Chantilly Charm

Entryway Redo

2012-01-29T14:24:00.000-08:00

Have you ever just grown tired of a room? I did, it was my entry and as we all know thats the impression you give guests when they come to visit. The first impression! I felt my "first impression" was revealing that it was tired. When we moved into this home 13 years ago the owners had redone the house completely from head to toe, the problem is that it was barbies pink palace. From the pink raw silk drapes that hung in every room, to the expensive plush pink carpet. We has small children so we lived with the new carpet, but the pink wall paper and drapes had to go. The entry paper was removed and I painted the walls a bright green color and glazed it with black. I liked it..and for 13 years I kept it. But now it was tired and I was wanting it gone. I wanted something lighter..something that opened up my entry. I ended up picking lots of earthtones. As my husband says its all browns.. I perfer earthtones. Anyway this is what I came home with:

Six beautiful earthtones..my husband than went on a quest to match each of these samples to other rooms in out home. He failed..lol..I know what I have and these were all different!

After making the decision, primer went up and hubby proclaimed "there's no going back now"

The winner was Eddie Bauer "Fig"

Thinking I am loving the color against the wainscotting!

Before with the green/black color

After..yup..in love!

Everything just pops on the walls now!

Before

After

Not bad for a weekend project! Of course we still need to go up the stairs and the landing, add wainscotting along the stairs and restain the handrail. We also need a new front door, but this is a start and I am thrilled! Thanks for stopping by!

Joining:

Show off your cottage Monday

Debbiedoo's - Newbie Party

Keeping it Simple - Motivate Me Monday

Metamorphosis Monday

Magnetic Makeup Frame

2011-08-28T18:25:00.000-07:00

My daughter moved into her new apartment at college a few weeks ago so we spent the entire summer painting, planning and making things for her apartment. This was by far one of the best things she found to make. We bought a 90% off frame from Hobby lobby, painted it, added a sheet of metal that we covered with wrapping paper. Tadaaa..add magnets to your makeup and we have a place to store all of your compacts. We also took two tomato paste cans and painted them black, also attaching them with magnets to hold her brushes ect. Great idea to keep makeup all the bathroom counter and all the wall! Joining http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2011/08/pottery-barn-office-meets-ikea-welcome.html

http://todayscreativeblog.net/creative-decorating-ideas/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+todayscreativeblog+%28Todays+Creative+Blog%29

http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2011/08/31/hookin-up-with-hoh-64/?utm_source=feedburner&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=Feed%3A+HouseOfHepworths+%28House+of+Hepworths%29

Easter Table

2011-04-27T22:36:00.000-07:00

We had a wonderful Easter, my daughter was home from college and it was wonderful to feel as if my nest was full. Hubby, son, daughter and me..what could be better!! The last few years since its just been us, I have switched from formal dining in the dining room for Easter to a more casual lunch in the breakfast room. I love to look out into the backyard and watch nature as we eat and visit. So here is my little tablescape for Easter.

See those little nests the chicks are sitting in, my hubby referred to them as muppet hair when I was making them, but he agreed they came out pretty good.

I'm a bunny lover..can you tell?

I decided to use make eggs to use as place cards..I love the way they came out.

I used the dining room as a buffet table..these are my red velvet egg shaped cakeballs. They tasted better than they looked..lol

Hope you enjoyed my little tablescape tour!

I'm joining :

Between Naps on the Porch

Hookin up with House of Hepworths

Dollar Store Deal

2011-03-15T15:53:00.000-07:00

On my last trip to the dollar store I came across these stepping stones, they were 7 inch squares and I loved the sayings, but not so much the colors. This yellow goldish color is just not pretty in person. I decided to grab a few and bring them home in hopes I could figure out someway to use them.

I painted them white and glazed them, added little felt pads on the back so now they can sit on an easel, be used as a trivet or I could place a hanger on the back and hang them on the wall. I am thrilled with my dollar store find and no one would ever guess they were stepping stones for a buck!

Message Board Makeover

2011-03-13T15:59:00.000-07:00

Remember me?? Seems like I have been gone forever. Well it's been since Christmas! Life has a way of getting so busy and I have allowed it to overtake my "me" time. So now I have decided to grab the bull by the horns and take back my "me" time. My home was built in the 70's and while I love the wonderful perks it offers, it also offered a huge ugly semi working intercom. I detested it with every bone in my body, it stuck out like a sore thumb in my kitchen. One evening I told my husband I wanted it gone and within an hour it was and I was left with a hole. Not exactly the result I was looking for but it pushed me to do something about it. Mr. C ( hubby) found me an old gold frame in the attic and we painted it white.

While white was a thousand times better than the aged gold, it was stark...so to the kitchen table it came and my helpers and I went to work.

Alfred our cat doesn't look like he is helping but he is putting in his two cents..

And Sam my baby is also supporting me and keeping me company.

We glazed and glazed..

Until it looked like this and than I asked Mr. C to cut me some plywood to fit the frame, he did and we painted it with chalkboard paint.

This was my ugly hole..we will get around to drywalling it and matching the wall paper, but for now I refer to it as my secret hidy hole. LOL

And now my finished project, I love my board, it serves great for menus, grocery lists, quotes, reminders..prayer request..everything under the son. I love it and eve better I don't have to look at the ugly intercom anymore. Thanks Mr. C!!!!!!!!!!

Also attending this party over at:
Be colorful
Show off your Cottage Monday
Todays Creative Blog

Between naps on the Porch

New Years Eve table

2011-01-03T17:09:00.001-08:00

I am joining Marty over at A stroll thru life for Table Top Tuesday as well at Tablescape Thursday over at Between Naps on the Porch!

We had our annual New years Eve party and it was wonderful..I love entertaining for our family and friends. We have little ones, teens and adults. I love serving lots of food and my friends always ask..why do you go all out? The answer is the same every time..I do it because I love too. I took a small Christmas tree that I had on the breakfast room table and moved it into the dining room, and from there just added different size boxes, covered them all in fabric and made places for my platters. I don't know if any of you remember Christopher Lowell but he use to preach "lifts and levels"!

I also string white lights through my platters and cover that with another fabric, I am all about layers!

This actually looks like i have room on the table..well even after going over the menu over and over again, we ran out of table room. My mom always was told she "cooked for an army" I think I do also.

Only thing missing..the food. I like to get everything set up on the table so I can make sure everything is easy to get to and looks well together.

Hope you enjoyed my New Years Eve set up..

Great Offer

2010-12-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

Attempting Aloha is offering a really wonderful pdf to the first 100 posters who take part. she has taken a 5.00 clock and turned it into something out of Pottery barn..and she is offering to send you a personalized pdf so you can make your own..How wonderful is that. So hop on over and visit her!

Welcome to Our Home

2010-12-12T16:28:00.000-08:00

I am joining The Nester on her Christmas Tour of Homes and Show off your Cottage Monday this evening. While I feel like I have thrown together this posting..I hope you will forgive me. Let start at the curb..we are in Texas and its a battle keeping the leaves racked up. As you can see we let it go this weekend. LOL. I didn't want my sweet hubby to get up on the ladder to string lights across the top of the house..so this year "less is more".

Come on up the walk, can you hear the water from the fountain? I love the sound of water, in the backyard I get to hear the waterfall to the pool, so when Mr. Charming bought me this fountain, well I was over the moon.

As you enter our home I hope you feel welcome..

Would you like a candy cane, four different flavors. Between Mr. Charming and our son, these usually have to be restocked often. I love Santa's, my first was one of these mugs a neighbor made me as a child. I have added new mugs here and there over the years.

