It's CAKE Time...

Home is the nicest word there is.

- Laura Ingalls Wilder 

There's NOTHING that screams HOME...

more than HOME COOKED meals; 

HOMEMADE, fluffy cakes & sipping coffee 

around the table!

That's MY experience growing up...

& a tradition that I don't take lightly!

 Throughout the seasons here at the farm...
there's ALWAYS been a staple
that's delighted many!

THE... 'ole' fashion brown sugar cake'

And... I'm here to share ALL the details
in baking THIS scrumptious sweet!

 The possibilities are ENDLESS...
when consider the additions you can
add to THIS cake!

Leave PLAIN with absolutely no glaze
(my preference) BUT, most love the
EXTRA sugar!

Tweak the glaze by adding...
juices from an orange... totally optional,
BUT, adds JUST the right citrus hint!

 When preferring to add the citrus juice...
I love adding some embellishment to the
overall appearance.  The EXTRA...
just adds more BEAUTY, especially when gifting!

When adding the glaze make sure
it's the right consistency... PLEASE...
refer to the REPLAY on the business link BELOW.
Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden FB PAGE

The glaze isn't an icing spread...
it's to be drizzled while the
cake is half cooled!

The appearance of THIS cake...
may look to be overdone... BUT, it's
completely at the SUPERB stage!

This recipe is a heavy one... & with that
the cake needs to have THIS tone of color
to ensure it's completely baked all the way through.

EXCUSE... the excessive worn cake pan...
you can vision it's been WELL loved through the years!

'Ole' Fashion Brown Sugar Cake'

1 box yellow cake mix 

(I prefer... Betty Crocker Cake Mix)

1 box instant vanilla pudding mix

1/2-1 cup brown sugar

4 FARM eggs

1 cup oil

1 cup warm water

1/2 cup chopped walnuts; almonds; pecans (optional)

Mix ALL ingredients... pour into a WELL oiled 

bundt cake pan.

Bake... 350 degrees 

45 minutes to 1 hour depending on oven variations

*GLAZE*

powered sugar

vanilla

milk

(juices from citrus, optional)

NOW... back to the oranges... 

I've had a surplus throughout the Christmas season

& to make sure there's no waste... I dry them

for garlands; outdoor, bird feeding & potpourri.

Of course... the end waste makes it's way 

to the compost tumbler.

Slice the oranges/apples thin...

blot with a paper towel... dry in the oven at

200 degrees for 2-3 hours.

Make YOUR house a home by offering

SIMPLE handmades; homemade & natural pieces!

Hoping THESE words... bring JOY

to your day... ENJOY every scrumptious bite

of THIS homemade cake... &

go dry some citrus!

SWEET... blessings, from the farm!

It's CAKE Time...

How cruelly sweet are the echos that start,

when memory plays an old tune on the heart.

- Eliza Cook 

Hello, darling friends...

from my kitchen to YOURS!

It's CAKE time/season/week... whatever

you'd love to call it!

I've been banging my head pondering

on WHEN to share THIS recipe.

It brings about SUCH warm memories of 

my PRECIOUS Momma.

SO... I've decided it would be the PERFECT

timing THIS coming up Sunday JUST in time

for the New Year!

Mark YOUR calendar & set YOUR alarm...

Sunday, December 30th @ 4 EST.

JOIN me over on the... 

Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden FB PAGE.

Simply... click on the link ABOVE!

THIS recipe of the 'Ole' Fashion Brown Sugar Cake'

is light; moist & SIMPLY heavenly... along 

with a EASY, homemade glaze!

See YOU... Sunday!

Our Hearts Grow Tender...

"Our hearts grow tender with childhood

memories and love of kindred,

and we are better throughout

the year for having, in spirit,

become a child again

at Christmas-time."

- Laura Ingalls Wilder

Tis' several days before

Christmas Day... & STILL

many things to be completed.

The gifts sit waiting for a 

printed paper to entangle them;

the ingredient list for Christmas day

needs marked off & the home could

use a through cleaning.

BUT... what do I do... 

