Chic and Shabby Home

New Blog Address

2008-12-08T06:48:00.003-06:00

This blog has been moved to shellyfrederick.blogspot.com I do hope that you will join me there!
~Shelly

Make Mine Pink Friday.....

2008-09-11T19:26:00.007-05:00

September, the harvest month...Summer is over and autumn has arrived!!!

~Cynthia Wickham

It's time to get ready for fall....

Fall is the perfect time to be outside...the weather is perfect for picnics, bikerides, football games and gardening! Birds will love dining from this feeder in your garden.

This was on a neighbor's lawn, I think the scare crow is tuckered out!

What do you think about the Gourd Hotel....now taking reservations! This is the perfect place for your feathered friends to weather the winter .

Welcome Fall....this arrangement has a grapevine wreath, birdhouse and pumpkin mixed in with fall flowers! It is fantastic and can easily be made after a trip to your local craft and hobby shop!

Adorn any entryway with the cheerful sights and splendid colors of a bountiful autumn harvest!
A plaid-clad scarecrow smiles a cheery greeting from amongst his colorful bower of leaves and flowers, welcoming guests with a happy hint of fall.

Fun at the Canton Fall Festival.

I think I'll make some apple cider this weekend.

Item of the Week...

2008-08-26T06:12:00.003-05:00

I'm looking for storage! Pretty Storage......I love this cabinet. I think that it'll be perfect to hold all sorts of things: books, linens or dishes! What do you think?

It's a little shabby and a little chic, don't you think?

Gotta Have Some Bling

2008-08-21T20:38:00.006-05:00

This Pink Friday we are focusing on bling, bling, bling! Lots of ways to add bling to your home decor. Look what we have to offer at Chic and Shabby Home we have several home decor and gift ideas for you! We hope that you will have a great day shopping!

Lush fringes and leopard print decorate a delightfully sassy lamp.

This Shabby Chic lamp is sweetened by sparkling acrylic “crystal” drops and a basketweave shade!
Glowing with an ornate allure, this candle lamp's highlight is a gold shade meticulously crafted with beadwork.
Beautiful burnished reds and oranges comprise the shade of this luscious lamp! When lit from within, the dazzlings beads bring to mind leafy autumn sunshine. Absolutely stunning!

Shabby Chic beaded candleholder. Lavish swags of glittering crystals turn the light into a dancing diamond display!

Jeweled candleholder! The beautiful look of cut-crystal without the high price! Acrylic with a metal candle cup.

Mini-chandelier votive stand. Uniquely beautiful tabletop stand boasts two hanging votive "chandeliers". Glittering crystals and curving lines delight the eye!

Sparkling "acrylic" crystal drops amid gracefully swooping arms on this distressed finish white metal chandelier. Transform candlelight into a dazzling dance!

This lovely lamp’s shade is bedazzled with gleaming amber beads.

Add a little BLING to your life!

Simple Pleasures

2008-08-21T09:56:00.004-05:00

Redeem
The time. Redeem
The unread vision in the higher dream....
~T.S. Elliot

Some days are redeemed by simple pleasures. I had a weekend of simple pleasures; swimming, the flea market, a birthday party, watching my niece and nephews chase fireflies in my grandparents yard; just as my sister and I did so many summers ago! Just simple fun!

Handstands in the pool...doesn't water go up your nose?!

Back to the diving board!

Perfect way to spend the day!

Favorite flea market find of the weekend! Beautiful colors.

Beautiful inside and out!

Take the gentle path. ~George Herbert

Vintage Inspired Linens

2008-08-15T06:58:00.008-05:00

Do you love linens too? I think that we all have favorites in our collection...here are a few of mine.

I have a special fondness for tea towels. I have some patterns that I want to embroider this fall.

This set is so cute, I love teacups and saucers, they are such a fun thing to collect.

My grandmother always carried a hankie. I love them, too!

Hope you have a great weekend! We have fun family things planned, a birthday party, swimming......and the flea market. Maybe I'll find a few linens!

Item of the Week

2008-08-11T12:15:00.004-05:00

I like to post an item of the week because it gives me a chance to highlight things that you might not have noticed, but could probably use!

