The Best Moments

Fifteen Questions

2012-02-26T17:02:00.000-06:00

Everybody and their dog (a good thing) follows Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. She is the reason I started blogging! She has a fun question answer that she suggested we all try. It's fun to read everybody's answers.

1. Favorite cocktail? Margarita

2. Favorite getaway? Estes Park, CO

3. If you could meet anyone in the world, who would it be? My great grandparents

4. Daydream of the moment? a backyard garden redo

5. Your personality in one word? (no clue)

6. Are you more garden or gun? Garden

7. If you were road tripping what is one album you would take with you? any Eagles

8. What are you reading? Whistlin' Dixie in a Nor'Easter by Lisa Patton

9. What do you want to do when you grow up? Work in a floral shop

10. What is your greatest extravagance? buying something full price Guilty pleasure? chocolate

11. Favorite Southern food? Carolina pulled pork

12. Most treasured possession? photos

13. Favorite Southern name? Wade, it was my daddy's middle name.

14. What talent would you most like to have? to sing well

15. What's your current state of mind? Hopeful

A Look Back at 68 Years Ago

2012-02-25T22:37:00.004-06:00

Looking through a 1944 Woman's Home Companion that I got off Ebay for the cover, I really loved the old ads, and thought I would share.

This first one really caught my eye, because I have the exact same problem!!!

It was a toothpaste ad. Who knew that is all it takes???

This next article was about how to fix up your home with a few dollars.

"A dash of ingenuity, plus a few dollars wisely spent, will make your rooms as new as autumn 1944."

"Add sparkle to an old sofa with a row of round fat cushions, three at one end, two at the other."

"A dreary carpet will blossom with the addition of a white cotton string scatter rug. Use one, as we have here, to pull a group of furniture together--in front of a mantel or in front of the couch."

