The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan Coloring/Story Book ~ Free Printable

"Once upon a time there was a Pussy-cat called Ribby,

who invited a little dog called Duchess, to tea..."

~ The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan by Beatrix Potter

Welcome to our spring 2017 edition of Fun Friday with Beatrix Potter featuring The Tale of the Pie and the Patty-Pan! In this particular story, Beatrix Potter included some black and white illustrations among the colored pictures in her sweet book. We have gleaned her original black and white drawings for our coloring book and embellished the blank areas with additional graphics to make it more enjoyable. If you haven't yet read this story, here is a fun way to as it is included in its entirety in our printable!

For instance, this original drawing of Duchess and Ribby is from Beatrix herself (we are now on a first name basis). I simply added the garland and patty-pan for extra coloring fun. 

On the first page, we have the original drawing of Ribby writing out her invitation. I included a pot of geraniums on the same page as I noticed some potted ones in the background. This is why I call it a bit of an "embellished" coloring book. I used some clip art from The Graphics Fairy and a few from the public domain for this project. 

The story can also be printed in booklet form (side by side) and made into a little story booklet. This can be done by clicking "print" from our download menu. Look for the area that says "print using system dialog". Most printers offer a printer setting for "booklets". Choose that option and simply print out the book. You can sew a straight line across the middle of the book with a sewing machine to bind it. You can also staple it or use a hole punch and so forth.

Note: In the picture, I folded the booklet in half and then sewed the spine. However, after the fact I realized I should have kept the pages as is and sewed across the middle of the printable prior to folding. This would achieve a true book look. I don't know what I was thinking?! So, do as I say on this one but not as I do :)

Beatrix Potter stories are perfect for spring! Pour yourself and the little ones in your life a nice pot of English tea, turn on some quaint cottage music and have some nurturing coloring time together (or even by yourself for those whimsical quiet moments).  I hope you enjoy this little printable in one way or another! If you do end up using it, please tell me what you did with it! Did you color it by yourself or share a page with a little Potter fan? Did you make up little spring gift bags of goodies and include this with a quality set of colored pencils? Do share! 

You will find our free printable coloring/storybook HERE! Happy spring!

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up and Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them). 

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Vintage 1920s Kitchens ~ Spring/Fall Cleaning Inspiration

I love to look at homes for cleaning inspiration, especially the older ones.

You get ideas on how to organize.

You get ideas on how to decorate.

You get ideas on different color combinations.

You get ideas on how to situate your cooking pots, utensils and mixing bowls.

And then you get excited to go into your own kitchen.

You get inspired to implement some of the same concepts.

And you get energized to have the same clean look.

And when the cleaning, organizing and fluffing is finished (though it never really is)....

You fall in love with your home all over again.

STEPS TO A SPRING CLEAN KITCHEN

"First tidy up. Then clean the stove and refrigerator.

Empty any cabinets or drawers that have become dirty or disordered, wipe them out, 

and neatly replace the objects in them.

Do backsplashes and cabinets, doors and doorknobs, lightswitch plates.

Next, clean table- and countertops, then the sink.

Then sweep or vacuum the floor.

Wash the floor last."

~ Cheryl Mendelson, Home Comforts: The Art & Science of Keeping House

For fun, which kitchen would you pick as your own?

My choice would be the blue/cream kitchen (in the first picture in this post). 

I love the checked curtains and the wooden towel rack.

I adore the matching canister and jar sets.

I am in love with the look of the hanging utensils.

And that (sigh!) stove...

For more cleaning inspiration, visit here.

Happy spring/fall cleaning!

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up and Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

Mrs. Tittlemouse's Collection of Household Tips and Tutorials ~ Beatrix Potter Series

"Once upon a time there was a wood-mouse, and her name was Mrs. Tittlemouse. She lived in a bank under a hedge. Such a funny house! There were yards and yards of sandy passages, leading to storerooms and nut-cellars and seed-cellars, all amongst the roots of the hedge...

