The Old Post Road

A Winner!

2012-01-27T12:25:00.000-05:00

Love this pretty shade of gray for cabinets.....

traditional kitchen design by seattle kitchen and bath Warmington & North via houzz

And how smart it was to carve out this bookcase in a typically neglected space beneath the stairs....
traditional staircase design by chicago kitchen and bath Stonebreaker Builders & Remodelers via Houzz
One more pretty kitchen.....

source

And the winner of my "I Just Sold 100 Items on Etsy" GIVEAWAY is B'Ham!!

Enjoy your day!!!!

Is it Spring, Yet?

2012-01-25T07:04:00.001-05:00

Camellias in a Compote 12"x12"

Not quite, but it certainly feels like spring. Here in Georgia, we haven't yet had winter. I am actually STILL waiting on my camellias to bloom. The buds have been teasing me for a few weeks.

Found these images via Pinterest...

source

Have a great day!

Update on My Kitchen Update

2012-01-24T07:40:00.004-05:00

Thank you for all of your input regarding my cabinet facelift! I decided to take your advice (and my daughter's advice) and I used Paper "A" - the scroll pattern.

In case you missed it, I bought four different scrapbook papers at Hobby Lobby last week and let everyone give me their opinion regarding my choices here.

Most of you selected "A," as did my daughter. I really wanted "B", but my decision was MADE for me when I got to Hobby Lobby. They were sold out of Pattern "B" (the bright green with white flowers).

This little mini-facelift cost $5.05 and took less than 30 minutes.

How is that for an economical and easy way to lift your spirits every time you grab a dish?

I papered two cupboards with the scrapbook sheets.

And double stick tape was my new best friend.

I spent a whopping 20 minutes on this project. But I am not picky about seams or anything. If you are the type who notices unmatched seams on the back of a kitchen cabinet, you might want to go with a simpler print. The pattern in this paper did not align with the edge of the adjacent sheet. Overlapping didn't make it match, either. But I don't care - just don't point it out to my hubby.

Terry at Architectural Tourist suggested I change the papers out every season. My daughter and I agree with Terry - and we are really excited about next Christmas season!

~~Today is the last day to enter my GIVEAWAY!~~

~~click here to enter, or click on this banner....~~

Have a wonderful day!

Joining Metamorphosis Monday and To Do Tuesday and Sugar Bee Crafts and My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia and Reasons to Skip the Housework and Get Your Craft On and Lady Bug Blessings and Savvy Southern Style

My New Dream Home and Some Art

2012-01-23T11:49:00.000-05:00

I found my new favorite dream home on the pages of the February issue of Southern Living
.

This is P. Allen Smith's home.

I would sit on this porch with this view, all day....

His home and gardens are actually open for tours. Here is the website and here is an aerial view I found on his website.....

My yard does not look like that.

Hope you had a nice weekend. Mine was quite busy!

My father-in-law turned 75 this past week. I painted him a cow.....

He has limousin cattle and that is what I attempted to paint. My son informed me that this is obviously a brahma. I disagree.

I also found time to paint some camelias....

Camellias on Blue 14"x14"

Be Joyful Camellias 14"x14"

The bright blue is a lot of fun!

I also finished this painting.....

Every Good Bird Gift 20"x20"

Also - Please remember to sign up for my "I Just Sold 100 Items on Etsy GIVEAWAY!"

Enjoy your day!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2012-01-22T07:02:00.014-05:00

St. Fechin's Church, Termonfeckin, Ireland

Colossians 1:9-20

For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Inexpensive Kitchen Face Lift

2012-01-21T06:09:00.003-05:00

I shared this photo with you earlier this week.....

Better Homes and Gardens

Since then, I have been to Hobby Lobby and I found a few scrapbook papers -50% off!

I am going to line the back of my cupboard with them.

Which one do you think I should use? (ignore my messy dishes, please)

A, B, C, or D?

Here is a closer view with poor lighting.....

A. scroll

B. green flowers

C. turquoise old lady pattern

D. black damask

I was planning to go with the green flowers (B) since that paper was 6 for $1 plus 50% off. (8 cents a sheet) Wow. Plus, I like the bright green - you know how I am about color.

But my daughter wants me to use the scroll pattern (A). She thinks the flowers are too little-girly. (30 cents a sheet)

Let me know which one you think I should use. I will share my finished project with you next week!

Please enter my GIVEAWAY!!! The drawing is Tuesday night.

Click here to enter .....

Enjoy your weekend!

Giveaway!!!

2012-01-19T20:00:00.021-05:00

I just sold my 100th item from my Etsy store!

So, in celebration of my 100th Sale on ETSY, I am hosting a "Giveaway!"

Wow - One Hundred!
It is hard to believe. I can remember my very first sale. I was driving my kids to school one cold December morning and my daughter had to move some canvases over to sit down in the back seat. She said, "I don't know why you buy these things if you aren't ever going to sell any of your paintings." I told her that I opened an Etsy site a few weeks earlier, but that I had not placed anything on the site to sell.

I left out the part about how I was scared to try and sell anything.

Scared that people I know might find out I was trying to paint art.

Scared that I might have to stop painting once I realized no one wanted anything I created.
Scared that my attempt at art might end up on Regretsy.

Instead of explaining my fears to her little 12-year-old self, I went home and took a blurry photo of a Christmas painting I had just created.

Then I listed the painting on Etsy for $44 plus free shipping.

I then took another photo of another painting to list in my Etsy store, but couldn't find the first listing. It had already sold! Within five minutes! I was astonished/thrilled/amazed/thankful.

Very, very thankful.

Thankful that I confronted my fears head-on.

Thankful that God knew that I needed the affirmation.

Thankful that some kind person out there felt the need to support my efforts.
Thankful my daughter unknowingly gave me a little nudge.

My husband had hoped I would dive back into my engineering career. He now shares his laundry room with paintbrushes and a drafting table. And spends his weekends building picture frames. And he has finally learned that most of my clothing will bear a smudge or two of paint, no matter how much the shirt cost.

Enough of me, me, me - here are the details on the Giveaway.

I am giving away a set of five notecards ......

(blank inside with 5 white envelopes)

one of my original watercolor bird paintings .....

Yellow Warbler

AND a Happy Birthday banner...

Sewn by ME.

ALL of the above to ONE fortunate winner!!

The drawing starts NOW and will end at midnight eastern on Tuesday, January 24th.

I will use random number generator to determine the winner.

To enter this Giveaway:

1. Leave a comment.

If you would like to enter your name twice.....

2. Tweet, Facebook, or Blog the giveaway - with a link back to this post - and leave another comment on this post for another chance. (That gives you two chances, total.)

Thank you for reading! I truly appreciate each one of you!

Linking to Frugal Friday and Be Different Act Normal and Serenity Now

This Giveaway ended on January 24th!

Kitchens

2012-01-18T17:06:00.003-05:00

I may not have the cash for a kitchen renovation in my budget, but I can certainly DREAM!

