Springmont Cottage

Thanksgiving Breakfast Tablescape

2011-11-24T14:53:00.004-06:00

Since I am not having Thanksgiving at my house this year, I decided to do a festive table for breakfast. Flatware from wedding. Napkins Batter Homes and Garden at Walmart, last year.

Martha Stewart plates, Walmart Better Homes and Gardens salad plates

Glasses from Dollar Tree or local ngrocery store, I can't remember.

Pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from Family Dollar.

Leaf salt and pepper shakers from Family Dollar.

Better Homes and Gardens wire basket and fall potpourri from Walmart.

Candles and candlesticks from Hobby Lobby, last year.

Thanks so much for stopping by and Happy Thanksgiving!

Click HERE for a video on my tablescape.

Book Club Friday

2011-05-27T12:05:00.007-05:00

Today I am linking up with Heather over at Undercover Blonde for Book Club Fridays. I have enjoyed reading others recommendations and thought I would give it a try.

The book I have been reading and need to return to the school library is 11 Birthdays by Wendy Mass. The book caught my attention by the bright cover. Am I the only one that picks books by their covers? I work in an elementary school and this was a newer book that arrived so I checked it out. It's like Groundhog Day for middle readers. The same day keeps occurring but the characters change their actions some days to see what happens.

Here is what Barnes and Noble has to say about this book:

After celebrating their first nine same-day birthdays together, Amanda and Leo, having fallen out on their tenth and not speaking to each other for the last year, prepare to celebrate their eleventh birthday separately but peculiar things begin to happen as the day of their birthday begins to repeat itself over and over again.

I can't wait to see what everyone else has recommended to read. My summer reading list is growing very fast!

Happy reading!

Friday Fill In

2011-05-13T14:31:00.004-05:00

1. I know a lot about nothing.

2. Chocolate if at all possible.

3. This weather has been great for my sons baseball games.

4. Is that a problem.

5. I'm really happy I have the ability to ignore crazy people.

6. Work, or something to that effect.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my son's playoff baseball game, tomorrow my plans include hanging with my son and Sunday, I want to go to church and relax!

Outfit of the Day

2011-05-04T22:19:00.000-05:00

Today was a special day for me! Tonight I had my districts service awards dinner and I was going to be presented a gift and could bring a guest to share in this event. Naturally I took my sweet husband. We had a nice banquet dinner and then came the presentation of gift. I have worked for 20 years in my school district. I can't believe that when I say it. Time surely does fly when you are having fun. Dress-Marshall's
Black shrug-Dots
Necklace and Earrings-Avon
Watch-Kohl's
Wedges-Payless

Below are the gifts I received. I had a choice of items to pick from; a paperweight, clock, watch, id bracelet and pearl necklace. I picked the pearl necklace I thought I would get more wear out of it. I had to walk across the stage and shake all the board members hands and the superintendent and was presented a silver picture frame at the end. I felt like I was graduating!

It was a nice evening out with my sweetie and look forward to the next 20 years!

Happiness Is......

2010-08-07T22:56:00.000-05:00

new fluffy towels for my son and for me. The blue ones are for my son from Target. He was very pleased to have big boy towels with no cartoon characters on them. And the white ones are for me and I am not sharing with my sweetie~just kidding

Have a great weekend!

Tablescape #23 Free Flowers and New Napkins

2010-08-04T22:17:00.005-05:00

It's that wonderful time again, Tablescape Thursday! Thanks to Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting this fun weekly event. Please stop by here blog and check out all the other lovely tables this week.

My table is very simple this week and thrown together at the last minute. I kept going back and forth as to whether or not to do a table. I had these beautiful flowers but no linens to match.

These are my free flowers. On Saturday we attended my cousins 100 party, which is the number of birthdays plus their anniversaries equal to 100, and we stayed towards the end to help clean up and she gave away the centerpieces.

I just love them, but nothing matched in my linen stash. So while out shopping with my girlfriend tonight, we ventured into Dillard's and they had linens on sale!

My table is mismatched with cheap Walmart items to expensive Depression Glass items. Like these footed Adam Depression Glass.

And Adam Depression Glass footed sherbets.

Here are my new napkins from Dillard's. I just came home and threw this table together.

Dinner plates are from Walmart, stainless is wedding gift from Onieda.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great Tablescape Thursday!

Tablescape #22 Patriotic

2010-06-17T07:47:00.010-05:00

Every table should have some kind of whimsy. Patriotic pinwheels do just that. Glass hurricanes with colored glass stones and white candles to carry the theme.
Overview of the table. Simple, festive and non breakable plates are perfect for young boys!

Glass hurricanes-Southern Living at Home

Glass stones-Walmart

Pinwheels and candles-Hobby Lobby

Placemats and napkin rings-Kohl's

Plates and napkins-Walmart

Glasses-Dollar Tree

Flatware-Oneida,wedding gift

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

Family Reunion

2010-06-10T15:21:00.002-05:00

This past weekend was my family reunion on my mom's side. It was held at my cousins house in Hurst, TX. We all had a lovely time.

Here is my mom, in black, with her siblings. This is my family minus my husband who didn't come because he had to work and my son who was taking a nap inside. That's me in the tye dye t-shirt.

We had fun splashing in the pool and eating great food.

Making homemade ice cream. My nephew had fun turning the crank on the old ice cream freezer.

We had fun playing lawn games. The all time favorite bean bag toss game. That's my son in the blue and my niece in the red.

We are looking forward to the next reunion!

New Space

2010-06-02T17:59:00.001-05:00

My old classroom is completely empty and everything is moved either to my new room or taken home. A view of my new classroom.

All my boxes and crates have been unpacked and placed into the closets and cabinets. The fire Marshall has not issued occupancy so the furniture people can't deliver and assemble the furniture but we can go in and unpack boxes; somethings wrong with this!

Looking forward to a new school year in a new building. Let the summer begin!

Happiness

2010-05-29T17:50:00.000-05:00

Finding summer things at Walmart for my table.

In My Mailbox

2010-05-09T21:02:00.007-05:00

In My Mailbox is a weekly meme hosted by The Story Siren. It's a place where we post about the books we have received that week via mailbox, library or store. Click on over and join the fun.

Here are the books I purchased from a local thrift store for $1.00

Santa Cruise by Mary Higgins Clark and Carol Higgins Clark

A Clean Slate by Laura Caldwell

Carrie Pilby by Caren Lissner

Julie and Julia by Julie Powell

Love: A User's Guide by Clare Naylor

My TBR pile is growing way too fast. I can't wait til summer so that I can really start to make a dent in it.

Hope you had a great weekend and thanks for stopping by!

Scoop Night

2010-04-21T08:34:00.001-05:00

Join us for 31 Cent Scoop Night at Baskin-Robbins® and help us honor America's firefighters. The Baskin-Robbins Community Foundation is donating $100,000 to the National Fallen Firefighters Foundation™. Participating stores will reduce prices of ice cream scoops to 31 cents*. At some locations, you may also have an opportunity to make a donation to your local fire charities.
*2.5 oz scoops are 31 cents plus tax where applicable. Limit 3 scoops per person.

Free Starbucks Coffee

2010-04-12T14:11:00.000-05:00

Saw this deal at Deal Seeking Mom.com. Starbucks is encouraging everyone to switch from paper cups to reusable travel mugs. Bring a reusable travel mug into your local Starbucks on April 15th, and get a FREE brewed coffee!

Spring Reading Thing 2010

2010-04-05T13:25:00.008-05:00

Katrina at Callapidder Days is hosting the Spring Reading Thing. I have participated in this before and thought I would give it another try. When I have a plan to read I tend to get more books read.

Here are the details:

* Make a list of books you want to read (or finish reading) this spring. Your list can be as long or as short as you’d like. (Also, feel free to modify your list during the challenge if it’s not working for you.)

* Write a blog post containing your list and submit it to this post using the Mr. Linky below.

* Get reading! The challenge goes from today, March 20th, through June 20th, 2010.

* Check out other participants’ lists and add to your own to-read-someday pile!

* Write a post about your challenge experience in June, telling us all about whether you reached your goals and how the Spring Reading Thing went for you. But remember: this is a low-pressure challenge that should be fun. As long as you do some reading this spring (and enjoy it!), that’s good enough for me.

Now, here is my list of books that I hope to read during the Spring Reading Thing:

1. Life Among the Savages by Shirley Jackson

2. Nerd Gone Wild by Vicki Lewis Thompson

3. Nerds Like It Hot by Vicki Lewis Thompson

4. Goodnight Nobody by Jennifer Weiner

5. 4 Blondes by Candace Bushnell

6. The Right Address by Carrie Karasyov and Jill Kargman

7. The Little Lady Agency by Hester Browne

8. The Book of Bright Ideas by Sandra Kring

9. Can You Keep a Secret? by Sophie Kinsella, complete 5/9/10

10. A Total Waste of Makeup by Kim Gruenefelder, completed 4/28/10

Happy Reading!

March Book Winner

2010-04-05T13:08:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Linda for winning my March Pay It Forward Book. Please check back tomorrow for April's book.

Happy Easter!