There was a kitchen, a parlour, a pantry, and a larder. Also, there was Mrs. Tittlemouse's bedroom, where she slept in a little box bed! Mrs. Tittlemouse was a most terribly tidy particular little mouse..."

~ The Tale of Mrs. Tittlemouse by Beatrix Potter

You can only image the adoration I have towards Thomasina (Mrs. Tittlemouse for those who don't know her). She and I love so many similar things! From maintaining storerooms, cellars, a pantry and a larder to being a tidy, home-loving mouse!  As spring has once again announced her arrival, I will begin our "Fun Friday" series once more. As I had written in my introduction of our Beatrix Potter Inspired Posts, perhaps I do this series each season "because there is so much disturbing things going on today and it can be therapeutic to ponder and dwell on the "good things" (Philippians 4:8). In any case, I think homemaking can be fun and this little series celebrates that!

The first year in the series began with an ode to Peter Rabbit and the second season was inspired by my favorite Mrs. Tiggy-winkle. Last spring we showcased posts by dear Thomasina Tittlemouse and I have included a round-up below of what was shared. This spring we will focus on the story "The Tale of the Pie and the Patty Pan". I do hope these whimsical posts bring joy to your homemaking day!

Absorbable Un-Paper Towels ~ A Tittlemouse Tutorial 



"Bug-Be-Gone Spray" ~ A Tittlemouse Tutorial



Mrs. Tittlemouse's "Cottage Rose" Pantry Labels ~ Free Printable



"Old Fashioned" Furniture Polish ~ A Tittlemouse Tutorial



Thomasina's "Cottage Rose" Recipe Cards ~ Free Printable



Thomasina's Tip Sheet ~ Ways to Use Honey Printable



Thomasina's Weekly To-Do Lists and Practical Tips ~ Free Printable

For extra fun, we also shared a printable cover page and matching tabs in case you wanted to prepare a copy of "Mrs. Tittlemouse's Manual of Household Hints and Delights". This is simply a safe place you can store all of the Beatrix Potter inspired homemaking printables. You could think of it as a "printable portfolio" collection to store all your favorite printables until you are ready to use them. You will find the free download HERE if you are interested. The cover page is designed to slide into the front of the binder as a title page insert. The tabs are best printed on card stock, affixed with glue to card stock and staggered as you attach them.

As I mentioned before, some of the projects we share can also be done together with the children to encourage reading! Bring out the Beatrix Potter books and then prepare some of these useful items for a fun household-crafting day. These would also make nice gifts tucked away in baskets for spring! 

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up and Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

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DIY Peppermint "Pick Me Up" Tincture Blend

"When you are stressed, depressed, and worn out, the last thing you need is to have your system roused with caffeine-rich foods, sugar, or drugs -- all common "remedies" for the blues. Instead, mild herbs that gently and surely nourish and spark the system are appropriate; they activate the nerve endings by increasing circulation, providing nutrients, and increasing vitality and zest. They neither provoke the system nor agitate it."

~ Rosemary Gladstar, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health

I love to experiment with herbs in the kitchen and concoct! Once you learn their specialized properties, you can create your own medicinal mixtures based on your individual needs.  I am particularly drawn to the everyday necessities of the busy homemaker, for as I age, I notice my energy levels aren't what they used to be (and I am highly enticed by another cup of coffee!). Most of the time, I drink our Homemaker's Helper Tea and this blend keeps me feeling strong and capable. However, when my schedule gets thrown off due to unforeseen situations, family emergencies and so forth, there isn't time for that cup of tea. This is why our "pick me up" tincture was born.

This simple recipe uses the "nerve" nourishing properties of peppermint, lemon balm and nettle.  The peppermint acts as a natural stimulant, increases circulation, provide nutrients and increases vitality. Lemon balm is a strengthening nerve tonic which is high in calcium, magnesium, B vitamins and protein. And lastly, nettle is another excellent tonic herb for women. It is a rich source of iron, calcium, B vitamins and vitamin A. With this trio, your body will receive many of the vitamin and minerals that have been zapped from stress and will revitalize and refresh you! Another bonus is that peppermint is a digestive aid and will help with any sluggishness you suffer because of poor digestion (thus providing you with more energy!).

