Recommended Reading List #2

Please forgive my absence from the blogging world. Wow! Quite a bit has happened since I made the Borscht (which actually tastes even better the second day). My laptop and I are in a completely new house in a completely new state! In short, the Lord has led our family down a new path. We're starting a new ministry called "Church Around the Table". But that would take up an entire blog post! The website is up and running, though and you can take a sneak-peek at churcharoundthetable.com

In all my absence, I have read several new books that I needed to share. So, I felt it was high time to make another post about my favorite books. There have been several new additions!

The first book I must share with you is "They Loved to Laugh" by Kathryn Worth. My dear aunt lent us this book awhile back and I have finally picked it up. Set in the 1830s, it's the story of an orphan girl named Martitia who goes to live with a quaker family with 5 boys who are all determined to make her learn how to laugh. It's a touching story about family loyalty, joy, pride and piety with a sprinkle of sweet romance!

 I now realize that I haven't mentioned my very favorite book series; one of the best, in my opinion. The Elsie Dinsmore series written by Martha Finley. The series begins with 8 year-old Elsie in anticipation of her estranged father's return and follows her all through the rest of her life. I started reading the first one when I was 9, but it rather went over my head. I picked them up again when I was 12 and I've never looked back! There are abridged (forgive my language) versions, but I encourage any young girl who wishes to read them without mother or sister to explain the advanced words and long sentences, wait until they are more acquainted with antiquated language than to start off with an inferior abridged version. I recommend these next two books to get younger girls started with understanding the older style of writing...

I give you "The Little Lamb" by Christoph Von Schmid and "Little Threads" by Elizabeth Prentiss. These precious stories geared toward younger girls as a read-aloud are great for introducing antiquated language and old-fashioned values to your little ones. The Little Lamb follows young Christiana as she raises a little lamb for her poor mother. It teaches compassion, perseverance, honesty and contentment. In Little Threads, two girls, known by their nicknames, Tangle Thread and Golden Thread learn lessons revolving around filial love, obedience and generosity. 

Harvey Newcomb has written many books on the formation of godly character geared mostly toward young adults and I've found his works to be most helpful. His book "How to be a Lady" is a gem! Some girls might balk at the idea of having a man tell her what is acceptable or not in womanly character. But if you think about it, we get perks from learning from the wise men in our lives; we see it from their perspective and gain insight that we may not have learned from another woman. I am by no means saying that the advice of other women should be rejected! But to take the inspired advice from godly men is nothing to be frowned upon. I encourage you to read any of Harvey Newcomb's books. They are all excellent to encourage Christian character!

And finally, Elisabeth Elliot's wonderfully written biography of Amy Carmichael. Now, for years I had heard the name of Amy Carmichael repeated in many places like our conferences and Bible studies and I always wondered who she actually was. Recently, I have opened the pages of Elisabeth Elliot's captivating account and now I understand what all the "fuss" was about :) "A Chance to Die" has actually been a life-shaping book for me. Amy's willingness to follow the Lord's call at any cost has challenged me and her warrior mind-set has called me to arms! Will you answer the call?

This concludes my second book list. I would love to hear what you think; especially if you get the chance to read any of these titles! You can email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com . Enjoy!

A Sister Blog...and a Brother Blog...Literally!

I couldn't be prouder to announce that my dear younger brother and sister have joined the blogging universe! I've been begging them to create their owyn blogs for years now; writing skills like theirs should not be squirreled away, says I.  So, here I am, a somewhat established blogger, here to introduce them.

First, my brother Max's blog is going to sweep the world by storm! I urge you to visit the newest country on the internet; The United States of Baconia! A blog dedicated entirely to Jesus and His gift of Bacon. Visit theunitedstatesofbaconia.blogspot.com right now!

Next up is my sister Marley's brand-spankin'-new blog that goes against all expectations. Enter "No-Go Status-Quo". I know, it's REALLY catchy! In her blog, Marley encourages us as Christians to stop conforming to the world's image and start conforming to the image of Christ; to be God-pleasers, not people-pleasers. nogostatusquo.blogspot.com  Every time I log on, I'm encouraged in my own journey and I know that you will be, too.

So put your hands together for the best new blogs on the block; The United States of Baconia and No-Go Status-Quo!

Borscht Recipe

I've been dying to try and make some Borscht lately, and finally got the chance to do it tonight. Since my Dad's family is Russian, I felt like making Borscht would be...I don't know, a traditional kind of thing. Like Noodle Kugel and Matzo Ball Soup and Challah :)

So, I looked around on the internet at different Borscht recipes and none of them were in my time frame or qualified for our diet. I decided then, that I would make my own recipe! Since we have such a large family, you might need to cut it in half.

Here it is; McKenna's Original recipe. Presenting...

BORSCHT

 (Serves 12)

Time: 1 Hour 

 6 Medium Organic Beets, Cubed

3 Cups Organic Cauliflower, Chopped

64oz. Beef Broth (Store-Bought Organic or Homemade)

2 lbs. Organic Grass-Fed Chuck Shoulder Roast

1 Organic Onion, Sliced

2 T. Cold-Pressed Extra-Virgin Olive Oil (for Sauteing)

½ C. Red or White Wine Vinegar

Salt & Pepper

Dill (Optional Garnish)

Sour Cream (For those not on a Paleo Diet or the Whole 30 Diet)

 Combine the Beets, Cauliflower and Beef Broth in a large soup pot. Simmer.

