Off to College

This time of year its hard not to think about all the students getting ready to head back to college.  I would imagine they have so many things to get ready to prepare for the next years journey..
New classes, new teachers, new friends etc.  Some of the best memories are just ahead, memories that will last a life time.
I never had any interest in going to college,  I wish i had.  I have heard some really good college stories from friends and family.  Really funny stuff!!! :)

Don't leave home before you cross these 5 off your list!!

1)  Make sure financial Aid is completed.  It's always good to double check.

2)  Check the directions and arrangements for getting to final destination. Make sure your car has all the necessary repairs, oil change and good tires.  These things will be easier to take care of in your home town where you know and trust who is doing it.

3)  Go over the list of events for  the first week of entering school. This first week is usually full of fun activities to get you antiquated with new people and get you familiar with the area better,  Hall meetings, football games and welcome parties to mention a few,.

4)  Don't forget to have that going away party with all your friends and family.  Make sure to have a camera handy for all the pictures that will make memories for a life time

5)  Living arrangements-  Whether it be a small apartment or dorm room.  You will need to know what items to bring. Coffee pot, small refrigerator, Futon or Chaise Lounge sofa. At
Up North Furniture we have a selection of small sofa's perfect for small apartment living.  Whether it be for a guest to spend the night or an afternoon nap.  They would be great in a college students new pad.



This Lounge moves quickly from chaise to sleeper with its multi-position Click-Clack technology.

It would be so easy to accommodate that last minute overnight guest.

Just look at how simple and yet beautiful this is.  It would make a great place to lounge or hang with friends.  It looks to me like a great place to read a book, whether it be for study or pleasure.

My guess is that no matter how much you try you will never be as prepared as you should for what lies ahead. Enjoy!!!

Grandma's Rhubarb Pie

Grandma's Rhubarb Pie

A great family tradition in my house is Rhubarb Custard Pie. My favorite grandmother made these pies every spring and throughout the summer. In Michigan Rhubarb ripens and is ready for eating in early May. As soon as it is available we make pies, breads, and cakes etc...

When I make my Rhubarb Pie, I use my favorite kitchen tools, I always make my pie crust homemade. It's so much better that way!! Don't ever use store bought ones. You CAN tell the difference. I love how homemade crust has that rustic look to it.  
When I get compliments on my pies, my response is always the same, I tell them that the reason they are so good is because I make them with LOVE!!I have this great. Contemporary Bakers Rack that I store my pie baking supplies in. My rolling pin and rolling cloth are tucked away and out of sight. My favorite pie plates and serving plates display wonderfully on this rack. Its beautiful and a show piece in my kitchen. Its the simplest things can bring such warmth to a home. Its the little things that make a house a home....

Here is Grandma's family favorite Rhubarb Custard Pie recipe:

Rhubarb Custard Pie

In a large bowl add 4-5 cups cut up Rhubarb
2 cups sugar
4 T flour (5 T if you are using frozen rhubarb)
1/2 tsp nutmeg
3 large eggs beaten slightly with fork
3 T milk

mix first 3 ingredients and add beaten egg and milk, mix well.
Stir into rhubarb chunks
Pour into unbaked 9" pie crust
dot with 1 T butter
Bake @ 400 1 hour or until bubbly

Bake one today and make it your family favorite too. Let me know how it goes!!

Not only is this bakers rack really a beautiful piece of furniture, but it also displays collectibles, pottery, pretty dishes and cools grandma's rhubarb pie... :)

We have this Contemporary Bakers Rack and others at Up North Furniture.