Home is Where the Heart is

~New Dinning Room Chandelier~

2012-01-22T21:34:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone! This Monday I wanted to share with you a gift from Gary to Me for Christmas this year. I have been wanting a new Chandelier for over the dinning room table. The one we had hanging over the table we brought with us from our last home, it was the one in our tea room. Pretty in the tea room but it didn't really work as I had hoped for the new dinning room. Anyway we had been looking for a new Chandelier and finally found "The One" that called out to us and so Gary gifted me a beautiful Chandelier for Christmas. The designer is Metropolitan Lighting and is from the Sanquesa Collection.

The before Chandelier pretty white and sliver with crystal's hanging down, but didn't really work in size for the dinning room. If anyone is interested in it and lives in the California Central Valley "Modesto" please contact me.

So now on with Chandelier Show..I really love the color and the glow of the lights on the ceiling.

Close up photo. We purchased the Chandelier from Philips Lighting in Modesto Ca.

I couldn't be happier with this Chandelier, it has added a warm glow over our dinning room table.
So now I have to break it to Gary that I would like to replace the hallway lighting with the same Metropolitan Collection..LOL Humm our anniversary is coming up..Also I will be on the hunt for a center piece for the dinning room table. I was thinking maybe something like a long basket or hand carved wooden bowl. Any suggestions?.

PS. Thank you girls for all your wonderful suggestions and help with my blog design. I worked on it again all by myself and tried to re-designed it, it was a bit hard and took me a while to figure things out LOL..A computer wiz I am not...LOL
I still would like for a professional to design a new header for me, I just have so many ideas and I'm not sure what to do yet. So stayed tuned and one day when you least expect it "Home is Where the Heart is" will have a new look.

I will be sharing this post with the following girls..

Susan-Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Shannon-Cozy Home Scenes Your Cozy Home Party Tuesday

Kim-Savvy Southern Style WOW us Wednesday

Bunny Jean-Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

Honey-2805 A Potpourri Party Every Friday

Shabby Sugar Pink Boutique Friday fun Link up Party

Cindy-My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday

Courtney-French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday

~Looking for a New Look~

2012-01-15T17:40:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday !
Guess what happened to me ? I was trying to re-design my blog all by myself...and I must tell you I am not very good at blog design.
I had my blog designed by a gal who is no longer designing, so I thought I could try and read tutorials and change things up all by my little old self...soooo wrong was I...
I deleted all the blogs I had on my side bar. I know they are listed on my dashboard but I was trying to list them under a header with a roll up..boy did I mess up then I deleted a title under my header.
So this leads me to my all important question, can anyone recommend a blog designer they have used, my little blog needs a new look. I would love to hear from you maybe you are a blog designer and would like to work with me on giving this little old blog a face lift.
I look forward to hearing from you.

~TeeHeHe~While Hubby's away with Paint Brush I will Play~

2012-01-08T19:18:00.000-08:00

A very Happy Monday to you all, big hugs from me to you~Before I begin this post, I want to say "Thank You" for all your kind, sweet and concerning words for my Dad. He had a re-lapse just a week before Christmas, I know down to my soul that prayers do work, he is once again on the mend and this coming Saturday the boys have planed a day out of fishing and shooting for him.
OK, so my blog title is "While Hubby's away with paint brush I will play" and so I did come I'll show you the before photo's.
The before pictures of our center kitchen island above and below.
While Gary's was away on business I decided to re-paint the center island that we had re-purposed from a 1972 hutch, to kitchen center island. Only the back and sides we had pained yellow and left the front the original dark walnut. Also we changed out the knobs and handles and added the towel holder, and of course had the solid butcher block top cut to size and installed.

Now the after~All painted in Martha Stewart's "Tahini" I sprayed painted the knobs and handles with Rust -Oleum "Sunrise Red" Boy was Gary surprised..TeeHeHe..I like it a lot and so did he.

I think painting it all yellow added brightness and I love cheery colors.

Some of you have inquired about our green doors, the paint color we used on the entry door and kitchen door, is called "Painted Basket SR812" from Lowes and we had it mixed with Valspar paint.

I also painted the tea cart that had been stored in the garage..here's the before picture's, it was a nice blue but it need a change and since we were having a large crowd over for Christmas dinner I needed a place to have a wine bar....soooo from tea cart to wine bar....

I painted it with Annie Sloan's Chalk Paint "Old White" after three coats of paint, yep three coats I sanded the heck out of it and let some of the blue show through. Sanding made the paint really smooth and I did not have to use the wax that is recommended.

Gary said he wasn't going on any more business trips, he never knows what he' coming home to...I just smiled..
I love a very cold glass of white Zinfandel, what kind of wine do you enjoy?

I am linking up with the following girls~

Susan~Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Kim~Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

Bunny Jean~Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

Honey~2805 A Potpourri Party every Friday

Cindy~My Romantic Home Show and Tell Friday

Courtney~French Country Cottage Frethered Nest Friday

Home Sweet Home The Charm of Home Friday

~All Fixed~

2012-01-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

Thank you "Ron" "you'd the man" you fixed my blog...I owe you big time!
To fix the background from the photobucket pics...I found a free background I liked and installed it.
Ron fixed my sign off signature and divider between posts by going into Edit HTML and reading the "language". Thank goodness Ron is a computer wiz, cuz I'm sure not...Ron saved my blog! I love you!
I will post on Sunday night. We have a lot to catch up on. I hope you all have a sweet and restful weekend.

~OH NO~ I've lost my Background~

2012-01-04T09:31:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year everyone!
I have missed you all. More illness in our family so I have not been able to post much.
I just opened my blog to post and saw my background "GONE". It seems others have lost there's too.. Becky, Cindy and Tina just to name a few girls. If anyone can "HELP" please let me know.

~Kitchen Banquette~

2011-12-11T21:07:00.000-08:00

Happy Monday everyone! Gary and I have been doing some kitchen remodelling..We have tried so many different looks for the kitchen nook area and all I have shared with you...and every time I think we have it right, we don't....whoa is me.....so one night it came to us we needed a banquette. That was it a light bulb went off in our tiny little heads LOL.

Our oldest daughter's boyfriend who is not only a cutie pie but a honest to goodness sweetheart custom designed and built this beautiful banquette for us.

Come with me for a look behind the plastic wall...

And with the wave of the magic wand, the unveiling. By George I think we might have it right now :)

You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like. We love how it turned out and couldn't be happier. Our windows were not framed in so daughters boyfriend custom framed all around the window and sill for us. Gary and I purchased a new kitchen table and chairs they match the center island. Also we had the seat cushions custom made out of white vinyl with red piping. Easy to wipe off when the little ones come to visit or the big people spill (Gary) don't tell him I said that. LOL

Bead board was used for the design, I love the large bead board and can see lots and lots more bead board in my future.

I remade the curtains by cutting them down and adding tap tops with ruffles ~ they were a bit heavy and I didn't want to use a curtain rod that had to be screwed into the beautiful wood trim molding, so I put on my thinking cap and came up with using a shower curtain rod. I now its a bit silly but it works for now until I find a rod with some bulk, the spring rods I found were all too flimsy to support the weight of the curtains.

I love, love the window molding..I see more window molding in our future too...

I added the red trim to the white chandelier hats, they look more dressed up now in their red party hats.
While shopping the other day down town Modesto, we wondered into a store called the Dented Chef and there I found this restaurant style pastry plate and cover, I was so delighted since I had been looking for one.

The art work in our kitchen is by Catherine Holman who is an incredibly talented Folk Artist. Gary and I have 11 pieces from her collection. I have also purchased prints for gifts. We have one original the rest are prints that we have custom framed. They are so much fun to have and everyone loves them when they come into our kitchen. The color is joyful and happy.

Some of Catherine's prints you can have your name printed on to personalize them for yourself or a gift.

This sweet yummy cupcake Folk Art is an original from Catherine. You can visit Catherine at her blog and see all her beautiful creativeness at Pigment of your Imagination

I think knobs would be nice to have on the kitchen cabinets and crown molding to finish off the kitchen.
We have also been working in the front room and dinning room.. I can't wait to show you what we have been up too.

Joining in the week with the following ladies;

Susan~Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Kim~Savvy southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

Bunny Jean~ Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

Honey~2805 A Potpourri Party every Friday
Shabby Sugar Pink Boutique Friday Fun Link up Party

Thank you for visiting today, I still have a lot of catching up to do with you all and email's to answer. Gee-whiz I sure wish were were more hours in a day.. don't you?.

~Well Hello, it seems like Forever~

2011-11-27T20:29:00.000-08:00

A really big HUG and Thank You to each and everyone of you who left Gary and I a note asking where we've been. September, October and November just flew by for our family, my Dad became very ill and was admitted to intensive care and suffered a Gandmall Sezier and a blood vessel burst in his brain...Thank God and to all the prayers, Dad is doing Great and there has been no paralysis.

Also a family trip to Hawaii was taken for a week (I will share pictures and a story or two with you in a later post)

There was a baby shower for my niece, four birthdays, our two daughters moved that we helped with, some remolding of the house (I will share later with you in a post) and Gary "Retired".
So there you have the last two months in two short paragraphs...Whew I'm tired!

I finished two quilts one for Dad and one for Mom. Dad's is called "Plaid Dad" I found the pattern in "Quilt Magazine" the Oct/Nov 2011 issue. It was more work then I thought, but I really like it..and Dad did too! My Dad is a hunter so I wanted a hunting theme quilted on top. I started googling quilt designers and found the hunting pattern you see on the quilt. It was the perfect pattern for my Dad.
You can click to enlarge any photo if you like..

For the back I used a green and white plaid flannel, nice and warm.

For Mom's quilt I used her favorite color blue. For the quilts inspiration, I used from "Quilter's World Magazine" August 2011 issue the pattern "Scarlet Delight".

And of course I had to make pillow cases...I also made some for Dad but forgot to take a picture of them before I gave them to him...Oh well .. Ho Hum, silly old me..

Thank you again for your kindness in asking how we've been, you know who you are..and I love you!
I will be visiting just as soon as possible. Know I have been thinking of you all and keeping you close in my heart. You are all very dear to me and I have missed you so much.

Our family has so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving Day! We were truly blessed with Dad's recovery..

