# 7 Grow Something

My Little Bed & Breakfast

Baby Pumpkin

A few months ago a little vine sprouted from underneath a tree in my backyard. For the longest time, it was a mystery vine. It looked like a squash/zucchini plant, a very large non-producing squash/zucchini plant. To my surprise and 15 feet of vines later, a little round yellowish-green object appeared. Now this vine has taken over my backyard and my heart. Totally kidding on that last part.

This being the end of my first year in this house, I don’t know if this is a recurring vine or if I simply let one of last year’s pumpkin rot in that particular place. I’m kinda guessing it’s the latter and therefore slightly more magical. Why do I feel like Cinderella?

Well I’ve been very hands-off up until this weekend. All I’ve done is simply ogle over my round little friends and take their pictures. But as my inner-nurturer began to take over, I took to the internet and my local Home Depot to figure out what I could do.

So today I created a little pumpkin bed & breakfast.

The twins

For the breakfast part I applied some Osmocote around the base of the vine. It’s very surprising to me that from this one root grows twenty something feet of pumpkin vines. I’m hoping this fertilizer cocktail will create some large healthy pumpkins.

During my internet research I found that creating a bed of sand beneath the pumpkin will protect it from both snails and slugs. These pesky boogers are known for burrowing down in to the pumpkin which at this point would be devastating to me, especially if it were to happen to my big pumpkin.

Survival of the fittest

Finally, I learned that sometimes you have to eliminate some bad seeds to increase the survival rate of the others. I guess it’s kind of like survival of the fittest. So I snip the little guys off and toss them into the yard. Who knows? Maybe they’ll turn into a vine next year.

So here I stand in the middle of September with a number of beautiful young pumpkins. (one of which is promised to my new friend Randy at Home Depot). I hope by Halloween that I’ve been able to produce a lively crop. Perhaps one of them will turn into a magical carriage and carry me away to Prince Charming. (What a load of crap!)

Update:

Maddox & his pumpkin

Turns out that a pumpkin vine can only support one pumpkin at a time…In a few weeks I went from 30 pumpkins to four. Then a pesky little squirrel took a bite of one so I’m down to 3. I am not one to be ungrateful though. These 3 pumpkins are absolutely majestic and after a conversation with my neighbor it turns out that these beauties are a result of last year’s rotting pumpkin.

To answer anyone that might be pondering this question: no, I will not be carving these pumpkins. I will be purchasing a normal (non-heirloom) pumpkin to butcher. Maybe I’ll even throw a carving party.  Does anyone out there have a fond memory of carving pumpkins from their childhood?

Getting messy. My fav past time

#6 Make Something

First off...This post is in honor of the Indie Craft Parade taking place this weekend in downtown Greenville at the Huguenot Mill. Please go out and support it!

Truth be told, the only thing I made this Labor Day was a mess.I started out with a plan to repaint the old windows hanging in my living room and the side tables next to my sofa. I ended the day with myself, patio table and deck covered in high gloss Araucana Teal and a minor flesh wound.

I had been wooed by the ads for Martha Stewart’s new paint collection at Home Depot so $50 later I returned home with 3 different colors, brushes, paint scrapers, etc etc etc…Then came the trip to Michael’s where I purchased 5 mini birdcages, art paper, ribbon, more brushes and a 3-D wooden monkey puzzle (random, I know).

Most of these projects will have to wait but I did manage to paint (2) side tables, (2) medium-sized windows, a small bookshelf and a larger window (whose one pane is now broken as a result of direct impact with my knee). Most of this I was able to accomplish with only minor mess. I was even able to keep the paint on the bottom third of the paint brush (trust me, this is an accomplishment).

clean up on aisle 7!

But here comes the mischief. I put the top on the quart of paint to give it a good shake before I started the final paint job and my thumb slipped. Next thing I know myself, the table, the deck and various other items are covered in paint. In order to document this ridiculousness, I grab my phone to snap a picture and then it was also covered in paint. The paint brush (every third of it) is now covered top to bottom covered in paint. I actually used it and some of the paint from my hands to finish my final project. (I’m a real hands-on kinda girl)

Given the day I’d had (which I will spare you all those details), I propped my paint colored feet up and indulged in a glass of wine while I watched the paint dry.

hard work / mischief = reward

 Resources:

• Indie Craft Parade
• Martha Stewart Paint 

As for the mini bird cages, I’m thinking either Christmas tree ornaments, a mobile, garland. Any thoughts here? I guess we’ll just see what develops.



Update:

Whenever I start feeling a bit down I can always count on my right brain to bring turn things around. Inspired by some of the things I saw at the Indie Craft Parade, I set out to create a little fall mischief. My two major creations from this weekend were the sweater wreaths and some leaf garland. And after all my crafting I’ve realized how desperately I need a craft station. As you can see from one of the pics below, my dining room table is now serving as my dumping ground. (Hey dad, get to thinking on this one!)

Some call it a mess, I call it creativity.

#5 Go Hiking

Take a hike!

