Monday, December 24, 2012

 I love Christmas.  After I get over the craziness of decorating and gift buying I can enjoy this special time of year.  I remember how fortunate I am to have such an amazing family and such good friends.  It is also a time to remember those that I miss and wish were here.  One person in particular is my friend Viki.  I was introduced to her by my other good friend Khrist.  She and Khristi had been the best of friends for years.  As soon as I met Viki I knew she was special.  She brought something special to the group.  Everyone that knew her, loved her.

I think about Viki often anyway, but when I start bringing out the Christmas decorations I am soon reminded of her again.  I have one of her vintage ornaments.  I can't put it on the tree, I am afraid you won't see it and it will be lost.  Instead,  I put it by itself.  I want it front and center.  I walk past it several times a day and smile every time.

Although I am sad she is no longer here, I know that others sadness is even greater than mine.  I am oh so grateful for having known her and had her in my life if even for a short time.


Viki is in the middle, Khrist is on the left and me on the right.




Merry Christmas Sweet Viki.

Thursday, December 20, 2012

Bottle Brush Tree Love

 I have been collecting bottle brush trees for about 8 years.  I love them, and I can add one or two to my collection each year without breaking the bank.  I bought one last year, after Christmas, at Marshall's for $1.00.  That is when it is fun.
 Anyways, I am always trying to think of fun, different ways to display them.  Sometimes, I really think I am cleaver.  So, this year I thought I would pile some in the back of a vintage toy truck and make tie downs with jute twine.  Cleaver right?



Well, great minds think alike.  I was on Pinterest last night and guess what?  Someone else had the same idea.  I love their idea too.


I,of course love the colors.  This is on my to do list for next year.

Tuesday, December 18, 2012

Spicy Vodka

 This time of year we are always trying to think of easy, inexpensive gift we can give to friends and offer as a hostess gift.  Last year I was given a bottle of spicy vodka.  It is perfect for bloody mary's.


It is easy peasy.  I bought bottles for $1.99 at Marshall's and Ross.  I have also seen them at Cost Plus.  Then I added cocktail onions, orange bell pepper, serrano peppers, jalepeno peppers, red pepper flakes, and sundried tomatoes.  Just eyeball it.  Put however many looks nice.  I probably only put 1/2 tsp. of the red pepper flakes.  After I added the peppers to the bottle I then filled it up with vodka.  I used the Kirkland brand from Costco, but you can use whatever.  I figure total cost is about $10.00.



Then, I of course had to add a tag and a torn piece of red and white ticking.  I stamped out spicy vodka.  It was a nice touch.


Sunday, December 16, 2012

Radio Flyer Centerpiece

 I have been going through my email notices from other blogs.  I just love all the creative inspiration I get from others.  Bliss Ranch had this great idea for a vintage radio flyer wagon.  She removed the wheels and added a handle. I love this and can't wait to find a wagon to do this to.  Check it out.


Saturday, December 15, 2012

Cosmos and Cookies

 One of the best parts of the holiday season is getting together with friends and family.  I was recently invited to a Cosmos and Cookies party.  It was fun and simple and just a great reason for girlfriends to get together.




Friday, December 14, 2012

Decorating A Birdcage For Christmas

 I am very behind on my holiday decorating.  In the past I have been on schedule for decorating and behind in the gift buying.  This year it was in the reverse.  So, I apologize for the delay. I am finally ready to reveal some tidbits.  I have two birdcages in my dining room.  They are front and center so it made sense to give them some attention.


I have had these angels since I was three, at least that is my first memory of them.  I added some moss to the bottom for a makeshift nest.  On the top, I tied a burlap bow and added some turquoise balls and greenery.  I love how it turned out.  You can see the other birdcage behind it.


I added the same burlap bow, balls and greenery to the top and moss and a nest to the inside.  Simple and perfect.



I have to laugh.  I am learning a lot about photography in my efforts to take better pictures.  You can't see me to much, but I didn't realize my reflection would show in the ball.  Too funny.  Hope this inspires you to get creative.

Sunday, November 11, 2012

Front Door Inspiration

 In my quest to become a successful blogger, I have stumbled upon some amazing blogs.  One in particular is All Things Thrifty.  You all know I am drawn to all things turquoise.  I can't help it.  If I walk into a store and there is something turquoise, I will walk right to it.  In most instances, I like things neutral.  I want to be able to switch things up with accessories.  On occasion I get inspired to commit.  At All Things Thrifty, I have been inspired.  Check out this front door.  I have been collecting photos from this blog of this turquoise front door.  Look how much fun they have been having.  I just love it.




In addition to the amazing color, they have added great wreaths, and what about those rub on letters?  Sooo cute.  Hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend.

Monday, October 29, 2012

Olive Pickin

 I love any reason for my family to get together.  Last Sunday we headed to a friends to pick olives.  It was a beautiful Fall day.







And then the real work began.  You have to soak and rinse them several times.  We crack some and leave some.






Sunday, October 28, 2012

Pumpkin Spice Cookie

 I don't know about you, but I am always looking for an amazing cookie recipe.  It doesn't come along too often.  Most of the time I can take them or leave them, but once in awhile a cookie recipe comes along that you want to make again, and again, and again.  Here it is.......


Pumpkin Spice Cookies with Cream Cheese Frosting

2 cups flour
1 t baking powder
1 t cinnamon
1/2 t baking soda
1/2 t nutmeg
1/4 t ground cloves
1/4 t allspice
1/2 cup butter
1 cup packed brown sugar
1 egg
1 cup pumpkin
1 t vanilla

Grease a cookie sheet.  Stir together flour, baking powder, cinnamon, soda, and nutmeg.  In a mixer bowl beat butter for 30 seconds, add brown sugar and beat until fluffy.  Add egg, pumpkin, and vanilla, beat well.  Add dry ingredients to pumpkin mixture til well blended.  Drop from teaspoons 2 inches apart onto greased cookie sheet.  Bake in a 375 degree oven for 8-10 mins.

Cream Cheese Frosting

3 oz. cream cheese
1/4 cup butter
1 t vanilla
add powdered sugar one cup at a time, beating in between, until reaching desired consistency

Add frosting when served.  Do not frost cookies before.  Keep frosting refrigerated.

This recipe will be a hit for Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas.

Thanks to Estelle Hodges for this amazing recipe.


Thursday, October 25, 2012

Fall Festival

My sons elementary school had their Fall Festival last Friday night.    No festival would be complete without a bake sale.  I just wanted to show you some inspirational pics from the booth.  We sold every last bit of our goods.  I think presentation helped us.  It always helps, and it takes no more time to make a pretty table than not.  The proceeds raised at this booth were $560.00, all from donated goods.  I think that is darn good.








Hope this inspires you come the next bake sale.