Joining in today with Susan ~ Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday ~

~Kim Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday~

~Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday~

~Honey 2805 A Potpourri Party every Friday~

~Courtney French Country Cottage Feathered Nest Friday~

~Sherry The Charm of Home Home Sweet Home #43~

~Dr. Seuss Baby Quilt~

2011-09-25T18:02:00.000-07:00

Good Morning and Happy Monday! To start our Monday off today I thought I would share with you all the Dr. Seuss quilt I made for my niece who is expecting her second baby boy. I used 8 different fabrics to make this quilt. I fell in love with all the vibrant colors. Who doesn't remember the wonderful stories of Dr. Seuss, I think I learned to read reading the Dr. Seuss books along with the stories of Dick and Jane (now I'm really dating myself) LOL

Here's a photo of the quilt top before quilting. You can click to enlarge if you like.

How playful and whimsical the print is.

There were so many fun story's such as Cat in the Hat, Green Eggs and Ham, One Fish Two Fish Red Fish Blue Fish, Yertle the Turtle, Fox in Socks, How the Grinch Stole Christmas and so many more.

All quilted and binding hand sewn in bright yellow.
The quilting is kites flying all around. I live in Modesto Ca. and have been taking my quilt tops to Rich from Herd of Turtles, I love his work and his Wife Gloria is an award wining quilter. I highly recommend Rich.

The back of the quilt. Such silly faces of the Grinch.

With my left over fabric I sewed up a pillow case to fit a travel pillow, I find the travel pillow 14x20 works perfect for a baby pillow. I have been buying extra fabric for all my quilt projects lately since more is always better then not enough, right.

While at the fabric shop I couldn't decide on the fabric since all of the Dr. Seuss prints were so cute, so like any girl who can't make up her mind she buys it all...LOL so with this large print I just sewed up a quick toddler bed size blanket, I used the warm and natural batting inside to make it thicker for laying it on the floor for baby to play on. So many of us have the wood/laminate flooring now, I think its nice to have a thicker blanket to lay down for "tummy time" for baby.

The back is a very soft blue. The silly blue elephants just make me smile! I hope they bring a smile to my new great nephews little face.
I pre-wash all the fabric I use so to ensure no shrinkage.

One more thing to show you, when I first saw this pattern for a little person's lady bug apron I knew I just had to make one, So I did..I love it and I'm sew happy with the way it turned out.
Happy sewing everyone. I better run now I'm working on Christmas gifts...never to early to start. I will show you all soon what else I have been working on.

Joining in with Susan-Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Kim- Savvy Southern Style WoW Us Wednesday

Bunny Jeans- Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

Laura-Decor to Adore Fall in Love with your Home Wednesday

Honey-2805 A Potpourri Life- A Potpourri Party Every Friday

~ A Very Special Giveaway at ~na.da.farmlife with Anne Marie

2011-09-19T08:52:00.000-07:00

I have been reading na.da.farmlife with Anne Marie’s blog for some time now and have enjoyed every post. Anne Marie writes from her heart with words of wisdom and inspiration, she also writes about her life on the farm homesteading, gardening, recipes, her love of music and her original clothing designs. Anne Marie and Jason and their adorable children live on the farm in Illinois. Jason raises bees for the sweet honey they produce and then to market for nada farmlife, Jason is also a gifted wood craftsman and designs and makes the most beautiful custom kitchen cabinets . Anne Marie and Jason are raising their children with strong family values, schooling, helping on the farm and their love of God.

Here's your chance to come to the farm and meet Anne Marie!

Anne Marie’s dear friends Jen, Jill and Jeanne have graciously donated to this giveaway!

~Thank you girls~

They are providing for one very lucky person

2 days of ART classes

1 night's stay!!!

~for October 7th and 8th, 2011~

The winner will receive 2 SPOTS FOR EACH OF THE 2 DAYS OF ART classes

and You will also get a FREE HOTEL ROOM courtesy of the three of them at the 4 star hotel: Holiday Inn Express!

VALUE WORTH: $500!!

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is:

1. Blog about the Art on the Farm classes at the NaDa Farm Sale and the Girls Weekend Giveaway . Once you have blogged about it come here to my blog and let us know.

or

2. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Twitter for a second entry! Once you have talked about it let us know here on my blog.

or

3. Talk about the art classes and giveaway on Facebook for a third entry. Once you have talked about it on Facebook come back and let us know here on my blog.

All entries to be entered here (on Anne Marie's blog) only

make sure you leave a comment for each entry you do

DRAWING WILL END FRIDAY!

(Sept 23rd...at midnight)

(The winner will also receive V.I.P. parking + a few personal goodies from Anne Marie)

This is in conjunction with the October 7th and 8th Barn Sale/Event on

na.da.farm

To find out more about this exciting event at na.da.farmlife please visit Anne Marie Here

~Pillow Case & Quilt~

2011-09-11T20:11:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! I missed you all last week so much, so sorry I was not able to make my Monday Post, but I'm back today to share with you all a very fun pillow case tutorial I found on YouTube.
While shopping for fabric to make my Mom a quilt for Christmas (don't tell her its a surprise :)..(I know Christmas is right around the corner again) and I have to get busy sewing many of the gifts I want to make.
Well anyways, I found the same fabric I had used for my first quilt the Double Irish Chain posted about it Here in flannel and thought it would be so warm for winter to make a matching pillow case, so I did. Thank you to YouTube and a wonderful tutorial from Missouri Quilt Co. I was able to make this quick and fun pillow case.

The small print you see as the middle fabric is cotton and was left over from the quilt. The pillow case is very roomy, I have a standard pillow inside.

Hidden seams inside the pillow case. Watch the tutorial to see how to sew the hidden seam.

Everyone knows how much I love home made and try to have as many things in every room of my home with hand made decorations and linens.
Here is the tutorial I used to make the pillow case. Have fun making the pillow case if you decide to sew one.
I think pillow cases just might be a few gifts all wrapped up under the Christmas tree this year.
Enjoy the tutorial.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MrYWCma9wgM

Joining in with Susan ~ from Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Bunny Jean Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday ~ Bunny is taking this week off so No Bunny Hop Wednesday, stay tuned for next Wednesday when Bunny returns..

Kim~ Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

Honey~2805 A Potpourri of Life ~ A Potpourri Pary every Friday

~It's a Bright Sunny Day~

2011-08-28T18:59:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday, its a bright, bright , bright sunshiny day!

There's nothing like a fresh bunch of sunflowers to brighten up a day...

They are good for the soul.

They make my heart sing.

And brighten up a room. The Sunflower can help make you smile.

The orchid brings a sense of calm and peacefulness to a room.

The white is so pretty and sweet. My heart just goes all a flutter.

May this new week bring you sunshine and peace.

~Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt Cake & A New Purse~

2011-08-21T22:01:00.000-07:00

Another weekend as flown by...and I'm here again to wish you all a very Happy Monday! I spent my weekend sewing and baking. Gary and I also had "Saturday Night Date Night" we went to the movies to see "One Day" I cried and it left me so sad, even Gary said it bothered him and left him sad too..the acting was excellent I thought, a real movie with real acting no special effects added.

So anyway I have been wanting to bake a Blueberry Cake for sometime now and while googling Blueberry Cake I ran across a web site called "epicurious.com" and found the best Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt Cake recipe ever! and it was fun to make.
Hot out of the oven the cake needed to cool in the pan for 10 minutes until turning it out onto the rack to cool further.

I
Cooling on the rack. Boy did it smell yummy!

After cooling I placed the cake on a glass cake plate and added the topping. I did not follow the directions for the topping, I made up my own. I used powered sugar a few drops of vanilla and the leftover orange rind and drizzled it all over the cake top. With the leftover blueberries I decorated around the cake.

And here it is! Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt Cake. Oh I almost forgot to tell you the recipe called for frozen blueberries but I used fresh and it turned out just fine.

We invited Mom and Dad over for Sunday dinner and dessert. Everyone loved the "Bundt".
It was light and yummy...I think the batter would make up perfectly for muffins, or a morning brunch dessert.

Blueberry-Buttermilk Bundt Cake
yield: Makes 12 servings

Using frozen blueberries in the batter will keep the fruit from sinking to the bottom of the pan as the cake bakes.

Ingredients

• 3 cups all purpose flour

• 1 tablespoon baking powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1 2/3 cups sugar

• 3/4 cup (1 1/2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature

• 3 large eggs

• 1 tablespoon grated orange peel

• 2 teaspoons vanilla extract

• 3/4 cup buttermilk

• 2 cups frozen blueberries

• Powdered sugar

Preparation

Preheat oven to 350°F. Butter and flour 10-inch-diameter Bundt pan. Whisk flour, baking powder, and salt in medium bowl. Using electric mixer, beat 1 2/3 cups sugar and butter in large bowl until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs, 1 at a time. Beat in orange peel and vanilla. Beat in dry ingredients in 3 additions alternately with buttermilk in 2 additions. Fold in blueberries. Pour batter into prepared pan. Bake until tester inserted near center of cake comes out clean, about 1 hour.

Cool cake in pan on rack 10 minutes. Turn cake out onto rack and cool completely. (Can be made 1 day ahead. Wrap in plastic and store at room temperature.) Transfer cake to plate, sift powdered sugar over, and serve.

So a while back I won Henri the French Rooster from Penny at The Comforts of Home. . Well recently I was very lucky again to win a hand made flower created and crafted by~
Ana from A Petite Cottage . Henri is a young Rooster and wanted to impress the Hens. Henri was going out dancing and wanted to dress to impress, and what better way to look dapper then with this lovely flower boutonniere. Henri was so proud of himself and good looks he wanted me to take a picture of him to show Ana and Penny. Doesn't Henri look like a prize Rooster ! Gee I hope he doesn't stay out to late tonight, Henri's curfew is 11:00...LOL

Ana also made this beautiful floral handbag. I love it so much and have already started using it. As a matter of fact I received a sweet complement on it from the lady behind me at the grocery store..Thank you Ana, I'm pleased as punch to have meant you through blogging and honored to called you a friend. I hope one day to meet you in person.

I hope you all have a sweet week and I'll be visiting you just as soon as I can.

Linking up with the following gals.

Susan~Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Bunny~BunnyJeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

Kim~Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

~Sewing for the Kitchen~

2011-08-14T19:32:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday Everyone, I hope you all had a glorious weekend. Gary and I worked out in the yards until I wilted like a delicate flower LOL, I think everyone knows by now I'm a big wimp in the heat.
Anyway for my Monday post I want to share the new kitchen curtains I made with you.
I still love the white lace curtains I had made, but I took them down to wash and thought maybe I'll make another set but in a print so I can change them from time to time.
So off to the fabric store I went and found this lovely linen rose patterned fabric and it was on sale...Yeah for me... so when it came to my turn at the cutting counter I said (six yards please).
I used some of the leftover red fabric I had from the king quilt for the trim and tie ups. I also lined the valance.
Gary had just hung the white blind for me. We didn't have a blind before just a lace curtain valance and everyone walking by could see me in my PJ's at night doing the dishes (not too pretty of a sight) Teehehe
(You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like)

I really do love the rose pattern and the red tie ups bring out the red roses I think.

