Notes from A Cottage Industry

Day thirteen. Living a charmed life during football season.

Making time for down time is a part of living a charmed life that we sometimes forget, because life is just so busy.

This Sunday we're gonna be planted on the sofa watching football, so this week I took a little time to make sure I took care of a few things to make it extra special....

Television remote. Check.

Team jersey. Check.

Rock n' Roll Buddy on the sofa cushion next to me to call the penalties before the ref's do. Check.

At a glance it looks like we've got it all covered, but wait. There's nothing too extraordinary here so far. (Okay, the fact that Ralph can call the penaties and announce the plays before the ref's is pretty impressive, although not necessarily considered charming, except to me.)

We're having the Sewing Queen, and a couple of Patriot's fan-friends over to watch the Seahawks dominate play the Patriots tomorrow, and I ordered some fabulous party accessories from my most favorite thrifty party online place. (Oh, I am sure you have shopped here, haven't you? If not, you need to check them out. Lot's of great stuff, and lot's of the time it's free shipping.)

Just look at the goodies I got, for next to nuthin', will ya?

Football shaped paper plates, and Seahawks napkins (Hey, we're the home team after all.) I also got some too-cute-to-pass-up football lanterns, which I will also use on Superbowl Sunday. (along with the rest of the rest of my stash of football shaped paper plates!)

We'll be grillin' burgers at halftime, and these fun accessories wil make the entire meal more fun.

What are you doing for fun this weekend?

Day Twelve. Bake some love.

And make it pretty, while you're at it.

(That's the extra charming part.)

I made a batch of sweet and yummy cupcakes for a friend that was throwing a vintage themed baby shower.
I used my signature dictionary pages to create little flags, adding eensy-weensy buttons to some of them.
You can make any dessert (Even a store bought one!) more charming by adding little flags, or crafting a tiny banner between two toothpicks. It takes a few minutes, and adds a wow factor that will make you smile.

Day Eleven. Traditions Thanksgiving Linky Party-Even leftovers can be charming.

Betcha didn't know that.

Well, Thanksgiving is gonna be here before we know it, and joining in the fun of the Traditions Thanksgiving Linky Party, I started to think, and to plan a few details for the day. You know, beyond the turkey, the stuffing,and the pies. (Be sure and check out all of the blogs participating in the Linky Party! You'll find some terrific Thanksgiving decorating, and tablescape ideas, plus some really great recipes!!!) This Linky party is going to be a lot of fun because we are travelling from North to South, East to West to include hostesses from Canada and the US!

At the end of my post it will be your turn to show us how you have been preparing for Thanksgiving!  Link up with us at the end of this blog post!

So tell me, what is your family Thanksgiving tradition?  What are you thankful for this year?

Since the Canadian Thanksgiving holiday is October 8th and the American Thanksgiving holiday is November 22, this party will run for 7 weeks from October 3 to November 20th.

I'm going to have so much fun joining my crafty co-hosts from At The Picket Fence, Freckled Laundry, It's So Very Cheri, Mrs. Hine's Class, Notes From A Cottage Industry and Three Mango Seeds!

Each week your hostess will post a delicious Thanksgiving recipe, a DIY or craft related to that week's party theme as well as a family tradition that they share with their loved ones every Thanksgiving!


October 3 - 9: Thanksgiving Tablescapes here at Setting for Four
October 10 - 16: Printables at Notes From A Cottage Industry
October 17 - 23:  Mantel Decor at Mrs. Hine's Class
October 24 -30: Kid's Craft at At The Picket Fence
October 31- Nov 6: Bunting at It's So Very Cheri
Nov 7 - 13: Centerpiece at Freckled Laundry
Nov 14 - 20: Front Door/Porch Decor at Three Mango Seeds

Speaking of this Linky Party, you should check out Heather's fabulous tablescape ideas here..
...and Check out her yummy Maple Syrup Acorn Squash Casserole recipe here as well..doesn't it look de-lish?
I got so excited about this seasonal Linky Party that I almost forgot what I was sharing.

Oh yesh.