While soup is working up to a simmer, generously salt the Chuck Roast(s) and sear it in the Olive Oil in a super-hot sauce pan 1-2 minutes each side. Let the meat rest on a cutting board 5 minutes, then cut it into small pieces for the soup. Return to not-so-super-hot pan and brown with the onions, Vinegar and a cup of Water.

 While the meat is browning, remove a third of your soup (mostly the veggies) into a blender or food processor. Blend into a thick puree. Add back to the soup pot (you may have to do the pureeing in multiple batches). 

Finally, add the meat into the soup pot (making sure to include all the onions and liquid that is now very beefy). Boil the Borscht until the Beet cubes are tender, but not mushy. Add the Salt and Pepper for flavor. Serve hot with the garnishes of your choice and enjoy your delicious, meaty Borscht! 

Inspired by Film Fashion Event//Day 6 (Day3)

Today's www.bramblewoodfashion.com blog event's theme is "Sci-fi/Fantasy/Fairytale". I decided to base today's outfit on 

Snow White from "Mirror Mirror". 

I curled my hair again, side-swept my bangs (they're longer than hers) and added bright eye makeup and strawberry-red lip sheen :) The outfit is based on her forest fighting garb. I happened to have a shirt the same color as her blousson, a black vest and flowy gauchos...just like hers! I added the gray shawl that she wore the evening she found out that Prince Alcott was going to marry the Queen.

"Who's ready to crash a wedding?"

Snow the brave!

My sister was a great photographer! I don't know how she captured the lighting in this one, but it looks great!

"En garde!"

This is the Spanish blade that my brother graciously allowed me to use.

 I can't believe this is the second-to-last day of the event! I've had such fun and it gave me the idea to do it myself someday. What do you think? Would you participate? Comment or email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com

Inspired by Film Fashion Event//Day 5 (Day 2)

Today's theme for the "Inspired by Film" blog event is 1990s-2010s. It was a hard decision. I debated through some of my favorite movies, "Leap Year", "Mission: Impossible-4", "The Princess Protection Program", etc (I know, it's a broad spectrum...). But I finally decided on taking today's outfit inspiration from Hannah Lawson, the main character on "October Baby" one of my very favorite movies of all time! 

I pulled inpiration from different outfits she wore throughout the movie. I wore my bangs up and put some curls in with my waves ;) Then, a floral tank (bringing in the floral blouse) and over it, a sleeveless cardigan (like the one she wore at the end). I paired my tops with the simplicity that Hannah sticks to; a single-pendant necklace and a wide bracelet.

I'm clearly not used to taking "Selfies" (I was looking at the camera, not the mirror!)

 It wasn't that creative, but so much fun! 

Inspired By Film Fashion Event//Day 4 (Day 1 for me...)

I just found out today about a blog event going on. And, I'm a little late joining in, but here is my "Entry" for today. The theme is 1960s and I had this dress sitting in the basement with the Summer clothes, ready to wear and perfect for the occasion! This dress, I made from a "Vintage Vogue" pattern especially for my birthday last year on which day, I attended a garden-party-style wedding. In the first pictures, I wore it casually, with a thick brown belt, denim blazer, pearls and open-toe wedges paired with an Italian-leather purse.

In sitting down, I bumped my elbow on the arm of the rocking chair :P

These are my favorite shoes!

I was giving "the look" to my brother who graciously acted as photographer :)

"Ouch!" That was right after I bumped my elbow!

 A close-up of the purse, belt and blazer.

Here, I replaced the belt with the original cummerbund that I made for the wedding, took off the blazer and added long gloves and a yellow clutch.

The back of my cummerbund with a knot.

Here is the VINTAGE crinoline, I wore underneath the skirt. A birthday present from my dear Aunt!

So, there you have it. My 1960s-inspired ensembles for the "Inspired by Film" fashion event hosted by www.bramblewoodfashion.com . Click the icon on the right side of the screen to go straight to the event. It started last Sunday and ends this Saturday (I missed a few days because I wasn't aware...) I hope you'll join me for a late entry. Maybe I shall host an event like that soon. What do you think?
Feel free to pin any of these pictures, but be sure to provide a link back to my blog in the description. Thanks!

Late 18th Century + Early 19th Century Gowns

So, I've officially started taking photos of all the things I made last year. Thanks for your patience! First, Mirial's Georgian formal gown and Mandee's Regency gown. They match! Hope you enjoy :)

I told Mandee, "Just look up at the tree..."

Grins :D

Detail on the ruffle sleeve and gathers at the waistline.

Please don't kill me, fellow seamstresses...I put a zipper in!

Detail on the skirts.

Mirial was gathering her "nuts".

Mandee wanted to pick "nuts", too!

More grins! Always grins!!!

 

 

 

 

 I hope you liked the pics. It was so much fun taking them! Chilly, but so much fun! If you have any questions, email me at missmckennaray@gmail.com. I'd love to hear from you and become friends!