Country Girl, City Chic

Creeps Me Out

2011-11-13T13:05:00.002-05:00

It really does. It makes my skin crawl. It just makes me think of millions of pathogens. Call me silly but anything that has gone into the bathroom stays in the bathroom.

I love Pinterest and there are tons of ideas to recycle them. Whole body shudder.

That is all.

Little Things Make The Best Memories

2010-09-29T10:49:00.003-04:00

Grandaddy's Pecan Pie Thanksmas 2009. I took it because the light coming through the window was perfect. I am so glad I did. One time I got a package in the mail from him. It was a bag of pecans and this recipe handwritten on a index card. I really miss him.

My Cousin's Baby Shower

2010-06-15T18:45:00.005-04:00

The Guest of honor Decorations

Food

Flowers

Baby Mum

Favors

The best part, came almost a month after the shower.

Finally the sweet baby!

I Am Missing It

2009-10-09T09:50:00.002-04:00

I am missing the Autumn season fun and I am really sad. Between work, working on the new house, and moving into the new house I am missing everything fun. I missed the county fair, the state fair, I have not made caramel apples or turkey chili. I have no fall decorations except at the shop and we are all "Falled up" here. Usually by now I have already made pumpkin pancakes and a few mini loaves of pumpkin bread. I cannot find any Oktoberfests around here. I am whining, I know but gosh darn this is my favorite time of the year. I will let it go. It is not like this is the last fall ever.

I will just have to make up for the loss at Christmas. I am pretty excited about the holidays this year. I will not have to travel 1800 miles to spend time with my family. I will not have three weeks off in the month of December either but work is different here and I am not nearly as stressed out. I know they are coming up to my house for Thanksgiving and maybe I can convince them to come up for Christmas too. It will be my first year home in a very long time so maybe my sister will let Santa come to my house. We shall see.

100th Post and I Bet Leaves are Fast Talkers

2009-10-08T13:16:00.011-04:00

I slept at the house last night. On an air mattress because I was too tired to drive to my grandfather's. It is one of those thick comfy mattress but it was still uncomfortable. My bed has spoiled me.
What about this weather? Cold, warm, rain, sun, a little bit of everything. The leaves are really starting to fall from the trees but sadly there is no fantastic color display. In Northern VA I would be speechless for a week when the leaves were at full color. Bright orange, red and apricot trees were everywhere. I always thought they looked like the warm glow of lamps in a cozy window. When the leaves began to fall there was this amazing smell everywhere and they would whip around you as you walked down the street like small tornadoes. Even the most mature person is tempted try to catch a handful. I imagined the leaves saying "Oh hello! Happy Fall, always go out in style, I like your scarf, gotta go, in a rush, OK bye!" I bet Fall leaves are fast talkers. I just realized that this is my 100th post. Shoot, I was going to do something fancy. Oh well....

Blah Blah Blah

2009-10-01T11:15:00.004-04:00

Here is a little bit of what is going on. Today I have sanded and painted two very large planter boxes that we will use for the plants at the Chickasaw Festival Meeting. It is a pretty big deal and we get to do all of the stage plants and silk arrangements. This place has been filled to the brim with large plants and it has been lovely. I am now working on a few more mums. I really enjoy my job. I think I have said that before.

I am working on the house and yesterday I even unpacked a few boxes in the kitchen. It was like shopping but I loved everything and it was within my budget. The day started out very cool and then in the late afternoon it became very warm and muggy so the house felt stuffy. After the sun went down I went out and sat on the porch. A cool night breeze and the faint smell of a fire in the distance made the porch a much better place to be. After about thirty minutes I realized that the only sound I heard were animals and an occasional passing car. No sirens, no planes, no helicopters. There was not the constant hum of the cars on 395. It was so peaceful.

Chicken Sauce and Vegetables

2009-09-29T17:07:00.003-04:00

The town I live in is the Capitol of the Chickasaw Nation. The annual Chickasaw Festival is being held this week. It reminds me of a sweet moment when my son was three. My husband was Navy and was deployed to the Mediterranean for six months so we stayed with my parents during that time. I had told my son about the festival and we talked about the Native American culture and I explained that we would be going to the parade and to see all the exhibits the next day. I often videotaped my son and sent his father the tapes with him telling his father about the things we were doing. I was videotaping him and said "Tell daddy where we are going in the morning." my son replied in a cheerful voice "We are going to the chicken sauce and vegetables!!" He is now sixteen and I can remember that little phrase like it was yesterday.

Fall Decorations

2009-09-28T18:30:00.004-04:00

I cannot find any of my fall decorations and it is making me so annoyed. I can picture the box that I packed them in. I have seen them since I got here, so where are they?
I looked back at the fall decor post from last year and it makes me so sad. I want to put the fall berry wreath up on my half finished house front door. I want to put out the "poison" candy jar. If you have seen my fall decorations could you buy them a bus ticket home? I will happily send you the money.
What a crazy five months it has been. I am ready for a little bit of boring. I appreciate my old apartment more now than ever. Knowing the location of nearly all my things was something I took for granted. I will enjoy finding a place for everything. I will put the seasonal items in neatly labeled boxes and smile every time I look at them. I will do all of this in what I call "future perfect world". I have a lot lined up in my "future perfect world". A lush tiny English type garden hidden in the back of my property, Fall dinners under my big Pecan tree on crisps nights and we will eat butternut squash soup out of pumpkins, an imperfect white picket fence surrounding the front yard with heirloom yellow (drought resistant) roses growing all over it. It all may not happen, but isn't it lovely to think it might?
Yesterday, I took off the ugly aluminum screen door and painted the front door before I remembered to take a picture. I keep doing that. How will you know how fantastic the house looks unless you see the before picture?

Introducing Mr. Weenie B.

2009-09-21T00:00:00.000-04:00

Here he is all healthy and posing

Here is the sweety all sicko

It Just Happens

2009-09-11T22:31:00.008-04:00

I am blogging along daily and everything is grand, blog ideas come at me like crazy and then I have some big change in my life and my brain just shuts down and goes into survival mode. This time has been of all things a puppy. Yes a little dachshund has entered my life. He found me, I swear.

I was driving back from a lovely afternoon of walking around Lowes (that would be a grand time to me these days, Starbucks and Lowes...Woot!) I am driving through a little town and this thing runs straight at my car and I can tell it has no sense at all. People let their dogs wander around here all the time and I never stop, but this time it was different. I stop in the middle of the highway and put on my flashers hoping I am not killed by a semi while trying to save this little beast. He runs under my car and I call him, "Puppy!, Puppy!" I scoop him up and set him in my passenger seat and drive to the side of the road. I see him and think, he is a darling dog someone has to be missing him. I go to the local convenience store and give them my name and number and they take his picture and then I leave...

I get to my town and begin to really look at him. He is a very sad creature. Skin and bones, covered in ticks and fleas, ear mites, uncut nails, and I bet he has worms (he had worms). I decide that he found me and that he needed a good home. My home, I guess. I am a dachshund person which makes everything even more weird. Is there a list for Dachshund puppies that name all of the people that might want them? Do they have some type of Ontstar that notified him that I would be driving in that exact location at that precise time? I wonder, but then I realize that he did not learn to fetch or sit when I met him so I think he might have lucked out or he had friends helping him out. I really have no idea. Anyway it goes, he is here to stay. I named him Weenie Beenie after a hot dog place near my old work. I call him Weenie B. pictures are soon to follow.

Remember The Rain Boots

2009-08-19T18:17:00.002-04:00

It has not rained once since I got them. I think they are some crazy anti-rain thingy. I am really wanting to sport those babies around a little. Alas they have only sat here in the office mocking me. The other day the sky turned gray and I knew it would storm but it just passed over and the sun was out in a few hours.

Summer 2006 Family Memory

2009-08-17T00:00:00.003-04:00

A sister and I took the kids on a summer vacation in the Virginia mountains. We went to a cute kid friendly resort and had a great time.