Last night I went ahead and made my favorite better-than-Pumpkin-Pie dessert. Mmmmm, just as yummy as we remembered it.
Of course there were leftovers, and that got me thinking some more. I like to keep a good stash of disposable containers for friends and family to take leftovers home after a meal at our home. My personal favorite are the cardboard fold up boxes, and round tubs with lids that you can find at places like Cash and Carry, or any Restaraunt Supply. (I actually got my huge supply of fold up boxes for two bucks at a yard sale several years back, when someone was closing a deli!) You can get a nice selection plastic tubs with lids of all sizes at your local Dollar Store, as well as several kinds of aluminum foil tubs with tops.

I also keep brown craft paper handled paper bags to load the conatiners into, so guests feel like they are taking home a special little prezzie when they leave.

Anyway.

This year I am going a step further, and I'll be adding a cute sign to let folks know where they can grab their To-Go containers after the table is cleared this Thanksgiving. And, as part of my Thanksgiving Traditions link up party, I've decided to share them with you as a gift from me. Simply Download Thanksgiving leftover sign for the pdf. Then print on the paper of your choice, fold in half to make a free standing sign card, and enjoy. (You can really change the look simply by changing the type of paper.)

You can print the sign on cardstock, or scrapbook paper, or even on an old book page if you like. Once it's printed, you can fold it in half and it will stand on it's own...or you can set it near your own to-go station in a sweet picture frame, or a vintage sign holder, like I did.
Whatcha think? It's one more unexpected slice of charm.

And I think your guests will love you for it.

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Day Ten. Make life charming with placecards....for you. And me.

I hope you are loving the fonts links from yesterday. (Say you are!) Well, today, I thought I'd share more ideas on how to use those cutie-patootie fonts.

I shared the picture yesterday showing the "You" place card. The phot up above is from an old post here. These are actually my favorite kind of place card, when there are just two of us dining. No need to put a person's proper name. "You" and "Me" is just sweeter.

(Here is a photo from my old cottage on Norman Drive in the Biggest Little City when I shared a charming breakfast with a dear friend.)
And, it makes your place cards re-usable, for the next time there are just two of you. (You and a girlfriend, you and your kid-let, or grand-babe, you and your sweetheart....) Heck, now that I think on it, a place card that reads, "Me" is pretty fantastic when dining alone. (Goes back to Alexandra Stodddard's Living a Beautiful Life concept, doesn't it?)

Print them in English, print them in French, make them plain or make them fancy.

Oh, the possibilities make my head spin.

And make me want to create some right now.

With glitter.

And book pages.

Try making some placecards for your lunch..or dinner table today. You'll be surprised at just how much charm they can add to your life.

 

 

Day nine. Favorite fonts.

If you've read my blog for nay length of time, you know that I love making place cards, gift tags, signs, and banners.It's such a quick way to make things look special...little place cards, tied with a fabulous bow, that read, "You" and "Me" makes any meal charming.
Likewise, homemade gift tags with a sweet quotation or Happy birthday make any package look amazing.

What makes these things so fun (and easy!) to create, is my computer, and all of the incredible fonts available out there in cyber-land.

My favorite spot to find a font to go with anything I am making, is Dafont.

They have it all.

(Almost.)

For free, folks.

It just doesn't get any better than that.

Simply look at any alphabet page on their site. (Make sure you have yourself a cuppa something and a comfy seat, 'coz you will be there for a long while.)

I have shared some of my most favorite fonts in the picture above. (Not all of these are from Defont, so click on the hot links for locations to download...)

They are:

1. Jellyka Delicious Cake

2. Jellyka Bee Antique Handwriting

3. Jellyka King's Hat

4. JI Hidden Vines

5. Janda Fabulous

6. James Han

7. Girls Are Weird

8. Lemon Chicken

9. Playdate

10. Gallery

Get yourself some great fonts, and use any WORD document or Print type program, and make some fabulous details for your next special event....like tonight's supper.

 

Day Eight. Keep a well stocked pantry for nearly instant meals and snacks that make you look like you worked hard..

Okay, so I touched on this topic the other day, when I shared that I use Stagg Chili in a pinch when time gets away from us and I want dinner to still fill the bill.

And look like I made an effort.

I have a list of items I consider staples that have that instant yum factor and that look like I slaved over a hot stove or oven for a while.

