There is no place like home

Busy Days

2009-11-11T18:37:00.003-06:00

Hello! Thank you so much for your helpful suggestions on our wet bar area! We are still going over some options and can hopefully try out a few things during Phillip's Thanksgiving vacation.
I can't believe it's only two weeks away. I haven't been blogging as much, because things are so busy around here...

Thanks to insurance, we are getting a new roof this week. The hail storm that knocked down our tree did quite a bit of damage to the roof, as well.

This is an older picture of the garage conversion project. The work team has already begun putting up drywall.

The carpet has been ordered and we are finalizing wall colors. I think I will paint the kitchen a shade lighter and start working on that next week.

I've also been trying out a few new recipes, including Jaden's Beef with Broccoli. It was delicious!

This is my favorite time of year for baking with banana and pumpkin. This week I made mini banana loaves with a streusel topping.

I'm sure we will still be in the middle of our house projects once Thanksgiving arrives, but we will take some time to relax, get together with family and friends, and give thanks for our many blessings.

I will be back in a few weeks with hopefully some news of finished projects. Talk to you then!

Creative Help Needed!

2009-11-07T12:19:00.006-06:00

Hello! We've had a busy week here as you can probably tell by the lack of posts. :0) I had a few questions about what will our current living room will be used for once our garage is finished being converted into a family room. The TV won't be in the room anymore, so the focal point will be the fireplace, along with some comfy chairs (where the TV is now) and lots of books. So, it won't be a formal living room, just a nice room to sit and relax in and the extra space will be great for entertaining.

I'd love some help about another spot in the living room though. The picture shows our 1980's style wet bar that is being used to store DVD's. They will be moved to the new family room and I'm trying to figure out what to do with the space. I really don't want to put glasses or knick-knacks up there because it gets so dusty. Here are some other options:

1. Put a bookshelf in front of the whole thing and nail it completely flush against the wall.

2. Have bookshelves custom built inside the opening.

We had a quote of $2,000+ for the custom built shelves and I'm guessing since it's such a large area we'd have to get a bookshelf custom built, as well.

These options are way too expensive, so now I'm thinking of staining the wood shelves holding the DVD's to match the walls as closely as possible, and space them out better. Display books and greenery. Take out the sink and lay another stained board on top of the marble counter. Add a basket for mail, a small lamp, and a few knick-knacks.

Phillip's idea is for him to build a simple bookshelf on top of the marble, close to the front and stain it to match the wood.

Help! What would you do?

Monday, November 2, 09

2009-11-02T08:40:00.005-06:00

Good morning! We managed to get our garage completely cleaned out and in 4-6 weeks this will be our new family room. Construction started this morning and the same company that built our shed is also doing the conversion work. I will share progress pictures as they go along.

These shelves are on the opposite garage wall, so I took all of my tea things down since there will be a lot of banging around. I've also decided to paint the kitchen the same color as the new room, which will be a creamy beige. The walls look harsh yellow in pictures, but it's not so bad in person.

Either way, Phillip isn't a fan, so he will be very happy to see a different color, and I think the two rooms will flow together better. It's my goal to have the kitchen painted by Thanksgiving, but the work crew won't have the family room finished until early December.

Speaking of Thanksgiving, we are hoping to have dinner at our house, but it will depend on whether our new table and chairs are ready. We ordered them from the Amish Furniture Warehouse and chose a stain to match our current hutch. My parents gave us their dining room table when we got married and Phillip's parents gave us one a few years ago, so this will be our first new set. We have many blessings to be thankful for this Thanksgiving!

Well, that is what is going on at our house. I hope you have a wonderful first week of November!

Celebrating October

2009-10-28T10:43:00.000-05:00

Hello! I just realized because of my blogging break earlier this month, I didn't get a chance to share some of my favorite things about October. There are four days left in the month, which is plenty of time to squeeze in a few simple pleasures, right? Click on the links for instructions and recipes.

Apple Fritters ~2007

Warm candlelight.

Handmade Cloth Napkins ~ 2007

A hot cup of tea.

Caramel Apple Cards ~ 2008

Mini pumpkins.

Pumpkin Butterscotch Cookies ~ 2008

Thank you for stopping by for a visit. I hope you have had a wonderful October, so far!

October gave a party;
The leaves by hundreds came-
The Chestnuts, Oaks, and Maples,
And leaves of every name.
The Sunshine spread a carpet,
And everything was grand,
Miss Weather led the dancing,
Professor Wind the band.
George Cooper, October's Party

Giveaway Winner!

2009-10-26T08:55:00.000-05:00

Good morning! Thank you to all who joined in my giveaway and especially for your sweet comments!

Melanie from Candle by Night is the winner. Congratulations, Melanie!