The last day we took the kids to Luray Caverns in Luray, VA. My kids are older so they enjoyed the caves but my four year old niece well the photos I took speak for themselves.

I did not have my camera that day, it was broke so I borrowed my sister's camera.

Obviously, my niece was not a fan of the tour

Beautiful Scenery

Terror

Just Amazing

Just Flipping Out

We kept on walking because there was only one way in and out so there was no way to leave even though she was freaking out.

My son offered to carry her after a while and she calmed down as soon as she got in his arms.

Imperial Moth

2009-08-16T00:00:00.001-04:00

I found this moth yesterday in town. It was nearly dead so I took it home. They are not common to this area. I think this moth is so pretty, it has a wingspan of 4 1/4 inches.

I am taking pictures of it on it's back and then all of a sudden it tries to flip over and gets stuck like this. I think it looks like it is break dancing. Pardon my foot and my camera strap in the picture, but I just had to share it with you. (I need a pedicure)

Pink Saturday!

2009-08-15T00:00:00.002-04:00

Happy Pink Saturday everyone!

I have had such a busy week and I am so happy it is the weekend. I am going to drive to Purcell this afternoon to have dinner with a long time friend. I have know her since I was 14!

Tell me what you have planned for the weekend. Someone asked me last week about the part of Oklahoma that I am located. The closest town I can tell you is Ardmore. So I guess I am South Central OK. Not too far from my native Texas!

Go over and say hello to Beverly and check out all the other pretty pink blogs this week. Sorry that I do not have any pink farm animals this week but stay tuned to Sunday's post I have the prettiest Imperial Moth pictures.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-08-14T00:00:00.002-04:00

Photos I have taken over the years

Getting Ready For Homecoming

2009-08-13T09:43:00.005-04:00

It is time to get ready for fall and the high school homecoming. I love homecoming, the bells, ribbons, sparkle and all that. I get really into it. I made all of my own mums when I was in school .
This was the display for the trinkets to choose from last year, I wanted to make something different.

I took an old picture frame and cut Styrofoam to fit inside and then covered it with red fabric

I then secured the Styrofoam to the frame by stapling ribbons across the back

I hid the back of the frame with fabric and then hung the frame from the ceiling with red tulle

Here is a look, I will show you more when everything is done.

These are my favorite mum trinkets, I love the way they sound when they blow in the wind and make a clinking sound. Is homecoming a big deal where you live?

Worth the Wait

2009-08-11T10:37:00.008-04:00

I am so excited guys! This might not seem like much but I got new rainboots. I have been waiting and waiting because I just do that and I finally got THE boots I know I will love for a long time. They were seriously on sale, I am talking crazy cheap. I love the Lilly Pulizter vibe too. I took my friend's daughter to look for school clothes today and saw these and just about started to jump up and down screaming. I was THAT excitied.

I will use them for so many things like...

Helping my friends feed all of their beasts...

The cows

Dan (I love this picture of him)

The baby

He was very curious about my camera.

They also have two other horses.

There is Gary the Donkey.

Sometimes they have hogs and lambs.

My boots will be so handy for that and there is also

Gardening

Yes I will use them then too.

What other times can I use them?

Oh yes....

When it rains

The Lucky Rose

2009-08-11T01:00:00.000-04:00

A friend owns a great store in our town called The Lucky Rose.

She allowed me to snap a few photos of all her cute things.

I want to be just like her when I grow up.

Recluse Couture

2009-08-10T01:00:00.004-04:00

I grabbed a vase to make a bouquet the other day and found this Brown Recluse at the bottom. It is about the size of a silver dollar. I let it drown in the water feeling little guilt as I have been bitten twice in my life.

I am not afraid of most creepy crawly things but spiders (and snakes) really creep me out. Even though I was certain it was dead I still wanted to jump out of my skin the entire time I was taking the pictures.

If you see a spider with these markings do not go near it. It is poisonous and a bite can be dangerous . I am sorry if you find these photos upsetting. Please understand that my only intention is to educate others about spider safety. I just do it with a backdrop of glittery pink tulle, oh la la.

A Money Tree

2009-08-09T01:00:00.003-04:00

A conversation was started about our local animal shelter. I am telling this story second hand so it might not be exactly correct but here is my version...

"We need something for the community animal shelter."

"You need more money, for something? You know, I don't have a money tree."

That is where I came in. The person requesting the funds came to me and asked if I could make a money tree for him. He wants to give it to the other person as a lighthearted joke. He even brought me the money and a few branches to get me started. How nice!

After he leaves I have to run to the neighboring town to make a delivery. On my return trip I spot the perfect little dead tree for my project. I drive on trying to convince myself it is silly to stop. People are very friendly and helpful around here and I know if I stop my car on this road, with little to no shoulder, someone will stop and ask me if I am having a problem. I know it will happen. I finally decide that I have to go back because that perfect little dead tree will keep nagging me if I don't.

I drive a mile past the tree until I find a safe place to turn the car around. The tree is in a little ditch and I cannot park right beside it. I have to park about fifty feet away and walk back to the ditch. The tree is dead but still attached to the roots so I have to break it off at the base. A man in a red truck passes me as I am ripping it out of the ground, he hits the break lights. I think, "Oh great, oh great, I bet he thinks I am having issues" I get my tree and begin to walk back to my car when he pulls up and his passenger rolls down the window and says, "Are you having some sort of trouble?" I smile and say, "Well, I was until I finally got this tree out of the ground." I then explained where I work and why I needed a dead tree. I don't think he thought I was any less crazy than he assumed I was before he stopped.

I get back to the shop, trim the tree and it really was the perfect thing for the project. The money tree requester said he liked the end result and that was that. So remember that Sometimes the craziest dreams can come true with a little hot glue and a dead tree.

Pink Saturday!

2009-08-08T00:00:00.004-04:00

I have joined the cool kids and I am a part of Pink Saturdays. Go over and say hello to Beverly and check out what pink treasures you might find. What a fun idea.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-08-07T00:00:00.000-04:00

Photos I took last week

The Little Czech Bakery

2009-08-06T01:00:00.001-04:00

If you ever happen to be driving on I-35 in Texas between Dallas and Waco you have to stop in a little town called West, trust me.

They make almost every type of bake good you can imaginebut the thing they are famous for is a Czech item called a kolache.You can get a savory one with meat and cheese.

You may choose a sweet one with fruit and cream cheese.

You can get a sugar cookie in the shape of Texas, of course you can

You can also get pickled pigs feet and pickled eggs. I bet you cannot get those at your average bakery

Their slogan is, "Delicious is our business", isn't that cute.

I get the same kind of kolche every time. Link sausage and American cheese, is my favorite. It reminds me of my childhood. I am not a fan of the sweet kolaches, the fruit masks the smell and texture of the bread and the bread is my favorite part.

Pineapple Upside-Down Cake

2009-08-05T00:00:00.002-04:00

I made a pineapple upside-down cake last weekend to celebrate my sister and father's birthdays. I did not take pictures of all the steps because I was a cheater and used a box cake instead of a basic yellow cake recipe.

My lame excuses for cheating are:
1. I am not at my own house so I did not have all the ingredients.
2. My mom does not have a stand up mixer.
3. Everyone here likes box cake and I knew it would be a hit (why risk it).

If you make it from scratch use this Smitten Kitchen Yellow Cake Recipe
it is delicious! It works well combined with the brown sugar and pineapples.

I do not even have an exact recipe, I guess I need to work that out and post it sometime.
Here is the basic idea:

In a 10" Iron skillet I melt 1 stick of fresh* unsalted butter on medium heat burner. Once the butter is melted I add 1/2 cup or so of brown sugar. Let the sugar and butter come to a bubble and then remove from the heat. Gently place rings of pineapple in the pan and add maraschino cherries inside each pineapple ring.

