Almost 14 years ago, I gathered with my extended family around my grandpa's bedside. We had been told his body was shutting down, and he didn't have much time left. As we held on to each other and cried, he took his last breath. It was Christmas Day.
In the years since Grandpa's passing, I have held his memory close to my heart. Grandpa was a farmer. He worked long, hard days, yet he always made time for us. Whenever we heard his tractor fire up, we rushed from the house to the farm to "help" feed the cows. Grandpa never shooed us away or told us to go back to the house. He would let us climb in the tractor's bucket. Then he would lift the bucket in the air, and that was our "seat" to help feed the cows.
Grandpa always had a twinkle in his eye and a smile on his face. As I got older, he became more than the grandpa of my childhood. He became my friend. We spent lots of time talking about my studies, politics, our beliefs, and life in general. These memories are priceless to me.
For several years, I have wondered how I could pass these memories on to my children. How could I help my children feel connected to this grandpa they never got to meet? How could I help them feel connected to other relatives?
As a solution to this, I came up with the idea to make family tree ornaments for Christmas this year. I have been thrilled with the results! As soon as my children saw these ornaments, they started asking questions. "Who is this lady? When was his birthday? What do you remember about her?" These simple, easy-to-make Family Tree ornaments have already added extra joy to our home.
Try these ornaments yourself by following the instructions below:
First, assemble your supplies. Wash and thoroughly dry lids. You will need two lids for each ornament. For my ornaments, I used Rust-Oleum spray paint in Ocean Mist and Colonial Red. Rust-Oleum products can be found at any hardware store.
Second, adhere your lids to craft paper or a drop cloth using painter's tape. This will hold the lids in place as you apply the spray-paint. Make sure the top of the lid is facing up as shown. The rim of the lid creates a frame for your photos.
Next, spray-paint the lids. This may require more than one coat. I did two coats and would have done one more if the outside temperature had been warmer. Allow the lids to dry for about 24 hours before adding your family members' photos.
While waiting for your lids to dry, you can work on getting your photos ready. Microsoft Publisher is my go-to software for printed projects. I inserted my photos into a new file and resized them to about 3" x 3" Using the Shapes tool, I created a 2" x 2.1" circle to go around each photo (This was my guide for cutting out the images for the ornaments.). Print on photo paper or cardstock.
After printing your photos, use a ruler to measure out about 6" of festive ribbon for each ornament. You will use this ribbon to hang your ornament on your tree.
Once the lids have dried, take two lids and turn them over so the painted side is face down. Attach both ends of the ribbon with clear tape to one of the lids. The ribbon should form a loop.
Next, take the other lid and add a strip of hot glue around the middle. As quickly as you can, center this lid on the lid with the ribbon. Gently press the two lids together for about 5 seconds to allow the glue to dry. *The lids may become hot from the glue* Set the ornament aside and repeat the same process for each of the ornaments.
After gluing the two lids together, your ornament is ready for a photo.
Using tape, hot glue, or a magnet, attach your family photos to the ornament. I used both hot glue and tape but found I liked tape better.
This next step is optional. On the back of each ornament, I added a short, typed "bio." This will help my family put names to faces as we share memories. This could be handwritten instead of typed and include any of the family member's information you would like.
One of the completed ornaments.
If you make these ornaments, come back and let us know how it went!
]]>
You see, Grandma's rolls weren't really nasty. In fact, they are the best rolls I have ever tasted. The kind of roll you can load up with butter and jelly, or stuff with leftover turkey. Either way, you have heaven in your mouth.
Grandma didn't think her rolls ever turned out just right. Maybe she is like most of us, and no matter what we do, we can't make it like mama could. Whatever her reasoning, she would poke her head out of the kitchen and get everyone's attention. Then she would announce, "I'm sorry, but these rolls are just nasty." She would shake her head and go back in the kitchen.
We never believed her. Her rolls were devoured every year. If we were lucky enough to get leftovers, they didn't last a day. But the name stuck. We all hoped for nasty rolls every Thanksgiving and Christmas.
It wasn't until just last year that I learned the name for Grandma's Nasty Rolls was actually Feather Rolls. (Ahh, the power of family traditions.) I had volunteered to make rolls for Thanksgiving. I decided to try Grandma's rolls, and they turned out...nasty. Except, they were the real definition of nasty. They were hard, puny blobs. After doing some research, I realized I was attempting Feather Rolls. Once I realized what my end result should be, these rolls were easy-peasy.