So thankful for Pinterest!

traditional kitchen design by burlington architect Smith & Vansant Architects PC

Love this old sink. I am assuming it is old. I also love the natural light and obviously the marble.

This next kitchen is quite unique. Not sure how they matched up the various cabinets but it certainly gave this corner some character. I am assuming this is a renovation on an existing home. I love how the cabinets are see-through, bringing more light to the room.

source

The blue green tile is pretty, too!

This next tile would be fun to see each morning....

source

At first.
I am not sure I could live with that tile every single day for years. Maybe at a vacation home on the beach? (While I am daydreaming and all.)

This wallpaper idea is something I should try NOW to bright up my kitchen shelves....

source

I could use something less expensive than wallpaper - maybe wrapping paper or scrapbook paper. And I don't have glass cabinets - but it would be a nice treat just to open the cabinet doors and see a pretty bit of paper!

I am fairly certain my husband would not agree to sitting on a park bench each morning for breakfast and each evening for dinner ....

source

I could always give him the end seat - or we could just go out to eat.

Daydreaming time is over! Hope you enjoyed it!

Oh, here is something I created, today...

Enjoy the rest of your day!

Lately

2012-01-16T11:48:00.001-05:00

Well, I am JUST about to get back into the swing of things after Christmas break.

Finally.

Here are some little things I have been working on around my home.....

I have been thrifting - just a little - and found that silver teapot (above) for $15. It fits in well with some of my mercury glass. (Or more like - fits in well for now, until it needs to be polished.)

I am also back to couponing......

I took a little hiatus over Christmas - I did not have enough time.

And, I finally found a notecard printing company that I like!

I love the texture of these notecards - very much suitable for framing.

The Old Post Road. Etsy. com

Speaking of my art and framing, here is an 8"x10" giclee print in a frame as a baby gift.....

I have several baby gifts I need to wrap and deliver.

I actually use a Wal-Mart frame (gasp).

$13 - but it is a nice quality frame with layered mats. ($25 for two online here)

Here are some modge-podged letters in progress....

I found this beautiful paper (that is actually much more colorful than the photo depicts!) and need to finish these, soon.

My husband and I spent a little time wandering 'off the beaten path' this past week....

Brick Store, Newton County, Georgia

We need to write a book entitled 'Historic Buildings Down Dirt Roads' or something similar- just to give us an excuse for our wanderings.

If you are a nerd, like me, (and have an extra twelve minutes) you might enjoy this video about how the Brick Store was constructed back in the 1820's....

Hope you are having an interesting and productive January!

Wow

2012-01-14T11:59:00.000-05:00

Love this home......

All photos Atlanta Homes and Lifestyles

Enjoy your weekend!

.

Goals for My Home 2012

2012-01-10T16:57:00.001-05:00

Goal number 1:

Lose 30 pounds

of junk around this house that I don't use, need, or remember that I have. Lots of kids' clothes, toys, books, plastic lids, bobby pins, clothes hangers, etc. I don't want to wind up on an episode of Hoarders.

This goal is multi-fold and involves getting organized. Surely the organization part will fall into place naturally once I haul off 30 pounds of useless items. Right?
Then my closets will look like this.....

source

source

or this....

source

Goal number 2:

Build a brick walkway in my front yard.

or maybe more like this.....

source
(not my house, btw)

Currenty we have a walkway to the street, but need an additional walkway to the driveway.

I am concerned about the note on the side of this article from This Old House. It states "Difficulty: Moderate. Requires stamina for digging and pounding, as well as an attention to detail." Uh-oh - I am not so sure about the "attention to detail" part. I guess that is why God gave me my husband.

Goal Number 3:

Install a working light on a pole in the yard - near the driveway and new sidewalk mentioned above. To keep visitors from twisting an ankle and suing us. And to help us see when we are out in the driveway. I would prefer a vintage light (my home is 160 years old, remember - there were no lights back then, but something vintage would be most appropriate.) My neighbor has a light similar to this one....

Olde Good Things

I would really like to copy my neighbors. They have very nice taste. I would also like to install the lamp post without having to go through the local Historical Architectural Control Committee.

Goal Number 4:

Paint the exterior of our home.

I don't really want to paint.
I just want someone to paint for me.
This is more of a "goal for my husband."
(I included this goal for any local readers who might be worried that we will not paint our house this year.)

Goal Number 5:

Tear down the middle wall in my kitchen and install an island.

Preferably an island like this....

House Beautiful

or this....

Nine and Sixteen

or this....

Coastal Living

or this....

source

or this....

A Sort of Fairytale

Here is the elephant in the room that I want removed......

And here is the wall from the other direction. See how it is just "in the way?"

Caught my dog blinking.
The wall really is an unnecessary feature. I honestly think the kids and I can take it out. We just need my husband to go out of town for a few days. And I need to check and make sure the tub upstairs is not using that wall for support. Plus the whole 'electricity' thing. I know there is electricity in that wall and don't want to get shocked while removing the elephant.

Goal Number 6:
Install a new lamp shade or fixture in my kitchen - over my table.
See the light in the two photos above?
I would prefer one like this....

Canadian House and Home

I am thinking about using the existing fixture and MAKING a new shade that will encircle the six chandelier bulbs. Like with two clothes hangers. Or maybe with two circular hoops that I just happen to find next time I am in Wal-Mart. Hmmmm. Still thinking about an inexpensive way to update this fixture.

Goal Number 7:

Revamp my craft/art room.
This room is also the laundry room. I have stalled on this room because it has a drop ceiling from the 1970's and I want the ceiling removed. The ceiling above the drop ceiling is about 3 feet higher than the drop ceiling and the walls and ceiling above the drop ceiling are plaster and need to be repaired - or possibly "sheetrocked over." I really hate the drop ceiling, but may just paint the existing room instead of removing the ceiling and re-sheetrocking the area. ugh.

Here are my inspiration photos....

source

source

Not sure of a color scheme, just yet.

Goal Number 8:

Move my overgrown boxwoods from in front of my house.

I just read where that should occur in October or November. My husband is probably breathing a sigh of relief, thinking I will forget this goal by autumn.

Goal Number 9:

Paint my bathroom.
I already have the paint. But I also have walls that are chipping and need to be repaired before the painting happens. It is the prep part that I detest. Once I paint, I will also sew a new window treatment. That toile has been in my bathroom for a decade. Here is my bathroom, currently......

I sampled a few colors on the wall to the right - just ignore that area.

And here is the new color:

Nantucket Breeze by Benjamin Moore. I think. I might change my mind once it is on the wall.

I am through with goals at Nine. Nine small goals. Surely that is do-able.

Here is the run down from 2011:

My home goals were listed here.

I accomplished two of the five of them! I painted my main hallway here and sewed drapes for my living room here. I also completed several other projects that I did not have on my 2011 Goals last January! The other three items that I did not manage to complete just rolled-over to the 2012 list. They are now items 4,5, and 7 on this list. Always thankful for another year!