Pour cake batter over pineapple slices in skillet, spreading carefully. Bake at 350° for 40 to 45 minutes, until golden brown and cake springs back when lightly touched in center. Cool in skillet on rack for 5 minutes; loosen edges with butter knife. Hold serving plate over top of skillet; invert and shake gently to loosen cake. Lift off skillet.
Enjoy!

*make sure it is fresh butter because older butter will make the entire cake taste off

Fuego, Fuego, Fuego!!!

2009-08-04T00:00:00.005-04:00

I went to a local Mexican place to have lunch on Monday.

I ate lunch and then ordered a yummy Margarita on the rocks.
All of a sudden a guy runs out of the kitchen yelling "Fuego, Fuego, Fuego!"
The Kitchen was on fire!

Everything was put out before it got to the seating area and they were back open a few hours later. If you ever are in Waco, TX try La Fiesta, it is very tasty. I think you will have a "Fuego, Fuego, Fuego" free experience.

Honey, Where is My Lucky lighter Fluid?

2009-08-03T01:00:00.002-04:00

I was walking through the HEB grocery store with my mother on Sunday and I saw this...I can understand the plastic silverware, it makes sense.

Paper towels are fine.

Moist Towelettes, Great if you are having ribs.

Going a little too far... stick with the tested brands.

Over the edge

Crazy

Cloudy With A Chance Of Cotton Candy

2009-08-02T01:00:00.003-04:00

I am so thankful for the beauty that God has graced upon this world. While driving through town on Thursday, this is what I saw. Is it just me or do you also find clouds amazing? I guess I am not used to seeing the open sky anymore after living in the city for so long. Now, go outside, take a look up and blog about what you see.

What do Jelly, Light Bulbs and A Clock Have in Common?

2009-08-01T01:00:00.005-04:00

They all belong in a housewarming basket, of course!

A customer, Pam came by the shop today with a request to put together a housewarming basket for her long time friend. She brought two packets of light bulbs, two jars of jelly and a clock.

When they were young ladies just starting out, money was tight. Her friend only had one light bulb that had to be moved from room to room. Her glasses were cheap empty jelly jars and she did not own a clock.

Pam wanted to make sure that her friend could start out on the right foot in her new home and she wanted to remember all the things they had gone through together in the past.
I certainly would appreciate such a sweet and thoughtful gift.
(Garden Club jelly glasses are really great if you did not know. They are the high class jelly jar in my book. In fact, they are my favorite glass and I plan to have a collection soon. I have a whole post planned on them too)

As I was getting together the basket Pam said "Hey, it is happy hour!, do you want something?" and for a second I forgot what the term "happy hour" means in a small town. I thought, "What? I am working" and then I remembered where I was. Happy hour does not mean let's go get a drink from a bar it means this.....

Pam went and bought us both drinks as I finished the basket.
Thanks Pam!!

Friday's Five Photos

2009-07-31T00:00:00.002-04:00

Photos I took at my family's property near Farmersville, TX last weekend

Last Weekend

2009-07-30T00:00:00.003-04:00

I went to visit family near Farmersville, TX.

One of my cute nieces

We picked mustang grapes

OK, so my sister picked most of them while I was off taking pictures.
She also made jelly while I took a nap.

I did not get any pictures of her mad jelly making skills, darn.

a birdhouse in the yard

As I was driving home I stopped to snap a few photos of sunflowers and
this horse ran right up to the fence and posed.

I had to take it's picture. What a ham.

I drove past this cute little town on the way home.

It is Howe, Texas.

What a fun weekend!!

What I Have Been Up To

2009-07-29T14:13:00.010-04:00

I am so busy doing things around the shop that I have had my creativity drained. I was just too flat out of energy to take photos or talk about what was going on. Here is a little bit of what I have been doing...

Buying Jewelry

Decorating Tables

Making Displays

And More Displays

Painting Walls Pink

And Yellow

And Navy

And Light Blue

Whew!!!

Making Pens out of flowers for the register

Learning Photo shop (very slowly)

Learning to make every type of bouquet, funeral spray and casket spray

And at the end of the day, this is sometimes how it looks, I fix it up to wreck it up.

I love love love my new job and I am so excited to share what I am doing with you!

Friday's Five Photos

2009-07-24T00:00:00.000-04:00

Photos I have taken over the years

Wedding Shower Decorations

2009-05-20T19:35:00.004-04:00

My friend Shel hosted a wedding party on Saturday so I made her these topiaries for the tables. I think they turned out quite cute.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-05-15T01:29:00.012-04:00

I am sorry, I have been so busy.

2009-05-11T19:05:00.003-04:00

I will be back to daily blogs on Friday. I have so much to share!!

Friday's Five Photos

2009-05-01T06:00:00.002-04:00

Photos I have taken over the years

Oh, Pardon Me, I Did Not Mean To Intrude

2009-04-30T06:00:00.007-04:00

On Sunday I pulled the weeds in the planting beds outside the office. I usually plant the flowers in the Spring and did not want to leave them flowerless this year just because I leaving.

I get to the big Cedar tree that has a bunch of Virgina Creeper growing up it and get busy pulling it down, well this little Robin is very unhappy about it and starts to Make loud Robin sounds.
It has a nest and protests loudly about my gardening. All of a sudden the other Robin comes at me. I notice that there is a nest and let go of the vine and plop to the ground. This a pretty busy street and police are very common. It just so happens that a police car is driving by at the same exact time that I fall. Oh great!
He stops and questions me thinking I am drunk or crazy. I mean, I am gardening on a busy street in Northern, VA, I am covered in dirt and falling to the ground. I explain everything he looks at like I am crazy and goes on. Thanks Robins, thanks.

I saved the best Robin picture for Friday's Five Photos. come back in the morning to see it!

I'm Not Going To Cry... I'm Not Going To Cry....

2009-04-29T06:00:00.007-04:00

My coworkers are so sweet to me. We are practically family. I will miss all of them so so much. I will be back in December to work on a specific project, but it will not be the same. I won't see them everyday like I have for the last six years.

They brought me a strawberry cream cake, yum!

Took me to dinner at a lovely restaurant.

We talked and laughed and really had a fantastic time.

They gave me presents

Thank you for everything both C family's, the H family, the three little ones that I will miss so very much, KL and everyone else that I have become close to. See you in December!! Just so you know...

“If ever there is tomorrow when we're not together.. there is something you must always remember. you are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. but the most important thing is, even if we're apart.. i'll always be with you.”

Who is kidding.. I cried.

My Morning View

2009-04-28T07:14:00.006-04:00

Yesterday's post at Rue's PB & J Life made me realize that I needed to show you something that I will miss very much. The view from my bedroom window.

When I am ready to go to sleep each night I turn off the light and then open the curtains so that this is my first view each morning. I really love it. I wish I would have taken a picture when it was snowing, talk about nice.
I am excited to see what my next view will be! Luckily, I can make my view anything I want at the next place and I am thinking Morning Glories. Lots and lots of Morning Glories. They are my favorite flower.

Downsizing the Wardrobe and Gross, Just Gross!

2009-04-27T08:11:00.011-04:00

This weekend I went through all my clothes and shoes and decided to give away anything that had not been worn in a year or any shoes with dust on them. Man I have a lot of clothes that I have not worn in a year and I am so ashamed of this!

All dusty!!
I put the clothes down in the laundry room of my building

When I returned an hour later half the clothes were gone

I am pretty proud of myself, it was a hard thing to do but I did it.

Swap Suprises

2009-04-25T06:00:00.002-04:00

I joined a Spring swap a few weeks ago over at Bakow Babble and my swap buddy was Angi at Funky Bag Freak . I am so lucky to have gotten such a sweet swap buddy! Take a look at all the cute things she sent me.

A sweet pea pillow! She made it!

Note cards!