I sit here with the MOST

precious gift... in my arms...

my FIRST grand baby!

My mind can't seem to

focus on any other thing...

his beauty & healthiness 

IS joy to my soul.

A joy that ONLY God could provide

through a small, little child.

The present state of ALL

the things of the world can wait.

For time we can't relive & it 

finds no mercy on anyone.

The gifts are INSIDE...

not on the appearance of that 

beautiful paper.  The ham has

been bought & staples in the cupboards...

so what IF that one dish doesn't 

get prepared OR that favorite cake

isn't baked... I still have my

little family!  And... oh, the dust

bunnies can JUST hide for there'll

be TOO much laughter; stories

to be told & love to be shared to

even notice THAT... 7 layered,

dust covered ceiling fan!

May YOUR Christmas...

be filled with peace; love & JOY!

From my home to YOURS!

BIG NEWS...

We make a living by what we get.

We make a life by what we give.

- Winston S. Churchill 

It's PURE joy in doing what you LOVE & GIVING at the same time! I'm overly grateful for folks supporting small businesses; farmers & artist... the TRUE staple of today's community! I have some SWEET news to announce  following Christmas.  It's a gathering that's  been on the agenda for sometime now & hubby is ALL on board! Stay TUNED... for come January...  I'll be looking for the sharpest tools in the shed! HINT... a pop-up market!

The Gift That Keeps On LIVING...

Remember that the happiest

people are not

those getting more,

but those giving more.

- H Jackson Brown Jr

Thank YOU, for joining me over here

on the blog... THIS post

is focused on recapturing 

ALL that was shared last

evening on the LIVE episode.

Tis' the season for GIVING...

& while you're giving... WHY not

offer a token of LOVE

that keeps on LIVING!

It was a pleasure visiting with

each of YOU last evening... 

over on the Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden

FB page... & JUST in case you missed 

the LIVE... stroll on over by simply clicking

on the business name above.

Grab YOUR coffee/tea & ENJOY!

I offer step by step on creating

THIS... 'Living Pine Cone' & how to care

for it throughout the winter months.

I share advice/tips on caring for 

your SUCCULENT containers as

they're brought in for the winter.

Along with how to propagate by 

simply placing on top of a layer of soil.

Shown ABOVE... you will notice the 

small pup/rosette that has emerged from

an older leaf/petal... already sprouting roots.

Another caption of small pups/rosettes

emerging from the top of a leaf/petal.

Simply twist gently each one & place on top of 

a layer of soil... again.... they'll sprout small roots

that will eventually turn into a larger root system.

I created THIS piece not for a 

Christmas ornament, BUT...

as WINTER enjoyment!

To hang in a window throughout 

the winter season.  

Succulents will need the sunlight & little water...

therefore... what PERFECT way then to

embellish a BEAUTIFUL, natural pine cone.

When spring arrives... lift the moss & succulents

from the pine cone; remove the nandina berries

& guinea feathers; place in a planter filled 

with well-drained soil.

The JOY in growing THESE wonderful

plants... is that they JUST keep on giving!

Throughout January & February...

here at the shop... I'll be offering a

SWEET selection of the 'Living Pine Cones'

as well as the SINGLE succulents for you

to create your very own!

Remember... to visit the FB PAGE & 

watch the REPLAY!

Have a BLESSED & Merry Christmas... 

Tis' The Season...

Love and kindness are never wasted.

They always make a difference.

- Barbara De Angelis

 While it's normal for THIS season to be

filled with hustle & bustle... there is another

off the beaten path to roam.  And that's a path

of wellness & caring for oneself naturally!

Time WELL spent in silence; in rest; close to a 

roaring fire; twinkling lights; tea & a soaking bath.

THESE are JUST a few of the solid

benefits of living, BUT... we as humans

have to take the initiative to make it happen.

I've been taught by trial & error way... was NEVER one

to take heed to advice until years later in age.

NOW... I'm still & listen to what my body is

trying to speak/tell me!

JUST this weekend... I surrendered to my 

body calling for rest & restoration.  

