Walnuthaven Cottage

I'm back! And it's Show & Tell Friday...A treasured gift

2009-11-13T00:06:00.000-08:00

Hi there all! It's been so long! To Long! Needless to say, life has been busy, busy, busy. I'm managing my time better but trying to get that blogging time into the schedule has been a challenge. I'm working on it though :0)
I decided to make my re-entry into Blogville via Show & Tell Friday, which is now hosted by the beautiful Cindy over at My Romantic Home. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is "showing and telling" today.

Not to long ago, I was gifted with these vintage pieces. My dad's significant other knows of my love of vintage and antique items. She was out and about at a yard sale about a week ago and came upon these beauties. I've done a bit of my own research on them and have discovered they were made by Taylor Smith Taylor and are pattern 1825. They were discontinued in either 1941 or 1942. I've all ready used them and I just have to say, food looks even better when served in antique/vintage china :0)
Oh! I wanted to add that these four items were bought for $0.25 each! SERIOUSLY!

The lid is just
slightly askew on this one.
Oops!

Miss Maxine (or Nana Maxx as my youngest children call her) is one of those truly beautiful women whose beauty begins deep in her heart. This is a gift that is truly treasured. She is and has been such a blessing to my father and to our family. We love her so much.

Thank you so much for stopping by. I sure hope you'll let me know you were here. Have a Fabulous Friday!

Show & Tell Friday 10/9

2009-10-09T07:29:00.000-07:00

Happy Friday! It's time for Show & Tell now being hosted by Cindy @ My Romantic Home. Just have to say Thank you to Kelli (There is no place like home) for such a wonderful job at hostess before passing it to Cindy.

I've been making wee changes here at home and thought I'd share it with you and also get some feedback. My blogging buddies have never steered me wrong.

I have a love of tassels, as I know many of us bloggers do, but I was never able to find one I "loved" and I'm just not handy enough to make my own. While visiting my blogging buddy Jenny @ Candlelit Cottage, I decided to ask her to make a tassel that would blend with my kitchen, dining and living areas (I like to move things around...A LOT!). Then I noticed a rather pudgy tassel that would be great in my dining area. Look at these beauties! Aren't they fantastic?! Be sure to stop by Jenny's and say "Hey!". She's one of the nicest bloggerinas out there!

I love how it looks
hanging on my china cabinet door

I know I've all ready shared this picture,
but here you get the "big picture".
I just love my pudgy tassel.

This is the tassel I requested from Jenny.
I told her my colors and she put this beauty together.
She's so creative!
I know you can't really get the full impact of the
red finial soooo...

Daisy getting in on the picture taking fun...

Now you can really get
the full impact of it's colors and look...

I also wanted to share my crate labels.
I purchased these when we first started
the face lift on the kitchen...way back when.
Framing each one would have been very costly
and I didn't want to spend that much, so I found this frame
and Mr. WHC framed and got them up on the wall for
all to see and enjoy. Especially me!

And the E-A-T l;etters were moved here. I know the A is a bit off. I'll be climbing back up there to set the letters flush with the ceiling. Well as flush as I can anyway...I don't think I have a truly "flush" wall anywhere in this house, lol!
Thanks for stopping by and sharing a part of your day with me. I hope the rest of your day and weekend are FABULOUS!

Autumn has finally arrived....

2009-10-05T12:04:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! Remember me? I know it's been a long while since I've been here or around, but I have been so incredibly busy. The bottom line? I need to learn how to better manage my time. This year I am active in PTA, not just a volunteer for functions and such, but the treasurer and on the board. It's been quite the experience so far, and imagine, I've got until June! Egads! Thankfully last year's treasurer is a truly wonderful person and she has been "training" me, plus the school staff and principle are appreciative and fantastic! I do love that I'm building better and stronger relationships with these individuals.

HAPPY AUTUMN !!!
Living in So Cal means there is no such thing as a 'change of season'. As a matter of fact I am looking out my front window and not a "turning" leaf is in sight! Ten years ago when we moved here, we did get to appreciate the turning of the leaves as the majority of our neighborhood had Maple trees planted in their front yards. Well, about four/five years ago, the trees contracted a disease that spread (via air) and all the trees were removed :0(.
Now, I make my own Autumn. I've always been one to decorate for the seasons...and Autumn is no exception. I begin putting little things up as soon as the kids go back to school and my Autumn decor stays up until The day after Thanksgiving.

This year I felt like Autumn was never going to arrive. As of last week we were still experiencing temps in the high 90s and triple digits. As of Friday we were still in the low 90s and then WHAM! Autumn made herself known on Saturday, entering in with breezy days and temps that were comfortable. Windows were once again opened to let those fresh breezes blow through and the A/C was set to "OFF". The past few days have been glorious and cool. Today my kids actually wore long pants and jackets to school for the first time since April! I sit here with socks on my feet sipping on a cup of Earl Gray....oh Autumn, how I love that you are finally, finally here....

(click on any picture to enlarge)

Come in, Come in...

A happy vignette
greets you
as you come inside...

I still haven't decided what color
I'm painting this cabinet...
but in the meantime
it gets a
bit of "dressing"
for the season...

Simple touches of Autumn
here and there...
(oh! There's my pepper shaker!)

A favorite place to just "be"
Mr. WHC brought those flowers
to me "Just Because". I cut the stems down
and arranged them in a jar.
The tablecloth is a gift
from my friend J.J.
I hosted Bunco this month and all the gals
bring the "hostess" her gift of choice.
I had "Autumn decor and tablecloths" on my "wish list".
As you can see, this is "both" in one.
Woot! Woot!

Thank you so much for stopping by and for not forgetting about me. I appreciate all the comments I've received and will be doing my best to get "out and about" and re-acquaint myself with everyone. I've missed you all!

Blue Monday 9/14. & VTT 9/17--The old school desk

2009-09-14T00:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! It's time for Blue Monday again! Be sure to pay our hostess, Smiling Sally, a visit and see who else is sharing the blue's. I'm also going to share this for my Vintage Thingies Thursday which is hosted by Suzanne @ Colorado Lady.
Have a fantastic day everyone!

How I love our old vintage school desk. Twenty-two years ago my daughter's paternal grandfather gifted her with this desk. He used to be a school custodian and one day he was given the chore of clearing and disposing of items that had been locked in the storage rooms. He came upon many school desks that had been stored and forgotten. He found homes for as many as he could and my daughter was one of the lucky children to receive one. This desk has been well used and well loved. I often think of the secrets and wishes that may have been made by the children who sat here and I know of some wishes my own children have made....ahhh, if this desk could only speak and tell us her story. When Mr Cottage and I were newly married, I had to leave sweet desk behind and a family member left her out in the rain and to weather the elements. When we returned for her, she was in sad shape. The entire desk top had to be replaced. Thankfully Mr Cottage had a friend who was a carpenter who used the old desk top as a template. you can see the notches that were "copied" where the pens were to be laid and right in the middle of those notches is a place where the "ink well" would have been kept. I still have the ink well but we chose not to add the "hole" for fear that the kids would damage it or hurt themselves. Yes, this little desk is still used. My girls used it until they could no longer fit, and now my "soon to be" 10 year old uses it when he does his homework. It won't be long til he can no longer fit. Not to worry, the baby of the bunch uses the desk as well. Right now it's painted the blue the kids wanted but the younger ones are screaming for red. I wonder how it would look? LOL!
P.S. never mind those stains on the carpet. That's what happens when you let a toddler walk around with a sippy cup filled with grape juice. Oy! One day that nasty old carpet will be lifted and the 55 year old oak floors beneath, will be refinished. It's on the "list".

Thanks for stopping by! Enjoy your day and have a fantastic week!

We will never forget...

2009-09-11T07:18:00.001-07:00

Yummy Banana Bread

2009-09-06T12:49:00.001-07:00

With the incredible heat we've been experiencing, the bananas on our counter ripened faster then we could eat them (this was with the a/c on!). I hate to waste food, and although it was pretty warm, I decided to bake some banana bread for my Mr. WHC. Good thing I'm able to close off my kitchen :0)

You'll need to...
Preheat oven to 350 degrees...

Mash 2 1/3 cups of over ripe bananas
set aside...

Cream together
1/2 cup butter & 3/4 cup brown sugar

beat two eggs and then stir together
with creamed sugar/butter
and ripe bananas until well blended.
Set aside...

Mix together
2 cups all purpose flour
1 tspn baking soda
1 /4 tspn salt
1/4 tspn nutmeg
1 tspn cinnamon...

Stir banana mixture into flour mixture.
Stir just enough to moisten...

Pour batter into prepared 9x5 loaf pan.
(I just use a non stick pan or
non stick cooking spray,
but you can flour your loaf pan)
Bake in preheated oven for 60-65 minutes or until inserted
toothpick/fork prong comes out clean.
Let bread cool in pan
for 10 minutes then turn out
onto wire rack.

Mmmm. ..Enjoy!

Remember, you can add nuts, chips or raisins if you choose. I just didn't have any on hand.

Treasure Craft Canister Set-Vintage Thingies Thursday

2009-09-02T22:57:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday!

It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday! Please pay a visit to Suzanne @ Colorado Lady and see who else rolls vintage...

Treasure Craft Canister Set...

Some would like to slap me for using them this way,
but it works for me "right now".
I use them as
storage in my laundry room.
I've got dryer sheets in one,
legos and toys from my boys pockets in another,
loose change or what I like to
call "tip money" in another...

This set originally belonged to my Sis-In-Law's BFF, then my SIL had them for a while through the 80s and most of the 90s. She gifted them to me in 1997 after seeing how much I admired them. I'm guessing these canisters are somewhere around 25-30 years old. Just old enough to be considered "vintage".
Thanks for stopping by! I hope you have a fab day!

Easy Cobbler...

2009-08-31T09:40:00.001-07:00

So easy and So yummy too!
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Take 1 stick of butter (1/4 cup) put in 9x14 pan and put in oven to melt. While that's melting mix together...

1 cup white flour
1 1/4 cup sugar
(you can use 1 cup sugar if you like your topping "not so sweet")
2 tsp baking powder

Add 1 cup milk...

Remove pan from oven and pour mixture
on top of melted butter...

Two cans of your choice of pie filling.
Obviously, we had Cherry...yum!

Open cans and pour fruit
on top of batter...

Bake for 35-40 mins
or until golden brown...

Serve...
I didn't have any ice cream,
but this tastes GREAT "a la mode"...

Enjoy!

A special tablecloth-Show & Tell 8/28

2009-08-28T20:50:00.000-07:00

TGIF !!! You know what that means! It's time for "Show & Tell" Friday, hosted by the oh so gracious Kelli @ There's is no place like home. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is sharing their treasures today.

If you've gotten to know me then you know I have a "thing" for tablecloths. A couple of years ago Mr Walnuthaven and our youngest guys took a shopping trip to pick my mother's day present. Hubby had picked a totally different cloth but when my eldest boy saw this one, he knew his momma would love it. And of course, I do.

The tablecloth
dressed...

The dishes/set I've had for over 24 years
with the cups and saucers being a
more recent addition to my
existing set...

The glassware was given to me
when my mother passed away.
I remember mom letting us
use the glasses for special occasions...

Thanks for stopping by and saying "Hi!". I hope you have a fabulous day!

From Days Gone By....Vintage Thingies Thursday

2009-08-20T22:54:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday! It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday, so graciously hosted by Suzanne @ Colorado Lady. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else does it in vintage style.

As mentioned in Monday's post, I spent some time at the Bailey's Palomar Resort in Palomar Mountain, CA. It's a beautiful place that has tons of history and it is pure vintage.

For your vintage viewing pleasure...

Old Fashioned Refrigerators...
My parents actually
had an "ice box" back in the day...

The General Store...
Sometimes it's hard to imagine
that some of these things
were used
in "one's" daily
life...

What a beautiful old cash register...
I can just hear it
ringing up those sales
Ka Ching!

pretty glass...

I do believe
I'm in love with this vanity...sigh*
Oooo, and look at those old books
Bigger sigh*

Although this sweet dresser sure pulls at my heart strings too!

Thanks for taking the time to stop by and say "Hi!". I hope you enjoyed what I've shared today and I hope the rest of your day is a great one!

Happiness is...

2009-08-18T07:16:00.000-07:00

Brand New Cookware...(sigh*)

I"m one of those gals that loves getting things for the home and things that will make my "chores" easier to handle. I like to cook but detest having to use old cookware that no longer does what it's supposed to, is warped or doesn't cook evenly. Well, my old set had seen better days and about a month ago I started looking for a new one.

I'd like to introduce you to the newest member of my housewares family...

