Primlish

Oops, sorry! ;)

2012-01-25T21:16:00.000-06:00

I tried to send a game request to my BIL via iPhone and I guess I accidentally created a post! Not sure how I did that!Well if any of you gals/guys want to start a game, I'm in! ;)

I haven't posted lately...nothing new is happening. I started working in retail again just before the holidays. I really don't mind it at all. I wasn't super happy working in an office.

I haven't decorated for Valentines Day. I got my small bin down...looked at it...brought it right back up. Not feeling my decorations anymore.

I have been playing around with my mantel, trying out new looks. I want to tear it off and make a chunkier one but trying to talk hubby into changing anything in the house is like pulling teeth with him.

He thinks our horrid kitchen floor is original to the house and won't let me change it. No...the gorgeous hardwood that is underneath this is original!!

I also have been thinking about changing out this cabinet. I'm not feeling the magazines in it. I'm open to suggestions on what to do with it.

Thanks! Have a great night!

My "new" bowl rack

2011-12-07T13:14:00.000-06:00

I wanted to show you a redo I did to my Living Room bowl rack. I'm telling you, I have done many things to this bowl rack...it had wire to keep the bowls in...didn't care for that, I strung gourds on the wire to give more depth...didn't care for that, I made a wooden rail in place of the wire...liked that, now I had my daughter's boyfriend create a colonial top for the rack...I'm thinking it looks a tad like a crown but it's staying.
Here it is all ready for me to paint...

I placed it on top of the rack to see if it fit...

I then removed it for painting and stained it to look like it was one piece.

I'm really liking it! He did a great job on it!

So if you have a piece that you want to make look a little more colonial, try creating a "top" and marrying the two pieces. :)
Maybe make yours not look like a crown though..;)

Giveaway Winner ☺

2011-12-01T10:40:00.000-06:00

Thank you all so much for all your comments on the start of my decorating! I hesitate to post pics of the rest of my decorating because I have a little boy who just loves his forts and car shows! See what I mean?

The cushions are ALWAYS off the couch and usually a blanket is draped over it while he plays with his cars. :)
I did get my tree up and decorated. Very simple and somewhat monochromatic.

I kept the topper off this year. My daughter bought her own 6 ft tree and is using my hat for her topper.
I found a letter tucked in this pillow that Scott wrote for Santa. Can you guess what he wants? It starts with a C!

So, sorry I haven't posted anymore pics from around the house. I have been working until 1 am and I am just too tired to do any cleaning/straightening in the morning. By the time its clean, the lighting isn't the best anymore...
OK, Thank You all for entering my giveaway! I see I surpassed my 300 followers! Yippee!
The winner of the giveaway is Wanda from Gatherings! Congrats Wanda! I'll need your address to get your prizes to you! I hope you enjoy them!
I wish you all a Wonderful Holiday Season! I am really enjoying all the inspiration here and on Facebook!

♪ It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas ♫

2011-11-21T18:55:00.000-06:00

I have put away all my fall decorations and started to pull out my Christmas decorations. I still don't have the tree up yet, that I do last. I like to do it in 3 stages...4 if you count the basement, but that's manland so I don't count it! ;)
The first stage is finding places to put the decorations around the house. How come I can never remember where I put things last year? I have little pieces of greenery packed away that looks like it should be thrown out, but NO I used it in a display somewhere in the house...
Stage 2 is putting up the tree and decorating it and then Stage 3 is the outside. Those will be in the next few days.
Here are just a few pics from around the house...
Some greens around my bedroom sconces.

My bedroom night table.

On my dresser...

Living Room side table

Mantel display. The lights look extra bright in this picture, you can't even see the fruit garland...they really aren't this bright in person. :(

My fake cookie display for Santa. Scott made me promise to swap it out for real milk and cookies on Christmas Eve!

I'm waiting on a few candle rings for this sconce.

Simple stove board display

So, I really downsized my decorations...AGAIN and it still took me 8 hours to do.
I had these 2 fellas for sale, but decided to do a giveaway instead since I am just 3 people away from 300.

If you would like me to put your name in for the drawing, let me know in this post. I will draw a name on December 1, Thursday.
Thank you all for following my blog! I am extremely grateful to each and every one of you!!

"Framed In" Cont...

2011-11-10T11:33:00.000-06:00

Well, I promised to show you my "frame" when it came in from a few posts ago. During Misi's Display Chain, we were to show you our "Framed In" project style. I had ordered a colonial style mirror, minus the mirror, and wanted to frame my colonial portrait above my bed. I chose a lovely scrolled type frame and I am just thrilled with how it turned out!
Before:

After:

I loved my portrait before but now, like I said, I am THRILLED with it!
Not sure if you can tell, but the portrait is a bit wider than the opening where the mirror would slide in. I had to use heavy duty tape to secure the portrait to the frame. The picture is wrapped around a wooden canvas frame and I didn't want to risk removing all the staples and actually stapling it to the new frame...so the new frame kind of floats off the wall a bit. I'm fine with it and I can change out the picture IF I ever want to. I love that picture though, it reminds me of my kiddos and our kitty. :)
My "other" framed in is doing quite nicely too. We are having the hallway painted tomorrow morning, so that area where the old whole house fan was will be painted a warm neutral color matching the walls and hallway. I will save that for another post because it will look very different too. I finally tackled painting all the frames to match. I am happy with how they turned out.
Well, I am off to take my son to preschool now. Hope everyone has a great day!

Halloween Fun

2011-11-01T15:24:00.000-05:00

I hope everyone had a spooky good Halloween night!

Ours was really nice. My daughter wanted to take my son trick or treating again this year. I am so happy she loves to spend time with him.

My husband loves to hand out full size candy bars, it makes him feel ~~loved~~ happy when the trick or treaters get excited seeing him put them in their bags.