Now, when my kids see me making rolls, I hear whoops of joy and sighs of delight. Grandma's Nasty Rolls have entered the hearts, and stomachs, of the next generation. Try these delicious rolls yourself to go with your favorite soup or for your family's Thanksgiving feast.
Step 1: Scald milk, shortening, sugar and salt over low to medium-low heat in medium saucepan. Cool to lukewarm.
Step 2: Dissolve yeast and 1 TBS sugar in 1/2 C warm water.
Step 3: Mix yeast and milk mixtures together. Add beaten eggs. Stir in flour; mix well to form dough. Let stand for 10 minutes.
Step 4: Knead dough, using as little flour as possible.
Step 5: Place in a greased bowl, turning once to coat the surface of the dough.
Step 6: Cover with plastic wrap and chill in the fridge overnight, or until thoroughly chilled (at least 2 hours).
Step 7: Turn dough onto a lightly floured surface. With lightly floured hands, shape dough into 15 rolls and place in greased 9x13x2 baking pan.
Step 8: Let rise until light (about 40-60 minutes).
Step 9: Bake in a preheated oven at 350 degrees for 25 minutes, or until golden brown. Brush tops with melted butter. Serve warm.
]]>
Products from our site used in this video:
Farmhouse Trough Tray with Rope Handles
Home Sweet Home Round Wood Sign (coming to the shop soon!)
]]>The Sweet Lemon Dessert combines the tang of lemon with the creamy sweetness of cream cheese and whipped topping. Guests won't be able to get enough of this delicious, satisfying treat.
In a medium mixing bowl, cut butter into flour until crumbly.
Press mixture into an ungreased 13" x 9" x 2" baking pan.
Bake at 350 degrees for 18-22 minutes or until set. Cool on a wire rack.
In a separate mixing bowl, beat cream cheese and sugar until smooth.
Fold in 1 cup whipped topping. Spread mixture over crust.
In another medium mixing bowl, beat milk and pudding mix on low for 2 minutes. Gingerly spread over the cream cheese layer.
Top with remaining whipped topping.
Refrigerate for at least 1 hour. Enjoy!
Not a single family camping trip goes by without roasting marshmallows over a fire and making s'mores.
This beloved graham cracker sandwich, with chocolate and marshmallow for the filling, is nearly as American as apple pie. In 1927, a recipe for "Some Mores," appeared in a Girl Scout publication.
The recipe for Some Mores, today known as S'mores, is classic. However, if you are looking for ways to mix things up, check out our ideas below.
Instead of regular ol' graham crackers, try a different flavor like chocolate or cinnamon. Shortbread cookies, instead of graham crackers, is another way to mix things up.
Sure milk chocolate (Hershey milk chocolate to be exact), is the go-to chocolate for s'mores. However, you can up your game and take your taste buds for a ride by swapping out the chocolate. Try white or dark chocolate, peanut butter cups or caramel-filled chocolate squares like a Caramello bar. Ghirardelli chocolate squares also offer a variety of flavors.
Before adding your choice of chocolate, spread some jam on your cracker or cookie. The addition of fruit will give your s'more an oh-so-sweet zing.
Speaking of sweet, take your s'more to the next level with a drizzle of caramel sauce. Your taste buds will sing your praises.
When the edges of your s'more are oozing sticky, marshmallow-y goodness, dip your s'more in a bowl full of sprinkles. Kids (and adults) will love the colorful, fun addition to their campfire treat.
Our last idea may become your next favorite: the Banana Split S'more.
Yum, yum!
What's your favorite way to have a S'more? Let us know in the comments! No matter what, we hope your summer is s'more fun than you hoped it to be!
]]>
There comes a time in every websites life that it’s time to grow up. As you can tell, we’ve been making a few changes for the better here at West Main. Thanks to your feedback, we have updated our website and are now using Shopify to manage our store.
Unfortunately, because of our recent changes, we haven’t had as much time to focus on the blog, but are excited for what we will have coming through the rest of the year. As you’re planning your summer vacations and weekend getaways, we’re planning out some of the exciting posts, products, and giveaways that we’ll be bringing you this summer.