Besides the Stagg Chili (all you need to add are the toppings of cheese, onions and sour cream and you're good to go.) a close second for Autumn is chowder, or soups. All the deli counters in the Grocery stores have chowders and soups, and the ones in the pint and quart tubs are good for about two months after purchase. (How great is that?!) Boxed soups,like Campbell's or Trader Joe's own brand(Tomato, Butternut Squash, Pumpkin come to mind.) are perfect served in a hollowed out bread bowl or, served piping hot out of the ol' microwave adn topped with sweet little star shaped crutons you make yourself from the heels of leftover bread.

One more favorite speedy-and-fabulous item is Krusteaz Brand Crumb Cake. I love to keep these on hand to serve up for company. (See the sticker on the box? They were  $1.94 at Walmart and by buying two, you got $1.50 off...that's about 80% off the second one. I bought four and will save the extra coupons for the next time I buy them.)

Anyway.

Not only is this super cheap, super easy, and super yummy, it makes your home smell like heaven while it's baking. I surprised my Rock n' Roll Buddy yesterday when I woke up early and made one for breakfast.

Mmmm Perfect with a big glass of cold milk while watching the football pre-game show.

Day Seven. Teeny tiny touches add charm.

But first, my weekly words to live by....
You don't need to have huge pumpkins, dried leaves and cornshucks in every nook and crannie to show some seasonal spirit. Quite the opposite.
Don't ever underestimate the power of the little details around the house for adding charm. A simply mini pumpkin or two on a shelf add a nice little seasonal touch.

Day Seven. Teeny tiny touches add charm.

But first, my weekly words to live by....
You don't need to have huge pumpkins, dried leaves and cornshucks in every nook and crannie to show some seasonal spirit. Quite the opposite.
Don't ever underestimate the power of the little details around the house for adding charm. A simply mini pumpkin or two on a shelf add a nice little seasonal touch.

Day Six. Create a charming first impression.

They say that you never get a second chance tp make a first impression, and that holds true for the appearance of the outside of our homes.

Seasonal warmth on the front porch, (or anywhere in the front yard of your home) takes very little time, and doesn't need to break the bank.(Oh! And my favorite tip...sweep your porch often...scattered leaves, and cobwebs take away from anything you are trying to accomplish.)

You have seen my adirondack chairs, nestled amongst a scattered bunch of pumpkins (Some faux, and some real) and in the photos here, I am sharing my daughter's porch.
Some mums, a basket of faux sunflowers on the door, an old wagon, and pumpkins are all that are needed to finish off the perfect Autumn vignette.
Who wouldn't smile, and look forward to crossing the threshold of this door to see what charm is hidden inside?

Day Five. Candlelight is SO under rated.

One of the many, many reasons that I am crazy for fall is that I love candlelight. When the days grow short, I like having candles in all of the rooms of the house.

First of all, it is just so romantic.

(And I am all about romance.)

And, I think we all look cuter (more cute?) by candlelight.

(Anyway I know I do.)

Walking into a room lit by flickering candlelight, I am immediately overcome with with a sense of warm peacefulness that washes over me, and  just begs me to linger. To slow down and just...be. Does that make sense to you?

Candles provide a charming atmosphere, and they cost just pennies. I keep a basket of tea light candles and votives (both scented and unscented)on hand all year long.

Try taking a bubble bath by candle light. So relaxing.

And spa-like.

And how about in the guest bath when you have company? It adds a soft glow, and a yummy fragrance.

A simple votive candle between two place settings at the kitchen counter turn an ordinary grab-a-quick-bite into a romantic-supper-for-two and you just might find yourselves chatting right there for an hour and half before you realize you haven't turned on the television. (Partially 'coz you both just look so darned cute by candle light.)

I think that's a whole lotta charm for next to nothing.

Day four....think outside the bread basket.

..or...the cracker tray.

Whatever.

The point I am trying to make is this: you can make any meal extra special (and charming, and memorable...) by taking an extra two minutes when preparing the table...or lunch tray...or counter top.

Tonight we were busy, and had planned on both grabbing our own suppers while running errands. It turned out we both ended up home within fifteen minutes of each other...earlier than either of us thought we would.