I snapped this photo of Scott a few weekends ago when they had trick or treating on the square in an adorable historical town. Too bad the background I had to use wasn't adorable! It was so sunny, my phone wasn't getting the picture next to all the cute things..:( I noticed too how he already lost a shin guard! ;)

We carved pumpkins the night before. I'm not into carving, hubby loves doing it. We had a pumpkin for each member of the family plus my daughter's boyfriend. I loved the skeleton he carved for me! (Inspiration by Martha Stewart)

Well, I'm packing away the very few Halloween decorations I have and leaving the fall out for a few more weeks. I like to do my Christmas decorating the week before Thanksgiving. We don't host the holiday so it works for me. Our tradition is to watch the Macy's Day Parade with the house all decorated. Plus, with all that work, I don't mind enjoying it a week or so longer. :)
When do you like to do your Holiday decorating and do you have any fun family traditions? I'd love to hear them!
Take care and have a wonderful Tuesday!

~Tuesday Display Chain~Autumn At The Table~

2011-10-18T08:36:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Display Chain

Happy Tuesday! Today is the last display theme for Misi's Autumns Continuous Display Chain. Click on link above to take you to the beginning of the chain.

I have to say, I was VERY nervous about this last theme. I love doing displays, but tablescapes are not my speciality.
This past Friday we were invited to my daughter's boyfriend's house for homemade pizza, salad and dessert.
OMGosh let me tell you, it was like walking into a magazine shoot. The table was set just perfect and the food was just delicious!!
I asked if I could share her recipe for the Pumpkin Bundt Cake and share a photo of her gorgeous table. She very willing agreed! Thank You Susan!!
This is her table all ready for us with a slice of the moist and delicious bundt cake. I can't wait to make this myself!

Pumpkin Bundt Cake

1 box of spice cake mix

1 c canned pumpkin

1/2 c oil

1 package instant vanilla pudding

3 eggs

1/2 c water

1 t cinnamon

Preheat oven to 350*

Grease and flour 12 c bundt pan

Mix all ingredients and beat for 5 minutes at medium speed

Bake about 38 minutes

Do NOT overbake

Glaze with powdered sugar and tiny bit of milk

Here is Scott making his own pizza. He loved it. He had pepperoni while they made us Thai Chicken, YUMMY!!

OK, I have my printer all ready to copy all the other display chain participants recipes! ;)
Thanks for stopping by!

~Tuesday Display Chain~Autumn Foliage~

2011-10-11T09:39:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Display Chain

Happy Tuesday! I hope it was as gorgeous by all of you as is was by us this past weekend! Warm temps, changing leaves, lots of color and beauty! Misi picked the perfect day to have this display theme...she's so smart!
We did see lots of changing leaves on our way to the pumpkin patch, however, I decided to use a picture I took yesterday while raking leaves. Not as much color as the ones still on the trees but I just love taking pics of the kiddos playing in the leaves! I should say kiddo...my daughter wasn't home when we were raking. Convenient huh? ;)

So now I'm off to check out all the other 'Autumn Foliage' display chain pics! Can't wait!!

~Tuesday Display Chain~Black and Orange~

2011-10-04T10:34:00.001-05:00

1890 Gable House Musings

I am all set for Tuesday's Display Chain with my choice of colors Black and Orange. Click link above to take you to the beginning of the chain.

I made this pumpkin sign last year.

Thanks for visiting! Off to check out the rest! Have a great day!

~Tuesday Display Chain~Framed In~

2011-09-27T13:48:00.000-05:00

1890 Gable House Musings

Hello Tuesday!! Click on link below picture to take you to the beginning of the chain!
This weeks theme for the display chain is 'Framed In'. My future project is finding a Colonial frame for a portrait I have in my bedroom. I originally bought the print and wanted to keep it without a frame...BUT I saw a completely GORGEOUS display on a fellow blogger's post and had to recreate it in my home somehow. The post is from Audrey and if you click on her name, it will take you to the post I am referring to.
Maybe I should have put the link later in my post...you may be gone awhile drooling over her blog! ;)
Anyway, I found this mirror online at Colonial Woodworks, but didn't want the mirror part. I wanted the frame to put around my portrait. I contacted the creator of the frame and explained what I wanted to do and he will make me just the frame! Oh joy!!

I say that because my sweet hubby does NOT work well with wood! If I need a wooden object I need to enlist the talents of others. I just love the scroll stuff on top of the frame!
So...my "project" is not totally completed, but here is where the frame will go. I think it will accent the sconces and my portrait nicely.

I do have one other project we are working on...it's not pretty but I can't wait till it's done!
We had a whole house fan in the upstairs hallway that didn't work. It was one of those things on our "to do list". We needed to take the fan out and create an access to our attic. We finally did that this past weekend.
Tahdah!!

Told you it wasn't pretty! ;)
It needs to be primed and painted but we got the "FRAMING" done! LOL
Guess that isn't what Misi was looking for huh? ;)
Now hubby can store all his "retirement" goodies up there! He collects vintage toys, cars, etc so he can sell them and get rich...yeah, we'll see!
Thanks for stopping by!

~Tuesday Display Chain~Seasonal Peg Rack~

2011-09-20T12:55:00.000-05:00

1890 Gable House Musings

Tuesday's Display Chain is back!! Click on the link above to take you to the beginning of the Display Chain.

Before I begin my display post, I wanted to thank Misi for the completely AWESOME Halloween blog banner she created for me! I just LOVE it!! ♥

To begin my display post, here is a peg rack in my bedroom where I hung some gourds and placed a fall picture of my Booga on top.

A small towel reg rack above my sink where there are some gourds and faux bittersweet in a basket

A gourd garland hanging below my whimsical Halloween clock that plays a spooky sound every hour. Scott loves it ;)

The end of my quilt rack above my TV where I hung more gourds...yes, I have a thing for gourds

And my basket rack with some real bittersweet drapped across it.

