Tag Archives: Home and Garden

First Day Of Spring

The first day of Spring is ushered in…

with a warm hug of sunshine.

Today it is to reach 82 degrees where I live. That is relatively unheard of. The highest recorded temperature was 78 degrees on this day, in 1921. Spring has arrived in all its glory. The grass is greener, the flowers are already blooming, and the days are longer.

Last night I was outside at twilight….just as the stars started to twinkle in the sky. I heard the geese honking across the road, the crickets chirping, and dogs barking. There is just something about Springtime.

I think it is the anticipation of what is to come.

What there is to look forward to…

Springtime at Kent's Green Dandelions in flowe...

New season. New life.

And it is good.

There is a time for everything,
   and a season for every activity under the heavens… Ecclesiastes 3:1 NIV

 

Related articles

A Winter Afternoon

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The road that leads to home…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

to places familiar…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In the quiet stillness…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

the beating of wings…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The sound of geese splashing…

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

in the winter lake across the road.

***************************************************

May you, my readers, have a peaceful Saturday observing the simple beauty of a winter’s afternoon.

Now may the Lord of peace himself give you peace at all times and in every way. The Lord be with all of you. 2 Thessalonians 3:16  NIV

Related articles

Savoring Time

Wind chime close-up

Image via Wikipedia

Weekends are made for wandering…

enjoying a slower pace…

savoring time.

Touching— I’m attending the holiday open house at Finders Keepers, in town.  I love home decor and so this place is right up my alley. Everyone has been telling me that I need to check this place out. What better time than when it’s decorated for Christmas?

Tasting— When it’s cold outside, there is nothing better than some homemade cocoa. Chocolate and marshmallows. I mean, really, is there anything else?

Smelling—  I bought some new candles that smell like sugar cookies. This is a win, win situation for me. I can enjoy the yummy smell of cookies even when I’m not baking.

Hearing— The wind blowing against the house. I like where I live, but had no idea when we were building our house just how windy it was here. I used to have eight different wind chimes. Beautiful wind chimes. Lovely wind chimes. I do enjoy my wind chimes. After two years here, I have one wind chime, with all its pieces still intact. I need to create an indestructible wind chime that can withstand gale force winds. Just sayin’.

Seeing —Okay, I admit it. I love The Hallmark Channel. They are starting the countdown to Christmas this weekend. I don’t really like to “start” Christmas this early because I enjoy Thanksgiving and don’t want to rush things….but, I do love the Christmas movies, even with my husband’s rolling of the eyes. I don’t care how cheesy the movies are either. So there.

 

Have a wonderful weekend, my friends…..

slow down and enjoy your moments.

 

Related articles

Fall Is In The Air At Home

Last night I was out with my husband and I saw my first tree with leaves changing color. I cannot tell you the excitement that I felt. The long, hot days of summer are beginning to wane…

Last night’s moon was beautiful. Large and golden. This picture does not do it justice. I need to get some fancy gizmos for my camera so I can take better pictures. And yes, it reminded me of Fall.

Here are my candle jar luminaries. I finished them last week.

They look pretty, with their glowing  messages.

The chalkboard with frame is complete. I need to buy one of those metal things and attach it to the back so I can hang it.

Here is the chippy child’s school chair I bought at an estate sale this past Saturday. Perfect for my bear.

I am a lover of bears…

I bought this quite a while ago. Those are heavy, old, door knobs. I love how the person made a pegboard using door knobs. Repurposed. Love it!

My Moravian star. I was looking through a Pottery Barn catalog a couple of days ago. I saw a similar star for around $100. I got this at a yard sale in Knoxville, TN. for $5.

Ready to use my lamps, when the evenings get cooler.

Love this mirror. I caught my son in the reflection.

A piece of architectural salvage as art.

******************************************

What interesting pieces do you have at your house? Are you working on some projects right now?

If you have any suggestions/ideas for some other simple DIY projects let me know.

Related articles

Take Me Home To DIY Projects

A while back I blogged, asking my readers to help me figure out what to do with an old picture frame. You can read about it, here.  I finally got around to working on the frame. Here it is, so far.

The plan is to paint a piece of wood, that my husband has in the garage, with chalkboard paint. We (I told my husband I would appreciate his help with this part) will then attach it to the back of the frame. I will have a cool looking chalkboard/memo board when this is done. Old school function and aesthetics.

One old wooden picture frame sanded down. Two coats of robin’s egg blue spray paint. A coat of clear gloss sealer. A leftover piece of thin wood from the garage. A couple coats of chalkboard paint. Attach to back of frame. Add a piece of chalk (an entire box at Wmart is only 78 cents) and an eraser. Then add a cute inspirational message on the board. Perfect.

The other project I currently have under way is this.

I’m going to paint the jars today. I plan on using my jars as candle holders. Perfect for Fall……

Hopefully, by next Tuesday I will have both projects finished for you to see.

Related articles

Is It Autumn Yet?

I haven’t blogged for the past couple of days. That is unusual for me, I know. Some days are just that way. I decided not to fight it. Instead I took a short break and a deep breath. The past few weeks I’ve been living life, and quite frankly I was tired.

