brie is one of my favorite cheeses because it is so versatile and can be embellished for tasty appetizers and desserts. Also its container is a crafter’s delight. The 4 ½” boxes are perfect for holding paperclips and...

More

Jeanie’s Sorghum Cookies

Processing Sorghum at St. Donatus
Processing Sorghum at St. Donatus

Greg from St. Donatus brought us a box of well-presented sorghum cookies made by his wife, Jeanie. The delicious sorghum and spice aroma which greeted me when I opened the box sent me to cookie heaven....

More

Pear, Apple & Cranberry Chutney

This chutney, with its hint of  savory spices, is an antidote for over-the-top sweet holiday snacks. ½ cup apple cider vinegar or white balsamic vinegar ½ cup brown sugar Simmer until the syrup thickens slightly. ...

More