Now onto the kitchen table dinning area. I made a very simple long curtain and Gary put up the curtain china plate tie backs for me, these are the ones Gary made for me that we used in our previous home.
Do any of you recognize "Henri the Roster" sitting on the table well Henri use to live at Penny's house
The Comforts of Home, but he came to live with me and Gary. Henri misses Penny and Mr. Comforts of Home, but told me he really likes here, he moves around a lot he's kinda of a table hopper LOL from the dinning room table to the kitchen table. We love Henri...my Dad got the biggest kick out of him when I told him his name "Henri" you see my Dad's name is "Henry"
A closer look at the plate tie backs.

A closer look at the fabric.

A few weeks back while shopping with my niece Charesse, we ran across this red, green and gold buffet.
I got so excited because it was of course red! I looked at my niece and said "I wonder how much" well guess what it was on sale half off!!! Yeah of me, I only hesitated for about maybe 5 minutes at the most and then said "I have to have it" and of course my niece agreed with me...LOL

The drawers came lined, I really like this feature since it stops my tea sets from slipping around in the drawer.

On top of the buffet I have new cup coasters that were made by Beverly from My Sew Sweet Studio I won them a while back, Gary and I love the watermellon fabric Beverley used and I think it adds a touch of sweetness to the kitchen. Beverly is a very talented quilter.

The side of the buffet has a wave to it,I don't know if you see that or not.

I love the little ball feet, so cute....
There you have it new curtains and a buffet. You all know me by now and know that more changes are to come..like crown molding and bead-board...I can't wait.
I hope the week will be kind to you and that you'll always remember to count your blessings and forgot the days troubles.

I am joining in the following parties;
Susan from Between Naps on the Porch Metamorphosis Monday

Kim from Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

Bunny from Bunnyjeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday

~Red White & Blue Ohio Star Quilt~

2011-08-07T21:58:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Well I made it through another weekend sewing marathon. I picked up my quilt on Wednesday night after work, but was not able to sew on the binding until Friday. I stayed up until the wee hours of Saturday morning sewing on the binding. I just get so excited to see it done.
I love the stars and swirls that the quilter used for me. I hope you can see the stitching.

You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like.

Do you remember the post I wrote Here all the pieces I cut and sewed together to make the Ohio Star pattern finally came together. I really enjoyed piecing this quilt, it was so much easier than working on the King size quilt. The colors are my favorite especially the Red...

The poke a dotted fabric on the back is so fun and happy I think.

A closer look at the back stitching.

I had left over fabric so decide to make pillows to match. I sewed in the ditch to quilt the top. You can't really see the stitching but it does help keep everything in place.

I also made new kitchen curtains this weekend and Gary installed new door locks throughout the entire house, what a difference new locks make, I will post them soon. So what did you do this weekend?.
I think I need a weekend to recover from the weekend..LOL like needing a vacation from your vacation...

Today I'm linked up with Susan~ Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
And Kim-Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday
Also Bunny~Bunny Jeans Decor and More Bunny Hop Wednesday
Please join us, its always so much fun.

Before I end this post I just want to thank you all from the bottom of my heart for all your sweet compliments on my King Quilt (The Double Irish Chain) it means so much, truly it does coming from all of you who are so talented and expert quilters. I'm just a beginner and still have so much to learn. You all inspire me so much.

~Made with Love~

2011-07-24T22:52:00.000-07:00

It's "DONE" it's really done, I can't believe it....I sewed and sewed and sewed some more, yes indeed I did, I even hand stitched 40 feet 10 inches of binding.. Can I just tell you (my fingers hurt) LOL.
Gary and I have a king size bed and as you can see the quilt is over sized. I even have quite a bit folded over by the pillows. (You can click to enlarge any photo if you like)

The pattern is called the "Double Irish Chain" The quilt is a gift for Gary in celebration of our 35th anniversary we had in February. This is my second quilt I have made and I'm now hooked on quilting..

There are 100 Seminole's in the boarder and I used five different fabrics to make the quilt.

I made the crocheted afghan years ago and always have it at the foot of the bed. The embroidery my sister made for Gary and I for our 20th anniversary. I recently made into the pillow is in the center of the bed, I think adds a lot of charm and sweetness.

I still have to make the pillow cases and will start on then next weekend. I have big dreams and plans for the room, I would love to clad the walls and change the curtains and, and you know how it goes. Actually I'm working on the plans right now..

The back side of the quilt, I love floral every time I try to move away from it, I always end up with some kind of print it just calls out to me... I almost forgot to tell you, I had the quilter use a light blue thread and double the stitching thread so that the design would show up better.

I really enjoyed making this quilt and giving it to Gary..He said he Love's it, it made me so happy.
Remember the red, white and blue Ohio Star quilt I showed you, well I finished it and its now at the quilters. Its a lot smaller thank goodness then the Double Irish Chain, I don't think my little tired fingers could take hand stitching another 40 ft 10 in. Teehehe.

A little thought to leave you with this beautiful Monday Day:

Good friends are like Stars
You don't always see them
But you know they are always there!
Today I'm linking up with Susan~Between Naps on the Porch
And Cielo~The House in the Roses
And Kim~ Savvy Southern Style WOW Us Wednesday

~Meet Beverly from My Sew Sweet Studio~

2011-07-18T09:33:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday! Today I would like to introduce you to a gal who is an amazing seamstress, quilter and crafter. Her name is Beverly from "My Sew Sweet Studio". If you do not know Beverly please stop over and say Hi!. She has written a tutorial on how to make a no sew lampshade. From a plain white lampshade,

To a well dressed beauty! I love the blue and yellow fabric. For tutorial go here

Beverly is in the process of making this fabulous quilt for her little grandson.

How cool is this, Beverly also made this very handsome little cowboy shirt for her grandson Jack, I need to make one for my little grandson.

Now for the sweetest of sweet! Beverly designed this original baby dress out of vintage linen that baby Rosie is modeling. Just look at the bloomers, how darn cute are these (love them) You can click to enlarge the photo.

I love reading "My Sew Sweet Studio"because you never know what beautiful creation Beverly is going to inspire us with. I always look forward to seeing all of her new and vintage fabric designs.

May your week be sweet with all that makes you happy !

~Ohio Star Quit~

2011-07-10T20:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday everyone!. Another week just flew by and then the weekend went even faster....how does that happen LOL. This weekend I started a new quilt called the "Ohio Star".
I am still waiting for my king size "Double Irish Chain quilt" to come back from the "quilters". It should be done this week and then all that's left to do is the binding, but in the mean time while I wait I thought I would start on another quilt.
Here's the fabric I have chosen red white and blue so Americana I love it...The white and red check will be the strips in between the Ohio Star blocks and the white and red poke-a-dots will be the back of the quilt.

Now on to all the cutting.....

And more cutting.....

The Ohio Star block is made up of nine squares.

All nine squares sewn together to make one block....I can't wait to see the pattern unfold...I thinks that's what makes quilting so much fun for me, is to see the puzzle coming together. This is my third quilt and I am hooked...I know I should take a class or two or three...Hehehe, but I get so excited and can't wait to get stared, so I just read the instructions and go for it.

Does your sewing table look like my mine....LOL....look I even have two pairs of glasses out on the table. I also sew in my front room at the dinning room table so I can watch T.V. (is this bad) LOL.

Have a sweet day everyone and "Rember the days blessings and forget the days troubles"

Today I'am linking up with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

~Buttons & Embroidery~

2011-07-04T17:50:00.000-07:00

Happy 4th of July everyone! Hope your day was filled with fun. Gary and I decided to stay in today and catch up with the "office mess" yep we have papers everyone in our office, and besides it was just to HOT to go outside to play..... while Gary worked in the office I decided to finally make a pillow out of the embroidery my sister Margo had made for us for our 20th anniversary, that was 15 years ago, "LOL"

I know it took me for ever, I went into my stash of buttons and found these sweet red and blue ones that my friend Shirley had given me. Just look at the price yep you read it right (08 cents) and were from JC Penney. When was the last time we bought buttons for 08 cents?.
I love the little girl she kinda reminds me of Shirley Temple.

And these pretty blue ones..look closer they are stamped made in the USA.

I had three pieces left of embroidering that Margo had done on a pillow case of us. I tried to save as much as I could to make the pillow. And here it is, the red fabric was left over from the king size quilt I made that is being machine quilted right now and the buttons are the red vintage ones..I can't wait to see the pillow with the quilt.

So that's how I spent my 4th of July, now its time to go start dinner. How did you spend your 4th.
Hope your week is sweet and may your heart be light.

~New Kitchen Back Splash~

2011-06-26T22:12:00.000-07:00

(Before Photo)

Happy Monday everyone! A big thank you for all your wonderful suggestions on my last post. My camera is still in Canada, I wait patiently (Not)....LOL
The boxer sitting on the couch is (Rufus) and he belongs to my sister Margo. Rufus is the baby of our daughters boxer (Sadie). I took the pictures of him during our last visit at her home.

I appreciated all of you suggestions very much, I will probably re post some old photos in weeks to come, but in the mean time I used Gary's new (I Pad Motorola Zoom) to take photo' of the new back splash.
Some of the photos are a bit washed out but you will get the idea of what the new back splash looks like I hope..
These are the before photo's, actually this is the photo I took the day we moved in.
The back splash was very busy and really not to my liking (A Home Depot Special).

Another before photo

The new tile being installed. Its so much more neutral now, we choose 3x6 tumbled stone. It has so much charm with all the imperfections in the stone.

Before grouting

And after grouting

I really love how it turned out.
I tried to De-clutter my counters...I really did...LOL

Not to change the subject, but did I tell you all that I was working on a king size quilt, well I finished it on Friday and took it straight over to the quilter for the top stitching on Saturday. My quilt ended up being 125x125 a cal king, I can't wait to get it back. I will post it for you all to see..I just had to tell you I finally finished the quilt.

Today I'm joining in with Susan from~Between Naps on the Porch

Enjoy your week with all the sweetness it brings!

Talk to you soon.

~Blog Interupted~

2011-06-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Laying on the couch and thinking what shall I do......

How can a blogging girl blog without her camera...

Ho Hum....My camera has been set to Canada for repair and it won't be back for six weeks....
I was starring at the walls and then it came to me...I'll ask my blogging friends...What would you do?
I had so many fun photos to share with you and could not down load any of them.
Ho Hummmmmm...............whats a blogging girl to do......