Joining The Nester and her Home Goals 2012 party.

Some New Fabric

2012-01-09T09:42:00.003-05:00

A little bit of fabric can certainly perk up a room -even an outdoor room.

I replaced a few pillows on the front porch with a few more pieces of outdoor fabric I recently purchased......

(the striped fabric and green fabric are new - the other pillows were already on my porch)

I also found this Annie Selke fabric on a remnant shelf in one of my favorite stores....

And recovered an old chair in my hall in a quick 3 minutes.

So glad the staple gun was full of staples! And "yes," that is the same Scramble fabric I used in my living room - just in brown instead of gray.

Just a new little punch of color can help with the January blues!

Joining Wow Us Wednesdays and Cozy Home

A Little Sunday Scripture

2012-01-08T11:42:00.000-05:00

United Baptist Church, South Ohio, Nova Scotia

Colossians 1:9-20
For this reason, since the day we heard about you, we have not stopped praying for you. We continually ask God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives, so that you may live a life worthy of the Lord and please him in every way: bearing fruit in every good work, growing in the knowledge of God, being strengthened with all power according to his glorious might so that you may have great endurance and patience, and giving joyful thanks to the Father, who has qualified you to share in the inheritance of his holy people in the kingdom of light. For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.

The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.

Getting Organized and Updated

2012-01-02T07:43:00.000-05:00

I have not yet begun my list of New Year's Resolutions - but thought a few images might inspire me to get moving. I DID manage to get ALL of my Christmas put away, however. Hooray!

Hope you enjoy these ideas. They are not all organizational - some of the images are simply to update the decor.

I like these first two idea because I always need a way to better organize my art supplies.....

Country Living

Those jars seem simple, enough!

And covering cans with scrapbook paper is certainly do-able!...

Better Homes and Gardens

I have a pantry door that is currently bare on the inside panel. I should try this....

Better Homes and Gardens

I also ran across this cute ruffle sewn on a plain white shower curtain -looks like a pretty simple way to fluff up a room.....

Canadian House and Home

I love this humongous arrangement. ...

Canadian House and Home

Now that all of my Christmas decor has been taken down and tucked away, my house seems so EMPTY. A giant floral arrangement would certaily add some interest around here!

Look at the fun colors in this next room. The painting above the fireplace and worn paint on the table are certainly eye catching, but the lack of color everywhere else makes the space seem so clean. (Check out that cool chandelier)....

Better Homes and Gardens

Since I have a lovely kitchen dating back to the mid-60's, I always enjoy looking at kitchens.

The green tile in this room is perfect!

Better Homes and Gardens

And here are a couple more 'just because' photos.

Better Homes and Gardens

Coastal Living

Happy New Year! Hope you have a productive and organized 2012!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2012-01-01T09:44:00.000-05:00

Mark 9:33-37
They came to Capernaum. When he was in the house, he asked them, “What were you arguing about on the road?” But they kept quiet because on the way they had argued about who was the greatest.

Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “Anyone who wants to be first must be the very last, and the servant of all.”

He took a little child whom he placed among them. Taking the child in his arms, he said to them, “Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

The Year in Review

2011-12-30T10:05:00.003-05:00

The year flew by, and I forgot how much I accomplished around my home this past year!

Here is a quick recap of my favorites from 2011...

I renovated our guest room/storage area - which entailed organizing, buying mattresses, throwing out junk, and finding the floor!!! You will never, ever, ever see a "before" of this room. Just try and imagine the very worst pile of junk, ever. Sort of like 'hoarders,' but with items of less value.

Quite pleased with the new room!

I added a bit of turquoise to my family room - and am happy with the updated look! I desperately needed to throw out some of the red.

I also did a little sewing - finally completing window treatments for my gray living room....

Here are some ghastly "before and after" photos of this room from back when it was kelly green.

My ever-helpful-son and I built a new bed for my zinnias...

So thrilled with how this bed turned out - here is a tutorial.

Last summer, I sewed a few pillows for my daughter's new dorm room....

dorm room details here

I also spent many hours rehabbing the rental home that we own- trying to update the house to put it on the market.

I shared many of our projects from our rental house here.

rental house updates

Somehow, I was able to squeeze in a little time to paint art! The art technically is not an update around my home, but typically does go on my walls until it sells!

Such fun!

Have a wonderful 2012!

Joining Home Stories A to Z and Wow Us Wednesdays

Rental House Updates - Before and After Photos

2011-12-29T11:06:00.004-05:00

Sometimes I wonder "What do I do with my time? Where has the year gone?"

Thankfully, I have a blog and a camera and can glance back over my year to remind myself that I do not sit around all day doing nothing!

A large portion of my time the past few months went into manual labor. We finally evicted our latest non-paying tennants from our rental home at Labor Day.

So, I spent my autumn driving the 90 miles back and forth to the rental house and put in many, many hours of sweat equity at our rental home- trying to update the 1996 home to put it on the market. Lots of painting, scraping, cleaning. It is finally listed "for sale," but is still vacant! ugh.. Fingers crossed - maybe it will sell, soon.

I am not whining - I know we are blessed to have the property to sell - I am just recounting my physical and financial efforts that brought the house from where it WAS in September to where it IS, now.

Here are some before and after photos of our projects at the home.

First, the exterior.

I did not take good 'before' photos - I was too overwhelmed by the condition of the home and the work that needed to be done.

'before' we arrived with our hedgeclippers (immediately after the non-paying tenants were evicted)

rental house 'after' we spent time in the yard

After we took a houseful of trash to the dump, we were able to start repairs on the inside of the home.

My son and I added board and batten to the entry hall, detailed here....

rental house hall 'before'

rental house hall 'after'

We added beadboard and fresh paint to a powder room....

rental house bath 'before'

rental house bath 'after'

And replaced the old appliances in the kitchen.....

rental house kitchen 'before'

rental house kitchen 'after' (looking other direction)

My husband removed the wall-sized mirror in the master bath ......

"Before" photos of master bath mirror

"After" photos of master bath mirror wall

I bought two new mirrors at TJMaxx/HomeGoods and my husband installed new faucets and lighting. Welcome to the new century!

The rest of the updates involved painting every inch of the interior of the home, hiring someone to repair over $1,000 worth of electrical sabotage* and buying new carpet and linoleum. Not a fun way to spend money. *The electrician discovered that the tenants had rigged the electric panel to widen the connections on the air conditioning circuit breakers to lower their electicity bill. This is a dangerous way to save money - they almost burned down the house and actually destroyed one of the air conditioning units in the process. The tampering was not evident until the electrical panel was removed. Then it was obvious that a screwdriver had been used to separate the metal connections and reduce the amount of electricity flowing through the breakers. I am sharing this information because the various air conditioning repairmen did not know to remove the electric panel and look at the backs of the breakers. The electrician was the one who had seen this sort of sabotage, before.