2010-04-04T17:06:00.001-05:00

I hope everyone is having a Happy Easter with your family and friends.

Tablescape #21 More Bunny Plates

2010-03-31T20:38:00.005-05:00

Who is hiding in my grass? A cute little rabbit.

View of the table. Looks very similar to last weeks. I did change the bunny plates and the centerpiece.

My two little friend stopped by again.

Close up of the bunny plates

Napkins and Place mats-Walmart

White plates-Walmart

Bunny plates-Kroger

Flatware-Oneida

Glasses-wedding gift

Candles and candle holders-Hobby Lobby

Plant and bunnies -Kroger Thanks for stopping by and have a lovely Easter with you family and friends!

Tablescape #20 Easter Bunny Plates

2010-03-24T20:11:00.007-05:00

A simple Easter table.

With a bunny

or two.White plates-Walmart

Easter plates-Kroger

Place mats and napkins-Walmart

Flatware-Oneida

Glasses-wedding gift

Close up of plate. They had other designs but I picked the bunnies.

Southern Living glass hurricanes filled with glass rocks and candles.

Thanks for stopping by!

Friend Makin Monday::Spring

2010-03-22T13:33:00.006-05:00

I have stumbled upon this cute blog and she hosts Friend Makin Monday. So I thought I would join in today. Please click here to join and see more. She gives you a weekly topic and you post your answers and link up with other bloggers to see everyones answers and make new friends. What a fun idea!

1. Favorite things about Spring: Wearing skirt and flip flops

2. What I'm doing for Spring Break: Our Spring Break was last week and I traveled with my son and a bunch of other 5th graders to tour Washington, DC.

3. Favorite Spring flower:Tulips are my favorite

4. Do you have a garden?No, but I have landscaped beds around my house that I have to maintain.

5. If so, what do you grow.I can't grow much. The potted plants on my patio always seem to die.

6. Do you do Spring cleaning?I don't Spring Clean in the Spring, I usually do it in the summer when I am out of school.

7. What is your weather *really* like right now?It's been windy and cold, in the 50's but later this week its warming back up to the 70's

8. Snapped any weather related photos lately? Share one with us! I don't have any.

9. What's your favorite thing to do on a sunny afternoon?To be outside doing something. These days I am at the baseball field reading my book while my son is practicing.

10. Favorite TV show right now?Castle, Real Housewives

Thanks for stopping by and have a marvelous Monday!

Spring Break

2010-03-21T21:19:00.003-05:00

Spring Break is over and I need another Spring Break! I went with my son and several other students and parents to tour Washington, DC. The days were early starts and late nights. The tour was jammed packed with historical information and places to see. We had a melt down and tears from being so exhausted but overall it was a great trip. I can't wait to go back and see more at my own pace.

Some of the highlights were the Lincoln Memorial, Jefferson Memorial, Mount Vernon, Monticello, the Capital Building and the Smithsonian.

I hope you are having a great start to your Spring!

Menu Planning

2010-03-07T19:49:00.003-06:00

What a gorgeous weekend! The weather was absolutely beautiful. Spring is on its way here. We have a busy week. Lots of deadlines due at work and the start of baseball season which entails lots of practices. Here is our plan:

Monday-Out due to baseball
Tuesday-Out due to baseball
Wednesday-Lasagna, salad and garlic bread
Thursday-Out due to baseball
Friday-Pizza, salad

Have a great week! We are starting our countdown for Spring Break, just 5 more work days!

Friday Fill In

2010-03-05T23:05:00.000-06:00

1. Why are you making me stressed out?
2. I want to take my time.
3. Well then it will be on my terms.
4. Try it and see what happens.
5. I could use a Diet Coke.
6. Take a deep breath and then relax.
7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to hanging around the house with my son, tomorrow my plans include baseball and errands and Sunday, I want to go to church and spend time with my family.

Enjoy your weekend!

Tablescape #19 Cupcake Wishes

2010-03-04T07:44:00.000-06:00

Welcome to my table this week. We are celebrating a birthday in my family so I pulled out the birthday plates.

Red placemats-Kohls

White dinner plates-Walmart

Cupcake salad plates-Tuesday Mornings

Flatware-Oneida

Glasses-wedding gift many years ago

Mercury votive holders-Target

Milk glass vase-thrifted

faux daisy's-Dollar store

Close up of centerpiece

The salad plates were all different colors.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting my table!

March Pay It Forward Book Exchange

2010-03-03T09:18:00.004-06:00

It's cold outside and a great time to curl up inside with a book. This book exchange is hosted by Overwhelmed with Joy, but I not too sure if she is still participating. Please stop by and see if she has a link up for others having a book exchange this month.

This month I am offering the book Me vs Me by Sarah Mlynowski

From the back cover:

Gabby Wolf has pretty much, almost definitely (this close!) come to a decision: She's trading in Phoenix (nice but uneventful life with boyfriend) for Manhattan (dream job as producer for highly successful news show). Then Cam swoops in and gives her a sparkling engagement ring, making her decision even more impossible. Husband vs. career. Vera Wang wedding dress vs. sexy first-date outfits. Planting roots in Phoenix vs. playing the field in Manhattan...She wishes she didn't have to decide, that she could have it all.

She never expects her wish to come true.

Suddenly Gabby's living two lives. Whenever she falls asleep in one, she wakes up in the other. She's got the best of both worlds-what more could a girl ask for? Right?

Here are the rules:

1.If you win this book you must host a giveaway on your blog. If you don't have a blog then you will give the book to a local shelter, library, etc.

2.You do not need a blog to participate. If you don't have one just please leave your e-mail so that in the event you should win I can get a hold of you.

3.You need to leave a comment to this post by Monday, March 29.

4.I will randomly draw a name on Tuesday, March 30 and post the winner here. Also, I will contact the winner by e-mail or blog.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Tablescape #18 Valentine Table

2010-02-18T07:34:00.000-06:00

A couple of love birds. Add some hearts.

White dinner plates from Walmart

Red heart melamine plates from Kroger

Flatware by Debbie Mumm from Target

Heart flannel back tablecloth from Kohl's

Hearts on a stick from Target

Milk glass vase from antique store

Faux flowers and heart picks from Dollar Store

Mercury glass votive from Target.

Thanks for stopping by and visiting our table. Have a lovely week.

I Won

2010-02-16T20:19:00.004-06:00

My Canadian blogger friend, Vonlipi's Favorites had a giveaway on her blog and I won. I love my new Pyrex dish and the chocolate covered cranberries. If you love Pyrex and other vintage items be sure to check out her blog. Thank you Vonlipi!

Happy Valentine's Day

2010-02-14T09:10:00.002-06:00

Enjoy your day with your loved ones!

New Valentine Items

2010-02-02T07:39:00.004-06:00

I purchased some new Valentine items. A shiny heart wreath from the dollar store, a tablecloth from Kohl's, lovebird salt and pepper shakers from Target and 6 melamine red heart plates.

I finally pulled out my Valentine decorations and in the process of decorating our home for Valentine's Day. I leave my Valentine decorations out all of February.

Happy Groundhogs Day! We will have six more weeks of winter. Brrrrr!

Mailbox Monday

2010-02-01T08:30:00.005-06:00

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Here are the books that made it into my house this past week. All are from the local thrift store.

What books have you recently brought into your house?

Tablescape #17 Snowmen

2010-01-28T07:23:00.007-06:00

It's Thursday and time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table each week. Be sure to visit Susan and see all the lovely tables for this week.Welcome Friends to my table this week!Overview of my table. I love the blues, whites, silver and just a hint of red.My plates and flatware are Debbie Mumm from Target many moons ago.The glasses are Debbie Mumm as well.Cute Snowman friend in the center of the table with Debbie Mumm salt and pepper shakers.Two glass hurricanes filled with colored glass stones and candles.

Tablecloth, Debbie Mumm plates, glasses, flatware, salt and pepper shakers from Target many years ago.

Snowman from Kohl's after Christmas sale

Glass hurricanes from Southern Living at Home

Glass rocks and candles from Michael's

Thank you for stopping by and visiting our table this week. Have a great day!

Friday Fill In

2010-01-22T08:56:00.004-06:00

1. You have a chance to make a fresh start.

2. Do it right now!

3. There is a way.

4. Play now and pay later.

5. It's time to buckle down and get it done.

6. Summer vacation plans are up in the air but Spring Break plans are confirmed.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a mani and pedi, tomorrow my plans include a craft show and Sunday, I want to go to the international jewelry show!

Click here to see more Friday Fill Ins.

Have a great weekend!

Tablescape #16 Snowmen Delight

2010-01-21T07:13:00.002-06:00

My winter table.

Come inside where it's nice and warm.

The tablecloth looks very magical with the embossed snowflakes.

In the center of the table is a glass hurricane filled with cranberries and a warm candle.

Two lanterns on either side of the hurricane.

Another view of the lanterns.

The side view of the lantern.

The Dollar Tree snowflake glasses.

Snowflake flatware and bright red napkins.

The layers of plates. Red chargers, white dinner plate and snowman salad plate.
Tablecloth from Target many years ago.