"Don't hide your favorite china in the china closet. If you have a pretty tea set, or an old tureen, or group of cups and saucers you're fond of, bring them into the living room and display them proudly with your books."

~~~~~~~~~~~~

These next two ads acknowledge WWII, from 1939 to 1945, and how it affects their products.

Here's the full page ad for silver, and below the closeup of their explanation.

I want my figure to be ready... but the ad doesn't say ready for what....

Oh Yeah! The Madonna look........

Hope you enjoyed this look back in time.

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Happy Valentine's Day

2012-02-14T02:00:00.000-06:00

Valentine's Day

reminds us

to be kind.

It is a day to reflect

on people who you love

and who love you.

Love with

abandon

and

joy.

~me

Cheery Breakfast

2012-02-13T16:33:00.004-06:00

What better to greet you in the morning but a cheery rooster.....

and a hen, and a cow.

Coffee? Juice?

I guess we're having tulips for breakfast, since I was so busy setting the table. ....

Red plates- JC Penney Outlet

Coffee pot -Pfaltzgraff Heritage White

Mugs- no mark, garage sale

Red platter- Home Goods

Juice glasses- thrift store

Napkins- Target

Flatware-Oneida Wordsworth

Hen butter dish- Sears

Rooster- Antique store

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Sprinkled with Hearts and Bits of Ribbon

2012-02-05T08:53:00.003-06:00

Here is my some of my red transferware, Memory Lane by Royal Ironstone and white ironstone.

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Things I Prefer Not to Live Without

2012-02-04T08:07:00.000-06:00

Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting an impromptu party on your list of can't live withouts! My list is short, but useful.

Mane N Tail Hoofmaker : A hand cream that strengthens your (unpolished) nails. Origionally used to keep horse hooves from cracking, the people applying it to horse hooves noticed their own fingernails became stronger. Now packaged for people. Helps cracked fingers and heels too. I use it all winter, as that's when my nails tend to flake and split.

My Walgreens used to carry it, but not now. I get it at the feed store, and is available at some hardware stores. I bet "feed store" sounds funny to some really urban areas! (off topic) Some of my best childhood memories were going to the feed store. All that grain smells so sweet when you walk in, and in the spring, there were always lots of baby chicks in the feed store. There were usually several cats to pet, lounging around on the grain sacks, supposedly watching for mice.

Pizza wheel cutter:

I use it especially in cutting bar cookies, brownies, and sheet cake. No lumpy crumbs coming to the top to make the frosting look ucky, nice clean lines.

Key Clip:

I hate digging in my purse for keys, and so I use a key clip, like on a dog leash. I use plastic, because metal just adds to the weight.

PrimeTime:

I use all Bare Minerals products, but even if I didn't I would use Prime Time. Applied before your makeup, it keeps your skin from getting oily and your makeup from running during the day. In humid Kansas in the summer, I need it. I still have oily skin, and it really works.

Things on my refrigerator:

My dogs are all mircrochipped, and I recommend it! This is the magnetic tag I keep on the refrigerator, just in case.

A magnetic map of my state. When the TV starts saying what counties a tornado has been spotted in, I want to know quickly how close it is. I got this at the hardware store. I am sure it would be useful for all kinds of weather alerts.

Cold Prevention:

I keep these lozenges at school with me for when I feel a cold coming on. I do believe it shortens and calms a cold. I start sucking on these ( about 4 per day) at the first signs of a cold. I think they work as well or better than Airborne, and much less money.

Coffee Filters:

I am a dish a holic, and I use coffee filters to keep each plate from scratching the other in a big stack. Cheap and easy.

And lastly, my little luxury. I don't drink but 2 cups of coffee per day, but I only want this. I am not a Starbuck's person, and am content with this vanilla caramel flavored creamer. My family teases me that I have a little coffee with my creamer. Your point?

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National Pie Day!

2012-01-23T19:24:00.000-06:00

This is a redo of a post from a couple of years ago. I brought it back for National Pie Day!

The best, best Christmas thing Mama made was real mincemeat pie. She and Grandma would get together and make the pies before Christmas. I loved those times. In later years, I watched and wrote down the recipe, because mincemeat pies were one of those things that they had no recipe for, they just made them. When they were all still on the farm, Grandma made up metal dishpans full of mincemeat. They canned whatever they did not use at the time. The only thing they needed to buy was flour, sugar, and oranges. Everything else they grew on the farm. Plenty of beef, an orchard of apples, and a vineyard. Grandpa made homemade wine, a sweet concord wine. Grandpa was first generation English, and Grandma first generation German. I don't know whose family had the tradition of mincemeat pies, probably the English side.

This year Mama and I made mincemeat pies again. We have customized the origional recipe over the last 20 years, because we don't make the mincemeat from scratch anymore. Here are a few pictures and the recipe.

Mincemeat Pie

Makes 1 deep dish pie and 1 regular pie

3 cups of beef roast, cooked and chopped finely ( I do a chuck roast in the crockpot)

Peel from 1 and 1/2 oranges
1/2 orange, diced

2 cups raisins

1 apple, diced finely

2 cups of Mogan David concord wine ( no fancy wine, you need Mad Dog, the sweet, cheap stuff)

1 jar (1 lb) of mincemeat

crusts for 2 pies

Add all ingredients together in a large bowl, and combine. Fill pie crusts with this mixture. Make sure you have steam holes in the top crust. Bake at 375 degrees for 45 minutes, or until crust is nicely browned.

Cozy Winter Supper

2012-01-23T18:44:00.004-06:00

Thick, nourishing soup and warm crusty bread with butter makes a cozy winter supper.