Let's walk into the study where our main tree is..if you did not feel welcome before I hope you do now. Candi and Sammi are here to greet you.

This tree is one of several in our home. It has some really beautiful ornaments on it but if you look close, many tell a story.

Lots of silver, gold, crystal and a pop of color here and there.

See our hedgehog? He lets us remember our son's hedgehog "Sonic".

We have several elephants on the tree..I buy one each year..they say "an elephant never forgets" these elephants remind me of my mom and dad who passed 6 years ago. My mom collected elephants and now I celebrate with them on our tree.

See that OLD tiny stocking? That was given to my parents for me when I was just 3 months on for my first Christmas.

And while I love the egg ornament, check out that old metal bell. It still jingles, I have three of them that were from my grandmothers tree.

This is one of the feather wreaths I make..its a deep brown one and after I took the photo I traded it off with a hunter green one..I think it looks much better. The candles have ribbon wrapped around them to give them some holiday bling!

I love seeing the reflection of the tree in the mirror, here are a few little jars I made..I am sure you have seen them around blogland, I think many people made them.

ok..lets move on..as we pass the stairway and all the stockings waiting for Santa..

I told you I like Santa's!!

Here is the tree in the family room, where we spend a great deal of time.

Here is my fireplace..its a thorn in my side, but its on "the list" for a redo..lol Until than, we work with that white brick!

This is the nativity that I remember as a child..its not fancy, its not huge..except on great memories. (Notice the elephant lamp, that's my mom's)

Santa's in the bookcase..

My coffee table decor..guess I should have lit the candles..

Lets head to the kitchen..

How about coffee, tea or hot chocolate?

Love my old Santa on top of the fridge.

Lots of baking and candy making goes on in our kitchen!

Thanks for dropping by.. you'll have to see the rest of the house on a later posting because this elf has to wrap gifts. Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas!
ohhh here a preview of what I am working on in the dining room..tune in later this week..

Take a chance and win!

2010-10-24T11:18:00.000-07:00

Savy southern style is hosting a giveaway of something from Lisa Leonard Design Collection. Hop on over to http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2010/10/last-chance-for-my-giveaway.html Todays the last day to enter!!

Tablescape Thursday

2010-04-07T13:25:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan
found over at www.betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com.

My Tablescape today is from Easter Sunday and it was tossed together the night before. I don't know how Easter crept up on me this year but I finally had Mr. C bring down a few tubs of my Easter decor just to set the two tables. Once again this year it was just Mr. C and I and our two children. Our daughter came home from college and our 16 year old son was so excited, not because of the decoration but he got a car on the Friday before Easter. Since it was just the four of us we ate in the morning room and went very casual. The day was overcast but we did get to enjoy the squirrels on the patio eating their Easter meal of fresh peanuts I put out for them.

Simple white napkins and a black tablecloth, yes I know black does not scream spring, but I like the backdrop it gives.

In the baskets are the eggs I painted last year, I really do like the pale colors.

I used three dishes because I love the shape of my chargers, love the blue of the plate and love the shape of the top plate that goes along the same lines of the chargers.

We set up the dining room as the buffet setting, more hand painted Easter eggs, but these I painted in bold colors, the Easter basket was mine as a child so it is older than dirt..lol and all the large eggs are part of a collection that were given to my children from my mom each Easter until she passed away.

Do you see the cream puffs? Well I made a Texas sheet cake the night before and Mr. C and I were home all alone and could not help ourselves..so I filled the empty space with cream puffs..

A vase of Peeps watches over the food!

See the cream puffs again..yes Mr. C and I were bad!

Eggs from Mom.

Hope you enjoyed my little toss together Tablescape and come back to see me real soon! Have a blessed day!

Easter

2010-04-03T09:09:00.000-07:00

Tomorrow is Easter and my house smells of boiled eggs! I feel so very blessed to have my family home. My daughter is home from college and my son who is 16 actually has agreed to dye eggs again this year. I always wonder if there will be a year that he says no..lol. We have had a busy week of yard work, buying my son his first car and spring cleaning! I look forward to tomorrow, having the family around the table for a wonderful meal. Once again this year like last I believe we will eat in the morning room instead of the dining room. I enjoy it being more casual for us four. I find I really miss my folks at holidays and remember how mom was always the last to finish the meal because she waiting on everyone else. But I so enjoyed those meals because people would end up leaving the table and just mom and I would sit and talk..sometimes we would sit for an hour after the meal was done just talking...ohh how I miss her! I want to send Easter Blessings to everyone and later I will post photos of my table..

2010 ideas

2010-01-01T15:31:00.000-08:00

So here we are 2010..and I have sat thinking about what things I was to make sure I do in the New Year..I want to be realistic, but I also want to challenge myself..so starting off we are going to eat healthier..yes, there is it for the 50 millionth time..eat healthy.But this time are. I will not go cold turkey but we will slowly get into the habit of eating a more healthy menu. I also want to try one new recipe each week..I think that should be fun. I want to get my home organized, I want to really stick to a budget..and I want to lose weight. Wow..thank the good Lord I have a year for all this..

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-12-16T05:22:00.000-08:00

Today I am joining Outdoor Wednesday over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

On Dec. 4th, Texas..deep south Texas..we had snow. I was so excited as my son loves snow and the 5th was his 16th Birthday, so I told him it was an early gift.

I loved looking at the plants covered in snow across the pool.

The front of the house

Look up..its really coming down!

These plants were beautiful covered in snow..now..not so much!

My fountain in front

Yes...that's my son in shorts!!! He never gets cold, he and a buddy out in the street having snowball fights!

Hope you enjoyed our snow day!!

Met Monday and Christmas Tour of Homes

2009-12-14T01:53:00.001-08:00

Better late than never right? I am joining both Met Monday for my home transformation into Christmas with Susan over at : http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/12/welcome-to-48th-metamorphosis-monday.html and Holiday home tour with The Nester over at: http://www.thenester.com/

These photos were taken before I was done, but I have not taken new photos so your not getting the complete house, but its late, I'm late and tired so this is it for today..lol. As you walk in you are greeted with My Santa and Santa mugs, they always bring a smile to my face..

Turn the corner and the main tree is light and bright, I have since added more ornaments and more ribbon..can you ever have too much? And this is Sammy, and is fav. place.

oopsss someones sideways!

ohhh and there is sweet samsam again.

at the stairs is where we hang our stockings..

All ready for Santa to fill..

Down the hall and here I have filled jars I made with ornaments and snow..

Into the family room we have another tree..

All the ornaments on the bottom half are shatterproof due to large wagging tails..

The fireplace, more Santa's, lights and garland

Photos of the kids from Christmas years ago

Over the tv, more Santa's

On to the kitchen for a sweet Santa and his tree on the fridge..hey I spend lots of time here, need to be festive.

And a window full of Santa and the Mrs. getting ready to bake..

Here is my attempt at the dining room chandy..I have since added more ornaments and more decor in the dining room, but no picks yet..thanks for taking a mini tour of the home...Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!

Tablescape Thursday~ Holiday ideas

2009-12-09T16:54:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday..this is a great time of year to do an over the top tablescape, find all kind of great ideas over at Between the naps on the Porch..our host.

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I searched all over the Internet gathering ideas for that WOW tablescape I want to do for Christmas..here are some fab ideas.

Love the layered tablecloth..and love the red. I usually go with a cream and gold, but this year, I am drawn to red.

How about just an elegant runner?

Buffet style on black?

Dinner for two in front of the fire..how dreamy!

No snow here, but just as festive.

Simple greens would be wonderful

See here we are..red again!

very neutral but pops of red.