Red chargers from Target after Thanksgiving sale

White plates from Walmart after Christmas 08 sale

Snowman plates from Walgreen's

Red napkins from Walmart in the fall

Snowflake flatware Debbie Mumm from Target many years ago.

Snowflake glasses from Dollar Tree

Glass Hurricane from Southern Living at Home

Snowmen lanterns from Kroger's after Christmas 09 sale.

Thanks for stopping by and have a great day!

I Can't Wait

2010-01-19T18:12:00.000-06:00

After I finish my daily home blessing (I try to follow Fly Lady) I am going to sit down with a cup of tea and dream away as I flip through these pages. Have a wonderful evening!

Friday Fill In

2010-01-15T08:46:00.003-06:00

1. The lesson I learned yesterday was it doesn't take much to brighten someones day.

2. Home is where friends and family meet.

3. All these years I've been trying to catch up on my scrapbooking.

4. I was excited when I arrived.

5. The truth is I have more projects than time.

6. Hearing my little guy laugh is what I remember most from that day.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to spending time with my guys, tomorrow my plans include nephews basketball game and Sunday, I want to relax with a good book!

Tablescape #15 You Can't Catch Me

2009-12-17T07:33:00.006-06:00

Two cute gingerbread friends are the center of my table this week. They were a Christmas gift several years ago from a sweet friend.

Welcome to our table!

Love his sweet heart cheeks.

I hope you enjoy your visit.

Flatware is Debbie Mum from Target several years ago.

Tablecloth is vinyl from Kohl's. It's not my favorite but I couldn't resist with the sweet gingerbread people dancing around on it.

Chargers are from Target after Thanksgiving sale. White dinner plates from Walmart after Christmas sale. Salad plate from Kohl's this year.

Another salad plate just for me.

Another salad plate for the boys.

White napkins from Walmart. Napkin rings from Kohl's this year. Kohl's' had lots of gingerbread people tableware this year.

This cute salt and pepper shakers are from Target this year.

A view of our sweet table.

The lights turned off.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Tablescape Thursday!

Mailbox Monday

2009-12-14T07:41:00.011-06:00

Mailbox Monday is the gathering place for readers to share the books that came into their house last week (checked out library books don’t count, eBooks & audio books do). Warning: Mailbox Monday can lead to envy, toppling TBR piles and humongous wish lists.

Here are the books that came into my house this past week. All of them came from the local thrift store at $1.00 a piece, you can't beat that. Happy Reading!

I am having a Book Pay It Forward. Click here to enter.

From a wonderful new voice in fiction comes a touching love story wrapped in a sparkling comedy. With enormous wit and an insider's eye, this debut capture the nuances of the rich and spoiled in a heartwarming social satire, featuring a lovable "champagne bubble girl" who's just looking for love.

It's time for more outrageous and feathered funin the award-winning, laugh-out-loud Meg Langslow series. When her old friend Karen drops by with two-year-old son Timmy, Meg Langslow reluctantly agrees to babysit just for a little while. But when nightfall comes, the toddler is still in residence and Karen isn't answering any phone calls. Meg decides she must find out what's happening, so the next morning, with Timmy in tow, she retraces her friend's footsteps&mdash-and begins to suspect that Karen's disappearance is tied to at least one serious crime. Has Karen been killed or kidnapped? Is she on the run from the bad guys? Or is she one of the bad guys? The police don't seem to care, so Meg once again plays sleuth&mdash-this time with a toddler as her sidekick. As usual, Meg's extended family adds to the complications in her life. What covert animal welfare project are Dad and the curmudgeonly zoologist Dr. Montgomery Blake working on&mdash-and will Meg have to make another late-night trip to bail them out of jail? Why does Meg's brother keep disappearing&mdash-is he merely trying to avoid babysitting, or is he involved in something more mysterious? Will taking care of Timmy dampen newly married Meg and Michael's enthusiasm for starting a family of their own? And are any of Meg's relatives reliable enough to be trusted with a two-year-old&mdash-especially a two-year-old whose whereabouts might be of interest to some very dangerous people? Donna Andrews once again proves her skill as one of the funniest, most entertaining mystery authors around.

Opposites attract in this specially packaged two-in-one volume of classic works by Nora Roberts--"From This Day" and "Temptation" 336 pp.

The Maine air was bitter cold and frigid as Dr. Miranda Jones returned to the family home after a busy lecture tour. But her blood turned to ice when, out of nowhere, she felt a knife held against her throat.The unseen assailant stole her bags, slashed her tires . . . and disappeared. Shaken and bruised, Miranda was nonetheless determined to put the assault quickly out of her mind. Then comes a distraction in the form of a summons to Italy to verify the authenticity of a valuable Renaissance bronze of a Medici courtesan known as "The Dark Lady." However, instead of cementing Miranda's position as the leading expert in her field, the job unexpectedly nearly destroys it when her professional judgment is called into question. Emotionally estranged from her mother, her brother immersed in his own troubles-and a bottle-Miranda, desperate to restore her reputation, has no one to turn to . . . except Ryan Boldari, a seductive art thief whose own agenda forces them into a reluctant and uneasy alliance.Now, it has become frighteningly clear that the incident that day in Maine was not a simple mugging, and that "The Dark Lady" may possess as many secrets as its beautiful namesake once did. For Miranda, forced to rely on herself-and an enigmatic partner who offers her suspicion and an intoxicating passion-the only way home is filled with treachery, deception, and a danger that threatens them all.

This is New York Times andUSA Todaybestselling author Jennifer Crusie's novel about long shots, risk management, true love, and great shoes. . . . Minerva Dobbs knows how to work the odds. Calvin Morrisey always plays to win. But when they face off, neither one is prepared. Because when real life meets true love, all bets are off. . . . Minerva Dobbs knows that happily-ever-after is a fairy tale, especially with a man who asked her to dinner to win a bet, even if he is gorgeous and successful Calvin Morrisey. Cal knows commitment is impossible, especially with a woman as cranky as Min Dobbs, even if she does wear great shoes and keep him on his toes. When they say good-bye at the end of their evening, they cut their losses and agree never to see each other again. But fate has other plans, and it's not long before Min and Cal meet again. Soon they're dealing with a jealous ex-boyfriend, Krispy Kreme doughnuts, a determined psychologist, chaos theory, a freakishly intelligent cat, Chicken Marsala, and more risky propositions than either of them ever dreamed of. Including the biggest gamble of all---true love.

Friday Fill In

2009-12-11T08:17:00.003-06:00

1. Good times: family and friends.

2. Come help finish decorating my home.

3. Sleigh bells ring are you listening.

4. It's OK to have just a little.

5. Once more I am running behind schedule.

6. Will this crazy weather end?

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to finish Christmas shopping(I hope), tomorrow my plans include a Baby Shower and Sunday, I want to relax in front of the tree!

Have a great weekend!

Tablescape #14 Santa Claus Is Coming To Town

2009-12-10T07:35:00.006-06:00

Santa is a tea light holder. The jolly of elf and the peppermint trees are from Kohl's.Red chargers from Target. White dinner plates from Walmart and Santa plates from Walgreen's. Santa plates were $1.00 each. They also had elf and snowmen.Stemware glasses were FREE! My school was throwing out old holiday decorations and I snatched them up. I have 10 of them. They are made by Libby. Silverware is Debbie Mum. They were purchased from Target after Christmas sale many years ago. Love the snowflake design.

Napkins are from Walmart and the napkins rings from Kohl's. Love my denim Christmas tablecloth. I purchased this many moons ago at the after Christmas sale at Penney's.
Another view of the peppermint tree. It's very sparkly with glitter.
A view with the lights off. There isn't enough candlelight to show up.

One last view of my table.

Thanks for stopping by. Happy Holidays!

Mailbox Monday

2009-12-07T09:48:00.005-06:00

Here are the books that came into my house this past week. They are all from the Mystery Guild Book Club. Have you read any of them? Let me know your thoughts.

Happy Reading!

Friday Fill In

2009-12-04T10:09:00.005-06:00

1. Wait! Wait, don't forget the tape.

2. Cleaning the face is followed at once by applying moisturizer.

3. The trouble is I haven't completed by Christmas decorating.

4. My brother is many miles away.

5. With a faint pop it dropped to the floor.

6. The stormy day is shadowy and ominous.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to snow in Texas, tomorrow my plans include a jewelry party and Sunday, I want to finish my Christmas decorating!

This meme is hosted by Janet here.

Have a great weekend!

Tablescape # 13 It's Beginning to Look Like Christmas

2009-12-03T07:30:00.008-06:00

It's Thursday and time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table each week. Be sure to visit Susan and see all the lovely tables for this week. Santa BurgundySanta IvorySanta GoldMy wedding china Nortiake, pattern La Prada. Chargers in a plum color from Target.Gold trimmed stainless from Oneida.Our wedding crystal, pattern Antique Lace A different view of the table

Mercury glass tea light holders in gold and silver from Target.My three Santa's in the candlelight. The Santa's are tree toppers purchased from Kmart many years ago.
Thanks for stopping by. Stay warm and have a great day!