Cook's Cookware. 10=piece set of hard anodized cookware with clear glass lids (love that!!!) These are easy to clean, cook the food with evenly distributed heat and I'm so happy! Can you tell? They are a bit on the heavier side and I do need to use a pot holder when touchng the handles on the glass lids as they can heat up when left for periods of time (as in simmering).

(photo is from Ucanhealth.com)

Love the glass lids!

Yummy!
Breakfast potatoes cooked to perfection...

We purchased these about two weeks ago when they were 50% off! Plus that Saturday, JCPenney's was having an additional 15% off sale as well. Our total cost was about $135.

I am one happy, cooking momma bear :0)

Celebrating Blue's on Blue Monday

2009-08-17T21:00:00.000-07:00

Blue Monday is hosted by the ever gracious Sally @ Smiling Sally. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else has got the blue's...

This past Saturday we took a trip on up to Bailey's Palomar Resort in Palomar Mountain. It is a beautiful place with lots of history.

Can you find the blue
sitting on the old stove?
Blue, Blue, where's the Blue...?

I lllooovvveee this old stove...

I took a few shots inisde what was the General Store (and Post office at one time)

This scale is absolutely to cool!

I know you can find the blue here.
Isn't all this stuff just awesome?!
So much history...

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me. I hope you have a great "rest of your day" !!!

Time for "Show & Tell"...

2009-08-14T20:52:00.000-07:00

with Kelli @ There is No Place Like Home. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is sharing their special treasures, their going's on, and what not.

This is my first "Show & Tell' since getting back on line after a long hiatus due to computer issues.

These are the side shelves in my kitchen. They were added to give me more storage and display space. As you can see they became more of a catch all for "this and that", dirt, and clutter. Gasp! Shame, shame, shame on me for letting junk pile up in my vintage, red pyrex bowl! Tsk, Tsk!
I felt it was time for some change in this area of my kitchen and fast!

before...

Now this area is cleaned up, and showing some personality. The toleware tray is something that was in my dining room but I felt it needed a new home. Since I've been incorporating some black accents (along with the reds/greens), I thought it would look just fine here. What do you think? On the top shelf I'd like to find a plate with more red but after shopping the house, this was all I could find for now. On the center shelf I simply covered the tops of some old Mason jars I had, with some of my favorite toile (Waverly Country Life) print and some cute black/ecru gingham ribbon. Such a simple adornment but it makes a nice "pop". The bottom shelf houses some of my most used cook books and a yummy smelling vanilla candle. So? What do you think? Anything else I should add or do?

After...

Yes, that's my dining room/eating area. I have a rather cozy home and our dining area is used daily.

Thanks for stopping by and saying "Hi!". I hope you have a Fabulous Day!

Vintage Thingies Thursday

2009-08-13T02:43:00.000-07:00

It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday...once again! Be sure to stop on over Suzanne, The Colorado Lady, and see who else is sharing their vintage treasures

This is a pasta bowl that belonged to my mother.
I remember it sitting on the rack, sometimes filled with cookie packs, faux rubber grapes,
or some other "froo froo" to look pretty. On the back it is stamped with a copyright/circa
(A "C" with a circle around it) 1056-Made in the USA by the Los Angeles Pot ----
I cant read the last word :0(

For being 53 years old,
it is in wonderful condition,
having no scratches,
chips, cracks or fading.
It has some crazing though.

A Simple Re=Purposing Act...(second time around Tuesday)

2009-08-11T00:47:00.000-07:00

After posting, I realized this would fit in perfectly for 2nd time around Tuesday. My FIRST ever!

Thank you Diane At A Picture is Worth a 1000 words for being a gracious hostess and letting me "play" along. This is a wonderful Tuesday party I'll enjoy for sure!

I've always disliked the bottles that cooking oil comes in.
Why can't it be prettier,
less bulky,
functional,
practical
and pleasing to "my" eye...?
(no, I don't ask for much, do I?)

OH!
A resolution to the "bulky" problem
but yet this idea posed another problem...
the vinegar cruet was to small
and I was re-filling
this baby every week....
Can you say messy, messy, messy?!
(I cook almost every day and always like to put a dab of oil in my pan/pot)

Hmmm, thinking, thinking...
(tapping forehead Ala Pooh Bear)

Well, Look-ey Here!!!
It's red so it will blend well with the kitchen decor,
it's a good size...
will my drizzler top fit?
Oh please let it fit!

Perfection!
I am one happy cooking momma.
Seriously!
Why buy an oil drizzler from one of those home stores for way more $ then I wish to spend, when I can re-purpose something as common as a glass soda bottle? Plus this is a large bottle! Perfect for the amount of cooking I do for my large family. This bottle is 500ml which is about 16.9oz. For the heck of it, I got on line and checked out a couple of websites to see how much a 'drizzler' in this size would cost. I found a ceramic one for $8.99 but other then that there wasn't one this big or one that I liked as much as I like this one.

A simple re-purposing act...

So what have you recycled or re=purposed lately?

*(No Coca Cola bottles were harmed in the making of this drizzler)

Blue Monday 8/10

2009-08-10T21:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Blue Monday! I'm especially happy because this is my first Blue Monday post since finally FINALLY getting back on line and getting all those computer problems worked out. If you're a lover of blue, be sure to visit Smiling Sally and see who else has the "blue's"

Sweet hankie w/touches of blue.
A gift from my bloggy friend
Deb @ Garage Sale Gal.
Deb is a wonderfully friendly
and generous person.
Give her a visit!

How I usually have it displayed...

Ta Da...

Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of time with me. I hope the rest of your day is GREAT!!!

A drive through my favorite neighborhood...

2009-08-06T07:28:00.000-07:00

This is the area that was first settled and developed here in my city. I love that this neighborhood is not "cookie cutter". Each house is different in style and in size and yet they all seem to blend and belong together.

(click on any picture to enlarge)

This home is so big I couldn't get it to fit in my lens! Hmm, looks like I caught some sort of anomaly standing on it's front porch. Wonder if it's haunted, lol!

A Tudor...(excuse the trash cans as it was "trash day" for this neighborhood)

This is one of my very favorites! Isn't this just the sweetest cottage?! I lllooovvveee the color scheme.

Another sweet cottage. I've been inside this house and those dormers are the windows to the two top bedrooms. The ceilings are also angled and it added such charm! I also love the red door. It just screams "welcome!" to me.

Can you just imagine sipping on an ice cold lemonade as you sit and relax on this front porch?

Thanks for coming along with me!

A view from my window...

2009-08-05T07:11:00.000-07:00

Another beautiful day begins. The morning sun just starting to shine upon "my" mountain, promises another warm and beautiful day. In the morning hours, after dear hubby has left for work and the eldest has left for her classes, I sit and enjoy a steaming cup of coffee and the special quiet that permeates the air. This is "my" time...my special quiet time to just enjoy the morning and the view from my window.
Have a wonderful day!

Re-introducing....

2009-07-27T13:16:00.000-07:00

Myself!
My name is Rechelle. Remember me? Of course you do! I have to tell you, I have MISSED you all and have really MISSED blogging too. When the computer blew I really went through with drawls because I didn't get my daily dose of computer and blogging time. The pro's of not having a computer that was easily accessible was that I had a cleaner house, I caught up on some reading and spent lots of time swimming with the kids :0)
I know it has been beyond "a long time" since I've been here but I tell you, who knew computer issues could run so deep? After it's repair, all the settings needed to be "tweaked and refined". I have an ancient monitor and I tell you getting the screen resolution to mesh with the settings was a big pain in my big old butt! No joke!
Just a quick update.
My youngest girl graduated High School... and my youngest "guys" officially began their summer in the second week of June.
We are enjoying our summer. The third week of June we took a family vacation into Northern California. Wouldn't you know "they" were experiencing a heatwave and temps were over 100 degrees the four days we were there. Of course, Murphy had to strike...as in "Murphy's Law". As we are rolling through Sacramento where the temps were 105 at the time, the air conditioning in the rear of the good "old" minivan decided to take a dump and stopped working. Okay, fine. The remaining hour on the road was hot and horrible but we reached our destination just a little bit worse for the wear...but we did manage to see sights anyway.
We took the kids to Coloma to Sutter's Mill where they panned for gold and learned about the California Gold Rush.

The Mill...The American River...
Tools of the
"panning for gold"
trade...

We also drove into Old Town Sacramento (had all ready found an a/c joint to give the a/c a re-charge) and visited the Train museum. We're talking "full size locomotives, rail cars, and dining cars". It is a wonderful place to visit to familiarize "oneself" with the history of the train and it's railways.
(sorry about the quality. They're dark, but if you click on any pic you can enlarge them for a better "view")

Overlooking the trains...

We then travelled south to my "favorite place" and if you've been following my blog you all ready know that my favorite place (aside from Disneyland) is the central coast. We spent three days on the coast just lazing about on the beaches, enjoying the small coastal towns and just enjoying the time we had together. Being that our youngest girl begins College this fall we knew that this would probably be our last "true" vacation where she was able to "come along".

Love the ocean...

Checking out the tide pools...

We love the beach!!!

Ahhh, it's a clump of sea weed trying to get me!

We also celebrated my eldest girl's 24th birthday with a yummy dinner of green chicken enchiladas and a rather tasty lemon cooler cake from Costco. These "lazy days of summer" are proving to be rather busy ones instead. We've been enjoying our local library and checking out books, renting dvd's, and next Monday my youngest two (the guys) will begin a round of swimming lessons that their "Tata and Nana Max" gifted them with just today.

So now you are all caught up (pfew!). Be sure to let me know you were here! I'll "see" you soon as I begin to make my rounds and re-acquaint myself with everyone of you!

Computer is fixed...

2009-07-12T13:30:00.000-07:00

and now I'm just waiting for it to be returned to me. Apparently the surge took out the power source. While it was being repaired, it got some upgrades and got "cleaned up". I just wanted to pop in and say "hey!", let you know I'm here and miss visiting and chatting.
I hope everyone is enjoying their summer...
"See" you soon!

I'm still here. Really, I am!

2009-06-23T12:19:00.000-07:00

OMGosh how I miss blogging and my fellow bloggerinas. I cannot, I repeat, cannot find my program for my camera so that I can upload my photos...blah! and %&#@%^ !!!
How is everyone doing? Are all the kiddies out of school for the summer? My youngest ones finished up last week and my youngest girl graduated HS! That came upon us fast!
I hope everyone is doing well. I am great. Just missing you all.
I am going to try and download a program I found to see if I can use it to start getting pics up again.
We are going on vacation the end of this week. Travelling into Northern California. I cannot wait!
Hugs to all. TTFN!

Hey All!

2009-06-11T14:27:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to pop in and say I'm still here :0). We have someone checking out my fried puter too see if and what can be salvaged. In the meantime I have access to this one (yay!). I need to dowload some programs so I can use it for pictures and such and that will take a bit of time but at least I have access.
Just wanted to let you know I miss you and blogging (so much!) and will be "back" asap.

Hugs to all!

My computer was zapped...

2009-06-05T12:54:00.000-07:00

A couple of days ago we had a summer storm. There was the usual showers, thunder and lightning. It was actually a welcome storm as we don't get very many around here. As I was sitting in my kitchen I happened to look out the window and saw a lightning bolt strike the power grid just a few blocks away. You guessed it. Our power went out and was out for about two hours. Unfortunately when I tried re-starting our computer, it just wouldn't :0(. I've reset it as well as it's switch and the best it will do is power up, begin to set up Windows and then it suddenly just stops running and goes dead. Obviously there is a problem of sorts and I don't know what it is. I won't be able to take it to the repair shop until next week. So, I"m here but I may not be posting much for a while.

I hope everyone is doing okay.

Outdoor Wednesday--I love the Coast...

2009-06-03T17:39:00.000-07:00

It's time for Outdoor Wednesday which is so graciously hosted by Susan @ The Southern Daydreamer. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is the "outdoorsy" type.

(*I know I've shared these pics in the past, but I've made so many new blogging friends, I know the pics will be "new" to some)

The infamous highway 46 (FKA highway 466) where actor James Dean lost his life. He was attempting to make that right hand turn onto highway 41.
We take this highway on our way up to the central coast. In the spring, these hills are as green as can be.

Cruising up scenic Highway 1.
You can see the fog rolling in...

And as we were cruising up the highway,
this was the view from my window.
Isn't it awesome
how the clouds mimic the shape/wave
of the ocean waters?
Almost like magic...

Bobbing on the water...

Elephant Seals sunbathing...

Hey! Don't be throwing me
"the fin"!

Mine, Mine, Mine...

High tide...
Isn't it amazing
how the ocean waters
can change the colors
depending on the "day"?
This day was gray and overcast...

This is the picture I have
in my "about me/profile" area.
It is one of my very favorite
spots to just "be"...

Thanks for visiting the coast with me. I sure hope you enjoyed yourself...

