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blogging, Dog Days of Summer, family fun, grilling, Hardware Store Life, holiday cooking, Home, Homemade Ice Cream, July, recipe, southern cooking, Southern food, southern living, Summer

Southern Sides for the BBQ Grilling Season

July 4, 2024 hardwarelifewife 5 Comments

The highest compliment a Southern cook can receive from someone is the request of their recipe after the meal. It means the dish was deliciously prepared and well received by those who ate it.

I must admit, when I have gotten a request for a recipe, I feel very honored. Today, I’m sharing a few of our family favorites from the summer BBQ grilling season. These side dishes are not revolutionary, but simple favorites that my family enjoys each July 4th.

So to celebrate the grilling season, let’s take a moment to reflect on the classic sides that have become proven favorites. We usually select Hamburgers and hotdogs each July 4th. Having great side items to accompany the best grilled burgers… well, that simply goes without saying. Happy grilling y’all!

A great rub can elevate your July 4th burgers to a new level. We sprinkle a bit of this one at home often to add a little extra touch of flavor. Yes, Wilkes County Hardware has this available in store!

Keegan recommends to add a splash of Sauce to your hotdog!

Baked Beans

My Mama spoiled me. I didn’t realize that fact, but these baked beans have been a staple cookout food ever since I was younger. I am not accustomed to baked beans without meat. Baked beans without hamburger, well that’s just a plain old seasoned bean!!! Like I stated before, my Mama spoiled me with this recipe, so all other baked beans haven’t measured up to Mom’s.

My Mama always made the easiest, and the best baked beans that we all loved, and we still do! Leftovers are rare. The recipe, in the mind. Not written down at all, because it’s a simple recipe to make, using pantry staples. I hope you enjoy!

Mom’s Baked Beans

Ingredients List

1/2-3/4 lb hamburger (cooked)

1T Dried onion

2T Worcestershire sauce ( I adjust the amount I use based on hamburger, making sure all the hamburger is coated with the Worcestershire sauce)

2 Cans Pork Beans

2 T Pancake syrup (depending on how much sweetness you prefer)

1c Ketchup

Simple Steps to A Great Side

1. Fry and crumble hamburger meat well in the skillet, as the hamburger cooks, add dried onions (1 T)

2. Drain hamburger grease prior to adding additional ingredients.

3. Add Worcestershire sauce to hamburger meat once the hamburger meat has browned. Stir well.

4. Turn heat down on skillet/ sauce pan and add pork and beans. Combine the hamburger and beans evenly.

5. Add pancake syrup for a bit of sweetness. Stir well.

Stir the syrup into the bean/hamburger mixture prior to adding the ketchup

6. Add ketchup. Simmer until beans are warmed and tender (20-30 minutes)

I adjust ketchup level to change the color ratio from a pork bean color to a more traditional baked bean color… adding more as needed I typically just squeeze in the ketchup and stir until I’m satisfied with the color. Note the difference between the two photos

Larry Patterson’s Hot Dog Chili

This recipe was gifted to Mom years ago by her friend, Larry. It was an instant family favorite after she made it the first time. Mom shared it with me several years ago and it has become a staple of our summer cookouts. It does require a bit of time to simmer on the stove top, but it’s worth the wait!

Honestly, it’s hard to go back to a canned hot dog chili once you have had a good homemade chili. This recipe is even better on day two… the longer it sits, the spices have a chance to simmer and get into the chili. I love this one on BOTH hamburgers or hotdogs! it freezes well and I half this recipe often.

What are your favorite “must have” items that you put on a hotdog? 🌭

Ingredients

2lbs. Ground hamburger

2t chili powder

2t black pepper

1T Texas Pete

1/2c Ketchup

1c water

Simple Steps to Chili

1. Crumble raw hamburger into large saucepan.

2. Add all spices and Texas Pete to raw hamburger

3. Add Ketchup and water.

4. Stir well and simmer 3-4 hours stirring occasionally.

Fresh Squeezed Lemonade

This recipe is based on my pitcher size I typically use.

3 large lemons

1 cup boiling water

1 cup sugar

2 cups ice

4 cups water

Steps to Making Sweet Lemonade

1. Boil 1 cup water. Add sugar to dissolve into water. Allow to cool.

2. Extract juice from 3- 4 large lemons.

3. Once sugar syrup is dissolved and cooled, add to pitcher with lemon juice.

4. Add 4 cups cold water. Stir in 2 cups of ice. Add a few lemon slices to the top. Refrigerate until ready to serve.

Whether you are enjoying the July 4th holiday cookout or just grilling out for the weekend, I hope you find these simple recipes a great addition to your BBQ fun!