I grabbed some canned chili outta the pantry (I like Stag Brand myself when I buy canned. I managed to forget the cheddar cheese and diced onions for this quick photo-op. Dang it.) and, while it was heating up in the microwave, I grabbed my thrifted lap trays and corn on the cob holders.
It turns out that stoneware corn on the cob holders are exactly the most perfect sized little individual cracker tray to go along side a big ol' bowl of chili.

Instant charm.

On a shoestring.

Gotta love that.

Day Three. Chillin' with charm.

Still on the thrifted serving piece kick from yesterday. (Well, you know I am all about presentation.)

So, yeah.

Water.

It should be charming too.(Why not?)

Anyway, I think so.

And, I think friends and family feel special when they come over and I have my apothecary topped bottle of chilled H2O (with a couple slices of lemon and a strawberry wedge for flavor) on the table to refresh us as needed.

I found mine at the GoodWill about a year ago, but I see them there often. Another great water (or juice, or whatever beverage you enjoy) server is to use a carafe, which is another readily available thrift store item. (Remember these from the last baby shower I shared?)
Usually a buck is all it takes to make one of these babies your own, so we should all be enjoying the fabulousness of pretty chilled drink containers.

Trust me, your friends will smile (and so will you!) when you serve your water this way.

I may be alone on this one, but I even smile when I look at it in the fridge.

Day two. Let's all thank God for Thrift Stores. (aka the Frugal Girl's Anthro-Pottery-Restoration Barn.)

And yard sales.

Oh! And Craigslist.

Why? Because without other people's discards, I wouldn't have all of the amazing entertaining-slash-serving-pieces and funky-and-fabulous-home-decor items that are an integral part of creating a charmed life (on a shoestring, of course.).

(Can I get an Amen?)

For me, part of living a charmed life is surrounding myself with unique and charming little treasures that make every day feel special.

Without costing a small fortune.

By keeping my eyes peeled when I'm out thrifting, I can score some over-the-top-some-kind-of-wonderful items that make our home look extra special, uniquely personalized, and welcoming.

Some of my favorite-gotta-have-'ems-easy-to-find items are:
Pilsner Glassess: So much more more "special" than drinking a beer from a bottle or can. (We have oodles of them, all in the freezer so they are frosty on demand for any beverage...pictured above are my favorite style, fresh outta the fridge.)Oh! And for what it's worth, there's nothing yummier (more yummy?) than a frosty cold glass of strawberry lemonade.

I promise you will find at minumum, two matching Pilsner glasses on any given day at any Thrift Store in the good ol' U S of A.
Bread Boards: I just love the look of them stacked against the backsplash in my kitchen, but having various sizes is extra nice. I like using my small one on the kitchen counter between the two of us for holdng out bread and butter when we have big ol' chicken salads for dinner.
Picnic Baskets: Oh yeah. These are my secret storage containers, and you'll find them in several rooms of our nest. (My favorite is probably the one in the bathroom, which hides extra rolls of toilet paper.)
Mirrors: (Ignore my bad photo attempt and trust me that these mirrors make the room!) Oh my, where to begin. I swear I could buy a fantastic mirror on each and ever trip to a thrift shop. There are always mirrors of pretty much any size you might need, and usually for next to nothing. Look beyond a faux wood (1980's plastic) or brassy gold finish. These are hidden treasures. There is no surface that cannot be painted and weathered and made into a masterpiece! Remember this.
White stoneware: Old, or new, or new-that-looks-old, you can always find some kind of white dished or serving pieces. White is classic, so, even if you are a color person, having white pieces is a great idea to have handy. They go with virtually everything. Classic.

Perfection, really.

I am at a loss for which book it is in, but somewhere in the old testament, I am pretty sure there is a passage that reads,"And on the second day, right after God made Eve, he created a thing of pure, timeless beauty, called white stoneware.")

Did I mention picnic baskets?
Maybe I did, but thye bear repeating. Storage folks. And, you can paint them any color you like, so they will always match your decor.

Take time to browse through the fancy-schmancy catalogues that land in your mailbox, or check the sites out online...then...hit the thrifting trail. Thrift Stores, yard sales and Craigslist will have something you want (and possibly need!) for pennies on the dollar, and I guarantee the item will have more personality and originality than the mass produced items in the Yuppie shops.