Hope to check out everyone's displays before I leave for work!
Stop by Misi's blog and join in the fun! :)

Some outside fall decorating

2011-09-12T07:22:00.000-05:00

I wanted to say THANK YOU to everyone who sent me sweet comments and emails about my inside decorating! It really meant a lot to me!
I did my outside decorating and my 4 year old 'helped' me! He created a pumpkin patch in my ground cover with some faux pumpkins. I'm really liking it cuz it keeps the pumpkins in place nicely. They are very light being fake and now they stay put.

Picked up a few corn stalks from Walmart.

This is supposed to be a feeder but I threw some extra gourds I had in it instead.

My front porch

My crow stake I purchased from Misi. I still need to wrap some grapevine or another corn stalk around it. Love it!

One of my window boxes. The other one looks the same ;)

Closer shots of what is on my porch.

I still have another cornstalk to put up around my lamp post later today. Its supposed to be very nice today and then get cooler again later in the week... I'm fine with that!
Hope you had a great weekend. I have to get caught up on my blog reading...I'm seeing many titles with 'Fall' in it!! ♥

Going Bonkers for Bittersweet!

2011-09-04T19:22:00.001-05:00

I have officially started my Fall decorating inside my home. Out of 3 totes and many fall arrangements that were on top of the totes...didn't want them smashed...I was able to part with a whole tote of decorations. Now my harvest decor is mostly naturals with a touch of whimsy here and there. I still have a 4 year old who loves the whimsy. ;)
I purchased some gorgeous real bittersweet vines from a source of Misi's and began placing them around my home intertwined with some faux.
I am not the best picture taker...when I looked at these after I uploaded them, they did not look as great as they do in person. I invite you to come see them in person if you don't believe me! ;)
My cute bittersweet pillow

Little sprigs mixed in my pewter. I love watching them pop with color!

With my favorite candy corn doll

My Dining Room centerpiece given to me by hubby for my birthday a few years ago

Here are my pewter measures above my last door shelf.

Kitchen table centerpiece

Long vines in my baskets by Pam

A few sprigs in my Living Room bowl rack

A Faux garland of bittersweet

Faux branches in the basket with a gorgeous vine from Winter Willow Primitives on the second shelf. My 2 other number crocks for that shelf should be in soon

My Dining Room bowl rack

And this is my simple stove board display for the Fall season. A faux pumpkin pie under a shoofly screen. No bittersweet here but I still loved it.;)

I am still tweaking and waiting on a few things in the mail, but I wanted to share my love of bittersweet in my decor for this Fall season.
Hope you are having a great Labor Day weekend!

A Big Thank You!

2011-08-15T15:15:00.000-05:00

Well, you may have already read my thank you post to Mary for my sunflower order but it didn't have pictures attached so I deleted it until I was able to upload them. You see, I was playing with the apps on my phone...the Geico BroStache seems to be Scott's fav right now...and it said I could post to my blog right from my phone...no way I thought! Well, yes way! I wrote a little something and pressed send and off it went into my blog. Pretty cool!
Anyway, here are the great burlap sunflowers I ordered from Mary...

I got the large ones and let me tell you, they are awesome!
Mary tucked this wonderful pumpkin, crow tag and the labels in with my order, LOVE THEM!! Thank you so much!!

Well, I have started the hunt for things for the empty door shelf. I went to an antique store and found the tray for $3 and the 2 shakers for $15 total. I had the candlesticks but have already moved them since taking this picture.;) I'm thinking of some measures or cups for each side.

Hope you had a fun weekend! We were able to hit the County Fair on the last day. Love me some funnel cake! :)

Here a shelf, there a shelf...

2011-08-09T11:06:00.000-05:00

So I think I have maybe gone a little overboard with the "over the window/door" shelves. I love the cozy clean look of a collection displayed together and I don't have much display space left on tables and such, so I started going up with my displays. I started with this shelf above my larger dining room window.

At first, I had displayed a mixture of things on here, but then decided to group like items together for that clean look I was going for.
My next shelf was put in my kitchen above the door leading into the dining room. I displayed my cutting boards and graters on this one.

The next shelf is again in my kitchen above a window. I displayed a canister set that matches my dishes, the folk art collection from Pfaltzgraff. I also put that wonderful framed recipe I won from Karen of My Colonial Home.

This next shelf is in my Living Room. It's the one I mentioned my daughter's boyfriend made me. It is near my hanging ladder with all my baskets, so I placed my 3 brown jugs on it with a small basket to tie it in with my collection.

So, I am Prim, but I also have a bit of analretentiveness (is that a word?) in me with having to have things even or like...This next shelf is in the Dining Room facing the front of the house like the previous picture shelf is. One window couldn't have a shelf above it and not the other!! ;) Even though they are in separate rooms...Oh, I even had a hard time with the different sizes in the check pattern on the windows! Many picture messages to Misi asking if it was OK!!

So, last night I am sitting in the Dining Room and noticed...I have shelves above almost (I didn't put any over my arched doorways) every door/window but the one leading to the Kitchen from the Dining Room. GASP!! So I went in the basement and found a scrap of wood and stained it and had hubby install it immediately!!

I know the shelves are not the same color as the frame around the doors...so far I am OK with that b/c I have such a mixture of woods around the rooms it kinda matches. We'll see...;)
So now I wonder what to collect for this shelf? It's in the Dining Room, not sure if that matters. What are your suggestions? More stoneware crocks in varying sizes, redware, measures???

Corner Complete!

2011-07-29T16:19:00.000-05:00

Happy Friday! I know mine is! In my last post, I showed you my whaler lamp I purchased..albeit with a tinge of guilt, that has since passed...;) I wanted it by my pewter collection but it needed a bit of height. Well, I had an old ironing board that didn't stay open and was pretty rotten in places...hey it was free. I used to have it behind my leather chair that WAS in my living room, but when my new chair arrived, the ironing board went downstairs. My basement is Manland, no prims allowed! ;) It didn't take long for hubby to start ~~whining~~ suggesting other places for me to store it...we won't get into the specifics...
Anyway, I had nowhere else to put it so I had it in the garage sale. No takers. NOTHING was coming back in the house after the sale so my daughter's boyfriend suggested he make me a small riser for my lamp out of it. Genius!