1. To prepare our "pick me up" blend, simply place 1/2 cup each of the following dried herbs inside of a clean, quart sized, glass jar (if using fresh herbs, use a heaping 1/2 cup):

• nettle leaf (if you have allergies, you may also want to use the nettle leaf for this allergy tonic)

• lemon balm (this is a base-ingredient in our homemaker's helper tea also)

• peppermint leaf  (you can also make your own peppermint extract with this herb)

2. Next, add either 80-100 proof vodka or apple cider vinegar to the jar until it is 3/4 of the way full.

• Though alcohol will make the strongest tincture (please read this post if you have any concerns about the use of it in your medicine cabinet), you will find the pros and cons of both vodka and vinegar in our how to make a tincture post.

• You could also use food-grade glycerine (in lieu of vodka and vinegar), but will need to follow different instructions for the tincture making process which will be found in our how to make a tincture post. Just use the herb amounts from this post but omit the honey. Glycerine is sweet enough!

3. Fill the remaining of the jar with raw honey (leaving about 1-inch head space from the top of jar).  I included the honey for the happy flavor and because it is a natural energy booster. Feel free to omit it from the recipe if you like.

4. Cap the jar tightly and shake well to blend the mixture. If using a metal lidded jar, cover jar with a piece of plastic or wax paper prior to screwing on the lid. You don't want the metal to be in contact with the tincture to corrode it.

5. Label your jar with the name of herb, date and the medium used (i.e., alcohol or cider vinegar).

6. Store in a cool, dark area like your pantry. Let the mixture sit for 4 - 6 weeks for a nice, strong blend. Shake every few days to infuse the herbs into the liquid.

Final Notes:

• When the time is completed, place a fine strainer over a glass bowl. Line the strainer with a piece of clean, lightweight cotton or muslin. Pour the contents through and strain. Your tincture is ready to use!

• If you have a clean dropper bottle, then pour some of your tincture inside and add it into your medicine cabinet. The remaining jar of tincture can safely be stored in your pantry for up to 5 years if using vodka, 2 years if using the glycerin, while the apple cider vinegar tincture will last up to 1 year.

• Make sure to label your final product with the name of tincture, date made and medium used (such as vodka, vinegar or glycerin).

Now remember, I am not an herbalist... but here is how I would take the tincture -- You can start off with one dropperful (aka 1/4 tsp.) for 3 times a day (if necessary, you may increase to a 2 dropperful dose which is 1/2 tsp. for 3 times a day) when the need arises. This can be added to water, tea, raw honey or even coffee (shh!!! well... if you are going to have it, a minty one would be more helpful).

Unlike caffeine which gives you a false burst of energy, these herbs give you a gentle boost because they are nourishing your depleted body. Keep in mind that the longer you use these herbs, the better the results will be as they begin to build and restore your energy. It is wonderful to have a variety of these long lasting and all natural medicines in your pantry!  Happy herbal-crafting!

"For the earth which drinketh in the rain that cometh oft upon it, and bringeth forth herbs meet for them by whom it is dressed, receiveth blessing from God..."

~ Hebrews 6:7

This post is a part of our Make Your Own Apothecary ~ Home Pharmacy Series.

Disclaimers: I am not a certified herbalist but a homemaker interested in the arts of natural healing. The information I have learned has been gleaned through study of some of the following favorite books; Rosemary Gladstar's Medicinal Herbs: A Beginner's Guide, Herbal Recipes for Vibrant Health, Grow Your Own Drugs by James Wong, The Complete Illustrated Book of Herbs by Reader's Digest and websites of herbalists (such as the Bulk Herb Store Blog). As with all medicine, if problems still persist, discontinue the use of this remedy.

