Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Halloween

Do you decorate for Halloween?

Or just for Fall?

Either way, I love these pumpkins!


These cute pumpkins were offered last year to hostesses and 
to guests at Longaberger Homestead events.

But this year they are in the Fall WishList. 

Now we just need some apple cider!

Friday, July 29, 2011

Longaberger Vitrified Pottery


Longaberger Pottery. 

Heart.

Why is it so good?

It is Vitrified. 

That means it can go in the oven, microwave, refrigerator, freezer and dishwasher.

It will take normal, everyday use and a bit of abuse.

Cleans up quickly. 

Bakes like a dream.


 I recommend it for your cooking and baking dishes. 

8x8 for small pan of brownies, a couple chicken breasts, medium sized dips.

9x13 for cakes, large pan of brownies, casseroles, roasted chicken.



The Oval Casseroles are beautiful and hard working.

I use the small for lots of hot dips. Love it.


And Grandma Bonnies Pie Plate. 

Even if you use a store bought pie crust, you'll still bake up a dream pie.

And if you really, want to cheat, get a good quality frozen pie and slide it in the pie plate.

Don't tell a soul it isn't your own recipe!



And for your table, we have the prettiest pieces. 

Square or round dishes and bowls.

Monday, July 25, 2011

The White Family Reunion


The White Family Reunion took place in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Georgia.

Great time with lots of laughs. We even had a two additions to our group this year. 
Welcome to Kim and Dora!

While we took a few photos, we didn't get an entire group shot. 
The best is the table shot from the loft. We'll have to try harder next time.

Here are some of the best shots of the week. 
Not everyone is pictured kinda hard with a group of 16.

Okay, I'll admit it, I wasn't very good about taking pictures this trip.

River Rafting on a hot day.

Autumn gets some help.
Katie cooling off.

James.

Matt getting ready.

Matt, scenic shot.

Matt chillin'.

Thinking it was a good day.

Matt & Uncle Rick. Awesome day.
Finish that Red Hook, it's Margarita Happy Hour!

Those Peach Ritas were a big hit.

Showing Mom some love.

Getting ready for Pass the Trash.

Libby and Bobby stole the chips from Bogota.
These kids have great tastes.

Semi-group shot.

Yes, those Ritas were good.

Good morning. Mom's homemade pancakes. Oh, yum.

Good flipper.

Looks like someone wanted a taste. Denied. 
LIbby, melting Uncle Rick's heart. Just a little bit.

Fly fishing on the river.


Oh, Happy Day!

American Girl dress.
Might be seeing that later at an upcoming big White-Duncan party.

The White Family in Georgia, July 2011.







Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Monday, July 18, 2011

Happy New Year for Longaberger Products!

July always marks the new year for Longaberger products.
The annual "Bee" (read convention) takes place this week in Ohio. 
We should have some new scoop on the Fall and Christmas products.

To kick off the "new" stuff, we have a new weave design of the Cake Basket. 
And a special lid too. Available only online and only on Weds, July 20th.
Shop here: www.longaberger.com/mariawhite


We also celebrate our retired products too. On Tues, July 19th, you'll find the retired Melamine Tumblers, Soup & Salad Square Bowls and Dinner Plates at great prices.
Look for the Factory Store link on Tuesday at my website.
www.longaberger.com/mariawhite


Who doesn't love a sale? This sale is available all month long.
Order online or by calling me. It is that easy.


Check back later in the week. I might just have some Bee pictures of the new products!

Monday, July 4, 2011

Asparagus Soup


I forgot to cook the asparagus for our friends yesterday.

So I had a couple bunches of asparagus in the frig.

Decided to make some soup.

Oh man. Did it turn out awesome!!!!!!!

Give it a try.

Asparagus Soup
1 pound fresh asparagus, woody ends trimmed
1 cup chopped onion
1 celery rib, chopped
1 tsp garlic salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 C chicken broth
1 TBSP butter
2 TBSP flour
1 1/2 C chicken broth
Splash of white wine
1 C milk
1/2 C plain yogurt
1 tsp lemon juice

Bring 1/2 cup broth, asparagus, onion, celery, garlic salt & pepper to a boil. 
Reduce heat and simmer until veggies are tender.

Blend cooked veggies until smooth in blender.

