Monday, October 26, 2009

Concerning Autumn

It seems fiting to me to start a domestic centered blog in October. It seems that I always find myself with a particular yearning to nest in the Fall - okay and Summer and Winter, and Spring - but Autumn MOST of all. Perhaps it's the blatant changing of season, the cool breeze that encourages everyone to stay indoors, or perhaps it's because my Momma does Fall so well.

I'm pretty sure my Mom is the best person I know at letting you know exactly what season it is the moment you set foot in her house. There's always an open door letting in a warm breeze and a mason jar of wildflowers in the spring, fresh iced sweet tea and comfy outdoor seating in the summer, and in the winter, sweet smelling garlands accompanying the genuine, recently cut Christmas tree. But Autumn is my favorite. As if on cue, the house starts automatically smelling spicy and sweet; gourds so oddly shaped that no one else would understand them, find a home as a centerpiece on the kitchen table; and there's always some sort of calming instrumental music that recalls visions of Pilgrims or the Civil War or some other Americana Trademark. The oven is always on, the house is aromatic, and it's sheerly, unquestionably Fall.

And so, a newcomer to this keeping house thing, I have striven to mimic my Mom's Autumn house as much as possible. I am not having very much luck, of course, but I am trying. After a few failed attempts I finally found something that set me in the Fall spirit and made me feel as though I had accomplished some seasonally domestic thing: And I'm going to pass it onto you! Cinnamon Apple Crisp!

Peel and slice 4-5 medium apples and lay evenly(ish) in an 8inch pan.

Mix together:
3/4 cup Brown Sugar (Or one whole cup if, like me, the crisp is our favorite part)
1/2 cup Flour
1/2 cup Oats
1 tsp. cinnamon

Cube 1/3 cup of cold butter and cut into brown cugar mixture. Spread over apples and bake for 30 minutes at 350 degrees, until bubbly! Top with vanilla ice cream and drizzle with Caramel for extra flair.

Happy Autumn!

Sunday, October 25, 2009

Concerning This Blog

In a world of microwave dinners and over-priced produce, every old-fashioned-modern woman needs a moment to reflect on the charming (and not-so-charming) aspects of domestic life: keeping her kingdom, feeding her household,and keeping her bathroom shiny. I am such a woman. I happen to be tired of my own disorganization, apathy, and hit-and-miss culinary skills and it is time for change. I have launched myself on a course of cinnamon-scented self improvement, and I'm inviting you to join me. If you long for the perfect chocolate chip cookie recipie, live for the occasional houseguest, or love the glow of a freshly organized linen closet, this is a place for you. My hope is to include recipes, tips, and (just to warn you) ramblings that should be a combination of Momma's tried and true wisdom with a Grace Kelly twist.

Here we go.

P.S. To contribute and connect check out our facebook group, As a Matter of Fact, I do Vacuum in Pearls!