Or throw it all together..red and natural greens

What about a plaid? I think I really like that!

Simple and ohh so special

I lalalalal love this one! See once again I love those farm house tables.

So mix and match, try something new, step out of the box and surprise your family! Merry Christmas!

"Holiday Cloche Party"

2009-12-03T17:37:00.001-08:00

It's a "Holiday Cloche Party" hosted by A stroll thru Life, go visit her at : http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

All my Cloches are made up of different items..because I did not have a cloche. The fist one is a jar upside down with a round wood item I painted and a finial. It is placed on a pickle plate and a crystal compote turned upside down. Maybe this is a Topsy turvy Cloche!

This one is a hurricane taken apart and than I took a candle cup, turned upside down and glued it on. A little ribbon hides the seam. I have it placed on my mom's milk glass cake stand she go as a wedding gift. I really love this cake stand and use it for all the special occasions and birthdays!

This one is the upside down jar again, the difference is I used a glass compote top, it fit perfectly.. added alittle faux snow on the pickle dish (again), magnolia leaves and the crystal compote..and boom..here is another one.

Hope you enjoyed my post, and remember if you don't have a cloche, just look around your home, I am sure you will find something.

Tablescape Thursday ~ Thanksgiving

2009-12-02T16:40:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by the fab and fun Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch..go visit her for great ideas from others here in blogland. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I know I am late with Thanksgiving pictures, but wow..its been busy around here. It was just Hubby, myself and the kids this Thanksgiving..and it was nice. I did lots of prep work on Wednesday and no real time that dinner was going to be served on Thursday. I like my mother have a hard time cooking for anything less than an army (is that a southern thing). But I did pretty good, of course the Turkey was 23 pounds, but hey who doesn't like leftover turkey?

Isn't he purty? haha

This is my dear hubby carving our bird up..

This is Sammy..our pup, yes he is counter height and really wanted those legs or anything that dad dropped!

Mashed potatoes, fruit salad, sweet potatoes, dressing, greenbean cass. stuffed celery, olives and pickles..did I leave anything out..ohh yes, rolls , turkey and gravy. We also had pumpkin cheesecake, apple pie and pecan pie. And yes..it was still us four! LOL..

Remember the $75.00 Pottery Barn centerpiece? Well here is my PB inspired one. Cost me nothing as I had it all, just collected the pinecones and had Hubby cut some leaves from the magnolia tree.

Is the silverware wrong? Yup it is, but hey when the kids offer to help..you say YES!!

Hope you had a wonderful Thanksgiving and are gearing up for some wonderful holidays!!

Met Monday & Very Creative

2009-11-21T22:39:00.001-08:00

I am also joining Cheri, over at so very Cheri..visit her at http://itssoverycheri.blogspot.com/
Welcome to another Met Monday, hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch. Please visit her at : http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Today I decided to make a few wreaths..I have been sold these to several people locally and thinking about putting them on Etsy..what are your thoughts? I start with a simple straw wreath..

Lots of floral pins..

Lots of feathers..

And this is the end result..they are about 24 inches wide..very full and just makes me smile. I can do them in just about any color..with or without the bow..let me know your thoughts!!

Tablescape Thursday~ Ideas..ideas..ideas

2009-11-18T16:18:00.001-08:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by the fab and fun Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch..go visit her for great ideas from others here in blogland. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

So..its just going to be us four chickens or should I say turkeys for Thanksgiving this year. I just cannot decide if I want to go formal or casual, breakfast room or dining room, lunch or dinner..flowers or pumpkins..lol. I am very undecided on everything except the menu. Thank the Lord at least I am on track with that! I searched around the web and found some great ideas to clutter and confuse my mind even more, but who knows I am sure to figure something out..right? Right? Ladies..help me out here..right? LOL..ok here we go.........

Love the dining room table as a buffet, I also used my dining room table as the buffet table for Easter this past year..so maybe not for Thanksgiving..but isn't it pretty?

Lots of gourds and pumpkins..so pretty!

Ok..love these guys..some might say they are just a rat, but they make me smile!

Simple yet elegant..really like this.

Love anything inspired by nature..

hmmm flowers..anytime a girl can get flowers its a good time..right?

I love placecards, but with it just being four of us..maybe not. Unless instead of a name perhaps a note reminding them why I am thankful..

Kinda like these glasses..I think I would rather it at the place settings. But a very cute idea. Held on with double sided tape.

Another casual setting..simple and pretty.

Where do you get burlap??? I want some!!!

Lets see, flowers~check, candles~check, nature~check, simple~check, inviting~check..ding ding ding..we may have a winner!!

Love the idea of photos of family and friends on the table..might have to use this also..so tune in next week for my reveal..same bat time..same bat channel..lol Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!!!

Susan is has a give away!!!

2009-11-15T18:12:00.000-08:00

A great Give away is happening over at Susan's Between naps on the porch this week. Lisa Leonard Designs is offering beautiful fall leaf tree ornaments to the winner..so stop by at Susan's and put your name in the hat!! You can find Susan at : http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ and check out Lisa's website at : http://www.lisaleonardonline.com/..good luck!!

Met. Monday ~ Homemade Cloche

2009-11-15T16:28:00.000-08:00

Welcome to Met Monday..hosted by Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch..hop on over and visit her blog and see some really beautiful ideas around blog world. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Today I decided to make my own homemade cloche..I have priced them and since I am not sure if I would use it often decided to make my own. So after visiting many post and gathering ideas here and there and adding some of my own (sounds like a family recipe doesn't it) I came up with this. I visited Hobby Lobby and bought this 3.00 candle hurricane and a wood round half off for .50, and the little wood top for 1.50..and of course I used me handy dandy Gorilla Glue.

When I brought it home I sat and looked because I was not sure what I was going to do, I decided to glue the top onto my wood circle and paint it red!

After painting it red, I painted it black, did some sanding (see the sand dust) and ended up with this..

So I took my dusty little top, flipped over my hurricane and took a look..hmmm maybe this will work..

I went to the dining room and collected a compote and a pickle dish..

Flipped my compote over..

Set the pickle dish on top, added some glass acorns at stuff to the hurricane..

Flipped it over..whats missing????

ohh yes..the top..so what do you think? I did not glue anything together but I will but with hot glue, that makes it easy to remove when I turn my pickle dish and compote back into what they are intended for!

Well that's my little makeover today, still thinking of other ideas so check back next week! Have a wonderful Met. Monday everyone...

Tablescape Thursday!

2009-10-21T14:54:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another Tablescape Thursday. Its raining outside and so dark so the light is really bad, but hey..it made me smile putting it all together. I was in a time crunch so it was kinda tossed together and needs to be tweaked here and there. Visit more tablescape ideas over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

The center of the table is an old iron candelabra I found at a garage sale for 2.00. Its rusty and worn but I love it..today I have garland added and instead of 5 candles I placed pumpkins inside.

The ceramic soup pumpkin I found at Wal-mart..

I used leather chargers, on a green velvet placemat that is turned sideways. I like the texture combinations. On top of that is my Wal-mart special plate , a Halloween plate and my napkin with a beaded Southern living napkin ring.

Upon removing your napkin, each family member is greeted with a different Halloween scene.

*** To answer everyones question on the Halloween plates, I bought them at Kohls years ago for 80% off..got them for a song!!****

My glasses are from a flea market from ages ago, they have a slight purple hue to them.

This a a blurry photo, but you get the idea..can you see my basket on the ground full of things for my garage sale this weekend? My house is a wreck!!! Thanks for visiting!

Met Monday!