As always, we want to help you find the best rustic, farmhouse, country, and even industrial styled decor for your home. If you have any questions or feedback about our site and products, we’d love to hear it. Please drop us a line anytime!
]]>West Main Creations began, like most things, with an idea. An idea to help people turn houses into homes by providing beautiful, affordable decor pieces.
In May 2018, West Main Creations was created by a mother and daughter team, Sherry and Emilee. The name West Main comes from our family’s home address. Built by our dad and grandpa over 20 years ago, our house on West Main has long been home. Not long after deciding on the name, Emilee found a metal street sign bearing the same name. It was a literal sign that West Main was the right name for our company.
West Main Creations was officially launched to the public on June 17, 2018. By this time, Sherry and Emilee had added a couple more players. Our only brother, Nate, and his wife, Kenzie, became valuable members of the team. West Main Creations would not function without these two. In August, another sister, Stacee, was added and ‘The Team,’ was complete.
Shortly after launching our company, we had a serious road bump. Nate had a seizure, which was completely unexpected. After being rushed to the hospital, and a CT scan, Nate was told he had a mass on his brain. A biopsy confirmed what we all prayed it wasn’t: cancer. With humble hearts, we pleaded that God would help Nate to fight and beat this cancer. God is good all the time. We have received many blessings since the day Nate had his seizure. He was able to have surgery to remove the tumor. Nate completed radiation in the fall and is currently undergoing chemotherapy treatments. We have great hope for the future. We have also been so blessed by your support. Your sweet comments and interactions, in person or through social media, have uplifted us. Thank you for sharing the journey with us.
At West Main Creations, we are family, but we are also a team. We work together, bringing different strengths to our company.
Sherry is the mom of the West Main bunch. She does a lot of the ordering and tries to help where she can. She is married to Scott. They have seven children, six girls and one boy. They have 21 grandchildren (with another one due in July. She is also a dog mom to Chessie (a yellow lab) and Inna (a Malamute/Wolf mix). In her spare time she enjoys crafting, scrapbooking, reading, gardening, camping and traveling. She loves spending time with her family.
Some of her favorites
Color: Red
Food: Chocolate
Holiday: Christmas
Time of Year: Fall
Emilee manages West Main's social media accounts, customer service and shipments. Emilee married her high school sweetheart, and they have 3 children 2 boys and 1 girl. She is also a cosmetologist and loves all her beautiful clients. She loves to travel, be with her family, and play the piano.
Some of her favorites
Time of day: Night
Dessert: Cake
Holiday: Easter
Movie: Sweet Home Alabama
Food: Steak & Baked Potatoes
Emilee's favorite quote is: "Never let the fear of striking out keep you from playing the game." Babe Ruth
Nate and Kenzie (husband and wife) have been around since the beginning. Nate dabbles in photography, graphic design, and web design. Being the only guy, he usually is the one that says that looks good when we are ordering products, as he has no idea what looks good and what doesn’t (his words). McKenzie helps Stacee and Nate out with product inventory on our website.
Nate and Kenzie have a little baby boy that is beyond spoiled with another one on the way. The one that is on the way (due in July) will be their first HUMAN child and the other is a liver and white Springer Spaniel.
Some of Nate’s favorites
Drink: Mt. Dew (any flavor) and Coke
Place in the world: Switzerland
Hobby: Sitting on the couch (seriously, name something better)
Person: 1. Wife 2. Tie - Dog and baby in my wife’s belly
Stacee joined the team in August 2018. She works behind the scenes; writing our product descriptions and blog posts and keeping track of our inventory. On occasion, Stacee also helps out with our social media and our website. Stacee and her husband, Justin, have 3 kids: 1 boy and 2 girls. In her spare time, Stacee likes to read, go for hikes, and take road trips. She loves being with her family, exploring new places, and learning about the past.
Some of her favorites
Time of day: Morning
Snack: Dove milk chocolate
Holiday: Easter
Find: Her husband
Way to spend $20: A good book and a bag of chocolate
]]>My Kids' Favorite Books is a short list of some of our most-loved books. Since my kids were small, I have read to them almost every night before bed. From heroes to princesses and everything in between, we have read a lot. Over the years, the books have changed. We have gone from picture books to short chapter books to I-will-read-on-my-own books. I will always cherish this time with my kids, snuggled against me as we enjoy a story together.
