From somebody's trash to my treasure. I like to re-style & re-create what was once a cast off. Isn't that what Jesus does with us?


Tuesday, March 29, 2011

C.O.F.F.E.E.

Have you heard that little song that goes, "C.O.F.F.E.E. Why in the World Do We Drink Cof-fee?" It's a fun little ditty that my girls love to sing over and over. In light of hostessing at our upcoming Women's Night Out, "Brewed Awakenings", my sister and I have "hit the road" with our two little cohorts in crime (aka my 4&5 year olds) and are visiting all the coffee shops in our area.
I don't let me girls drink coffee, but they think they are big stuff going to these coffee shops and hanging out with Aunt "TuTu" as they affectionately dubbed my sister Tina.

My oldest took along a pink lint ball from our dryer and and my silly sister used it as a wig on her finger and drew a face. We were cracking up so loud, I think we livened the place up!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

Weekend Crafting

Happy Saturday!
My mom took the girls for a couple hours today and I set off for a little antique shop not far from my home. It had been years since I had visited last, and it was fun to check out all their goodies again!
I saw a great metal locker with a blue-green patina. F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S I just couldn't think of where I would put it, or I would have bought it! I also found a bottle holder, some white linen napkins and a Country Living decorating book. Wonderful treasures which I am incorporating into my home. I'll show you pictures in another post.
The linen napkins made me think of the dinner guests we are having tomorrow. I wanted to do something special with them, but didn't want to ruin them if it didn't turn out.
I took a length of canvas drop cloth and cut it about four inches wide and about five inches long. I used a black fabric paint pen and my stencil and "dabbed" the paint on.
The napkins need hemmed. I have to get my grandma's help with that. Other than that, I think they are cute. I can't wait to see what my friends say.

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Coffee, Anyone?

We have our annual ladies' event coming up at church in May. It's always a fabulous time! People Go All Out! This year they are having a play entitled, "Brewed Awakenings" in a dinner- theater atmosphere. Isn't that a cute title? The auditorium is set up with round tables of eight and the hostess of each table does her own table scape and dessert preparations.

Let me tell you! These ladies GO ALL OUT!!! Their table scapes are over-the-top-fabulous! They bring in their best china. Even their beautiful table linens and polished silver is not forgotten. I've been one of those ladies that come to the event early just to gawk at everyone's table. You ought to see their desserts too! They are bakery-perfect.


 
This year I will be a hostess! My plan is to set up my own "little coffee shop" at my table. Kinda like a Parisian cafe. I'm scouring the stores now to find just the right touches. Have any ideas? I would love to hear them!
I told my sister (who is my brainstorming partner in all this) that we will have to make it a point to visit every coffee shop in the area 'til then. I know. I know what you are thinking!  But somebody has to do it. hee hee
I'm glad it gets to be me! As for the desserts.... Well I'll probably be visiting some of our local bakeries, just to make sure my goodies don't look out of place. (smile!)

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Farm House Tables & White Wash

I am in HOT PURSUIT of a farm table. One that can seat six people comfortably. Ones where you can gather all your best girlfriends and sip some chai tea or mocha lattes and laugh and hoot and holler about everything. YOU NAME IT!

This is the ultimate one from Dreamy Whites. Love how she has the farm table set and the sweet little chairs all around it. This is the look I am going for!
I am also swooning right now over white washed flooring.
materiadesigns.notepad
Maybe after I find my Farm Table, I'll talk my beloved into white washing our living room floors! Stay Tuned!

Monday, March 14, 2011

Fun With Food

We have been trying some new recipes lately. Not just new recipes, though, but having a little more fun with food. For instance, instead of just having Chiquitas the other night (fried corn tortillas in olive oil and filled with chicken and cheese and seasonings)we decided to do a chiquitas "bar".

The girls thought it was fun to pick out the ingredients they wanted for their wrap. Kinda like painting your own portrait, of sorts. We'll do it again!
We also made OUTRAGEOUSLY FABULOUS cinnamon rolls! I am talking F.A.B.U.L.O.U.S.
If you have never visited www.pioneerwoman.com, please do yourself a favor. That is where the recipee is found. YOU WILL BE GLAD YOU DID!