The updates at the rental house took time and cash away from our main home - the one we live in! Hopefully the rental home will sell very soon! Do you know anyone who needs to buy a home in the Kennesaw, Georgia area? Offered at a 1999 price! Here is the listing.

Have a wonderful New Year!!!

Joining Home Stories A to Z and Wow us Wednesdays

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-12-25T11:59:00.001-05:00

Salmon Falls Church, Rochester, NH

John 1:1-12
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.
There was a man sent from God whose name was John. He came as a witness to testify concerning that light, so that through him all might believe. He himself was not the light; he came only as a witness to the light.

The true light that gives light to everyone was coming into the world. He was in the world, and though the world was made through him, the world did not recognize him. He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him. Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God— children born not of natural descent, nor of human decision or a husband’s will, but born of God.

The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

What I Have Been Doing

2011-12-23T10:07:00.000-05:00

So very busy -

But, I LOVE Christmas! I enjoy the hub-bub. (Most of the time.)

I have been fortunate and LOTS of my art is selling in a local store!

Here is a group in progress.....

and a few more.....

And on the 'crafty' side - I used the Martha Stewart nametags this year....

Aren't they cute? Link here. (Thanks to HollyMathisInteriors for the idea.)

So glad we are not one of those families where everyone has the same first initial!!

My twin/clone has been busy working on projects, too....

Here she is making snow globes in the mess that is our kitchen.....

I also found time to bathe the dog and give her bells on her Christmas scarf!

You can tell by her expression that she is hog-wild over the bells. Ha!

Somehow I can paint and sew and bake and fluff, but cannot find the time to ask my son to take his trombone and backpack to his room!! (as you can see in the background.) hmmmm.

Such a fun season!

Merry Christmas!

So Very Merry

2011-12-15T13:32:00.000-05:00

Christmas season is flying by! I have to stop decorating at some point. I have been pinning and re-pinning. There are so many beautiful ideas in blogland for inexpensive Christmas decor.

Here are a few of my favorite Christmas pins that might give you a little inspriation!

source

source

Remember: Free shipping in my Etsy store through Friday - use coupon code FREESHIPPING when checking out!

(not to be obnoxious, but I really like making these little Etsy mini things, so here is another......)

Have a nice day!

Free Shipping!

2011-12-13T18:12:00.001-05:00

Merry Christmas!

Free shipping on EVERY ITEM in my Etsy Store until Friday, December 16th!!!!

Be sure and use coupon code FREESHIPPING and receive your item before Christmas!

Simple Rosemary Wreaths

2011-12-12T18:24:00.002-05:00

I have received several compliments on my rosemary wreaths. They are quite simple to make, if you have fresh rosemary.

Here is my rosemary by dark of night, with a flash.....

Rosemary Wreath

You only need 4 Items:

Rosemary (stalks at least 6 inches in length)

Florist wire

wire cutters

A ribbon for hanging

Just wrap the florist wire around the rosemary stalk and continue to wrap in a tight spiral, adding another stalk or two as you go (overlapping the stalks).

Ummm - please ignore the Sprite bottle in the background.

Make the wreath circle the diameter you want, and wrap the wire to tighten the ends together. Clip the wire and you are done.

If the wreath gets a little wopsided - you can add another, shorter stalk near the weak point to round out the shape of the wreath.

(The small wreaths required three stalks approximately 8" in length while the larger wreath involved 7 stalks.)

I was too lazy to make the circle rounder.

Also - I am offering FREE SHIPPING for every item in my Etsy shop until December 16th!

Be sure and use the code FREESHIPPING when checking out!

Joining Centsational Girl Christmas Craft Party
Tuckers Take Tennessee
Uncommon Slice of Suburbia
Home Stories A to Z

My House this Christmas

2011-12-11T22:11:00.006-05:00

Just a quick tour of some of my Christmas decorations for 2011! I purchased two spools of ribbon on sale at Hobby Lobby and NOTHING ELSE for Christmas decor this year! Hooray! Everything was obtained in years past.

I shared my entry with you last week......

(Well, "yes," I did purchase the fruit, this year. So make that - 2 spools of ribbon and fruit.)

Here are some cedar limbs in the kitchen chandelier.....

And stockings hung by the ~~chimney~~ staircase with care....

Someone sweet gave me this rosemary topiary as an early Christmas gift this year....

And I made this Christmas card holder last year from an old picture frame....

A few of my windows have pinecones and ornaments hanging from ribbon.....

And I've used lots of greenery from my yard (and my neighbor's yard!)....

This cute little Santa is placed by the same door, every year....

And here is a small snowman collection.....

And a Santa collection.....

"Grouping" similar items is more appealing to the eye than "scattering" them around the room.

I've been making simple rosemary wreaths - here are a few small ones on my bird wall....

And one in the guest bedroom......

And my Santa mug collection ......

I also made the ornament wreaths last year and hung them in my den, this season.....

That is all for now! (Everything else is too big a mess!)

Have a wonderful week!

Joining Between Naps on the Porch
The Inspired Room
Amaze Me Monday

Jennifer Rizzo
Wow us Wednesdays
Nesting Place

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-12-11T10:01:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 9:6-7For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given,
and the government will be on his shoulders.
And he will be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
Of the greatness of his government and peace
there will be no end.
He will reign on David’s throne
and over his kingdom,
establishing and upholding it
with justice and righteousness
from that time on and forever.
The zeal of the LORD Almighty
will accomplish this.

Great Christmas Tour

2011-12-09T14:02:00.001-05:00

There are so many beautiful Christmas homes on the various blogs this week! I think I found my favorite over at Holly Mathis Interiors.

Her home is beautiful.

And she is so very creative.....

Wow.

I am still super-busy painting more art this season!

12"x12" Be Joyful Flowers $55

So thankful to have the time to paint!

Have a great weekend!

A Christmas Blessing

2011-12-06T10:20:00.002-05:00

source

Blessings come in all forms. I received a Christmas blessing this past week! Several of my Christmas paintings keep selling at a local store and I have been super-busy painting! Joy!!!

However, I cannot remember to take photographs of them! So away go the paintings- preserved only in my memory and someone else's home.

Here is one I may keep at home.....

(My family is not as crazy about the peppermint paintings as I am.)

I used one of my peppermint paintings to make our Christmas cards, this year....

I am also working on a few paintings for my Etsy store....

And am creeping a little closer to having my house decorated.....

Me, me, me, me, ME. Hope you find little blessings in your week! Have a wonderful day!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-12-04T11:29:00.000-05:00

Luke 2:8-21
And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying,

“Glory to God in the highest heaven,

and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

When the angels had left them and gone into heaven, the shepherds said to one another, “Let’s go to Bethlehem and see this thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about.”

So they hurried off and found Mary and Joseph, and the baby, who was lying in the manger. When they had seen him, they spread the word concerning what had been told them about this child, and all who heard it were amazed at what the shepherds said to them. But Mary treasured up all these things and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds returned, glorifying and praising God for all the things they had heard and seen, which were just as they had been told.

