Needlework...

There's an art to needlework...patience.

With today's fast paced lifestyle, I wonder if there are as many young girls taught needlework.

I didn't have girls, so I don't really know the answer to that question. I just know that I enjoy it myself, when I have the time, and I love to admire completed pieces.

Today, I'd like to share three pieces that were meant to be placed on chairs as seat cushions.

They were part of a set my mother wanted to use on her dining room chairs. For one reason or another, she only completed 3 pieces...she gave these to me several years ago.

They are not on my dining room chairs but proudly displayed on my dining room wall. At least they made it to the same room!

I just love the detail and appreciate all the time it takes to complete each piece.

I'm linking to Tams Three or More Tuesday. Be sure to stop by for amazing collections!

Thanks for visiting!

Mod Podge - Works in a Pinch!

I have a little story.

My husband and I have become pretty handy over the years with all of our home "redo projects". We've done just about everything, learning as we go.

One thing we know how to do is hang wallpaper.

However, we were just plain tuckered out and decided to have a "professional" hang our new kitchen wallpaper.

So, we went to our favorite paint store and asked for recommendations, found a guy, and he hung our wallpaper!

We were pleased...or so we thought.

That was less than two years ago.

One morning, I woke up to this...

OK, no worries. I'll just get a little tube of wallpaper paste and fix that little seam!

And then, the same thing started happening in another place...and another....

...it was never ending!

One afternoon, after a really long and crazy day at work, I came home to this!

That was it!

The last straw!

I got out my trusty Mod Podge and paint brush and went to work.

I know what you're thinking...

but I was desperate!

My little tube of wall paper paste was completely used up!

And...

guess what?

My bright, sunny kitchen had all its wallpaper attached! I was thrilled!

Lesson to be learned:

If you're in a real pickle, use Mod Podge!

I'm linking to Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Metamorphosis Monday. Be sure to stop by for amazing transformations, big and small!

Thanks for visiting!

It's simply in the details...

I was shopping at TJMaxx the other day and ran across these little plates. I loved their shape and color.

I thought they'd fit nicely with a set of dishes that were given to me by my sister.

I've admired aluminum pieces on many blogs and have been on the lookout for a few pieces. While out one day, I found this bowl...my collection began.

I don't remember the price, I'm sure it wasn't too much, perhaps a dollar or two.

On another venture, I found this piece. The leaves on the handles were the selling factor.

The edges were the same as my first piece, I was thrilled!

This past weekend, I picked up this little sugar and creamer, $1.00 for the set.

They look like they've been well loved.

With these few pieces, I wanted to put together a simple little tablescape.

I've had the best time thrifting for treasures...you never know what you might find!

{I'm still on the lookout for a few more special pieces to add to my collection.}

Thanks so much for visiting.

Be sure to stop by Susan's Between Naps on the Porch for her Tablescape Thursday.

The Details:

Salad plates - TJMaxx

Square dinner set - Target

Napkins - World Market

Flatware - Michelangelo

Aluminum pieces - Goodwill, antique store

Changing things around a bit...

My house is very simple...and I tend to have a monochromatic decorating style. At times I like things the way they look, but when I take an outsiders view {seeing things from my pictures} things look too simple or just not right. So, it seems I'm constantly moving things around until they "feel" and "look" better...at least for a while...ugh...does anyone else do this?

So here's my mantel...keep in mind, I'm very simple.

Well, not that simple. I had already cleared a few things off before this shot. However, it gives you an idea what I'm working with...antique mantel clock and doornobs.

I added height with the plant, softness with the lace, nature with the shells and tray, and light with the candles.

During the day...a lot of light.

I like it...I think.

It's the refection that I can hardly stand! Who wants to look at a brass colored, builder's grade, 16 year old ceiling fan?

Here's a night view...

...warmer...

...but again, the reflection is not working.

I know what you're thinking...replace the mirror with art. I know. But, remember the room is small. I hung the mirror to make the room look larger.

I like the larger look...

but...

not the reflection.

Here's where I need your help.

Do you have any suggestions?