Melt butter in stock pot. Stir in flour. Cook 2 min. Add 1 1/2 cups chicken broth and a nice splash of white wine. Increase heat and bring to a boil. 

Add veggie mixture and milk. Whisk in plain yogurt and lemon juice.
Stir until heated through.

Enjoy! 

Saturday, July 2, 2011

Just had to Share

My friend, Amanda, has an awesome "finca" or country home. 

She is now the proud owner of one of my quilts. 

I'm so happy there is a wonderful family to enjoy it for years to come.


Detail of the quilt before it was quilted.



Friday, July 1, 2011

Just Because

I'm pretty excited about Dear Jane.

Here is block A-1. Hand pieced.



Yay!

Tuesday, June 28, 2011

Old School

I'm going Old School. 

Not only am I crazy enough to attempt a Dear Jane quilt, 
I'm doing most of it by hand. Yes, hand pieced. 

Here is my first hand pieced block ever. Dear Jane A-8.



Only 200+ more to go!

Friday, May 27, 2011

A New Love.

No, not a person.

Emeralds. Oh, how I love them.

Here are my 2 new desires.



I know the cross necklace will be reality someday. 

The ring? I doubt it.
But I'd wear it as another engagement/wedding ring.

In a heart beat.

Saturday, April 30, 2011

Pottery Love


I heart Longaberger pottery. This photo in a previous Longaberger WishList is stunning.

Today is the last day to order pottery at 20% off. 

I am so tempted to purchase the Cake Pedestal Plate.


The Measuring Cups.


Along with a 9x13 Baking Dish.


Oh, what shall I do?

www.longaberger.com/mariawhite

Friday, April 22, 2011

Lemons

You take for granted lots of stuff. 

People, of course. That is a given.

But foods that were always around and then you move 
and they are not common any more.

Lemons are one of those things for me. Silly. Lemons. 



You get used to using limes. 

But when the delivery of lemons hit the local grocery stores...watch out. 

Lemon Meringue Pie. Lemon Bars.

Tonight I made Lemon-Poppy Seed Tea Cake.

So good that I have to share the recipe. 

I picked it up over a year ago at Central Market in Shoreline, WA. 
I love and dream of Central Market often. 
There is another location in Mill Creek. Both are great. 
Oh, and I can't forget the first location in Poulsbo.

Here is the recipe. It is a keeper. 
I used my retired Longaberger Fluted Pan 
but two loaf pans would be great too.

Central Market's Lemon-Poppy Seed Tea Cake

  • 3 cups all-purpose flour
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1 1/2 sticks (3/4 cup) unsalted butter, softened
  • 2 cups sugar
  • Zest and juice of 2 large lemons
  • 4 large eggs
  • 3/4 cup whole milk
  • 1/4 cup sour cream
  • 2 tablespoons poppy seeds
  • 1/4 cup powdered sugar (or more to taste)
  • Butter and flour two 9x5x3-inch loaf pans.
  • Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.
  • Combine flour, baking powder and salt in a mixing bowl and whisk to combine.
  • Using a stand mixer or hand mixer, beat butter, sugar and zest until light & fluffy.
  • Add eggs, one at a time, fully incorporating each egg before adding next.
  • Whisk together milk, sour cream, poppy seeds and 2 tablespoons lemon juice.
  • With mixer on low speed, add flour in thirds, then add half of milk, alternating so that first and last additions are flour. Fully incorporate each addition before adding next (flour, milk, flour, milk, flour).
  • Pour into prepared pans.
  • Bake until a toothpick inserted in center comes out clean, about 1 hour.
  • Cool for 10-15 minutes, then remove from pans.
  • Stir together remaining lemon juice and powdered sugar (adjust sugar to taste).
  • Poke top of cake all over with a skewer or cake tester.
  • Brush with glaze.
  • Cake keeps at room temperature for 2-3 days, or wrapped well and frozen for 1 month.

Tuesday, April 19, 2011

Longaberger Pottery. Sigh...

I am a huge fan of Longaberger. Baskets and Pottery. 
Yes, it is true. 

There is a big special TODAY. 9x13 Baking Dish for $17 (+sh/tax). 

It is only for the PINK version. 

But still, Longaberger 9x13 for $17 ? 

I do need another 9x13.
 One 9x13 just isn't enough. 


What is a girl to do?