It's so cute with the faux door on it!
Here is my buffet table in the Dining Room all complete. The lamp is a bit higher and really casts a nice glow on the pewter.

A shot further away...

So besides some of the rotten/warped pieces, Marc (Sydnee's boyfriend) was able to make me a shelf for above my Living Room window. :)

I received my Colonial fruit order today from Misi's selling blog and she tucked this little cutie in!
He fits perfectly in my stepback! Thank you Misi!!

Moved and grouped some vases so I put these on my top shelf of the stepback.

And playing with some warmer colors for a candle display...

Well, that's what I have been up to with displays. What are you up to?

I won a giveaway and some new purchases

2011-07-16T21:42:00.000-05:00

This past Monday I left for a family vacation to The Dells. We had a blast! I am not a big water person, I have contacts/glasses and they don't mix with water rides, but the hubby and kids had fun! On the way there, I checked my email and saw an email from Karen of My Colonial Home blog. The subject was "Well, you won my giveaway!" I was so excited! She had a contest to name her waifs. They were hanging around Karen's craft room for over 4 years like this...

Well, they were shipped off to OLM aka Marie from Primitives by Olde Lady Morgan blog and they came back like this...

Are these adorable or what?! Well, my pick for names were Oliver and Olivia. I just love those names and if I ever had twins, those would have been their names. My hubby is a twin so I was prepared when I was pregnant. ;)
Well, when I got home from vacation, these were already waiting for me! My winnings from Karen! She made me a wonderful colonial recipe cupboard print on parchment paper along with a great pantry towel. It's a lot bigger than my picture shows, I have it folded. It is really great! Thank you again Karen! I had fun naming your kiddos since I won't be using those names ever!! ;)

Recently, Marie had a blog sale and I was able to score this awesome green pumpkin with real stem! I really love it and can't wait to bring it out with my fall decorations!
Sorry the picture is so dark...crazy camera...

Right now Marie is doing a giveaway so stop by her blog to enter! I am headed there as soon as I get this posted!

Mary from Gettysburg Homestead blog was selling these great cutting boards on her blog. I fell in love with the whale tail board and had to order it. It is so cool! Too bad my camera is horrible and the picture is dark...but let me tell you, it's awesome! Love it!!

And my last purchase was bought on vacation. I found an antique/craft mall and had to stop. So glad I did! I have been wanting one of these lamps and found it there. I didn't buy it at first, I felt guilty being it was a family vacation and all...but my wonderful hubby took me back and I picked it up.

When we got home, my Mom had a garage sale so I put some of my stored decorations in and made the lamp money back! Now the guilt is totally gone! ;)

Well, I hope you all have a great Sunday and stay cool!

Display Chain "Patina"

2011-07-05T12:15:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Display Chain

Holy Smokes...I totally forgot today was Tuesday! I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! We had a very nice time at a friend of my sister's house. God help me not to be jealous...28,000 sq. ft. home...BEAUTIFUL!! We also went to their beach house on Lake Michigan. I don't own a bathing suit yet...need to purchase one for our family trip next week. We're heading to The Dells. I am pretty excited!
Anyway, I just love today's display theme. So without further adieu...
My pewter compote bowl and candlesticks...

Painted my front door...

Wooden trencher...sorry the picture is so dark!
My favorite dough bowl!

Some slaw cutters in my kitchen...

And my beautiful tobacco basket Pam made.

Sorry my pics are all crazily placed. Don't know what I did wrong..:(
Have a wonderful Tuesday!

Display Chain "Personal Pride"

2011-06-21T10:51:00.000-05:00

Display Chain Tuesday
My last post was about my daughter graduating HS. I would have to say SHE is my personal pride. Without going into a lot of personal issues, she has overcome so much to be the wonderful person she is. I worried that not having a Father figure in her life would hurt her, but then I married a wonderful man who accepted Sydnee as his own child. I gave her the choice on what she would call him and she never hesitated to call him DAD.

My little girl is all grown up now and I am so proud of her. Like I said in my last post, she graduated with honors and is continuing on to College in the fall.

Here with her girlfriends before the ceremony.

I am very proud of my son as well. I can't wait to see what he will accomplish as he grows up! Here he is this past weekend at a car show...his favorite past-time ;) This car wasn't in the show, but he loved it! It amazes me how he can tell me the make/model of a car by the tail lights...and he can't even read yet.

I also wanted to throw in a few pictures of my backyard pride...a work in progress..

Thanks for sticking with me through my post. I can't wait to read the rest of the display chain posts! Click on the link at the beginning of this post to hook up to the chain!
Have a great Tuesday!

Days of Summer Swap and Graduation

2011-06-09T12:50:00.001-05:00

I participated in Misi's "Days of Summer" swap. Yesterday I received my package from my secret swap partner. I have a horrible habit of ripping into packages I receive in the mail! When I saw who my swap person was, it took everything I had NOT to rip into my package! It was Rhonda from "It's a Kattywhompus Life" Blog. Click on her name and read her wonderful posts and see all her beautiful creations! She has such beautiful presentation with all her goodies!

Everything was wrapped so beautiful with the cutest little tags with sweet stamps on them!

This wonderful textile was wrapped with these adorable bees!

And I received a Mercantile Gatherings magazine wrapped with a wonderfully tea stained flag on top!

You must subscribe to this magazine. It has such beautiful homes featured, but I HAVE to say my favorite feature is Rhonda's articles that she writes for the magazine! She does such a wonderful job describing events in her stories! I flip to her article first thing! I live rather close to Rhonda and HOPE to met up with her soon! Thank you Rhonda again for all your generous gifts during this fun swap! I was spoiled!