PLEASE

I honestly would love to hear from you and any ideas you might have to my dilemma.

*****
added: 1.28.10
I wanted to thank everyone for all their suggestions! You all are so creative and sweet to give me such wonderful ideas...
 I now have some options that I didn't think of before...
and
I can't WAIT to get started!
*****

I'm linking to several parties to get as much help as possible!

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday

Barb over at Grits and Glamour for Tabletops Thursday

and

Beth over at The Stories of A to Z for her Mantel Party.

Thanks so much for visiting, I'd LOVE to hear your ideas!

Two silver things to share...

I have two things to share today, one from my mother, the other from my sister.

My mother gave me her vanity set several years ago. Loving silver, it was a perfect gift.

I think it's the way it sparkles and ages.

{The tray is a Goodwill find, the throw is faux fur.}

The mirror, brushes, and combs are of a good weight...they feel very sturdy in your grasp.

Things have really changed in grooming, haven't they?

The second piece I'd like to share is a plate that my sister had engraved for me when I received my Masters of Education.

It's another prized possession both for the event it marked and the thoughtfulness of my sister.

I just love the details.

Thanks so much for visiting!

Be sure to check out Beth's Gypsy Fish Journal and her Silver Sunday.

Butternut Brownie Pie

This is a dreamy pie for you to try if you love fluffiness, graham crackers, and pecans!

It's a Luby's recipe...do you have one near you? It is a cafeteria style restaurant that guarantees "Good food from good people." Luby's was a family favorite each Sunday after church, a place to choose your absolute favorite dish and relax around a large white cloth covered table. The atmosphere was homey and warm with a touch of class. As you walked in the doors, the wonderful aromas were mouth watering. You could pick and choose whatever you wanted...my favorites were always the desserts. This recipe is tried, true...and scrumptious!

You'll need:

4 extra large egg whites at room temperature
1/8 tsp baking powder
1/8 tsp cream of tartar
1 1/4 cups granulated sugar
14 graham crackers squares, broken into 1/2 inch pieces
1 cup pecan pieces
1 cup whipping cream
1/2 tsp vanilla
chopped pecans

1. Heat oven to 300 degrees. Lightly grease 9 inch pie plate.
2. In large mixing bowl, beat egg whites and baking powder until soft peaks form. Add cream of tartar, beating constantly. Add 1 cup of the sugar, a tablespoon at a time, beating constantly until stiff peaks form. Using rubber scraper, fold in graham crackers and pecan pieces. Spoon into pie plate.
3. Bake 30 minutes or until wooden pick inserted in center comes out clean. Cool completely on wire cooling rack.
4. In chilled small bowl using chilled beaters, beat cream just until it begins to thicken. Add remaining 1/4 cup sugar and vanilla, and continue beating until stiff peaks form. Do not overbeat. Top pie with whipped cream. Sprinkle with pecans and refrigerate until served.

I'm joining Foodie Friday for all things tasty. Stop by for unbelieveable treats and recipes!

New Shoppe and an old Favorite!

Have you ever passed by an interesting little shoppe on your daily routine and thought, I need to stop in there... it looks like it might have some really neat things?

Well, this past Saturday, I had a bit of extra time so I did stop. It was a cold, drizzly day and I thought, we'll at least I can get warm and stay dry.

Oh my!

I'm SO glad that I took the time to take a look. It was a charming rustic little place that was loaded with goodies!

To top things off, some of their things were on sale.

Yippee!

 These guys are about 8 inches tall and were marked down from $16.00 to $10.00.

I also picked up these tortoise shell napkin rings. They were marked $5.00, but were then slashed 20%.

I ventured next to an old standby thrift store and found this bunny bowl.

Cute... just 89 cents.

I picked up this pressed glass ashtray {made in Italy} to use as a coaster for wine bottles.

99 cents

Then I saw this piece...

 

...looking a little closer...

...yep...Waterford!

$8.00

SOLD!

It's so much fun to go thrifting...you never know what you may find!

I'm linking with Tales from Bloggerville for Thrifty Thursday. Be sure to stop by for other amazing treasures!