2009-10-18T19:59:00.000-07:00

Welcome to another Met Monday..for more great blogs, check out our wonderful host over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Well as I was looking around for great Fall items at my fav. place..Pottery Barn I found this:

This beauty you can have in your home for a mere 79.00. Well I decided to try and make my own. Let me tell you it took longer to get the supplies together than it did for me to toss it together. Now for my Thanksgiving table, I will take more time..but hey..I am on a deadline to get ready for Met Monday!

I sent hubby out to supplies, not to Michael's, not to Hobby Lobby but to the yard. I asked for berries and magnolia leaves. This guy was my bonus..yuk! I am not a bug person.

These are whats leftover of my supplies hubby brought in.

This is my final product. I had the sugared pears and the candles, but everything else is natural from the yard.

Hope you enjoyed my quick Met Monday!

Tablescape Thursday

2009-10-14T15:29:00.001-07:00

Welcome to tablescape Thursday..I cheated a bit and went looking on the web for ideas for a nice fall table scape. I have decided that I love..I mean love the farm house tables at Pottery Barn. I think sometime wayyy down the road I would like to replace my formal dining with one..

I am going to try this little bean idea this weekend. Its really unusual and I love that!

This is a Pomegranate Feather Centerpiece by Pottery Barn for a mere 79.00..come on ladies I seriously think this can be done by all of us and for much cheaper..I do believe this may be on my table for Thanksgiving..

Can you go wrong with candles? Ummmm no! Thanks for visiting me and check back next week and maybe I will have made some of these ideas for my own! Don't forget to visit:

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for many great ideas!

Seventh Avenue Coupon code!

2009-10-13T21:04:00.000-07:00

Use code: SA20 for $20 off $20

http://www.seventhavenue.com/home.jsp

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-10-13T19:21:00.000-07:00

This is my outdoor Wednesday..thanks to Susan over at A southern Daydreamer for hosting, you can visit her at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

I went to Waco to visit my daughter at Baylor this past weekend, we, along with her boyfriend went to the Waco zoo and had a wonderful time..

After the zoo, my daughter and I took a drive, no idea where we were going, but we ended up at Lake Waco..

And than the beautiful drive down this wonderful country road..

And ended up at this beautiful home..we just loved it, the grounds, the home..everything was perfect. I think the tree was my fav. Thanks for joining me for Outdoor Wednesday!

Halloween wine! Met. Monday

2009-10-13T08:03:00.000-07:00

Hop on over to Between naps on the porch..for so many great ideas. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/10/welcome-to-39th-metamorphosis-monday.html

Its been awhile but I am joining Met Monday today..better late than never..right? This is what I did for my teens get together Halloween..not a party just a few friends over for fun. I took some single serve wine bottles, emptied out the wine, removed the labels.

I mixed cherry juice, ginger ale, cranberry juice and a little sprite. I printed out new labels.

I bought the dollar store plastic glasses, rimmed them in sugar and took honey with red food coloring and dripped it down the rim. Everyone loved them and they took the bottle home with them..quick easy and cheap!

Textbooks sending you to the poorhouse?

2009-08-31T11:34:00.000-07:00

If you have kids in college or have gone back yourself..you know how much textbooks can be..so why not rent them. We did and saved a ton!

Who wants to pay a wad of cash for textbooks? Not yours truly. I’m Chegging, baby.
Seriously, go to Chegg.com where you can rent textbooks rather than buy them. You’ll save between 65%-85%. Yes, I’m serious.
Just search for the books you need and order. Chegg ships them to you super fast and when your term ends you just ship them back for free. And guess what? They plant a tree for every book that’s rented. Pretty cool.
BUT – make sure you use this special promo code CC103176. You’ll get an extra 5% off your order. Enough said…

Metamorphosis Monday

2009-08-23T22:33:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan for hosting met monday, hop over and see her at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/08/welcome-to-32nd-metamorphosis-monday.html

Well last Thursday we moved our dear daughter to Baylor, this was her dorm room..ugggg. Not very attractive and no color, well except for that nasty pegboard!

But after many color choices, my daughter chose this bright blue, we love it. Makes the room so cheerful. She and I made the panels for the pegboard. We first covered the pegboard in fabric, than added the 2 corkboard panels and the photo panel we made. It was a fun project to do together.

Next we will be working on more storage space in the tiny closet, but I think we are off to a great start.

Weigh in today!

2009-07-15T17:12:00.001-07:00

Well you best sit down, I had to do a double take at the scale today..ready..you sure? I lost a whopping 2 oz. I was like what???? All this working out and eating right and 2 oz??? Needless to say I was pretty depressed over this but as the day went on and I thought more about it, its just going to take time. I stayed true to my food today and ate my good for you food..I went and worked out, did the bike and walked a mile. So I am staying on track and we will see what happens in 2 weeks. I'm feeling good so that counts for lots. Thanks for hanging in there with me.

Weigh in Tomorrow..cross your fingers!!

2009-07-14T15:50:00.001-07:00

Yes its that time again..my bi-weekly weigh in. I have been working out, lifting weights swimming ect..I have been really good about watching what goes in my mouth.LOL So we will see..keep your fingers crossed for me please!!!

Welcome to my First Wednesday Weigh - in

2009-07-01T09:43:00.000-07:00

I weighed in this morning and was thrilled to see a 4.6 weight loss. Makes me very happy!! I know the first week is usually a good amount and I am so happy.. I have been tracking my food, working out and staying away from bread and soda. Life is good! I am thrilled, I still have a long way to go but its a start!

My weigh in day is Wednesday!

2009-06-29T13:20:00.000-07:00

I think I will tag Wednesday as either "Weigh In Wednesday" or "Weight Loss Wednesday"!! LOL I can only say that if I have not lost an oz by Wednesday I might make the National News..I have given up bread and my sodas!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Let me tell you I am lucky my family has not left me. hahahaha..On a serious note its not that bad I suppose, I found a great website called sparkpeople.com, its free and you can track all your food, your fitness workouts..everything. Set a goal and they tell you what you need to do to meet it. There are some wonderful recipes and even support groups and did I mention its FREE!!!!!!!!!! So my work out is 3 times a week, in about another week I will bump it up to 4 times a week, but we are talking baby steps. I do 40 minutes on the bike and then 20 minutes on weights. I have had surgery on both knees and need surgery again so I am limited to what I can do..ex. no running! I also spent a few hours in the pool this weekend exercising..now the best part for all you larger ladies..do you know when you bike you can get a boob workout also? So I am riding this bike, the kind with the petals in front of you and I noticed every time I peddled my right knee would hit my stomach fat which in turn would lift my right boob, and than the same for the left. I about busted a gut laughing as I watched my boobs do this little dance. I know TMI!! hahahahaha..anyway if anyone would like to join me on this journey, let me know I would love to have you along for the ride. Huggggsssssssssss

I'm BACK!!!!

2009-06-24T06:02:00.000-07:00

Well its been a very busy may and June! My daughter graduated from High School and went off to college for a summer session. She is my first born and it has been a difficult time for me. Also after looking at our family pictures of graduation it hit me like a ton of bricks its time to get the weight off! So I picked the brain of a very good friend who recently has done an AMAZING job with her weight loss..and Monday I started a program. Its going to take a long time as I have so much to lose..but I am determined. So of course I will blog about life, shopping, home decor, family, food and everything else, but I also will take you on my journey to a leaner me! There will me laughter, tears, frustrations and joy..but I know this is what needs to be done..Stay tuned!

Show and Tell Friday!