Watkins lotions and lip balm!

Cute towels!

Godiva Chocolates and a Hoops and Yoyo card!!

Angi, You are so thoughtful and I am so glad to have you as my swap buddy thank you, thank you, thank you. Thanks to Cherie for hosting the swap too.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-04-24T06:00:00.006-04:00

Photos I have taken this month

Spring Starflower

2009-04-23T06:00:00.003-04:00

Sounds like a good Hippie Name. I took this picture in a church yard near my house and then immediately started to research it. I have never in my life seen a white flower with black stripes.

Ipherion uniflorum, is a native of South America in areas of Peru and Argentina. Spring Starflower is a vigorous, clump-forming bulbous perennial that has onion-like leaves and uniquely shaped, white or blue-violet fragrant flowers that resemble stars.

You may now carry on with your day.

New Address Book

2009-04-22T06:00:00.002-04:00

Isn't it cute!! I don't want to lose touch with one single friend when I move so purchased a new address book. Kelly made it for me and it is so cute. I picked out my own pattern and she lovingly made it for me by hand. I love things that are crafted with care and this certainly was.

Go by and say hi to Kelly at her blog posted up above or go to her Esty Shop.

When I add information in to my address book I always write everything in pencil so that I can easily change the entry if the person moves or get married. I hate having to cross out things.

My Favorite Chicken Salad and Labeling Food at a Party

2009-04-21T11:56:00.005-04:00

This is the chicken salad recipe that I make for showers or daytime parties. It is always a favorite. I print copies of the recipe to hand out because everyone always requests a copy. If you make it I suggest you also make copies on cute paper and hand them out if there is a request. It is that good, trust me.

Chicken Salad with Bacon & Grapes
Ingredients:
· 3 cups cooked diced chicken
· 4 strips bacon, cooked and crumbled
· 1 can (8oz) sliced water chestnuts, drained
· 2 ribs celery, thinly sliced
· 1 cup seedless green grapes, halved
· 1 - 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise
· 1 tablespoon parsley, fresh or dried
· 2 tablespoons finely minced green onions
· 1 teaspoon lemon juice
· 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger
· Dash or two Worcestershire sauce
· salt and pepper, to taste

Preparation:Combine first chicken, bacon, water chestnuts, celery, and grapes in a large bowl; set aside. In a small bowl, whisk together remaining ingredients; combine with chicken mixture, using as much or as little as necessary to moisten as desired. You may add a little more mayonnaise if you like a creamier salad. Chill and stir again before serving.

Tell me what you think and take pictures!

I usually serve it on ciabatta rolls that I get at Trader Joe's. I was not near a one when I made this for a shower last August so I had to use a chunky ciabatta rolls, we all turned them into open face sandwiches. The bread was just too tough.

Labeling Food At a Party

Have you ever been to a party and skipped trying something because you had no idea what it was? I certainly have. I always make up cards and place them near the tray so everyone knows what is being served. It is also another chance to add cute decorations to the table.

Sunday on the Chesapeake Bay

2009-04-20T08:55:00.007-04:00

I went to visit a friend in Maryland on Sunday. Their home is right on the Chesapeake and I took a couple shots to share with you. It was rather gray out but I think a rainy day near the water can be relaxing.

I made the roasted potatoes and brussels sprouts that I posted about before and pea salad. My friend's husband made grilled orange honey chicken and mudslides. I had never had a mudslide before, it was pretty darn tasty.

Pass On the Plastic Please

2009-04-18T06:00:00.003-04:00

If you know me at all, you know that I hate plastic bags with a passion. I would rather carry things in my arms than take a plastic bag. OK, I will stop being preaching (for now).

Anyway....

I am going to the Del Ray farmer's market this morning with my new shopping bags. They are called Envirosax. I love that they roll up into a little tiny package and can be thrown in my purse. When I need them they hold a massive amount of stuff and they are sturdy.

The most important thing about they is that they are darling.

Have a lovely weekend!

Friday's Five Photos

2009-04-17T06:00:00.003-04:00

Photos I have taken over the years.

I Think I'll Miss You Most of All

2009-04-15T16:30:00.007-04:00

Dear small dining room,

I will miss you. You have been my favorite room the entire time I have lived in this place. You have hosted a few parties, watched the family play games and talk over dinner. You have put up with so many changes over the years and not once complained.

Notice the lack of window treatments. For the first two years, I did not even put up curtains. Poor thing. And the the suitcases on the floor? I am not sure why I even took this picture, but now I am glad I did.

Yes, they are licking their plates. No, I did not mind it was my sister's birthday and we had such a fun silly time that night. I am glad I snapped a few shots.

Thanks so much for all the fun,

Ali

Fawn Lake

2009-04-15T06:00:00.003-04:00

My good friend MB invited me to her sister's lake house to celebrate Easter this Sunday. The house is on Fawn Lake in Spotsylvania County, Virginia. I had such a lovely time! We relaxed, talked, and then relaxed some more. We had a fantastic dinner of salad, steak, roasted potatoes, asparagus and dessert.

The view from the Living Room Window

Look at that blooming tree against the blue blue sky!

We took a boat ride around the lake and got to see more pretty views

The kids fished off the dock. They caught quite a few fish! All the fish were small so they went back into the lake to be caught another day.

I want to thank MB and the H family very much for having me over for the holiday!!

An Ideal House

2009-04-14T06:00:00.004-04:00

This house. I drove by it and immediately wanted it. I never took myself for someone that would go for a Colonial. OK, yes my first home was almost exactly like this house except it did not have the two middle windows, it had a covered stoop and it was light blue. Otherwise it was just the same. So yes, I like the Colonial style.

Perhaps I am stuck on the little houses I would draw as a child. All this house needs is a curl of smoke from the chimney, a lollipop tree and an awkward family of stick figures and I would be set .

This home seems happy, like it is smiling. I think that yellow is the perfect color for this place. If I owned it the first thing I would do is paint the door and trim. I think a midnight blue would be very pretty. I would also plant bunch of orange flowers and lavender.

I knocked on the door to request permission to take a photo but there was no answer. So if this is your home, I did try to ask...

If you had an ideal house what would it look like?

We Love to Window Shop and Say "Ooh la la!"

2009-04-13T06:00:00.006-04:00

I cannot remember how I ran across the Five Dollar French Market but I was instantly in love. I bought six of the darling spools of seam tape and I have a funny feeling I will back to get the remaining colors plus a bit of everything else. I cannot wait to take out one of these spools to wrap a gift for a customer at the store. Won't that be fun?
I would not call myself a Francophile but I have grown to love the French culture and style more and more. Perhaps the ladies over at the Five Dollar French Market will fully have me converted. I will post pictures of all the other lovely things I buy from them.
Au Revoir!

Happy Easter to You.

2009-04-12T01:00:00.002-04:00

There is not room for Death,

Nor atom that his might could render void:

Thou - Thou art Being and Breath,

And what Thou art may never be destroyed.
~Emily Bronte

Dear Friends,
I hope this holiday finds you full of love and joy as we celebrate this Easter.
Ali

The Island Vacation in My Dreams.

2009-04-11T06:00:00.002-04:00

These are beach pictures I have taken over the years and ever so heavily altered the colors :)

Friday's Five Photos

2009-04-10T06:19:00.009-04:00

Photos I have taken over the years.

Foxglove Flowers

2009-04-09T04:28:00.006-04:00

This is a flower shop in my neighborhood in the Farlington Shopping Center. It is such a fantastic florist! I adore the style, flower selection and all the colors. Since I do not have much to blog about right now I thought it would be nice to take some pictures of someone else's pretty things.

Ribbons!

I want to thank the staff at Foxglove for allowing me to post about the shop, it was so much fun browsing around and taking shots of all the pretty things.