Because of this happy time with my kids, I wanted to share with you some of our favorite books. Hopefully, you find one or two you can enjoy with your kids.
Written and illustrated by Sam Garton
Since reading "I Am Otter," a couple of months ago, this book has become a house favorite. The story involves an adorable otter, a sidekick teddy bear and the Otter Keeper. While Otter Keeper is at work, Otter and Teddy find a way to occupy their time. What will Otter Keeper find when he gets home?
"I Am Otter," has an engaging storyline kids will love. What really makes this book so enjoyable, though, is the illustrations. I found myself laughing at something on each page. From Otter's handmade signs to Otter Keeper going to work in his bathrobe, this book was a delight.
Other Otter books include, "Otter in Space," "Otter Loves Halloween!" "Otter Goes to School," and "Otter Loves Easter!" There is also an "I Can Read," series with more of Otter's adventures. To learn more about Otter, read her online stories and view her latest inventions, visit her website here.
Written by Alison McGhee and illustrated by Isabel Roxas
When my son was around the age of 6 or 7, a favorite read was, "The Case of the Missing Donut." Since then, my daughters have come to love this book as well. My kids all love donuts. And funny stories. And great illustrations. And dogs. This book has all of those things.
Sheriff, a young boy, must bring a box of donuts safely home. What happens when one of the donuts goes missing? With his faithful Deputy, Sheriff must solve this case!
Alison McGhee writes adult, teen and children fiction. To see more of her books, click here.
Written and illustrated by Virginia Lee Burton
My middle child is a bit nostalgic, so, "The Little House," is one of her favorite books. This book is a story about a house out in the country. As the years pass, the city grows closer and closer. All too soon, the city has grown so big, the house is in the city. The little house can no longer see the stars and moon at night. The house dreams of being in the country again. One day, that dream comes true, and the little house is taken to the country once more.
"The Little House," was written in 1942 and won the Caldecott Medal in 1943. The text is somewhat lengthy for a children's book, and the illustrations do not 'pop' like many of today's books. However, this is a sweet story that is still much-loved. Reading this book reminds me to slow down and enjoy each day.
Written by Josh Funk and illustrated by Brendan Kearney
"Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast," has long been one of my kids' favorite books. Only a drop of syrup remains in the fridge. Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast each want that last drop. In a race to get the syrup, who will win? This rhyming story is full of daring leaps, horrible mishaps and fabulous illustrations.
Other books involving Lady Pancake and Sir French Toast: "The Case of the Stinky Stench," and "Mission Defrostable." For more books by Josh Funk, click here.
Illustrated by Steph Laberis
"Grumpy Cat," is a Little Golden Book with a copyright to Grumpy Cat Limited. Basically, I am not sure who wrote this book. That being said, "Grumpy Cat," is a hilarious book that my kids love. Grumpy Cat is grumpy and doesn't like anything. A butterfly, ladybug, and a bird all try to cheer up Grumpy Cat. Will they succeed?
I loved Little Golden Books when I was a kid, so I have a small collection of them now. After flipping through, "Grumpy Cat," I knew it was one I had to add. The story is funny, and the illustrations are great. Other Grumpy Cat stories include: "A is for Awful," "Yawn! A Grumpy Cat Bedtime Story," and "Grumpy Cat's First Worst Christmas." All of these are Little Golden Book stories. For Grumpy Cat photos and merchandise, she has her own website called, of course, Grumpy Cat.
These are just some of the books my kids and I like to read together. What books do you like to read with your kids? Let us know in the comments!
]]>A favorite thing can make any nest feel like home no matter how long you have been a resident. This favorite thing can be large or small. New or old. Inherited or purchased. Discovered or given.
Recently, one of my sisters made a cross-country move. While I envied her adventure, I didn't envy all the packing she had to do. And all of the UN-packing that followed. Someone suggested she should have sold her things and bought new items instead of moving it all. This idea got me thinking about what I could, and couldn't, part with.
My furniture and home decor is a mixture of sorts. The dining table, couch and entertainment center are hand-me-downs. The hutch and piano are yard sale site purchases. My husband made our girls' bed frames. Our wall hangings and accent pieces are things I loved (and thought I couldn't live without). I have more books and mason jars than I can count. I really have so many things.