2009-05-21T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thank you Kelli for Show and Tell Friday!! Visit her for more great show and tells and go post your own, we would love to see it. You can find Kelli at http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/2009/05/show-and-tell-friday_21.html

well we are a little over a week away from graduation and my baby girl leaving for school. Wow, I still cannot believe it..anyway here are a few of her senior photos we had done, hope you enjoy!

Met Monday

2009-05-17T16:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for hosting! This week has really made me realize what a great Metamorphosis we all go through. As many know my first born is graduating at the end of May and this has been a time of great joy and bittersweet for me. She is my baby girl, my best friend and a wonderful daughter..she has become a young woman..where did the time go?

Prom this weekend!

Her and her boyfriend before Prom

Neutral can be Beautiful!

2009-05-13T22:01:00.000-07:00

I am a neutral girl, I love all the earth tones ann like to add splashes of color with accents and pillows...some might think a neutral home is boring but check this one out!

Show and Tell Friday!

2009-04-30T21:45:00.001-07:00

This is the reason that this is my first posting in over a week! This is my firstborn dear daughter Kayla. She graduates from High School May 30th and we have been so busy trying to get everything done. She also leaves for Baylor University June 1st. I am a proud mama but so very sad that my baby is leaving the nest. So for all you mom's out there that have been through this, tell me how to cope..please!!!!

Tablescape Thursday ~ Spring Tables

2009-04-22T18:56:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ for hosting today's event!

We are going to look at several great Spring Tablescapes today, from casual to elegant..and everything in between. Look over them and I hope you can take away ideas for your own Spring Table.

I love this, I love the color and how they took it through the entire table!

How about a sweet gift wrapped in your guest's napkins, who wouldn't love that!

Can you imagine having lunch here?

Take a vase, wrap any ribbon around it and its so much more festive!

Take your napkin and transfer your menu on it..how great is that?

Beautiful for a simple breakfast..

Seed packets for your garden brunch..your guest will love this thoughtful idea.

Soup cans painted to go with your decor make great vases..

Anyone for a sunset dinner on the beach?

How cool is this?????? Branches from your yard..

Love the idea of multiple vases..

Gift bags hold small vases of flowers, a lemon poses as your place card..

Add a sprig of rosemary, the scent is great and might tell of more to come on the menu

Hope you enjoyed all the ideas here today! Have a wonderful Thursday!!

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-04-21T18:55:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another great Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/. I was suppose to show my yard today but we have had way too much rain and the yard needs to dry out..look for my yard next Wednesday! Until than..

Let's take a stroll down this pretty path...

What do we have here, a beautiful bird bath and many birds enjoying it..

We continue past the garden shed..

Lets take a moment to sit and enjoy the great outdoors by the pool..

Time to get moving, I know there is someplace I am suppose to be..

Its easy to get distracted by all this beauty on our path..

Looking across the pool, wondering if we should go back and sit in those comfy chairs..

By the iron arbor

Lunch is served..this was so worth our little trip down the path!

This is my dream backyard..I would have to work for YEARS to get it..the only thing we have in common is the pool...

Whats on Your Wall Wednesday

2009-04-21T17:22:00.001-07:00

Thanks to Barb over at Grits & Glamour who has brought back "Whats On Your Wall Wednesday". Hop on over there and sign up so we can all see whats on Your Wall!
http://gritsglamour.blogspot.com/2009/04/whats-on-your-wall-wednesday_21.html

This is in my entryway, when we moved in to this home it was Barbie's Pink Palace, pink everywhere, wallpaper, paint, silk drapes and carpet! Well one day not long after we moved in at about 11pm, I had enough, I removed the wallpaper in the entry, went out the next day bought dark green paint and black glaze. I than hung these crosses, which I love. I now am tired of the green paint and I think I want something light..but until than..this is what is on my wall.

Blue Monday

2009-04-20T05:28:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Blue Monday with our hostess SmilingSally at http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/2009/04/blue-monday-bye-bye-blue.html

Just a few beautiful blue rooms..enjoy!

Met. Monday

2009-04-20T04:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Met Monday hosted by Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I started container gardens again..I do this every few years and I always fail. I can grow many things, just not veggies, but so far this year I am doing ok and very excited! Of course I took the pictures after the plants were pounded by two days of rain so they look a little peaked!

I started with small plants like these

Here is my curly leaf parsley, it is huge..

My sweet peas

I have 3 types of peppers

My tomatoes

My little herb garden, hit hard by the rain

Will it ever stop raining???

2009-04-18T13:25:00.001-07:00

Its been raining all day, streets are flooded, and the rain keeps coming. On the bright side we just put down new sod in places so it is getting a good watering. Notice the waterline at the pool.

Dark and rainy!
Waters getting high

Yes, at this point it was overflowing..

Muddy paw prints..yuk! Lots of ongoing mopping today in the laundry room.

Pink Saturday!

2009-04-17T21:12:00.001-07:00

Pink Saturday, hosted by Beverly at How Sweet the Sound. Be sure to visit Beverly's blog to see more great pink items at http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

So when I think of pink my first thought makes me think of a little girl's bedroom..but pink bedrooms have come a long way!! Check these out!

What a great teens room!

I know several grown ladies that would love this one!

Is there anything better than pink and black?

Love the patterns in this one.

How fun is this one?

Maybe a princess could sleep here..

And this one for a queen!

This one might give me a headache

This kinda screams 80's to me..

What girl wouldn't love this one?

Hope you enjoyed all the pink bedrooms, which is your fav?

Flower Ball Instructions and Recipes

2009-04-16T15:15:00.001-07:00

Decided to join Foodie Friday for the first time.. Please join our hostess for more great recipes! http://designsbygollum.blogspot.com/

Several people asked for instructions for the flower ball. I love these as they are quick and easy to make..you can also use real flowers, for real flowers use the florist form, soak in water for at least 30-40 minutes and when you are done you can put them in the fridge until your ready to use them to keep them extra fresh.

If you want to use fake flowers, get a round foam form, the size is only limited by how big you want this, the bigger, the more flowers you will need to use.

Buy your flowers and cut each flower leaving only about a 1 1/2 inch stem.

If your using the ball on a table cut off an end of the ball to make it flat, this way your ball won't go rolling off the table. If you plan on hanging them, I have seen this done and its beautiful, leave the ball whole. You would hang it with fishing line.

The easy part, just start sticking them in the foam.

See wasn't that easy? Took all of about 10 - 15 minutes.

So here is the compote, if you don't have one of these take a candle holder and some hot glue and hot glue a small plate on the holder. Its easy and no one will even see the plate.

I than took the shredded paper and made a little nest and placed the ball on the nest.

FYI - if you are using real flowers, place some saran wrap over the shred so it won't get wet.

And there it is..your own flower ball!

Also some of you asked about the cakes so here are recipes for ya'll. Hope you enjoy!

Mama Neely's "Sock It To Me" Cake

from the food network

Ingredients

Filling:
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
1 cup chopped pecans

Glaze:
1 1/2 cups confectioners' sugar
2 tablespoons milk
2 tablespoons lemon juice

Cake:
1 package golden cake mix
4 large eggs
1 cup sour cream
1/3 cup vegetable oil
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup sugar
2 tablespoons all-purpose flour

For filling:
Directions
For streusel filling, combine all ingredients and set aside. Blend glaze ingredients and set aside.

For cake:
Preheat oven to 375 degrees F.
Combine cake mix, eggs, sour cream, oil, water, sugar and flour in a large mixer bowl. Beat at medium speed for 3 minutes with electric mixer. Pour 1/2 of batter into a greased 13 by 9-inch pan. Sprinkle streusel filling on top and swirl the filing. Spoon remaining batter evenly over filling. Bake for 30 minutes or until a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean. Cool in pan 25 minutes invert onto serving plate, cool completely.