Please Keep "our" soldier in prayer...

2009-06-02T07:41:00.003-07:00

My nephew Austin.
He's off to Afghanistan...

Prayer for the Safety of a Soldier

Almighty and eternal God,
those who take refuge in you will be glad
and forever will shout for joy.
Protect these soldiers as they discharge their duties.
Protect them with the shield of your strength
and keep them safe from all evil and harm.
May the power of your love enable them to return home
in safety, that with all who love them,
they may ever praise you for your loving care.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.

It's a give a way...

2009-05-31T00:01:00.000-07:00

Cynthia @ Cynthia's Cottage Design is celebrating her one year bloggaversary and celebrating by having a wonderful give a way. Just look at all the excellent treasures that could be yours (or mine, lol) !
Be sure to visit her blog and enter!

*Please pick me. Please pick me. Please pick me

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday

2009-05-30T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happy Pink Saturday!
Be sure to visit Beverly @ How Sweet the Sound
to see who else is celebrating PINK.

In celebrating such a wonderful and happy event, may I present Beverly, our hostess with the mostest,

some lovely pink lillies...

Okay Pink Ladies, gather 'round. Here comes the cake...

With a special candle holder
just for that
"1st"
special birthday...

Happy Birthday to you!
Happy Birthday to You!
Happy Birthday
Pink Saturdayyyyy...
Happy Birthday
to youuuuuuuu !!!

Okay Pink Ladies...
Let's pop the cork on the
Pink Champagne...

grab a glass,

and make a toast... Here's to many more
PINK SATURDAYS
filled with friendship,
happiness and
all those fabulous
PINK treasures...

Some of my Pinks from the past

My baby bonnet

Princess House China
Windsor Rose

Sweet pink crocheted dress set... sigh*
Our babies sure do grow fast...

Bunny is looking sharp
sporting a pink ribbon...

Cookie sporting her winter sweater...

For those that don't want Pink Champagne...
I've got watermelon coolers!

Thanks for stopping by! I hope your day is great!

The Pink Ladies Pledge...THINK PINK !!!

Flaunt your Red Friday 5/29

2009-05-29T00:45:00.000-07:00

It's time for Flaunt your Red Friday! Wahoo. Red is my favorite color and this is one "event" I really look forward to. This FYRF is being hosted by Stacey @ Poofing the Pillows. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else does it in RED.
(even the music is RED)

Welcome Friends...

Pretty red dish towels
with my favorite
red apple scented candle...

Vintage tablecloths and look!
Some with red...

A rosey red hatbox and
other touches of red...

1950s Coke Cooler
Nobody does RED better...
It's the real thing...

Thanks so much for stopping by
and spending some time.
I hope the rest of your day
is a happy one.

P.S. If you'd like to see my first
showing of red, go here...

Vintage Thingies Thursday~ A Rose Sachet Pitcher

2009-05-28T07:13:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday and welcome to Vintage Thingies Thursday! VTT is hosted by Suzanne @ The Colorado Lady. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else does it "vintage".

Taylorton-
Rose Sachet Pitcher
1959

All that's left of an entire dinner set. When the Whittier Narrows quake hit in the 80s, the pitcher took a major tumble and was the only piece damaged. When the Northridge quake hit in the early 90s, the entire set came down and all that survived was this pitcher. Since then it's been through quake after quake and yet it remains. I'd like to think it's s strong testament to what once "was".

Thanks for stopping by and saying "Hi!". I hope you have a great day!

Does anyone know what kind of flowers these are?

2009-05-26T09:15:00.000-07:00

My sweet hubby brought home a container full of pretty flowers but unfortunately there was no tag to tell me how to care for these beauties. I don't know if they need sun, shade, a mix of both. There are these lovely purple blooms and then there is a small lavender flower with a yellow middle.It looks to be two different flowers. It almost looks like a mini daisy.
This morning I placed them "here" and I love the welcoming look it provides...
If you know what these are, please share as I'd love to have them through this season and then transplant if possible.
Could these be petunias? What are those little tiny flowers? Can I transplant flowers like this? I need help! :0)

Click on any picture to enlarge...

It's the Simple Things that make me Smile...

2009-05-20T00:00:00.000-07:00

Like a stack of

vintage tablecloths...

and kitchen towels
sporting my
favorite color...
red !

What makes you smile?
Wishing you a
GREAT day!

Three or More Tuesday 5/19

2009-05-19T02:13:00.000-07:00

It's been a while since I've participated in Tam's "Three or More" and I've missed it, so here I am!
I'm sharing "Three or more" of my favorite places/things...and each picture shows "3 or more" of something. For more 3orMore, visit Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner.

Three or more
pink wine glasses...

My "EAT" letters
with
three or more
yummy, red apples!

Three or more trees
in the secret garden...

Three or more stairs
to get to my favorite beach...

(photo from Cambria Chamber of Commerce)

Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me. I hope the rest of your Tuesday is TERRIFIC !!!

Blue Monday 5/18

2009-05-18T00:31:00.000-07:00

Happy blue Monday! Sally @ Smiling Sally is our ever gracious hostess with the mostest. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is bee bopping in blue today.

I'm sharing some old favorites...

My mailbox

Blue, blue and more blue...

Momma's old blue Fireking bowl

A serving bowl from my dinner ware set...

Afternoon sun shining on the Pacific...

Thanks for stopping by and paying a visit. Be sure to let me know you were here! I hope the rest of your day is GREAT!

Cooling off

2009-05-16T15:06:00.000-07:00

We're still busy cleaning and trying to get ready for the big party next week. In case you forgot or don't know, we're throwing an "80th" surprise birthday party here at my hone, for my Papa ;0) This past fall/winter we really let the yard "go" and the patio was more of a storage place. We've been spending lots of time on both. Cleaning, landscaping, refreshing and getting it as prepared as we can for next Saturday. Yesterday, after lots of cleaning, weeding and watering we decided to take a little break and cool off. While my hubby and I sat and enjoyed some cool drinks, my youngest fellow enjoyed running in the sprinkler. It was over 90 degrees yesterday! He had a great time as you can tell by his laughing as he got sprayed with the sprinkler. Sorry for the quality. I took this with my iPhone.

P.S. He is standing in front of the area we had leveled and patched in. Can you believe how fast the grass has grown in and how green it's getting? Just for the record. Normally I don't water this often and we conserve, however when you do landscaping and lawnscaping, you have to water so it will "grab" and survive. After the party we will go back to our regular schedule of watering two days a week, 15 mins on each side. I also want to say I know I've been MIA but after the party, things should get back to normal. I miss you all!

Outdoor Wednesday-Still working in the yard,..We're progressing!

2009-05-12T13:26:00.000-07:00

This is my very first "Outdoor Wednesday".
Since this started out to be an update on my yard progress, I thought it would fit right in with "Outdoor Wednesday" which is hosted by Susan @ The Southern Daydreamer. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is sharing the great outdoors.

Yard work is hard work! Pfew!
As you can see the trees are doing very well and adding the geraniums/flowers at the base really seem to dress the trees up. A few reasons why I chose geraniums...1. They are hardy 2. They bush up and the blooms are colorful and 3. Most importantly...I don't kill them :0)

(click on any picture to enlarge)

From left to right,
trees 1,2,3,4
There's a tree wayyy in the corner
behind the swing set.

Tree #5 located in the northwest
corner of our yard.
I'm still thinking about
what I want to put
in the very corner...

Don't they look so pretty
standing so straight
and tall?

I want in on the action!
Take my picture too!
Right here next to this Gardenia...

Remember how we had the yard leveled out? Well we had them use our existing
grass. They had to cut it out and pick it up. After they leveled out the ground, they
patched in the grass. This was done last week. Can you see how much
new growth we're getting now? It's really coming along! Yahoo!

Woof! Woof!
Let's run, play
and
fetch our toys!

Cookie-I got my ball!!!
Daisy- I got my squeaky barbell!

Now it's time to move into the patio...

Happy Birthday to me!

2009-05-07T07:17:00.000-07:00

Wahoo, it's my birthday!!!

Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday to me,
Happy Birthday dear
mmmeeeeeeee,
Happy Birthday to me!No big plans

except to enjoy my special day :0)
Hope you all
enjoy your day too!!!

Working in our backyard...

2009-05-05T13:11:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody! I've been a bit busy so I haven't posted much and I haven't been able to get to blogs like I'd like. We have been working in our backyard and patio area. It's been a long time since we gave it a good cleaning and the only landscaping we had back there was wall to wall grass. Literally. We have block walls that surround our property and with dogs and little kids I never thought it was a good idea to do any kind of landscaping until they got older (both the kids and dogs). Well, about two weeks ago we decided we were going to throw an 80th surprise bday party for my father and have it here. Well, since then we've been working, working, working and we've still got a long way to go. We planted some queen palms, filled in holes and topped with grass. We've got gardeners coming out tomorrow to level out the right half of our yard. According to the previous owners there used to be an above ground pool that stood there and it compacted the ground and made it very uneven. See where the slide is, you can just make out the "dip".
Here are some "before" shots...

Before...
north & west walls

north wall

West wall...

South & west walls
The first palm dear hubby planted...

Here's what we've done so far. You can see we moved the swing set to the south side of the yard. That swing set really keeps my youngest guys busy! I know it's not an "in your face" transformation, but keep in mind we've have TONS more to do. I'm going to be planting some geraniums at the base of each tree for some added color. Being that we are closely monitored when it comes to our water consumption, and can only water our lawns two days out of the week, our grass isn't nearly as nice/green as we used to have it.

Don't they seem to be asking
"What's going on?
What are you doing to our yard?"

We also had to wait for this little family to "fly" before we could begin work on our patio. This weekend we'll be power washing the patio cover & patio. Yay! Yes, that is a retro/vintage patio cover you see. My house was built in the early 50s and this patio cover "fits" with the age of my home. I go back and forth on whether or not I'd like to replace it, but the old aluminum just seems to belong here...Am I weird?

My very first "Flaunt your RED Friday"...

2009-05-01T18:26:00.000-07:00

Hey There! Today is my first ever participation in "Flaunt your Red Friday" which is hosted by the Southern Lady herself, Nancy. Being that red is one of my very favorite colors and a color that I use rather generously in my own decorating, I knew that "flaunting my red" would be fun! Be sure to stop by the Southern Lady and see who else is flaunting their reds.

Pencil holder that sits
on my computer armoire
Aren't those little red cherries cute?

I love my
red shuttered doors!
(okay so I forgot to close the cabinet and the bread box, oy!)

Yes, as a matter of fact,
those are spoon pulls :0)
Do you like my oh so "subtle" message? LOL!
How can you not? It's in our beloved red!

Artwork on a red & cream background
& a yummy red"macintosh apple" scented candle...

The other side of my galley style kitchen.
Red scrapbook paper and red "pops"
help to keep this kitchen
a cheery place...

I got this three tier plate holder
a few years back when
it was on clearance.
Originally it was gold
and that just didn't work for me.
I spray painted it black,
added three "red" plates
and
voila!
A look I truly love...

Can there be anything more wonderful then vintage Pyrex?

Of course there can!
RED VINTAGE PYREX...
(made even more special because it belonged to my momma)

Remember those red shuttered doors? Behind them holds this little surprise. My laundry room...all decked out in, what else? Red accents!

My cozy living and dining areas. And of course you knew
it would be accented (heavily) in reds.
This area makes me feel happy and energized.
There is so much natural light that spills through these windows
and being that I'm "sunshine powered",
I truly appreciate this daily "gift".
Here I'm able to combine my love of red, yellow, sage and Waverly fabrics :0)
Yes! That is, in fact,
a genuine, vintage Coca Cola ice chest.
It's great storage space.
(this pic was taken during Autumn, thus the Autumn touches)
Egads! Dust!
blush :p

My dining area.
Red, red and more red.
Need I say more?

Thank you so much for stopping by and spending some time here at my cozy little home. I hope you'll let me know you were here and I hope the rest of your day is GREAT!!!

Kreative Blogger Award

2009-04-30T13:00:00.000-07:00

Hey all!
I just got this award from Jane @ Blondie's Journal. She is being oh so kind and giving little ol' me this award. Pay her a visit and you'll see why I like her and her blog so much. She's the greatest! THANKS JANE!!!

Per her instructions I'm supposed to list seven things that I love. Since the love of my family is obvious, I'm not going to put that down :0)

1. Rainy Days
2. Watching dogs play
3. Vintage tablecloths
4. Old houses
5. The way my hubby smells
6. quiet mornings
7. a good ghost story

Now you know a little more about me and I'll bet it's not to suprising :0). Please, feel free to take this award and wear it with pride. If you post the seven things you love, please let me know as I'd love to read about it!