I just love this table because it is so versatile! You can use it beside a bed or in a foryer, you can place it next to a favorite chair to hold a cup of tea while you indulge in a great book (we have some recommendations in our bookstore if you're looking for something new) or do some handwork. I love to knit and needlepoint, too.

Hope your week is off to a good start. It's hot and raining in LA (Louisiana) today. A good day to stay in and read or needlepoint! Maybe later.....

Take Care.
~Shelly

Grandfathers and Grandaughters

2008-08-04T07:57:00.005-05:00

My grandfather just turned 80 years old. This is him before we met! Right before he married my grandmother. Handsome man, then and now! He has always been a special person. We have so many great memories ~ I was the first grandchild and still enjoy hearing the stories my mom tells of her father. When she was in the hospital for the big event he planted a cherry tree for me! You see, she is his only daughter; she has two brothers, but that's just not the same now is it? Fathers and daughters have a special bond and lucky for me so do grandfathers and granddaughters. I am so grateful to have him in my life.

Garden Delights

2008-07-25T13:19:00.005-05:00

More Grows in the Garden than the Gardener Sows.

~ old spanish proverb

There is a little speck on top of this birdhouse........

It is a bird, not sure what kind. Do you know? Wish that I had the digi camera. The camera on my blackberry doesn't zoom as good as I needed for this shot....She disappeared inside the chimney!

Well hello in there! 3 sweet babies! I took my digi camera back a couple of days later, but the nest was empty!

Have a great weekend!

Adventures...

2008-07-21T09:17:00.002-05:00

The true adventurer goes forth aimless and uncalculating to meet and greet unknown fate.

~O. Henry

Hope you had a great weekend. We were super busy. Friday night we had a date and went to the movie and dinner! Fantastic fun!

Saturday morning we decided to go to one of our favorite fishing destinations. I was hoping to catch a bunch of blue crabs, I'm just not patient enough to fish, lately!!! We had a great time. The moon was full, we made a campfire and cooked outside. The man grilled chicken breasts and baked sweet potatos, we had wine and french bread to complete the meal! It was yummy!

We didn't get in until late last night, so I'll have to download my pics this afternoon and show you later.

I've been gathering supplies for a few projects. Hope to get started this week. I'll show you soon!

~Shelly

The Garden Path

2008-07-17T20:02:00.009-05:00

"Won't you come into the garden? I would like my roses to see you."

~ Richard B Sheridan 1751-1816

This Make Mine Pink Friday we are celebrating our garden paths! If you have ever looked at my blog before you know that I love my flower garden....it's something that I enjoy very much. I have stepping stones for paths and a few rock walls that border the beds. It is in constant change and I love the surprises.

And from one day to the next... you never know what you will find.

I aged this little angel to put into the garden and love it so much!If you want an angel of your very own, you can find it here.

The Sunflowers brought so much joy! Now they are feeding the birds! We have lots of birdfeeders for your garden; hope you find one that suits you and your guests! If you'd like a birdhouse we have those, too!

I'm thinking that these birdfeeders that I made in the spring were just the perfect size to get the birds interested in dining here!

Our fountains will make a beautiful addition to any garden.

Wishing you a great Pink Friday!

All my best...
~Shelly

Romantic Roses

2008-07-03T21:12:00.007-05:00

Time Brings Roses~
~Portuguese proverb

Bring understated elegance to your storage needs with this antique-finished cabinet delicately painted in soft pastels and paneled swith a graceful Victorian rose.

Delicate roses and leaves complement this delightful ivory-tone stand. Absolutely lovely when graced with your treasured plants!

Make Mine Pink Friday

2008-07-03T17:50:00.003-05:00

Romantically Roses.....that's the theme of this week!

Please visit Friday for our specials!

2008-07-01T07:56:00.005-05:00

Lovely July......with the evocative murmur of honey bees on the wing and the smell of sun tan cream.

~Cynthia Wickham

Can you believe that today is the first day of July? This year is going by too fast! We are making plans for a B-B-Q with the family for the 4th! Looking forward to the good food....and then going fishing Saturday! Should be a great weekend.

Did you have a chance to try the oatmeal raisin cookies? They are vanishing fast over here!

What are your plans for this holiday weekend?

Relaxation....

