How to Make Butter With Kids

This is a fun and easy activity to do with your child.  You will need whipping cream, salt, and a baby food jar or any glass jar with a lid like a mayonnaise jar or a Mason jar.

Instructions:
1. Pour the whipping cream into the jar.
2. Tighten the lid and strongly shake the jar for 10 minutes.  The cream will separate into a liquid (buttermilk) and pale yellow clumps of fat (the butter).
3. Spoon the butter into a bowl.
4.  Use a wooden spoon because a metal spoon will ruin the butter's taste.
5. Rinse the butter with water until the water is clear.
6. Lightly salt for taste.

Laura and Mary Ingalls used to have to pound the churn's dasher up and down for a long time. Pioneer children used to sing: "Come butter, come Peter's standing at the gate waiting for a butter cake. Come butter, come." to pass the time.

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!

Cheri

My Little House on the Prairie Paper Dolls Review

My Book of Little House Paper Dolls The Big Woods Collection brings Pa, Ma, Mary, Laura, Carrie, and Jack right into your home.

The paper doll set is very detailed with Ma's green delaine dress, Pa's fiddle,  Laura's ragdoll Charlotte, and different props such as Carrie's cradle and two giant pull-out scenes of the Ingalls' cabin and the outside of their cabin. The book also features a pocket to store the dolls and accessories.

My daughter has spent many a happy hour playing with this lovely set of paper dolls. This would be an ideal addition to the Little House book collection. 

I rate this product 5 out of 5 stars for its authenticity, incredible details, and price.  It retails for about $12.  

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!

Cheri

Words of Wisdom from Ma Ingalls

I have read the Little House on Prairie books since I was 11 years old and Ma's words still ring clear and true. Ma was a resourceful, gentle, loving, and practical woman. I have complied a list of some of her best sayings.

Ma was trembling, and she began to laugh a little.  "To think," she said, "I've slapped a bear."  (Little House in the Big Woods, Two Big Bears Chapter.)


"If wisdom's way you wisely seek,
Five things observe with care.
To whom you speak,
Of whom you speak,
And how, and when, and where." (Little Town on the Prairie, The School Board's Visit Chapter.)


Ma used to say,
"Wash on Monday,
Iron on Tuesday,
Mend on Wednesday,
Churn on Thursday,
Clean on Friday,
Bake on Saturday,
Rest on Sunday." (Little House in the Big Woods, Winter Days Chapter.)

"This earthly life is a battle," said Ma. "If it isn't one thing to contend with, it's another. It always has been so, and it always will be. The sooner you make up your mind to that, the better off you are, and the more thankful for your pleasures." (Little Town on the Prairie, Blackbirds Chapter.)

"You may be well prepared to teach school and still not be a schoolteacher, but if you are not prepared, it's certain that you won't be." (Little Town on the Prairie, Unexpected in April.)

"I believe you can, Laura," Ma said. "Do not be excited or frightened. There is no occasion to be. Just pretend that it is a school examination and you will be all right." (Little Town on the Prairie, Unexpected in December.)

"Laura, Laura," Ma protested in distress. "How can you be so unforgiving? That was years ago." (Little Town on the Prairie, The School Board's Visit Chapter.)

Ma said to Laura that Mary would be at home to stay when she finished college, and it might be that she would never have another opportunity to travel. It was nice that she could have this pleasant time and make so many new friends while she was young. "She will have it to remember," Ma said. (These Happy Golden Years, Nellie Oleson chapter.)

Who gets this shawl? Pa asked, and they all said, "Ma!" Such a beautiful shaw was for Ma, of course. Pa laid it her arm, and it was like her, so soft and yet firm and well-wearing, with the fine, bright colors in it. "We will all take turns wearing it," Ma said."And Mary shall take it with her when she goes to college." (The Long Winter, The Christmas Barrel chapter.)

Please feel free to add your favorite quotes.

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations!

Cheri

Making Ma Ingalls Style Pancakes

Ma certainly knew had to make occasions extra special. Even though the Ingalls were poor, Ma's resourcefulness created lifelong memories for Laura.

Ma made pancake men for each child on Christmas. The girls all took their time and nibbled away at their pancakes. Greedy Peter gobbled up his pancake man.

I slowly poured a small circle and then added the torso and limbs into my cast iron skillet a la Caroline Ingalls' style.

You can also pour your pancake batter into metal cookie cutters. You will need to generously spray cooking spray on the cookie cutters and quickly flip your pancakes. The little pancakes will cook a lot more quickly than regular-sized pancakes.

Thank you for stopping by ViBella Inspirations! I will be working on Little House on the Prairie themed posts. Please check back soon.

Cheri