~New Kitchen Chairs & a Question~

2011-06-05T17:57:00.000-07:00

Wow! its already June and we are still having rain and wind this weekend...hows the weather in your neck of the woods?.
A few weeks ago I went shopping for new kitchen chairs and ended up at Pier One Imports. I love this store....well anyway I came across a chair that is called the Dana Chair its all white and padded and you can dress the chair in any slip cover you want to create the look you desire ( I am always changing things so slip covers are perfect for me ) LOL.
I found these slip covers at Pier One Imports too they are made especially for the the Dana Chair.
I could not resit the red and white toile and checked slip covers. .

Oh, and just look at the sweet checkered ruffles. These slip covers were calling my name....

So now I have a question for you all, I am going to paint the table and the buffet table with the new chalk paint.
For the kitchen table should I keep the legs green and paint the top white or paint the entire table white. Also the buffet should I paint it all white or green on the bottom and white on the top. You know the buffet the one we just took the hutch top off and Gary hung the shelves above..that one...
The kitchen counter back splash is going to be changed out. Gary and I have samples of tile. I will show you the one we choose on my next post so please do not pay any attention to the busy not so pretty back slash..

So a few weeks ago I won a wonderful giveaway from Mardon at Blushing Rose
You all know Marydon well she made these adorable table placemats, I lined my white napkin holder with them. They are so sweet and I think they added a fun and pretty touch to the kitchen table.
Thank you Marydon for making them and choosing my name..I love, love, love them especially since you made them..
I hope you all have a sweet week and that mother nature is on her best behavior.

Today I'm joining in with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch
Also Cielo from House in Roses

~With a Thankful Heart~

2011-05-30T18:29:00.000-07:00

This handsome young man is my Cousin's Son Matthew, he lives in Georgia and is currently deployed. This Sign stands in front of their family home.
My Husband, Father, Sister, Brother, Nephew, Cousin, Father in law and many dear friends have and are serving our Country, I am so proud of you. Not a day goes by that I do not pray for their safety and the safety of your loved ones.
We are blessed to have these brave and strong soldiers in our live.

~Shampoo Alert~

2011-05-23T08:14:00.000-07:00

Shampoo alert!

As I was conditioning my hair in the shower this morning, I took time to read my shampoo bottle. I am in shock! The shampoo I use in the shower that runs down my entire body says "for extra volume and body"! Seriously, why have I not noticed this before? Now I understand why I am so "full-figured"!

Tomorrow I am going to start using "Dawn" dish soap. It says right on the label "dissolves fat that is otherwise difficult to remove."

It pays to read the warning labels, my friends!

Happy Monday! Love you All!

~Freshing up the Kitchen~

2011-05-15T21:40:00.000-07:00

Happy Monday to you all!. A few weeks back I won a giveaway from Catherine over at

"Pigment of your Imagination" Catherine is a folk artiest who paints the most amazing cupcakes, they are so enchanting and magical. I think they bring such whimsy and fun into the kitchen. I was able to choose a print of my choice and choose "Snickerdoodle Cupcake" it just happens that I love snickerdoodle cookies and so this was just the perfect cupcake to choose for my kitchen.

I framed it with white matting and a navy blue cottage wood frame, I love it so much!

Catherine also painted the cupcakes you see below the Snickerdoodle Cupcake print.

Here's a closer look you can click on the photo to enlarge it if you like. I love how the cupcake is displayed on a decorative white cake plate and covered with a glass cloche. The colors are so pretty. I hope you can see just how pretty they really are. My photo's aren't always the best, but I do try.

So after hanging the cupcake's I was looking around the kitchen and said to myself, I think this hutch top is just not working! you know what I mean..when something just starts to bug you..So like any girl would do, I called out to my husband "Gary" and said we have to change this hutch, you should have seen his face "priceless". And so we did....LOL

I had forgotten all about these shelves that we had stored in our garage and re-found them while getting ready for a garage sale we had this weekend. Gary and I took the top off the hutch and he hung the two shelves up for me. I really like it and I think its a much cleaner look and less cluttered.

It's working for me now LOL, until I get ready to paint the shelves and the buffet white : ) I have been wanting to try the new chalk paint, have you tried it yet?.

I recently purchased this hand made Cafe' sign from a dear friend of mine and Gary hung it up for me over the back door. I love this Cafe' sign and look its red!!!. So there it is my less cluttered kitchen...now if I can just stop myself from adding anything more...LOL. I'm such a clutter bug.
Have a sweet week and my your hearts be light and your spirit bright.

~Just Relax~

2011-05-09T13:12:00.000-07:00

This is just for you, now doesn't this make you feel all better!
I posted these darling massaging squirrels way back in 2009. I thought it was time to bring them back...
Maybe a massage will help me with my blog fog or is it brain fog..LOL.
I just can't think of what to write about and also my photos are just not turning out very well... I guess I just have the blues Big sigh !
I love each and everyone of you..and hope you all had a delightful and relaxing Mothers Day full of love.

~French Blue Guest Bathroom~

2011-05-01T20:43:00.000-07:00

Before I begin this post I would like to thank you for all your sweet compliments on my last post, Seth is really a great person .

This month marks our first anniversary since moving into our little Cottage. Our home was built in 1979 and is a ranch style design. We have two bathrooms each were remolded when we purchased the home. Just the bear necessities were in each bathroom. The guest bathroom had a sink vanity, shower and pottie, no linen cabinet or window covering.

I didn't have much of a budget to decorate this room, so I had to make due with some of the things we brought with us from our other home.

I began by painting the walls a french blue, changing the mirror from the small round one that was hung over the sink to my silver heart one I've had for years. Then changed the knobs out that I purchased from Anthropology, the knobs are called "mercury glass melon knob" at $8.00 each.
I was able to reuse the white wicker seat and re-purpose the creamy white corner hutch as a linen cabinet.

Vanity with new mercury glass melon knobs.

Before photo of the sink, mirror and vanity.

Purchased a few new pictures and a clock from Burlington Coat Factory, they have a really nice home area. I fell in love with the paisley wall clock and I always like to know what time it is, I don't know why I just do LOL....

Gary added the hangers to the white shelve that we all ready had. This makes a great place to hang towels and a robe. We replaced the new very small pottie that was there to a larger more "green" water saver. No handle you push the button on the top of the tank to flush.

Love the mercury glass candle holders, also another re-purpose.

The tile in the shower is also the same tile that was used for the floor.

Installed the white 2 inch blind. Hung the shower curtain and Walla the "Guest Bathroom". Very simple but functional. One day I hope to add white crown molding and bead board. A girl can dream LOL.
Enjoy your week, I will be thinking of you all and keeping you all in my prayers.

Today I'm joining in with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday and Cielo from The House in the Roses

~Firefighter to the Rescue~

2011-04-27T07:58:00.000-07:00

All in a days work for firefighter "Seth" of the Winters Fire Department. A call came in that a little kitty had climbed all his way to the very top of the electrical post and could not get down....just like in a old movie when the Fireman would come to the rescue of the kitty in a tree, but this kitty was up in the phone wires.....

Poor little kitty was hanging on for dear life....see kitty on Seth's shoulder.

All the way down the ladder to safety, no more tight wire walking for this little guy....
A big purring thank you from kitty...

Seth is our daughter Bernadette's boyfriend, he is such a great person and so sweet and kind and loves being a Firefighter especially on days like these...Yep, all in the days work as a Firefighter (kitty's need saving too).
These photo's were taken from a Mobile phone. What a phone can do these days is just amazing.
Have a sweet day my friends!

~I missed you & and A Thank you~

2011-04-17T21:54:00.000-07:00

Oh, how I have missed you! I really have, it seems like I have been gone for ever....We had a lovely trip to Las Vegas. The only bad thing was I brought home a terrible allergy with a really bad sore throat and dry cough...I still have it and it just won't go away. I think I'm allergic to smoke...
I need to catch up with so many of you and I will. I have been thinking of you and wondering how you have been.
Can you believe Easter is next weekend! my goodness where has the time gone..
A few weeks ago I won a very lovely gift from "Rebecca" you all know Rebecca from A Gathering of Thoughts
I was so thrilled and so excited. Rebecca is a dear heart and she is so very talented and creative. When Gary and I arrived home from running errands yesterday I saw a package on the doorstep of our little cottage..I couldn't wait to get out of car and take it inside to open it and see what was inside. The package was from Rebecca and when I opened it I was so delighted!
Just look at this sweet pink bunny pillow...how adorable can one pillow be!

Along with the pillow was a bunny card to match that I can send to someone since its blank inside, but I can't part with it. The card sparkles with happiness! and playful bunny's.

Also a gift tag and the little envelope you see has a tea bag in it, how darn cute is that!. I love everything Rebecca thank you so very much...I heart you!

So in the spirit of Bunny's I thought I would share a few decorations I have around the house..nothing much this year since we are not hosting Easter... Our daughters Desire' and Bernadette are hosting Easter and big Easter egg hunt for all the kids...

You might recognize this little bunny ...she only comes out at Easter time to keep an eye on all the little ones hunting for pretty colored eggs she has hidden....

I know these dark chocolate bunny candles are kinda of weird....but I really liked them!!LOL

I don't think I'll be lighting them.I don't want them to melt. LOL

Just a little Some Bunny Loves you pillow.
An Easter garland strung across the fireplace...

"Every Bunny Welcome" is hung along side the wall as you enter our home.

Happy Spring you all! We had the most beautiful weekend weather we have had in along time. I hope your weekend was full of warmth and sunshine and everything that makes you happy!

~Up Up and Away~

2011-04-04T12:44:00.000-07:00

Gary and I are flying away for one hole glorious week. Can you guess where we are going? Oh how I wish it was Paris, but sigh it is not.....so the next best thing is "Vegas Baby!". We are staying at this beautiful hotel called the "Venetian Hotel"

There will be romantic gondola rides and many yummy dinners (diet hard when we return) lots of shopping but probably more browsing then buying LOL.

I will miss you all so much, I' am not bringing my computer ( how will I survive without it). I will write you all when we return. Until then I send my love and I leave a piece of my heart with you. Have a safe and sweet week my friends.

~Thank you Maryann~

2011-04-01T23:23:00.000-07:00

I Won! the most wonderful gift (giveaway) from Maryann at Mariondee-desings It arrived all wrapped in pink tissue paper with a pink ribbon, and traveled over the seas from Australia to my little cottage in Modesto Ca. Safe and sound. (You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like)

Maryann designed and made this fabulous cottage throw. I love it! it has the sweetest ruffles and lace.
Maryann sent the sweetest note along.
I was so excited and thrilled when Maryann wrote to tell me her beautiful daughter Lisa had drawn my name. I adore this throw and it brings me much joy! You all know how much I treasure everything handmade, and I will treasure this gift forever.