On the eighth day, when it was time to circumcise the child, he was named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was conceived.

I've Only Just Begun

2011-12-02T13:15:00.004-05:00

I am slowly getting Christmas "out" of the attic.

Here is my front door this Christmas....

Very similar to Christmases past around here (2010 and 2009).

I made this rosemary wreath, yesterday.

It counts as a wreath, even if it is slightly oval, doesn't it? I am simply not detail-oriented enough to try and round out that wreath.

I love natural, God-made decor at Christmas. Nothing is prettier than what God created. Nothing. Not even the most beautiful house in the world is more appealing to the eye than the Grand Tetons or an ocean or a butterfly or a baby.

Not that I don't have plenty of sparkle and plastic and glass around at Christmas...

I just haven't opened all of those boxes, yet!

Wow us Wednesday
Blue Cricket Design
Frugal Friday

Ready or Not

2011-11-28T09:15:00.000-05:00

Christmas is here!

I have been super-busy.....

"Mr. Claus"

12"x12"

"Behold Good Tidings"

20"x20"

"Santa, Again"

12"x12"

"Let Heaven"

20"x20"

"Victorian Santa"
12"x24"

"Jolly Ole St. Nick"

12"x12"

All of the paintings are $55, plus $7 shipping ($62.00 total, including shipping).

Some are available here and some are in a local store.

Contact me here if you want one of the paintings and you cannot find it in my Etsy store!

Enjoy this season!

Stuck on Nature

2011-11-17T11:17:00.002-05:00

My accidental theme of the week is "apples."

They are scattered across my art desk.

God made so many pretty things - nature just cannot be beat.

I painted a few on acrylic paper - that is about the least expensive way for me to paint.

Only ~~$20~~ $13 each, in my Etsy store.

I also have a larger canvas painting.

A tangerine crept into that painting, somehow.

Have a great day!

Ready for Thanksgiving

2011-11-14T10:11:00.000-05:00

Part of me has the urge to jump right into Christmas, but I always love to stop and savor November and Thanksgiving.

Here is my house, so far this season (via an iphone, and not a REAL camera)....

I have my Give Thanks banner up in my dining room!

The back of that chair is NOT actually green - not sure why it looks that way.

And the burlap wreath has been hung....

I brought out my collection of turkey plates....

Made a quick arrangement for the kitchen table....

And gave the hall a "fall" look....

My first load of pecans are ready to go to "the cracker" ...

and even my piano looks ready for Thanksgiving....

Now, I need to find a spot for this painting...

Enjoy this next week!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-11-13T07:24:00.000-05:00

St. Boniface Church, Williamsport, PA

Isaiah 12
In that day you will say:
“I will praise you, LORD.
Although you were angry with me,
your anger has turned away
and you have comforted me.
Surely God is my salvation;
I will trust and not be afraid.
The LORD, the LORD himself, is my strength and my defense;
he has become my salvation.”
With joy you will draw water
from the wells of salvation.

In that day you will say:

“Give praise to the LORD, proclaim his name;
make known among the nations what he has done,
and proclaim that his name is exalted.
Sing to the LORD, for he has done glorious things;
let this be known to all the world.
Shout aloud and sing for joy, people of Zion,
for great is the Holy One of Israel among you.”

Granny Square Revival

2011-11-11T08:08:00.003-05:00

I was over at a friend's house earlier this week and saw lots of pretty "crocheted things" on her table.

Then I spied her cute purse.

She actually makes purses! How pretty is that?

She showed me the purse that started it all - one purchased in a store and used as her prototype.......

Here are the works in progress I saw on her table.....

Plus, she recycles! Not only is she bringing back the granny square, but she tries to reuse old handles from discarded purses.

ALMOST makes me want to start crocheting.

Almost.

I told her to open an Etsy shop.

She is hesitant.

What do you think?

Linking to Frugal Friday

Beware of Contagious Crafting Bug

2011-11-10T09:09:00.002-05:00

I caught the 'crafting' bug, this week.

And I don't really have time for the crafting bug, right now.

Here are some ornaments that are "in progress"....

I have also decided to use one of my peppermint paintings for my Christmas cards this year.

Either this one....

or this one...

I typically send out a photo of my kids, but they are getting too old for that, now (they look the same year after year since two of the three are full height!)

Off to finish those ornaments!

Enjoy your day.

Overly Optimistic Christmas Craft List

2011-11-08T07:20:00.000-05:00

Pinterest is so much fun for a visual person like me.

Very few words, just lots of pretty photos!

I have a Christmas and Christmas Crafts to Try Pinterest Board.

Here are a few goals I have for this next month....

Young House Love

Southern Living

3 Meadow Lake Cottage

Inspired Honey Bee

Eat Drink Chic

Pin Sew Press

Glad I got that extra hour this week!

I am constantly adding new ideas to my Pinterest Boards, so check back!

Enjoy your day!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-11-06T07:16:00.000-05:00

Isaiah 44:6-11
“This is what the LORD says—

Israel’s King and Redeemer, the LORD Almighty:
I am the first and I am the last;
apart from me there is no God.
Who then is like me? Let him proclaim it.
Let him declare and lay out before me
what has happened since I established my ancient people,
and what is yet to come—
yes, let them foretell what will come.
Do not tremble, do not be afraid.
Did I not proclaim this and foretell it long ago?
You are my witnesses. Is there any God besides me?
No, there is no other Rock; I know not one.”

All who make idols are nothing,
and the things they treasure are worthless.
Those who would speak up for them are blind;
they are ignorant, to their own shame.
Who shapes a god and casts an idol,
which can profit nothing?
People who do that will be put to shame;
such craftsmen are only human beings.
Let them all come together and take their stand;
they will be brought down to terror and shame.

Decorating with Peppermint

2011-11-04T09:56:00.001-04:00

I can't quite figure out my "style" with my art. I love this peppermint painting I created, yesterday. But that painting is a far cry from my scripture art, and my watercolor birds, and my florals.

Hmmmmm.

After I painted those peppermints, yesterday, I saw a road block plastic thing on my way to get my daughter from practice and thought - "I should paint that!" It looked like this...

I may be losing my mind.

I welcome any comments about my art. Maybe you could help me better focus my direction,

but for now, this post is headed towards "peppermints and Christmas."

These items caught my eye...

Thoughts from Alice W.

Iffer's Little Nest

source

And I have decided that I want a red and white rug that I can bring out JUST for December!

Decor Pad

Pottery Barn

Heirloom Philosophy

source

Have a great weekend!

Another Kitchen

2011-11-03T11:43:00.000-04:00

I ran across another dream kitchen over at Holly Mathis Interiors.

My favorite part of this kitchen is the stove/oven.

Seriously.

No, I am not kidding. This is inspirational to me. There is just something about decorating with what you have. And not with a credit card. Or a large savings account. And a perfect, brand-new everything room is just not attractive to me. "All-new" is too predictable.

This kitchen is refreshing with its outdated stove.

How perfect.

