Thing I learned while deer hunting

Before you start says how terrible it is... I want to say, that deer hunting is a good thing. What many people don't understand is that deer breed like rabbits! If the deer hunters of this world didn't hunt them for their meat, then they would probably overpopulate, spread disease around their species and kill themselves off.

So in theory...deer hunters keep their species on the planet.

Okay, so back to what I learned. I sat in the woods for quite a bit of time over the past weekend. I only saw a few doe (female deer for those that may not know the terminology) and two babies (yes...Bambi's) that were definitely practicing jumping over bushes (it was so much fun to watch). I enjoy just watching nature when waiting for the trophy buck to step in my sight!

Things I learned:

1. Falling leaves are really loud ( I kept thinking something was about to emerge from the trees...nope just the wind blowing and a bunch of leaves falling)

2. A 2 lb squirrel can make more noise than a 200lb buck with a rack full of antlers (next time I will start popping off the 'lil bastards)

3. It gets colder when the sun comes up than when its dark (It's really shocking)

4. You could almost hear yourself think if it weren't for the squirrels and armadillos making all sorts of racket breaking twigs and stepping on crunchy leaves (again, next time I will start popping off the 'lil bastards)

5. Mosquito's can carry you away (I think the combined weight of all the mosquito's that bit me in a 2.5 hour time frame weighed more than me)

6. When you absolutely need to be still and quiet because you see a deer, all the sudden you feel the need to scratch something (i.e. leg, arm, neck, MOSQUITO BITE) (self explanatory)

Secret Recipe

I carried out a family tradition! And not the Hank Williams Jr version.

Sugar cookies! Growing up we made sugar cookies for all major holidays and occasions! We did make upward of 300 for both my cousins weddings and my sister's (family tradition for wedding favors).

It's a long process, make the homemade dough, let it refrigerate, then roll it and cut the shapes, then bake, then make homemade icing, then decorate!

I did pumpkins for halloween and they are oh so tasty. Maybe some turkeys for thanksgiving!!

Hot Spiced Cider...

Just like me...the spiced part at least!

With the weather cold and damp, and the leaves colors of golds, reds, and oranges, it must be time for some warm cider!

From my favorite cookbooks...Panther Pride Cookbook, published sometime in the early 90s. It was a PTA fundraiser from my school. It's full of great recipes!

Here it is and it's super easy, and makes your house smell wonderful all at the same time...who needs an expensive candle when you can drink this too!!

Hot Spiced Cider

2 quarts apple cider

1/4 cup brown sugar

2 sticks cinnamon

1 teaspoon cloves

1/8 teaspoon ginger

1 orange, sliced

Combine all ingredients in a crock pot, cover, heat on low for 2-5 hours.

Done and Done!!

Told ya...super easy. Dump in all in and forgetta bout it!

Southern Living at HOME

As you all may know, I was laid off back in March and have been job hunting since then. If anyone knows what the unemployment life is like...IT'S BORING!! NO reason to wake up before 10 am, NO reason to shower for days at a time, NO reason to put on anything but sweats and PJs, honestly it puts you on the edge of depression because you don't feel needed or have anything to do. My breaking point was that I was able to finish a book in 6 hours! I said that's enough, I need to do something. So what did I do, I had an idea. As I was decorating my new house I was thinking that I needed a few more pieces from Southern Living at Home. Before I moved to NC almost 4 years ago (time has flown) I hosted a party to score on some free stuff!! That I did!! Well I came to the conclusion that I should start Southern Living at Home as a consultant so that I could be busy while hunting for a job!

I wanted to let you all know what I was doing and therefore you guys would help me stay busy with doing parties at your homes and earning you all free stuff!! It's all totally awesome stuff and wouldn't be doing this otherwise!!

Please check out my website at http://www.southernlivingathome.com/yellowcottage. Also if you are around the Huntersville, NC area please stop by my home on Saturday, October 17th from 3-5pm for my launch party, you don't have to buy or do anything, just come and have a glass of wine and eat some cheese. It's just a drop in, come anytime between 3 and 5! Bring a friend or two!!


Please forward to anyone who might be interested in booking a party or just ordering directly through me!!

Thank you everyone, and I will contribute my life without boredom to you all!!! Seriously....I watch to much "Young and the Restless" and I clean my floors every DAY!!!! I need something else to preoccupy my time!!

A Dog's day at the park!

Saturday, October 3rd- http://www.corneliuspr.org/6thannualall_americandogshow.html



I took Gus down to the Bailey Road Park in Cornelius and entered him into the All-American Dog Show. He competed in the Best Dressed contest and best ears contest.

He lost both, but he was robbed in the best dressed contest...he was the cutest damn bee you've ever seen!!

Oh well, we left defeated, but it was a really fun time!! We saw lots of cute puppies...and even some bullies that made Gus decide he wants a bulldog brother or sister....So I am working on it...what Gus wants...Gus gets....okay, really it's me that wants the bulldog!!! Gus doesn't want to share me, but he is going to have to!!

I'm back

Hey Ya'll, I know it has been awhile since I last blogged. I have been working really hard on my house, and know that I have done a lot, I am able to get back to blogging. Well I have so many things to blog about. I am also working on a facebook status blog that will take some time, but trust me it will be worth reading once I do it.

Hope all is well with the world!