Over the past couple of days I’ve been looking through all my back issues of Country Living, This Old House, and my plethora of decorating books. I have also been watching hours of HGTV, while I do the daily, “must do” chores around the house. I guess one could say I have been taking a summer “staycation”.

I know that Autumn is still a couple of months away but, I am already anxious for the cooler days and crisp nights of October and November. I’m also looking forward to autumn decorating. Candles, hot chocolate mix out on the counter, fluffy floor pillows in warm colors, blankets and throws, and pretty rugs to keep tootsies warm.

I can’t wait…

 

Related articles

Because I’ve Got Vision…That’s Why

Taken at a Chicagoland Flea Market. Rosemont, ...

Image via Wikipedia


I bought this fireplace cover years ago at a local flea market in Tennessee. I didn’t have a fireplace, but I did not let that stop me. Details. Details.  I enjoy metal work and this was interesting to me. I took it home and actually hung it on the wall, with some of my other architectural style salvage. I was going for a kind of industrial, eclectic, shabby chic decor. I am all about repurposing objects. My husband does not understand this at all. So…..I did not hang it up when we moved to our new house. My poor fireplace cover has been setting forlornly in the corner. All alone.

I think he needs to be repurposed (my fireplace cover, not my husband). I tend to call my flea market items “he” or “she”. I don’t know why. I’m just weird that way. (chunky metal objects, things with rough edges are definitely “he”, and pastel colors and vintage floral prints are unmistakeable “she”. Understand?)

I have been looking at the cover….and plotting…..er…. I mean thinking. I’m considering painting it a lighter, brighter color. I could use it as a memo board or a place to tuck pictures. It would make a great headboard for a twin bed. (which I currently do not have) It is metal, so it has weight…but, is not terribly heavy. The two side pieces bend back, so it can set up independently….or it can lay flat.

Do any of my crafty readers have ideas?

Related articles

What Does Your Fridge Say About You?

New Refrigerator

Image by dsleeter_2000 via Flickr

What says home more than the door(s) of your refrigerator? Come on, you know what I’m talking about! Some people are “nothing on the fridge” individuals, others are “children’s art work” on the door, and still others use the fridge as their personal Rolodex or photo album. What does your refrigerator say about you? If someone was going to profile you ( I watch WAY to many police/crime shows) by checking out your refrigerator/freezer…what secrets would it tell?

I’ll go first….. take me home Tuesday leads straight to my fridge!

Hmm, first of all…..this woman is family oriented.

Clue #2 She understands that she is not the one in control.

Clue #3  This woman commented on a friend’s broccoli salad, and now has the recipe. She must like broccoli.

Ah hah! Friends that have been married for 50 years. What does this tell about her? She is happy for her friends. She is happy she has friends. She likes a good party. I’m not sure. She hopes that she will be married to her husband for that many years. (it probably won’t be 50, she married him when she was 37…so, she’d be pretty old to hit the 50 yr. mark….and her husband would be 91. Just sayin’. )

Um….she has a sense of humor. She loves Geico commercials. She likes to freak out her family by having eyes watch them when they get in the fridge? (“I always feel like somebody’s watchin’ me…….”)

Eucharisteo? Yes. Much to be thankful for. One of her new favorite words. What is the deal with the maps on the fridge? She either really digs geography, or she is a home school mom.

A perfect verse for the fridge….now where are those leftover nachos? Amen.

She likes books…and obviously by the date on the pink slip, her son has a HUGE late fine at the library.

She is not above using cartoon chip clips. She likes magnets. A lot. What else can she stick on her fridge?

According to the very precise science of refrigerator profiling, this woman does not appear to be psychotic… maybe just slightly odd. After all, if she likes broccoli and geography she can’t be all that bad.

Related articles

Vintage Vavoom

Cover of "Vintage Vavoom: Romantic Decora...

Cover via Amazon

I am in the middle of reading a great book called, Vintage Vavoom. It is a book that instructs the reader how to take second hand finds and use them in unique ways. I love the creativity in this book. I’m attempting to get some inspiration from my reading today…I could also use your help.

I have a large, old, brown picture frame that I acquired some time ago….not really even sure how long I’ve had it. I’m wanting to repurpose it. I know that I will paint it. White? Robin’s egg, blue? Mint green? I could make it into a fabric covered memo board, or bulletin board. Or I could use chalkboard paint and use the frame around that…I could take a piece of mirror I have and put this new frame around it, for a country-look.

Any other suggestions? I’m opened to others creative ideas.

I also have years of my grandmother’s tea towel calendars. You know the ones I mean? They are fabric calendars that have different motifs and colors. I have some from the 1960’s up through 1990’s. Some are in better condition than others. I love the vintage look and feel of them. I’m thinking maybe some decorative pillows? Frame them as graphic wall art? I really don’t want to use them as tea towels any longer, as I am trying to preserve them.

What do you think?

Related articles

Take Me Home Country Roads…

There is just something about those round bales of hay…

I love lavender. I’d plant my entire flower garden with it, if I could.

Country in the kitchen…

*****************

The morning is starting out quietly, with the exception of the wind chimes blowing in the breeze.

A peaceful morning bodes well for the rest of the day.

Related articles