December Pay It Forward Book Exchange

2009-12-02T10:24:00.006-06:00

I am offering Flyover States as my pay it forward book exchange for this month.

From Booklist
Doris and Ronnie are outsiders at Indiana's Langsdale University. Quirky Doris is nervous about teaching a summer class of low-income college students. To make matters worse, she has to co-teach with goofy Zach, a guy she regrets hooking up with once upon a time. Ronnie would have loved to have the co-teaching position with Doris, and she is furious that Zach was picked instead, leaving her with no university employment for the summer. She reluctantly takes a job working nights at a local factory and attends classes during the day. She does manage to snag the attention of the handsome guy she has been admiring from afar, but she soon learns that he is not being totally honest with her. Doris has a similar problem with a charismatic but sexually ambiguous poetry professor. Readers will enjoy the novel setting and the trials and tribulations of transplanted big-city girls trying to find work and love in the Midwest.

Here are the rules:

1.If you win this book you must host a giveaway on your blog. If you don't have a blog then you will give the book to a local shelter, library, etc.

2.You do not need a blog to participate. If you don't have one just please leave your e-mail so that in the event you should win I can get a hold of you.

3.You need to leave a comment to this post by Tuesday, December 29.

4.I will randomly draw a name on Wednesday, December 30 and post the winner here. Also, I will contact the winner by e-mail or blog.

Good Luck and Happy Reading!

Thrifty Finds

2009-12-01T07:52:00.003-06:00

Here is my newest piece of Pyrex. The pattern is Horizon Blue. The pattern is described as various blue flowers and art deco designs on an opal white background. I didn't have another piece in this design or color, so I am thrilled. And the best part is that I only paid $4.00 for an excellent condition bowl.

What have you found lately?

Mailbox Monday

2009-11-30T08:25:00.014-06:00

Here are the books that came into my house this past week. None of these came by way of the mailbox but by the local thrift store.DESCRIPTION: A collection of stories for anyone who shuddered at the idea of senior prom, REVENGE OF THE PASTE EATERS is about the way the experiences of childhood stay with us and shape us into adults. Cheryl Peck applies her signature wit to more personal stories and reflections--about hurting people and getting hurt, about discovering who you are and who you want to be, about feeling "not good enough," and about being bigger--physically and mentally--than many of the people surrounding you. This is a wickedly funny view of what it's like to be a middle-aged woman in middle-America, and what really happened to the kids who were different. Teri is searching for Mr Right. She's been through Mr Lazy, Mr Greedy, Mr Completely Selfish and Mr Downright Pervert -- but, as yet, no Mr Wonderful. That is, of course, until she is literally knocked off her feet by Jamie Duncan, as they rush to catch their train home from Euston station: the18.07 from platform 8. Soon love blossoms and commuting takes on a whole new meaning. But one thing that can't be ignored is that, as well as being Mr Right, Jamie is also Mr Married! When her husband abandons her in 1950s Minneapolis, Patty Jane opens her own unique beauty salon

Grace Armiger isn't living the high life. As a publicist in a London publishing house, she spends her days trying to interest an indifferent media in her collection of oddball authors. Home's not much better-her scruffy apartment, untrustworthy boyfriend, and nagging mother aren't doing much to keep her spirits high. Plus, she's just had a wildly inappropriate one-night stand with one of her writers. But when a chance encounter turns into a brush with an A-list celebrity, Grace dares to think her life may finally be taking a promising turn . . . Across town, Belinda Black, a ruthless tabloid journalist, is about to make a crash landing into Grace's unremarkable life. For just as soon as Grace thinks she's found the man of her dreams, Belinda thinks she's found the interview of hers. With Gossip Hound , Wendy Holden delivers yet another stylish, sophisticated comedy showcasing a winning and witty heroine who-against all odds-just may come out on top.

So those are the books added to my TBR pile the past week. My pile is growing very fast thanks to the local thrift store selling books for $1.00.

I finished these two books over the Thanksgiving break.

What books came into your house this past week?

Menu Planning

2009-11-29T20:09:00.001-06:00

What a great holiday weekend we had. We were able to escape town and head out to the country and have some old fashion fun on my sister's family land in Calvert, TX. We have no left overs since I didn't host Thanksgiving and make the turkey. We have a busy week ahead of us so I tried to find easy meals to make. Here is our plan for the week:

Monday:Out since I have a training until 6:00!

Tuesday: Sausage and Pasta Bake

Wednesday: So Simple Tuna Pasta Casserole

Thursday: No Roll Mexican Rice Enchiladas

Friday: Garden Vegetable Lasagna

Saturday: Impossibly Easy Chilies Rellenos Pie

Sunday: Arroz con Pollo (Rice with Chicken)

All my recipes are from Pillsbury Money Saving Meals magazine.

You can find other great recipes and menus at OrgJunkie.com

Have a great week!

Tablescape #12 Thanksgiving

2009-11-19T04:58:00.000-06:00

It's Thursday and time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table each week. Be sure to visit Susan and see all the lovely tables for this week. Gobble! Gobble! It's turkey time! I am so thankful for you. Thanks for stopping by and visiting my table. The centerpiece items; the Pilgrims, turkey and flowers are from Kohl's

The Family Dollar salt and pepper shakers. Another set of Family Dollar salt and pepper shakers.

I couldn't figure out why my pictures of my dishes ended up sideways. Oh well! The chargers are from Target on clearance. The white plates are from Walmart at the after Christmas clearance. The leaf bowls are from Walmart last year. The tablecloth, napkins and napkin rings are from Kohl's. A green leaf bowl. A yellow leaf bowl. The Dollar Tree glasses. So thankful that I do not have to cook a turkey this year. My sister is the host for Thanksgiving. She is having both sides of the family over and we will have over 20 people there next Thursday, including my in-laws.

Wishing everyone a Happy Thanksgiving!

Heavenly Hash

2009-11-18T16:43:00.004-06:00

Today we had our faculty Thanksgiving luncheon at school and I made Heavenly Hash to share with my school family. My parents have been making this dish for the Holidays for as long as I can remember.It's a cool whip lip smacking dish.The recipe is below. Enjoy!

Heavenly Hash

1 can eagle brand

1 can cherry pie filling

1 large tub of Cool Whip

1 large can crushed drained pineapple

1 cup small marshmallows

1 cup nuts

Mix all ingredients together; add cherry pie filling last. Let chill in refrigerator before serving.

Tablescape #11 Scarecrows

2009-11-04T18:56:00.007-06:00

It's almost Thursday and time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table each week. Be sure to visit Susan ad see all the lovely tables for this week. Also, she is having a daily giveaway for great gifts from Colonial Candle.Welcome to my table. This cute sign came from Kroger's.

My dishes are Martha Stewart that came from Kmart many moons ago. Also, pictured are my first chargers! I purchased them on sale from Target. The cute pumpkin with sunflower napkin ring is from Kohl's, my favorite store and the tablecloth and napkins are from Walmart.

Love the Dollar Tree glasses.

The Family Dollar Store salt and pepper shakers.

Another set from the same place.

My sweet friends, they also came from the Family Dollar.

Love these candles so much! All from Hobby Lobby.

View of the table.

Another view

And with the ligths out.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments about my table. If you like what you see, please become a follower.

Have a great day!

Tablescape #10 Halloween

2009-10-28T18:21:00.007-05:00

Beware! skull candle holders with flameless candles from Kohl's.

My Walmart plates. Used the same pattern for both plates.

Place mats were a Bunco gift and used my everyday flatware from Oneida.

Scary haunted house napkin rings from Kohl's.

Spooky tree with bats at the tips from Kohl's.

Three spider votive holders from a cute little boutique in town sitting on a white milk glass cake stand.

My cute Halloween glasses from Kroger's.

The table was covered in spider webs. Thanks Susan for the idea.

A shot with the lights on.

A shot with the lights off.

Thanks for stopping by and have a safe Halloween!

Thrifty Finds

2009-10-27T18:15:00.000-05:00

My finds this week are from the thrift store. I found a Halloween candle holder, a stack of children's books for my classroom and a silver tray, that I will use in a project in the future.

Trying to not go as often to the thrift stores. I am trying to be good.

What have you found lately?

Tablescape #9 Halloween Fun

2009-10-21T19:12:00.006-05:00

Hello and thanks for stopping by. I can't wait to share with you my ghostly table.
A full view of the table. I received the runner as a gift and I have never used a runner before. I could never get it to look right. I keep adding stuff to the center and eventually you can't see the runner. I tried to be very selective as to what I placed in the center.

The napkins and napkin rings are from Kohl's. I love shopping here for tablescape items.

The dinner plates are from Walmart after Christmas clearance.

The salad plates are from the Dollar Tree and very kid friendly.

The glasses are from Kroger. I saw them putting out their Christmas and winter glasses. I can't wait to start collecting them.

One of the tea light holders. I have had this ghost for quite some time.

The other tea light holder. I believe this one is from Hallmark a couple of years ago.

Here is the table with the lights off and the glow of the candles and center ghost. The large center ghost is my sons. It changes colors ever so often. My parents had given it to him a couple of years ago. I saw some at Target recently.