For glaze:
Combine sugar, milk and lemon juice in bowl. Whisk until smooth. Drizzle over cake.

Tres Leches Cake

by
Paula Dean

1 pound cake, loaf-style
6 ounces evaporated milk
8 ounces heavy whipping cream
1 (14-ounce) can sweetened condensed milk
1 cup heavy whipping cream
1/4 cup sugar
cherries for the top

Directions

With a fork, punch some holes in the cake still in its loaf pan.
In a medium saucepan, mix the 3 milks and heat over low heat. When the milk mixture is hot, remove it from the stove.
Pour the milk mixture slowly over the cake, being sure to fill all the holes. Refrigerate at least 30 minutes. Whip the heavy cream slowly adding sugar until soft peaks form. When the cake chilled, cover the cake with whipped cream. Add cherries on top!

Tablescape Thursday

2009-04-15T13:24:00.000-07:00

I would thank our Hostess for
Tablescape Thursday - go visit
Susan at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Today I am sharing my Easter table with you. It was just my dear husband and two kids this Easter, at first I was a little sad that we would not have friends or extended family here but I soon got over that when I decided to have dinner in the breakfast room, a more relaxed setting. I set up the dining room table for the food. Below is the dining room table, complete with bunnies and eggs. These are more eggs I painted this year. I think the kids liked the bright colors better than the light colored eggs I painted.

On the Menu

Brown Sugar Glazed Ham
au gratin potatoes
green bean casserole
corn casserole
lime jello salad
fruit salad
stuffed eggs
stuffed celery
black olives

green onions
rolls
sock it to me cake
tres leches cake

This is the breakfast room table. I told you I would make a flower ball! I love it and it was soooo easy to make.

And here are the pastel eggs I painted..these are my favorite.

I used a white tablecloth and everything just went blah, so I went with a black overlay..yes its not springy but it really made my blue pop!

Target Birds on Holiday!

2009-04-14T11:04:00.000-07:00

I want to thank Susan for hosting Target Birds on Holiday, fly on over to her blog to see where all the other birdies went on their holiday, http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Now it all started after Easter dinner, I guess all the moving and photos and all got the best of Ralph and Pearl, they dreamed of a vacation..but could they find a nice B&B as the one over at Susan's???

They decided they had to try..so off they went..they did stop by for a little food before they made their plans.

ohhhh..they heard the door open and quick as a wink Ralph and Pearl hid in a plant.

One more snack before they head off on their journey.

Pearl was excited when they found this great B&B, not as nice as Susan's, but a real charmer. It was of course more than frugal Ralph wanted to pay for just one night, but the smile on Pearl's face made him toss any reservations to the wind. Nothings too good for his sweet Pearl!

After they settled in they went out to the pool to catch a little tan, they are on the pale side from being indoors all day. Pearl was wise and brought some sunscreen.

A few drinks poolside and they were in heaven.

Ralph convinced Pearl to take a dip in the pool, it was still a little chilly.

Poolside they met another vacationing couple named Thornton and Millie, they struck up a quick friendship and found they had much in common..

Playing in the water made them very hungry and they could not believe how shrimp salad tasted much better than birdseed. Ohh Pearl could get use to this life.

Thornton and Millie invited Ralph and Pearl to do some disco dancing. They danced until late and were so ready to crawl in bed at their B&B.

They awoke early, in time to see a beautiful sunrise and packed to head back home.

Home Sweet Home

It might not be paradise but its home where they are loved and treasured and nothing beats that..of course they had to bring back a souvenir.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Easter

2009-04-07T22:24:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dixie over at http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/ for hosting Wordless Wednesday!

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-04-07T06:11:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another great Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Spring has sprung for many of us, and its on its way to the rest..so while your dreaming of enjoying those wonderful Spring like days why not dream of a great outdoor space. Are you rustic, formal or happy just tossing a towel on the ground and picking out shapes in the clouds? Take a look at these great outdoor spaces and maybe you can take a few ideas away to use at your on home...

Metamorphosis Monday!

2009-04-05T18:26:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Met Monday hosted by Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Over the past few weekends my dear husband has been kind enough to once again let me redesign something. He removed the rose bush and replanted it and removed other plants in order for me to have this cute little extension on the patio. I love it. I still need to do a few more things but it is everything I wanted..

Dear husband setting all the little pavers in..

Its getting there..

Done, except I need to move those plants I just bought and clean it up alittle..

View from across the pool

Can I say how much I love it AGAIN!!! Thanks honey!!!

Show & Tell Friday~

2009-04-02T20:20:00.001-07:00

Thank you Kelli for hosting Show and Tell Friday..visit Kelli over at: http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/

My daughter was gone last weekend to dance competition, so her boyfriend came over and made this sign..isn't he a sweetie..

This is right when we pulled in the driveway, I will say she was very surprised..

This is my daughter who was happy but not too thrilled with me not letting her in on it. She had been up since 4am and on a bus for 6 hours..he presented her with 2 doz. roses..and of course she said..yesssss..

An Eggstravagant Table ~ Tablescape Thursday

2009-04-01T16:21:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

I love this tablescape..its simple but elegant. Kids to adults will love their own personalized Easter egg. This would be great for a brunch or dinner. When I found these pictures I knew I had to post them and I will be incorporating these great ideas in my own Easter dinner.

Wordless Wednesday~Still life

2009-03-31T19:19:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Dixie over at http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/ for hosting Wordless Wednesday!

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-03-31T17:48:00.001-07:00

Welcome to another great Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan over at http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ After looking here, hop on over there and take a look at all the others..

On Friday evening, about 5 minutes after my dear husband arrived home from work, the sky opened and we were hit with a hail storm! It was loud and ugly, but along with our gift was another cool front. YEAH!

So Saturday we spent the day I mean the entire day outside by the pool. I had breakfast, lunch and dinner poolside and loved every minute of it. Look how beautiful the sky was..

While we were sitting and enjoying the weather, we noticed these two squirrels also enjoying the day. They hung out on this one branch for about 5 hours. Guess they were as lazy as we were!

You might need to click the photos to make them bigger..

Here is our pup Candiland enjoying the day. Forgive the yard, we did not mow until Sunday..lol..I told you we were being lazy.

Here is Sammy our baby, he will be 1 in May, he loves hanging out by the pool. I hope he will enjoy being in the pool this summer.

Hope you have enjoyed our weekend as much as we did. Happy Wednesday!!!

Show and Tell Friday

2009-03-26T22:51:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Show and Tell Friday..I would like to thank Kelli over at There's no place like home for hosting this. Wander on over there and take a tour of all the other Show and Tell blogs. http://kellishouse.blogspot.com/2009/03/show-and-tell-friday_26.html

I started collecting compotes several years ago and here are a few..a very few..lol

Here I have used one to nest a few of my eggs I painted last week..

Go sign up for a chance for a giveaway!!!

2009-03-25T09:59:00.001-07:00

Hop on over and visit Nancy at Loves to Create http://lovestocreate.blogspot.com/ she is hosting a wonderful Giveaway! If you love mirrors you will lover hers..think of what you could do with one. How fab is she for doing something like this... Good Luck!!

Wordless Wednesday!

2009-03-25T08:02:00.000-07:00

I love wordless Wednesday hosted by Dixie over at http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/

This vidoe just makes me happy..wonder why..lol

Tablescape Thursday

2009-03-25T04:55:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by Susan over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ hop on over to her blog to see more tablescapes.