AND Don’t forget the ice cream!!!

Southern Summer… Making Homemade Ice Cream

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Family Splashing Fun-Pool Days of Summer

June 8, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

School is out and the fun days of summer are upon us! Summer days can be spent with family and friends splashing in the sun by the pool. Those pool days can offer a bit a relaxation or a “mini”vacation day, even if it’s at your local community pool or home pool.

The calming mind-body response to a pool or a lake view creates, the “rest and digest” effect, originating in the parasympathetic nervous system. Think about it…connecting back to the water, the sounds of water … aids in relaxation, digestion, and can even lower blood pressure,and your heart rate. I’ll take that oasis of good health all day long!

But before the splashing of summer fun can begin, let’s address the elephant in the room. Owning a pool requires constant maintenance.

In just the last week, the questions are rolling in with the ever moving target of pool maintenance. So let’s take a moment to consider a few common scenarios and keys to safely have fun all summer long. Hopefully these pieces of information might be useful to you as a pool owner or even as a casual visitor to your local pool in search of a relaxing oasis for a brief moment this summer.

Testing the Water

I can recount the numerous times that Dad asked me to go check and complete the quick pool chemistry test for the family pool. Dad taught both my sister and I how to do some of the basic maintenance tasks involved in having a pool. One of those necessary tasks, checking the pool chemistry basics…chlorine levels and PH.

I used a kit similar to this one many times as a kid growing up at home!

Everyone pitched in and helped with keeping the pool water clean, and clear…all the while, maintaining that beautiful, wavy-blue color. We wanted to be ready to swim all summer long with NO green slimy algae growing. It was a lot of work! Scrubbing the side walls, vacuuming the pool, scooping leaves, whatever needed to be done🤪.

**This photograph was a winner for me at Wilkes Art Gallery Photography Exhibition January 2024-1st Place Everyday Life Photography entitled, Walking on Water**

Dad made sure to stay on top of the necessary pool maintenance tasks so that our pool days were fun-filled to balance out all that work…Volleyball games in pool, floating around the pool, basking in the sunshine listening to the latest music tunes on the radio… life couldn’t have been any better! Those are some great pool memories and always look forward to the summer pool season each year, as it offers another way to unwind and relax, and spending time with family.

Chlorine Maintenance

Let’s get back to the task at hand.. Often, our pool customers ask Richard about their pool water and how to keep it chemically balanced all summer long. It’s a delicate balance of maintaining a clean sanitized pool. Having the right tools, equipment, chemicals, and knowledge is crucial to a pool owner.

Here are a few common key factors that will influence the chlorine levels and the PH of the pool water… sun, rain, and heavy use of the pool.

Our pool water testing is complimentary to our customers. No charge for this service!

We often have a collection of empty water bottles and jars by the end of the summer pool season.

Knowing that these three factors (sun, rain, usage) dramatically influence your pool water chemistry, being proactive about your pool chemistry is key. Stay on top of your cleaning and maintenance routines in regard to your pool. Wilkes County Hardware has all the basics you will need for your pool swimming fun all season long… Chlorine, Baking Soda, Algaecide, calcium and more!

Pool Chemicals 101

Another common question thread that we get from our pool customers is how to use these chemicals correctly. Some pool chemicals require a process of stirring and mixing with water prior to pouring into the pool. This process aids in dissolving and a better even distribution of chemicals.

Always use a bucket to stir up chlorine… often times he will use a bucket to stir up other types of pool chemicals as well to ensure even distribution into pool as to not have it sink to bottom.., as this photo demonstrates (see description below for full details)

In order to use granular chlorine effectively, take a clean 5 gallon bucket add some pool water then add granular chlorine. You never want to add water after the granular chlorine, it could create a volatile reaction!!!! Always begin with water. Stir mixture … 15-30 seconds … with a suitable “stick” (wooden paddle, handle, pvc pipe). Pour about half mixture into pool and add in more pool water into bucket and stir again. Pour remaining granular chlorine solution into pool.

Granular pool shock MUST be dissolved using water/bucket method prior to pouring into pool. This is a fast way to boost your chlorine levels like… after a fun pool party to raise your chlorine levels back to where you need it to be.