2008-06-30T09:08:00.005-05:00

Man is so made that he can only find relaxation from one kind of labour by taking up another.
~Anatole France

Did you have a chance to relax this weekend? I did a little treasure hunting and went to the fruit stand. We spent a little time at the book store and had a cookie with coffee. The cookie was so good I decided to go home and bake some! I added some dates in with the raisins. They were so YUMMY!

It rained on and off most of the weekend. But, my flower gardens need it so bad; I didn't mind much. It made the weeds easy to pull!

Have a great week!

Make Mine Pink Friday

2008-06-26T18:07:00.007-05:00

This Friday, we are decorating the Beach Cottage.

Welcome your friends with this sign.

These collector plates will be a great addition to your beach decor.

Along with this colorful lamp.

The details on this ship's wheel clock are fantastic!

Leaping dolphins in brilliant shades of blue provide the perfect aquatic accent to your bathroom! There are two sets to choose from!

A beautiful patchwork design sends happy dolphins leaping across your bathroom on high quality, ceramic tissue box, soap dispenser, toothbrush cup and bar soap holder.

I hope that you have a fantastic Friday!

The Beach Cottage

2008-06-26T09:03:00.004-05:00

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach; one can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few"

~Anne Morrow Lindbergh

I love the beach! Growing up on the Gulf Coast was fantastic. Spending summers at the beach with family and friends, I have such fond memories.

This Make Mine Pink Friday, we are going to celebrate the beach! Please come back and see what delightful things we have to offer!

Blessings

2008-06-24T06:36:00.009-05:00

When you arise in the morning, think of what a precious privilege it is to be alive - to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love. ~ Marcus Aurelius

I try and take a little time every day and show some gratitute for the blessings in my life. And, right now, I'm blessed with a mess! I'm working on getting organized! It seems to be a work in progress, though! I am always trying to find something that doesn't seem to be where I thought I'd put it! Like the extra rechargeable batteries for the digital camera! Can't find them!

How do you do it? I really do need all this stuff! I have taken more trips to the Goodwill this year than I care to count! Maybe those batteries were in one of the purses that I donated? Hmmm......I just don't know.

I thought that this week I would feature an item that is pretty and functional! I can put all kindsof stuff in here! Fabric, books, jars of buttons......

And, another blessing in my life...

The zinnia's and cosmo's have started to bloom! Those seeds have just taken forever! We planted them at the same time that we planted the sunflowers and they have been blooming since May!

I guess the good thing is that the flowers just keep coming! Hope you have a great week. ~Shelly

Welcome to Make Mine Pink Friday

2008-06-20T06:38:00.009-05:00

This weeks theme is teatime! I just love tea parties! Don't you? You can find these pretties, here! This sweet cherub makes a beautiful keepsake set! Today, I've posted some pieces that you can add to your collection.

This set of 3 teacups and saucers come with the stands for display. You can group them all together of spread them out!

This charming set is decorated with flowers and a sweet fairy!

If you love subtle charm, this blue and white set is for you!

This pink and white set with pretty flowers would make a perfect gift!

And, for us big girls....we all need one of these! This is so beautiful, it makes a great plant stand when you're not using it to hold teacups and saucers! Hope you have a great Pink Friday!

Thinking and Creating

2008-06-16T06:12:00.005-05:00

We think and live in our thoughts. That is what and where creating springs from.
~Alfred Muma

I had a great weekend. I was able to read a little, knit a little, bake a little. We found an Estate Sale (for another post) and even shopped a little! Then we visited one of the big box stores and found a wine tasting! We brought this bottle home to enjoy.

I have been thinking a lot about the kind of life that I am living and what's most important to me. It's the simple things. I enjoy finding an old piece of furniture and giving it a new life. Growing flowers in my garden. And, I would like to try veggies, too. I am going to build a square foot garden soon. Hopefully next weekend; the weather is just crazy! Let's see how little effort it takes to live a simple life!
Don't forget to check out our Featured Item of the Week! It's one of our most popular items and has been discounted for this sale! Also, shipping is only $10 no matter how many items you order.

Kitschy Kitchen Ideas

2008-06-12T22:17:00.004-05:00

Yummy homemade chocolate cake! The kitchen is almost my favorite room in the house! It can have so much personality. Today our Make Mine Pink Friday features kitchen ideas. Welcome your guests with a bold statement! Does your kitchen decor reflect a collection of some sort? Maybe a fun whimsical environment is your choice? I just love the personalities of these guys!