Here is my daughter after graduation this past Sunday. The weather was just beautiful for the event and we had a fun little party for family with cake and coffee afterwards!

Scott wanted to wear Sissy's hat...

I am so proud of my girl graduating with an Honors Diploma for taking College courses during her High School year. She worked hard and now is going on to The Art Institute in Chicago in the fall to study Fashion Management. She wants to shop for store clothing lines...or be Oprah's personal shopper. ;)
I hope you all have a wonderful day and thank you for visiting!

Busy Weekend!

2011-05-17T10:45:00.000-05:00

Well my weekend went pretty well despite the rain not letting up for Prom. Irvin's called me on Friday and said my chair would be delivered Saturday morning...way before Prom. I was so happy to hear! They came right at 7am...it was cold but it wasn't quite raining at that time. I love it!

Well the weather didn't quite cooperate as nicely as the shipping company...it was cold, 40*, and it either rained or was that irritating mist. I was in a panic! 15 couples could not come here for pictures. Sydnee's best friend, her date and parents, grandparents, siblings were a full house as it is! Sydnee's boyfriend's parents offered their home for pictures...Thank God! It turned out beautiful!

Our staircase...

Their staircase...

This was such a nice photo opp for the couples that did end up making it.

Marc played along with the pinning on the bootaneer. ;)

So then yesterday it was a mail extravaganza!! I had 4 packages on my doorstep! Misi sent me 2 surprise packages! She sent me 2 more of her amazing beeswax strawberries to put in my pewter goblets!

I got my second sconce in! Also, as you can see, I removed the gourds and made rails for my bowl rack. Love it!
I needed to get pictures early...notice the "car show" starting on the couch next to the pillow on the right. It turns into the couch and floor being covered in Hot Wheels and me hardly being able to walk around, let alone taking pictures!

This gorgeous bear is from Misi!

Her wonderfully fragrant Pansy and Lilac fillers! I highly recommend them!!

Here is that awesome tin lamp she HANDMADE!! btw...my picture taking is crooked, not the lamp! It is perfect! I love it!! Also, 1 of her beeswax pots with moss!

Misi also sent me an apricot, shown on the top shelf next to her pomegrante and banana. I just love her fruit!
On the second shelf, Theresa sent me some of her Colonial portrait tucks! These are so great! You can tuck them in baskets, like I have done, or you can place them on shelves, plants, anywhere you may want a little Colonial touch.

And then I also received a set on "Simple Goodes" scented grubby lights from Angie Sutter. I saw these on Facebook and loved them. They are a limited edition set of grubby brown and blue colored lights. They give such a warm glow in my dining room!

I am so blessed to have such wonderful people in my life!
Thank you!

Display Chain "Spring Cleaning"

2011-05-10T11:15:00.000-05:00

Well hello all! I finally got my camera charged and I am all ready to take pictures again...however, I do not have many displays for today's theme..:(
I did manage to find a few. I hope that's OK!
Amy is filling in for Misi this week. Thanks Amy!
Here are my whisk brooms nestled inside an old tool tote.

And this is a display that I have in my tiny powder room.

Sorry...that's all I have for cleaning. My actual laundry room is far from picture worthy, so no pictures will be taken in there! ;)

Here is a picture of a new candle sconce I bought. I originally wanted it for above my bowl rack but it is too small, so I placed it above my boy portrait.

I am waiting on another one so I can put it above my other picture.

OK, looking at this picture I am not liking the gourds hanging on the bowl rack. They look kinda odd...what do you think, honestly!? It's no problem to remove them.

So this weekend is Prom for my daughter. She volunteered to have EVERYONE meet at our house to take pictures. That's 15 couples meeting here...ugh! I looked up the weather and it's showing rain for that day, oh please let it change by Saturday!!
Then, this morning I get a call that my lovely chair is ready to be delivered...yes, this Saturday!! It's not like I can reschedule, they are coming from North Carolina and it's when it is convenient for them. Please let it be before everyone gets here!! I'm doing a lot of pleading aren't I?

Oh well, I hope everyone had a wonderful Mother's Day! I planted flowers in preparation for this weekend.
Now I am off to check out everyone's displays today! Thanks again Amy for hosting!

Display Chain "Easter Displays"

2011-04-12T09:02:00.000-05:00

Display Chain
My Easter displays are really just a few touches of Easter here and there. I do still have the 3 seasonal trees that I decorate...this is a small tree with reproduction tin chocolate molds and cookie cutters in Easter shapes.

This one has eggs, carrots and bunny heads on it...

And my silhouette tree with gourds. I'm not ready to put this tree away yet, I love it so much!

Here is my Sophie doll that sits on my rocker, I just gave her a feed sack carrot to hold.

A little bunny in a pouch that was tucked in my goodies from Misi.

An egg sign and gourd eggs in a tray.

A bunny in a trencher with radishes, cabbage and a gourd egg.

My grumpy Gus bunny...love him!

A little bunny tucked in a reproduction cranberry scoop.
Thanks T! ♥

And a beeswax bunny from our gal Misi!

Thanks for sharing your Easter displays, I feel like I'm doing the same displays every year and needed some fresh ideas!

A Great Day!

2011-04-08T15:57:00.000-05:00

Today it was rainy, cold and gloomy...but it was a great day for me!
First off, I have a few items on Craigslist for sale. I guess it's my guilt for buying a chair when I don't really NEED one...but they are things we don't use anymore.
I had one of those bike trailers that we used ALL THE TIME with Scott. But my little guy is too big now and he wants to ride his own bike..when Mommy isn't on it ;)
I also had a little loveseat that was in my computer room that really wasn't being used.
Well, this morning they both sold! I am so happy...that really eases some of my guilt! :)
Then I received a wonderful package in the mail from Misi! OMG, complete bliss!!
I ordered 2 portraits from her and received so much more!
I am still playing so I will show you what I have done so far.
I needed something for this wall. After I removed the big birdhouse to make room for my lamp, there was an empty space for one of Misi's wonderful Colonial portraits! It fits perfectly.