Blue Monday 4/27

2009-04-27T00:00:00.000-07:00

Hip Hooray! It's time for BLUE MONDAY! Smiling Sally is our ever gracious hostess with the mostest. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is bopping in blue today.

Happiness is a favorite blue toy...

Thanks for stopping by.

Daisy and I
hope your day is
GREAT !!!

Happiness is...

2009-04-24T07:52:00.000-07:00

Being there...The added excitment? Hmm, feeling two out of three earthquakes that happened to hit at

8:30PM. Magnitude 3.9 & 4.0. Not "big" but enough to feel the jolt.
I remember feeling the "side to side" shake and asking dear hubby if he felt it. Of course he dismissed it by saying it was just the vibration from all the people running up and down the steps. I said "No Way!" It wasn't the up & down movement you feel when the people go up and down the steps, it was a side to side "shake"and It actually made me feel dizzy!
No worries, aside from frazzled nerves, all is well :0)

Happiness is

Vintage Thingies Thursday 4/23

2009-04-23T00:00:00.000-07:00

Happy Thursday! It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday which is so graciously hosted by Suzanne over at Colorado Lady. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else rolls "vintage"

Old Canning Jars...
I love the way they "shine"
with the sunlight
filtering through them...

Just one way
I like to use
my jars...
Original light fixture
circa 1954
located in my laundry room

Thanks for stopping by
and spending some time.
May the rest of your day be
GREAT!!!

Mr Summer is paying us a visit...

2009-04-20T07:17:00.000-07:00

Please allow me whine a bit.
It's just too darned hot! I actually had to turn on the central A/C and cool off the house yesterday.
Yesterday was 97 degrees. Today's projected high is 98 (which means it will probably go over 100 here) and we aren't to see a "cool down" until Wednesday (high 80s). Bah!
So today I'll be doing my best to keep cool and be dreaming of my favorite place...Where today it will be a breezy 82 degrees...sigh*I'm just going to walk down the steps and sit right here....feel those cool sea breezes? Ahhhh...my favorite tide pools are just down below...
You all have a fantastic day!

So, I discovered "Heirloom White"...

2009-04-18T14:47:00.001-07:00

I'll bet lots of us have these little step stools or have found them at thrift stores. As my home is rather small, er umm COZY, most things I have serve a dual purpose. This baby is not only a step stool, it's a decorative element AND it houses my "45's". Yes, my 45's.

While functional, it was rather an eye sore
and much to drab and
"heavy looking"
for my taste...

Old dress that
I've kept
simply because
I really loved
the print...

Well, as I mentioned. I discovered "Heirloom White" spray paint. Honestly, I really like the shade as it's not to "stark" and it seems to have a nice "creamy and vintage" look to it.

After...
I totally dig it

For those who've asked. The name of the paint is "Painter's Touch" in Heirloom White by Rustoleum. I found this brand at Home Depot. I hope you all have a great day!

A rag wreath of hope...

2009-04-16T12:52:00.000-07:00

Remember rag wreaths? LOL! This is the very first rag wreath I ever made. We had just become a "family" and moved into the first home we shared as a blended family. My youngest girls room was a blank slate and it needed some serious "girl-y-fying". I remember asking her to choose her colors and she chose "blue, pink, and yellow". Above is the first thing that went on her wall. She was six years old when I made this. She's now a senior in high school getting ready to graduate.
How is it that time speeds by so quickly?
I remember bending the hanger, cutting the strips of fabric and tying them on, one by one by one by one...Each strip filled with love and serious "hopes". The hopes I had as a new wife, as a mother praying that my girls and new hubby would come to love each other, hoping/praying that the choices I made were really the best ones for all of us. Not just for me, but for my little girls too. The hopes that were tied into this wreath were deep.
Our family did blend and we've made a good life for all of us. We are blessed. It's been an adventure, to say the least. The "hope" wreath had stayed on my youngest daughter's wall up until today. Today, we took it down, dusted it off and it now hangs just outside the front door, on our stoop. It will welcome all who enter and always remind me how the hopes I had, turned into truth and how the love I prayed for, multiplied.

"Wood" you believe it?

2009-04-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

So we've been out and about looking at new flooring and trying to decide what we'd like to put down in the kitchen. I want to put down a laminate of some kind and have the look of "wood" since "one day" we'll be ripping out the Gawd Awful carpeting in the living/dining rooms and refinishing the wonderful 55 year old original oak floors. I want to try and aim for flooring that "looks" the same. The biggest argument dear hubby wubby and I have is over the flooring that will be put down in the kitchen. He wants to put down tile, I don't! He suggested another linoleum, and I don't want that either. He's trying to think of what will last and withstand water and spills. I want something that will do all that and look good too. In all honesty this argument is one of the major reasons we haven't updated the flooring in the house. We just cannot seem to agree or even find a compromise....That is, until today.

Look-y what I found!!! I am sooo inspired! (this is my inspiration photo)

Isn't it wonderful? I love the warmth and beauty of wood floors~ the richness...sigh* BUT WAIT! Guess what!

It's VINYL !!! That's right! VINYL !!! Oh, the Gods of faux flooring be praised. A floor that will not only appease hubby wubby but satisfy my need for the richness, the warmth, and the look of wood.

It's vinyl plank flooring and is super easy to install. You just lay it down over your old laminate and it "floats". It has an adhesive on the back and you just stagger the "planks" to give it some interest and texture. We'll be taking measurements soon and I see an installation in the near future.

Yes, I'm doing some major happy dancing over here!

To paint or not to paint? That is the question

2009-04-13T00:03:00.000-07:00

Here is my old corner china cabinet. I love this piece and how I'm the third generation to own this beauty. It's got dings, it's got scratches and it's not in the best of condition, but it has been well loved and has withstood many changes and quakes. It still has it's original paper label that shows the furniture company who made her as well as what "number". My dilemma is in whether or not I should paint the old girl, give her a make over and gussy her up a bit. I had considered re-finishing her, but with as big a clan as I have here I'd be worried and stressed that she'd be mauled again, yet in her current state she just seems to yell out for some love and attention. I've thought that with paint it wouldn't matter if she was handled, dinged again or scratched as that would just add to her all ready amazing character and maybe one day, when the young un's are older, she will get refinished but for now? "If" I do decide to use paint, I'm thinking something like a colonial red (like the red in my pantry plaid which is really crimson) or a nice vintage or antique white....sigh*
So, does she get some make up or do I leave her as is? Your thoughts?

Happy Easter...

2009-04-11T12:15:00.001-07:00

Wishing you and yours a very Happy Easter...

Laundry room-Functional Accessories

2009-04-09T00:00:00.000-07:00

So yesterday I shared my desire to find something to hold my laundry detergent that was not just functional but "nice". I think I found my solution.

I shopped the house and found this pretzel container in my bedroom that I'd stored away last year. I vaguely remember darling hubby saying he wanted to keep it so he could fill it up with change. Too bad! I got it first! (lol!)

Before...

Soaked it in some warm water so
I could easily remove the labels.
I Washed it up, let it dry and...

Got my trusty letters...

How's this?
I'm still not sure if I like the letters or not.
For now, I'll live with it and
if I decide I don't want them,
they are very easy
to remove.

Now I'm on the look out

for an old tin measuring cup.

This is what I call Functional Accessories. Looks great and adds character to the "room" and actually has a purpose aside from looking "good".

Useable accessories

2009-04-08T12:40:00.000-07:00

I've really been concentrating on my laundry room and making it as welcoming as I can without losing any of it's functionality. I've been giving it a mini makeover this season. I began with the de-cluttering and organizing and am now on the accessorizing. I love that accessories bring life into a room and share the homeowners personality as well. As of late I've been obsessed with containers in which to store the powder detergent and the Clorox 2. I don't like, and I mean I REALLY DON'T LIKE the containers the aforementioned items come in. They clash with my colors. Yes, little things like that irk the heck out of me. Plus the fact that I have to buy in bulk/large sizes is just a fact of life around here. The laundry room space is small and leaving the detergent container "out" makes it feel cluttered and ugly :0(. Right now I've got my detergent in one of the old canisters...the largest one and yet that is to small and I'm refilling the darn thing every few days. sigh*. Then I got on line to find some inspiration and found these...

I love how the "soap" is in an old seltzer bottle.
I could sooo do this with my Clorox 2
or Fabric Softener...

Love the glass containers on the counter to the left
and really dig this idea
but can I find something large enough?

Now this is just too stinking cute!
Would be great for that "OxyClean"
powder...

Really love this look
but they just aren't big enough...

I know I've got something around here. It's time to shop the house/garage/patio and storage areas...

To Be Continued...

New Life, New Use, NEW ARTWORK

2009-04-04T00:00:00.000-07:00

Anything can be re-used, re-cycled and re-purposed. It just takes a bit of time, effort, thought and a dash of creativity. A few months ago while watching one of my favorite HGTV programs (Design on a Dime) they were re-doing a kitchen and this is what one of the designers did. I loved the idea because it meant that old silverware didn't have to be kept tucked away in a drawer or closet somewhere. I gathered my supplies and went to work. I was going to save this post for next week/Thursday but I thought "why wait?". Then as I was surfing through blogs, I came upon a blog called "Nesting Place" and what a wonderful place it is. Well guess what? She had done something similar as well ! That was just affirmation that this really is a good idea, lol! Ms Nester has got to be one of the most creative people in blogland. I only wish I would have found her sooner. What a talent!
So, I was saying...
Make the project work for you and just imagine how you can dress it and shake it up with different papers, ribbons, etc. The possibilities are endless! I coordinated the colors to work in my kitchen. I think this would be great in a dining room too!

Before
A tired oak frame and an Angel print...

After:
Painted the frame black, removed the glass,
cut leftover scrapbook paper to "fit",
hot glued silverware to paper,
and added a bit of wire ribbon
for good measure...

So? What do you think? I know it may not be for everyone, but I'm really happy with the way it came out, plus it really helps to "tie in" the "spoon pulls" my dear hubby was so good to make for me and don't you just love that the silverware is a bit tarnished? L-l-l-love it!

P.S. I've been strolling through bloggerville and have seen so many who've followed Ms Nester's idea. It's so, so fun!

I won a Give-A-Way...

2009-04-03T07:09:00.000-07:00

Have you met Heidi Pocketbook @ Bargain Hunting in the Corn?If not, allow me to introduce you.....People this is Heidi
I think you will find her to be as warm, witty, and welcoming as I do, and I hope you enjoy your visit to her blog just as much & more.

A few weeks ago I was the lucky winner of Heidi Pocketbook's give-a-way! Yahoo!
The prize was a $20 gift card to Amazon.com. Yahoo! Yahoo! It was tough to decide what to get and honestly it took me a long time to make a decision, but finally---FINALLY I decided to get something I knew dear hubby and I could enjoy.

TA DA !!!

For me-
Return to Ravenhearst
This is a PC game that is part "seek and find" and part "puzzle". It's a fun game and requires some "sleuthing" skills which is something that can keep me occupied for a long while. I literally set a timer on my cell phone so I will get off the computer or else I would stay glued to it all day trying to solve the whole case, lol! It's set in an old Victorian mansion and is a "ghost" story of sorts. I love me a good ghost story, always have.
For dear hubby
No explanation needed, lol!

They're PC games and while I've had lots of fun enjoying mine, I had to return the golf game because it didn't work :0(. We'll get him another one, don't worry. Dear hubby loves golf and gets out on the "green" as often as he can.

Thanks Heidi for being a great bloggerina friend and for my "gift".

Getting better and back to my Spring Cleaning, Refreshing and "Look what I made!"

2009-04-02T10:02:00.000-07:00

Well this bug is still with me and this makes it officially two weeks old. Seriously! I'm feeling better but still not at 100%. I rest when I can, but quite honestly I can't stay down to long even when I'm sick. I guess it's a rule that mom's do not get sick days (LOL!) and quite honestly I get bored and restless knowing that there is so much to be done. So I get myself up and start moving. This would probably explain why it takes me so long to get "well" and why I feel so horrible at the end of a day at times. I know! I know!

As you know I was in the middle of my Spring cleaning, organizing and refreshing when the bug attacked. Now that I'm feeling better I've started up again, although I am moving much slower then I normally would and I'm still a bit "foggy".

Anyway, I had been working on the laundry room/service porch and my goal is to make it as bright & happy as possible because I spend so much of my time in that area of the house. With a family as large as ours it's not a good idea to go more then a day without doing laundry.

While browsing blogs I saw how Shelia @ Note Songs created some artwork for her laundry room which she used to hide a fuse box. I really liked her idea, was inspired, ran with it and made it work for me.

Scrapbooking paper, vinyl letters, and a box frame

I laid the frame flat against the paper,
took my craft knife and just cut around the perimeter...
Then I measured, centered
and affixed the needed letters. Once that was done,
I just placed them into the frames...