There is one more week in my favorite month of the year. Has this month flown by for anyone else? We need to finish cleaning the garage. Hillary and Debbi asked how I managed to fit all of my decorations into two totes. The totes are large and are just for seasonal decorations. Christmas decorations are up in the attic.

Have a wonderful week, everyone!

Construction Zone!

2009-10-24T18:59:00.003-05:00

Construction has begun on our new backyard shed and garage conversion. They completed the floor on Day 1.

Day 2.

Day 3.

This is our future family room. We spent all day cleaning and organizing. Phillip's brother and a neighbor boy helped. We took two van loads to the dump and another two to Goodwill, and we still have too much stuff for the shed! At this point it's mostly camping and gardening supplies. I downsized my decorations into two large totes. We need to have everything cleared out by next week!

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend and don't forget about my giveaway down below!

Handmade Card Tutorial and a GIVEAWAY!

2009-10-23T09:53:00.001-05:00

Hello! I am enjoying this Autumn season, so I'm sharing another acorn themed card, but you can use any kind of paper, rubber stamps, stickers, etc. that you have.

Gather your supplies. My 10 Top Card Making Essentials list is HERE.

Cut a 5 3/8" x 3 7/8" rectangle of scrapbook paper or cardstock. Glue to front of 5 1/2" x 4" blank notecard.

Cut a 5" x 2 1/2" rectangle of scrapbook paper. Cut an approx. 3" x 2" rectangle of cardstock. The exact size will depend on the rubber stamped image or stickers that you use.

Glue cardstock to front of scrapbook rectangle. Tie a length of ribbon around bottom, tie a knot, and trim ends.

Add a rubber stamped quote or write with a pen along edge of card, as shown. Glue scrapbook paper to front of card.

Send to a friend! You can see more card tutorials HERE.

Christmas version.

A few more things I've made recently...

Snowman gift tags.

Thanksgiving gift tags.

Christmas gift tags.

Everything can be found in my Etsy Shop. Today is my 1 year Etsy anniversary and I'm having a giveaway to celebrate!

Leave a comment between now and Sunday evening (Oct. 25, 10:00pm EST) and I will use random.org to pick a winner. The prize is a $25.00 gift certificate to my Etsy Shop! You don't have to have a blog to join in, just leave an email address. International participants are welcome. Also, any orders placed this weekend will receive free shipping; just mention this giveaway!

Good luck and thank you for stopping by for a visit!

Autumn Kitchen Decorations

2009-10-22T11:00:00.000-05:00

Thank you for your comments on Emily's decorated cake and my Autumn tea tray!

I got the set at a local gift ship and I'm sorry to say there are no markings except a blurry emblem. You can find similar patterns searching for brown transferware though.

I actually got two teacups and saucers last fall and used them all through fall and winter.

Now I have 8 teacups, a teapot and 3 dinner plates.

Everything is set up on my kitchen hutch, along with a fall leaf garland, pumpkins, and acorns.

Thank you for stopping by for a visit and taking a look!

In the Kitchen...

2009-10-20T16:13:00.004-05:00

Hello! Our week has started out with lots of time in the kitchen. Emily's Faith Keeper's group is working on their cake decorating badge. Last night, Emily baked and frosted a lemon cake all by herself.

At the class all the girls learned different icing techniques, including how to make royal icing flowers.

My brother-in-law's girlfriend arrived Sunday night and we are having Mrs. H's Country Ribs, mashed potatoes, corn, salad, and Choco-Hoto-Pots for dinner.

I've been using my Autumn tea tray as a centerpiece. Here's a sneak peak at my new teapot and cups. I'll share more pictures soon!

Cozy Lamplight

2009-10-15T18:05:00.003-05:00

I love the look of soft lamplight, especially during the cooler months. A few years ago, I purchased lamps for our living room, but they were more for a decorative buffet. They didn't give off any useful light for reading. One of them broke awhile back, so this afternoon I replaced them with traditional living room lamps.

There is also a small lamp on the kitchen counter. It's nice to turn on in the evening and the early morning.

And finally, an even smaller lamp in the bathroom. It's the perfect nightlight.

Toaster Ovens

2009-10-14T18:47:00.004-05:00

Hello! Recently, our toaster broke and we are thinking about getting a toaster oven. Do you have one that you recommend? Or don't recommend!
Picture from art.com

*Update: Thank for you all the help with the toaster ovens! Phillip ordered one from Amazon and I'll let you know how it works out.

Autumn Front Porch

2009-10-14T10:16:00.002-05:00

I have a simple Autumn front porch this year.

Just a few of my favorite things: Indian corn...

pumpkins and mums.