The little hen is a butter dish, and the bread and butter plates are Coaching Scenes by Johnson Brothers.

I love these huge Mason's Vista pattern soup bowls.

Oh! There I am upside down in the spoon!

These blue glasses are Fostoria, that I have had for over 20 years.

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Easy on the Eyes

2012-01-19T11:53:00.000-06:00

January is such a hard month, no matter where you live. Winter has arrived everywhere, in some form.

My hutch sat empty since Christmas, due to one thing or another, family sicknesses, lack of inspiration, boredom, etc. So I kinda eased into it with white. Just subtle, easy white. (And I can add reds easy enough for Valentine's soon)

I tucked in a little green here and there, just for hope!

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for Tablescape Thursday

A Study in Blue and Cream

2012-01-09T19:08:00.001-06:00

Here's a little vignette on top of my chest of drawers. I like to keep surfaces pretty sparse in the bedroom, but this grouping just grew.

Miniature dress maker forms holding pearls....

an urn looking candle holder...

and some caged china orbs.

The prints were found years ago rolled up in the corner of a dirty antique store. One for behind the chest, and one over the bed.

The matching print hangs above the bed.

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New Year's Eve 2011 Table

2011-12-29T20:41:00.002-06:00

Little clock napkin rings are just right for New Year's Eve.

Mom always has a hot drink with a meal, so here is her own single serving pot.

China is Noritake Ivory and Ebony, gold chargers and napkins.

Flatware is Oneida Wordsworth.

Gold poinsettias and pearl and gold beads, and gold mercury glass votives.

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Potpourri Friday at 2805

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Four Tablescapes in One

2011-12-21T19:32:00.000-06:00

As I was doing this scape, I could not decide what plates to use. Ha! Listen to me, two years ago I would have only one choice. I am proud to say though, that all the other plates are GW or very inexpensive. And that is half the fun, isn't it? Thrill of the hunt? And taking something inexpensive and trying to make it look good with creativity.

SO, here are four different place settings.

Which one is your favorite? I like the Christmas tree the best.

Ok, I should be wrapping presents, but I put it off until last, because I so dislike wrapping.

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A Little Christmas Tea

2011-12-19T18:33:00.002-06:00

I found these cute little tea set Christmas dishes at a condo garage sale for $5 for a set of 8! I couldn't wait to use them.

They are Johnson Brothers Merry Christmas. They have a little cup inset in the corner for the tea cup.

I went out looking for red plaid napkins today, and imagine this-- I couldn't find any! But that's me, good ideas, a little late!

I am making initialed ornaments for each guest.

I got the idea from The Creativity Exchange.

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WOW US WEDNESDAYS

Santa Hutch

2011-12-18T14:43:00.001-06:00

Santas and silver seem to be what appealed to me this year.

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Red Bird Table

2011-12-07T01:17:00.001-06:00

Have you seen these Walmart plates yet? They were at our store only about a week before they were gone. Not bad for Wally World! I paired them with my JC Penney Outlet red dinner plates, and chargers from Michael's.

I love the faint gold pattern in the background of the plate.

I stepped outside the front door for some holly. The tablecloth I picked up at Home Goods. It has a nice quilty texture to it.

Two of the little red birds are salt and peppers from the same collection.

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WOW US WEDNESDAY

REDNESDAY

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for Tablescape Thursday.

Thanksgiving 2011

2011-11-24T07:35:00.000-06:00

Well, at 5:08 am, I got my table set for Thanksgiving......so might as well do Tablescape Thursday! Thank you Susan for taking the time to host for us.... um..... last minute people.

There will be only 4 of us today, but they are the most important ones!

You won't see these overused acorn plates again.... until next year.

I went with coppery browns, and neutrals this year, with a little blue and white to brighten it up. My grandma's napkins are huge compared to the ones you buy today, so I rolled them and secured with a little ribbon.

I like the coppery tea lights at each place.

Mom is getting a little surprise at her place. As soon as I saw this little squirrel, I laughed out loud in the store and scooped him up. She battles the squirrels on her deck all year, as she tries to feed the birds. Not her favorite critter!

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My Thanksgiving Table

2011-11-21T17:44:00.001-06:00

Are you behind already for Thanksgiving, like me? I just went to the store Monday nite, and gotta get the turkey thawin'.

I had hoped to have an idea for my Thanksgiving tablescape by now, and have a beautiful blog about it. Time is running out, I am tired and this is my last chance for this year, so I decided to show you what I did for Thanksgiving another year. It's just something I pulled together at the last minute. I had a hard time getting those chairs all lined up. I know you can't see everything in the photo, but you get the idea. That was a busy year, too.

Last year I had the clan outside for Thanksgiving, and I won't do that again. I am almost ashamed to show you these photos!

I don't even know some of those people in the photo.I am glad we had it outside, though, because someone always brings a guest who thinks it's ok to smoke in the house. That smoke smelled funny, too. Every family has a few who don't dress appropriately for the occasion, don't you? Please say it is not just my family. And those feathers in the hair! I guess my family teens were just a little ahead of the fashion last year. And the dog ended up sick, cause the kids kept feeding him. That's Uncle John on the right in his tin foil hat. It keeps the aliens from reading his thoughts.

