Pioneer Purse Tutorial

- Photo by Christian Lunt - 

I am one of a large group of people in my community who are reenacting the Mormon pioneer trek across the Wyoming plains this summer. I am terrified excited about this! Our grueling experience adventure will last for three long days as we push real hand carts along the original trail. I've been sewing some little "Prairie Pouches" - if you will - for some of my women folk friends who are also coming along.  {I think part of their job is to make sure I don't skip off to the nearest hotel!} Here's a little tutorial in case you'd like to make some pioneer purses of your own. I've heard they are really cute made from recycled blue jeans too.

Happy Valentine's Day to My Honey

- Our hands 30 years ago. They don't look like this now. Ha ha! -

I heard that Hallmark issued a challenge for Valentine’sDay: to tell the person you love how you feel about them without actually using the word “love”. I decided I’m up for the challenge so here goes! 

Dear Honey,

·      I enjoy your company. When I’m with you I am home.

·      I appreciate how devoted you are to me & our family.

·      I need your friendship & support.

·      I delight in your happiness.

·      I respect you for getting back up each time life knocks you down.

·      I envy your brilliant mind.

·      I desire your attention & affection.

·      I honor our marriage.

·      I adore your beautiful hair.

·      I like to beat you in Scrabble.

·      I yearn for you when you are away from me.

·      I share your values.

·      I anticipate our future together.

·      I fall for you over & over again.

·      I am sweet on you!

       Happy Valentine's Day to my Honey

My Favorite Lasagna Recipe

I've been using the same lasagna recipe for at least 25 years {because "if it ain't broke, why fix it?}. I used to boil my noodles before cooking my lasagna, but when I worked at Golden Grain Macaroni I learned that's not even necessary. If you haven't tried it, you'll love it - no more fishing noodles out of the water & trying not to tear them!

A Camping-themed Young Women's New Beginnings Activity

The lights in the room were dimmed so we could "camp" under the stars

"New Beginnings" is an activity we do at the beginning of each year with our young women {ages 12-18} at church. It is a celebration of goal setting & an opportunity to welcome the new girls who will turn 12 in the coming year. We also use this opportunity to celebrate each girl & express our love to her. It's great!

From Oak-y to "Okey-Dokey" - A Fresh Kitchen Update

My first impression of my client Emily's house was that, in it's day, it was really something special. It seems no expense was spared and  custom woodwork was everywhere. But alas - there is such a thing as too much of a good thing. And what might have been a splurge in the 70's, can look like overkill today. So my recommendation was to scale back some of the wood - eliminating the chair rail molding & painting some of the rest.  The kitchen was a perfect opportunity to update on a budget while breaking up some of the wood. 

A Delicious Salad Dressing Recipe

Meet the darling Elaine. She & her husband have their own catering business. {Sounds fun on paper, doesn't it?} Elaine is also related to one of my best friends, so it's been my treat to enjoy her delicious cooking at some family gatherings. Elaine describes her dressing this way, "Although it is a sweeter dressing it has some undertones of celery & paprika. And because of the honey it's creamy." When I tasted this salad dressing, I just had to have the recipe - AND I thought you might like it too. Thank you Elaine for sharing it with us!

Beardshall's Home-made Salad Dressing

• 2/3 c. sugar
• 1/3 c. red wine vinegar
• 1/3 c. honey
• 1 T. chopped onion
• 1 t. dry mustard
• 1 t. celery seed
• 1 t. salt
• 1 t paprika
• 1 T. lemon juice
• 1 c. oil 

Combine all ingredients except oil in a blender.  Slowly add oil while machine is running.  It stores refrigerated for several weeks.

Best of the Blog 2014

2014 was a good year here at Honey I'm Home. In case you missed them, here are a few of the most popular posts {just click on the title to go to the original post} . . .

1 - Thinking Outside the Box - Great Things to Do With Wrapping Paper

3 Neighbor Gifts I Love

I worked in a retail store this Christmas {merchandising/display at Pottery Barn} & as a result -  November & December are pretty much a blur! So if you've noticed fewer posts, please bear with me. I do have some good projects in store for you soon.

In the meantime, here are three neighbor gifts that I thought were awesome ideas. I'm sharing them in case you want to "Pin" them for inspiration next year.

My Favorite Birthday Gift This Year

I just love creative gift ideas - don't you? My friend really knocked my socks off this year when she gave me this beautiful gift . . . 

Sara Jane's Contemporary Christmas Style

I've blogged about my Christmas decor here & here before - no big changes this year! So I thought you might like to see {my contributor & BFF} Sara Jane's modern decorations. She's home, so come on in!