Measured to the half way mark from the top of the dryer to the ceiling and marked.
Then I centered my first frame and worked out
centering the last two, from that point.
Basic math skills were needed :0)

Frames $3.00,

Paper (2 12x12 sheets @ .69ea) $1.38,
letters $3.99
Total was approximately $9 (including tax)

And I'm down for the count...

2009-03-30T00:00:00.000-07:00

It got me. Whatever this "it" is, is just horrible! I haven't felt this bad since, well since I can't even remember when. The congestion is horrible, my chest hurts, my cough makes my head hurt and my chest hurt more. I can't smell anything, I can't taste anything. I feel like my eyes are bugged out of my head...and I look soooo lovely too! Red, puffy eyes, a red, swollen and chapped nose, chapped lips, and did I mention those beautiful red eyes won't stop watering.....WWWWAAAAHHHHH

Vintage Thingies Thursday & Tender Graces...

2009-03-26T00:09:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to take a break from my Spring cleaning and join in on Vintage Thingies Thursday. VTT is hosted by the ever gracious Suzanne @ Colorado Lady. Be sure to pay her a visit, say "Hi!" and see who else is doing it VINTAGE today.

Books have always been a key part of my life and my enjoyment. I love to escape into lands far away, the adventures and romance drive me to "dream" and give me the "break" I need to make it through anything stressful that may come my way.

Allow me to share my Colliers Junior Classics and my New Junior Classics, Series One and Two (circa 1962-). One is a complete set and the other I'm missing the first volume. I'm actually "watching" an auction on Ebay right now to see if I can "win" volume I :0)
(There is a book on the far right that doesn't belong in the series but it fits perfectly to keep the books "straight & neat". Good for their spines.

One of my all time favorite stories...
Look at the "artwork". I dare not call them simple illustrations because in my honest opinion, they are far more then that.

I love you Beast...

Thanks for stopping by and sharing a bit of your day with me. Be sure to let me know you were here!
Here's wishing you a wonderful VTT.

TENDER GRACES~
My friend Faye @ Something Nanna Made shared a bit of information about a free conferance on Autism. Many children are afflicted with this illness and I'm happy to share what Faye has written. Please visit Faye and read her posts about Sweet Noah who will touch your heart, about his mom Amy who is amazing and about big brother Luke and how he all ready knows Noah is something special.
God Bless them all.

Spring Fever-Refreshing the pantry cabinet...

2009-03-25T00:00:00.000-07:00

This week has been all about my Spring cleaning, organizing and re-freshing. Being that this mid century home was not built with a pantry, we had to add our own. This "beauty" (blech!) sits in the service porch/laundry room, just across from the machines. To the right of this cabinet is my utility closet. Anyway, it's my hope/wish/dream that my wonderful hubby wubby will build some floor to ceiling open shelves here, til then I've a plain, old, utilitarian cabinet that I call the "pantry". As you can see the painters thought it would be a good idea to give it a paint job. Didn't they figure it out that you cannot paint over laminate without prepping it properly? Ugh, we found out about a week after the painting was completed, that this was done in a hurry.

Before:
Ugly, isn't it?

Hmm, found me that wall paper that's been stashed for the past nine years. I knew I'd find a use for it one day...

First door done. What do you think? Should I continue to the next door? I'm thinking about having dear hubby add molding around the edges and I'm still not decided on the pulls. Should I use the ones it came with (see top pic), should I have dear hubby fashion two more spoons into pulls, or should I just go with a pull like the ones on the utility closet? I do have the ones that used to be in my kitchen. Help a girl make up her mind, won't you?

Spring Fever- Pet Food Storage

2009-03-24T00:00:00.000-07:00

So I took myself to that big pet supply chain to see how much it would be for a practical pet food container...What? $15?! ( The "good" ones were almost $40!) For what? A big piece of plastic that's what. It was also ugly, flimsy and the lid was so thin I thought for sure I or my son would snap it as soon as we handled it. You see, I like to have the dog food in containers that are not breakable but are airtight so that the food stays fresh and pesky critters (ants!) stay away. Being that Spring has Sprung and that's when our pest season begins, I knew I had to jump on this issue and f-a-s-t !!! Feeding our K9's is my eldest boy's responsibility and while he does the "job", he is rather messy about it. Kibble scatters more often then not and being that we keep the dog food in the laundry room /service porch area, it's not uncommon for me to step on loose kibble, find it under the machines, and worse! Find it in the clothes as I'm sorting them out. Yuck! So you can now see that the need for a storage unit was sorely needed. The last one I had was tossed last summer because someone dropped water into the bin and put the lid on. Hmm, can you say warm/humid days, dog food, closed lid= moldy, smelly food that no dog would touch with a 10 foot bone!
But herein lies the problem. I need the storage container, however, I don't want to spend any cash on something I know I wouldn't be happy with.

So, what to do? What to do?

Thinking...Thinking...

Before:

It's an empty HEAVY DUTY plastic detergent bucket! I gave it a good wash out and dry off. I then grabbed some sandpaper from Hubbs workbench (180 grit?) and gave the bucket a good and heavy sanding on all sides to give it some "tooth". I then printed out pictures of my furry babies, some quotes about dogs, grabbed the mod podge and a brush and went to work.

After:
This was the first side I did. It's too uniform for me but it was all ready on so I decided that the other sides would get a much "free-er" appearance.

I just need to buy some vinyl "paw print & bone" stickers, clean it up a bit and then give it a nice coat of sealer and BAM! I got myself a pet storage container that is "air tight", "heavy duty" and best of all? IT WAS FREE!!!

(I lined the inside with a plastic bag, poured in the dog food and use an old veggie can as my scoop.)

Spring Fever- The Laundry Room...

2009-03-23T07:29:00.000-07:00

Actually it's called the "service porch" however for this day and age, I refer to it as the "laundry room". It a small room right off my kitchen and it's what is behind those red doors I love so much.

Be warned the next scene is not a pretty one...
Hey! I warned you! That is one week of laundry piled all over the floors and overflowing the hampers.

Let the transformation begin (waving wand...pfst!)

I'm all about re=using and re=purposing when possible. It's a way of life for me as this is the way I was raised. I guess I was "green" before it was the "thing" to do. LOL!
This canister set is in great condition and it's a complete set too. It doesn't fit my decor anymore, and I don't want to alter it's appearance.

Turn the canisters around so the backs show to the front and they become "neutral".

When living in such a small space, "one" must be creative when it comes to storage solutions and decor. The "topper" is an old scarf I used to actually accessorize my clothing with "back in the day". The shelf behind the machines is a piece of scrap wood hubbs cut down, sanded, stained and sealed. It gives me space for my storage and needs.
Each "jar" holds something useful to us for this area or the kitchen area. In the biggest jar I've got laundry detergent. With such a large family I buy the industrial size bin of detergent, however it's to bulky and takes up to much space. I scoop detergent into the biggest jar and that is actually now sitting to the right of the shelf (shelf has since been centered) In the smaller jars I have drier sheets, laundry bags for those bits of apparel that need the gentle cycle, in the others is tape, scissors, rubber bands, paperclips, lost legos/toys and general miscellaneous items one needs on occasion, and in the basket are our trash bags and any single socks waiting for their mate. My stepdaughter gave me that blue enamelware cup one Christmas long ago. It now holds my "tip" money. Family is warned...if money is left in pockets and I find it floating in the washer or in the dryer....IT'S MINE! My biggest "score" to date is $60 that hubbs forgot to remove from his pocket! Yahoo!
I know my machines are not the newest or prettiest of machines, but they have served us well for the past nine years and with as much action and use that they get it's no wonder I love Kenmore so much! We do pull out extended warranties on all our appliances though, because lets face it. Wouldn't you get tired or break down every now and then if you were run a couple times a day, every day? I'm also thinking that within the next few months I'm going to be spray painting the set so that they look "clean and spiffy". I"m just waiting for warmer weather. Have any of you ever spray painted any of your appliances? If so, how did they turn out and how did they hold up?

This wonderful gem is still awaiting it's turn in the warm, sudsy water. I just wanted to show you the one original light fixture left in this house. Isn't it fabulous?! Yes, it's 1954 vintage and yes, it's in my laundry room :0)
So if you check out my last two posts, you'll know exactly how I spent my weekend. This week I hope to conquer the living room/dining room areas.

P.S. Note: I was also able to slay the dreaded laundry beast! Ha Ha! Be gone with ye' Beast of laundry.
You know, the words "wash, dry, fold repeat" went through my head so many times during the "fight". I may have to add those very words somewhere on these walls.

Spring Fever

2009-03-21T18:11:00.000-07:00

SPRING FEVER: n.- A feeling of restlessness, excitement, or laziness brought on by the coming of spring.

I've been tackling my Spring Cleaning "to do" list, (hmm, this must be the restlessness) and I'm happy to report that the kitchen got a major scrub down. I literally spent most of the day tackling this chore. There were times where I smiled to myself because I realized just how obvious it is that there are "young uns" in this house. Hand prints and finger prints were everywhere, just "so high". I found lego pieces under my fridge, army men under my stove...it's rather interesting the things that one can find in these dark & dusty places. I am happy to say I found a silver earring I'd been searching for since last Summer. I have no idea how it made it's way under my fridge, but there it was...all covered in dust and grime and the aftermath of spills that were never quite reachable (since they were under a major appliance!) Eww, is right!

I also did a bit of "thrifty decorating" again.

I think it also added a bit more personality to the kitchen.

Before:

Hmmm...

After:

Yup! They've become "pulls"! They're a bit "askew" (darn me and my "crooked" eyes) but lets just say that adds "character". Yes, I thought you'd agree with me :0)
Sigh* A nice shiny clean kitchen and "new" pulls= HAPPINESS (this must be the excitement part of Spring Fever).
(Ha! Just noticed that I didn't close the cabinet door and the lid on my bread box isn't set right! Well, just goes to show that not everything is perfect in a real life working kitchen. )

I also want to give a bit SHOUT OUT to my hubbs. He puts up with all my "ideas/suggestions" and is usually the one to bring those "ideas/suggestions" to fruition.
Babe! You Rock!!!

Vintage Thingies Thursday 3/19

2009-03-19T21:49:00.000-07:00

It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday! Be sure to pay Suzanne, THE COLORADO LADY, a visit. See who else is going vintage!

How I love Red! Below you will see one of my very favorite treasures. I know, I know. It looks rather unassuming but if a bowl could talk, what stories it could tell. Like when momma would make her tortillas and put little dough balls aside for me to roll out. Oh! Or when momma decided to snap her own beans and set some in this bowl for me to snap...boy I felt so helpful! I know! When momma would make pudding in this bowl and set it inside the fridge. She would even let me lick the mixers. This precious bowl is but one of a nesting set of four. They came in primary colors (listed by order of greatest size) yellow, green, red, and blue. I have this red one and the blue one (which is another of my favorite cereal bowls). My mother dropped the yellow one and we lost the green one just a few months ago when we had our last sizable quake. I've been perusing garage sales & thrift stores so that I may replace what has been broken, but I've had no luck. I've seen them on Ebay, but the cost sure runs up and then adding the shipping and it's gone beyond my "milk money".

Did you know Pyrex has a rather interesting history? If you'd like to know more about it's origins, click here.

Thanks for spending some of your time with me. I hope the rest of your day is FABULOUS!

Spring...Spring...Spring...

2009-03-18T08:25:00.000-07:00

Spring is here! Spring is here! It's the best time of the year. Okay, so it's not quite "officially" Spring, but I'm excited anyway. Spring is my very favorite season. Sunny skies, nice breezes, not to hot, not to cool and the best part? The flowers start to bloom!

This is one of the original orange trees from before this was a housing tract. This tree pre-dates 1954. When they built this housing tract they wanted to preserve some of the trees. This is one of them. As you can see it gives off plenty of oranges and look at all those orange blossoms! They smell so sweet!

The jasmine "bush" affectionately known as the "animal". Can you believe it started out as a small starter vine? I put it in this spot over nine years ago when we first moved to this property. I put it here because this particular area of our back yard gets full sun almost all day. I'm embarrassed to admit, but I never took it out of it's pot! It's grown right through and around the pot. We did start out with a lattice to begin it's "training", but I got lazy and let it go "wild". As you can see, this is the outcome of giving a jasmine it's freedom. It begins blooming every March, no matter what the weather is and it will bloom clear into the summer months. The smell is so wonderful and strong!

Now along with all the wonderful things I love about Spring, comes the things I know I must get done...SPRING CLEANING! I have to admit, that after I've finished my organizing, re-arranging and de-junking, I feel so great and love to "look at" what I've accomplished.

Linen Closet
Before

Oh Look! There's that pack of sheets I was looking for! I knew I had them somewhere!