For TWO days... I humbled myself; rested;

sipped HOT tea & resorted to JUST being in my home!

 As an avid gardener, one whom LOVES 

the growing; the beauty & THE benefits of herbs.

I found it a MUST to have done my research

throughout the years of gardening on ALL things herbs!

I'll speak of JUST one... herb in THIS blog post, 

for The GOOD... Lord knows... there wouldn't 

be enough space to consume the words of what's

 been learned through the years!

SAGE... is one of many herbs that would

take center stage in my garden OR at least a hefty corner.

It's BEAUTY compliments so many of it's 

 neighbors in the garden/potager... offering a silvery tone.

The leaves are superb in shape... & pack a strong punch

when using in the kitchen.  Not ONLY do I consider

this herb for cooking & health benefits... BUT, for 

the simplicity it brings to a home when creating 

a finished wreath OR dried floral.

Our main bath provides JUST what the season

calls for... a RELAXING moment of self care.

As late autumn arrives, JUST before frost 

spreads a fine layer across the foliage of 

growing things... I harvest the sage here at the farm.

It's a staple as I enter into 

the winter season... for tea drinking.

The benefits are simply AMAZING... but, 

my MAIN reason for consuming THIS helpful herb...

is to BUILD my immune system & it did JUST 

that this past weekend.

There are MANY rewards to growing 

SAGE... I encourage you to do some 

research & find ALL the benefits.

I'm heading to the kitchen to prepare

more tea... would you care to join me???

Warm Blessings... from my home to YOURS!

Christmas Is Coming...

Christmas Is Coming... 

FaLaLaLaLa... 

The months have turned into days...

& the days have turned into hours... for Christmas

 is SURELY to come... no later than VERY soon!

To make the season somewhat simpler...

try out easy recipes that take few ingredients

& JUST moments to prepare, BUT...

are TRULY a hit for everyone!

JUST an example of the MANY recipes

I've shared these last, few weeks!

Comes from the recipe collection of...

Mr. & Mrs. McGuire & I'm honored

to have been gifted SUCH a treasure!

I've literally nibbled myself into 

a frenzy with THESE scrumptious

bites! 

Pecan Praline Graham Cracker Cookie

1 cup sugar 

2 sticks butter

1 cup chopped pecans
Plain Graham Crackers

Grease a baking sheet well & line 

with graham crackers.  In a small sauce

pan cook sugar & butter. 

Bring to a boil & let boil for 3 minutes.

Add pecans to mixture & spread

evenly over the graham crackers.

Place in 350 degree oven & bake

for 7-10 minutes.

Cool & break into desired pieces.

*NOTE... I found it easier

to line my baking sheet with foil,

MUCH less cleanup.

Also... it's your preference on type

of sugar used in this recipe...

white sugar OR brown sugar.

Be sure to visit THIS link... below

Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden Facebook Page

in order to watch the REPLAY

on preparing THIS recipe.

Also... for those campers/glampers

in your tribe... I've HANDMADE...

a sweet collection of ornament campers!

Plain OR personalized... $12.00

Shipping is available as well.

Thank YOU, for visiting with me

& do have a BLESSED... Christmas!

Rising Up...

Mountains know the secrets

we need to learn.

That it might take time, it might be hard

but if you just hold on

long enough you will find the strength

to rise up.

- Tyler Knott Gregson

'Away In A Manger'

THESE simple words should find YOU lifted up JUST 

as the mountains!  We're here to CONQUER fear, not allow it 

to consume us... rise above doubt & the dullness of life!

REACH for that mountain top & live JUST as 

Jesus would have us to!

THESE... words bring great meaning in my life

& I hope that they'll provide guidance for YOU

in whatever OR wherever fear is found!

NOW... go on your way...

& bring light into today... by doing something

you've hesitated on for some time now.

Jesus will STAY by your side!

Creating a HOMEMADE Christmas...

Christmas is the day

that holds all time together.

- Alexander Smith

There's JUST something about ALL things natural...

the FRESHNESS, the simplicity & fragrance...

it ALL brings a WARM feeling of home to the table!