Don't you just love functional and stylish? And elegant? Chic and Shabby? A chandelier will set the right tone inside or out! You can browse our kitchen accents, here.

Hope you get some ideas for your Chic and Shabby Home! ~S

Happy Moments

2008-06-12T09:22:00.007-05:00

This week has gone by so super fast! I just can't believe it's already Thursday!

I was hanging out with my son, yesterday. He’s 22 and doesn't live at home any more. He comes by often, though; so when I get to spend time with him it's a pleasure. I just can’t believe how fast these years have gone by...

I met him to look at a truck he was interested in buying. I'm so proud of him. He works for a plumbing company and is going to school. I enjoy talking to him about his job; the projects that he works on are primarily new construction, so it's interesting to me, too!

He needed something newer than his '91 Honda wagon! (Not anyone's hand-me-down, he wanted a wagon; something about the trunk space and speakers. He looked long and hard and lucked up with one that belonged to an older couple; imagine that :~) who had taken meticulous care of it.) Well the speaker thing didn't last. I think he outgrew that phase faster than even he expected. The wagon has been a good car for a couple years, but he's ready to take on some responsibility, now.

So, he bought this truck! And bonus; Molly can ride in the back seat! She's gonna love that!

Cherish all your happy moments; they make a fine cushion for old age.
~Booth Tarkington

Don't forget to join me and my pink sisters tomorrow as we celebrate Pink Friday. Our theme this week is "Kitschy Kitchen Ideas". When you click the link you will see a list of the participants. You don't want to miss it!

Enchanted Places

2008-06-11T06:15:00.004-05:00

There is a garden in every childhood, an enchanted place where colors are brighter, the air softer, and the morning more fragrant than ever again.
~Elizabeth Lawrence
I look forward to playing in my flower garden. We've had very little rain here and have had to water frequently! When the sprinklers are on all the birds come to play at our house! I have had the most fun watching them. They splash and drink and call their friends to join them! I would like to add a birdbath and a fountain or two! I think that it'll be fun to have them in the garden and hope that the birds like them too! I have some great prices on the fountains in my store now, if you want to take a look, too! Happy Gardening!

Rule breaker?

2008-06-10T11:38:00.005-05:00

"It was a style of beauty, of which elegance was the reigning character."
~Jane Austen

Do you love to mix different styles? I do and I think it's so much fun! I was looking for something in my stash; and instead found these!

"If you obey all the rules, you miss all the fun."
~Katharine Hepburn

Hope you have a great day! ~S

Weekends are for...

2008-06-08T20:36:00.014-05:00

Whether you come to visit or just to rest, when you enter our door may your heart be blessed.

~Anonymous

Don't you just love summer and the fruits that she brings? I could not wait for this weekend and specifically peaches! I was planning to make a peach cobbler, but instead found a recipe that my grandmother gave me when I was just a girl. I had the most fun making her Fruit Pudding Cake. Maw-maw just wrote the recipe on a piece of paper when I visited during a summer. I have no idea how I have been able to hold on to it all of these years!

The paper is a little worn and can you believe that I got non-stick cooking spray on it, when I sprayed my pan?! geez, I guess that's what happens when you use these things! I am going to find one of those protective sheet covers and slip it in; soon!

I peeled about half a dozen or so peaches. Mixed my batter...she said that it should look like pancake batter, hmmm...

Pour the batter in the pan and then put your fruit on top. Yes, on top!

I baked my pudding cake at 350 degrees for what seemed like, forever! But, probably only 45 minutes or so. I waited until it browned and pulled away from the sides of the pan and then relied on the very technical toothpick tester! It came out clean!!! It's really dense and moist.

What do you eat with your homemade pudding cake? Here, we have yummy homemade vanilla ice cream!

I used the Cuisinart recipe. It's pretty good.

Your container should be frozen at least overnight. I keep mine in the freezer just in case!

now you gotta wait, wait, wait....

Just couldn't stand it any longer! Had to sample! Yummy! So worth the wait.

Now can I spend a little time with my summer read? Just a few minutes.....well, what's going on the kitchen, now?