If I were to pile up all of my stuff, there is one thing that is an absolute favorite. This piece does not have monetary value. It is not in mint condition. In fact, it needs to be fixed. Sometimes it is piled up with books or clothes. Occasionally it gets dusted, but most of the time, it doesn't. My favorite thing is nothing more than an ordinary wooden chair.
Although this chair appears to be just an ordinary chair, it represents so much more. This chair means the love of family, happy childhood memories, annual traditions, summer vacations and faith building moments. The chair came from my grandparents' home. My grandma had a formal dining room with a beautiful table and fancy chairs. In the kitchen, was a plain table surrounded by mismatched chairs. My favorite thing was one of these chairs.
I sat around this table every summer of my childhood enjoying meals with my grandparents. Early in the morning, I could always find Grandpa in one of those chairs. He would be eating breakfast and reading his scriptures before starting another day on the farm. In the afternoons, my cousins and I would stir up a glass of Tang and snack on Grandma's Chex mix.
When I got older, I would stop by during a break in college classes for a visit. Grandma and Grandpa would be sitting at this table listening to Rush Limbaugh on the radio. We had great visits about politics, religion, and life.
Grandpa passed away first, almost a month after I had gotten married. Grandma lived for another 10 years before dying shortly after her 90th birthday. After Grandma's passing, my mom and her sisters had to go through Grandma's things. I asked if I could have a chair from the kitchen table.
Now one of those chairs sits in the corner of my bedroom. Each glimpse or use of this chair brings some of that joy back to me. Yes, it's just an ordinary chair. But it's my favorite thing.
What's your favorite thing? Share with us in the comments. If you're still looking for a favorite thing, head on over to our shop for some inspiration.
]]>Now that the holidays are firmly behind us, it’s time to start thinking about a Winter Bucket List. Many of us think of winter as a season of gray days and being cooped up indoors. Shake off the winter blues with a bucket list of things to accomplish before spring. Below are some ideas to get you started.
What's on your bucket list this winter? Let us know in the comments!
]]>As this month draws to a close, we take a look back at 31 things we loved most about this October. Several things we have loved came from items off our Fall Bucket List Post. Other things were a result of life. Many things involved family and making memories. No matter what, this was an October to remember.
#1. Our Fall & Halloween Sale. Everyone loves a sale, and our Spooky31 sale is so much fun. Take 31% off our Fall & Halloween products. Each order will receive a Happy Halloween tin sign (while supplies last). This sale ends at midnight (10.31.18). Click here to shop now.
#2. Decorating for the season. We love our Fall & Halloween decorations; the pumpkins, the fun signs, the scarecrows. This year, I added "webs" around the house. This simple addition has brought a large amount of fun to our home.
#3. Cooler weather. Even though we love warm, summer days, there is something so satisfying and invigorating about that nip in the air.
#4. Sweet, sweet apples. Apples can be enjoyed year-round but never taste better than in the fall.
#5. Eating candy corn. Sure, it’s mostly sugar and might contain wax. We still end up with a bag in our shopping cart...somehow.
#6. Snuggling a newborn baby. One of our team members had a baby girl near the end of September. We can’t get enough of this sweet little one.
#7. Having a cook-out with family. We roasted hot dogs and made Dutch oven potatoes. Dessert was s’mores over the fire.
#8. Finding the North Star with my dad. At the cook-out mentioned above, my dad showed some of the grandkids how to find the North Star. I remember doing the same with my grandpa when I was a kid. Priceless memories.
#9. Fall colors. As philosopher Albert Camus said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.”
#10. A drive to see those fall colors. This year it was the Alpine Loop near Provo, Utah.
#11. Picking out pumpkins with the kids. I am always surprised by the perfectly imperfect pumpkins my kids pick out. Sometimes what I find ugly, they love.
#12. Painting pumpkins. My 5-year-old was so excited to paint her pumpkin this year. Her enthusiasm was contagious.
#13. Frosty mornings. Jack Frost is one of my favorite artists, and he never fails to create a beautiful canvas.
#14. Watching a flock of birds fly south. My husband and I were lucky enough this year to see several flocks flying south.
#15. Spending time with family. Every Sunday evening, we visit family. One Sunday this month, we visited my paternal grandmother. She will be 92 years old in January. Each day with her is a gift.