This portrait was a surprise! I just love the wallpaper frame made to look nice and aged. So beautiful!

This is another portrait that I ordered for my bedroom. I was looking for a man and wife together for over my bed. I am so sorry it looks blurry! I can ashure you it is gorgeous in person! She also gave me that wonderful doll that is on my bed!

I also received all these goodies that I am still playing with so I will do another post with my second package and all these wonderful gifts in their new homes!

Thank you so much Misi!

XOXO

Display Chain "Redo"

2011-04-05T10:01:00.000-05:00

Tuesday Display Chain
My biggest redo was painting my living room. Really every room in my house needed some sort of updating but this room bugged me the most.

I painted the walls, changed the curtains so they are mounted in the window sills, changed the rug and pictures in back of the sofa.

This is looking into my dining room. The paint continued to the bottom half of that room with that wallpaper on the top. I always felt my decorations clashed with the paper. It needed to go.

Painted the bottom half the same color as the living room and did a lighter color for the top. I changed the curtains and redid my hutch...next photo...

A hand me down that was very dated. It originally had glass doors and a thick piece of wood going down the middle. Those came off right away.

I painted it black on the outside and a creamy ivory on the inside then rubbed stain all over it to make it look old.

I really like it much better and it pops more in that room with my wood table and other pieces of furniture.
I am off to visit everyone's redos.
Happy Tuesday!

Gratitude

2011-04-03T12:15:00.002-05:00

I hope everyone has had a wonderful weekend! Mine started out a bummer but got better with the help of some friends!
I want to send out a huge Thank You to Marie, AKA Primitives By Olde Lady Morgan! When I got home from work on Saturday, there was a package waiting for me.
I'm sorry I don't have a picture of how beautifully it was wrapped, I tore into it. ;)
She sent me a handmade Civil War Slave Doll!

She also personalized the back with a little message! It really made my day!

She also sent me a package of my favorite Easter candy, which is hidden from my kiddos, Cadbury's Mini Eggs!
Sorry again, no picture...it only comes out when I know no one is around!
Well, you remember my bet with my husband about the chair? Well, I was trying to keep it cheap and going to the furniture stores around here and looking at sales. Nothing was clicking. The fabrics were not right, the style of chair didn't fit, etc...
Well again, he brings up to just get another chair like I have for by my fireplace. I explained that they are more expensive and he just asked that I try to get it with 0 percent financing. Well, Irvin's was having a sale...plus number 1..and then I called my credit card company and asked if they had any promotions and Yes, they did! Zero percent until April 2012...plus number 2! I don't use my credit card so that was awesome! SOLD!
I have this style chair and almost this fabric currently, mine is black and tan not navy. Picture borrowed from Irvin's website...

So I'm going to get another Heritage chair but done in the Lover's Lane black with mustard fabric.

I have a throw over the back of my chair with this pattern. Everywhere else calls it Lover's Knot. I kept asking them to make sure it was the same pattern. I even had them send me a swatch of it...it's the same!

I can't wait! 6 weeks they said. I'm so happy!

Yesterday I was putzing around in the kitchen while my guys were outside in the garage. It's so nice to see them enjoying being outside again! Jon was working on his collection of bicycles and Scott was right next to him with his plastic tools and his bike upside down working on it. It was so cute to watch!

Well, I'm gonna go get ready...I have a date with my man!

Have a wonderful Sunday!

Display Chain "Stripes"

2011-03-29T09:36:00.000-05:00

Display Chain Link
Well I have to admit, I didn't think I had much with stripes in my decor until I started walking around the house and snapping pictures. I guess I had more than I thought. ;)
Lamp Shade

Old drying rack

Silo Ornie

Blue ticking fabric on bunny's bow

Kitchen Curtains

Bedroom blanket

Front Door (it needs to be refinished...)

Fabric pieces over TV

Back of rocker

Blanket I made for Sydnee years ago...

Feathers

There ya go...those are my everyday stripes.

Happy Tuesday!!

New Treasure

2011-03-25T09:28:00.000-05:00

Well, I really tried this week to find more items on the scavenger hunt list. If I could have gotten in my Christmas totes without Scott "helping" me, I may have had 3 of the items...
I even tried my Mom's stash of treasure hidden in her crawlspace and didn't find anything. I did spy this under some tarps...

It is my Great Grandpa's Steamer Trunk he used when he came to America from Hungry. I was so happy to find something from my side of the family to display in my home!

The sides used to have leather straps that have long ago broken off.
I am using it as a coffee table in my living room. I would open it and show you the label that is still attached inside but I have it locked right now so Scott doesn't try to "play" inside.
My old coffee table was actually a bench so I moved it under a window in my Dining Room. I think I may put some plants on it later.

So now I am out of the hunt, but am still having fun seeing everyone else's posts. Good luck to everyone!
Have a great weekend!!

Display Chain "Newly Aquired"

2011-03-22T09:46:00.000-05:00

                               Misi's Display Chain
I'm pretty excited about today's theme cuz I FINALLY got my Valentine's/Anniversary gift from my hubby in! I got a Bishop's floor lamp from Katie's Lighthouse. I love it!! It's just what I needed/wanted for a dark corner of my living room.

Next is my robin pinkeep from Mary. As soon as I saw it, I knew I NEEDED it!

Next is my tobacco basket I mentioned in my last display chain. Pam does such great work! I am so happy I was able to snag me one of these before she went on a much deserved break.

My next display is the same picture but it's the gourd garland across my basket. I was wanting something more in my bowl rack and when I got this garland in, I just took out the wire that was already in there and replaced it with the wire from the garland.