This kitchen is in the home of Jennifer Rizzo, a talented artist. This kitchen was featured in Country Living. Go look at the before and after photos!

Tis the Season!

2011-11-02T18:57:00.000-04:00

November, already?!!!

How did that happen?

I have been busy getting some art ready for a local store......

"Yes," that painting is propped up on a bed in my house.

Is that not normal?

It is chilly outside this morning and the lighting is fairly good in this room.

And, by the way, the painting remains propped up on that bed as I type this because I am really bad about putting things back where they belong, which may be why my house stays in such disarray.

Enjoy your day!

This, That, and The Other

2011-11-01T13:53:00.000-04:00

Not much clear, linear thinking in this post. Just a glimpse into my scattered mind.

Here are some items I wanted to pass on to you.....

(1) Shannon Berrey Design featured this beautiful kitchen, recently. I pretty much am just re-posting it -tsk, tsk, tsk - showing my lack of originality, I know...

Isn't it beautiful? Do you see why I wanted to re-share the photos of this kitchen?

It is actually Joan's kitchen from For the Love of a House.
I love her choices and the "mixture" in this room. Soapstone, wood, marble, various rugs, wooden chandelier, etc. Everything is perfect. Go to Shannon's blog or Joan's blog to view the complete room.

(2) The new House of Fifty is available here....

It is free and full of beautiful photos.

(3) Two members of my family were mentioned in my neighbor's cute blog this week...

(4) And... my husband had his car towed this morning and our 'spare' car is also being repaired, so he took my car to work.
But, since I am car-less, today, I have time to paint!

Yipppee!!

I shared this painting with you a couple of weeks ago....

I have been walking past it in my home and have been 'annoyed' with the birds. They just weren't big enough.

So, I "fixed" them....

This painting now has bigger birds.

I can currently walk past this painting and smile.

That is, until I decide it needs bigger apples.

Enjoy your day!

Powder Room Redo

2011-10-31T08:51:00.007-04:00

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we are in the process of updating our rental house to resell.

Last week, my son and I sporadically hung beadboard in the Powder Room and also painted the room. My husband later hung new lighting.

Here is the before of the yellow room....

Bor-ing.

Originally, the beadboard was going to go in the kitchen as a backsplash, but we did away with that idea and as my son and I entered the house to start painting last week I glanced over at the $40 worth of dejected beadboard panelling and decided that I simply could not waste the beadboard. So we began measuring and sawing.

The beadboard we used was the super-cheap, not very pretty type - the kind that comes in sheets. (I personally think the type you install strip by strip is more attractive).

My son applied the liquid nails and I hammered in a few nails to secure the boards to the walls.

We found a wooden chair rail molding that we liked for the top trim of the board. It is just a simple flat piece of pre-primed wood that we bought at Lowe's. Here is the detail from Lowe's...

Not too intricate - but perfect for the simple, 'clean' look we were seeking. This added another $20 to the project.

By the way - since this was a spur-of-the-moment project - we thought it best not to tell my husband. I am funny like that.

He discovered it for himself when he went to the house to install light fixtures.

Of course the beadboard added "caulking" to his to-do list.

But doesn't it look great?!!!

The gray color is "Bay Sands" by Valspar and it is a fairly pale gray.

House Tweaking

I also used it in the neighboring kitchen. I thought it would tie the old white cabinets with the new granite, which I will share with you, soon.

Very happy with the powder room. It now looks clean and fresh.

Joining Metamorphosis Mondayand DIY Showoff and Just Something I Whipped Up and Make Something Monday

and Motivate Me Monday

and Ask Anna

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-10-30T06:57:00.003-04:00

somewhere in Maine

2 Timothy 2:1-13
You then, my son, be strong in the grace that is in Christ Jesus. And the things you have heard me say in the presence of many witnesses entrust to reliable people who will also be qualified to teach others. Join with me in suffering, like a good soldier of Christ Jesus. No one serving as a soldier gets entangled in civilian affairs, but rather tries to please his commanding officer. Similarly, anyone who competes as an athlete does not receive the victor’s crown except by competing according to the rules. The hardworking farmer should be the first to receive a share of the crops. Reflect on what I am saying, for the Lord will give you insight into all this.
Remember Jesus Christ, raised from the dead, descended from David. This is my gospel, for which I am suffering even to the point of being chained like a criminal. But God’s word is not chained. Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they too may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus, with eternal glory.

Here is a trustworthy saying:

If we died with him,
we will also live with him;
if we endure,
we will also reign with him.
If we disown him,
he will also disown us;
if we are faithless,
he remains faithful,
for he cannot disown himself.

Better Homes

2011-10-26T10:10:00.000-04:00

Than mine.

Seriously.

I opened my new Better Homes and Gardens yesterday and saw several rooms I adored.

Doesn't that room look cozy?

I could just move right in.

And look at these floors - reclaimed wood in a new home......

These shelves are cool.....

Dreamy.

I have been receiving several shelter magazines lately, thanks to my couponing and a few websites that offer free subscriptions from time to time. Hip2Save and SouthernSavers often post about free magazine offers, if you are interested in a free (or almost-free) magazine subscription!

Have a great day!

A Reminder

2011-10-25T17:35:00.001-04:00

Found a little time to paint .........

Love that verse.

Enjoy your day!

Board and Batten

2011-10-24T15:07:00.023-04:00

We have a rental house we are prepping to sell. (In this economy, are we crazy? Yes, we are certifiable.)

I decided to install board and batten in the entry hall.

Quite the boring entry hall.

My husband was not totally sold on the idea.

So, I enlisted the help of my 12-year-old (aka "The Accomplice").

First, I read lots of blogs about installing b and b - here is a good source.
Then, The Accomplice and I bought mdf boards at Home Depot and had them cut to 66", each. The walls were not equal lengths, so they are spaced 20" on one wall and 21" on the other (I measured centerline to centerline).

The Accomplice worked the Liquid Nails glue gun (caulk gun), while I measured and plumbed and nailed.

He also took lots of photos of my hands while I caulked...

This was actually an easy project - my husband saw the project once everything was erected and dry -before painting. He actually liked it okay and helped me caulk. He is a superb calker. Thankfully. Details are not my "thing."

Here is the final result....

After the white semi-gloss paint...

I think it looks more "sellable" now - what do you think?

Linking to Metamorphosis Mondaybr /> and Wow Us Wednesdays and White Wednesday

Easy Dog Bed Tutorial

2011-10-22T06:14:00.017-04:00

When it gets chilly in the evenings, our 10 year old lab begs to come inside.

Her name is Maggie.

She loves it inside. She is pretty sure she is human.

I typically make her a bed or two during the winter months - specifically for our den.

I made this one, today.

It is not perfect, but it will do.