If you are in the Northern Virginia or need to send flowers to the DC area, give them a call

(703) 820-3438

1535 N. Quaker Lane, Alexandria, VA 22302

A Fun New Camera Feature

2009-04-08T12:08:00.015-04:00

Scroll down to see some action shots of Gibbs spinning around and then begging for treats.

Nothing Interesting

2009-04-07T07:34:00.003-04:00

I know that my posts have been sparse at best but it is so hard to post about packing and cleaning to move. It is so totally boring. I sound like a teenager don't I. But it is true this waiting is getting me down. I do plan on doing a post about my favorite flower shop in this area, they have the most beautiful place and I want to remember it once I go.

The Cherry Blossoms have come and are on there way out. It was a lovely year for them too, I feel so happy to have seen them so many years. Next year I will not be sad to miss the cherry blossoms because they always bloom the same time the Bluebonnets are in bloom back home. I have not seen a Bluebonnet season since 2003!

So I realized that my new town will not have NPR!! I was really freaking out until I realized I can get it on Sirius. I love to listen to so many programs on the weekends. My two favorite are "The Splendid Table" and "A Prairie Home Companion". I have decided to go without cable in the house, I waste too much time sitting on the couch.

Anyway that is all for today.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-04-01T11:54:00.007-04:00

Wellness Wednesday

2009-04-01T09:12:00.008-04:00

I worked in a health food store for about three years so I know that I should be taking flax seed oil, it is so good for you. I could just never stomach the stuff the taste and texture grossed me out. I could make a salad dressing like the one at Whole Foods and it is pretty good but not something you want everyday. Well there is a little local heath food store near my house and they introduced me to Barleans Total Omega Swirl . Can you say yum? I add it to plain yogurt or I can actually eat a tablespoon of it all alone. I am totally impressed. I know you can get it at Whole Foods.

I chose the vegan berry swirl because well, it is berry and I love all things berry and is it also vegan. Honestly fish oil makes me burp and it is sort of fishy smelling. Dolphins or cats might not mind fishy burps but everyone else would be offended. I know it is gross but I can be honesty with you, we are close like that.

My Aunt Debbie and Tiffany Blue Paint

2009-03-31T10:57:00.008-04:00

Our family has had quite a blow this weekend. We lost my dear Aunt Debby. She was only 55 and it was a totally shock. She had a few health issues but had been taking care of herself and had even recently gone to the doctor and they said she was fine. I am done talking about her death I want to talk about her life.

As far as I can remember she has been there for me. When we were little my sister and I were her girls. When my cousin Keith came along that never changed, we were still her girls. She treated us like her own children and loved us without missing a beat. I want to talk about her more, there are so many great stories to tell, but right now it is too painful.

I know she would not want me to be so sad, she would want me to do things to occupy my time and clear my head. She always encouraged us to invent, create, redo, reuse and basically keep on keeping on. In fact, I am certain she would get on my case for the amount of tears I have shed, she was just like that. So I have still been doing things, mostly half hearted but I have been busy.

I love the magazine "House Beautiful" in the March 2008 issue they talked about color matching and they specifically mentioned matching a Tiffany box. I decided it would be a fun thing to do and try it out myself. What a perfect match! Behr is by far my favorite paint.

I think Tiffany blue will be a great accent color in the wedding section at the store and I did get the cardboard trays the other day at the thrift store. They are sturdy and were only .29 each, how can you pass up a bargain like that?

Sorry that the picture is so blurry, I took it in a rush this morning as I was running out the door. I plan on painting some pretty white scrolls onto the trays to tone them down a bit. See how well the paint matches the Tiffany box.

So... if you want this color here is the recipe. Remember accent color is the word with this one.

Thrifting Finds

2009-03-30T10:03:00.005-04:00

This weekend I had a forty dollar limit to thrift store shop. I found a pair of ice skates and a metal sleigh for Christmas decorations, A faded yet handmade blue and white quilt, a three tiered plate stand, a metal urn, three jewelry stands for the store, about 15 yards of upholstery fabric, a Matisse print in a the pink frame and three cardboard trays. I did also have two perfect cup and saucer sets and then I ended up dropping them, what a bummer.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-03-27T06:15:00.000-04:00

Hakensaw Boys

Hemingway House Cat

Mt. Vernon Trail- Alexandria, VA

Jimmy Buffett Concert

Lab Nose

In the Gloaming

2009-03-24T07:24:00.012-04:00

Everyday I tend to get a little nervous about the gloaming time. The day is done but I am not ready for the evening. If I am in the house and I have not turned on the lamps I find myself sitting the dark just thinking, "I am not ready for this". I will sit at the window and watch the sky turn orange to dark blue, then finally to black. Once the darkness takes hold I get up, turn on the lights in the house and things are better. I can settle down to enjoy the evening. That is how I feel right now. The sun has set on the life I built here and but my new life has not taken over. I have done a majority of the packing, started the cleaning and begun to say my goodbyes to those I will miss so much. I do find myself in the same mood as I have during the gloaming hours, I sit and again think, "I am not ready for this. It is too early". I know when I finally get the van packed, drive across country, get the house ready and move in I will not feel this way. I guess it will be exactly the same thing as getting up and turning on the lamps. It just has to be done.
I want to her from you. tell me about a time you felt this way too.

Friday's Five Photos

2009-03-20T07:00:00.003-04:00

Five photos I have taken over the years

I Have Dishes

2009-03-19T00:29:00.007-04:00

When I married in 1992 my mother gave me wonderful and practical gifts to start my new home.

A sturdy used sewing machine

Well loved cast iron skillets

12 place settings of white dishes with embossed fruit that she bought at the local Brookshires grocery store.

I could sew, cook and entertain, what else does a girl need?

Well, time went by and the marriage did not last. The husband took the skillets and sewing machine. I guess he really wanted them. No matter what, they have been replaced and all is well. Thankfully, he had no interest in the dishes. I was at a Goodwill in 2000 and found a set of dishes almost exactly like my first set so I bought them for ten bucks. The new set was made by Gibson and sold at Target in the late 90's. So I had a 20 piece set give or take since a few dishes had been broke throughout the years. I was happy happy happy with the them.Then in 2003 I got an insane cat that loved to jump on the counter or table and knock down dishes. All of a sudden my set started to dwindle. I had a quest to scour the world to obtain as much white embossed dishes made by Citation or Gibson.I have done it. I have really done it. I have 30 place settings, a turkey shaped soup tureen, 4 serving dishes, four platters, salt and pepper shakers, a teapot, sugar bowl, creamer and the butter dish (not pictured). In short, I have plenty of dishes. I will now stop looking for them at thrift shops.

Maybe...

Roasted Rosemary Brussels Sprouts and Red Potatoes

2009-03-18T07:08:00.014-04:00

I am always trying to find interesting ways to add more cruciferous vegetables to my diet and this has become a fast favorite. I can read your mind. You are saying, "Brussels Sprouts... gross, no way". That is what I thought too before I learned that roasting turns them into little bites of yum. I am a big fan of Ina Garten so I trusted her when she said that roasting them made all the difference. You end up with a nutty, crunchy, caramelized sweetness.

I added rosemary, red onion and small amount of red potatoes to make it more of a meal than just a side dish. The texture of the potatoes give the dish a nice complexity but should not be the star. Use twice as many sprouts as pieces of potato. I have tried it before with garlic cloves but I think the garlic was a bit too bold and took away from the fresh rosemary flavor.
Brussels sprouts
Red potatoes
Small red onion
Fresh rosemary
Olive oil
Kosher sea salt and cracked black pepper

Place your roasting pan on the middle oven rack and then preheat the oven to 425. A preheated pan gives a better sear to the vegetables and the cooking time is greatly reduced.