I came across these great table decor ideas and thought I would pass them along. I plan on making the flower balls for my Easter table..

Carnation balls are a fresh take on a humble flower. They add a fun burst of color to your Fourth of July table, and they're easy to make. Thoroughly saturate a 3-inch sphere of floral foam with cool water, then insert short carnation stems — cut to an inch below the calyx — in a concentric, coiling pattern until the sphere is almost covered. Each of these spheres holds about 50 carnations. Display carnation balls individually, or cluster balls of varying sizes — and color — on a favorite vase or tray to create a distinctive and dramatic centerpiece. Place sphere with its "bald spot" in a saucer of cool water; refresh daily and it will last a week.

This quick-and-easy place setting also makes a sweet party favor for guests. Cut a bandanna into fourths. Fill squares with candy, gather edges, and tie with ribbon. For the name tag, make color photocopies of bandannas. Cut into rectangles, punch a hole at one end, and string on ribbon.

Improvise a "cloth" tablecloth by criss-crossing strips of burlap from a garden-supply store, then layering lengths of crinkly white gauze over them. The effect is reminiscent of antique linen culled from Grandma's attic.

Multiple tables can be covered with simple, inexpensive burlap to create one long table for a large dinner party. Railroad lanterns provide illumination as night falls. Sunflowers in almost any type of container are informal — and affordable — floral centerpieces.

A medley of old china and chairs gathered under a tree creates a laid-back setting for a summer meal.

A giant umbrella shields party guests from the blazing afternoon sun, and hanging lanterns will illuminate the table come nightfall. Mix citronella candles with other colorful tea lights to keep away pests, and offer diners light cotton shawls to ward off a chill in the evening.

To make these bold centerpieces, trim the bottom off a floral foam sphere so that it can sit on a cake stand, and soak in water for at least 30 minutes. Clip dahlia stems short; insert into the foam until covered.

Bales of hay make great seating for a country table...

Add a cheerful touch to the summer table with this patchwork-style runner. Line up enough bandannas to fit the length of a table, leaving some overhang, and stitch together. To back the runner, cut an old cotton tablecloth (any light-colored one will do) to match its width and length. Sew together along the edges or attach with iron-on bonding.

In the center of the table, single philodendron leaves partner with clusters of delicate 'Limelight' hydrangea in simple glass containers. Sprigs of fresh mint in the glasses nod to the garden theme, while vibrant pink napkins add a pop of color to the white place settings.

A refreshing palette of golden yellow and robin's-egg blue sets the scene. For a casual yet stylish affair, mix upscale elements with down-home details. Burlap, bandannas, and disposable pleats mingle effortlessly with fresh flowers and herbs.

Mix vivid flowers, saturated colors, and patterns to set an exotic scene.

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-03-24T20:54:00.001-07:00

Thank you Susan at - http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/ for hosting another great Outdoor Wednesday!

Who isn't dreaming of some great outdoor time..here are a few of my dream places..of course scale down a bit and create your own space in your backyard..

Met. Monday!

2009-03-22T15:40:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan for hosting Met Monday. Visit her over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

As my dear husband went through the attic he came upon a bag full of ceramic eggs, half were brown the other half white. They looked like the photo below except over time the brown looked more orange and the white looked grey. After long thought I decided to paint them up for Easter.

I took some, painted them white first, than bright colors and added dots to some while I left the others solid.

I than took the rest and pained them light blue, green and yellow..

They still did not look the way I wanted them to I speckled them..now I love my orange and grey eggs!

I love this bowl it was my great grandmothers...I usually just have it on a shelf, but it really brought the eggs to life.

Wordless Wednesday ~ Dance

2009-03-17T23:17:00.000-07:00

Wordless Wednesday is hosted by http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/

I love Wordless Wednesday and this is perfect, for my dear daughter who started dancing at age 3, is now 18 and this is her last year..a year cut short due to an ACL tear during a halftime performance. So this is dedicated to my dear daughter..

Outdoor Wednesday~

2009-03-17T21:33:00.001-07:00

Its Outdoor Wednesday and I want to thank Susan our hostess, jump on over to her blog and check out some wonderful outdoor pic's. http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/2009/03/318-outdoor-wednesday-10.html

We went through 3 full days of rain so I had to go snap some photos in my backyard..I hope you enjoy!

Cold, Rainy Laundry Day!

2009-03-13T12:44:00.000-07:00

Is there a reason why no matter how much laundry I do, there is always more..its like it multiplies. I really want to redo my laundry room, but I am limited on what I do, but maybe a fresh coat of paint might make it a more appealing place for me to spend my time. Take a look at these I found, I seriously could spend some time in these laundry rooms..

Tablescape Thursday

2009-03-11T18:52:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday, for more tables visit Susan over at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

This is an old Tablescape I did for my church, we each picked a theme and it was the year my mom had passed, so I themed my table "Granny's Table" after my mom. I included things she loved, her rolling pin as she was a baker, her glasses, her bible, photos, elephants and just things she loved..

Wordless Wednesday ~ Friends

2009-03-11T04:25:00.000-07:00

Go visit Dixie our hostess for Wordless Wednesday over at http://frenchlique.blogspot.com/!!

Outdoor Wednesday

2009-03-10T17:41:00.001-07:00

Welcome to Outdoor Wednesday hosted by Susan over at A Southern Daydreamer we can see all kinds of great outdoor spaces, flowers and many beautiful things. So head on over to Susan's blog to check out more! http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

The weather has turned a little warm so we have been outside trying to enjoy it and start planting..many of our plants made it through the winter and are blooming but need some TLC!

I went on the annual River Oaks Azalea Trail this past weekend, the weather was a tad warm but the gardens and homes made up for it..it was just beautiful! I hope you enjoy the photos..

Met. Monday!

2009-03-09T06:49:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Susan for hosting Met Monday. Visit her over at: http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Where did the time go..?

Tablescape Thursday!!

2009-03-04T22:00:00.000-08:00

It all started off right, I placed a deep brown tablecloth on the table, added my fav candles and than..it all started falling apart. My dear sweet teen daughter was packing to go on her trip to Florida and needed laundry done. Sooooo can you guess what happened? Your right, it became laundry central. My dinner was a wonderful crock pot roast with all the trimmings, but with the frantic packing, laundry, quick trip to the store for last minute travel items I will be having my roast for lunch tomorrow. Now I hear from the family that it was wonderful. Now I know what your going to say..why not take a break and eat, well once I start something I just have to finish it up or it drives me crazy. So today I have a very interesting tablescape for you. If you want to see some really beautiful ones skip on over to Between Naps on the Porch.. http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2009/03/welcome-the-twenty-eighth-tablescape.html thanks for hosting!!

Are they not just beautiful? My fav. candles, can you tell I use them everyday? Doesn't everything look better in the soft glow of candlelight? Well almost everything!

Ok..we all know we have been here, right, laundry baskets full of clean laundry on the table..please tell me you have been here!

Don't you just love the little bundles of clean socks?

Now we all have to eat right..cast your eyes on this wonderful gourmet dinner..yes that is sparkling water and what..yes I know you all are jealous..that's a bagelful!! YUM YUM!! But hey, give me credit for the cloth napkin!

Heading to Baylor in the am

2009-02-26T21:28:00.000-08:00

So my daughter and I are heading to Baylor for the weekend, well a short one. Just a girls time to go check out the campus and where she will be living ect. I hope to take loads of great pictures to post when I get back. I hope everyone has a fun and safe weekend!!!!

I'm Back!