Thanks for stopping by and I hope you have a great day!

Thrifty Finds

2009-10-20T19:06:00.000-05:00

Here are my great finds for this week. Pyrex!!! I haven't found Pyrex in such a long time. I love this one with the fall colors, perfect for this time of the year. It was $5.00 and the ivy bowl for $1.00. Not too bad for a quick trip to the thrift store. I left with money for a Sonic drink, WHOOP!

What have you found lately?

Tablescape #8 Finally Fall

2009-10-14T19:06:00.007-05:00

It's almost Thursday and it's time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table. Be sure and visit Susan and see all the lovely tables for this week.

It's finally Fall in my house. I dragged out all my fall tubs and decorated over the weekend. The outside is not complete but I hope to get that done this coming weekend, if the weather corporates.The view of my table. I love how everything looks.Let's start with the plates. The small pumpkin bowls are from Walmart. They are the Better Homes and Garden brand. I am loving that brand there. The tablecloth and napkins are from Kohl's last year.The bottom plate is Martha Stewart brand purchased many moons ago.

The small salad plate is also Martha Stewart purchased at Kmart many moons ago.I used my everyday flatware from Oneida.The glasses are from the Dollar Tree.The candle holders, rings and candles are from Hobby Lobby. I purchased them on Monday and they are on sale this week.

My tier stand is from an antique store in Brenham, TX. I filled it with artificial gourds and pumpkins purchased at Kroger's. My Kroger's has a lot of fall decorations out for sale. I love that I can grocery shop and tablescape shop all at once!

Cute pumpkin salt and pepper shakers from the Family Dollar Store.

Another pair from the Family Dollar store. They have their Christmas shakers out now. Drive fast and go get a pair or two.

The table lit and ready for dinner.

Thanks so much for stopping by. I do appreciate your visit and comments. Have a great day!

Thrifty Finds

2009-10-13T19:00:00.001-05:00

My finds this week are not from the Thrift store but from Tuesdays Mornings. I think I have found another great store to shop at. It's been a long time since I have been in there and I liked what I found. I picked up two packages of the cupcake plates. They were $9.99 each. I can't wait to use them in a birthday tablescape.

Then I found these beautiful plates from Paula Deen. They were $2.99 each and I got 6. I can't wait to use them in the spring for a tablescape.

What have you found lately?

Menu Planning

2009-10-12T07:54:00.001-05:00

We had a fabulous weekend. My brother came down from Missouri to surprise our mom for her birthday. We had him meet us at the restaurant Friday evening. He was sitting at our table and she was surprised! It was great having him here this weekend. The kids enjoyed hanging out with Uncle. Saturday we went to Chappell Hill for the Scarecrow Festival and enjoyed the cool day walking around and enjoying the arts and crafts. I have the day off today and plan to spend the day hanging with my son.

Here is our plan for the week:

Monday-Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables

Tuesday-Indian Style Curry Chicken

Wednesday-Pizza and salad

Thursday-Chicken Alfredo Biscuit Casserole

Friday-Out

Have a great week!

Friday Fill In

2009-10-09T10:19:00.002-05:00

1. Sweet dreams are made of these,.....

2. I need some time especially for me.

3. Silliness keeps you young at heart.

4. Have not confirmed plans for this Halloween.

5. Outstanding or not my class is the best.

6. Chocolate is what I want right now!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to dinner with family to celebrate my mom's birthday, tomorrow my plans include Scarecrow Festival in Chappell Hill and Sunday, I want to finish decorating for Halloween!

Tablescape #7

2009-10-08T07:26:00.001-05:00

This weeks table is very simple and country feeling. The plates are thrift store purchases made in the spring. I have been waiting patiently to used them!
Here is the stamp on the back of the plate. I don't have a complete set but now I have something to hunt for while out treasure hunting.

My Dollar Tree glasses.

My sweet salt and pepper shakers.

The centerpiece consist of this wooded bowl filled with great smelling potpourri and shaped candles.

A navy tablecloth and red napkins. My everyday flatware from Onieda.

Another view of the plates. I used both the dinner and salad plates.

A view with the candles lite.

Thanks for stopping by!

Thrifty Finds

2009-10-06T08:02:00.003-05:00

These thrifty finds came from Super W. They were the end of summer clearance. I paid $1.50 for each. A set of 2 place mats and 2 napkins. Here is a close up of the napkins. The napkins are the same for each set. The colors of the place mats are different. I purchased three of each color.

Here are the colors of the place mats. A spring green, berry, royal blue and a turquoise. I will have fun setting my table next spring and summer. I just hope I don't store them some place I will forget about them.

Have a great day!

Menu Planning

2009-10-05T07:46:00.002-05:00

What a weekend! We were busy with my parents garage sale. I didn't make a lot but I was able to get rid of stuff that was cluttering the house. I have another busy week at school so I was looking for quick and easy recipes. Here is what my family will be enjoying this week.

Monday-Chicken and Vegetable Alfredo*

Tuesday-Three Cheese Hamburger Helper

Wednesday-Mediterranean Chicken and Vegetables*

Thursday-Pizza and Salad

Friday-Out for my mom's birthday

*Recipe found in Pillsbury Money Saving Meals

Have a great week! For more recipes and meal ideas stop by orgjunkie.com.

Friday Fill In

2009-10-02T09:55:00.005-05:00

1. I have a history of shopping too much.

2. Speaking another language is something I wish I knew.

3. I'm eating (or recently ate) Special K.

4. I can't wait to get on the road.

5. So that's it, that's not difficult.

6. Something is better than nothing!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to going over to my parents, tomorrow my plans include the neighborhood garage sale at my parents and Sunday, I want to decorate my house for Fall or shop!

Tablescape Thursday

2009-10-01T07:00:00.001-05:00

My simple table for the week.Very casual!Two very "tweet" friends will be joining us.Centerpiece are two small potted silk mums from Walmart. They were $5.00 eachThe dinner plates are from Marshall's. Love the blues, yellows and creams!My first set of Spode plates. I was shocked at how inexpensive they were.A small cream salad plate nestled in the center. The small plates are from Walmart after Christmas clearance.The flatware is from our wedding. Napkins are from Walmart. Tablecloth is from Ross.

Ready for our weeknight meal.

Snapshot of 13 Things During the Month of September

2009-09-30T07:37:00.007-05:00

1. Picture of Me-My son and I at the Astros vs Phillies baseball game

2. Candle scent of the month-Paula Deens Creme Brulee

3. Books Read- Just one

4. Number of pictures taken this month-121

5. Movies watched this month-4; The Alamo, The World's Fastest Indian, Transamerica, and Rachel Getting Married

6. Perfume of the month-Philosophy Amazing Grace

Style: amazing grace is philosophy's best selling fragrance. amazing grace enhances a woman's state of well being, and was created to make a woman smell and feel amazingly clean and beautifully feminine.

Tones: Amazing grace is based on pure, clean fragrance notes that are designed to draw people closer to you, and never overwhelm so people notice you, not your fragrance. People will tell "you smell so good."

The woman: The amazing grace woman embraces the essence of femininity. She is an inspiration to those around her and believes the secret to looking good, is feeling good.

7. Last place I ate out-El Gallo

8. Something that made me cry-The James Rogers Benefit BBQ

9. Something that made me laugh-My son and his fashion sense

10. Something I looked forward to-End of the month deadlines for work

11. Something I am thankful for-My health

12. Something I want to remember- How wonderful my church is, how they pulled together to bless the James Rogers Family

13. A photo I took this month. My son and niece at the Astros vs Pirates baseball game.

Thrifty Finds

2009-09-29T16:40:00.002-05:00

Today's find did not come from a thrift store but a regular store. I was very thrifty in my purchase. I hunted the clearance shelf at Kohl's. Have I told you how much I love Kohl's, especially for all my tablescaping needs.

Look at all the beading around the edge of these plates. Beautiful!

A simple elegant off white plate. I got 6 of them and can't wait to use them in my tablescapes.

The best deal for $3.00 a plate, I think. These are made by the Food Network.

I hope you have found some great deals out there! Happy Shopping!

Menu Planning

2009-09-28T09:51:00.004-05:00

Please stop by Organize Junkie for lots of menu ideas and a giveaway.

Having a menu plans helps take the stress out of what's for dinner. I have a peace of mind when I use my plan and follow through. Sundays are my days to plan and shop for the week. These week I have simple and easy meals that can be quickly assembled since I am working late this week.

Here is what my family is eating this week:

Monday-Out with my parents

Tuesday-Tuna Tetrazzini

Wednesday-Chicken Fried Rice

Thursday-Grill Cheese and Tomato Soup

Friday-Pizza and salad

The weekend we will probably eat out as we will be on the go.

Phillies Game

2009-09-27T08:45:00.005-05:00

One of our must see things to do while we were in Philadelphia was to see Citizen Park and the Phillies. We were in luck as they were in town while we were there. They were playing the Blue Jays. I waited till we arrived in Philadelphia to purchase tickets and we were seated at the top of the stadium which worked out great since it started to rain and we had the top overhang protecting us from the rain. Philly fans are great! They are very loyal and love the game. Here are a few pictures from that nights game.