My last display is on my stepback. The picture is new from Misi's selling blog. I also just got the eyeglasses off eBay to complete my desk display.


Well, in the next coming weeks (days) I will be looking at chairs to replace my mission style leather chair by my fireplace. I have been hinting around that I wanted something that fits more with my decor. Hubby wasn't having it...BUT...while we were outside this past weekend uncovering the patio furniture and cleaning out the pond, Scott was riding his new bike he got from Santa. Well, it's a cool yellow Tony Hawk 18" BMX style bike. Hubby was yapping his jaws that he was trying to ride it. I told him to stay off it, we don't need to bend the frame before Scott even has the chance to ride it! Well, Jon just can't stop yapping his gums about how hard it is to ride being so small. I was like, it's not hard! HE said to me, well if you can ride it all the way down the driveway and back without stopping, you can get a new chair! WHAT?! I totally took him up on this challenge! I not only rode it all the way down and back but I had to dodge both him and Scott trying to knock me off so I wouldn't win!...I WON!! Don't be getting in the way of a girl and a possible new prim! Thank God it was darker out and the cool neighbors 2 doors down weren't out in their make do skate park they built. Oh who am I kidding, I still would have done it for a new chair!!
Ok, I'm done blabbing...I'm off to check out everyone's new goodies!

Display Chain "Easter Basket"

2011-03-15T09:13:00.002-05:00

Today's display chain over at Misi's blog is baskets/Easter baskets. This is a subject I totally L♥VE! I big weakness of mine is baskets! I was able to score a 14" tobacco basket from Pam recently. I just love her baskets!

Anyway, here are my Easter basket displays...

I bought this little beauty from Jennifer last year. She painted it and aged it up and then stitched our name and the year 1801 on it for me. Inside she popped 2 hand stitched eggs in it for me. Those are in the next picture.

There they are! I placed them next to my twiggy nest and chickadees that Misi made. Those babies smell GREAT!

And this is a little shaker cheese basket with a runaway chicka from the previous pic. ;)

Thanks for viewing my Easter basket displays! I'm off to drool over everyone else's displays now!
Have a great Tuesday!

EDIT:
I added a few more basket displays.
My shaker baskets from Pam! LOVE!!!

Happy B? :)

A mixture of baskets over my living room window.

Some gourd eggs in a twiggy basket

And this display is on my Dining room table.

Pay It Forward

2011-03-12T13:27:00.000-06:00

I have seen this on many blogs lately and really feel this is such a nice thing to do! Not only does it make the recipient feel good getting something in the mail but it makes me feel good making that person feel good...make sense? ;)

~Pay It Forward~

When something, usually good, happens to you, you turn around and do something good for someone else. Instead of paying something "back" you are paying it "forward" on to the next person.

Here's how it works....

The first five people who comment on this blog post will receive a handmade gift from me.

In return, you must FIRST write a blog post explaining Pay It Forward 2011. Then.... send out a handmade gift to the first 5 visitors who leave a comment on your post. Take your time...you don't need to send them all today or tomorrow. Any time in the next few months. No pressure. This is to be a joyful experience.

This is such a sweet way to connect with friends or meet new ones, by sharing things we create with our hearts...or in my case, buy from our hearts. ;)

"It's not the size of the gift that matters, but the spirit of paying it forward."

Scavenger Hunt Week 1

2011-03-11T17:11:00.000-06:00

Today is the day the hunt begins on Misi's blog.

I looked around my house and called a few people to borrow some items, but I still don't think I made it.

This is what I was able to come up with.

I don't think those dishes are ironstone and my pillow case only has a few patches of homespun...

No worries, I enjoyed the hunt and look forward to seeing everyone's displays who did make it! :)

Have a great weekend my friends!

Display Chain "Yummy"

2011-03-08T08:39:00.000-06:00

When I first read what our theme was going to be for today's chain, like Rhonda over at Kattywhompus Life, my first thought was of sweets!

My newest candy bar obsession are these wonderful 3 Musketeers Truffle Crisp Bars!

Y-U-M-M-Y!!!

I have to start off every morning with a cup of coffee flavored with my favorite creamer!

Smooth and Nutty!

Yesterday was pajama Monday in our house. After a busy weekend running, Scott and I decided to stay in our jammies all day.

Here is Scott enjoying a yummy cupcake for dessert...

...or should I say enjoying the icing!

Yes, he is wearing Halloween jammies. They are floodsy on him and skin tight but he loves them! :)

So, I can't wait to see what everyone's YUMMY is today over at

*1890 Gable House Musings*

Display Chain "Spring Florals"

2011-03-01T21:34:00.000-06:00

I am so sorry I am so late! I meant to post earlier.
I posted a few things for sale on one of the FB yard sale groups this afternoon. I have done it in the past with absolutely NO LUCK. Well, I guess what I had today was wanted. I was getting bombarded with emails, instant messages, etc...I wasn't sure how it all worked but I sold a bunch of stuff and then I was like, oops now I need to ship all this stuff. I had to run and get packing materials and package everything up. Well, next thing I knew it was 3:30 and it was time for me to leave for work!
So here I am. My display items for todays display chain by Misi.
I don't have many florals but I do have greens.
Here is my bowl rack...again, but with some ripped apart grapevine tucked in (thanks for the inspiration Misi!) and some faux flowers in the jug.

An ivy bush on top of a cabinet.

Some green fuzzy stuff that I thought looked cool. The candle is one of Misi's. I love the spring vine she wrapped around the lid!

A few dill bushes tucked in a crock.

Some more green fuzzy stuff on my other bowl rack...again. Should I put anything else on this? It looks bare to me.

A few boxwood bushes in a basket.

Some sweet annie in my pineapple and a little potted plant in my crock.

I hope to check out everyone's posts tomorrow...I'm beat!
Nighty-Night!