The man is getting out all the spices. He's got a gift, the man can COOK!

Looks like a grillin' day! Whoohoo!

What's in the foil?? Hungh? Hungh????

Fresh salmon with rosemary from the garden! Oh, it's gonna be good!

Will you look at the rewards! We made a run to the produce stand and stopped on the side of the road where a farmer was selling corn on the cob! The Man puts them on the grill with their shucks still in tact. Oh so sweet and tender! He stuffed the pablano peppers with cheese and the zucchini is so fresh and crisp, sweet red peppers grill so good. And, the garlic he seasoned and wrapped in foil; it's just like butter in the pods! Melt in your mouth good!

The salmon was the best!

Dessert anyone? It was so good! What a perfect end to a meal. Hope you had a great weekend too!

Now, maybe I can get to my book!

Make Mine Pink Friday

2008-06-06T05:46:00.004-05:00

This week's theme is Father Favorites. What are some favorites of the men in your life?

We boiled crawfish this week. It's a "man thang" so I don't know exactly what all goes into our pot! I'm sure this recipe will get you started, though!

Back to Favorites...Mine likes to take a nap! Then grill something yummy to eat! These will come in handy or you might like these. Maybe sit outside and enjoy the summer afternoon.If the breeze is blowing you may hear sweet sounds. Or feed the feathered critters and watch them have a father's day feast!

When I asked The Man what he wanted to do next weekend for Father's Day. He brought up fishing! It was 93 degrees today!He thinks he may want to wait until it gets a little cooler! Thanks! We usually go to Grand Isle. He likes to fish and I like crabbing! I'll let you know how it works out!

In the meantime, this weekend, I am going to look for my grandmothers cobbler recipe. Peaches are everywhere and it's time for a peach cobbler with homemade vanilla ice cream! Yummy!

Hope you have a great weekend! ~S

Passionate Collections of....

2008-06-03T06:08:00.004-05:00

Each item in a collection has its own story, its own memory - the search, the day you bought it, who you were with, the vacation....

~Tricia Guild and Elizabeth Wilhide

What do you collect? Do you have favorite things that you have accumulated that you now lovingly display in special spots around your home? Did you shop with a goal in mind of a specific treasure? Or, did you just have that desire to browse and then.......all of a sudden you see it- over there- it's so beautiful, your heart begins to race, you don't even realize that you are moving closer to it! You almost let out a gasp when you turn it over and learn that you are definately going to get to take this one home!!! You casually embrace it as you make your way to the register. The shopkeeper has no idea what a treasure she gave away; but you do! You don't want to give away your secret, but it's hard not to just strut like a peacock! (we were raised that it is not appropriate to gloat, so we would never do that, but we would surely be excited about our good fortune!)

Are you a fussy collector too? I do not wish to diminish the value of the important pieces by simply aquiring more!

"One cannot collect all the beautiful shells on the beach. One can collect only a few, and they are more beautiful if they are few."

~Ann Morrow Lindbergh

The Fun of Foraging

2008-06-02T06:00:00.000-05:00

Can you feel it? It's that time, again. Yard sales, garage sales and weekend flea markets have geared up! I love it! Do you spend time treasure hunting on weekends, too? I also have a couple of antique shops that I love to visit. This one happend to be on my route when I ran an errand Saturday! Lucky me!

Appropriately named: Finders Keepers! Hmmm.....see anything you like? Me too! My grandmother had yellow chairs like the green metal one in front! Loved those chairs!

Is white wicker a weakness for you, too? Can't you just see a pretty floral cushon in this chair?

Vintage sheet music, anyone? I simply couldn't leave it behind! I think it may have come from a teacher's collection!

Pretty wooden spools. I believe that I am going to put my embroidery thread on them to keep it from getting tangled. What do you think? Maybe I'll just look at them for a while.

Sweet linens......and vintage Vogart embroidery patterns! I was so excited to find these! I started a pillow case last summer. Now, I'm inspired to get it completed so that I can embroider something else! What should I do first?

The whole thrill of junking is that you just know the next table will have what you've been looking for all of your life.