As I child I fondly remember our many family trips to the mountains, Josh and I would spend hours playing among the streams near our campgrounds and hiking through the forest to explore creeks and waterfalls. I especially remember a trip with dad to Yellowstone.


In 2001, Dad and I set out on a 3,000 mile journey to Victoria, British Columbia. I was to spend a semester at the University of Victoria as an exchange student and being the American that I am, I had to have my car. The highlight of our long journey was a quick break in Yellowstone. Other than some adventures with buffalo and the geothermal wonders of the park, one of the most memorable parts of the trip was our adventure down to a waterfall.


So as I was scrolling through my GSA Weekend email, I stumbled upon the words Waterfall Extravaganza. Given that it was approximately 102 degrees on this particular Thursday nothing  sounded more appealing to me. The trip was a four mile hike to 3 of the most spectacular waterfalls in the southeast; Hooker Falls, Triple Falls and High Falls.

With an overly packed backpack (seriously, I could have survived in the woods for days), I headed to Dupont State Forest, slightly over the North Carolina state line. What a beautiful day to drive up to mountains! It was 70 degrees, slightly foggy and with the windows and sunroof open, music blaring and heater running, I zoomed my way through the mountains excited to take on another adventure.

After several hours of hiking, we arrived at our final destination of Hooker Falls, which when it comes to people watching is pretty much the North Carolina equivalent of Lake Hartwell. After a little encouragement from our leader Jenna, I climbed over to the waterfall and crawled underneath. (I highly recommend doing this if you ever get the opportunity) After enjoying a few moments underneath the waterfall staring into the massive wall of water pouring over my head, we slid down the rock into the pool below.

I headed back down the mountain with two things on my mind 1) nourishment 2) nap. I stopped by the Bohemian for a to-go burger and after inhaling the thing, it was time for a long afternoon nap. (I think I may have bathed at some point, but there's really no guarantee). I'm really looking forward to recruiting some folks for another mountain trip really soon.

Special thanks to Jenna, Spartanburg Parks Commission's L.E.A.F. program, and the fun people I met along the way. And to HS, I promise to be a bit bolder with my future adventures.

Check it out!

• Dupont State Forest
• L.E.A.F.
• The Bohemian Cafe

#4 Take Exotic Dancing Classes

Talk about being a tease…

So I left work yesterday on a mission to purchase some sexy stripper-like shoes and some new “gym” clothes. The shoes, while not completely strip-tastic, are still pretty awesome. I mean, who could possibly hate on some 4-5 inch stilettos that are a mixture of both bondage and safari? (probably my poor feet for one, but who cares) Anyways…After some successful purchases I headed home where I proceeded to get mentally (and somewhat physically) prepared.

But crap! Little did I know that the first session is really only a meet and greet.

So for those of you that don’t know me that well, let me backfill for a second or two….You see, I am one of the only girls I know that didn’t make the dance team in junior high. The problem lies in the fact that 1) I have strange rhythm or perhaps no rhythm at all 2) I have very long arms and can sometimes appear awkward and 3) I’m just way too silly.

So here I am. For the next 8 weeks I will be embarking on a journey to explore my inner exotic dancer.

But herein lies the real problem. I have yet to come up with my “dancer” name. If you have any suggestions, please let me know and bonus to those names that can relate back to an actual song. Because get this! The last class is actually a recital where we dress up and can dance to our own song. I’m all about themes so help me out. And sorry boys, you’re not allowed at the recital. Girls only!


For those interested:
West End Dance Company

Update:
The dance lessons are now over as are the life and times of Phoenix (my dancing alter ego that was a little to wild not to be kept in her cage). The classes were a blast but even more so were the times spent with my dancing partners, Countess Preening Peacock and Red. Good luck with the next round!

And thanks to Mr. Corde for assisting with the name selection. The mythological bird rising from the ashes is very fitting for the life I'm leading now. As for the song, major props to HLT for selecting Voodoo Child by Jimi Hendrix.

#3 Take a Cooking Class

What a culinary adventure!

During my family vacation in June I decided that for my birthday I wanted to take a cooking class and from that the idea for the 30x30 blog blossomed. So this past Friday, I traveled to Atlanta where I met my mom for a little mother-daughter weekend.

But first a quick look back…

Growing up I fondly remember the summer days where Josh (my brother) and I, perched ourselves in front of the television with our cheese sandwiches watching the Food Network. Decades later I cannot begin to add up the number of hours I have spent watching this delightful network. I guess with that and my first Betty Crocker cookbook, a true foodie was born.

So on Saturday, my mother and I journeyed to the Viking Cooking School in Atlanta for a 5-hour hands-on class on French Culinary Basics. I have never seen that much butter put to such good use. I really think we used a pound in each recipe. Gotta love the French!

Here’s the menu:

• Classic French Bread
• Cheese Soufflé
• Beef Bourguignon

• Seafood Crepes

• Tarte Tatin

Favorite highlights:

Making crepes – Mom and I took to a range and got to work making four beautifully crafted and expertly flipped crepes. I think a crepe pan is next on my list to purchase. (I say next b’c I already picked up a baguette pan at a kitchen outlet on the way home. Here comes the fresh baked bread!)