Chlorine tablets are a great way to **SLOW release** chemicals into your pool, long term. These dissolve in pool over time.

**Liquid chlorine… FAST action and convenient way to boost your chlorine levels and no mixing in a bucket! You can pour straight into your pool.** **One gallon is equivalent to about one granular shock**

Baking soda will help you correct your PH levels when the PH level is too low.

Pool owners can use and Dilute in water … Muriatic Acid to lower alkalinity and PH levels.

***Have fun swimming safely all summer long! Stop by and pick up a new summer shirt at Wilkes County Hardware***

Pool Swim Safety Tips:

1. Never swim alone -swim with a buddy always

2. Be mindful of opening and closing times at your community pool or public pool. AND yes, even when you are on vacation as well! Pool chemistry is checked at least once a day (usually before opening each day). Chemicals are often added prior to opening/closing each day and time is a factor! Give the pool chemicals time to work properly and swim safely without the worry of harsh pool chemicals impacting your skin.

3. Obey all pool rules. This one might be obvious but definitely crucial for a safe swimming environment.

4. Be mindful of drains and skimmers. Stay away from these areas as you swim. Educate your children about these areas as well.

5. Protect your skin! Use proper sunscreen and enjoy your pool day.

6. Avoid night swimming… pool areas should be well lit and have lights installed in the pool for SAFE night swimming. This rule applies back to basic pool hours noted at your public swimming pool, community pool or your vacation swimming pool fun.

7. Roughhousing and running around the pool area creates safety concerns. This also includes the safety equipment, like hanging on the safety rope. The safety rope has to be in place at public pools to designate the shift from shallow to deep water in the pool. If it is damaged, the pool may have to close. 😬

8. Stay weather aware. Summer storms are frequent throughout our area. If you hear thunder, it’s time to get out of the pool.

9. Come prepared. Take the essentials: towels, sunscreen, phone (in case of emergency) water (hydration), first aid supplies (bee stings, cuts etc) and of course the best pool snacks!

10. Lastly, keep watchful eyes on all children in the pool, even though they maybe good swimmers. Accidents can happen can occur instantly.

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May Days are Gardening Days… Garden Reflections

May 31, 2024 hardwarelifewife Leave a comment

May is a prime gardening month. May flowers are in bloom, the vibrant colors are abundant. For me, the month of May means spending time in the garden preparing for the beautiful blooms of summer and waiting for the growth of each young tender plant.

I must confess and fully admit that my garden is always a work in progress… flowers coupled with growing weeds amongst them. This time of the year, the challenge is to keep up with the pace of weed growth, I usually fail miserably. But, “Beauty is in the eye of the beholder”. The memories and the sweat equity of what has been accomplished so far in the garden.

**Dill is springing up everywhere in one of my favorite flower beds and I’m absolutely loving it!**

My style of gardening is a rustic cottage charm. The cottage garden style is less structured and not as formalized. The plantings flow seamlessly together. This style allows for a diverse mix of plants that I love. Viewing from a distance, the pattern of my gardening style is probably not evident to anyone but me.

The ultimate story behind the gardener and garden itself is revealed walking amongst each flower variety, enjoying the blooms, connecting each flower with its own unique story and legacy.

**This pot came from my Mother in law’s home. It is a cherished planter that I look forward to growing beautiful plants inside each year**

The garden story is each flower itself. I have a garden of true memories passed down from generation to generation. My personal connections to my garden flowers and what I have planted is deeply rooted and linked to my personal life experiences and memories of those who I love. So each May I work to bring the garden story back to life, creating a garden full of beautiful memories and vibrant blooms. Nothing could be better!

All this being said, I do have a few plant friends that I love to plant each year. The striking colors, the scents, the aesthetics, and durability(long lasting nature) of the plant definitely impacts my decisions to continue to place these into my garden. But, many of the reasons why I pick the same type of flowers each year is due to my associated memories with these flowers… past celebrations, or memories of strolling through family gardens so many years ago.

**Red Geraniums are a must have in my garden every year, they bring wonderful memories of my two Great Aunts who always had them in their front flower boxes each year.**

So here’s to celebrating this month with a few beautiful blooms. Enjoy the bounty of the blooms that are amongst you at the close of May 2024.