And... isn't that what it's about... a home filled with WARMTH?!?!

Tis' the season... to adorn the home with beauty...

a piece of bounty that creates a tradition of authentic living!

And... THIS original floral offers ALL that & more... 

If you joined me yesterday evening... well, then you know 

EXACTLY how to create THIS arrangement using 

an ole' fashion, VINTAGE staple that was used 

many Christmas's ago!

ALL the embellishments were either gathered

 from my own farm; foraged from other folks land OR roadside!

Be sure to STROLL on over to the 

(CLICK THIS LINK) Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden

FACEBOOK PAGE... to watch the REPLAY... 

there you'll find a delightful time creating, while sipping eggnog!

Tucked here & there throughout the vibrant

greenery... are HANDMADE rosette's created from 

Birch Tree bark... in the video I show the SIMPLE way 

of doing JUST that!

And... being a avid collector OR hoarder, 

as some may say... brings UNIQUE results

such as THIS...  

AN OLE' FASHION CHRISTMAS!

A tree created ALL from VINTAGE...

Christmas Tree stands!  PERFECT addition to the porch;

an outdoor area in the garden OR indoor decked with

lights; ornaments & such!

Slow down... & ENJOY some homemade goodness

this season!

SWEET blessings... from the farm!

It's Been Way TOO Long...

Greetings... & WELCOME, friends!

It's been quite some time since I've made my presence here & for THAT... 

allow me to apologize!

To begin with... I'm doing a recap of last evening's LIVE over on the (CLICK ON THE FOLLOWING LINK)...

Beehind Thyme Farm & Garden Facebook page, won't you JOIN me over there for a REPLAY!

It's a moment FILLED with an EASY, peasy recipe; a SIMPLE rosemary wreath

& WARM hospitality from my kitchen to YOURS!

These scrumptious... bites were prepared, along with a short

tutorial on creating a miniature, ROSEMARY wreath using ONLY a 

sprig of FRESH rosemary; wire & small, organza ribbon. 

Oh, the aroma of TOASTED pecans... truly makes one anxious

for WHAT'S to come next!

When toasting my pecans, I prefer not to use any cooking spray... I like things

as natural as possible when preparing meals/food. (THAT'S SIMPLY MY PREFERENCE)

Using pecan halves... spread onto a foil-lined baking sheet & bake at 350 degrees for NO 

more than 5 minutes... watch closely due to oven variations.

Caramel Chocolate Pretzel Cookies

13 ounce Rolo Candies

60 Tiny Twist Pretzels

60 Pecan Halves... TOASTED

Place pretzels onto a parchment OR foil lined baking pan.  

Place ONE piece of candy on top of EACH pretzel.

Bake at 325 degrees for about 4 minutes OR until the 

chocolate becomes shiny.  Remove the pan from oven &

gently press ONE pecan half onto each pretzel.

Cool for 10 minutes, then place sheet into refrigerator to set.

Store in a tin OR airtight container.

What a SIMPLE recipe that packs LOTS of class & taste!

Remember to shop LOCAL when purchasing YOUR pecans...

Farmers Market; FFA; Homemakers OR other associations!

SWEET, miniature... ROSEMARY wreaths

bring  SUCH detail to the simple things in your home, 

along with it's superb fragrance.

Tie them onto packages; around your reindeer necks;

place them at each place setting come Christmas brunch/dinner

OR ring them around an ole' vintage, bottle's neck!

(FULL instructions are on the Facebook Page from

last evening's live... simply watch the replay)

Tree topper's aren't JUST meant for tree's... 

This one has been with me for MANY years,

since my son was a little boy... & I'll forever 

cherish the Christmas's... it had to lean due to it's height atop the tree!

And... it's adorned with one of the FRESH

miniature, ROSEMARY wreaths for remembrance!

It's ALL about creating a HOME... 

with love; kindness & warmth!

I hope that YOU visit again... & be sure 

to follow along... thank YOU, for 

staying around during my long absence!