Making the baguettes – I had to get in on this action. After hours of feeding, kneading, beating and sleeping, it was time to make our beautiful artisanal loaves. First you stretch the dough into a rectangle and then you fold it several times, sealing the edges each time. Finally you pick it up and lay it seam side down on the baguette pan. The final touch prior to baking is the slitting of the baguettes, which requires a razor blade or sharp knife.  

Eating it all – After all the food was complete, we all sat down at the table to enjoy the fruits of our labor. There are few things better in this world than a freshly baked baguette dipped in the savory sauce of beef bourguignon.

The finishing touch.

Lucky for us, dinner reservations weren’t until 9pm. For anyone heading to Atlanta soon, go to JCT Kitchen in the Westside Urban Market. It was mind blowing!

 

For dinner:

Iceberg salad – a wedge of iceberg lettuce topped with blue cheese, radishes and onion strings. I just might like this better than the classic of bacon and tomatoes.

Wood Grilled ½ Chicken with duck fat crisped heirloom potatoes, lacquered pork belly and local honey

Meyer lemon doughnuts with expresso ice cream – these things melted in your mouth

I have to say that the class and weekend more than lived up to any expectations. Special thanks to mom for coming along for the adventure.

Resources:

Viking Cooking School

JTC Kitchen

Next up on the list: Boxing lesson

A quick rewind:

Truth be told, this all took place last weekend before the blog was actually set up. If anyone feels especially cheated then I guess it doesn't have to count towards the goal.
Perhaps I need to form an oversight committee to rule on these types of issues.

On to the real story...

Growing up, my grandmother, May, would always cook a special meal for each of her children's and grandchildren's birthdays. While the dinner menu may have changed over the years, the dessert never did. As long as I can remember, my birthday dessert was homemade caramel cake with peach ice cream. So last Saturday I set out on an adventure to create homemade peach ice cream from freshly picked South Carolina peaches.

The hurdles came early and often. First off, the peaches on the trees would not be ripe enough for ice cream so I had to settle for a basket of very ripe peaches. In my defense, I did at least take the time to wander through the orchard and I promise to return sometime soon to actually do my own picking.

Where to go:
Fisher's Orchard
Greer, South Carolina
www.fishersorchard.com

After a slight detour to Campbell's Covered Bridge and the Tomato Vine, I made it home with my pre-picked peaches and began the ice cream adventure. After hours of boiling, freezing, peeling and squashing, the mixture was ready to go into the fridge but oops, I put the freakin’ stuff in the freezer. So here I am on Sunday morning trying to thaw out the creamy peach ice block. Lucky for me the summer heat worked its magic. So all was going well and I proceeded to prepare a massive southern meal for some friends. After hours of refilling ice and salt, I figured it was set so I got lazy. By the time we finished eating, the mixture had completely melted. Luckily I was able to resuscitate the mixture 30 minutes later just as our butter and salt comas were lifting.

Thanks to some good friends for giving me a great excuse to cook and for sacrificing their bodies to the 30x30 cause.

2 down and 28 to go!
(Blog and Peach Ice Cream)

The start of some things new...

So here I am, one year and some odd days shy of my 30th birthday. For whatever it’s worth, this is not a quarter, third or mid-life crisis. Simply put, I just want to try new things. You see, less than a year ago I began a new life for myself. I realized (much like in the book Eat, Pray, Love) that I have a tendency to lose myself in people, relationships, situations, etc…In plain English, I just felt bored with myself.

With that said, I am starting a blog to try 30 new things before my 30th birthday. Some of these things will be small and trivial, some large and significant. I welcome your input and insights. And further, if you’d like to join me on one of my so-called adventures, well then, I’d like that too.

Here's a rough draft of some things I'm considering:

1. Write a blog
2. Take a French cooking class
3. Take a First aid class
4. Take a self defense class
5. Take a meditation class
6. Cook a dish with mussels
7. Make homemade bread
8. Teach Maddox a new trick (or just to behave)
9. Volunteer to help underprivileged children
10. Join a networking group
11. Bike the Swamp Rabbit Trail
12. Run the Cooper River Bridge Run
13. Build something
14. Make a triple layer cake
15. Send birthday cards
16. Go camping
17. Explore local waterfalls
18. Go to a roller derby game
19. Take French lessons
20. Bake croissants
21. Take a group to First Fridays
22. Get a Concealed Weapons Permit
23. Take a golf lesson
24. Learn a new song on the piano
25. Visit Happy Cow Creamery
26. Join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture)
27. Visit the Makers Mark distillery
28. Host a dinner party
29. Take shag lessons
30. Make peach ice cream
31. Buy a lottery ticket
32. Bake Christmas cookies
33. Take a group to a hockey game
34. Wear a sock monkey costume downtown

This list will certainly evolve over time but I think it's a good starting point for now. And just a note to anyone wanting to suggest something for me to try, keep it clean. That's all I'm going to say about that.