Raised In Cotton

Stella Mae's Best Shortcakes

Thanks so much for all the great suggestions on my daughter's apartment. I hope to have photo's to share with you on my progress next week:)

But for now I want to talk shortcake....My Mama Stella Mae was a wonderful cook and every Summer she would take the best seasonal fruit and make THE BEST shortcakes. Here is how Stella Mae made those sweet little shortcakes~

Take some yummy ripe fruit like peaches or strawberries~

 

Wash, slice and place in a bowl~

 

Squeeze a little fresh lemon juice to keep the fruit from turning brown and then add a good helping (3/4-1 cup) of sugar. Toss together~

 

Cover the fruit with plastic wrap or cheese cloth and place outside in direct sunlight for about an hour. The sun will bake the fruit and create a ton of flavorful juice.

 

While your fruit is baking in the sun, make your little cakes. My Mama always made homemade biscuits for her shortcakes. I used a box of Jiffy mix and made dropped biscuits.

 

Split the biscuits and drizzle some of the juice from the fruit on top. Add a layer of fruit and top it off with handmade whipped cream. Enjoy:)

 

Modern Reality

My trip to the lake last week was refreshing and oh so relaxing. As a matter of fact, I don't think I have been so completely still in a good long time. For the last year I have been absorbed in everything farmhouse related. The renovations started last September a week after we took possession and lasted the entire Winter and into early Spring. Except for the harsh weather, we were really fortunate with how well everything went.  Sure there were some glitches, but would we do it again? You bet, in a heartbeat.

 

After spending a week at the lake reflecting on the past year, it finally hit me that I really look forward to the whole creative process of planning and implementing projects.  Especially those projects that relate to decorating and design.  But what could I do next? Then I got a call from my oldest daughter that went something like this; "Hi Mom, I am moving into a brand new apartment and I want you to decorate it for me. "Oh how much fun will this be I thought. So,  I eagerly replied, "You bet, this will be a blast. We can hit flea markets for some great vintage stuff." My mind was already racing with ideas.....that is until she said this back to me, "The only thing is , I don't want too much old stuff, more of a Modern look."...... Huh? Modern Style??? Me? Can I dream in bright colors and bold design patterns, is that even possible for a vintage , neutral palette, faded, junk and weathered loving person?  All this from my girl who along with her two younger brother's growing up, knew that a ride to dance or ball practice might include a stop at the local antique mall along the way.  Well if nothing else I have taught her to be independent and I guess that includes her choice of design, darn it:)

 Back to Modern reality, I think I can do this but it will be a whole new challenge for me. Much like the farmhouse redesign journey, I thought you might like to come with me as I try my hand at Modern Style Apartment decorating on a twenty something budget.

 

  So stay tuned for future postings to see how I am doing:)  Is it ok you think to sit here this morning on my rustic metal garden chair trying to think Modern design or will that totally confuse me? Oh Dear, see what I mean?

 

Sweet Summer

The photo shoot was yesterday and went really, really well. Fifi and Mark are a talented team and I had a ball working with them. Karla came out and gifted me with a beautiful handmade book she had made along with two pots of flowers and a scrumptious Italian Creme cake. Not only did she bring all the wonderful treats she even helped me haul a few props back into the farmhouse.

 

I am headed to the lake for a few days for a little rest and continue with the Sweet Summer~I hope you are enjoying yours as well.

Of course getting ready for a photo shoot means you sometimes need a few props such as fresh flowers and fruit pies.  Last night I was really exhausted after the day so I just had to indulge and have a piece of Strawberry pie~heck with the diet for one night!