It was raining as we pulled into the parking lot.The outside of the gates to enter the stadium.Excitement was building as we approached the stadium.Getting there early to see batting practice and players which did not happen due to the rain.

Must have a hot dog at the stadium.

My guy getting ready for the game.

Me and my guy waiting for the game to start. It was raining and cold.

My happy little guy after the purchase of his hoodie.

It was Jackie Robinson Day at the stadium. My son did a biography report on him in the spring at school so it was cool that they were celebrating him while we were there.

Making his selection for the All Star game.

Philly Zoo

2009-09-26T08:35:00.000-05:00

Every place we visit we have to make a stop at the zoo. We are zoo freaks! We love hanging out with the animals. Philadelphia has a beautiful zoo. The landscape is very well maintained and rolling hills for a great workout. Here are a few highlights from our vacation to Philadelphia this summer.

I could have stayed here all day and watch this guy play.

Towards the middle of the zoo there is a small pond/lake and they have these swan paddle boats. It was a must do!
These beautiful peacocks wonder around the zoo.

My guys walking hand in hand.

Great photo spots throughout the zoo.

My little monkey.

The zoo has several statues of art scattered around the zoo. These lions were at the front entrance.And a trip to the zoo is not complete without a stop to the gift shop.

Friday Fill In

2009-09-25T08:46:00.003-05:00

1. One week ago I was feeling lousy with sinus infection.

2. I enjoyed Sunday afternoons baking with my sister in our Easy Bake oven when I was young.

3. Mama told me put God first and everything else will fall into place.

4. It's between you and me.

5. Take your time and you'll end up with a wise decision.

6. This to will pass!

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to my high school homecoming game, tomorrow my plans include hanging around the house and Sunday, I want to go to church and need to grocery shop!

M I A

2009-09-24T08:35:00.001-05:00

I have been MIA. This summer and start of the school year have been busy for me. My mom had knee replacement surgery and required help, vacation and trainings for school. Plus the many projects that I hoped to get done but are still works in progress. I have been away from blogging recharging my battery and needing a break. I felt I was just burned out and didn't have anything new and interesting to share with you. I have missed sharing my tablescapes with you all and have many ideas for the Fall and can't wait to share them with you.

But, I am back and I hope my three friends that read my blog will come back! LOL! You might have noticed I have made changes to my background. It was so easy. Just click on the banner at the top left corner of my blog and it will take you to their site. They have lots of cool backgrounds to choose from and the best part is that they are FREE!

Have a great day!

4th of July Tablescape

2009-06-25T09:50:00.005-05:00

It's Thursday and time for tablescapes. Thanks to Susan for hosting. Please check out her blog for more tablescape ideas.My table is ready for the 4th, all decked out in red, white and blue.Place mats are from Kohl's.Plates are from Walmart several years ago. They are melamine.Star plates are from $0.99 store. I got 6 red and 6 blue.White napkins are what I had and our everyday flatware from Oneida.

Glasses are from Big Lots. They are embossed with stars. It's hard to see in the picture.

Candles were a gift in the center of each star plate.

Pinwheel whimsy on the table.

Another one.

The centerpiece is a pitcher filled with red, white and blue fake carnations and the flags are salad tongs stuck down in there.

Thanks for stopping by!

Philadelphia Hotel

2009-06-24T16:57:00.003-05:00

Our hotel was fabulous. It was in a great location downtown in the central business area and right across from City Hall. Also, just outside was the trolley stop that we boarded to ride to just about everything we wanted to see. We stayed at a Courtyard Marriott. We had a corner room on the fourth floor.

Here is the main entrance. As you can see it was once the City Hall Annex.

A view up through the outdoor cover. It was a high rise building.

Our son loved the revolving door.

My guys waiting on me in the lobby.

Our first night we walked over to Pietro's to have a wonderful dinner.

More to come later!

Philly

2009-06-14T19:41:00.002-05:00

We are in Philadelphia. I can't believe this is the farthest East I have been. We arrived Saturday afternoon to rain. Our plane had to hold in the air until the weather cleared up a bit for us to land.

Saturday evening we headed over to a trendy area called Rittenhouse Row Shopping for dinner. We ate an Italian place that was very yummy.

Sunday we toured America's first zoo. The Philadelphia zoo is quite impressive. The exhibit areas are wonderfully designed and they had a polar bear! After the zoo we headed down to the historical area to board the Duck Tour. It's a vehicle that runs on land and water. We were driven by lots of historical places and famous places. We hope to go back and visit many of these places. It was fun to make a splash into the Delaware River. We saw a Gay Pride Festival along the banks and Will Smith's fathers house.

Dinner we were going to try Hard Rock but it was closed for a private party so we ended up at 13 inside the Marriott. It was nice since I think we were the only ones inside.

The forecaster says that rain is for tomorrow, so our plan is to tour the Franklin Institute Museum.

**If I can figure out how to get my pictures off my camera, I will add them later.

Friday Fill In

2009-06-05T08:47:00.003-05:00

1. I can't wait to go home.

2. My favorite thing for dinner lately has been salad.

3. Our dog is non stop bark! bark! bark!

4. A nice long walk on the beach with my guys.

5. I want to hear some good news.

6. When all is said and done, there's nothing more that you can do about it.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a dinner party at my sister's with our cousin and his family from Dallas, tomorrow my plans include an end of the season baseball swim party and Sunday, I want to go to church and hang out with the family!

Have a great weekend!

Snapshot of 13 Things During the Month of May

2009-06-04T08:08:00.002-05:00

1. Photo of me: On the go!

2. Candle scent: Finished up Yankee Candle Lilac Blossom

3. Books read: Pretty in Plaid4. Number of pictures taken: 93

5. Movies and DVD's watched: Bride Wars, Hotel for Dogs, Fat Actress, The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants

6. Perfume Fragrance: Aqualina Pink Sugar. From Sephora-Stylish and lively with a distinctive

personality, Pink Sugar takes you on a journey through the pleasures and flavors of childhood.

7. Last place we ate out at: Taste of Texas

8. Something that made my cry: My work with all the drama on my team.

9. Something that made me laugh: My son

10. Something I looked forward to: Mother's Day

11. Something I am thankful for: My family

12. Something I want to remember: My son's baseball season. They finished in second place and he was the starting pitcher for many games.

13. A photo I took this month: My parents with the grand kids on Mother's Day.

Thrifty Finds

2009-06-02T09:05:00.003-05:00

Two cute resale shop finds! I plan to use this one in my classroom somehow.

I thought this one would be great to keep out on the counter and use for parties. I believe my brother had one of these when he first moved out into his own apartment/house.

They are not old but brought a smile to my face. What have you found lately?

Fourth Tablescapes~More Ladybugs

2009-05-28T08:16:00.006-05:00

It's Thursday and it's time for Tablescape Thursdays hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch. I am having so much fun decorating my table. Be sure and visit Susan and see all the lovely tables for this week.I am doing ladybug again as my theme on the table. They look pretty scary with the flash on but they are quite cute. Here is the view of the table. I love the reds and yellows.

Place mats are from Kohl's. I bought them over the Memorial Day weekend on sale. The flatware is our everyday from Oneida and glasses are our everyday which were a wedding gift.

Plates came from Walmart a couple of summers ago. They are made out of melamine.

Napkins are from Kohl's on sale over the Memorial Day weekend. I bought a matching tablecloth as well. I have an oval table and its seems there are few tablecloths available for this size. I think Kohl's is becoming my favorite store for purchases for my table. They have a great selection! A friend to greet you at the table. Sure wished I had some ice cold watermelon! The centerpiece was from last week. The white flowers still looked lovely and I just pulled out the purple and added red to the center. I set the whole frog vase into this pot which fit quite nicely.

A close up of the pot which was purchased from Hobby Lobby. A couple more friends to chat with.
A view with the candles lite and the lights off.

Thanks for stopping by. I appreciate your comments about my table.

Thrifty Finds

2009-05-26T09:10:00.002-05:00

Two great finds at Salvation Army for under $10.00. I did not have this pattern in this color so I picked them. I am running out of space to store my Pyrex and I am trying to be very picky, making sure there are not marks, scratches or discoloration.

What have you found lately?

Memorial Day

2009-05-25T11:40:00.001-05:00

Have a wonderful day with family and friends!

Fourth Tablescape

2009-05-22T08:57:00.007-05:00

It's time again for Tablescape Thursdays. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is our hostess. Please click over to her blog and check out all the lovely tables.

The tablecloth is from Kohl's. It was found on the clearance shelf after EasterMy plates are from Kmart many years ago. They are Martha Stewart everyday. I have 4 of each design for a total of 12 plates in the dinner and salad plates.Another place setting.Yellow napkins from Kohl's on the clearance shelf. Our everyday flatware from Oneida and everyday glasses.My sweet friends flew over onto the table.My centerpiece is from Southern Living. I love the vase with the frog to help me create lovely flower arrangements. I don't know if they still sell this. I have had mine for quite some time.

A view with the candles lite.