**These perennials were transplanted many years ago from my granny’s flower garden. She often shared her beautiful garden flowers with everyone who loved flowers as much as she did.**

**Thyme is growing and beginning to flower**

**This planter is an oldie Goldie… passed down to me from my mom several years ago. My strawberries are happily growing**

**New handbuilding project completed, a bright red poppy flower added into one of my flower pots**

**Yarrow, gifted seed packet from a dear friend**

Gardening Challenges this month:

1. Critters crawlers… snakes and lizards 😳 stories and more!!! Read more about them in the latest blog post, find the link below.

**Pest control issues are tough on plants, be proactive and stop by Wilkes County Hardware for best options for your garden**

2. Rapid weed growth- May showers have brought an abundance of weeds! Yikes! Time to get out there and get some weeds pulled and sprayed!

**Several types of weed control options are available at WCH**

3. Excessive Rainfall- My peonies and roses took a beating this month with all the rainfall. It was time to deadhead rose bushes after the rainfall, and I have cut back my peonies after they finished flowering.

4. Deer and rabbits oh my! – I have been extremely lucky this spring and little activity has been noted around my garden, but the nibbles have begun by the end of May😬! Time to grab the granular and the spray!

**Options for deer control are available at WCH**

Gardening Successes:

1. New garden plants finds!

2. Garden totem pole in progress

**These are loosely stacked for now waiting on other pieces to be finished and finalized before the pole is placed into the garden. I hope to finish my first project soon.**

3. Planting on the “good garden days”

Yes, I have read up on my almanac for the BEST days in May… find the link below for May Planting BEST Days. June best days are coming out soon on the blog!

4. Beautiful Blooms!

**Updates to my window to the world (view outside my kitchen window) are constantly changing during the flowering season.**

Hanging baskets on the back porch are beginning to fill in with color

Petunias have been constantly showing off in May

5. Tomatoes are coming soon!

I hope your month of May gardening has brought you joy, and great memories. No matter what state your garden finds itself in, Just get growing!

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Earth Day 2024

April 21, 2024 hardwarelifewife 2 Comments

Everyday is Earth Day! April 22nd is the Day we officially designate as Earth Day. The first Earth Day was celebrated back in 1970. Fast forward into 2024, our Earth is still as beautiful as ever! Sharing a few photos of all Earthly things that make our Earthly home just a little bit sweeter… All Things Bright and Beautiful. Remember to take care of our Earth. Enjoy!

All things wise and wonderful. God made them all.

Each bird that sings, He made their glowing colors, He made their tiny wings.

The sunset and the morning, that brightens up the sky

The ripe fruits in the garden, He made them every one.

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Spring is Here! Garden Essentials 101

April 6, 2024 hardwarelifewife 1 Comment

April is here and the Gardening season is upon us! I have prepared for y’all a quick list of TEN basic gardening essentials that are selling quickly AND are just all around good to have basic gardening supplies. All of these items are found inside the hardware store as the 2024 gardening season begins.

Spring Garden Essentials 101

1. Pair of new Gardening gloves

Why replace those old, dirty, grungy gloves??? First of all, the wear and tear factor of your old gloves, notice any holes??? You probably need to get rid of them. Then you must consider the dirt itself… soil does what is does… soil has bacteria and fungi that are constantly breaking down organic matter, wearing gloves just makes good sense as you garden. Been fighting in the weeds already??? Notice a patch of poison ivy? Definitely replace your gloves after the exposure. It’s definitely a good idea to get rid of those old ones for a new pair. I must admit I’m guilty about this one!!! I haven’t replaced my gloves 🧤 lately so this will be on my to do list first 2024!

**These basic garden gloves start at about $3.00 a pair at Wilkes County Hardware**

2. Potting soil– Get growing with a fantastic growing medium. Baccto is definitely in order to refill your pots this Spring. Our repeat gardening customers love this potting soil AND it is a fantastic value!!! Other potting soils price their bags per quart or by Cubic foot(based on volume of product and additives) but not this brand! It’s priced by the gallon, making this a very affordable option and a much better value for quality potting soil! As a FULL service hardware store, we load these heavy bags into your vehicle for you!

**This potting soil is “the workhorse of potting soils” and hands down my favorite! The price point is well above the competition priced at $8.99 for 25 pounds, NOT per quart like the box store!!!!**

3. Fertilizer– As you are planting, add a bit of fertilizer it will go a long way to help you during the growing season increasing the bloom potential for your flowers and adding nutrients to your plants.