"There is no season when such pleasant and sunny spots may be lighted on, and produce so pleasant an effect on the feelings, as now in October."
- Nathaniel Hawthorne

October, 12, 09

2009-10-12T09:00:00.000-05:00

Happy Thanksgiving to all of my Canadian friends! We are enjoying a day off as well.

Some of you may remember this pumpkin potpourri that my mom sent me last year. I found something very similar at Target this past weekend. It was in the home decorating section, near the framed artwork and lamps. I'm deep cleaning my house this week, so I'd better get busy. Until next time...

October Days...

2009-10-10T12:52:00.002-05:00

Hello! I guess I'm not very good at blogging breaks. I've missed you all and I appreciate your kind comments and emails; thank you! It's been very cool and rainy here, which makes for a nice fall in Texas. Grace and I picked up some pumpkins and Indian corn this morning. I also found mini white pumpkins which were less expensive than the full size ones.

My brother-in-law's girlfriend is coming for a visit next week (from California), so I have some deep cleaning, organizing, and decorating planned. How is your October going so far?

A Few Changes...

2009-09-30T11:18:00.002-05:00

Hello! Thank you for your comments on my handmade card tutorial and also last week's Show and Tell! Speaking of Show and Tell, I have decided to pass along the hosting fun to someone else. The main reason is that after 3 1/2 years I have shared almost all of my special treasures!

I'm also taking a blogging break. I just need to recharge a bit. I will still be reading blogs though, and I'm only an email away.

I'm happy to announce that Cindy at My Romantic Home will be taking over Show and Tell Friday. I know she will do a great job and I hope you will stop by and welcome her!

Until next time...

Handmade Card Tutorial

2009-09-29T14:57:00.004-05:00

Hello! Today, I'm sharing the instructions for an Autumn greeting card, but you can use any kind of scrapbook paper, stickers, or rubber stamps.

Christmas version.

Gather your supplies. My 10 Top Card Making Essentials list is HERE.

Cut a 5 3/8" x 3 7/8" rectangle of scrapbook paper. Glue to front of 5 1/2" x 4" blank notecard.

Cut 2 strips from coordinating paper or cardstock:
-5 3/8" x 1 1/2"
-3 7/8" x 1 1/2"

Trim sides with decorative scissors, if desired.

Punch two holes beside each other (approx. 1 1/2" in from left side of long strip), thread ribbon through, tie knot, and trim ends. You can also attach ribbon knot with hot glue instead.

Glue paper strips to front of card, as shown. I also shaded the edges with ink.

Stamp an image (or use stickers) on an approx. 1 3/4" square of cardstock.

Glue to card, as shown. Send to a friend! You can see more card tutorials HERE.

A few more things I made recently...

Gift tags with my favorite Autumn quote.

Christmas gift tags. It will be here before we know it!

I also put together some organza gift bags and gift tags for those giving paper goods as Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers this year.

Everything can be found in my Etsy Shop! Thank you for stopping by for a visit!

Show and Tell Friday!

2009-09-24T22:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Happy Friday! Today, I'm sharing a few things around my front porch and yard. I haven't finished all of my fall decorating yet, but I have a wreath on the front door.

I got this old fashioned dinner bell at Hobby Lobby this past year.

This large basket holds bird seed and peanuts (for the squirrels).

Since we lost our big tree this spring, I put my birdbath and feeders in the front flower bed.

We have lots of sunflower seeds for the cardinals.

Thank you for taking a look and thank you to all who join in for Show and Tell. I always enjoy seeing what you share!

This weekend, the girls and I are going on a camping retreat with our Faith Keeper's group. Phillip says it isn't even close to camping since we have cabins, real beds and our meals are provided, but we are having a campfire and s'mores, so I say it counts! I'll be back next week with pictures!

Remember, that your Show and Tell needs to be something from your home or garden. Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your exact show and tell blog post link, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting, or e-mail me with any questions.

Happy First Day of Fall!

2009-09-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

In the other gardens
And all up the vale,
From the autumn bonfires
See the smoke trail!

Pleasant summer over
And all the summer flowers,
The red fire blazes,
The grey smoke towers.

Sing a song of seasons!
Something bright in all!
Flowers in the summer,
Fires in the fall!
-Robert Louis Stevenson

Baking Pantry - Show and Tell Friday!

2009-09-17T22:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Hello! Today, I'm sharing a little kitchen project I've been working on. The above area is where our microwave would normally go, but since we don't use it very often, I replaced it with glass canisters awhile back. As you can see, they were empty and not looking so great.

I cleaned out the area, but was faced with too much yellow!

I added a large grapevine wreath to try and fill up the space.

Next came the large freshly filled canisters: flour, white sugar, brown sugar, oats, powdered sugar, graham cracker crumbs, and cocoa.