What I really look forward to after Thanksgiving dinner is sitting around playing cards and having a couple of cocktails. And I mean we play until we are dog tired!

Ok, I may have been able to make a real tablescape to show you in the time I spent on this blog. But I am tired, and now I feel better. I'll take photos for next year!

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

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The Turkey Hutch

2011-11-17T18:14:00.001-06:00

Remember this little fussy rooster that was worried about where the turkeys were? Well, he's feeling better now. The turkeys have arrived.

Who chose the colors for this one??? He might get painted or antiqued!

Some amber glass candle holder turkeys.

Most of these turkeys look mean! Not something cute to collect.....

I like this one on the pedestal. A normal looking one.

A goofy looking one hiding in the leaves.

Have a Happy Turkey Day!

Where's the Turkey?

2011-11-09T16:41:00.002-06:00

This old rooster is getting a little nervous. Where are the turkeys? Shouldn't they be here by now? Are we serving turkey this year? What if we're not??

The turkeys ought to be here in the next day or two, but I think I'll let him worry a little more.

The cast:

Rooster unknown lineage, garage sale

Chargers, World Market

Green Plates, Bordallo Pinheiro

Acorn Plates, Chris Madden

Brown Goblets, antique store

Pumpkin, Hobby Lobby

Tablecloth, fabric by Raymond Waite, from Hobby Lobby

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Sherry for

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Tablescape Thursday

Winter.... Again??

2011-11-06T15:44:00.004-06:00

Oh my.... winter is coming and I just don't think I want to go through it again. Awfully early to be making that tired old statement isn't it? I was just going through my file of yard photos looking for something different for my screen saver. I picked the photo below.

It is not that I don't think snow is pretty.......

or that I don't enjoy some snow....

but if given a choice......

of sunshine, and green grass, and bright colors....

it isn't hard to make a choice. The older I get, the more weather affects my moods, and the more I want outdoor sunshine for warmth, and nature's decor.

But I must get busy.

The screened porch is not 4 season, not heated. I put the storm windows down, covered the furniture in sheets to keep the dust and such out, and brought in the plants.

It is sad to see, but saves me work in the spring. I usually wait for the first frost to close the porch. The last thing I do is bring a couple of armfuls of wood from the shed to the porch for the occasional fire in the fireplace in the livingoom. Since the porch is off the dining room and kitchen and can be viewed from the front door, I really notice the change. Why close up the porch? Mainly because dust and dirt, etc. still get in because I leave the porch door open about 6 inches to the outside as it makes it easier to let the dogs out a zillion times a day.

Then there are the critters than wander in looking for bird seed or a cozy place. Many times as I let the dogs out for the first time in the morning, they chase out a cat, or chipmunk or once a opposum. I don't want to run Club Med for strangers!

So what to do about the winter blues? Make the best of it by celebrating fall and winter with ~~buying more~~ decor and dishes!

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Quail Under Glass

2011-10-31T19:19:00.000-05:00

This little quail found himself under this glass thingie that I picked up a goodwill. Not sure it is a cloche, because it has a hole in the top. But it has a cute little handle (?) and it fit a odd little pedestal I had. I just painted it ORB to go with the top half. This is last year's bittersweet, as I could not find any this year. It has been so dry here all summer and still now.

I am having the WORST time lately taking photos due to lighting. Too much or not enough.

And HOW do you all take photos through glass?

Here's where he finally ended up. He's happy, so I'm happy!

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Paisley Pumpkins

2011-10-30T18:51:00.004-05:00

I have been studying the covered pumpkins I have been seeing. I didn't need to match anything, so instead of scanning fabric, I got some scrapbooking paper to try. Added some marked down faux pumpkins, and I got started.

See that material in the background? Marked down to $2 a yard at Hob Lob, so I got 2 yards of 55 in wide fabric. New tablecloth!

And here is the baby pumpkin with the big one.

Maybe the next one, not sure yet.....

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Happy Halloween

2011-10-29T19:10:00.001-05:00

I found this great magazine on Ebay. Old magazine covers make great art! I got it matted by the art teachers at school for a dozen donuts, and then used a 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby for the frame.

October 1944

Look how a little color adjusting makes the cat look. Spooky!

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A Bronze Fall

2011-10-26T22:41:00.000-05:00

In my quest to expand the colors I use in fall, I find I am attracted to a bronzy brown. Using a linen table runner, taupe salad plates and napkins and brown goblets, it was easy to add in bronze.

Bronze grapes, and bronze and green berries and leaves make a simple color statement.

I put tiny grapevine wreaths around the bronze mercury votives.

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for Tablescape Thursday

Fall is Ticking Away!

2011-10-24T18:35:00.000-05:00

I went to a craft fair this weekend and found a pretty fall tea towel that makes a nice background for a coffee tray. I picked up the little autumn clock at a thrift store for 99 cents.

I love the appliqued leaves with the fall browns of the plaid.

Fall is ticking away into winter.

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Not Cinderella's Pumpkin

2011-10-22T16:12:00.002-05:00

In the last few years, pumpkins in colors other than orange have become quite popular. I looked up several of my favorite seed catalogs for more information on multi colored pumpkins.

From NeSeed is Porcelain Doll. It is an exotic pink pumpkin.

The Australians seem to have cornered the market on blue