#16. Putting puzzles together. Puzzles are a form of relaxation for me. I am so glad I made time for this soothing activity.
#17. Reading with a new reader. We have a kindergarten age child this year. We have been spending a lot of time sounding out letters and words. I love seeing a child's face light up when he or she can read.
#18. Watching football games. Whether on the high school level or the collegiate, we have loved catching football games every weekend. Even if our team doesn't win.
#19. Taking walks around the neighborhood. Colorful leaves, festive decorations, and some spooky displays have made daily walks so enjoyable.
#20. Halloween parties. Our family has experienced great parties this month. At school, with family, or at the neighbors, we have had a blast.
#21. Pumpkin recipes. Pumpkins and October just go together. We have loved making pumpkin cookies and bars, quick breads, and roasted pumpkin seeds.
#22. Warming up by the fire. On chilly days, we love a warm, toasty fire. We all gather around the fireplace and enjoy time together.
#23. Hikes with the dog. This October has been beautiful. Nothing pairs better with nice weather than a hike with the family dog.
#24. A team member completing his radiation treatment for cancer. This may be our most loved thing of October. Cancer treatments are draining. The joy of completing a set of treatments is indescribable.
#25. Connecting with so many of you on social media. We have loved connecting with new and not-so-new friends online.
#26. Making caramel apples. A yearly tradition we cannot do without.
#27. Watching the baseball world series. We are a family divided. Some cheered for the Dodgers and some for the Red Sox. We will be friends again by Thanksgiving.
#28. Celebrating what would have been Grandpa’s 100th birthday. Our dear grandpa has been gone for almost 14 years. When we realized he would have been celebrating 100 years this month, we decided we had to have a party. We had cupcakes, and I told my kids about some of my favorite memories with Grandpa.
#29. Making that first pot of soup. This year it was a cheesy potato chowder. Yum, yum.
#30. Buffalo Check Pumpkins. These darling, fabric pumpkins have captured our eye all season long.
#31. Memories made. From cookouts to Halloween parties, we made great memories this month. We will have more Octobers but not another October 2018. We have loved all the good that came our way. What have you loved about this October? Share with us in the comments!
]]>White kitchen cabinets…are they a must-have for your home or a trend you can do without?
This question was one I repeatedly pondered a few years ago when my husband and I were in the building process. White cabinets were at the top of my must-have list. I wanted those bright cabinets so much that we went over-budget on cabinetry. Not just a little either. We went over budget by about $2,500. I went with Formica counter-tops instead of granite to make up the difference. If you are dreaming of a white kitchen, let me help you weigh the pros and cons.
Make Halloween extra special for your child or grandchild this year by ordering he or she a personalized treat bag. The Halloween treat bags come in 4 darling designs.
Boo Bag – This bag says, “Boo!” above a ghost and jack-o-lantern. Two black bats, one above the ghost and one above the jack-o-lantern, round out the design. Beneath the pumpkin are the words, “This bag of tricks treats belongs to,” in black lettering with space for a name below.
Spider Witch Bag – This bag features a darling black spider wearing a witch’s hat. Beneath the spider are the words, “This bag of tricks treats belongs to,” in orange lettering with space for a name below.
Trick or Treat Cauldron Bag – Aligned to the left of this darling bag are the words, “Trick or Treat,” in green, black, and orange lettering. A spider web fills the top right corner of the bag with a black spider dangling from the web. In between the words, “Trick,” and “Treat,” is a black cauldron bubbling with a green brew. A green spider web is attached to the first T of the word “Trick.” Attached to the last T in the word “Treat,” is an orange spider web.
Trick or Treat Bat/Spider Bag – Featuring the words, “Trick or Treat,” in green and orange lettering, this bag also has a cute bat hanging upside down. Below the bat is an adorable black spider. A green spider web is attached to the first T of the word “Trick.” Attached to the last T in the word “Treat,” is an orange spider web. A black web completes the design.
Your child’s name can be added to the bag of your choice in black or purple glitter vinyl. Each bag measures 14.17” x 17.72” and comes with a drawstring to keep those yummy treats secure. Made from 100% cotton, the bags are machine washable. These bags are ones your child or grandchild will love all through those trick-or-treating years.]]>
For those of you who make pumpkin carving an annual Halloween tradition, add roasting pumpkin seeds to the carving fun. While some of us may cringe at the feel of a pumpkin’s slippery insides, or gag over the smell that is not at all like pumpkin pie, don’t be so quick to chuck that gooey slop. Those seeds, mixed in with the stringy pulp, make for a yummy treat that is also full of protein, fiber, magnesium, and antioxidants. Easy to roast, you can be enjoying this delicious power-food snack in no time.