(couldn't rotate that photo - sorry)

While I am on the topic of a not-so-perfect dog bed and a photo that won't rotate - let me address perfectionism. Life is a lot easier when you are not a perfectionist. I cannot imagine needing everything perfect. Nothing would get done. (I wouldn't be surprised if one day "perfectionism" is determined to be a debilitating mental illness. Seriously! Have you ever watched a perfectionist hem and haw about how such and such is not possible? It is so sad. I am thankful perfectionism is not a personality trait in my little brain!)

So, for every other non-perfectionist out there - here is my simple Dog Bed Tutorial.

Dog Bed Tutorial

Two leftover Drop Cloth scraps approximately 3'x4' (she is a big dog!) (exterior of bed)

1'x1' square of cute fabric with iron on adhesive on the back (monogram)

An old sheet cut to 8'x3' and folded and sewn on two sides. (interior pillow of bed)

Cedar Pet Chips (from the Pet section in Wal-Mart - about $7.50)

One 30" zipper (Wal-Mart, again)

Let me just note - I TYPICALLY omit the cute fabric, old sheet (inner pillow), and zipper and just sew a big rectangle, leave one end open and pour in the chips, then stitch the end closed. Today, I was a little more creative and included an inner pillow so that I can reuse the monogrammed and zippered outer pillow.

1. Sew the Drop Cloths on three sides and leave one side open for the zipper.

2. Iron adhesive craft paper onto the back of cute fabric about 1'x1'. Cut the doggie initial out of the cute fabric - it does not have to be perfect - just freehand the letter with scissors. Peel the adhesive paper off the back and iron the letter near the center of one of the drop cloths. (If you are particular about things being even or centered - just fold your cloth in half two times and the common fold will be your center.)

3. Zig-Zag stitch around the letter to secure it during future washings.

4. Sew the zipper in the best you can. No one will ever look at it. It does not need to be perfectly tight since there will be an inner pillow holding the wood chips.

5. Sew inside pillow out of old sheets/fabric. Leave one side open to fill wood chips.

6. Have someone help you dump half of the wood chips into the cheap fabric.

7. Sew the end closed.

8. Slip the inner pillow into the drop cloth pillow.

9. Take the dog to the groomer to get a bath (which she hates) so that she will not mess up her new bed.

Oh, and then ask the dog WHY she prefers the cool wooden floor during the day and the bed at night.

Enjoy this cool weather!

Linking to Funky Junk Interiors and Frugal Fridayand Craft Envyand Be Different Act Normal

The Perfect Church

2011-10-17T08:55:00.001-04:00

We toured Middle Georgia this weekend. Not really on purpose, just travelling to an away football game on Friday night and then a cheerleading competition on Saturday.

I always enjoy rural drives.

We happened across this Greek Revival church in Hancock County on Saturday.

It sits off the road, and faces the wrong direction for present-day traffic.

Isn't that beautiful?

This church sits in the middle of nowhere - so far from any other structures that it is difficult to imagine this area having a community large enough to build a church.

This beautiful building was built around 1814.

All churches of that era had two front doors - one for women and one for men.

The doors were locked, but we could peek in the windows.

It is even perfect on the inside.

Do you see the width of those planks in the wooden floor? I am guessing 12" wide.

Why don't they build churches like this, anymore? This is so much prettier than a dark, theater-like building with accoustic tile ceilings and mauve carpet.

There is a bird's nest on the front globe light.

The beadboard ceiling and lighting are obviously not original to the structure.

These interior photos were taken through the glass windows.

Here is a photo looking up along the back of the building.

I tried three times to rotate this photo to no avail.

Peeling paint can be so beautiful (when it is not on MY house!)

When I retire - I will just travel the backroads and take pictures of old buildings with a really fancy camera. But for now, I will just beg my husband to stop on the way home from sporting events and take photos with my iphone. And I will enjoy my kids.

We also stopped for barbeque at Holcomb's in White Plains.

And were greeted by this gun.

(part of a raffle)

And a wood chip floor.

My daughter lamented the fact that she does not own a hamster - noting that if she DID own a hamster, she could bring him to dine with her while eating barbeque.

What a nice day.

Did you notice the bottom sign?

I love America!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-10-16T09:19:00.000-04:00

Mt. Zion Church Hancock County, Georgia

Psalm 71:19-21
Your righteousness, God, reaches to the heavens,
   you who have done great things.
   Who is like you, God?
Though you have made me see troubles,
   many and bitter,
   you will restore my life again;
from the depths of the earth
   you will again bring me up.
You will increase my honor
   and comfort me once more.

What a Blessing/Funny Family Story

2011-10-14T09:01:00.001-04:00

I am now known around town as "the mom who ran over her child's foot."

Yep.

He is fine. His 12-year-old foot is quite strong - no broken bones! Nothing dislocated! I accidentally ran over his foot on Tuesday morning as the kids were getting in the car for school. Not all three kids - just the two left at home (you would think TWO would be a breeze!). Somehow I thought I heard the back door close. But I didn't. I looked back and he said "BACK UP THE CAR" and I reversed OFF of his foot. Which did not even hurt the next day. Praise God! Seriously. Thank you, Lord. Life can change in an instant - fortunately we only endured a small mishap that will be shared with a chuckle at family gatherings for the next 50 years. God's graciousness and protection turned a potential tragedy into a minor mishap.

Here he is on a local news station the day BEFORE the incident - he went to the State Fair with his school on Monday....

(Is he cute, or what? He has received a hair cut since then, btw!)

And here is a "thankful" painting I created.....

14"x14"

Have a wonderful weekend! I pray that God places a protective hedge around you and your family!

Starting From Scratch

2011-10-12T10:57:00.000-04:00

If I could 'start over' on my home - with several thousand extra in my bank account -

I would buy this sofa.....

And add this detailing to the fireplace ....

(LOVE both the millwork detailing above the fireplace and the marble surround.)

I would make sure the room is full of windows....

All photos via Ms. Magpie Designs and

Caitlin Creer Interiors

Autumn Arrangement

2011-10-11T15:47:00.000-04:00

I have lived in my house for 11 years and have never noticed that I have Silver Dollar Plant growing in my yard! It is in a hidden corner of my property and I sort of wonder if some birds planted it within the past two years. It is a biennial, so it would not have been visible a year ago and actually would have only bloomed five of my last 11 years. Hmmm, maybe it has been there all along.

These photos are quite 'grainy' since (1) it is a rainy day and (2) I use my iphone for photographs and (3) I am not a patient person, nor am I (4) much of a perfectionist.

I combined the beautiful Silver Dollar stalks with some callicarpa (beauty berry) and dried hydrangea blooms - also from my yard. The Beautyberry bush is native to Georgia and this particular plant I bought off Ebay a couple of years ago. It has flourished.

I also love hedgeapple.

I found these on the side of the road. The neon green color is AMAZING and I love their fresh smell!