Now, go! Go get your thrift on, and let me know what diamond in the rough you find. I'm excited to hear about it (and I know you'll feel all warm and fuzzy every time you look at your new treasure!)

Let's get this party started.

Let me start by saying that my Title for this series, 31 days to create a charmed life on a shoestring, isn't accurate.

Nope.

The truth is we can all live a charmed life in one day, by just changing our attitudes about the way we view our lives.

Trust me here, I know what I'm talking about. Finding myself suddenly single after just shy of three decades catapulted me into a new life. Just a few weeks before my big five-oh birthday, not only was I nursing a very slow healing broken heart, (while learning to live solo for the first time in my entire life) but my very comfortable financial lifestyle plummeted drastically as well.

But wait, There's more!

About the time I was feeling decently recovered from this first big life change, I found myself being laid off from my career job. (adding insult to injury was being laid off as of New Years Eve that year. Try to feel merry and bright after being told that news.)

Oh, and I went through menopause and my dog died.

(I know, it sounds like like it could have been a big hit country-western song, right?)

You can't make this stuff up, people.

Anyway.

I realized, pretty early on actually, (and I have shared here on my blog more than once) that I wasn't the one driving the bus. I wasn't in control of anything in life.

Nothing...except for...my attitude. I could choose to be consumed with worry, and depression, or I could choose to count my blessings and be grateful.

I know, it sounds like a no-brainer, but here's the thing, it's a much easier decision to choose joy over worry, fear, and a decent sized slice of anger when you're simply reading about it here in print. In real life, it's a lot harder.

Times are tough, jobs are scarce and money is squeaky tight. Some of us have lost our homes, and some of us are battling with health situations. It's hard to let go of the worry, and the anger, and the fear. Funny thing is, once you're in the middle of a pity party, it's hard to leave.(Have you felt that way before?)

Hard, yes, but not impossible. The important thing to remember here is - Whatever it is, pitying yourself will not solve it. Once you choose gratitude, oh my! Whatch out.

So, that brings me to this series.

I want to help some folks get to the next chapter in their life. (As I already said, I know life is sometimes hard, but turn the page! The story gets betta!) And, if you're already in a good spot in your life, I hope this series brings you new inspiration. More frosting on your cake. ...And who doesn't want more frosting on their cake? (I know I do.)

Check back tomorrow for my next instllment of 31 Days.

Weekly Words To Live By...

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Beginning October first....

I am joining the Annual Event that this gal puts on, and I have to tell you that I am pretty excited about it! The concept is that, for the entire month of October, we share a post a day with a theme.

As you can see from my photo button above, I am going to (hopefully) inspire you all to create a charmed life for yourself (and your loved ones) in a mere 31 days!

Oh, yes-I-will.

To give a you quick snapshot of what I have in mind, here are a couple of things I will be sharing with you:stocking your "entertaining" drawer or cupboard with unexpected items for serving pieces, tips for making any meal extraordinary, and an oh-so-easy way to start someone's morning off with a huge smile even if you're not there when they wake up. Sound inspiring so far? I hope so.

Want to join in the 31 Days fun? You'll find all the instructions here.
Stayed tuned for Monday, when the inspiration begins!

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They were calling my name.

Seriously.

Who could have resisted these babies?

(Not me.)

*sigh*

I need a much bigger closet with a lot of shelves for footware.

(just sayin'.)

Bargain tabletop accesories for a buck.

I am a cloth napkin girl. I also have always been a bandana fan for uses beyond what they are made for...and my favorite use for bandanas is (surprise) as napkins on the table. (Do you do this?)

I found these at WalMart yesterday for a dollar each.....
There were lots of other cute Halloween themed patterns with purple and black and pastels, but, as I shared last week, I am not as big a Halloween fan as a harvest fan, and  I was only after halloween napkins in orange and black. (...and, on a completely different side-note, for anyone interested, this partiular pattern also could double as a truly awesome Harley Davidson clothing accessory, as my Rock n' Roll Buddy pointed out. I will remember that!)

Anyway.