Chop all the brown ends off the sprouts and cut the larger sprouts in half. Put all the yellow or dried leaves off and discard. Once you have chopped the sprouts you will have extra leaves that have fallen off, do not throw them away, just add them to the bowl with the other ingredients. Once they cook they will add a nice tasty crunch to the dish. Chop potatoes into cubes that mirror the size of the sprouts. Cut the ends off the onion, quarter and pull apart the layers. Pull the leaves off 2-3 sprigs of rosemary and put all the ingredients in a large bowl.

Pour enough olive oil into the bowl to lightly cover vegetables, add salt and pepper and lightly toss.

Carefully transfer ingredients to the hot pan in a single layer. Flip vegetables after ten minutes and then check every ten minutes until potatoes are tender and sprouts are fully roasted. Do not overcook or the sprouts will end up soggy.

A Few Pictures From The Weekend

2009-03-16T07:28:00.006-04:00

I had a pretty low key weekend. I bought a new camera, the verdict is still out on if I will keep it. It is just not my camera. I am sure I would get used to it in time but I am not impressed so far.

This is the view from my bathroom window, It is a nice view while brushing my teeth.

One thing that I did do was decorate the door. I know I will just have to take it down in a couple weeks but coming home to a pretty door makes me happy. I bought the wreath the week I moved into this place and I have had it on the door every spring since. You can tell too, it is getting a little worn. I am so excited that I will have the freedom to paint the door at my new home, so so excited.

The rest of the weekend was spent packing slowly, I cannot get super motivated. I still have a month and a half to go but I want it done now. I want to spend my last month spending time with friends and cleaning.

SAME CAFE

2009-03-13T07:53:00.005-04:00

I am sure you all have seen something about the SAME CAFE on television but I want to talk about it.

A cafe that allows it's customers to pay in donations or by volunteering. What a nice concept. Not a handout but a handup. The news report actually made me tear up.

After working at the Salvation Army for a few years I found that giving someone food was fine but the people that volunteered even a little bit were happier about receiving food. I think it is a matter of respect and letting some say "I am giving back,I am trying".

You know the whole saying give a man a fish...teach a man to fish concept. I love it. If you want you can donate a little something something to them through paypal on their website. Even if it is what you would pay for a couple lunches, I bet it would help. I hope they don't mind me swiping the logo, you know how I hate posting without a picture.

I Am Moving From The Big City!

2009-03-12T08:32:00.008-04:00

That is my big news. I am moving from the Washington DC area to south central Oklahoma. I know big news huh! I think it is time to get closer to home and start a new life, I am ready. I will be living in a very small town of about 3000. There are so many things that I am excited about and yet sometimes I find myself having mini panic attacks. I think in this economy...really? Stay where you are do not shake things up, but the time has come for a change. I don't really belong here, it is not my home. Sometimes I feel like I am lost. Things are more simple there and I think that I need a little simple living for a while. If I need a big city fix I can just pop down to Dallas for a night on the town.

There are so many things I will miss about this area. The hiking is great, I can be at the Blue Ridge Mountains in less than an hour. I will miss hiking on the Appalachian Trail. I will miss all my friends, the monuments, the seasons, my job and my apartment. I will miss the 150 yr old Oak tree outside my place. It has always been a good friend to me.

I will miss the Cherry Blossoms

I will miss the big old Dogwood Tree

I will miss this tree. Anyone know the name of this tree?

I will miss the Saucer Magnolia trees.

Isn't it funny that I will miss certain plants so much? There are so many people that I will miss much more but it is easier to tackle the goodbyes to things that cannot say goodbye back. OK that is enough for now. More about the big news soon.

A New Look and My Lost Camera

2009-03-06T09:10:00.008-05:00

Hello Everyone! I am back and since I hate putting up posts without pictures I will use photos I already have. I took this the Spring of 2007. I love how Bleeding Hearts look like little lockets, alien lockets perhaps.

I hope you enjoy the new look! Laura at DoLollies was so patient and wonderful with me. Thank you so much Laura!!

Also.... I am sorry to have been gone so long, I had some things to sort out and then my camera disappeared. I have not been doing many projects since Christmas but that will soon change and I will be posting like crazy, I am so excited! There are going to be some big changes coming in my life soon and I am thankful that I will be able to share my journey with you. I will give you more info as soon as all the details are worked out.

I will not give anything away yet, but I can say this... I know that everything I have experienced in my life, good or bad, has led me down the path I will be heading down soon. I have a clear vision of my goals and it is going to be a good life from here on out.

The lost camera thing.... I am not certain where my camera went. The last place I remember seeing it was in a bag that I checked at the airport. I forgot to grab it and put it in the carry on and I have not seen it since. Either it was taken out of my bag or I have lost my mind and it was never in the bag to start. No matter what I am cameraless. I feel like my dog ran away.

The Nemo Tree

2008-12-18T16:30:00.001-05:00

A friend Nemo painted these little paintings. I bought them over the summer and decided to use them for the office Christmas tree. I think it is so fun. Go over and say hi to Nemo at The Soon-To-Be-More-Famous Artist Named Nemo. I really love the idea of taking non holiday items and making them festive.

Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange 2008

2008-12-16T17:52:00.007-05:00

Thanks so much to Tracey for hosting the Virtual Christmas Cookie Exchange.
Let's go over and get some yummy recipes.

Whew! I Am Busy This Week

2008-12-16T09:50:00.001-05:00

My holiday time in Virginia is winding down and I will be spending the remaining season in Texas with my family! I am so excited and will be posting from the road.

Today and Wed will be so crazy with a huge project at the office and the fact that I still have not packed (or washed) a thing. I am finding myself in a semi self induced panic state.

So... even with all the craziness I will take a few minutes tonight and sit in the dark watching the Christmas lights. I will take a chance to remember that the Holiday Season is meant to be about peace and joy and the hustle and bustle is a huge contradiction to the whole thing. I hope that you are taking the time to do the same for not only yourself but for all the ones that you love.

I Like To Stir The Pot

2008-12-12T13:34:00.009-05:00

Not the bad dance move where you rotate your arms in front of you clockwise, as if holding a big spoon with both hands and stirring a pot. Nope... not that stirring.

I mean this stirring I find it relaxing as anything. I have all these questions about why.

What is it? Is it some genetic throw back to the days when my ancestors spent most of the day cooking and stirring? Is it only a female thing? I want to know what you think. Tell me all about it. Anyone out there feel the same way?

Holiday Treat

2008-12-12T13:20:00.002-05:00

Growing up this treat was a must for the holidays. It has a light fudge taste and then the texture of the oatmeal is great. If you have never had this cookie you must give it try, you family and friends will be impressed.

CHOCOLATE OATMEAL COOKIES (No Bake)

1 stick butter
1/2 c. evaporated milk
2 c. sugar
3 tbsp. cocoa
1/2 c. peanut butter
1 tsp. vanilla
2 c. oats (uncooked)
Melt butter. Add to evaporated milk. Pour over sugar mixed with cocoa. Stir. Boil over low heat for 1 minute. Add peanut butter and vanilla and mix thoroughly. Pour uncooked oats in the pot and stir until Incorporated fully. Drop by tablespoon on wax paper.

We also had something called potato candy. If you have ever had it you know that is it just about the sweetest thing under the sun, the thought of it makes my head hurt a little. Potato candy is my sister's specialty since it is tricky to make and I am not willing to fool with it. Maybe she will do a demo for us when I get home :)

Holiday Home Tour 2008

2008-12-10T07:23:00.002-05:00

Tracey at Notes From A Cottage Industry is hosting a Virtual Holiday Home Tour. Come along and let's have some fun seeing what everyone has done to make the season special.

My 2008 Holiday Theme is...

2008-12-08T15:01:00.008-05:00

Do It Yourself Darnit!

Yesterday was design your own cupcake and today is make your own snowman.

Next thing you know it will be wrap your own present.

I came up with idea for these little snowman cuties for the company Christmas party.

"Hello"

"Hello" (x2)

"Hello" (x3)

They are super easy to put together. Here are the materials.