If you haven't had the pleasure of meeting Maryann at Mariondee-designs, please stop over and say Hi!
I'm sure you will love her blog as much as I do.

~It's Here!~

2011-03-29T18:24:00.000-07:00

Oh to my delight! I just arrived home and guess what was sitting on my door step....My very own copy of "Romantic Prairie Style. I can't wait to curl up and read this baby tonight.

But, I had to put her down, yes I did....My tummy is growling and its time for dinner. Pork chops and artichokes to night, yummy!
Have you received your copy yet of Romantic Prairie Style? my copy arrived earlier than scheduled. I am a happy girl.

~What's in your Tree~

2011-03-27T22:29:00.000-07:00

A few fun photo's I wanted to share with you all.. This is Sandy's tree in her back yard, Sandy is my sister of the heart. A fun and whimsical corner of her yard that brought a smile to my face...

You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like...

I love the "Don't worry be Happy" sign. I hope today brings you a day of happiness and no worries!.

~Raining like Cats and Dogs~

2011-03-24T23:34:00.000-07:00

We had a rain storm today that was "crazy". I ~~ran out side,~~ I mean I ran to the front door with my trusty camera in hand and took some pictures for you all.. The rain was just coming down in sheets! you know the saying "its raining cats and dogs"LOL. I didn't see any cats or dogs falling from the sky LOL. You can click on any photo to enlarge if you like..

The rain was washing away all the new mulch Gary and I just put down a few weeks ago...

The earth was getting a good bath today. Who upset "Mother Nature" I want to know...LOL

I was so worried about my Camellia's..they were just blooming so pretty..The rain was coming down so hard it was flooding our front porch and all the flower beds. I couldn't go over to the side of house to check the other flower beds, unless I had a boat or fishing overalls... LOL...

Rain was just pouring out everywhere and thank goodness we had new gutters installed just about a month ago! Oh my sweet Camella's..they looked like they were drowning..

The rain had ceased for a while and the streets had flooded over the sidewalks and up to the lawns. Do you think anyone would like to buy some lake front property...HeHeHe :)

The white pipe sticking out is for the lamp post that Gary and I are going have put in..but now I think we better move it back further away from the sidewalk.

Our neighbors home was flooded up to the driveway.

Anyone have a broom I can borrow?...

Awe at least this pink beauty's made it. I was so surprised.

My poor drowned Camellia's..I hope they perk up...

I took this picture from the back doors looking out to the pool area. The other side of the back yard where the grass and patio are, was flooded as well! I didn't get a picture of that because the rain was coming into the living room when I opened the door...

So how's the weather in your part of the word! I thought it was suppose to be spring....LOL.
Stay warm and curl up by the fire. That's what I going to do and watch "Off the Map" I love that show..we tape it every week because it comes on so late for us.
Have a sweet weekend my friends.

~Rock-A-Bye Plaid Afghan~

2011-03-20T22:11:00.000-07:00

After many months, OK a lot of months, and they say "Elephants never Forget" LOL well I did. I am finally posting the pattern that many of you asked for, the sweet "Rock-A-Bye Plaid Afghan. I made mine of course in white and red. The pattern shows it in baby blue and white.

A closer look at the trim..You can click to enlarge photos. The afghan measures 33"x45" a very nice size to throw over your comfy chair. Or as its shown below in the photo as a baby afghan.

Click to enlarge pattern. I am very sorry it has taken me so so long to post. Have fun crocheting! Remember our Motto " Busy Hands are Happy Hands", keep creating!
Have a sweet day my friends.

~St. Patricks Day Dinner & Teacup~

2011-03-18T00:45:00.000-07:00

We wish all our Irish friends a very Happy St. Patricks Day!
I have always looked forward to St. Patricks day, my Mom loves to celebrate many holidays with ethnic food from the region we are celebrating and Ireland's St. Patricks day is one of my Mom's favorites.
Ever since I can remember she would cook corn beef and cabbage and Mom would always say there's a little bit of Irish in all of us..You know the song "Irish eyes are smiling"well my Portuguese / Mexican brown eyes are smiling today...
Gary and I shared dinner tonight with Mom and Dad..Mom cooked the most delightful and delicious corn beef and cabbage for us, also she made Irish soda bread. My Mom can cook up a storm!

This is my little Irish tea cup made in Belleex Ireland. The colors are beautiful the greens are so crisp and the white is so white the porcelain is clear when you hold it up to the light. Its one of my favorite tea cups...OK, OK I know I say that about all my tea cups LOL.

Isn't the handle sweet...

On the back of the saucer it reads Belleex Ireland. You can click on the photo to enlarge if you like.

Mom's yummy sweet potatoes, red potatoes and carrots

And cabbage....I love vinegar on my cabbage, how do you like yours?

Yummmm.....and the corn beef! I love corn beef with mustard....is that bad? LOL

Then there's the Irish Soda Bread..Its was so goooood! Our niece Amber spent a College semester in Ireland and brought back this receipt for soda bread.

You can click on the recipe and enlarge it if you like. This is the recipe Mom used for her Irish soda bread.
May the luck of the Irish be with all of us and may you find your pot of gold...I have my pot of gold right here at home with my family and friends.
God bless you all and may your day be sweet!

~And the Winner Is~

2011-03-13T00:05:00.000-08:00

Ana from A Petite Cottage

Thank you have the bottom of my heart for all the sweet and thoughtful Birthday Wishes, your gift of friendship has truly warmed my heart..

Ana from A Petite Cottage is such a darling, it's so funny that I drew her name since we both have birthdays in March hers is on the 5th but, ( I'm older LOL) and we also have the same dinning room table.

I love reading Ana's blog and

I adore her style. Her home is full of lovely cottage charm and Ana has the best ideas for crafting wreaths for your front door and she also has a Etsy full of hand made crafts . If you have not meant Ana yet please stop by for a visit, I'm sure you will adore her a much as I do.

Enjoy the rest of your weekend y'all!

~55 Candles and a Giveaway~

2011-03-06T21:09:00.000-08:00

Oh yes! today March 7th is my Double Nickle Birthday

55 big ones for this girl.

And I want to celebrate with you my friends with a GIVEAWAY

My gift to you is a 55 Dollar Visa Gift Card so you can shop at any store of your choosing.

All you have to do is be a follower and leave me a comment here letting me know you are a follower and would like to have your name put into the "Home is Where the Heart is Bowl".

I will pick the winner on Saturday March 12th.

May your week be sweet and your hearts happy!

~My 1st Bed Quilt~

2011-02-27T22:10:00.000-08:00

I love to sew and have made a few baby quilts, but not a large quilt. This is my first bed quilt ever!. I made the Irish Chain quilt and it measures 63x81 inches. The mint green floral small and large print fabric is from Moda, called Bliss by Bonnie & Camille. The red with the tiny flowers is from WindhamWFabrics called Storybook.

I did not do the quilting, I had it done by a gal in town that has a long arm quilter. (Is that cheating?)LOL
I finished it off and sewed the binding on. I really enjoyed this project it's a quick quilt that only takes about two weekends to complete.

It's going into the guest room.

A few weeks ago Gary and I went to my favorite quilt store in Livermore Ca called;
In Between Stitches
I really love this shop, anyway Gary and I picked out enough fabric for a king size quilt for our bed. Our anniversary present to each other. I can't wait to get started, I don't think the king size will be a two weekend project LOL, probably a good 6 weekend project.
I always get so excited to see the quilt come to life that I can't stop sewing!.
So many of you create the most beautiful quilts I have ever seen!!! and you have inspired me so much to try and make a large bed quilt, thank you for that! now I'm hooked and all I want to do is sew! but alas, I have to go to work and can only sew on the weekends.
Have a sweet day my friends and keep creating!

~35 th Anniversary~

2011-02-25T21:02:00.000-08:00

We celebrated, Oh yes we did 35 years! February 21.1976 - February 21. 2011

It's always fun to reminisce about the years gone by, the fun times and not so fun times. That is what life and marriage is made from, and I Cherish all those times.

Gary and I met on Thanksgiving day Nov. 24. 1975 and were engaged on Dec. 25. 1975

Our engagement photo. I was 19 and Gary was 27. I know 19 sounds so young, but really I was only two weeks away from my 20th birthday.

Oh my goodness, look at my"70" wedding dress and my vail what was I thinking! LOL and Gary's ruffled shirt and bow tie oh my..I still think he looked pretty darn sexy even in ruffles.
A kiss before leaving to go to the reception.

Cake anyone? My Mom wrapped and froze our top to our wedding cake (she said it was tradition). We did unfreeze and we did ate our cake top on our first anniversary..If I remember right it tasted really good ( but then I was 5 months pregnant and everything tasted good!)LOL.
Did you save and eat a piece of your wedding cake?

Aww, here we are leaving for our honeymoon..We went to Monterey Ca and walked the beaches it was glories. Oh boy another sign of the "70" my long dress and Gary's very cool bell bottoms and silk shirt also sporting a mustache...

And here we are today..A little bit older, OK a lot older and bit more fluffy..and still in Love.

Life is sweet!

"Honey you are my some kind of wonderful that's what you are"

Turn up the song Bear , this song is for you.

~We have a Winner~

2011-02-23T08:29:00.000-08:00

We have a Winner of the $35.00 CSN gift card. And the winner is:

"Beverly" from My Sew Sweet Studio

If you have not meant Beverly than you are in for a treat! She is just a darling and so talented! can this gal sew up a storm and create the most beautiful one of kind items and she quilts by hand too! stop by and see what Beverly is sewing.

Congratulation's Beverly I will be sending you an email with all the information.

Thank you to all our dear friends that dropped their name into the bowl.

Very, very soon, we are going to have another giveaway. Something different so stayed tuned...

~ CSN gift card GIVEAWAY~

2011-02-15T12:51:00.000-08:00

Guess what? CSN contacted Gary and I and they are offering YOU one of Home is Where the Heart is followers a $35.00 gift card! How exciting is this....We can't wait to see who wins this Giveaway..

Have you been dreaming of summer and playing in your yard, we have! Well my I suggest you take a look at CSN's Swingsets

How about this sweet little blue baby swing for the little one in your life..

Or a red car to swing your little man in.

All kids love to swing no matter the age..It brings a smile to every one's face.

I love this one....I think Gary might just have to buy this one for US!....Oh Gary dear......

You can spend the $35.00 gift card on anything your little heart desires on CSN's website!! They have so many things to choose from. So have fun Shopping CSN.....

