Author Archives: countrygirlbling

About countrygirlbling

I am a 55 years young, divorced (many years) mom of 2 great kids. My son is 28 years old & my daughter is 24. They are both out on their own forging through life as successful, functioning adults . . . a mother's dream! I hope that my blog and my experiences will encourage you & give you hope. Our journey through life can be unpredictable at times but KNOW that if you are a believer in Christ, HE will always have your best interest at heart! (Even when things don't make sense!) Toodles
Sep18

Tin Foil – Wood Boxes

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I have a few projects in my mind to use up a bunch of fence picket scraps I’ve been storing, here’s one of them.  The fence picket scraps are 3 1/2″ wide and various lengths.  My Harvest Party is this weekend and I wanted something cuter to put some tin foil trays in.  I’d seen something similar on Pinterest a long time ago.  These are the large bread tins you use at Christmas time for your give-away banana bread.

The long sides and bottoms are 8″ long and the ends are 5″ long.  The fence picket scraps were not wide enough for the bottom piece so I had some scrap siding laying around that  happened to be the perfect width.  I just cut it to 8″.  Then I used some wood glue and my finish nailer (well my 10 year borrowed finish nailer, lol – thanks Wayne!).

Not sure if I’ll stain them or just clear coat them but they will be the perfect size for pickles and hot peppers.

Sep14

Kids’ Picnic Table – Painted

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I had several ideas on how I wanted to paint the kids’ picnic table but decided to go with a bright, happy color.  This is Behr’s Aqua Fresco.   I had Home Depot match it in their Behr Solid Color – Waterproofing Stain & Sealer.  Just need to flip it over and finish the underside.  I put 2 coats on the table top & benches.  Love – such a happy color!

 

Sep11

DIY – Kid’s Picnic Table

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I’m laughing because as I went to find the link I used for this table, I realized I put the legs on the wrong side of the supports!!  LOL  Anywho,  as I’ve mentioned before, I have a lot of scrap wood in my barn.  I also have some 2×4’s that my neighbor gave me because they were starting to warp.

This is where I just realized I messed up.  The legs should have been on the other side of those supports.  Now I understand why my center support was shorter than it was suppose to be, lol.  Well . . . it looks good and should be ok?! right?!

I had pressure treated wood left over I used for the table top & enough of the warped 2×4’s to use for the rest.

Just need to stain or paint it!  Here’s the original link – it’s an Ana White project:  http://www.ana-white.com/2010/04/plans-bigger-kids-picnic-table.html

 

 

Sep7

Fresh from the Garden! Pepper Jelly

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It’s pepper jelly time again!  This is my second year of growing bell peppers.  My bell pepper plants are producing some really good bell peppers this year.  I think it’s the “Tums”.  Every couple of weeks I push a “Tums” (I use plain ole fruity tums – generic brand) down into the ground around the base of the plant.  I think the calcium is doing the trick.  I haven’t experienced any blossom rot this year.  This is what you need: 1 1/2 cup chopped bell peppers, 1 1/2 cup Apple Cider Vinegar,  6 1/2 cups sugar & 25 shakes of Tabasco – I used Texas Pete.  Add those 4 ingredients to a pot.

Bring to full boil over high heat. Remove and set aside for 20 minutes. Return to heat, bring to full rolling boil and boil for 2 minutes.  Remove from heat, add 1 certo liquid package and 1 teaspoon green food coloring. Stir, skim if necessary, and pour into prepared mason jars.

Here’s my set up.  Pot with pepper jelly & ladle, funnel, small pot of boiling water with lids, 4 oz mason jars (hot out of dishwasher) and the jar rings.  Fill with jelly up to about 1/4″ – 1/2″ from the top of the jar, place hot lid on and twist on (with oven mitt) the jar ring.  I turn the jars upside down until all jars are filled and I’ve cleaned up my mess.  I want that hot jelly to get that lid hot for a good seal.

I got 14 – 4 oz jars out of this batch and another batch to do this weekend.  My bell peppers are a plenty!  LOL  –  4 oz jars are the perfect size to pour over 1 8oz block of cream cheese.  I love to use “Wheat Thins” as the dipper – a delicious combo!