Another view

Another view but where are the flowers? I looked for flowers to match the tablecloth and had a hard time. Plus my car was in the shop and limited my time to search.
Finally I found flowers at Kroger's.

Third Tablescape~Ladybugs

2009-05-14T08:36:00.006-05:00

It's time once again for Tablescape Thursday. Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is our wonderful host. Please visit her blog for more lovely tablescapes.

My table this week has gone to the bugs, ladybugs! They are my favorite. My house is decorated with them right now.

Here are the ladybug place mats I ordered from Snappy Turtle. They are so cute and bright!My flatware is my everyday from Oneida and was given to us at our wedding. I do not remember the name of the pattern. And after seventeen years it's looking a little beat.Here are our everyday glasses, a wedding gift.

My plates are from Walmart. I purchased them right after the holidays. The box was marked $5 for a set of four. They had dinner plates, salad plates and bowls. When I got the the cashier they were marked down to $2.50 a box! So I purchased 3 of each and now have a service for 12.I was searching for ladybug plates and couldn't find any that were just ladybugs. I settled for these bug bowls from Hobby Lobby. Here is the bee.And the butterfly.And my favorite the ladybug. The set include one of each and a tray to serve them on. I picked up two sets to have 6 bowls and used my 40% off coupon at Hobby Lobby which made them under $20 each.The centerpiece container also came from Hobby Lobby. I am not crazy about the flowers. I went to my local supermarket and they had nothing that I thought would match or go with my tablescape this week so ended up going to Michael's and picking up some faux flowers. They don't exactly match, oh well!Two cute ladybug tea light holders from Hobby Lobby.

With the lights off and no flash.

Lights off with a flash

Our ladybug table!And I always forget to put my glasses on the table when I take a picture of the whole view. I realized after I had blown out the candles and was emptying the dishwasher!

Meeting an Author

2009-05-13T08:39:00.006-05:00

Last night my girlfriend and I went to Border books to meet Jen Lancaster! She is on tour for her new book, Pretty in Plaid.This is book number 4. I have read the first three and have laughed so hard. I introduced my friend to her and she loves them as much as I do.

Do you see Jen? She is the one with the white sweater tied around her shoulders. Love her bag! The theme was to come dressed in 80's clothes but coming from work that wasn't an option for me. There were some ladies that were dressed in 80's wear and they looked fabulous.

Here we are waiting for Jen to start. There were microphone issues.She read a passage from the book about being a Girl Scout and then ended with question and answers. She shared about her family and the dogs and what she has in store for her fans and readers!And then it was book signing time! When I went up to have my copy signed she commented on my shoes. She was wearing shoes very similar to mine by the same designer. How cool!I had a very fun girls night out on a school night! Thanks LC!

Thrifty Finds

2009-05-12T08:31:00.000-05:00

Lately my trips to the thrift store haven't been very successful. I did find something to buy so I wouldn't leave empty handed! Two white glass vases for $3.00 each and 4 citronella candles for $1.00 each. I already had one of the vases at home so now I have three. You will see these in a tablescape in the future. The candles I stuck in my bucket on the back patio. They add a splash of color.

What have you found lately?

Tablescape Thursday-Mother's Day

2009-05-07T11:15:00.012-05:00

It's Tablescape Thursday! Thank you to Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for hosting this event. Please click over here and see all the beautiful tablescapes this week. My dishes are Depression Glass in the pattern Adam. My parents started this collection for me while I was in high school and slowly added pieces and then gave it to me when I married. They did this for each of my siblings.I love the square shape plates and the square foots on the goblet and glasses.
A close up of the plate. It was difficult to get a clear picture of the pink glass under my dining lights. My flatware is what I registered for our wedding. It's Oneida and I can't remember the pattern name.I love the salt and pepper shakers. The pitcher is so pretty. I have many serving pieces that are displayed in one of my china cabinets.

The vase is in the same pattern and is holding Alstroemeria. These flowers will last a long time!Thanks for looking at my tablescape. I appreciate your comments. And I wish all you a lovely Mother's Day!

Thrifty Finds

2009-05-05T14:11:00.004-05:00

I have been on a shopping spree lately. I have been purchasing items for my table. I made only one of the purchases below at a thrift store all the others came from the clearance shelves at stores. I had so much fun and my son enjoyed hunting with me.

The dishes below came from the thrift store. I was so excited when I saw them sitting on the table. At one time it must have been a set of 8 because that is the most I have of certain items; bowls and saucers. I am missing several pieces but I will keep hunting for the missing ones. The color is a cranberry red and navy. I love it! Here is the stamp on the back. I know it must be good since its marked with England. I did a search and found a saucer going for near $10.

Here is the best part, I only paid $12! Can you believe it? Five dinner plates, five salad plates, eight bowls, eight saucers and two cups.

My next purchase came from Pier 1. I haven't been in that store in so long I didn't know what to expect. I ventured in after Easter and found these cute bugs for $0.88 each. I will use them as napkin rings in an upcoming tablescape.

I found this yellow tablecloth and napkins at Kohl's. I love this store! They were marked down 70% off. What a great deal. You will be seeing these in an upcoming tablescape.

My son and I made a stop in Ross. Another store I haven't been to in a long time. Picked up theses two tablecloths at $4.99 each. These were not on sale but at a great price.

This purchase was an Internet purchase. I love ladybugs and when a search led me to the place mats and napkins below, I had to have them. They were on sale and with shipping they were just over $30.00. And yes, you will be seeing them in an upcoming tablescape.

This is were I ordered the ladybug place mats and napkins from. Isn't the label cute?The last stop on my shopping spree was Big Lots. Another store I haven't been in to in a long while. Several of the ladies that participate in tablescape Thursdays always find great deals on dishes, flatware, etc so I decide to have a look. WOW! I was surprised! I found these star glasses for only $10.00. They will look great on my summer table.

Well, that's all folks for this post. Thanks for looking. What treasures have you found lately?

Menu Planning

2009-05-04T11:05:00.003-05:00

We enjoyed our weekend. Saturday was filled with baseball and family. The pool is open for the weekends in May and we spent time splashing around.

Our menu is carrying over meals from last week that didn't get made. Shame on me! I was too tempted by going out with friends and family. DH is working most of the week so its just our son and I for the most part.

Here is our plan:

Monday~Meatloaf, mash potatoes and broccoli(from last week)

Tuesday~Glorified Chicken(a Campbell's recipe) mac and cheese

Wednesday~Subway after baseball practice

Thursday~Leftover chicken from Sunday and a vegetable

Friday~Frozen pizza and salad.

Have a great week!

Friday Fun

2009-05-01T15:49:00.003-05:00

1. The first rule of working in an office and getting along is don't take things personal.

2. I'm not a huge fan of clams.

3. When I think of carnivals I think of strange people.

4. Tulips are my favorite spring flower.

5. Things on my desk include papers to grade, books and markers.

6. Spring makes me wanna wear bright fun clothes.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to a trip to Walmart and then relaxing at home, tomorrow my plans include a baseball game and shopping and Sunday, I want to read and relax!

Snapshot of 13 Things During the Month of April

2009-04-30T15:04:00.001-05:00

1. Photo of me in the bluebonnets in Chappell Hill, TX2. Candle scent-Yankee Candle Lilac Blossoms

3. Books read-2 Lets Get Lost and Inappropriate Men

4. Number of photos I took this month-234

5. Movies and DVDs we watched-8 Bedtime Stories, Monsters vs Aliens, My Best Friends Girl, Swing Vote, Quantum of Solace, Hannah Montana the movie, Open Season 2 and Moonlighting Season 1 and 2.

6. Something yummy I made-Herbed Shrimp and Pasta.

7. The last place I ate out-Huskys with my sister and her family.

8. Something that made me cry-Hannah Montana the movie.

9. Something that made my laugh-my littlest niece in the bluebonnets.

10. Something I looked forward to-Easter.

11. Something I am thankful for-my salvation.

12. Something I want to remember-participating in Tablescape Thursdays and making my first tablescape.

13. A photo I took this month-My son in the bluebonnets. Can't you tell he was thrilled to be doing this?

April Pay It Forward Book Winner

2009-04-29T14:45:00.002-05:00

Congratulations to Kathleen. She is the winner for this months Pay It Forward Book Exchange. Please stop by the first Wednesday of the month for a chance to win a free book.

Thrifty Finds

2009-04-28T14:44:00.002-05:00

Found this plant stand at Salvation Army for $20.00 The bricks are on it to keep it from tipping over in the wind and rain we have been having. I can't wait to get some cute flower pots and outdoor decorations to fill the shelves. It's not very big so looking for little items.

Found this cute gingerbread men container at MAM. I have really enjoyed popping into this Thrift store. I always come home with something. This will go on my table at Christmas filled with flowers or plant.

Another view of the gingerbread men.

These two benches came from my parents. My mom was tried of them and was going to throw them away. I happily agreed to take them. Not sure why the photo doesn't show the whole view of them. They are sitting on our back patio right outside our back door. I stuck my ivy's on them to get a drink from all the rain we have been getting.

What treasures have you found lately?