I realize that I am taking a lot of words to get to the point, which is, when looking for cloth napkins, think about bandanas...from Target, WalMart, and the Dollar Store. They're easy on your budget, and look fabulous on your table.

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Weekly Words To Live By...

Autumn love, twenty twelve.

Oh yeah, we're feeling the beginnings of Autumn at my house now.

Bring on the rain, 'coz I'm officially ready for a blazing fire, a grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of chowder.

Harvest or Halloween, that is the question.

On a lunchtime run to Target with a coworker pal yesterday, we ended up in the Halloween section (oh yes, people, candy and costumes, and all things Autumn-decor themed are out in the stores now.) with for my friend to look at eensy weensy costumes for her nearly two year old daughter. (She was on a mission for a fairy princess costume, but we both agreed that the adorable teeny tiny Little Red Riding Hood costume trumped that idea.)

Now that I am in the midst of grand baby heaven, I am looking forward to seeing the cutie patooties all dressed up in their costumes. Beyond a few black fuzzy, glittery spiders and a black crow or two, I still am not much of a fan for the scary things like skulls and bloody limbs. (Never say never, as that may come a few years down the road, when all of the little grandsons are a bit older.)
What I do love about the season is the harvest-y decorations. The crisp weather, and the smells of baked apples and cinamon coupled with a roaring fire (and a good football game) are what I find irristable about this time of year. I am going to be stopping by the market tonight for pumpkins and I will be decorating the porch and front yard tonight, and then I will start on the inside of the house......so fun!

I know I asked this a question a few years back, but I want to pose it again...which one are you? Harvest or Halloween? Hmmmm?

 

Home inspiration from Monticello Antiques....

I managed to squeeze out a little excursion to Monticello last weekend with the Sewing Queen.
Oh, so much eye candy...

...and inspiration...

...I always want to hurry home and nest after a trip out there...
do you have any shops near you that ignite that kind of fire in you?

Brain-spill.

I know, it feels like it's been like for-evah since I posted a nice, inspiring, project-y kind of post. I've been busy, busy, busy.

With life.

Some good stuff, some challenging stuff. Some happy, some sad, and a couple of brain freeze days where I sat down to write and came up with nothin'.

So, here I am, checking in on my sad little neglected blog, hoping you're checking back in too.

Lots of stuff going through my head today. I woke up yesterday to rain, which was a much welcomed surprise. (Oh, the weather guy on TV said it was coming, but he's wrong so often that we pay him no mind.)Today, no rain, but still, that yummy, crisp autumn feeling wafting through the air.

(I'm so ready for fall.)

Last week I got a nice promotion at work, and I am going to be one ca-razy busy girl during the work week now. (I love that!) Of course, this promotion called for new shoes.
(You saw that one coming, right?)

Also, as you know, I have another new fat and healthy grand babe.
(My favorite quote to date from sweet lil' Keaton's oldest brother as he came barreling into the hospital room with his two year old bother in tow, was "Can I pet him, Mom?") Needless to say, Mr. Keaton is not experiencing a lack of attention from any of us!

Grand babe numero six is due in just a few more weeks here, and so the baby lovin' is running wild up here.

Along with the overwhelming joy that new babies bring, we've had some sad, and all-too-soon goodbyes take place. Losing someone you love is hard on the heart, and causes us all to take a pause as we realize that life is far too short, and far, far too fragile to be taken for granted.

Ever.

Make sure people know you care, and tell 'em you love them, while they're here.

Often.

And, make sure you laugh some, everyday.

I'll be sharing a much less rambling, much more cohesive-get-your-decorating-mojo-on post tomorrow.

I pinky-swear.

 

 

Weekly Words To Live By...

There is a certain happiness is being silly and ridiculous.

My two cents worth on Dove conditioner and a chance to win a $1,000 Spafinder gift certificate!

I don't usually write actual reviews, but in this case, I was happy to. Happy to because we're friends here, and friends always pass great finds on to each other, right?

I've noticed that the older I get, the more "maintenence products" I seem to require simply to look average. Sometimes I think I almost need a part time job on the side just to pay for these supplies.

That's where Dove Conditioner comes in. It makes my hair bounce and behave and look great, and it doesn't break the bank. Finally, a beauty product line that does what it says, and does it for a great price.