All you have to do is leave a comment on this post and be a follower. That's it! and if you would like a second chance to win, you can post about this giveaway somewhere on your blog and let us know you did by leaving us a second comment here. Also please leave us your email address so if you win we can contact you right away.
Gary and I will draw a name out of the Home is Where the Heart is bowl on Tuesday February 22. "Good Luck" and Thank You CSN for giving one of our friends a chance to win a $35.00 gift card to spend at one of your many stores.

~ My GRILL'n Valentine~

2011-02-13T19:17:00.000-08:00

Happy Valentine's Day's! For my Valentine I bought him a new Grill, yep I sure did. I had a plan, you see with a new grill Gary will BBQ for me every night...Yummy and I love BBQ..The first thing Gary cooked for the family was New York Steak.
I called out ((((Honey make mine well, please))))..he knows but I always remind him any way (isn't that what wife's do)..LOL

For our Valentine's dinner that we celebrated tonight, Gary barbecued T-Bone steak for us, enough to feed an army and boiled the Crab on the gas burner that is attached to the barbecue outside. No fishy smell in the house this way.

Did I ever tell you how much I LOVE Crab with butter and lemon um um good!...it was the best dinner. By the time we get home from work and after our commute we are just to tired to really enjoy a nice dinner nor do we have the time to cook something that takes to long, so tonight was perfect for us to celebrate Valentines..

No Valentines Day should go without a "heart", so I crocheted this heart pillow for our Grand daughter. A quick and fun project to do in a night while watching TV.
I hope you all enjoy your Valentines Day with the one or ones you love and do something special for yourself today O.K....

~Part Two 3 legged Tea Cups~

2011-02-08T19:25:00.000-08:00

Part Two of the Three Legged Tea Cup Post~For your viewing pleasure.

Now for a quick peek into the Tea Cup Hutch. I also have Tea Cups without three leg's and some with fluted bases.

And of course every proper lady must own a pair of gloves..these beautiful hand made gloves belonged to my Grandma Mable. The drawn work on the linen cloth that the gloves are laying across Grandma made..

My Grandma was quite the lady who always dressed and loved to cook, she would always let you know if you were being proper or not. Manners were of great inportance and foolishness was not allowed with her, although as kids we were able to do anything we wanted under Grandpa Walter's watch...He was a darling!

I hope you enjoyed seeing my ever growing collection of Three legged Tea Cups. Maybe its a silly thing to collect but I enjoy the patterns so much, and they bring back an era when people actually took the time to sip tea and visit.
You all have a sweet week until we meet again.

~3 Legged Tea Cups Part One~

2011-02-06T20:39:00.000-08:00

One of my passions is collecting tea cups and tea pots, but my most favorite tea cup to collect is the three legged tea cup. They are just so sweet and have such a charm about them.
My sister Margo and I have been collecting them together (its a sister thing) Margo's collection is so pretty, and they are different than mine.
We often go antiquing together and its always so fun to see who will spot the first three legged tea cup.
Many times we will go antiquing with our Mom and Dad and you know who usual will spot the first three legged tea cup..Yep its Dad!
Gary and I stopped by an estate sale a few weeks ago and he found one three legged tea cup for me..its always so exciting to find one, its like finding gold..well to us girls who love tea cups that is.
Since this post will be photo heavy I will show you my sweet little tea cups in two posts.
I recently meant Tracie from Fishtail Cottage, she also loves three legged tea cup like me. I told Tracie I would post them for her to see, so Tracie this post is for you.

Stay tuned for part two of the three legged tea cup post.
Enjoy your week and know I'll be thinking of you all until we visit again.

I have linked up with Sandi from Rose Chi ntz Cottage for her Tea Time Tuesday. Please stop over at Sandi's and see all the lovely tea cups.

~Style Network "CLEAN HOUSE" Show

2011-01-31T10:18:00.000-08:00

I have some news for you all...My niece Amber and her husband David were selected to be on "Clean House", yep they sure were...

The show was taped this last summer and now is airing this week on the Style network.

Amber and Dave are the sweetest young couple both with Collage Degrees and like many young couple's their age they are juggling a fast paced working career, two young children and have purchased a home that was a fixer upper, without much time to really work on the house.

Amber said "there is nothing like showing our dirty laundry to the world" LOL.. also she said that "she is petrified on how people will perceive her and that she hopes people will not judge her to harshly".

Their show will air on Wednesday Feb. 2 at 6:00am and10:00pm under the title; The Lopez-Gamble Family. Also Thursday Feb. 3 at 1:00am.

The show will air many times during the season but these are the show times for this week. Click on the link and it will take you to the Clean House Show web site. Clean House with host Tempestt Bledsoe

~Two Loafs of Bread~

2011-01-30T20:29:00.000-08:00

Gary and I made "tried" to make bread...We were going to use the Basic White Bread recipe, but after going through the Kitchen Aide book of recipe's again we decided to go with the Rapid Mix Cool Rise White Bread recipe, it said it was the best for beginners. We followed the directions and timed every minute.. yep we sure did.

Mixed the flour, sugar, salt, yeast and butter.

Checked the water to make sure it was at the right temp. 120 to 130 F.. with my Moms old candy thermometer.

Covered the bowl with plastic wrap and a towel for 20 minutes.
Then rolled the the dough according to the directions. I think I rolled one loaf to tight..it looked really weird! but I was afraid to re-roll it.
So into the creased loaf pans they went and into the refrigerator for 2.5 hours. I used my Mom's bread pans she used to bake bread in when I was a little girl.

I watched a Lifetime movie and Gary went into his office to Work... until the time had passed until we were able to put the bread into the oven..

Well here they are...I know don't laugh, stop laughing now....O.K. you can laugh, we laughed too! Our bread turned out so funny looking!

The loaf on the right looks OK, but the one on the left, well the poor little thing is not so pretty...

We saved the best loaf for Mom and Dad and brought it over to them..Gary cut the not so pretty loaf for us..it kinda looks like french bread instead of white bread don't you think..I thought so...

All thou our bread didn't look pretty, it tasted really good! we added some butter,

and then spread some home made apricot jam on top..our sweet dear friend Dolores made the jam and gifted Gary and I a few jars, she even made strawberry jam..
Gary and I had fun baking together..we will diffidently try baking bread again...I must say our bread looked nothing like the beautiful photo in the Kitchen Aid cook book, big sigh...but that's O.K with us. We will keep tyring.
Thank you so much for all your helpful hits, we really appreciated them...

Love you all and happy baking..

Big Hugs, Elizabeth and Gary

~This Baby is Mine~

2011-01-27T22:44:00.000-08:00

How Sweet it is! I am so excited! I really am..
My Mom and Dad gifted Gary and I a brand new Kitchen Aid...I love her! I do and I can't wait to use her.

I think she is so pretty....

Do you remember using metal pie pans for baking...I use to use them all the time. Now I guess they are "vintage" LOL along with me...

So this weekend Gary and I are going to make "Basic White Bread" we are going to use the recipe out of the book that came along with the Kitchen Aid mixer...keep your fingers crossed for us, this will be our first time baking bread together..LOL
I think we might end up with flour on the ceiling..
If anyone has any tips on using the Kitchen Aid and baking bread please share...

I hope you all have a wonderful and fun weekend!

~Moving "things" Around & A New Table Runner~

2011-01-23T17:29:00.000-08:00

There are so many colors that make me happy, but I must admit Red does it for me every time..I just adore the color Red, but you all know that about me..so during Christmas while shopping for fabric I run across this pre-made runner that can be purchased by the yard, all you have to do is finish off the seams. So I added the cute white frayed ruffle. I am really loving the ruffle look! A very quick and fun project any one can sew up.

The runner is on our dinning room table.

So now that all the Christmas decorations are put away, I thought it would be fun to change around some the furniture. Gary and I brought out the red double sized recliner from the Master Bedroom and brought it into the living room. Moved Gary's leather recliner to sit along side the red recliner and moved the plaid couch across from the white couch.
The buffet that was behind the plaid couch in now in the garage. Not for sure what I want to do with it. As much as I like it and all, it really wasn't what I had wanted. I am thinking of painting it and using it as a dresser or I might sale it.. So if any of you girls live in my area and might be interested in it, please let me know and we'll talk.

I have really been enjoying the red recliner! Gary and I were laughing about the mama and the papa chairs side by side. This weekend the grands were over and they sat with me in the red recliner, yep two grads and the Grandma all in one chair, it was so fun to cuddle with them...

I love to mix and match my furniture and move it all around. It always give the room a fresh look.

Have a lovely week, I'll be thinking of you all..

I am sharing this post with Susan's Metamorphosis Monday Between Naps on the Porch and Cielo's Show off your Cottage Monday House in the Roses.

~Sophie's Bloomers Bag~

2011-01-14T15:11:00.000-08:00

A big hug a kiss and a very happy "HELLOooooo" to you all....I have miss you all so much! I have tried to visit as much as possible but time has not allowed me to visit as much as I would like..
We have had family visiting and staying with us off and on since before Christmas (it was a lovely visit) and with all the holidays time has just slipped away from me. Also I forgot my camera at our Daughter's home during Christmas and she just brought it me last weekend, so I was with out my camera (it was just terrible) I had camera withdrawals..LOL

I was able to do some sewing before my Christmas break from work was over and I sewed the "Sophie's Bloomer Bag" created by Becky from "Sweet Cottage Dreams" !. I used dark gray 100% suiting wool and a plaid grey and white wool for the ruffled bloomers, I lined the bag with water proof dark gray/black fabric, also I did not finish the hem of the ruffles, instead I pulled the threads of fabric to leave a softer look since I was using wool and wool can tend to be heavy.
Sophie's Bloomer Bag is going to our daughter Desire'. Desire' wanted the ruffles on one side of the bag, Becky designed Sophie's Bloomer Bag with ruffles all the way around and she uses the pretties fabrics they are so light and fresh and very summery.

I enjoyed sewing Becky design and Desire' LOVES her bag! Our granddaughter Aleena wants one too, she says she wants to bring it school to carry a few of her books in..How sweet is that! Thank you Becky for designing a bag that all ages love!..

If you would like to purchase the Sophie's Bloomers Bag pattern just go over to Sweet Cottage Dreams and order it from Becky..

~Rain Rain and More Rain~

2010-12-20T11:05:00.000-08:00

We had so much rain in Modesto over the weekend our old neighborhood storm drains could not work fast enough! You can see the houses along the corners had watter up to their lawns. Of course this is not anything like the floods we read about in the mid west and east. Our neighbors advised us this happens every year because of the inadequate storm drains.

The lovely house you see belongs to our neighbor and sweet young couple.