Linen closet
After

Yes I know we have lots of sheets and towels but remember, I have a pretty large family and six beds to "sheet". In that basket is all our medicines. They are in a cool/dry place, they are out of reach from my littlest one and they are all neatly arranged inside. Below is a picture of my "out of season" sheet set. These are one of my set of flannels. I wash/dry them, and put them into one of the pillow cases. That way when I need them, I find them "all" at one time. Hmm, the color is "off" in this picture. They are a deep red color. You know how I love red :0)

So how are you welcoming in Spring? Any plans to Spring Clean?

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

2009-03-17T00:06:00.000-07:00

St Patrick's Day Traditions & Symbols...

Did you ever wonder why we wear green on St Patrick's day? Why a four leaf clover is considered "lucky"? And why it's called The "luck" of the Irish? If so, read on...

Shamrock
The shamrock as a symbol of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day is partly due to the natural abundance of clover plants in the country, but largely due to its strong association with Christianity. According to Robert Mahony, Professor of English and member of the Center for Irish Studies at Catholic University, legend has it that St. Patrick used the shamrock to visually illustrate the concept of the Trinity (the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit) when trying to convert polytheistic pagans to Christianity.

"A clover is one plant with three leaves, but the three leaves are necessary to make it [complete]," explains Prof. Mahony. "[In Christianity,] God is three persons, but it's not the same as three gods." The simple analogy is thought to have helped non-Christians understand a fundamental element of the Christian religion, facilitating conversion.

It was through the retelling of this story that the shamrock became associated with St. Patrick and Ireland's conversion to Christianity. As a result, the shamrock is a widely used to commemorate Saint Patrick's Day, and in modern times has been appropriated by secular institutions as a symbol for the Irish.

Four-Leaf Clover
Although clovers are most often found in nature with three leaves, rare four-leaf clovers do exist. Finding one is thought to bring someone extreme luck. The folklore for four-leaf clovers differs from that of the Shamrock due to the fact that it has no religious allusions associated with it. It is believed that each leaf of a four-leaf clover represents something different: first is hope, the second is faith, the third is love, and the fourth is happiness.

Leprechauns
Just what does a mythical leprechaun look like and why are they so special? A leprechaun looks like a little old man and dresses like a shoemaker with a cocked hat and leather apron. A Leprechaun's personality is described as aloof and unfriendly. They live alone and pass the time by mending the shoes of Irish fairies.

According to St. Patrick's Day: Parades, Shamrocks, and Leprechauns by Elaine Landau, the legend is that the fairies pay the leprechauns for their work with golden coins, which the "little people" collect in large pots--the famous "pots of gold" often associated with leprechauns.

If you listen closely for the sound of their hammer you might be able to capture one. If you do you can force him (with the threat of bodily violence) to reveal where he's hidden his treasure. Be careful! Do not take your eyes off him for if you do he will surely vanish and your hopes of finding his treasure will vanish with him.

Green
So why do we all wear green?

Probably because you'll be pinched if you don't! School children started this tradition. Green is also the color of spring, the shamrock, and is connected with hope and nature. Historically, green has been a color used in the flags of several revolutionary groups in Ireland and as a result it appears in the official tri-color country flag, adopted in 1919.

In addition to that, Ireland is often called the "Emerald Isle" due to the lush natural greenery found on the island. Says Prof. Mahony, "One of the things that strikes people all the time is how Ireland is incredibly green--it's very far north, but it doesn't get frozen. When people say that 'Ireland has 40 shades of green,' they are right!"

The luck of the Irish
Want to be lucky this St. Patrick's Day? Follow this advice:

1. Find a four-leaf clover. 2. Wear green (so you don't get pinched). 3. Kiss the blarney stone. 4. Catch a Leprechaun if you can.

In honor of the festivities we leave you with this Irish blessing: May your blessings outnumber the shamrocks that grow and may trouble avoid you wherever you go!

(*info from Kaboose)

It's the little things...

2009-03-16T00:01:00.000-07:00

Happiness is...

Freshly laundered linens still warm from the dryer.

Friday the 13th....DUN, DUN, DUN !!!

2009-03-13T00:01:00.000-07:00

Friday the 13th
is a HAPPY HAPPY DAY!!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO OUR LITTLEST GUY!!!

Then: Welcome to the world...

Now: Our handsome guy and one of his "best" buddies...

Hey Buddy! We wish you a very happy birthday! Papa, Sissies, brother and I love you so much.

This little man is our bundle of energy, our super hero, our protector and our entertainer. Never have I known a child with as big of an imagination as he has. He travels to worlds I've never "seen", he battles villains and monsters daily, is rough and tumble, and yet he loves me with a heart that can hold more love then the deepest of oceans.

Me: I love you Buddy.
Buddy: I love you too.
Me: I love you more.
Buddy: I love you more then that.
Me: I love you most!
Buddy: I love you the most est
Me: I love you as big as the sky!
Buddy: Yea, but I love you to infinity and beyond!!!

He melts my heart.
Buddy was a huge surprise to my hubbs and I. We had "thought" we were done adding to our family and having another child was not in our plan. Well, God knows best and even though another child wasn't in "our" plan, it was in HIS. This little boy was placed in our keeping. He completes our family and all I can do is continue to thank God for entrusting this precious gift to our care.

Use what you have...

2009-03-12T09:27:00.000-07:00

Bored.....YYYAAAWWWNNNN !!!

Hmmm...

Happy...

Ta Da !!!

Perfectly Imperfect...

Enchiladas A'La Rechelle...or "Rechelle-aladas"

2009-03-10T13:50:00.000-07:00

Okay if any of you are into cooking, you will all ready know that making enchiladas, and I mean real authentic tasting enchiladas, is quite messy and time consuming. I mean, Seriously!!! It's too much work for me. Honestly, I love to cook but with a family as large as mine and as impatient as my crew becomes when they're hungry, making "traditional & authentic" enchiladas just isn't practical for us.

So here's my version. It's pretty easy, doesn't take as much time as the traditional method and it's not "as" messy but best of all, it keeps that traditional flavor.

Start with a casserole dish that's been sprayed with non stick cooking spray. Since I make two different styles, I have two casserole dishes at the ready.
You'll also need boneless/skinless chicken breasts, corn tortillas, Two, 28oz cans of enchilada sauce & sour cream (optional). For a family of four, you should be able to get away with 2-3 chicken breasts and 10-15 corn tortillas, and one 28 oz can of sauce.

1. Boil and shred cooked chicken. I've got five breasts here. (this made about 40 enchiladas)
2. Put chicken into bowls. Since I'm making both red & green, I've split the amount equally.
3. Pour about 1/2 a can of enchilada sauce over chicken and stir. (if you do both red & green, it's 1/2 can for each "style".)
4. Set chicken mixture aside for now.5. Get your corn tortillas and warm over open flame. I warm them so that they become pliable and are easier to roll and work with.
6. Lay corn tortilla flat, fill with chicken mixture, roll and place into casserole dish with seam on the bottom. Repeat til all tortillas have been used (for the amount chicken above, I am able to make 20-22 enchiladas of each style)
7. Pour the other 1/2 of sauce over rolled enchiladas...Top with cheese and place into a 350 oven for approximately 15-20 minutes or...
until cheese is thoroughly melted.

8. Serve with Spanish rice & beans...garnish with sour cream. Since I buy two cans of each sauce, I open and pour the other cans into gravy boats, and family or guests are able to "wet" their enchiladas according to their own taste. Some people prefer the enchiladas such as they are when they come out of the oven, and some (like me) like their enchiladas a bit more "saucy" or "wet".

Enjoy !!!

2009-03-06T10:49:00.000-08:00

Tell the truth, the whole truth and nothing but the truth!

So I just got tagged by Angie over at Sandals & Daisies. It's the Confession Tag. Here are the rules: Copy and paste the whole questionnaire and replace my answers with yours. You have to state and create a link for the blogger who tagged you. Pass to 4 other bloggers. Remember to inform them by commenting on their recent post. Display the logo anywhere on your blog. Last, answer each question with truth and nothing but the truth since this is a confession tag. Have Fun!

1)What is your blogger name?
Rechelle

2) When is your birthday?
May 7

3) How long have you been blogging?
June 2008

4) Who tagged you?
Angie @ Sandals & Daisies

5 ) Tell me your 5 most favorite body parts.
My eyes, My hands, my lips, my calves, my ankles

6) What do you wish most for your birthday?
A spa day would be nice

7) What color are your nails now?
rose-ish

8) Any depressing thoughts lately?
Just a bit tired of being under the weather

9) What's your next 1 month's plan?
Celebrate youngest child's bday, get linen closet organized & clean the back patio area

10) At what age did you have your 1st crush?
Believe it or not I was about five years old and it was a crush on my nephew's Godfather, lol!

11) Did you attend any school reunion after you graduated till now?
No

12) Have you ever passed gas in public and pretended you didn't smell anything?
No, believe it or not.

13) Are you a clean freak?
To some people I am, but in my honest opinion my thoughts on cleaning aren't extreme.

14) Which era do you wish you were born into?
While I really enjoyed growing up in the 80s, I often wonder about the 50s. I think I would have loved to be a teenager in the 1950s. It'd be fun to "visit" the era, just for a day. lol!

15) Are you a vegetarian?
Heck no! Give me a filet mignon...rare!

16) How many pillows do you sleep with at night?
Four

17) Are you a light sleeper or an I-don't-care-if -there's-a-bomb-here sleeper?
I'm pretty restless at night

18) Do you secretly wear comfortable granny panties when your man is not around?
I wear my "big girl" panties whenever I want, lol! I actually prefer the hipsters though. Anything to cover up my tushy is good for me. No strings here! lol!

19) What is your ultimate dream job?
I would love to own/run a B&B

20) What is it your hubby does that annoys you the most?
Take cel calls at the dinner table. Either here or at a restaurant. I just think it's the rudest!

21) What is your dream car?
A convertible vintage VW beetle

22) Do you easily wake up in the morning?
Yes.
23) Do you like hairy men?
NO, NO, NOOOOOOO!
]
24) How about goateed men?
I do like a nicely kept goatee. I miss hubb's goatee. Hmm, I may have to talk to him and see if he'll grow it back :0)

25) Which one would you prefer, 2 hour spa, 2 hour Thai Massage or 2 hour foot massage?
I'll take all three please. What? I'm being greedy? Yes, I know. Thank you!

26) Have you ever wished you had a different name other than your real name?
Yes, when I was a little girl in Kindergarten and learning how to spell my name. It took forever to spell it all out!!! I came home crying one day asking my mother why couldn't she name me "Ann" or "Mary". It was hard having to write out an 8 letter name.

27) What is the most extreme sport you have ever done?
Well, I almost tried skydiving. Got myself through the classes, got myself to the tarmac and chickened out as they were loading the plane. So my most extreme would have to go to dune buggying or surfing.

28) Do you prefer traveling in Europe or Asia?
If I had travelled to these places, I know I'd prefer Europe. It's a dream to be able to visit Europe.

29) What is your favorite food?
Pasta :0)

And Finally,
30) What is the most embarrassing moment when you were out on a date?
Let out a huge burp after taking a big swallow of root beer. lol!

I'm tagging

1. Linda @ Somewhere in Time
2. Donna @ Simplicity Cottage
3. Chari @ Happy to Design
4. Charlotte @ The Robbin's Nes t

C'mon! It's your turn now!
Have fun!

Wordless Wednesday 3/4

2009-03-03T21:26:00.000-08:00

WW is hosted by Dixie @ French Lique, Tx. Be sure to stop by and see who else is "wordless".

This week's theme:

CRAFT

Artwork on the cheap...

2009-02-28T15:38:00.000-08:00

As you all ready know my kitchen has been undergoing a face lift. We've had to put the major stuff, such as counter tops and flooring, on hold. I've been in a creative and decorating funk for so long, nothing I've seen or "imagined" has held my interest for very long. I've been trying to think of ways to add accessories on the cheap and try and repurpose or re use what I all ready have. Here's my "idea" of artwork on the cheap.

I took two old oak frames I all ready had and sprayed them black. I then got online and started looking for inspiration. I hit blog after blog, online magazine sites and "new home" sites to check out the staging. Still, nothing caught me. Then I started focusing on what I like and what I thought would "speak" for my little house.
WHAM!!! Okay...House was built in 1954 and my idea was born. I got online and looked up "what it cost 1954", added some vintage-y clip art and "created" this...

What it cost

1954

House: $22,000

Average income: $3,960

Ford car: $1548-$2415

Milk: $.92

Gas: $.21

Bread $.17

Postage stamp: $.03

Swiss Cheese: $ .69 lb.

American Cheese: $.55 lb.

T-Bone steak : $.95 lb.