Among our most loved pumpkin creations, these Pumpkin Bars with Cream Cheese Frosting have become a fan favorite. More satisfying than a cookie, sweeter than pumpkin bread and easier to make than pie, a bite into one of these tasty bars welcomes your taste buds to fall.
1. Assemble all of your ingredients, 1 9x13 baking dish, 1 large mixing bowl, and 2 medium mixing bowls.
2. Preheat oven to 350 degrees and spray baking dish with nonstick spray oil.
3. In a large mixing bowl, beat the eggs, sugar, oil, and pumpkin with a mixer until light and fluffy.
4. In a medium bowl, combine the flour, baking powder, cinnamon, salt and baking soda.
5. Add the flour mixture to the pumpkin mixture. Beat until smooth.
6. Pour batter into greased baking dish and smooth out until level.
7. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
8. When bars have cooled, frost with cream cheese frosting (Recipe below). Makes approximately 15 bars.
1. Combine the cream cheese and butter in medium bowl.
2. Mix until smooth.
3. Slowly add sugar until desired consistency is reached. Stir in vanilla.
]]>“Every leaf speaks bliss to me fluttering from the autumn tree.” ~ Emily Bronte
Here at West Main Creations, we couldn’t agree with Emily Bronte more. Everything about autumn speaks bliss to us. The crisp air. The colorful leaves. The pumpkins. The sugar and spice coming from the kitchen. We love it all!
To celebrate the first day of autumn, we’re offering a special, one-day-only sale this Saturday, September 22, 2018. Get 15% off everything online, plus enjoy free shipping on everything. No minimum orders! The sale starts at 12:00 a.m. MST time (9.22.2018) and runs all day Saturday until 11:59 p.m. MST.
]]>
Okay, okay. I know what you’re thinking! Yes, it does smell. Yes, it is also a great cleaning agent in your home. And yes, it is actually AWESOME for your hair! What exactly does it do Apple Cider Vinegar has a pH level close to human hair. Rinsing with apple cider vinegar on a regular basis can help bring your hair to its natural pH. How do you use it? Many brands are coming out with their own apple cider vinegar rinse. If you are going to purchase a hair product, we suggest buying them from a licensed cosmetologist. Our favorite is by Pureology. If you don’t want to spend the extra money, you can simply use apple cider vinegar that you have in your pantry. The steps are incredibly easy:
This one doesn’t come as much as a surprise as Apple Cider Vinegar. Coconut oil is packed with fatty acids and vitamins that will help nourish your hair. It will help remove sebum oil on the scalp making your scalp less greasy. Who doesn’t want that?! It will also help your hair grow thicker, longer, and stronger! Melt 2 tablespoons of coconut oil. You may need more depending on your thickness and length. Make sure you don’t melt your whole jar. It will mold (we know this by doing that the first time). You can apply to wet or dry hair. Apply from roots to ends. Leave on for at least 15 minutes. You can leave overnight, but it may leave grease stains on your pillow. Just put a towel over your pillow for the night. When you are finished make sure to wash really well. Coconut oil is thick and will leave a greasy residue if not washed out all the way.
If you are like me you hear essential oils and you think, but which one? There are so many! We are here to help! Many essential oils are great for your hair but here are our top 3 oils and how they help:
This is the least common of all the home remedies, but it should be one of the top! Jojoba oil isn’t actually an oil. It is more of a wax ester. Wax esters are closer to the natural oils in our skin. Jojoba Oil is great for more than just conditioning the scalp and hair. It is great for dealing with acne and treating wounds, or even blemishes and stretch marks. Jojoba Oil is packed full of vitamins B & E which helps the moisture in the hair. It can be added to shampoo or conditioner or used on its own as a treatment. A little bit goes a LONG way with jojoba oil. It can also be used as a serum, but be careful how much you use. It can make your hair really greasy. There you have it! Enjoy thicker, longer, more beautiful hair! Do you have any hair care suggestions? We’d love to hear them!
]]>