I love the reflections of the trees in the water.

There was flooding all over the neighborhood, this view is from our front door looking down the street.

You can also see the flooding was down all four way blocks. Being on a corner can be very exciting.

I took this photo from our front door. This is our island planter in the front yard, our flag was blowing in the wind...I should say whipping in the wind.

Aww, I little calmness between storms.. I could actually hear the wind blowing inside the house.

It was the weekend to stay inside all cuddled up with the ones you love by the fire..and watch T.V. (We have been watching 24 with Jack Bauer) we purchased all 8 seasons and are now watching the final season..

Gary's Sister Sue and Brother n Law Bruce and My Sister Margo and Brother n law David are both coming to spend a few days with us... it's going to be a slumber party! we will play cards, drink a little (HEHEHE) just a little Christmas cheer.. and tell old stories.

Gary and I would like to wish you all peace in your hearts, joy in your smiles, and your arms wraped around the ones you love!

We'll be taking a week or so off to spend with our family...we also just had two babies born this weekend, two of our nieces just had their babies one on Sat. and the other Sun.. yes one day apart and they are sisters..What a wonderful way to end the year!

God bless you all! and Merry Christmas!

~Christmas Blessings~

2010-12-05T21:23:00.000-08:00

From our home to yours Gary and I want to wish you all a very Merry Christmas and Gods Blessing to you all!

May Christmas warm your heart with the memories of Christmas's passed and may the future hold love and joy and hopes of all your dreams coming true.

This is our Bible, today while thumbing through the pages I came across this lovely portrait of the Mother Mary looking upon baby Jesus.

I remember as a little girl sitting in Church and trying not to wiggle to much in the pew. I would look through my small white bible that nestled perfectly in my hands. I would look at all the pictures to pass the time and thinking how pretty they were..(its hard for children to sit still for long and I was no exception)

Next to the photo is a list of Beautiful Marion Prayers that I would like to share with you..

You can enlarge the photo if you like.

Have a sweet day my friends!

~Recycled Pendleton Shirt~

2010-11-28T20:09:00.000-08:00

What do you do with your Husbands worn out Pendleton shirt? you make a purse..yep, I made a purse with Gary's old worn out Pendleton for our daughter Bernadette. I salvaged the good material and reused the pockets.

I purchased the 100% dark gray fabric to make the outside and straps and added some braided trim.

Embroidered our daughters Bernadette's initials on the pocket flap.

I was able to reclaim enough pendelton fabric to line the purse and re-use a pocket for the inside as well.

And there you have it.. A recycled shirt made into a purse. I made up my own purse pattern for this design.

I love being able to reuse and re-purpose something old into something new again. It just makes me feel good. As the saying goes "Waste not, Want not!".

Have a sweet week!

I am join in with Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

~Antique Buffet & Vintage Hutch~

2010-11-21T20:13:00.000-08:00

A few weeks ago Gary and I were just exploring down town Modesto and found the neatest consignment store. I started getting so exciting and couldn't wait to jump out of the car..I know I get excited over the silliest things..anyway we have been looking for a couch table, but I didn't want to pay a lot (saving pennies for our retirement and all).

I love furniture with history, I always wonder why someone would want to sell a vintage piece of furniture that belonged in their family don't you?. Gary spotted the buffet first and called me over to look at it..I had been looking for something more industrial but my heart just stopped when I saw this antique buffet, we think the buffet may date back to the late 1930's to early 1940's. The buffet is beautifully made all rabbit eared joints. Gary said ring it up..Love this man..

It works as a great divider between my three rooms in one..Gary cleaned the buffet and I lined the drawers with non slip liner, the liner isn't pretty but it works really well.

The drawers have the sweetest curve to them.

In the same consignment shop we spotted this 1970's hutch..I loved the open shelves and it was just the right size for my kitchen wall. We had a white corner hutch that was really to big for the corner and was hiding part of the curtains. I love our white corner hutch so we put in the guest bathroom..its working great there for all the guest towel's..I'll have to show the guest bathroom sometime...

We purchased both pieces the same day!

The lovely burlap and linen table runner was made by Becky from (Sweet Cottage Dreams). I love it!

Becky has them listed in her Etsy store..if you would like one for your table too, go on over to Sweet Cottage Dreams (you all know Becky) we love her!

Now I know I'm a little late, OK so a lot late with my fall decoration, but we haven't had our Thanksgiving yet, so I think its still o.k. to have my fall decorations out.. after Thanksgiving Gary and I decorate for Christmas.

The glass pumpkins are all hand blown by a local artisan.. They are just the cutest little pumpkins!

We here in the US celebrate our Thanksgiving this Thursday Nov. 25. Thanksgiving is a very special time for Gary and I, you see Gary and I met on Thanksgiving day 35 years ago..
We have so much to be Thankful for.. no one's life is perfect and we all have had our sadness and our happy memories, so this Thanksgiving we are so grateful to have been given 35 years to spend with each other our family and dear ones...
We hope you do the same..spend it with the ones you love that are right beside you and ones living in your heart.. Memories are wonderful and joyous!

Gods blessing for you and your family this Thanksgiving day...

Today I will be linking up to Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

~Elizabethtown Illinois~

2010-11-14T21:19:00.000-08:00

Before I start to share our photo's of our trip to Elizabethtown Il. I want to say "Thank You" for all the lovely complements we received on our Master Bedroom and the vintage quilt. You all made us smile and you warmed our hearts too!

Back in September we took a trip to visit Gary's sister Sue and Brother n law Brucez. They own and run a B&B in Elizabethtown Il. in Hardin County.. You can click to enlarge any photo if you like.

The town is full of charm and still has many if not all original buildings. Elizabethtown sits along side the Ohio River. I love the building all built of brick.

Here we are in front of Sue and Bruce's "River Rose Inn" come along with us and we'll show you the beauty and the charm of this home built over 100 years ago. So much of the interior and the exterior is still original. Sue and Bruce have been working on the home for some time now and have created a warm and friendly place to rest your weary head. (The breakfast is amazingly yummy)

Let's open the original rod iron gate and go inside for a visit..

The home has four floors and a wrap around porch that over sees the Ohio River. Bruce is waving (Hi y'all) come on In. (click to enlarge Brucez waving)

Looking at "River Rose Inn" from across the street.

Front porch with original tile work, also all the windows are original as well.

This is were you will find our Brother n law Bruce most of time waiting to greet guests or rocking sipping his cup of coffee.. enjoying his life on the river..

This is the view from the front porch! you can spend your day just watching the tug boats go by..

This is the side of the only restaurant in town, yep the only one. It floats! they serve deep fried catfish and hush puppies.

Another view from the porch. This was such a beautiful view... In the background you can see barges bringing coal up the Ohio River to the North!

A view from the back yard, looking up towards the house.

Just look at this Magnolia tree it is original to the home and is over 100 years old. It is huge! This is the oldest Magnolia tree in Illinois

I was sitting under the tree and kept hearing something pinging, I looked up and it was the little red berries dropping.. I had never heard anything like it before..(I'm such a city girl)LOL

Look at the size of the trunk..this Magnolia tree is amazing, the squirrels loved the tree too.

The pool area behind the house, there is also a hot tub and a resting place to sit and view the sunset setting on the river. You can light the fire pit to keep warm on the chilly evenings.

Gary taking in the view. The cars you see are parked in front of the river restaurant.

I love the brick work, it's original to the house and wraps around the property..

Now lets go inside.. welcome to the foyer. All the wood work is original and it's so beautiful and rich in color.

Original radiators for heating!. Now being from California I'm not used to radiators..I loved them. I did not have these when I was growing up. Cali Girl LoL

The antiques are beautiful, if they weren't so big I would have put them in my suitcase to take home. Do you think Sue would miss any of them..
This home is full of antiques around every corner and in every room there is something special and lovely and full of history to see.

The staircase just made my jaw drop! Guess what? they squeak! It's so cool! I loved it!

Looking up from the foyer. The arched windows are gorgeous.

On the landing there are books and movies for the guests.
I loved this door on the landing, do you know where it leads?... it leads into the kitchen. Yep the maid would use all the doorways that led behind the walls, so guests would not see them. It was so cool! Little hidden stairways.. There were many doors like this throughout the house.

The panel doors were so pretty! they slid open. Where you see Gary and Bruce is the foyer, I took the picture from the dinning room.

The dinning room, the antiques just took my breath away! The door way in front of you leads to the kitchen.

Original fireplace,mantel and tile in the dinning room.

Meet Sue and Bruce you already know Gary and I..Sue is a excellent cook! I don't know how she does it...I'm not such a good cook..
During hunting season when the hunters are staying, Sue offers bed and dinner instead of bed and breakfast..since the hunters are up before dawn..

Looking from the dinning room into the front room..

For all my friends who love pink this is a pink room! The photo is a bit dark, click to enlarge.

These doors lead out to a side patio..

I love how Sue put up the hummingbirds along the wall, like they were flying away..A touch of whimsy!

There is also a game corner to play chess or cards.

Another fireplace that is original to the home..Bruce did retro fit the fireplace with a gas line..the other fireplaces in the home are wood burning..

One of my favorite spots, I love this rocking chair...siting on the original hard wood floors..

Original gas chandelier, it was changed over for electricity.. this was the fist home in Elizabethtown Il to have electricity and bathrooms..

More beautiful antiques, enjoy the photos.

This fireplace was in the bedroom we stayed in...all original...just beautiful!

Loving this floor, also original honey comb tile floor to the home..and there's a radiator in the bathroom too.

Original locks with skeleton keys to open the doors..lots of fun!

Meet "Rosie Magee" she is the mascot of "River Rose Inn". She found Sue and Bruce, Rosie was curled up injured and sick on their front porch of "River Rose Inn". Sue and Bruce scooped Rosie up into their arms and brought her back to health with their love and warmth.

Rosie loves living with her new, kind and loving family!. Gary and I had so much fun with Rosie, she is so small and so funny looking (sorry Rosie) LOL...Rosie is a one of kind doggie...and I don't think she even knows what kind of doggie she is....
Love her....
I hope you have enjoyed the tour, I know this was a long post...but I really wanted to share with you all the beauty of a small town that has not drastically changed through the years.
Thank you Sue and Bruce for letting me share your beautiful B&B and Home with my friends..
Love you guys..

Today I'm linking up with Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

~Master Bedroom & Heirloom Quit~

2010-11-07T19:16:00.000-08:00

Can you believe Gary and I have lived in the old/new house now for 6 months. Time really flies when you are painting, decorating and landscaping.. So this is our Master Bedroom, it's the biggest Master Bedroom we have ever had. Our bed is a king and we even have space to get out of bed without running into the wall LOL. Come on in and I'll take you on a quick tour.
As you walk into the room the Master Bath is on your right (I didn't have photo's of it yet, that will be another post).