pumpkins. Blue Moon Hybrid has a mottled grey rind with

orange-yellow flesh and a flattened globe shape.

Jarrahdale Heirloom. A greenish lined pumpkin.

Silver Moon F1 pumpkin is an Australian type with dark orange flesh. This pumpkin has a pale blue color with silvery white striping and speckling.

Stokes Seed catalog has a pumpkin named Fairytale. It is similar in shape to Cinderella but has a unique tan or oak color. It looks like a wood carving.

Seeds By Design carries Marina De Chioggia, below, is one of the most unique looking Italian heirloom pumpkin.

Burpee says this bright scarlet heirloom pumpkin is what the

artist who drew Cinderella's coach used as a model. Burpee introduced it to America in 1883, but it had long been popular in France. This is called Rouge Vif d' Etampe.

Johnny's Selected Seeds has a big flat pale heirloom pumpkin called Long Island Cheese.

Again, Austrailian Seed offers Queensland Blue, a dark, slate grey heavily ribbed pumpkin.

DP Seeds lists Moonscape F1 Hybrid, which they describe as a pinkish pumpkin.

It looks like there will be some more interesting decorating to

come with a bigger selection of colors of pumpkins.

And if you remember, Cinderella's pumpkin changed into a beautiful blue one until midnight.

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Amber Colored Fall Tablescape

2011-10-18T19:07:00.001-05:00

This tablescape just kinda fell together. I found the amber bubble glasses and the tablecloth at the thrift store at the same time.

The tablecloth plaid reminds me of a camp blanket.

I thought the acorn salad plates would go with the tablecloth.

I don't know where I got these little quail. I have another set that's different, and I haven't found this year yet.

I love the faux acorns. Daughter #1 do you know what happens when you put real acorns, milk bottle caps and other assorted goodies in a shoe box in a dark corner of your closet for a long time?

Your mother (me) finds them while cleaning your closet, and the acorns have little, thin, white worms crawling out of them because they hatched in your warm, dark closet. Ewwww!

This is my mother's flatware, her initial A.

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for Tablescape Thursday

Simple Fall Hutch

2011-10-17T18:00:00.000-05:00

Ok, I decorated for fall with orange because that's what I have. But I will be looking for some other ideas for next year. The orange everything is going to be ~~sacked~~ boxed. When I heard myself say I was thinking about not decorating for fall next year, I knew I had to find some other colors.

I have seen beautiful orange fall decor this year, but I am tired of MY orange decor.

Browsing for ideas on the web, I came across ideas for fall weddings. Same as, right?

The article suggested jewel tones: purple, dark blue, dark greens, burnt orange, gold, mustard yellow, chocolate, tan, and a pale champagne. (to drink?)

Now fall is starting to sound fun again. I'll keep my eye out for some combination of the above colors for next year.

How about you? Are you tired of your orange?

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Thrifty Finds in Fall

2011-10-14T09:47:00.000-05:00

This week was all thrift store finds! I have a thrift store about 10 minutes from my work, so I treat myself and stop by a couple of times a week. I stood and looked at this piece a long time before I decided to get it. $2.99 is a good price, but did I really like it?

I decided I did the more it sat on my kitchen counter!

These little salad plates each have a different herb on them, and the names of herbs all around the edge. Maybe a tablescape with fresh potted herbs next spring?

$.49 each

Nice gold bubble glasses for $.49 each.

Look at the lovely material I found, too. Brand new, there is enough for a table runner or 2 pillows for the living room. Hmmm.

Thanks for looking at what I dragged home.

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The Safe Haunted Lab

2011-10-10T05:38:00.002-05:00

Double, double toil and trouble;

Fire burn, and caldron bubble.

Fillet of a fenny snake,

In the caldron boil and bake;

Eye of newt, and toe of frog,

Wool of bat, and tongue of dog,

Adder's fork, and blind-worm's sting

Lizard's leg, and owlet's wing,---

For a charm of powerful trouble,

Like a hell-broth boil and bubble.

~ Macbeth

William Shakespeare

Good reference material is important to any lab set up. And you can always use an extra hand for those little details that get away from you.

Speaking of handy, a good magnifying glass is a must for that small print on bottles. You aren't getting any younger, dearie!

Keep a hand near your pets, to protect them from harmful toxins.

Keep all receipts to refill orders.

Keep all specimens bottled up. Loose specimens make a sloppy lab.

Safety demands you keep an eye on lit candles.

All bottled goods should be arranged alphabetically for quick spells. V,W, X etc.

A well stocked lab is a good thing......

Get out of the lab and engage in social activities.

Put on your party hat. All work and no play makes a crabby witch.

Keep your lab stocked with a variety of hostess gifts for the season. A little candy or an appetizer ( see below) make nice presentations. A little ribbon and you're ready to go!

Home is where the lab is.

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Between Naps on the Porch for

as my hutch morphs into a witch lab.

AND

DITTLE DATTLE'S
AMAZE ME MONDAY

Fun, Thrifty Finds

2011-10-07T13:21:00.001-05:00

I took Friday off to do all the yearly doctor visits. Poked, prodded, vaccinated x 3, drained of blood, X-rayed, starved, etc. Sooo, when I was done, I headed for a caramel macchiato and the garage sales! It is a beautiful, windy warm day here. Leaves are flying, and next week will probably be full fall color. I had fun!!

Six of these little plates for $4. It was in the original wrapping so I was happy to see there were all different patterns.

Wool throw, brown plate, and little silver tray.

Love this little tray, very heavy too.

I picked up two of these cute pumpkin buckets for $1 each and I have always wanted a red check table cloth. It just says "picnic" to me!

And Santa Claus is coming ~~to town~~ home with me!