You've gotta love that, at any age, and any budget. Check it out yourself, and let me know your thoughts. I'm betting you'll agree with me.

Now, for the sweepstakes part of my post (and a coupon, to save us all even more!)you will need to answer this question: What is your favorite secret weapon in your let's-try-to-keep-things-affordable-while-making-me-look-cute arsenal?

Enter to win a $1,000 Spafinder gift certificate!

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Introducing Mr. Keaton Hayes Roberts.

Eight pounds six ounces of perfection. sweet, sweet Keaton arrived yesterday a bit after noon.
Such a delicious little piece of heaven.

One..two.....three!

Today is a big day. Bouncing baby boy number three (Grand babe number five!) will be arriving here around noon today, by scheduled C-section.

What were the odds I'd be able to find matching PJ's in toddler and infant sizes? (and so soft and cute too!)

Say a little prayer that he arrives safely and his Mama does fine,if you're so inclined.

(Oh, you know I will be sharing updates later today!)

Sunday driver.

We did a lot of driving last weekend, in my Rock n' Roll Buddy's classic car. Well, okay, technically I was a passenger, riding shotgun, for a good portion of both days. We rode, singing long to old Beatles and Supremes tunes blairing on the CD player, enjoying the weather and the scenery.

You know, everytime I think I have seen all the cool fun places there are here in the Pacific Northwest, I discover a new spot.
Saturday was spent in the quaint little town of McMinville, Oregon (Boasting a population of just over 32,000)for their annual "Drag The Gut" car cruise event.

3rd Avenue, in the heart of McMinville, was off the charts on the cute-o-meter. Hanging baskets of flowers everywhere...
...and some of the most wonderful shops and eateries. My favorite shop was a fabric store witht he most creative quilt display I think I have ever seen. They painted paper covered dry cleaner hangers to look like quilt pieces...and all in patriotic red, white and blue!
Of course, all of the classic cars, cruising the street were a lot of fun to look at too.
We drove up and down the street for a bit, then parked and watched the cars from the sidewalk, with the rest of the town until way after 10:00 pm. Sunday we drove further to the coast to Lincoln City, Oregon, for another classic car show, and finally made our way home Sunday evening.

Good, good, times.

 

What a difference a fresh new color makes....

I do not have a green thumb. I do not know much about flowers, other than what colors I like.

What I do have is a desire to decorate.

Everything.

And, so I see the outside of our home very much the same way that I see the inside of our home. It's the outer part of our nest. And, as such, it needs to feel like welcoming, and  inviting, and cozy, and happy.

Like us.

We decided the house was in need of a new coat of paint outside, so we drove around the area until we found a home we both liked with a roof the same color as ours. I knocke on the door, and met the nicest gal, who was oh-so-flattered that we liked her house colors, especially since they had paid someone to select them!

She happily shared the paint recipes and we headed to the paint store. The gal also shared with me that a carpenter had added some new details to her home, and we ended up calling him in as well, to add some architectural details to the entry, windows and around the large garage door. What a nice difference!

Here was the front porch in the Before days, at the beginning of summer...
and now.. What happened when we painted was that the outside lights,and the trim suddenly popped out. The front doors suddenly became the focal point, everything looked warm and welcome.

Happy.

Weekly Words To Live By...

If you want to be happy, then be.

A, b, c, d, e, f, g......

Last weekend before the baby shower, I ran upstairs to the new nursery and quickly hung a set of homemade, decopauged alphabet letters on the wall(with my sweet-little-one-and-only-grand daughter helping me!) so the shower guests could get the entire visual of the nursery. I still need to teak the letter placement a bit...we were trying for a random flow of the letters, but I think the spacing looks a bit off still...
Since they have opted to not find out what they are expecting, my daughter kept the nursery colors gender neutral.
The crib was a hand-me-over from a friend at th hospital and was originally black. (Isn't the red just darling?) A charming brown gingham and patchwork theme make the room cozy and sweet, (See the precious quilt? Handmade by none other than the Sewing Queen, as wella as the curtains!) with a teddy bear collection starting to grow...
...perfect for a baby girl or a boy!