2009-02-24T14:42:00.000-08:00

Well I hope I can get back into the swing of things. Life has been so busy that by the time I can slow down I just want to get to bed. We have had beautiful weather so I have spent time in the yard with dear hubby, i dare say he really did most of the work, but I did offer my opinion and a cheers over all he did. I will be posting pics soon of the new little sitting area he made me and of my planting. I bought several different pepper starters today and I still need a tomato plant or two. My son loves to make really hot salsa so I am going to let him have fun with it this summer. My daughter is busy with school, we have really been in the planning stages of what all she will need to take to University with her. She will be starting a brand new chapter in her life and that's so exciting. I am in the process of also trying to decide on a few new pots next to the spa that will take the heat of Texas summers and the splashing of pool water..wish me luck!!!

I am a Southern Lady..

2009-02-17T18:16:00.000-08:00

I was born in the south, I am a southern woman by all senses of the word..I have my garden hat (mine is much larger, but this gives you the idea)

I have my garden gloves, although I can not stand not being able to actually feel the dirt..

and I have my starter plants and seeds.

I do this every year, I dream big, start out with a bang ...

and than by June its just hot in Texas and I don't care for them the way I should and end up with something like this: OK maybe not this bad, but you get the picture!

You would think it would be in my blood as a southern lady, but all I can say is I am a southern lady that needs to stay indoors in the ac, not outside in the heat. I will try again this year, lets see how far I get!

Or maybe I am not the tomato growing, dirt tilling southern lady I think I am, maybe I am more the mint juleps on the porch with a ceiling fan over me, pointing to where things need to go or be watered type of Southern lady..hmmmm might have to think this one over.

Menu Challenge catchup!

2009-02-12T20:46:00.000-08:00

OK..here is my catch up on the menu challenge:

Tuesday: I made a chipped casserole, its one of those things I just toss together and pray it works. I took chipped beef, onions and a cream of mushroom soup, mixed it, placed it in the dish, mashed potatoes on top, sprinkle with cheese and add cornbread on top and bake. We had broccoli on the side and garlic bread sticks.

Wednesday: Cheese soup and grilled turkey and tomato sandwiches.

Thursday: Blackened Chicken and pasta with a cream sauce, salad and rolls.

I will be going to the store on Sunday..maybe Monday its going to be a busy weekend.

Busy week!!!

2009-02-11T22:01:00.000-08:00

I can't believe I have been out of pocket the past couple of days! But Family calls!! My son is ill, and poor guy he may be 15 and taller than me but he really feels just awful! He does not have strep, thank goodness, but he has such a bad cough and sore throat. My sweet husband took off today to be here if our son needed him and I took my daughter as soon as she was done with school prom dress shopping. Well we hit pay dirt at the first boutique. The photo posted below is her dress in the blueberry. Its just beautiful on her and she is thrilled. So once we get through this weekend..we have a dance competition that her drill team is hosting I will have a life again. So look for me Sunday, if I can not get on before than..Have a wonderful week!!!

Menu Monday Dinner Challenge

2009-02-10T04:40:00.000-08:00

For my Monday dinner challenge:

We had garlic butter shrimp over pasta, rolls and a salad. The shrimp was 11.00, the rolls were .25 (coupons) and the salad was a bag salad I had a free coupon for.
Tot. for meal - 11.25 ~family of 4 breaks down to 2.81 each and we have left overs for dear husband to take for lunch! Sorry my salad photo did not come out..but look at the steam coming off my pasta! LOL

~40 Things~

2009-02-09T04:37:00.000-08:00

1. Where is your cell phone? Charging in the study.
2. Your significant other? Has already left for work
3. Your hair? Ponytail
4. Your mother? Was one of my best friends and I miss her everyday
5. Your father? Someone I admired for many things, still find days I cannot believe they are both gone.
6. Your favorite thing? my family
7. Your dream last night? Odd, it was about gardening..
8. Your favorite drink? milk
9. Your dream/goal? to start my own business
10. What room you are in? study
11. Your hobby? decorating
12. Your fear? how I will deal with my daughter going off to college
13. Where do you want to be in 6 years? right here, there's no place like home
14. Where were you last night? relaxing with my dear hubby
15. What do you do on Sat. nights? Church and than out to eat with friends
16. Muffins? Blueberry
17. Wish list item? So many projects, where does one start?
18. Where you grew up? Here in Kingwood, Texas
19. Last thing you did? made sure my kids were up
20. What are you wearing? pajamas
21. Your TV? we have 7 which is funny because we don't watch tv all that much!
22. Your pets? Rupert ( was my parents pup), Candi a mixed aussie, Sydney a terrier and our baby Sammy a lab and German mix
23. Friends? They are our many blessings
24. Your life? content
25. Your mood? Happy
26. Missing some one? yes, my parents
27. Car? Expedition
28. Something you’re not wearing? socks
29. Your favorite store? Pottery Barn
30. Your favorite color? this week..red
31. favorite holiday? Christmas
32. Public school? Yes, Kingwood all the way!
33. When is the last time you laughed? Last night with hubby, he always makes me laugh
34. Last time you cried? last week when I was looking at photos of my mom
35. Who will resend this? huh?
36. One place that I go to over and over? Kroger..sad isn't it!
37. One person who emails me regularly? Laura
38. My favorite place to eat? that's a tough one..
39. Why you participated in this survey? why not?
40. What are you doing tonight? Having dinner with the fam and than curling up on the couch with hubby!

Metamorphosis Monday!

2009-02-08T17:18:00.000-08:00

It's Metamorphosis Monday and our lovely hostess is Susan over at :

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/ hop on over to see some really great ideas!

When we moved into our home it was Barbies Pink Palace..and I am being very serious about that. We had pink plush carpet! Well the carpet was brand new and with small kids and no money we lived with it. Funny how no matter how much you try to keep pink carpet clean, over time it turns pinky brown. YUK! Well two years ago we had enough, we had let the carpet remain in the house for 8 years, the kids were older so we moved ahead. I wanted wood, it is easy to clean (except for the constant fight with pet hair) its beautiful and timeless. So my dear husband pulled up all the carpet, we picked out wood. This is where I came in to make it alittle more difficult. I wanted different hues, not just a straight color so we bought three different tones of cherry and he went to town. What a great job he did. The big surprise is what we found under the carpet in the family room. Its was really pretty wood. Original to the house..and we would have kept it but we had already done the rest of the downstairs in the cherry and it was so different. Could we get the color..sure but the plants were very..very different. We also found out the family room sat alittle lower that the adjoining rooms which was a plus as we put our wood over the old wood floor. I was thrilled..maybe sometime way down the road we might revisit that great wood floor, but for now its safe under our new wood floor.

Old wood floor!

New wood floor!

I am doing the Menu planning Challenge..

2009-02-07T16:40:00.000-08:00

So this is what its all about :

"Starting February 9th we're starting a Week of Menu planning on a budget.
How much money can you save by using what you already have in the pantry, freezer, & fridge.
How long can you go without going to the grocery store?
I'm planning on using the Sale flyer, Sunday insert coupons and what I already have on hand to do this challenge.
If I can do it, you can do it. I would love it if you all joined in.
How low can you go??"

To sign up or for more info hop on over to:

http://thetwinsmama.blogspot.com/2009/02/menu-planning-challange-starts-monday.html

Friday Gardens

2009-02-05T21:28:00.001-08:00

I have grand plans this weekend..now if it will all happen, thats not a given. But as I have said before we really need to work in the yard. So today I looed over some of the pictures of my fav. gardens and it just made me happy. Of course my yard will not be as grand as this but its a work in progress and I hope someday that my yard will bring a smile to someones face.