I have been picking up these Fitz and Floyd plates, now I have about 5, and he was $5.He looks a little cross-eyed.

I sure had crossed eyes for as long as I looked at some Spode Woodland dishes at an estate sale. They were full ebay price at this sale, so I am holding off for tomorrow at 50% off. Execpt I am going out of town at the crack of dawn to go visit daughter #2 for the weekend. Maybe I can get daughter #1 to be there at 9 when they open. (wink wink) And if the dishes aren't there, then it wasn't meant to be! I'll still be happy with what I got today.

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Autumn's Bounty of Color

2011-10-02T17:03:00.002-05:00

For man, autumn is a time of harvest, of gathering together. For nature, it is a time of sowing, of scattering abroad.
Edwin Way Teale

Warm, rich brown acorns.

Acorn plates~Chris Madden
Salad plates~Mary Carol Collection

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The Great American Frontier Yard Sale

2011-09-28T17:01:00.000-05:00

Saturday my cousin and I drove to Fort Leavenworth, about 45 minutes away to attend The Great American Frontier Yard Sale on the fort. There were probably 100 sales. I had visions of having lots of loot to show you that I got at the garage sales. HA! I came up with this and that is all!

At least it was a good brand.

The sales were mostly families, and they had baby clothes, baby things, and dining room sets. The generals' housing area hardly had any sales. So, we drove around the fort grounds.
Here's a tiny bit of history and some pics.

In 1827 Colonel Henry Leavenworth established the Fort on the banks of the Missouri River to protect the wagon trains headed west along the Santa Fe Trail, and later, the Oregon Trail, and to help maintain peace with the Indians.

The generals' houses sit looking out on the Missouri.

In front of this building were cannons that were lined up and pointed toward the river. They are now mounted in cement, but had wheels as shown in this depiction.

The cemetery was amazing, green and tree covered.

My favorite thing on the fort was the Buffalo Soldier Statue.

Buffalo soldiers originally were members of the U.S. 10 th Cavalry Regiment of the US Army, formed in 1866 at Fort Leavenworth.

The nickname was given to the "Negro Cavalry " by the Indian tribes they fought.

The statue is so detailed!

Well, no big treasures, but I had a good time, and loved the photos!

2011-09-18T16:39:00.001-05:00

What I am Reading in September

Reading and soaking up the rich colors, divine details, and objects of intricate interest, I have scanned this book with a new eye for detail each time I turn a page.

If you are a follower of Charles Faudree this newest book does not disappoint.

Love the layering of oils.

I like pewter and wish it would come back in style more. This is a cozy, yet rich mantle with hounds and the rough wood.

Look at this snug, comfortable corner of a bedroom done in black and white toile and the striking black picture frames.

Isn't this a sweet, country bath?

If you have ever read any of the Rosamunde Pilcher novels, you will notice the similarities of Faudree's decor in her books.

Rosamunde Pilcher was born in Cornwall, and retired from writing several years ago. Her writing style details the cottages and estates of Cornwall. Some of my favorite Pilcher books are:

Have you tried any of Rosamunde Pilcher's books?

Fall Sunflowers

2011-09-18T16:22:00.003-05:00

Sometimes one item just starts you to thinking beautiful things. Got this great, cheery table runner at Marshall's and my thoughts began to form.

I love my dollar store sunflower bowls.

A little raffia wrapped candles, some sunflowers and a cage.

If you love sunflowers as much as I do, take a look at another Kansas blogger who GROWS sunflowers.

This photo is from her blog, The Farmer's Wife.Just click on the photo to visit.

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for Tablescape Thursdays

Trying to find Fall Motivation

2011-09-18T14:37:00.002-05:00

The first red sport of Anjou was discovered in the early 1950's near Medford, Oregon.

A trip to the grocery store inspired me to do this blog.

I found the most beautiful Anjou pears, blemish free and a such a red! I immediately thought of my red Memory Lane Royal Ironstone dishes and a lace table scarf.

I was beginning to wonder if I would ever have enough motivation to blog again. Since school started I have been so busy and exhausted. Those of you who work, I don't know HOW you do it.

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Summer's Little Flower Visitors

2011-08-16T20:27:00.001-05:00

Even as this hot, dry summer is winding down, butterflies and bees are busy in the flowers that have survived.

Eastern Tiger Swallowtail

Honey Bee

Variegated Fritillary

Carpenter Bee

Monarch

Carpenter Bee

Painted Lady

Spicebush Swallowtail

Silver Spotted Skipper

Peck's Skippers

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Summer White and Silver

2011-07-25T18:22:00.003-05:00

Today's post is the collection of things I have gotten either at garage sales or thrift stores this summer. I just arranged it all in the hutch. It is a collection of white ironstone, silver and a little green.

A little Boston Ivy and Tansey and a little silver baby cup with animals marching around it.

This was my favorite find this summer, the champagne bucket. I have Tansey in it. Tansey makes a nice bouquet on its own, but is really super as filler with blooms. There is just nothing blooming in the yard in this third week of 100+ temperatures.

This Bishop's weed is on the north side of the house and it still is going strong.

Little birds bathing in a silver tray.

This pitcher and platter have a nice hunt scene on it, and sits on top the hutch.

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Headboard to Blackboard

2011-07-20T19:42:00.002-05:00

I wanted a big chalkboard for my kitchen, and wanted something different. Being a teacher, why want a blackboard at home? Because if you have been in most classrooms these days, you couldn't find ANY kind of chalkboard if you tried. Technology has replaced them with first green chalkboards then "white boards" and then "Smart Boards".