I love fall!!!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-10-09T10:03:00.000-04:00

source

Mark 4:14-20

"The farmer sows the word. Some people are like seed along the path, where the word is sown. As soon as they hear it, Satan comes and takes away the word that was sown in them. Others, like seed sown on rocky places, hear the word and at once receive it with joy. But since they have no root, they last only a short time. When trouble or persecution comes because of the word, they quickly fall away. Still others, like seed sown among thorns, hear the word; but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful. Others, like seed sown on good soil, hear the word, accept it, and produce a crop—some thirty, some sixty, some a hundred times what was sown.”

Orange You Glad I Shared This Recipe?

2011-10-08T09:51:00.001-04:00

Martha Stewart

eclectic living room design by other metros interior designer Tobi Fairley via Houzz

traditional entry design by cincinnati kitchen and bath The Workshops of David T. Smith via Houzz

Country Living

Country Living
And here is an orange cake recipe with only TWO ingredients!...

But, I couldn't leave well enough, alone - so I added some more ingredients.

(Actually - all I added was my own homemade icing and more spices.)

I heard about this pumpkin cake recipe from a friend who uses the recipe for muffins.

Two Recipe Orange Cake

One box of yellow cake mix (or spice cake mix)

One 14 oz. can of pumpkin (NOT the pumpkin pie mix - just pumpkin)

1 Tablespoon Pumpkin Pie Spice (optional)

Mix well with mixer. Pour into greased pan - I used a bundt cake pan. Bake at 350 degrees for 35 minutes or until toothpick comes out clean.

Icing (optional):

About 3 oz. of cream cheese

1/3 cup of softened butter

1/2 of a box of confectioners sugar

1/4 cup milk

For icing, mix first two items together, then add sugar. Mix well and add milk to make thin enough to "drizzle" atop the cake.

Or, maybe "glop" the icing on the cake.

I obviously made it more difficult than necessary by adding the icing. However, the icing is "kid-approved" by my gang!

This and That

2011-10-06T13:58:00.004-04:00

Just ran into a friend at the post office who mentioned my burlap wreath from last year.

Good thing I saw her! Otherwise, I might have remembered the burlap wreath in December!

Here is last year's photo.....

Here are my not-so-specific instructions on how I made the wreath.

I have also been painting!

And I sewed a few Happy Birthday banners.....

(Love these fabrics.)

And my daughter is in the middle of homecoming week.

Today is "Costume Day."

She is a road.

That is a small stuffed bunny pinned to her shirt as road kill. (Gross, I know - but we live in a rural area - we see all kinds of road kill - sort of comes with the territory.)

Just an unasked-for rundown of my week - did I mention that I have been scrubbing our rental house and also got to attend my college daughter's initiation into her college sorority? That was fun! She pledged my old sorority. I have been busy, busy, busy!

Keeping the Doctor Away

2011-10-03T07:04:00.011-04:00

As my family has heard me say repeatedly for over a week, now - I Love Fall!

Country Living

And I love apple season.

Available in my Etsy store, here

One of my husband's favorite desserts is Apple Crisp. I use a simple recipe from Atlanta Junior League's Cooknotes cookbook.

photo: Taste of Home

Apple Crisp
1/2 cup softened butter
1 cup firmly packed brown sugar
1 cup all-purpose flour
4 large apples, peeled, cored & sliced
1/4 - 1/2 cup water
1/4 cup granulated sugar
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 teaspoon salt
Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine butter, brown sugar, and flour; mix with a fork to form topping and set aside. Place sliced apples in a greased one-and-one-half-quart baking dish, and add water. Combine granulated sugar, cinnamon, and salt; sprinkle over apples. Spread topping evenly over all. Bake 30 to 40 minutes at 350.

Serve warm with vanilla ice cream! Yum!

Here is a printable version of the recipe I made for you.

I hope you are enjoying your autumn!

Joining Between Naps on the Porch and The Girl Creative and Inspire me Mondays and Making your home Sing and Jam Hands and On The Menu Monday and Made by You Mondays

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-10-02T09:22:00.000-04:00

St. Luke's, Metuchen, NJ

Nehemiah 9:5-6
“Blessed be your glorious name, and may it be exalted above all blessing and praise. You alone are the LORD. You made the heavens, even the highest heavens, and all their starry host, the earth and all that is on it, the seas and all that is in them. You give life to everything, and the multitudes of heaven worship you.

.

Oh, My Goodness

2011-09-26T09:27:00.000-04:00

I am in love with this kitchen....

House Beautiful

I like to pretend I am the neat and tidy type. But I'm only fooling myself.

That is one cozy kitchen.

I think what catches my eye is the combination of (1) the open screen door, (2) the soft blue and yellow, (3) the faucet, (4) the rug, and (5) the scalloped chalk board.

While glancing around House Beautiful trying to delay the start of today's 'to-do list', I also found an ideal wall for my son's room.....

House Beautiful

He would never go to sleep at night, looking over that atlas!

Right now, he has a couple of maps and this London subway diagram.....

Which I believe he has memorized - just in case we go back to London any time soon.

He also has some junk on his floor.

Off to my "to-do" list! Have a nice day!

A Little Sunday Scripture

2011-09-25T08:51:00.001-04:00

Andrews Presbyterian, Andrews, North Carolina

Philippians 4:11-13
I am not saying this because I am in need, for I have learned to be content whatever the circumstances. I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want. I can do all this through him who gives me strength.

.

Kindness of Strangers

2011-09-22T06:55:00.008-04:00

Traditional Home

It has been a nice week! (and I really like that bright bathroom, by the way! The exposed 1920's sink seems to be in style. I guess storage is not an issue. Clearly not an 1850's house like mine. Hmmm.)

And WHY has it been a nice week?
Because, a couple of people have requested special orders for art and I received TWO mentions on other blogs! So Cool! Thanks to Shannon Berrey and her kind words and my ever faithful neighbor, Jamie, who always has an interesting post to share.

Back to my art - here is one piece I painted for a baby shower of a friend-of a friend.....

I hope it is enjoyed by some little baby boy somewhere!

Enjoy your day!

Rah Rah

2011-09-20T11:28:00.003-04:00

I've been accused of being a "bad cheer mom." Not naughty, just sorry.

I won't divulge the name of the name-caller.

When there are so many other moms who are willing to step in and be the Best Cheer Mom Ever, why should I add another duty to my plate?

Well, another chapter in my Sorry Cheer Mom book of excuses was written this past weekend because I had to miss The Competition this past Saturday. The one that our school hosted. The one where I had to work because I am a Mom and because I am the Assistant Fundraising Chair. (Ooops!)

I had important places to be...

So in order to redeem myself for missing the competition, I made these for 26 teachers....

A "thank you" note with a giant Hershey bar attached.

My daughter thought they were cute and quite "Cheer Mom"ish.

While I was making printables on my computer, I also created a couple of printable Scripture Cards this past week for my Bible study girls .....

(They are cuter than white index cards when placed on the refrigerator or bathroom mirror!)

To download and print these cards (for free) click here . I recommend printing on white cardstock.

My Bible study group is currently working on

Faithful, Abundant, True. Great study, btw! Only six weeks in length.

Enjoy your day!

Joining frugal friday.