~Mary Randolph Carter

Springtime in Paris

2008-05-30T07:39:00.000-05:00

Soyez bienvenus au Printemps à Paris... or ....Welcome to Springtime in Paris! Thoughts of the Eiffel Tower, flea markets or brocante's fill my mind, first; then food and wine! On my plane ride to Albuquerque 2 weeks ago, I pulled the airline magazine out of the seat pocket and what a treat to find a cover article titled "French Perfection: Searching for treasures in the flea markets of Paris." I couldn't wait to read about the author's adventure. Yes, she just helped me confirm that I would like to see it for myself. Now I know that I am a chineuse (french for "one who antiques") and I'd like to put my passion to use in the flea markets - les puces - of Paris.

French styles set the mood for unique and timeless interiors. You can add charm to the kitchen with a red and white checkered chef cookie jar / cake plate and a quirky french waiter wine holder, discover the simple beauty in the sophisticated and stylish, wrought iron wall planter that draws its inspiration from elegant French chateaus. Add mediterranean hues to the garden with this antique/iron birdbath or birdfeeder.

For more inspiration you may enjoy The New French Décor: Living with Timeless Objects or My French Life.

Visit the Essence de Provence......These french cafe canape plates will be perfect to enjoy any of these lavender treats! Just reading the recipe's makes my mouth water!

If you have a copy of Romantic Country's May/June edition there is a similiar Lavender Sorbet recipe. I think I am going to pick some of my lavender and give it a try!

Pamper yourself at the end your day with a lavender bath set. There are several to choose from. Tasmanian Lavender, gentle lavender, lavender and sage or sophisticated rose and lavender.

Don't forget to get a French tee to lounge around in...long sleeve available, too! Ohh! la la...

I hope that you have found a little bit of Paris to bring home with you.

Happy Printemps à Paris - Springtime in Paris.

Guilty Pleaseures of Summer Time!

2008-05-29T09:21:00.000-05:00

There is a sun...a light that for want of a better word

I can only call yellow, pale sulphur yellow, pale golden citron.

How lovely yellow is!

~Vincent Van Gogh

This is just one of the sunflowers that are the fruits of my labor! I am so excited to get up and see them every morning and every afternoon when I return home from work. They just make me smile!

How are you spending your Summer Time, Summer Time...Sum, Summ, Summertime?

I just love to read and usually have 2 or 3 books going at once. But, when I found this one, everything thing else was left on the nightstand. It was so good. I took it to the ranch with me. I don't read a lot of fiction, so it was a real treat. The second book in the series was on a display in the bookstore. But, when it mentioned that there was a first, I had to track it down! Sometimes you just gotta start at the beginning! Marisa De Los Santos is the author, these are her first novels. I'm hooked.

And another guilty pleasure....knitting! I am knitting a scarf. Pink, because I love it! I am learning that we don't have much of a selection of yarn in my area. I took a knitting class right after I graduated from high school. It was taught in a fantastic yarn shop. But, I haven't knitted much these past couple of years. Until I came across this gorgeous pattern, I hadn't looked for much that my local craft store couldn't offer! Now, I am going to have to start ordering online, I guess. If you have any suggestions. Please let me know.

Long and Winding Road.....

2008-05-28T08:00:00.000-05:00

May your trails be crooked, winding, lonesome, dangerous, leading to the most amazing view. May your mountains rise into and above the clouds. ~ Edward Abbey

Took some time off and went to our ranch in New Mexico. It was 86 degrees the day before I left home in Louisiana and 47 degrees when my plane landed in Albuquerque! Totally different wardrobe required! Our ranch is closer to Santa Fe than Albuquerque but it's a nice ride from the airport.

Long winding roads.........

Check out this view! Our camper is 25 feet long but looks like a speck!

Guests?! These are the slow pokes that I was able to catch!

Cutie pie chipmunk! (Thanks to the zoom lens!)

This is my hummingbird feeder from last July! Thank goodness it survived the winter. Soon as I arrived, I made a syrup for them. You know the sugar and water one? (1/3rd cup sugar to 2 cups water.) They love it!

We were lucky enough to see a rare hummer pass through on his migration flight last year. I had a different digi camera and it wasn't fast enough to catch a shot good enough to share!

Can't you see these two in a commercial? They seem to be visiting; a couple of guys just hanging out!

Who's watching who???

What a sunset! The perfect end to a perfect day.

I'll show more pic's of my trip soon!