Then the small jars: baking powder, baking soda, salt, cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and nutmeg.

I also added oil, vanilla, toothpicks and small bowls.

And of course, measuring cups and spoons.

All finished!

Thank you for looking at my new baking pantry! Also, thank you to all who join in for show and tell. I always enjoy seeing what you share. Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember, that your Show and Tell needs to be something from your home or garden. Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your exact show and tell blog post link, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting, or e-mail me with any questions.

Mid-Week Chit-Chat

2009-09-16T14:34:00.003-05:00

Hello! Is it already Wednesday? We are doing well, just very busy. We had company over this past Saturday and since it was rainy and perfect weather for baking, I made a couple loaves of Cream Cheese Banana Bread.

On Sunday, we attended a potluck and I took along a big pan of Jambalaya...cheater's style. ;0)

What else have we been up to? Grace and Emily started their weekly Spanish and Creative Writing classes. We talked to someone about converting our garage into a rec room. First, we have to have a shed built in the backyard to store our camping and gardening supplies, though. Does anyone have any "garage conversion" stories to share?

Lastly, I've had several questions about "Paper Crafting Wednesday." I've decided not to bring back that particular weekly feature, but hope to share card making projects on a more regular basis soon.

Hope you all are doing well!

Show and Tell Friday!

2009-09-10T22:00:00.002-05:00

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

The first Little House book I read was "Little House on the Prairie," when I was 11 years old.

My favorite part was when Laura got delicate pink calling cards with a spray of flowers.

I have a very small calling card collection and I would love to start adding to it. My friend, Kimberly gave me several from the Victorian era.

I especially love the ones with the flaps.

They fold back to reveal the names.

Thank you for looking at my collection! Also, thank you to all who join in the fun each week. I always enjoying seeing what you share. Have a wonderful weekend!

Remember, that your Show and Tell needs to be something from your home or garden. Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your exact show and tell blog post link, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting, or e-mail me with any questions.

First pumpkins of the season...

2009-09-09T12:23:00.002-05:00

Yesterday, I found the first pumpkins of the season at our grocery store.

They add a little Autumn color in my entryway. More to come!

Happy Labor Day!

2009-09-06T17:11:00.002-05:00

I hope all of my US friends are having a wonderful Labor Day weekend! Thank you for your comments on my show and tell. I had to share this follow up picture of our cat, Fern, taken on Friday morning. She looks comfy, doesn't she?

Show and Tell Friday!

2009-09-03T22:00:00.001-05:00

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Hello! I haven't started decorating for fall yet, but I've gathered a few things together in my kitchen.

This large mixing/serving bowl will come in handy. It has an oak leaf and acorn border.

I love the matching mini bowls and I may have to pick up another set!

Harvest coasters for the livingroom.

And lastly, my favorite "tea for one" teapot set.

All I need is some hot tea!

Thank you for stopping by for a visit and for your wonderful comments this past week. I hope you have a great weekend (a long one for my US friends)!

Remember, that your Show and Tell needs to be something from your home or garden. Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your exact show and tell blog post link, along with your first name only (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting, or e-mail me with any questions.

Welcome September!

2009-09-02T07:55:00.000-05:00

Happy September! I am so excited that this month has arrived, because it means the start of my favorite season. I'm looking forward to pumpkin patches, decorating, and baking, and especially cooler weather. I hope you enjoy these pictures from past Septembers...

First pumpkin of the season.

Acorn squash baked with maple syrup.

Gingerbread Cupcakes. Recipe HERE.

~September~

We made ourselves a castle
Once after school was out;
We raked the leaves together
To wall it all about.

We made a winding pathway
Down to the school-yard gate.
And there we worked with might and main
Until the day grew late;

Until one bright star twinkled
Above the maple tree,
And lights shone down on village street
As far as we could see.

We planned that every recess
We'd come out there to play,
But in the night it blew so hard
Our castle blew away.
K. Pyle

What are you looking forward to this month?

There is no place like home

Busy Days

Creative Help Needed!

Monday, November 2, 09

Celebrating October

Giveaway Winner!

Construction Zone!

Handmade Card Tutorial and a *GIVEAWAY!*

Autumn Kitchen Decorations

In the Kitchen...

Cozy Lamplight

Toaster Ovens

Autumn Front Porch

October, 12, 09

October Days...

A Few Changes...

Handmade Card Tutorial

Show and Tell Friday!

Happy First Day of Fall!

Baking Pantry - Show and Tell Friday!

Mid-Week Chit-Chat

Show and Tell Friday!

First pumpkins of the season...

Happy Labor Day!

Show and Tell Friday!

Welcome September!

Handmade Card Tutorial and a GIVEAWAY!