Menu Planning Monday

2009-04-27T15:10:00.005-05:00

I had a fun filled long weekend. I took a personal day Friday and went to the scrapbook convention here in my town sponsored by Creating Keepsakes. There were so many things even though it was smaller than the last time they here. I didn't take any classes because I have so many packets from the last one to complete. I did shop until I dropped. There isn't a great scrapbook store near me, except for Michael's and Hobby lobby, so it was fun stocking up on new and fun items.

My son had another game on Saturday and they won!!! He pitched two scoreless innings again. His next game is Thursday against a tough team. Right now we are in first place for the division and we want to stay there!

This week DH is home and not working evenings so I have to cook more. I have some new things to try and I am looking forward to trying them.

Here is our plan:

Monday~Herb Shrimp and Pasta from Southern Living Cookbook

Tuesday~Pork Chop Stuffing Bake and broccoli and cheese

Wednesday~Chicken with 20 cloves of garlic, carrots and potatoes

Thursday~Out after the game!

Friday~Meatloaf, mash potatoes and broccoli

*Tuesday-Friday recipes can be found in the Kraft Food and Family magazine.

Have a great week! Fun more delicious menu plans head over to Orgjunkie.com.

Friday Fun

2009-04-24T15:38:00.002-05:00

1. Apparently there's some sort of confusion.

2. One fine sunny day.

3. 2009 is good so far.

4. And that was it.

5. For too long I've been neglecting my scrapbook room.

6. I am not obsessed with dishes; I am not.

7. And as for the weekend, tonight I'm looking forward to playing with my goodies from the scrapbook convention that I attended today tomorrow my plans include a baseball game and a school carnival and Sunday, I want to relax!

Have a great weekend!

Tablescape~My first One

2009-04-23T08:22:00.009-05:00

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch host the most incredible Tablescape Thursdays. I have been drooling over the ladies incredible designs and finally decided to participate. I have always loved dishes and have a different set to use every month. Slowly I have been adding more sets and designs. I am learning to mix things up and not be so matchy matchy. The ladies that share their tablescapes have helped me see things in a different light and to try new things.

As I mentioned earlier I have the dishes but that is about it. I started looking through drawers, closets and boxes looking for flatware, linens and glassware and its sad to say I have very little or almost none except what I use for the main holidays. Because of this I have been on a shopping spree for items for the table. My family thinks I am crazy and wonders how long this will last!So please stay and have a look at my weeknight table. I have packed up most of the Easter items but a few bunnies keep hopping out of the boxes. I absolutely love this tablecloth and would use it everyday if I could. It has a border on both sides of rabbits in a beautiful garden and flowers sprinkled all over the middle.The centerpiece is very simple here. A milk glass vase filled with flowers from the grocery store. These flowers are very hardy and have been here for almost two weeks! I found this rabbit at Hobby Lobby in the after Easter sale marked down to 66% off and he just jumped right into my basket.
On the other side of the flowers are two rabbits having fun. These rabbits were given to my when I was young. They were holding Easter eggs but they have been gobbled up!My dishes are plastic and purchased from Avon many years ago. They have a raised bubble edge. They came in four colors but only three worked with my tablecloth.The napkins are new. I ran out to Walmart and purchased white cloth napkins. We usually have paper napkins but they would not do for this photo shot. The flatware was a wedding gift and its our everyday. My sweet boy set out the utensils.Oops, I just noticed that there are no glasses on the table. They are are over near the refrigerator waiting to be filled!

Thanks for stopping by and taking a look. I appreciate your comments about my tablescape.

To see more tablescapes click over to Between Naps on the Porch.

Thrifty Finds

2009-04-21T11:10:00.000-05:00

Look at these two cuties!

Found these at Goodwill. They were waiting just for me! Both of them are Pyrex. I have never seen anything like the one on the right before. Do you know what it is or used for?

What have you found lately?

Menu Planning Monday

2009-04-20T15:15:00.007-05:00

What a weekend! The weather was absolutely crazy! It started raining Friday til Saturday late afternoon, causing severe flooding in certain parts of my city. There were severe thunderstorms with wind, hail and tornado watches/warnings. Here are a few pictures of the front and back of my house on Saturday.

You can't tell where the street curb starts.

A raging river from my backyard across my patio.The raging river moving things around.

Friday night I took son over to the batting cages so he could practice his swing. I was impressed with the facilities at Baseball USA. I haven't been inside because dad usually takes him. His game was cancelled on Saturday so we went back over to the batting cages to practice hitting again. When we left there Saturday it was terrible getting home from all the flooding but we managed.

After the rain stopped we headed out to the movie theater to see Hannah Montana the movie with my sister and her kids. It was a cute movie and I cried! My son was embarrassed that I cried but I cry at just about anything.

Sunday we had the make up game. The Grizzlies won the game we have won every game we have played. My son was the starting pitcher and pitched two scoreless innings. I am so proud of him and so were his grandparents that came to watch. Tonight we have another game against a great team. Go Grizzlies!

Since it will just be me and my son this week for dinner since husband is working, I decided to keep it easy.

Here is our plan for the week:

Monday~Out after baseball game-Go Grizzlies!

Tuesday~Tuna Tettrazini and crescent rolls

Wednesday~Pizza and salad

Thursday~a frozen meal starter

Friday~Chicken pot pies

Thanks for stopping by and have a great week!

Target Birds on Holiday

2009-04-15T09:46:00.006-05:00

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch is hosting Target Birds on Holiday. These adorable salt and pepper shakers purchased at Target are flying the coop and having a grand holiday! Please visit Between Naps on the Porch to read about the many adventures these birds are having.

However, my birds did not take a holiday because their money had to be spent paying taxes!

Have a great day!

Thirfty Finds

2009-04-14T08:32:00.003-05:00

I found three Pyrex dishes that I haven't share with you that have been in my collection for awhile. The pattern is Butterfly gold. I know that the 2 bottom bowls are called Cinderella bowls but what is the one on the top called? If you know please let me know. I know I have said that it is getting harder to find Pyrex at cheap prices or at all. My thrift stores are not having many items pass through their doors. I hope I don't have to pay high antique prices to feed my habit!

What have you found lately?

Menu Planning Monday

2009-04-13T10:11:00.004-05:00

We had a fun and busy weekend. We enjoyed the three days with family and friends. Pictures are coming soon!

This week is somewhat busy. We have a baseball game, practice and school music program. And then a full weekend! I am looking forward to the lazy days of summer already.

Here is our plan:

Monday~Weeknight Enchiladas, Guacamole and Toffee Surprise

Tuesday~Baseball Game so out afterwards

Wednesday~Herbed Shrimp and Pasta, sliced tomatoes, garlic bread and Pound cake with strawberries

Thursday~Music Program at school so out afterwards

Friday~Out

Have a great week!

Easter Blessings

2009-04-12T10:10:00.000-05:00

Happy Easter to you and your family.

Thrifty Finds

2009-04-07T14:18:00.004-05:00

Picked these two Glass Bake dishes up at the Goodwill. I don't remember how much I paid for them but I know it wasn't a lot. They are not Pyrex but look nice with my growing Pyrex collection. I thought they would be great to use in the Fall since they have a brown design on them. It's getting harder to find Pyrex in the thrift stores and I am finding other things to buy, not good!

What have you found lately?

Thursday Thirteen

2009-04-02T08:12:00.002-05:00

Snapshot of 13 things during the month of March

1. Photo of me

2. Candle scent~Sweet Chamomile by Colonial Candle

3. Books I read~ Me vs. Me and Her Best Christmas Ever

4. Number of photos taken this month~484

5. Movies/DVDs watched~Twilight and Ghost busters

6. Something yummy I made~Chicken Caccitore

7. Last place I ate out~El Gallo Mexican Restaurant

8. Something that made me cry~When my moms chest x-ray showed cancer spots on her lungs.

9. Something that made me laugh~Watching my son dance at the wedding with his cousins.

10. Something I looked forward to this month~Our trip to California.

11. Something I am thankful~My family.

12. Something I want to remember~Our Spring Break trip.

13. A photo I took this month~

April Pay It Forward Book Exchange

2009-04-01T15:21:00.005-05:00

No fooling here! It's that time again for another book exchange. I hope you will consider signing up for this book.

Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:
From day one grad students Doris and Ronnie felt as if they didn't fit in at Langsdale University. Hailing from a pulsating urban scene-Doris from Brooklyn and Ronnie from L.A.-both struggled to find their groove in the calm and untroubled waters of the flyover state Indiana. But as best friends Doris and Ronnie pursue their degrees amid country fairs they find that their education is about to take a decidedly book-free, non-researched turn...

Here are the rules to enter. Yes, there are some rules!

1.If you win this book you must host a giveaway on your blog. If you don't have a blog then you will give the book to a local shelter, library, etc.

2.You do not need a blog to participate. If you don't have one just please leave your e-mail so that in the event you should win I can get a hold of you.

3.You need to leave a comment to this post by Tuesday, April 28.

4.I will randomly draw a name on Wednesday, April 29 and post the winner here. Also, I will contact the winner by e-mail or blog.

Please click over to Overwhelmed with Joy to see the many other book exchanges happening this month.