Del Monte Catsup (2) 14.oz bottles: $.25

Post Grape Nuts cereal - 10 .oz pkg: $.19

Clorox Bleach - 1/2 gal.: $.19

20 gallon gas water heater $75.

Semi-automatic Kenmore washer: $154.95

I centered it, printed it up and framed it.

Then again I searched on line and found this...

It's the inside of an old Woolworth's coffee shop/soda shop menu. Circa 1956. I printed that up and framed it as well. I'll probably play with the "cost" print out as I need to center it a bit better, but for now...it'll do :0)

Art/Accessories on the cheap.

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/26

2009-02-25T20:51:00.000-08:00

Happy Thursday everyone! It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday, which is probably one of my favorite "events" of the week. VTT is hosted by the wonderful Suzanne @ Colorado Lady. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else rolls vintage.

This week I had a whole other post of vintage goodies to share but I'll need to work on re-sizing the pictures, so perhaps next week :0). This week I'll show something I've shared before, but is never-the-less dear to my heart.
This is my china cabinet. I'm the third generation to own it. On the first shelf you'll see my collection of Princess House/Hammersley China in vintage rose. My mother had this set, but after many earthquakes over the years, most of the pieces were lost. I've probably two pieces left from her original set. The rest I've replaced as I was able to. You'll see I've two creamers and two sugar bowls. One pair was mom's and the other pair I obtained when I purchased pieces that were grouped together as a "lot".

Some pieces displayed with a vintage table cloth.

Here's the second shelf. Aside from the crystal tea pot, the other pieces are all vintage. Including the crystal creamer and sugar bowl set. The china was passed to my mother from a great Aunt. Then when mom passed, the set was given to me.
Thanks for stopping by and spending some of your Thursday with me. May the rest of your day be GREAT !!!

Three or More Tuesday and I need your help...

2009-02-24T19:05:00.000-08:00

Happy Tuesday to you all. Three or more Tuesday is hosted by Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is sharing their "3's". Better yet, why don't you join in the fun?!

Three & More Shamrocks...

Okay, here is where I need some input, opinions and thoughts. This table drives me absolutely nuts. I cannot stand it's straight lines at all, yet I cannot seem to part with it. It's just an old aquarium table/stand that hubbs and I picked up at a yard sale over 12 years ago. I've tried storing it and yet...it seems to call to me "Take me out Rechelle! Take me out!". I know it sounds weird but I simply cannot part with the table, so here is where I need your help. Since I cannot stand it's look I need to give it a make over. I figure that is a nice little compromise. My decor is a country-cottagey type look. I've thought of painting it and I can see a nice creamy color on this old table, but perhaps it needs more...Right now it's rather rustic and "hard". It really needs some softening and feminizing. What can we do with those legs??? Your suggestions are very much appreciated. Ha! Just realized this could part of a our "3 or more" theme as well. Look at all those Christmas Decorations!

(edited to add that I've been trying to post to some blogs but can't get past the word verification)

Blue Monday 2/23 & If The Shoe Fits...

2009-02-23T15:27:00.000-08:00

It's Monday and you know what that means? It's time for Blue Monday. Hosted by her graciousness herself... Sally @ Smiling Sally. Be sure to pay her a visit and check out who's doing it in blue today :0)

I know I've shared the corningware (love it), but someone please explain to me, when did my Pyrex become "vintage"? LOL! This is actually a piece I was gifted back in 1984. It was part of a nesting set, but alas, all these years later this is the only one that remains. That's what happens when you live in an earthquake zone. This lovely little blue gem happens to be my cereal bowl :0). Crazy to think that it's 25 years old! Gotta love the Pyrex! Gotta love the Corningware!

Thank you for the visit! May the rest of your day be great!

Sweet Kathy over at Mimi's Garden is a lovely and wonderful bloggerina whom I've loved getting to know. She's kind, creative (check out her latest post!) shares wonderful thoughts and recipes too! She awarded me the...If the Shoe Fits, Wear It! Award: Finding the Heart and “Sole” of Friendship. Thank you so much Kathy! You made my day!!!
I'd like to give this award to some of my fellow bloggerinas.

1. Donna @ Simplicity Cottage
2. Tracy @ A comfy Little Place of my Own
3. Heidi Pocketbook @ Bargain Hunting In The Corn
4. Lilly @ Lilly Loves

You'll love them all!

Pink Saturday 2/21

2009-02-21T01:32:00.000-08:00

Hip Hip Hooray! It's time for Pink Saturday! This polka pink party is hosted by our wonderful Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound. Be sure to pinky charm your way to her place and see who else is parading their Pink today!

The first suburb of our metropolis city is not to far from here and the homes there are absolutely magnificent. Here is just one example of the beauty that is there. This is the Charles C. Haskin Victorian Residence. Circa 1894. (Photo by Martin) Isn't it absolutely gorgeous?! What a gift to be able to sit on that porch on a warm summer's evening while sipping sweet lemonade.
Most of the homes on this one avenue have been lovingly refurbished and restored to their original grandeur. In fact, for you handy dandy DIYers, one of the stately Victorians came on the market, a fixer upper even. Listing price was over $1,000,000. Pshaw, pocket change, LOL! Can you just imagine the stories this grand old lady could share?! The secrets, the scandals, and all the wonderful memories in between. It's been my lifelong dream to actually own (keep) a home such as this, sigh*** Til then (cough!), we take drives around our fair metropolis and make that left down this wonderful Avenue...where one can think and imagine fine ladies with parasols, almost hear the clippity clop of the horses hooves as they pull the gleaming carriages, and remember that bygone era...

Thanks for spending a bit of your Saturday with me. I hope you'll let me know you were here!

The Pink Ladies Pledge...THINK PINK !!!

(fyi, Please forgive me if I am unable to get to your post. I've actually been recovering from surgery and my "sitting" time at the computer has been very limited. Thanks for understanding)

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/19

2009-02-19T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's time for Vintage Thingies Thursday, hosted by Suzanne @ Colorado Lady. Be sure to stop on by and see who else is sharing their vintage treasures.

This week I'm sharing the vintage treasures I have the privilege to enjoy every day and every evening. I like to surround myself with items that have history and character. I seem to find great comfort in knowing that "they" have survived through time to be enjoyed and cared for, yet again, until they are passed on to another who will treasure them as I do.

A vintage lady's mirror. My father found this when I was just a little girl. He used to work construction and he was at a dig prepping the ground for new construction. He came upon this mirror buried deep in the debris. I can't help but wonder who it belonged to and the stories it could tell. I often imagine a lady preparing to go out in the evening, eyeing her reflection in the mirror. Touching up her hair, checking her powder and hoping for a grand time to be had...

currently it makes it's home on the vanity in my bedroom. Which is actually another vintage treasure

My hubbs gifted me with this vanity when we were just starting our lives as a married couple. He was out working some overtime one Saturday when he came upon a yard sale. Lo and Behold, this beauty was there, just calling to him. He phoned me, said he had seen something he thought I would like and suggested I drive down to meet him. I got there and we purchased it right off. The simple fact that my hubbs knows and appreciates my love for such items is a treasure in itself and believe me, I know "he's a keeper".
In the mirror you see our bed. These are some vintage pillow cases I was fortunate to find on Ebay. I love, love, love Ebay!!!
Our bed "dressed". Don't worry. Hubbs is the best. He always takes my "pretties" and places them on the wicker chest next to our vintage chair. I told ya' he's a keeper! lol!
Another Saturday when hubbs and I were out and about. He'd seen a sign for an Estate sale the day before, and we decided we'd take a chance to see if there was anything left that "we" (really I, lol) would like. He found the chair and again it was a perfect fit to me and my taste.
Thanks for spending a bit of your Thursday with me. I hope the rest of your day is GREAT!!!

Pink Saturday 2/14 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

2009-02-14T00:00:00.000-08:00

HAPPY VALENTINE'S EVERYONE! What better way to celebrate Pink Saturday then with a view of one of the longest lasting couples in Hollywood History. It's none other then Miss Piggy and her beloved Kermit the Frog. Isn't it sweet to see the love glow in her eyes as she gazes upon a picture of her handsome frog? Can't you just hear her saying "Oh Kermie, Kermie!" and Green, vibrant and strong Kermit responding "Yes Piggy!".

(these images are not my own but I was unable to get a name to give the proper credit)
I do have this particular jewelery/trinket box, given to me on my 13th birthday, from my mother. I was unable to upload my own images as I am having computer issues.

Now be sure to visit Beverly @ How sweet the Sound and see who else is parading pink on this Valentine's Day.

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/12

2009-02-12T00:05:00.000-08:00

Vintage Thingies Thursday is hosted by Suzanne, The Colorado Lady
Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is rolls vintage...

This is something I've shared on my blog before, but I've met so many new bloggerina's, I thought it would be a perfect addition to Vintage Thingies Thursday.

It's a Christening Gown. I, as well as my two daughters were Christened in this gown. It was made for me.
Notice the hand embroidery...This detailing is also on the skirt of the gown but I was unable to get a good shot of it.
This is the underskirt...
The gown...
And cap. The embroidery was never completed on this. I've thought about having someone "finish" it, but that's all I've done...just "think" about it.Thanks for stopping by and spending some time with me. I hope you'll let me know you were here. May the rest of your day be great!

Wordless Wednesday 2/11

2009-02-11T00:00:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday is hosted by Dixie @ French Lique, Texas. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else "isn't" using their words...

This week's theme:
LOVE

Three or More Tuesday

2009-02-10T07:28:00.000-08:00

It's "Three or More" on it's new day...TUESDAY! Our hostess with the mostest is Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner. Be sure to pop on over and see what surprises she has in store and to see who else is parading 3's and more :0)

Today is all about three's

Three Roses "just because"...

Three & More Avocados... Mmmm

Three & More vintage table linens...

I also want to give a big shout out to Elaine over "At Home 'n' About
She gifted me with the Kreativ Blogger award and I want to say THANK YOU! Elaine is a new blogging buddy and I know I'll have a wonderful time getting to know more about her. There are some rules that go along with the award. First you put the award on your sidebar, then you have to list seven things you love. Finally you present the award to seven other bloggers and notify them on their site.
Here goes!

1. I love the central coast of California.
2. I love watching the sun rise.
3. I love having quiet time at night, after everyone's gone to bed.
4. I love hearing a baby's laugh.
5. I love the smell of freshly dried laundry.
6. I love the way my hubby smells
7. I love my family.

Trying to pick seven is tough and this meme makes me think of Valentine's and "love". So why don't you take it, share what you love and be sure to let me know. I'd like to visit you and see what your "loves" are.
Enjoy your day!!!

Blue Monday & My first Met Monday

2009-02-09T00:00:00.000-08:00

Hey There! Happy Monday and I hope your day has been a good one so far. Today I'm participating in my very first "Metamorphosis Monday", hosted by Susan @ Between Naps on the Porch- as well as "Blue Monday", which is hosted by the very gracious Sally @ Smiling Sally. Be sure to pop on over to both and see who else is sharing today.

Opening one's mail can be such a wonderful and surprising time. Debbie @ Garage Sale Gal sent me one of her handmade Valentine cards, made with vintage Valentines. Isn't it too cute? See the blue on the sweet little girl's hat? See the blue pants that lovey bear is wearing? I'd say it "counts" for Blue Monday? Wouldn't you?

-------------------------------------------------------------------------

As I stated earlier, this is my very first "Met Monday". I'm going to start off "small", but you'll see that a major metamorphosis has occurred...

Before:
Daisy Louise
Poodle PUFF

After:
Daisy Louise "Froo Froo"

You just gotta love those bows! LOL!

I'm sorry her "after" picture isn't larger, but I couldn't get the darn thing to re size (grrr). This pic was taken with my cell phone. I know you can see how much of a change she's gone through. Ahhh, thank God for groomers :0)

Show & Tell Friday 2/6

2009-02-06T00:00:00.000-08:00

Yay! It's that time again kiddies! Time for Show & Tell Friday (crowd cheers). S&TF is happily hosted by Kelli @ There is No place like home.

Today I'm sharing some vintage jewelery pieces that used to belong to my mother. The pearl and crystal pin and earring set (clip earrings at that!) sparkle beautifully when the light hits them. The silver/blue pin is so classic in it's simplicity. I used to use the silver one on my black beret. It gave it a bit of added pizazz. Yes,believe it or not, I do use these pieces.
(click to enlarge)

Thanks for visiting and saying "Hi!". Don't forget to pop on over to Kelli's and see who else is sharing today.

My first Vintage Thingies Thursday...

2009-02-05T08:27:00.000-08:00

I've enjoyed seeing others vintage treasures and decided that I would join this week. Vintage Thingies Thursday is hosted by Suzanne @ Colorado Lady. Be sure to stop by and see who else is sharing their vintage treasures.