The process of making your dough and letting it rise, is a little time consuming. But it can prove fun (albeit, messy) with a few little helpers, such as I had (smile)


I have made three batches now (at five pie pans a
batch) and most everyone has asked for the recipe. THEY ARE THAT GOOD!



If you decide to make the cinnamon rolls, come back and tell me. I'll be curious how many pans you kept for yourself! (Smile)

Friday, March 11, 2011

More Kitchen News!

GET THIS! I am so excited! Remember me telling you about the kitchen remodel my beloved and I are embarking on come Spring/Summer? Well, I was thinking about asking someone for some pointers. Then I saw Flea Market Trixie's kitchen remodel!

I fell in total kitchen love! Do you see why?

I wrote Flea Market Trixie and asked her if she would look at my before photos and give us some advice and tips. Guess what she said?

She would be happy to!! WOOHOOOO!!!

This weekend I will be busy taking photos of my "before" kitchen and sending them off to Trixie!! I will be sure to show you pictures as we get to work! In the meantime, stop by www.fleamarkettrixie.com for yourself and check out her lovely blog. And fabulous new kitchen!
THANK YOU TRIXIE! You made my weekend!!!

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Favorite Nook

Hello Ladies!
I wanted to share with you my latest project. I have just been loving all these cute chalkboards I've been seeing around blogland. So I decided to make one myself. I picked up a really cute white frame at my recent trip to Luckets Store in Virginia. I JUST COULDN'T WAIT TO DO SOMETHING WITH IT! My beloved had some extra board laying around the basement and I snatched that up.
Then I bought a couple cans of Krylon Chalkboard spray paint. After 24 hours of dry time, some wood glue and nails, my chalkboard was done. I thought the twine added a nice touch as a hanger.
I hung the chalkboard in the kitchen right above my favorite chair. It's my favorite place to sit and sip and visit your lovely blogs.

Many mornings my girls will cozy up to me in my favorite nook and we'll read piles of books and enjoy the sun that streams through the kitchen window.

I'm wondering if you have a cozy little spot you like to read or write in? ENJOY!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Spring Chicken

Oh did I say "Spring Chicken?" I meant to say Spring Kitchen! We will be embarking on a little project this Spring. I am a little nervous about it. Changing a kitchen -- no matter the size of the remodel -- can be a little nail biting.

My beloved and I have a differing opinion about the light fixture(s). I want a chandelier. He doesn't. I want an over-the-sink pendant light, he doesn't. So we are still working out some minor details.
The main thing for me is to get rid of this horribly ugly and ancient ceiling fan that attracts dust every time it is turned on. And unfortunately, that is a lot even in our little kitchen (smile).

I think we will start around about Memorial Day weekend and I will keep you posted with (hopefully) some exciting white and creamy pictures!!

Tootles!

Friday, March 4, 2011

I'm Mellow Yellow

I'm reading a book called The People Code by Dr. Taylor Hartman. It's really eye-opening! Most people at some point or other have taken a personality test. Ones like Myers-Briggs or ones that link your personality type to an animal like a bear or otter. Have you taken those? They are fun to do and give you insight into yourself. All of these type of personality assessments measure our behavior. Behavior is something we learn.


The People Code (originally called The Color Code in it's first printing) measures our motive, not our behavior. Motive is what we are born with. It is our true personality. It's who we are deep down in. The real me and you made in the image of God. Isn't that exciting?
Like the title suggests, each motive-type is broken down into four main colors: Red, Blue, White and Yellow. Most everyone is dominant in one color and has a secondary color as well. I am Yellow/White.


The RED person's motive is Power. They need to look good (technically), to be right and to be respected. They require approval from a select few. They want leadership and challenging adventures.


The BLUE person's motive is intimacy. They want to be good (morally), to be understood and to be appreciated. They want quality, security and autonomy.


The WHITE person's motive is peace. They need to feel good inside, to be allowed personal space and to be respected and have kindness. They want tolerance, independence and contentment.


The YELLOW person's motive is fun. They need to look good socially, to be noticed and adored. They want happiness, freedom and playful adventure.
There's so much more to read and learn. That's just a little snippet. According to the author, 75 percent of Americans fall into the blue category.
There's a test you can take in the book or online at thepeoplecode.com to find out what your color(s) are. If you take the test, stop back and tell me what colors you are!!