White card stock

Multi-color card stock for hats (patterns are fun)

Crayons

Glue

Embroidery floss for the scarves

Pom-poms, buttons and felt

I think sticks for arms would be super fun if you have kids or the time to search out perfect tiny snowman arms.

They make great cards if you make them small enough to fit into envelopes.

Cupcake Bar

2008-12-08T07:32:00.010-05:00

We had our company Christmas party on Saturday and I planned to make cupcakes. After reading the latest issue of Southern Living I stole the idea for a design your own cupcake bar. I made four types of cupcakes, vanilla, spice, dark chocolate and milk chocolate. Three types of frosting, vanilla, chocolate and peanut butter. I put sprinkles in small mason jars and decorated them with ribbon. It was a fun activity and I did not have to frost 70 cupcakes!

2008 Holiday Home Tour

2008-12-03T09:18:00.009-05:00

I reused all of the decorations from 2007 but changed them up just a bit. I spent $6 for new lights for the trees , $12 for fresh greenery and $12 for 6 new mercury glass ornaments.

I bought these birdies last year but they all had red eyes and beaks. They looked like Satan's little evil pets. I thought about buying a few more for Halloween, they were really scary looking. I replaced the eyes with black beads from an old necklace and painted the beaks black, all better.

I had a bunch of fringe left over from a project a few years ago so I decided to hang it up around the house, not traditional but if you know me at all it is not surprising

I took wire baskets and piled a ton of lights in them, It is the lazy girl's way to decorate with lights. You never need to untangle them and they give an artsy look to any surface.

I took LED lights and put them in this container.. make sure you do not use lights that put off heat in a enclosed container, can you say fire?

Merry Christmas Everyone!!

2nd Grade Art

2008-11-26T07:48:00.005-05:00

My oldest painted this when he was in 2ND grade he is now in 10Th. Each Thanksgiving since this has been proudly displayed on the fridge. You ask why this is so precious to me? Well he was never the type of kid to enjoy group art activities. If they were coloring in class, he would do what he called scribble scrabble and be done with it. He thought he was to cool for baby art like coloring and finger painting. If they had to write a story and draw pictures to go along with it. It would go like this.... "Army guys killed the vampires and they all had guns, war war war, bombs and fighting". The pictures he would draw would be of scary monsters, vampires and explosions. I was usually mortified when he brought home his homework. I was a no toy guns, be nice, love each other, vegetarian mother so when he turned into Mr. fight war kid I was shocked. He drew an entire war scene, with tanks, on the dining room wall (twice) when he was 4 . He would eat toast into the shape of a gun. I was worried about him. I started talking to the other moms at playgroup and it turned out that many of them were dealing with the same thing. I just kept him from going too far into the dark side and always refused to let him have toy guns and he has turned out to be a good kid.
Anyway, all I am saying is "I love this" and I am going to have it framed.

Too Good For The Apple Butter (updated)

2008-11-25T15:27:00.013-05:00

I have always wanted to make apple butter but it scared the heck out of me. After seeing it on another blog I realized the crockpot was the trick. Yay! A customer came by the office and gave us these apples. They are really wonderful. I talked to the customer and and she told me that they are not from Arlington but are actually from West Virginia. My mistake...

I got started peeling and chopping while listening to a radio program. I peeled the first apple and the smell was so wonderful I could not help taking a bite. It was at that moment that I realize it would be a terrible waste to use these super tasty apples for apple butter. So these babies went in a bowl on the table and try to refrain from chomping them all in one day.

Ok... let' start all over with these .69 cent a pound apples from the grocery store. They are not organic, I know that is not good. I really figured it would be a total flop the first try so I went with the cheap ones.

Peel, peel, peel, chop chop, chopity,chop, chop chop, measure and then measure again...Time for the crock pot. Six hours on low with the the lid on. G' night apples, night crock pot. I wake up to the best smell ever. At 5am I jumped up and ran to the crock pot just like a kid on Christmas morning. I was too groggy to take any pictures but the apples had turned a light brown and were very soft.

Next was the crock pot's field trip to the office to finish cooking.

After Four hours of cooking with the lid off and stirring often. I pushed the apples through a strainer to remove seeds or skin that might have been left behind. Added the cinnamon, cloves and Maple syrup and back it went in the crock pot for 2 more hours.
I then scooped the apple butter into 8 ounce jars that had been boiling in a pan for about 5 minutes. Placed the lids and rings on the jars and inverted them onto a clean towel to seal everything. This is not an official method of canning so the jars had to go in the fridge after they had cooled completely.
I got the main recipe from the The Farmers Wife and I did a little changing to suit my taste buds.
CROCK POT APPLE BUTTER
16 cups peeled and cubed apples
1/2 cup B grade maple syrup (you can get this at the health food store)
1/4 tsp. ground cloves
1 tsp. cinnamon

Of course I took the nice customers that gave us the tasty apples a jar of the apple butter.

Happy Birthday Puppy

2008-11-25T09:59:00.008-05:00

It is the dogs 1st birthday! She is having squirrel shaped dog treats. Let me tell you they were a big hit, she jumped up and took it out of my hand, guess they are tasty or something.

Peanut Butter Puppy Treats
2 cups whole-wheat flour

2 tsp. baking powder

1 cup peanut butter (chunky or smooth)

1 cup milk

2 tablespoons shredded cheddar

Preheat oven to 350'F.

In a bowl, combine flour and baking powder and cheese. In another bowl, mix peanut butter and milk, then add to dry ingredients and mix well. Place dough on a lightly floured surface and knead. Roll dough to 1/4 inch thickness and use a cookie cutter to cut out shapes. Bake until golden brown 15-20 min. Cool on a rack, then store in an airtight container.

I got the basic recipe from Bullwrinkle.com but I totally changed it.

Bad Day Survival Kit Swap

2008-11-22T13:11:00.007-05:00

I join the Bad Day Survival Kit Swap and my swap buddy was Leah
I got A nice big mug and matching coaster for coffee, organic chocolate, 2 great magazines, fluffy socks, pretty pack of tissues, pineapple lip balm, a pretty little ornament for the tree and the sweetest note. Thanks so much to Leah and Crystal! How nice was this. Join a swap, it is fun!

My Very First I Cannot Give it Away!

2008-11-19T11:04:00.006-05:00

New Update:
Poor napkin holder you are too kitschy for your own good. Don't worry I will keep you and love you for all the days. Now dry your eyes with one of your cutely folded napkins and cheer up.

Original Post:
This little cutie is a napkin holder. It holds ten 5 inch paper napkins. The napkins are super easy to fold so you can reuse it as many times as you like. It will be perfect for baby or wedding showers. I want to share it with someone. Just make a comment and I will draw names out of a hat on friday.

Fashion and Function

2008-11-17T07:39:00.018-05:00

I have a tiny kitchen with only two drawers, and they are small. One for the silverware and the other for measuring cups and bulky utensils. Something had to go on the wall and this seemed to be a good solution. I use all these items often and now they are right at hand. I did replace anything that was not silver or black, otherwise it would have bugged me all the time. I actually use the hand beater. Really, get one, you will use it.So you are now saying, what is the point of this post? Well the point is... think about the things you choose to have in your home. Before I leave the store, flea market or yard sale I ask myself, "Will I use it or will it sit and collect dust?". Also use your everyday things as art. I generally do not buy expensive items because I realize that in my house it is going to get used, abused, painted or slip covered if it sits around long enough. I am not the type to save things for special occasions. Use the good towels and the fancy soaps while you can because the soap will go bad and the towels will soon be out of style. If you have pretty china, use it at least once a week, even it is to have soup when the kids are down for a nap. Wear your grandma's aprons and use her hand beater.It is the not only the memories you remember but it is also the memories you make that count. Oh and make it pretty.

Happy Birthday SG!!