When we decided to give our kitchen a much needed face lift, I knew I wanted to keep my original cabinets and restore the hinges. The cabinets are very large and the quality surpasses that of which is available in the home improvement stores today. I also wanted to try and keep the kitchen appearance "cozy" and "welcoming" without being over the top. If you want to see the progress we've made so far "kitchen wise" you can click on the slide show in my sidebar.

In the kitchen the cabinets and hinges had been painted, re-painted, and painted again. After lots of work and elbow grease, this is how my hinges look now. I think they came out great! What do you think?

before (front)

before (back)
before (bagged and numbered to coincide with it's original door)

after (front)

after (back)

restored !!!

Here they are!
Coordinated with new "vintage style" hardware

Thank you for spending a bit of your day with me. I hope the rest of your day is a happy one!

Wordless Wednesday 2/4

2009-02-04T00:38:00.000-08:00

Wordless Wednesday is hosted by Dixie over at French Lique, Texas. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is "saying" it without the words...

This weeks subject...

CHILDREN

Blue Monday 2/2

2009-02-02T00:10:00.000-08:00

Yay! It's time for Blue Monday which is so graciously hosted by Sally @ Smiling Sally. Be sure to pop on over there and see who else has the "blue's".

A blue chair...

A Blue Hawaiian...

And a spectacularly blue view...
What a great way to celebrate "Blue Monday"...
Enjoy!!!

Show & Tell Friday 1/30

2009-01-30T01:32:00.000-08:00

Hip Hip Hoo-Ray! It's time for Show & Tell Friday! S&TF is graciously hosted by Kelli @ There is no place like home. Be sure to stop by and see who else is "showing off".

This is a vintage 1950's ice cooler. It belongs to my hubbs and belonged to his uncle before him. It has a "bottle cap opener" on it's side and a spot in the back where you can drain the water. Inside it's all metal and still has the original "sandwich tray". I use this to store magazines.

Check this out! Jen over at the Candlelit Cottage awarded me with these two great awards. Thanks Jen!!! She's a new blogfriend that I'm so glad to have met.
Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me.

E-A-T

2009-01-29T00:01:00.000-08:00

E-A-T has been propped here...

And propped there...
But I think E-A-T has finally found it's forever place (at least for now, lol!)
All due to this amazing product. I have two strips on each letter. The strips adhere to each other by "snapping" together...kind of like little teeth :0).I've been using these products since they were introduced a few years back. First, to keep Christmas decor hung and then after we painted the walls in the living/dining/kitchen areas, I refused to add nail holes. Our home is "older" and has plaster walls. Do you know what happens when you have to pull nail out that is "off it's mark"? It's creates a huge crater! Forget that! I love these 3M products. There's a lot to choose from. Check them out if you haven't already. What makes them even more wonderful for our plaster walls, is that when you want to take them down, you simply pull the tab and the "gum" comes away from the wall neatly and without leaving a mark. Now, I did use this on one part of our wall that had been repaired and drywalled...it did tear away the top paper layer of dry wall so you might want to read the recommendations before you adhere a "hook or hanger" to any wall. But over all, I think you'll be pleased.

Wordless Wednesday...

2009-01-28T07:17:00.000-08:00

WW is hosted by Dixie at French Lique, Texas. Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is sharing today.

Today's Theme...
~~Garden~~

Blue Monday 1/26

2009-01-26T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's time for Blue Monday. Be sure to visit Sally @ Smiling Sally to see who else is getting their blue on.

There is a part of our beautiful metropolis where you can step back in time. With one of the largest concentration of Victorian Homes in the city, it's a place where gables, gingerbread trim and Victoriana ring loud and clear to this day.

This is the John Sheerer house, circa 1887. This home is believed to be a "catalog" home, either Sears or Montgomery Ward. Current owners discover this piece of history about their homes, when they come upon a piece of it's original wood and find that it's imprinted with numbering. Think of a type of build where piece one fits to piece two, and piece two fits to piece three, and so on...

What a sweet blue cottage...

Show & Tell Friday 1/16

2009-01-16T20:54:00.000-08:00

Happy Day! It's Show & Tell Friday! S&T Friday is hosted by the ever gracious Kelli @ There is No Place Like Home.
So here are the open shelves in my kitchen. We've been working on a kitchen face lift and this area has been a trouble spot for me. On Tuesday, I shared how it had evolved. Well, after some feedback and appreciated suggestions, I continued to "play" with this and this is where I'm at "now". I still can't say I'm completely happy with it, but I think I'm getting closer :0).
I admit, I'm still in the throes of a creative brain fart, so your feedback is welcomed and appreciated!

So, this is how it looked as of Tuesday...
And here it is today...
I beefed up the second (from top) shelf and tweaked the third (from top) shelf as well.

I've been Tagged! Three or More Thursday 1/15

2009-01-15T00:01:00.000-08:00

Linda at Somewhere in Time tagged me with a fun meme and I thought "Why not? I'll play!"
Now here are the directions: Open a document or photo folder, choose the fifth folder and then the fifth photo in that folder. Do a post describing the photo. Tag five friends to do the Meme. So here's mine....
You've all met Miss Cookie's N' Cream (her registered name) or as my kids call her
"Cookie Elizabeth Travees Von Schnauzer. Don't ask me why, I don't know (lol!). This picture was taken one chilly Autumn morning. Schnauzers do not have "fur". They have hair, and my little miss has rather thin and fine hair so even though I let her hair grow long in the cooler months, it doesn't do much to keep her warm. One day, while perusing the racks at the thrift store, I decided I'd buy her a sweater. I found this little yellow knitted sweater in the infants section. I rolled up the sleeves so that it would fit her short, little legs. I think she looks rather "bright & sunny". Just what was needed that chilly morning.

I'm tagging
Raggedy Girl @ Little House in the Desert
A new blogerrina who I've loved getting to know. She is such a sweet lady and visiting her blog always gives me that "warm, cozy" feeling.
Bella @ Bella Della
Bella didn't know this but I kind of envy that she lives on a farm with a quaint little general store. The history and beauty that surround her are Awesome to me!
Carrie @ Oak Rise Cottage
Carrie is a wonderful lady who's strong foundation of faith inspires me.
Angie @ Sandals & Daisies
Angie is creative, fun, optimistic, gracious and has a blog that just makes you feel so welcome!
Dawn @ Dawn's Daybreak
Dawn is just AWESOME! She's awesome Dawn. I love that she shares her days, her "going's on", her love of family and welcomes you in with the invitation to grab a cup of coffee and sit a while.

It's also time for Three or More Thursday which is hosted by Tam @ The Gypsy's Corner. Give her a visit and see who else is sharing collections today. If you haven't all ready joined in the fun, sign up and play with us!

I know I've shared this on my blog in the past, but it's been a while, so I thought I'd share them again. This is a bit of my collection of vintage postcards. All of these are from the 40s.

Cape Cod, Massachusettes

Provincetown, MassachusettesBangor, Maine
Clearwater, Florida

This is the back of the Cape Cod post card. Some of what it says:
Dear Neighbor,
Yesterday i got to thinking of the happy visits you and Chas used to make on me. I did enjoy them so much. I have only one roomer now. Expect more soon, but Labor Day is not far away. Hope you have had a lot of fresh vegetables.

Sent August 16, 1943. Notice the "1-cent" stamp
Thanks for stopping by and spending a bit of your day with me. I hope you have a terrific Thursday!

Wordless Wednesday & Rose Wednesday too!

2009-01-14T07:27:00.000-08:00

If you'd like to join Wordless Wednesday, post your picture on your blog - today's subject "Favorite Things" - then hed over to Dixie's @ Fr ench Lique Texas, then link your post via Mr. Linky.

Hey there! This is my first Wordless Wednesday! WW is hosted by Dixie @ French Lique Texas
Be sure to pay her a visit and see who else is not using their words today :0)
Favorite Things...

It's also Rose Wednesday @ Jan & Tom's Rose Haven. Be sure to pay them a visit and see who else is part of the Rose Parade!

This is my Rose Tablecloth...

Thank you for stopping by and sharing a bit of your day with me. I hope you have a Wonderful Wednesday!

A new Look...

2009-01-13T00:00:00.000-08:00

As we've been doing the "face lift" in our kitchen, I've tried to create more of an "open & fresher" feel. One of the things we did was take off the doors to one of the cabinets and create an "open shelf" look. It's gone through various "looks" but I think I'm getting closer to what I want, how I want it to look, and as you can see it's really evolved.

This is how it looked when we began and before we'd made any changes...

We'd just gotten the crown molding put up at this point...
Here we are as of today...I'm a wine drinker and I like my glasses to be within reach. These are the ones I tend to use the most so I kept these easily accessible. What about that second shelf from the bottom? Do I leave the rolling pin or put it away? The next shelf up is where I"m stuck. I've got the white plates up, but do I continue to add white or shall I "layer" it with some red and green bread plates? I like the top shelf the way it is. I love the way the old green jelly jars just "pop" up there. So, what do you think? I'm so obsessed about getting this to look "just right" that I keep playing around with it but as I've posted before...I'm really experiencing a huge decorating brain fart. I just seem to get "stuck". Thoughts and suggestions are welcome and most appreciated.

Blue Monday 1/12

2009-01-12T00:00:00.000-08:00

It's that time again!
It's time to get your blue on!
Be sure to pay a visit to Sally @
Smiling Sally , our ever gracious host!

Who is Pepe after now?
Come to me, my little melon-baby collie!"
"my sweet peanut of brittle"
"Ah, my little darling, it is love at first sight, is it not, no?"
It's Penelope Pussycat!

Le mew? Le purrrrrrr...

On a Valentine's day long ago, my hubbs, knowing my love for Pepe Le Pew, gifted me with this cute coffee mug.

*I know it's a bit hard to tell but the background of the cup is actually blue. No matter how hard I tried to get a good shot, I just couldn't do it. Darn flash!

Walnuthaven Cottage

I'm back! And it's Show & Tell Friday...A treasured gift

Show & Tell Friday 10/9

Autumn has finally arrived....

Blue Monday 9/14. & VTT 9/17--The old school desk

We will never forget...

Yummy Banana Bread

Treasure Craft Canister Set-Vintage Thingies Thursday

Easy Cobbler...

A special tablecloth-Show & Tell 8/28

From Days Gone By....Vintage Thingies Thursday

Happiness is...

Celebrating Blue's on Blue Monday

Time for "Show & Tell"...

Vintage Thingies Thursday

A Simple Re=Purposing Act...(second time around Tuesday)

Blue Monday 8/10

A drive through my favorite neighborhood...

A view from my window...

Re-introducing....

Computer is fixed...

I'm still here. Really, I am!

Hey All!

My computer was zapped...

Outdoor Wednesday--I love the Coast...

Please Keep "our" soldier in prayer...

Prayer for the Safety of a Soldier

It's a give a way...

~~Happy Birthday Pink Saturday~~

Flaunt your Red Friday 5/29

Vintage Thingies Thursday~ A Rose Sachet Pitcher

Does anyone know what kind of flowers these are?

It's the Simple Things that make me Smile...

Three or More Tuesday 5/19

Blue Monday 5/18

Cooling off

Outdoor Wednesday-Still working in the yard,..We're progressing!

Happy Birthday to me!

Working in our backyard...

My very first "Flaunt your RED Friday"...

Kreative Blogger Award

Blue Monday 4/27

Happiness is...

Vintage Thingies Thursday 4/23

Mr Summer is paying us a visit...

So, I discovered "Heirloom White"...

A rag wreath of hope...

"Wood" you believe it?

To paint or not to paint? That is the question

Happy Easter...

Laundry room-Functional Accessories

Useable accessories

New Life, New Use, NEW ARTWORK

I won a Give-A-Way...

Getting better and back to my Spring Cleaning, Refreshing and "Look what I made!"

And I'm down for the count...

Vintage Thingies Thursday & Tender Graces...

Spring Fever-Refreshing the pantry cabinet...

Spring Fever- Pet Food Storage

Spring Fever- The Laundry Room...

Spring Fever

Vintage Thingies Thursday 3/19

Spring...Spring...Spring...

Happy St. Patrick's Day...

It's the little things...

Friday the 13th....DUN, DUN, DUN !!!

Use what you have...

Enchiladas A'La Rechelle...or "Rechelle-aladas"

Wordless Wednesday 3/4

Artwork on the cheap...

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/26

Three or More Tuesday and I need your help...

Blue Monday 2/23 & If The Shoe Fits...

Pink Saturday 2/21

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/19

Pink Saturday 2/14 HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

Vintage Thingies Thursday 2/12

Wordless Wednesday 2/11

Three or More Tuesday

Blue Monday & My first Met Monday

Happy Birthday Pink Saturday