This post is a bit embarrassing for me to write. . Even though I haven’t lived there for 5 years, I am still a southern gal at heart. If you heard me speak, there would be no mistake. Believe me – people know! Most of you know cooking is relatively a new concept for me. Out of all the pans, dishes, gadgets, spoons, etc. in my kitchen, one thing has been missing.
This baby came home with me yesterday. Now, after G and I were first married, I had one. One that I didn’t know how to clean or store properly. Eventually, it got all rusty and yucky. Needless to say, I no longer have it. There are many types of cast iron cookware, but I think this skillet is the most versatile. Here are a few do’s and don’ts regarding cast iron.
Don’t:
Soak in water – It will rust.
Put in the dishwasher – Again, it will rust.
Boil water in the skillet/cookware – You guessed correctly, it will rust.
Do:
To remove burned-on food, scrub with coarse salt, and/or a nonmetal brush.
Every now and then, you can clean with mild dish soap.
Make sure to dry the skillet completely!
To prevent rust, dry the skillet and lightly coat the cooking surface with cooking oil.
Use a good pot holder or thick towel when touching the skillet. It gets very hot!
As you have read, I am not an expert on cast iron skillets. Just passing a few tips forward to you.
**Even though I love watching him cook, Emeril has no idea I bought this skillet. There are many companies out there that produce cast iron cookware. I am sure they all produce equally good food.***
Have a great weekend!
Jen
Recently, I visited one of my favorite stores – Williams-Sonoma. While browsing, I came across a new gadget to add to my favorite things 
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A cherry/olive pitter. I do not eat olives – but I LOVE cherries!
My cherry addiction began while living in NYC. I made several trips to the corner market buying cherries and fresh pineapple.
The pit inside the cherry is not a big deal when you eat them for a snack. Cooking with cherries is another story.
Look at this delicious bowl of cherries!
The pitter is very simple to use. And a bit messy.
I warned you it was a bit messy. Look at the side of the bowl .
What should I do with all those cherries?
I will show you tomorrow .
Happy Monday!
Jen
Mrs. Joyce, an elementary teacher and friend, asked if I could give her some ideas on organizing her classroom. I had the privilege of working with her for several years. What a wonderful lady, and one of a kind teacher! So, because it’s for you Mrs. Joyce, I am happy to do this post. I had to dig a bit for some ideas. I never had a neat classroom. I tried, but just not in my blood. My former teacher assistants – Sherry, Tina, and Edna – kept my classroom in order. They would tell you the same. It’s been several years since I have seen them – miss you all.
Searching for ideas has taken quite a while. I decided to break it into sections. Part 1 features dream classrooms. Most teachers would drool over any of these beautiful spaces.
1canoe2.com
So clean and organized. Love the pennant and pom poms!
source
So bright and welcoming!
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Those of you that have read previous posts know that I tend to jump from one project to the next. I am proud to say the front entrance hasn’t been forgotten – update on Friday. But I still daydream from time to time about future projects. One in particular: the guest bedroom. So many beautiful bedrooms on Pinterest….here are a few.
Love the wall décor 
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photography by Jason Loucus
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Are you on Pinterest? If not, then you should be! I love it. So many beautiful pictures and wonderful ideas. I could search for hours. Maybe I already have….??? I have no comment on that 
. Here are a few of my favorites.
Party Starters
cake created by Kevin Sharkey
Simply Seleta
Lemonade Makin’ Mama
Kara’s Party Ideas
created by Jenny Cookies
ish and chi
the virginia house
Me Oh My
At Home with Kim Vallee
created by Hostess with the Mostess
Link Party :)
You can go to Pinterest and request an invite. You can also email me for an invite – jennifer@dishesandsocks.com. Don’t blame me if you spend endless hours on this site. I am just passing along the information 
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Happy Hump Day!
Jen
