Mississippi Mud Cake

This is one of my favorite cakes so I was thrilled to receive this variation from Southern Living.

It's quick and easy to make, even for a novice like myself.

AND...it's a YUMMY treat for these crisp Fall days!

1 cup chopped pecans

1 cup butter

1 {4 ounce} semisweet chocolate baking bar, chopped

2 cups sugar

1 1/2 cups all-purpose flour

1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa

4 large eggs

1 teaspoon vanilla extract

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 {10.5 ounce} bag miniature marshmallows

Chocolate Frosting {see below}

1. Place pecans in a single layer on a baking sheet.

2. Bake at 350 degrees for 8 to 10 minutes or until toasted.

3. Microwave 1 cup butter and semisweet chocolate in a large microwave-safe glass bowl at HIGH 1 minute or until melted and smooth, stirring every 30 seconds.

4. Whisk sugar and next 5 ingredients into chocolate mixture. Pour batter into a greased 15 x 10 x 1 inch jelly-roll pan.

5. Bake at 350 degrees for 20 minutes. Remove from oven, and sprinkle evenly with miniature marshmallows; bake 8 to 10 more minutes or until goldern brown. Drizzle warm cake with Chocolate Frosting and sprinkle evenly with toasted pecans.

Chocolate Frosting

1/2 cup butter

1/3 cup unsweetened cocoa

1/2 cup milk

1 {16 ounce} package powdered sugar

1 teaspooon vanilla extract

Stir together first 3 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat until butter is melted. Cook, stirring constantly, 2 minutes or until slightly thickened; remove from heat. Beat in powdered sugar and vanilla at medium-high speed with an electric mixer until smooth.

Makes 15 servings

Prep time: 15 min.

Bake time: 40 min.

I'm joining Foodie Friday over at Designs by Gollum. Be sure to drop by for scrumptious delights!

Thanks for dropping by to visit, enjoy your day!

Do Over...

I've been in my profession for almost 30 years and have had a great time.

However...

I sometimes wonder what I would be doing if I would have selected a different career.

If I had a "do over", would I choose something different?

Would you?

I've always had an unwavering interest in homes, especially historic homes.

I love the craftmanship. The story these lovely gems must have.

And...when I see homes in disrepair, I just want to step right up and start working on them.

I've never been scared of  hard work and can readily admit when I'm in over my head and need to call in the professionals.

Then there is the issue of homes/buildings being torn down with no regard to recycling.

It breaks my heart when period items {windows, doornobs, doors, trim, fixtures, etc.} are destroyed.

I've been to repurposing warehouses, what an inspiration!

All this to say...

today, I visited a great blog, Hooked on Houses. {Julia's blog is always a treat to visit, especially if you love houses.} Her post was on abandoned houses. I was intrigued...what would they look like? Would they be worth repair? Was there hope?

Well, take a look for yourself here.

What was going to happen to these? Who would sweep them up and love them?

Are they on the, "to demolish" list?

If only I could purchase a few one. I'd LOVE the chance to turn them back into beauties!

Hm...if money only grew on trees.

Here are a few that caught my eye from the above site:

Do you think they are worth saving?

{Rapunzel, Rapunzel....let down your golden hair.}

Thanks for visiting, enjoy your day!

If you're interested in reading more about repurposing, here are a few sites:

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/blog/recycling-history/

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/realestate/2012734540_realsalvage29.html

http://www.recyclingthepast.com/About_RTP.asp

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/blog/old-houses-and-the-search-for-the-silver-lining/



An Outdoor Wedding

What a wonderful time of year to have an outdoor wedding! We attended one last weekend
 and it was beautiful. Here are a few shots to share.
Enjoy.

The bride and groom chose an art museum for their day.

...bride's bouquet...

...bridesmaid's wrist corsages...

...bride and groom's mother's wrist corsages...

The bride was gorgeous, the groom handsome.

{The gazebo was designed and hand made by the groom.}

...tables...

I'm linking with A Southern Daydreamer's Outdoor Wednesday. Be sure to drop  by for amazing shots!

Thanks so much for dropping by to visit, enjoy your day!



Lamp Rescued.

My sister picked up this lamp at Salvation Army...she had a plan.

She taped and painted...and painted.

{Many light coats of spray paint.}

Shells and jute were added.

More shells, glass beads, and a little bling.

{The small outlining shells were actually already on fishing wire.}

She ordered a rectangular shade and really liked the look...but it arrived damaged.

So she used some fabric she had on hand and remade the shade.

Finished product with linen lamp shade and starfish finial!

I think it looks fabulous!

Way to go Sis!

I'm linking with Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to drop by for loads of inspiration!

How Cute are These?!

My sister made the cutest tassels!
This first one was orginally a Christmas ornament.



I think it's perfect for Fall, but I'll bet it stays out all year long.

Her second tassel was actually a salt shaker she found at an antique shop. It didn't have a mate {or I would have picked it up!}

Aren't they both precious!

Thanks for the pics, Sis!

I'm linking with Laura over at Along for the Ride for her Saturday Crafty Day.

Sisters...Sisters...

This is for big my sister, today she's one year wiser!

Here's to you, my dear!

Have a super day,

I love you!

My Hero

My Hero

My hero was the quiet type

No marching bands, no media hype.

But through my eyes, it was plain to see

A hero, God sent to me.

With gentle strength and quiet pride

All self concern was set aside.

To reach out to our fellow man

And be there with a helping hand.

Heros are a rarity

A blessing to humanity

With all they give and all they do

I'll hope the thing he always knew

He was my quiet hero...yes daddy, it was you.

                                                                                 anonymous

Today would have been his birthday...

he is greatly missed.