2008-11-16T16:03:00.013-05:00

We had a birthday brunch for my good friend SG today. She and I are both from Texas so it was only right that we have a traditional country breakfast. Well... except the cupcakes, they are not traditional breakfast food, but I really had fun making them. and they did taste like coffee. If you are wondering? I am the head in the right top corner, with my eyes closed.... I borrowed the idea from Cherries Jubilee The cupcakes were a dark chocolate with a coffee butter cream icing and the smaller cake on the right was dark chocolate with peanut butter icing. I found the sugar pearls over at fancy flours.

I found this Texas serving dish a few months ago at a thrift store and had to bring it out today, it is a bit silly but I love it. I just notices that there is no gravy over in El Paso, poor El Paso.

Rainy Day Pie

2008-11-13T13:46:00.011-05:00

It is raining today, gloomy and sad. The puppy is whining because she wants to go out and all we have been cranky here in the office so I made a pie to turn things around. Who can be sad with a sunny walnut maple banana cream pie? Not a soul... Ok, I know banana cream in November is weird but we will all get our fill of pecan and pumpkin in a few weeks. I figured I would make it and let my critics (shifty eyes) eat cake.

The recipe is the based off basic Banana cream pie from my trusty (yet abused) Betty Crocker book.

Walnut Maple Banana Cream Pie

¼-cup cornstarch
¾-cup sugar
3 cups whole milk
4 slightly beaten egg yolks
1 T butter
1 1/2 tsp vanilla
1 baked and cooled 9 in. pastry shell
¾-cup walnuts
4 medium bananas
2 T reduced maple syrup

Separate room temperature eggs in a small bowl, Beat egg yolks lightly.
In a medium saucepan, combine sugar and cornstarch. Gradually stir in the milk. Cook and stir over medium-high heat until mixture is thickened and bubbly. Reduce heat; cook and stir for 2 minutes more.
Gradually stir in 1 cup of the hot filling into the yolks. Return all to saucepan; bring to a gentle boil. Cook and stir for 2 minutes more. Remove from heat.
Stir in butter and vanilla.
Layer bottom of pastry shell with three tablespoons chopped walnuts. Pour half the hot filling into the baked pastry shell. Top first layer of filling with sliced banana. Gently add remaining filling over banana layer. Let pie cool to room temperature on a wire rack.
Pour maple syrup in a small saucepan and bring to a light boil. Boil until is the consistency of corn syrup. (I cannot tell you how long it takes because I have never timed it.)
Top cooled pie with remaining sliced bananas and lightly chopped walnuts. Drizzle maple syrup over top to your liking.Cover and chill to store. Makes 8 servings

New Entryway

2008-11-12T12:43:00.012-05:00

I finally got the iron hands up. And knowing me I had to change everything. I had the paint and the pictures so it turned out to be a cheap project. I love it.

BeforeAfter

One More Picture from The Weekend

2008-11-10T09:24:00.002-05:00

I showed my coworker the pictures and she really like this one. She said it was Artsy-Fartsy. I thought I would post it this morning. I waited in the same spot for about 10 minutes for this little boat to go by. I started to get impatient and leave and now I am glad I waited.

What a Lovely Weekend

2008-11-09T15:32:00.009-05:00

Yesterday we went hiking on the Gold Mile Loop Trail on the Maryland side of Greats Falls park. It rained in the morning so not only were there fewer people on the trail but there was the earthy smell of the fallen leaves in the air. Fantastic!
Today was a great day for an early walk too. I got up threw on some clothes and took off to walk along the Mount Vernon Trail and listened to the "Prairie Home Companion". I walked fast enough to get my heart rate up but allowed myself to stop and snap some pictures. I am sure I looked crazy walking down the trail with a camera in my hand and on occasion laughing out loud to the radio program that only I could hear.

Flat Out of Ideas

2008-11-07T12:15:00.008-05:00

I need a little assistance from you. It is time to change this room. Due to a nasty, many many holes in the wall plumbing problem the walls had to be painted. There was no way to match this color. So now all the walls are flat white. Have you ever seen coral bedding in a white room, bleck. double double bleck. So what do you think? I want to hear your suggestions.
The floors are medium-dark hardwood.
The walls are staying white for now.

I think this is my favorite paint color of all time. It is Smokey Slate from Behr

http://www.colourlovers.com/color/95A59B/Smokey_Slate

Last Christmas

2008-11-04T13:19:00.013-05:00

Before I get started on Thanksgiving I want to post my pictures from last Christmas. Give a little room between this Christmas and last. Make sure you look at the last picture, it is fantastic.

Er hey guys.... anyone have a fire extinguisher? The trees look like they are in flames, but they are not. I am going to get some less bright bulbs this year.

Handy Key Holder

2008-11-01T15:15:00.007-04:00

I lose my keys ALL the time and it drives me crazy. I have been looking for something to hang right inside the front door to provide key retention services....

I found this cast iron wall hook over at Le Village Marche one of my neighborhood shops. I really love it and cannot wait to get it into place.

Halloween, Broken Fridge and Gibbs

2008-10-31T09:28:00.006-04:00

We are having a Halloween party in the office today so I made turkey chili, cornbread, white chocolate covered pretzels (they requested more fingers but I said no no no), and pumpkin cake. I had bought a really nice piece of cheddar (8.00 stinking bucks for a small wedge) to go with the chili. I had whipping cream to make fresh whipped cream for the cake.
I let everything cool properly, placed the items in bags in the fridge ready to be scooped up and brought in the office. I was prepared as you can get. I need a gold star and a trophy!!
I get ready and start to gather the food, when I open the fridge I notice it does not seem cold. I grab the bags and they are room temp. WHAT???? no no no no. The fridge broke.
We have no chili, no cornbread, no whipped cream, no yummy $8.00 cheese. The cake and pretzels survive. I feel like this.....

And then I walk into the living room and it seems that the loss of lunch and a broken fridge was too much for my jack-o-lantern. It had hurled itself from the end table onto the carpet. It was beyond saving, I can only tell you that he died with a smile on his face...This lovely lady is Gibbs she is such a darling and a very good sport, she makes the loss of lunch and the jack-o-lantern a thing of the past.

More Halloween! More More More

2008-10-30T10:46:00.007-04:00

White chocolate pretzel fingersI cut the sleeve off an old shirt and then hot glued it around an old glass

A Witches BirdcageThe before picture of the cage.

A Pumpkin and Leaves Hooray!

2008-10-28T15:33:00.002-04:00

Fall Decor

2008-09-30T08:51:00.009-04:00

What is the "poison" in the jar? why is candy corn... I am trying to fool myself!

Paint Brush Pops

2008-08-28T08:54:00.010-04:00

My Friend EA told me about great trick when you are painting. If you have to stop mid paint job just place the brush or roller in a plastic bag and then pop it in the freezer. The paint will not dry out and you can resume your painting once the brush has defrosted. It took about 2 hours for the brush and about 30 min for the roller to defrost. Thanks EA!Makes you want to take a bite, OK maybe not.

The New Old Dresser

2008-08-27T14:24:00.003-04:00

A few months ago I got this dresser for a song. It had been in a shed of a local lady for what I can guess by the insect traces was a very long time. The backing was coming off due to the extreme temperature changes and one handle was broken. Since there were no permanent insect guests and the bones were great, I decided to take it.

This is not the original finish. The owner had used a faux finish to make it look like stained oak, it was done with a lot of care, I was fooled at first. I am saving the drawer pulls for another project, they are fantastic.

I am a small town girl and love Shabby Chic since it reminds me of home. However, I am not fond of busy patterns and I do not trust myself around the light colors. I am a fan of clean lines and the simplicity of the city apartment look. Instead of sticking to a particular style I decided to just go my own way. I like to call my style "Urban Shabby Chic".
The tiny tiny dresser on the left was the original dresser for my room. You can see how much larger the new dresser is, I love it!