We left the carpet in the Bedroom for now since it was new, but I think within time we will change it out to match the wood floors in the rest of the house. The round quilt hoops you see hanging on my quilt rack were hand made for Gary's Auntie Marie's Mother. Auntie Marie gave them to me and they are truly a piece of history.

We have a small sitting area on the left side of room, where I have my (orchid nursery). The room fills itself with light and warmth every morning.

There is a french door that opens out into the backyard and pool area.

We love to open the door and let the fresh air in. We were able to use all our things from our previous bedroom. The red curtains use to hang in our family room at the other house.

Do you see the plant in the right hand corner..that's the plant that was in the entry way by the front door..

The quilt hanging on the wall we purchased while visiting Gary's Sister Sue and Brother n law Brucez
in Elizabethtown ILL. I instantly fell in love with it. Just look at all the colors, they are all my favorites!. and every stitch was stitched by hand...its just beautiful, I wish you could see it in person. The time it took to create this heirloom quilt just makes me appreciate it even more, and you all know how much I love hand made. The quilt is a queen size and we have a king size bed. I didn't want to use it since I don't know how old it is and I want to preserve it the best I can, while enjoying its beauty.

The back of the quilt and all the beautiful hand stitching. The quilt had some water damage and a few stains. When we arrived home I took it the cleaners and they were able to get most of the damage out. I love it and it brings me much happiness to see it everyday hanging on the wall. Would any of you know how old it might be?

The door you see straight ahead leads into the walk-in closet.

The little nook is so cozy and a sweet place to read or take a nap. The red chair reclines out and is a double size chair so Gary and I can cuddle up together. This is the chair I had in the front room at our other house.

The chandelier I purchased on EBay, its original and dates to the 1930's hobnail art deco.

You might want to click on the photo to enlarge it. It is so pretty I think and it fit perfectly in out cozy little sitting room.
So there it is for now, our Master Bedroom...Like I say for now, you never know when I'm going to change something around. LOL

Have a sweet and peaceful week my friends. Talk to you all soon!

Today I'm sharing my post with Cielo from The House in the Roses and Susan from Between Naps on the Porch

~Semi-Home Made Curtains~

2010-10-24T18:08:00.000-07:00

Inspiration photo (you might want to click on the photo to enlarge) I love this photo so much! My friend Cindy from Oakview Cottage sent it to me. She knew I loved lace and thought this might be the perfect curtain for my kitchen window. Cindy was so right! it's like she was inside my head (scary) LOL. Thank you Cindy so much for sending this photo to me, you are truly a sweetheart, who's opinion I admire.

So this is what I came up with. My curtains are semi home made, since I used pre-made curtains from Country Curtains. I ordered the white shear tie tops, I already had the lace curtains they were hanging in my front room at our previous home. They were also from Country Curtains.

I cut the lace curtains down and sewed them over the shear tie top curtains. The tie tops and the lace curtains were different widths, so I had to measure a lot and resew the sides also a lot of ironing. They were pretty simple to make. I think they look almost like the inspiration photo.

They are light and airy and have added just the right touch of lace to the kitchen that I love.

A fun sewing project and it didn't take to long. Gary had to raise the curtain rod for me and I puttied and repainted where the previous holes were (we worked as a team)

Gary is a sweet pie and just grumbles a bit when I ask him to re-do something for me..He always says "how long are you going to leave these up..LOL"

I said forever! that is how much I love these curtains.

Today I'm linking up with Cielo for Show off your Cottage Monday.

~More Baby Gifts XO~

2010-10-17T21:05:00.000-07:00

Remember the gifts I couldn't show you, because we hadn't had the baby shower yet (in the post below) well the shower was this last Saturday Oct. 16 for my niece Katie Marie. Katie Marie and Francisco are having a boy who's name will be "Makai".
Makai is due to arrive on Dec. 24 what a precious Christmas gift so of course he had to have a Santa hat and a blue blanket.

The blanket is crocheted and the hat knitted.

For this blanket I used flannel and crocheted the trim. I used 2yards of fabric, 1 yard for each side.

A little knitted hat.

And a knitted sweater to keep the little guy warm and cozy.

I also made a crib size blanket for Makai so he can cuddle up with his Mommy and Daddy and watch baseball games together.

Bernadette my youngest daughter crocheted this sweet blanket for her cousin Katie Marie, its just as sweet as can be.

This is Katie Marie the little Mama.

Katie Marie is a beautiful girl with a kind and loving heart of gold. Her smile can light up a room. Her Great Grandma called her "sunshine" and she is full of sunshine! She has been blessed!

LIFE is BEAUTIFUL and a Miracle!

~Home Made Baby Gifts~

2010-10-05T17:11:00.000-07:00

Were back from IL. and had a wonderful time.. I took oodles of photos to share with you all, but I still have some editing to do. I will share them very soon. But for now I will share some baby gifts I have been making.

We are expecting three babies to arrive between Nov. 11 and Dec.25.
Since two out of the three girls have received their gifts I can share with you their presents.
First gifts are for my niece Candace who is expecting her second baby and it's a Girl "Alana Marie" due on Dec. 25. her sister Katie is also due on Dec. 25...funny and they didn't even plan it. I can't show you Katie's gifts for her baby Boy since her baby shower is not until Oct. 16....
So on with the gifts.... for baby "Alana Marie".

I made one of my favorite sew blankets, I have shown you all before these fun and quick blankets. I always use 1yard to 1 1/2 yards of each fabric. I find it makes the perfect size for a crib and it's the best cuddly blanket that be washed over and over and over again and still look great.

Crocheted with 100% cotton yarn blanket and knitted hat.

Another knitted hat.

And a Chenille knitted sweater with hood. It's so soft...

This sewn blanket went to Jaclynn of (I was never the Girl next Door). We have known Jaclynn since she was a little girl. This is Jaclynn's first baby and it's a boy (Jaclynn and Dan are keeping the baby's name a surprise until they see his sweet tiny face). If you read Jaclynn's blog then you know she loves dragon flies. When I found this fabric I couldn't resit it.

I tried to make a frog hat, it was my first try..The hat is crocheted and the eyes are sewn in very tightly with buttons. Jaclynn if your are reading this please wash the frog hat inside out to protect the eyes from getting scratched in the washing machine....Always a Mom, I know...just looking out for my girls.

Next a crocheted blanket in (Raider) colors...it's a popular football team in the S.F. bay area.

This is our sweet Mommy to be Jaclynn! opening our gifts. She got a chuckle out of the frog hat!

Just as cute as a button! this little Mommy to be. Isn't creating life the most beautiful thing!

~Up Up & Away!~

2010-09-24T21:04:00.000-07:00

Gary and I are leaving for one week vacation to spend time at this lovely Bed and Breakfast in (Elizabethtown IL). The B&B sits right on the Ohio River.
Gary's little Sister Sue and Brother n Law Brucez own and run this over 100 year old Bed and Breakfast call (River Rose Inn)
This will be our first visit to Elizabethtown and we are so looking forward to our stay.. I will take lots of photo's to share with you all.
I will miss you all while I'm way, I really will..
Have a wonderful week, talk to all when I get back....

~Chocolate Chip Bunt Cake~

2010-09-19T19:39:00.000-07:00

If you l-o-v-e chocolate you must try this recipe, really it is Delicious!

I have one itty-bitty confession to make, I am not really a baker and when having company for dinner I normally will hop into the car and make a mad dash into (Marie Calenders) for fresh baked pies! Yep I do.. I cheat!

But after trying this chocolate bunt cake I might just become a baker, well o.k. not a fancy baker but a baker! LOL

This recipe came from Becky from "Sweet Cottage Dreams" and she was given the recipe from Kim at "Dear Daisy Cottage". My family loved it so much, they all said I could make this one again (I blushed). I think I shocked them all with my baking skills.. :)

All ready to put into the hot oven, it already smelled soooo good!

50 minutes later and it was resting on the cooling rack.. How I wish you could smell it! sniff, sniff so good and chocolaty!

All cooled down and sprinkled with powdered sugar!

I had to cover this baby or it wouldn't have made it out to serve in one piece.. Gary had his eye on this baby all day!. Silly boy, cuz he waited so nicely I cut him a extra big piece....XO

~ByBy Solong lovley Plant~

2010-09-15T19:11:00.000-07:00

By~By lovely plant. Thank you everyone for all your great suggestions about the plant in the entry and for all your sweet and kind comments. I rely on you my friends to always tell me the truth, because I always tell you the truth, and you did (I love you guys! I do)

As you can see the advice was to move the plant. I guess our girls were "Right" after all. I think it does look more open!

~Green Doors~

2010-09-12T20:24:00.000-07:00

Well its been four months now since Gary and I moved to our new little Cottage (Cottage 12). We have painted every room now except the laundry room, that's still white. I left all the doors white, but every time I went into the kitchen I felt something was not quite right, (you know that feeling) well anyway it dawned on me I needed to add some color to the doors!! so off I went to the paint store, but first I knew I wanted green I had the perfect shade of green in my yarn stash. I took the yarn with me to (Lowe's) but they could not match it with just the yarn, so I had to pick out a color swatch. Thank goodness Gary was with me, since he has the eye for color.

Gary chose (Painted Basket SR812)Valspar signature color. It was the perfect match to my yarn.

So here is the BEFORE kitchen and NOW.........

The Green Door!

I also added the metal basket with some flowers to the door. I think it really brightens up the kitchen.

The entry was in need of more color too. The inspiration was the green glass vase that Gary and I have had for 25 years.

Sorry for poor photo it was the only one I could find to show you the entry door BEFORE.

And NOW........Moocho Better.....I think! O ya I have a confession to make I spilt the paint, yes I did all over the tile. I screamed for you know who(((((GARY))))) come help me. He came running, I think he thought I was hurt (sorry honey). He brought me rags and I wiped up the huge spill!!. Gary had to scrap the grout for me to get all the green paint out. I must have the cleanest floor now in town. Scrub, Scrub and Scubaing some more....

Now I have a question for you all, I need your advise~Does the entry look to crowded with the plant by the window?. Our girls were over visiting and they said "Mom I think you have to much in the entry and you should move the plant"... So do you agree with the girls...should I move the plant?

Sometimes I tend to me a clutter bug! yep I am a cutter bug, that's just me......LOL

Today I am joining in with Cielo from The House in the Roses, for (Show off your Cottage Monday)

Enjoy your day and God Bless