I am not a doctor. While I do seek scientific confirmation of the safety and effectiveness of the herbs and remedies I use, remember that using remedies is a personal decision. Nothing I say on this blog is approved by the FDA or intended to diagnose, treat or prevent disease. All things on this blog are my opinion or the opinion of others. Also, if you have a medical condition, are taking pharmaceutical drugs, or are pregnant, please consult your physician prior to taking herbs.

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up and Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).

DIY Dusting Spray and Spring $ale on Our Ebook ~ Citrus Series

"There were times, indeed, when the vigor she put into her work was more of a relief to her feelings than it was an ardor to efface dirt... "

~Eleanor H. Porter, Pollyanna (1912)

I hadn't posted on our Citrus Series this winter and since I have one more week before the technical expiration date, I wanted to share something that will tie both winter and spring together. And so today (in honor of the 2017 spring cleaning schedule), we gladly share a citrus recipe excerpt from our Ebook 100+ DIY Projects to Make with Fruit Scraps. I hope you enjoy this simple and "all natural" tutorial to make your own citrus dusting spray!

Ingredients:

•  1⁄4 c. lemon infused vinegar * (see instructions and/or variations below)

•  1⁄4 c. olive oil 

Mix ingredients together in a small spray bottle and it is ready for service!

Suggested Use: Shake well before each use. Apply spray to dusting cloth (such as a flannel or microfiber cloth) and wipe wood surfaces clean. Our un-papers towels work great for dusting too!

To make the lemon infused vinegar:

Place fresh citrus peels (of at least 1 lemon) into a clean jar. Cover peels with white household vinegar (make sure they are submerged under the vinegar so that they do not mold). Cap your blend with a plastic lid and let it infuse in a sunny spot for 3 - 4 weeks. Once the time is up, strain the vinegar and discard the peels. Pour through a fine sieve to remove any excess solids. Your lemon infused vinegar is now ready to use!

Variations:

• Replace the lemon infused vinegar with orange infused vinegar.
• In a hurry? Simply add 10 drops of lemon (or orange) essential oil to 1/4 c. plain white vinegar and use this as the infused vinegar in the recipe.

This is such an easy alternative to the fake-perfumed dusting sprays sold in the market. Make a “pledge” to keep your home more chemical–free by starting here!

If you enjoyed this recipe, you will find many others for your spring cleaning endeavors in our Ebook (all the recipes include printable labels too!). The chapter titled "Cleaning Closet" includes how to frugally (without essential oils) make your own:

• Citrus Air Freshener
• Citrus All-Purpose Cleaner
• Citrus Cleaning Cleanser
• Citrus Carpet Deodorizer
• Citrus Cleaning Solution
• Citrus Disinfectant Spray
• Citrus Dryer Sachets
• Citrus Dusting Cloths
• Citrus Dusting Spray
• Citrus Fabric Softener
• Citrus Furniture Polish
• Citrus Glass Cleaner
• Citrus Produce Wash
• Citrus Rinse Aid and Degreaser
• Citrus Scouring Cleanser
• Citrus Stainless Steel Cleaner

We share 100+ more ideas on how to use up fruit scraps in our Ebook here! As a "Spring Cleaning" $pecial, we are offering the PDF FILE at a 40% discount for this week only (you do not need a special device to download our ebook, it can be saved straight onto your computer). Simply type in this coupon code at check-out: 2017springsale

Happy housecleaning, ladies!

All the fine print. This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Make Your Home Sing Monday, Good Morning Mondays,  The Scoop, Tuesdays with a Twist, Raising Homemakers, Wise Woman Link Up, Homestead Blog Hop,  Wow Us Wednesdays,  Coffee and Conversation, Homemaking Thursdays, Home Sweet Home, Our Simple Homestead, Awesome Life Friday Link Up and Create, Bake, Grow & Gather. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these. This post may contain affiliate links (which are merchant links that help to support this site at no additional cost to you if you purchase an item through them).