Everyday Epiphanies

2008-05-26T06:44:00.000-05:00

Today a new sun rises for me; everything lives, everything is animated, everything seems to speak to me of my passion, everything invites me to cherish it. ~ Anne de Lenclos

Banana Split maybe???

2008-05-12T19:17:00.000-05:00

An Empty Belly is the Best Cook.

~ Estonian proverb

Got the munchies......I do, gotta have something to snack on,

lets see what we've got and how we can put it together.....no time to cook. hmmm

peanut butter, bananas, chocolate pudding....yum, then I found the whipped topping and walnuts. I finished the fresh strawberries already but they would have been perfect on top too! .....I think this is going to do the trick.

I smeared chunky peanut butter in the bottom of my bowl, kinda like a pie crust, then sliced a banana on top....

now time for the chocolate sauce, um, I mean chocolate pudding. Still rich and chocolate-ey.

Then to top it off, whipped topping and walnuts! Gotta go!!!

Yummy!

Having New Eyes....

2008-05-11T19:54:00.000-05:00

The Real Voyage of Discovery Consists Not in Seeking New Landscapes But In Having New Eyes.~ Marcel Proust

I've been looking at this spot in my yard a lot lately. Mostly because it's the view I have when I'm sitting at the computer.....

Pretty dismal....so, I picked up a wrought iron trellis at the springfest with the expectation that I would put it in the middle of these bushes. There was one in the center years ago, but for some reason it just didn't do very well. Now, I have "new" eyes!

Maybe, I should work on the grass, now! Not nearly as fun!!! Still not finished.....I had this sweet cherub that I've been waiting to use in the garden. But, I'm going to make him look a little vintage.....with some help from Molly;

Lil Bit could care less!

After a tea stain; my garden angel is ready! I placed him under the hydragangea that my son gave me for Mother's Day. Perfect!

Creativity is seeing something that doesn't exist already.

~ Michele Shea

Spring is in the air....

2008-05-07T20:13:00.000-05:00

Just Living Isn't Enough, One Must Have Sunshine, Freedom and A Lot of Flowers!

I was so excited to see that UPS delivered this box! I have more plants and need a place to put them!!!

It only took a few minutes for me to put together!!!

Now, even before I put the plants in "real" pots, I've gotta give it a test run..........

Well yes, I do believe that this is going to meet all of my needs!!! If you want one of your own you can get it here. Oh, the cute lantern on the bottom shelf holds a tealight candle! I think I may need another one, to put by the back door. te he!

For the Birds.......

2008-05-06T07:16:00.000-05:00

The Great End of Life is Not Knowledge But Action.

~Thomas Henry Huxley

I decided to make petite bird feeders to put in my yard. I found the recipe in one of Sandra Lee's cookbooks. They were very easy to make. I used my vintage jell-o molds for the forms.

You will need:

non-stick cooking spray aluminum foil

1 cup wild birdseed

2 egg whites lightly beaten

Line your mold with the aluminum foil, spray heavily with non-stick cooking spray. Mix one cup of wild birdseed with the egg whites. Pour into your mold. Makes one 4" shape of your choice. Put your mold on a cooking sheet and bake for 10 - 15 minutes in a 325 degree oven. Place on a rack to cool.

While the birdfeeder is still warm, use a dowel rod or a skewer to poke a hole about an inch from the top. When your birdfeeder cools you can put a wire or a piece of raffia thru the hole to hang your feeder.

I'm looking forward to the feathered friends in the garden this summer! I started several varieties of flower seeds. The sunflowers are growing like crazy! I'll show you, soon.

2008-04-18T10:42:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the Mother's Day Shop Hop! click on the image and you will be returned to the MMP website so that you are given credit for finding the image! Good luck!

Join us for a Garden Party!

2008-04-18T10:00:00.000-05:00

Well, this is one of those things on my list of things to do.....start a blog! I guess that it's gonna come together one piece at a time, instead of all at once! I've been planning to take a day since February and "get it together". Today is the day that I'm just gonna do it! I have something to tell you about, that is happening April 21st thru May 10th at Make Mine Pink: it's the Mother's Day Shop Hop. It promises to be fun and I hope that you come shop. We will also be running some specials in honor of Mom, too!