I just wanted a plain ol' black dumb board! Keeping an eye out at garage sales and Goodwill, I found a nice, twin headboard for 5 dollars. Here's the after:

Here's the before:

With a little sanding, white paint, and blackboard paint, I was on my way. Legs were cut off and knobs were added.

A litttle votive holder with handle doubles as a chalk holder.

I'm NOT ready!

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2011-07-18T13:07:00.001-05:00

Drawer Fronts Before and After

My mom and I stopped at a yard sale recently and it turned out to be a kind of estate sale. The people had brought a lot of things from "the farm" to sell. I saw some old drawers full of scrap lumber stacked up on the side of the garage and the man said they were free if I would take it all. I wasn't even sure what I was looking at in the beginning. There were cobwebs and muddy raccoon footprints on the drawers, and I was thinking that my mom would have a fit if I put that stuff in her car. But I did. I kept the drawer fronts and threw the rest of the scrap wood away when I got home. Believe me, it was scrap wood, not worth saving.

A little research revealed that the drawers were probably from a dresser, walnut, built between the 1860's and the 1880's. Just the hand carved drawer pulls sell for $29.00 each. Yikes! This is an example of what I found online:

Walnut Victorian chest of drawers

Fancy Carved pulls
42" w x 44" tall ~ ca. 1885
$725

Here are my three drawer fronts before:

I wanted to paint at least one white, but I just couldn't do it to all the drawers.

After:

It seems odd there was a lock for each drawer, not just a small jewelry drawer.

This white one is going to my daughter's house to hang above her white french doors on yellow walls.

The second drawer I did in a walnut stain.

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Fun with TJ and A & L

2011-07-17T19:00:00.001-05:00

Trader Joe's just opened TWO stores in my area this weekend! If you already have one near you, you may just skip this post, but to those who have been exposed to TJ's and have been existing without, well now .... it was a party for myself and two daughters A and L.

Why did we get two? Kansas City sits on the border of KS and MO. MO can have liquor in grocery stores, and KS cannot. One store is 7.7 miles away and the other 8.8 miles away.

What is the big draw about Trader Joe's? Lots of their own brands reasonably priced, and some different things you don't see at other grocery stores.

Here's something TJ's are probably most famous for: 2 Buck Chuck! Two dollar Charles Shaw wine. Only now it is $2.99! A good (drink it while it's young ) wine, if you are not a wine snob. I don't drink wine, so I can't verify this information (I am a ~~Jose Cuervo~~ limeade girl).

Look at all that chocolate! They have their own huge Belgian chocolate bars.

TJ's is not a big store, and they don't carry everything, but I loved looking at their displays.

People were grabbing the popcorn as quickly as they filled the shelves.

In fact, the bread rack was empty Sunday morning.

These are the coolest recyclable grocery bags!

The trip home was fun! We dug around in our bags, got out lots of stuff and passed it around.

What do you buy at Trader Joe's?

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2011-07-13T18:53:00.001-05:00

Dog Days of Summer

Dog Days are the hottest, most sultry days of summer. The name comes from the ancient belief that Sirius, also called the Dog Star, was responsible for the hot weather.

The weather here has been 100+ and I stand at the door when I let my dogs out so they can come right back in. SO here is my Dog Days of Summer tablescape.

The placemats are Irish linen tea towels. One towel has the fronts of the dogs and the other has their backs.

The little black and white spaniel is a planter, so he is holding a copy of the Canine Chronicles.

Little dogs from my collection.

Black napkins stuffed into the black stemmed goblets.

The four little dog plates were a thrift store find for $2.

The four little square plates spell out

Happy Dog Days!

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2011-07-13T10:33:00.001-05:00

Hail Storm

Well, I hadn't planned on posting today, but what a perfect "opportunity" with a hail storm last nite. ( Note: sarcasm). It has been 100+ here for the last few days. The forecast was for spotty rain. HUH! We got 2 inches of rain and 5-7 minutes of penny to quarter size hail. I am hoping we won't need a new roof again. We have had 2 new roofs in 15 years due to hail, the last being in 2008. Here's some pictures.

It looks like a leaf bomb went off in the yard.

Notice the garden hose and sprinkler. I watered for about 1/2 day yesterday, because I didn't think we were going to get any rain. Kinda like washing your car. It WILL rain then.

Broken but blooming!

Even the hostas, under a thick canopy of trees, had hail damage.

Oh well, so far nothing that won't bounce back!

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2011-07-08T17:16:00.001-05:00

Garage Sales!

Ok here it is.............My best find this week! I can't believe it! A PERFECT new chair for $20!

I mean not a scratch on it-new!

Pardon the garage walls, but I haven't hauled it upstairs yet.

Vegetable bowl, part of the Liberty series, 2 dollars, blue crock bowl with handle $2, and 2 wicker bottles. Table topper on left new in package 1 dollar.

ORB lantern $4 and lace runner $2.

Well, I went over my $20 self imposed limit this week, but that's ok. It has kinda been my goal to see how much fun I can have on $20. However, I do feel guilty that I buy this stuff, and have not hardly posted on USING any of it yet, which is the whole purpose, right? It is not the purpose to start a junk shop!! Have a good weekend!

I am joining my favorite new party that enables and encourages behavior such as mine. SHAME!

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2011-07-07T16:49:00.001-05:00

Appetizers on the Porch

I had told myself I would make more use of the porch and my flowers this summer for tablescapes, and I just haven't done it.

The tablecloth is Ralph Lauren from Home Goods.

The vase is a thrift store wicker covered bottle.

Goblets are from Tar-jay.