**Sprinkle into soil, mix well and water well.**

4. Deer repellent- This is a vigilant and necessary action in our area. It is also very frustrating for homeowners who have a high deer population in their areas to work so diligently for months on creating a beautiful landscape to wake up the next morning to find their hard work all eaten up by 🦌 deer. Ugh!!!

In order for this product to work well, you MUST reapply after a rain storm, or weekly to keep those pesky deer out of growing gardens.

FYI: On a personal note, I have had to switch methods from using pods to sprays/ granular to keep deer activity to a minimum in my yard. If one method doesn’t seem to work well, don’t feel guilty about moving to another method to see if you can minimize the damage to your plants.

**Wilkes County Hardware has a variety of Deer Repellents available for purchase**

5. Water hose/replacement sprayer nozzle – If you water frequently during the spring and summer months, you need to evaluate the wear and tear on your water hose and also consider the consistent sun exposure on your water hose! Did you accidentally leave your water hose outside during the winter season??? It might be a good idea to replace the old worn hose or stop by to pick up a new hose washers, or replacement sprayer.

**I highly recommend the Zero-G water hose! It is a lightweight hose and easy to water gardens without dragging a heavy hose.**

6. Weed control spray– As the weather warms up the weeds seem to grow better than flowers 😳enough said right ??? We keep a variety of different type of ready to go sprays and concentrate weed killers suitable for your specific needs. Stop by to chat with us about your garden care needs soon!

**A variety of weed control products are available at Wilkes County Hardware from earth friendly, 2-4D, to total vegetation control.**

7. Long handle Gardening Tools– Shovels, rakes, hoe, weeding tools…My goodness!!! The list is long!!! It’s now time to check and evaluate your gardening tools. Do they need to be sharpened, OR do you need a new handle???? Before you begin the gardening season, consider the cost of a replacement handle or purchasing a new tool. Wilkes County Hardware can help you with tool sharpening, replacement handles or finding a new tool.

**Scuffle hoes have become quite popular with our customers and sell out frequently**

**I love this long handle tool to get into a smaller space or help with weeding**

**Can’t find in the hardware store? Ask us to order it for you!**

8. Hummingbird feeder- Hummers are on the way back to your yard in April. That’s right… these birds are repeat customers in your yard so be prepared! Hummingbirds are migratory birds & they will be eager to find a full feeder. Hummingbirds will return to the same source of food each and every year, if it is readily available. Be ready with a full feeder for your busy little hummingbirds.

**Hummingbird feeders beginning at less than $10**

Creating A Hummingbird Habitat: A Few Tips for a successful season

A. Hummingbird feeders ideally should be placed 15-20 feet from a window. Shrubs and trees nearby for resting areas for hummingbirds as they feed, and a have water source close by like a bird bath or a fountain.

B. Hummingbird Feeders should be cleaned out every few days as the temperature begins to warm up and feeder should not be placed into full sun.

C. Hummingbirds will be attracted to all the beautiful colors in your yard/garden. Yes, you can plant certain flowers that will attract hummingbirds. Vines, certain perennials, and tubular flowers are welcome sources of nectar.

D. Your Hummingbird feeder should be easily visible for your enjoyment and easy to spot by the hungry little hummingbird. Ideally the same location each year!

E. Lastly, use clear nectar in your feeder only. Yes, hummingbirds love the color red, but nectar is clear in its most natural form…the beautiful red, tubular flowers that hummingbirds love to feed from in nature. If you wish to attract more hummers, then go for a red hummingbird feeder and clear nectar.

9. Hand clippers- I cannot tell you how many times I have misplaced my handheld clippers that I frequently carry around as I’m working in the garden. It’s always good to have an extra pair!

10. Watering Can- Watering is a task that is ongoing the entire gardening season. Treat yourself to a new watering can from Wilkes County Hardware

11. Bonus : Some of y’all might be saying, she can’t count, she only said TEN.. but I HAD TO throw in a bonus… The Gorilla Cart– easy to maneuver, pneumatic wheels, durable tub, dump cart feature. This cart is on my shopping list too y’all!

Something about digging in the dirt is just good for the soul each and every Spring. Watching those beautiful blooms create new life and seeing the colors abound in the garden, simply a pleasure and brings a smile to my heart. My hope… this blog post gets you excited and ready to garden. We are ready and waiting for you to stop in and pick up a few gardening essentials all the while, sharing a few stories about your upcoming projects and goals for 2024 Gardening season. Let’s get Growing!

The Hardware Life – A wife's journey into the hardware business