Salad plates also thrift store.

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2011-07-06T16:23:00.003-05:00

When you have only two pennies left in the world, buy a loaf of bread with one, and a lily with the other. Chinese Proverb

Chicago Ruby is one of the best, truest reds you can find.

Coral Cay

Lilac Lady

Newberry Festival

Virginia Henson is so tiny and perky, and the red looks like a lipstick kiss.

Million to One is a very delicate ivory with a pale blush. Just beautiful.

Janice Brown makes nice clumps of little blossoms.

Calgary Stampede, for my Canadian friends, is a huge, sturdy one.

These last two are orential hybrid lilies.

Stargazer

Sorbonne

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2011-07-02T19:24:00.006-05:00

An Easy 4th Centerpiece

Start with this:

Put your candle in the microwave just until it is soft enough to dig out.

Then take this sheet music that you googled and printed out...

Or you could do Yankee Doodle Dandy, or God Bless America. Just google "Patriotic Songs".

Stuff some of this in it.....

and add your sparklies and flags. (Bottle rockets and roman candles would look good, too)

And I added this photo to my centerpiece, because July 4th was my father's birthday.

To see the wooden flag I made behind the centerpiece, go to this post.

http://thebestmoments-pat.blogspot.com/2010/08/little-flag-waving-continued.html

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at Between Naps on the Porch

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2011-07-02T14:28:00.001-05:00

Cool Green Tablescape

Green for the color, but green because most of the tablescape didn't take much $green$.

The caddy was a thrift store buy, as was the little black urn.

I found 6 of the black stemmed goblets at an antique store for $12, then later found 2 more at the GW for .97 cents each.

The succulents were 50% off at Michael's.

Amazing how a nice ~~Margarita~~ limeade makes those goblets look good!

The black plates were Wally World for $2 each. The black glass salad plates were a garage sale find. I have had the napkins for awhile, I just got the napkin rings at BB&B for $2.39 each with a 20% coupon.

The fabric for the tablecloth was from JoAnn's and I used a 50% off coupon.

Can anyone give me a start off one of these?

I am joining Diann for her

2011-07-02T06:36:00.000-05:00

Whose broad stripes and bright stars.......

Betsy Ross was acquainted with the great General Washington. Not only did they both worship at Christ Church in Philadelphia, but Betsy's pew was next to George and Martha Washington's pew. Her daughter recalled, "That she was previously well acquainted with Washington, and that he had often been in her house in friendly visits, as well as on business. That she had embroidered ruffles for his shirt bosoms and cuffs, and that it was partly owing to his friendship for her that she was chosen to make the flag." **

Approximately 2,000 flags in the park and lining surrounding area main streets.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY!!!!

**Controversy surrounds whether or not Betsy Ross actually sewed the first flag. Who cares, I like the story!

2011-06-30T15:31:00.002-05:00

Thrifty Color Theme

It seems I have developed an obsession for white dishes this week.

This white pitcher was my most expensive purchase at a yard sale for $6.

I think it was worth it.

This little teapot was $4 and goes well with my mama's J & G Meakin Classic white, that she lets me use!

I picked up the classic cow creamer for a dollar. I know everybody and their dog has one of these, but I didn't. Speaking of dogs, I added this little guy to my dog collection.

Sometime I will have to do a blog on the dog collection, maybe next fall when there is nothing going on outside.

Here is a dollar wooden gobbler, another collection. Martha Stewart, years ago, once showed a Thanksgiving table with her collection of turkeys, and I started collecting turkeys. (wow, I left that wide open to those who know me)

Four dinner plates, only Gibson, dollar apiece at the thrift store, but I like the pattern.

Simple candlestick, but easily mixed in with tablescapes. $1.00.

Gosh, $20 and I entertained myself pretty well this week.

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2011-06-30T12:11:00.002-05:00

Daylily Peak is Coming

Continuing my passion for daylilies, here are a few more to show you. These flowers just on't get any easier to grow, and you have new blooms everyday.

Beautiful Edgings

I have different daylilies staggered to get early, mid and late season bloom, so I have about a month of bloom from them.

Final Touch

NOID seedling

They just bloom their little hearts out.

MoKan Butterfly

Strutter's Ball

Key to My Heart

Ruffles on daylilies are my favorite feature.

Awash With Color

Mary Todd

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2011-06-27T19:25:00.003-05:00

Summer Flowers

I worked in the yard off and on all weekend. Bushes are starting to be on 50% off here, so I ran around to different places to find some. I had a privacy fence put in about 2 years ago, and some of my huge bushes had to come out. It has taken me a while to build the landscaping back up. The snowball bush had been about 8 foot tall by 8 foot wide. It had to be cut to the ground when the fence was installed. It sure didn't take it long to bounce back.

I planted four hydrangeas. I have only had one hydrangea, and it hasn't done well. I am thinking it is not enough water. I have plenty of shade for them. So after all the bushes were planted, I secured a soaker hose in the line of bushes and covered it with mulch. Any tips on hydrangeas?

I know the Annabelle hydrangea grows well here, but I couldn't find any.
I also picked up a Viburnum Summer Snowflake. I have had good luck with viburnums in shade.

Here's what's blooming today, mostly daylilies.

This is Flutterbye

Chicago Flapper

Little Business is only about 3 inches across.

South Seas really are this iridescent coral.

Daylilies, cone flowers, and Asiatic lilies.

Don't these look like a flock of geese? I call them goose heads, but they are really loosestrife. They make me smile.

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