Display Chain "Bowls"

2011-02-22T13:21:00.000-06:00

I am in between decorating for Spring/Easter, so not all my bowl displays are done. Here are a few pics of some of my bowls...
My Wilton pewter fruit bowl filled with the colonial fruits Misi made. They smell AWESOME!

I posted my dining room bowl rack in last weeks display chain, this is my living room bowl rack.

A wooden bowl filled with spring gourds.

Thanks so much for looking and thanks to Theresa for picking this weeks topic!

Display Chain "Rags"

2011-02-15T09:03:00.000-06:00

Well, I wasn't sure what to post today for the theme "rags". I'm sure you all don't want to see my wardrobe, lots of rags there! I just don't get into fashion...strange, that is exactly what my daughter wants to go to college for. Wonder if I traumatized her?;)
Anyway, I looked around and I guess I do have some rags in my decor.
A small rag towel draped over my bowl rack.

A folded rag under a basket. Need to find some flowers to put in there...

A rag on the sewing machine to give it some color and texture.

A small rag peeking out from the basket o' kitties and a rag wrapped around the kitties belly sitting on the hearth.

A wonderful blue cutter piece given to me by a wonderful friend!

And some rag slices folded up on my shelf.

I want to thank Teresa for hosting this week's display chain in Misi's absence. Click on Teresa's name and check out all the other displays this week!
Have a great day!

Display Chain "LOVE"

2011-02-08T09:05:00.000-06:00

My parents on the left and Jon's parents on the right.

February 14, 1999

My poofy hair almost looks like a heart! ;)

The loves of my life!

I finally LOVE my mantel display!

My silo ornies from Misi

And, ahhh a cup o joe in the morn!

Display Chain "Displayed Sentiments"

2011-02-01T08:56:00.002-06:00

Well, I didn't get to participate in last weeks display chain. My MIL had her hip surgery 1 week ago today. There are no siblings of hers, no cousins, no husband. So it was just my husband, his twin sister and I to take care of her. She is doing a lot better today and it is only getting better.
Anyway, I prepared by taking a few snapshots around the house of some displayed sentiments as per the theme for this week on Misi's display chain.
I love the look of old photos of family and was so happy I finally have a place to display them. I had a BUNCH more going all the way up and down the wall, but my Mom had a hard time going up my stairs without knocking them off. I reorganized and REALLY downsized them to this.

It is really hard to get all of them in since the stairway is narrow, but they are on 6 walls. I have some really old ones up and I can remember my son not wanting to go up the stairs because of the "scary" pictures.
This next photo is a stitchery of our wedding date. I really am a sucker for anything personalized!

It was my daughter's 18th birthday on Sunday. She went to the mall with her boyfriend and then asked for a home cooked meal and funfetti cake. It was a very nice quiet birthday celebration. It almost wasn't...Sydnee felt that she wanted to do something "fun" for her 18th...She was seriously contemplating getting a piercing. No, not her ears...her BACK! I was shocked, scared and quite upset! She was showing me pictures and No, I didn't think it was pretty! Hey, I had my ears pierced all the way around, in the cartilage and had my belly button pierced but this was medically wrong in my opinion! She has such a beautiful back. What if she became bored with it or God forbid it became infected and it had to come out. The scaring would leave some ugly marks on her beautiful back!
It took everything in me NOT to rant and rave and forbid her to do it but I didn't want her to go behind my back and do it anyway. I calmly told her I loved her and to please not do it for me. I explained my reasons and she listened. I waited while she went out and celebrated and hoped and prayed she really listened. She came home and told me she won't have it done! OH JOY!! I can breathe again!
This is what I'm talking about...

Anyway, her boyfriend got her a webcam. We only have the 1 computer so of course we all had to play with it.

We are dorks, I know! But I love that we can have fun together! Notice how Jon, Scott and I are all looking at the monitor and Sydnee is the only one who knows where to look. ;)
Well, I hope to be able to get on here again to check out everyone's displays. We had to put a time limit on the webcam with Sydnee. Her boyfriend goes to Purdue Lafayette, which is an hour and a half away. Not sure if he is going to be coming in this weekend with this blizzard they are calling for.
Stay warm and safe!

Gift for my MIL

2011-01-29T16:34:00.000-06:00

A week or so ago, I saw a post on Tammy's blog about her homemade bears. I just knew this was something I was going to have to purchase for my MIL as a get well gift for having hip surgery! She is a MAJOR collector of bears! Well, I was able to purchase one from Tammy and today he arrived! I just got home from work and wanted to change before going over to her house. I'm so glad I did because now I can take him with me to give to her! He is just so adorable, I want to purchase one for myself now! I can see why these babies are going fast! EXCELLENT JOB TAMMY!!!

Well, I'm off to take "Rob" to his new owner! LOL, Tammy named him Rob!

Have a great weekend!

Display Chain "Sewn Or Stitched With Love"

2011-01-18T09:23:00.002-06:00

Well, I really didn't think I would be able to join in this display chain this week since I don't sew, but I decided to just go around my house and snap some pictures of the various samplers I have displayed.
This is my Valentine sampler. I have it on the wall above some stacking boxes and I change it out with the holidays. I have 1 for every holiday now except Easter. Guess what I'm looking for..;)

An alphabet sampler that is by my bowl rack in the dining room.

I LOVE this one so much! Simple but adorable! Sorry it's blurry, it's my kiddos names.

My Mom found this at a garage sale.

And this one is in my bedroom.

Well, that is my contribution to this week's display chain hosted by Misi. I'm off to check out the rest of the chain!
Have a great day!

Display Chain Valentine

2011-01-11T07:33:00.000-06:00

I am very happy to be back doing Misi's display chain with you all. I love all the inspiration I get looking at your posts.
Valentine's Day is one of my favorite holidays. I used to always volunteer to be Room Mom on Valentine's Day for my daughter and I can't wait to be able to do that again with my son.
I also got married on Valentine's Day! ♥
Here are a few displays around the house of my Valentine decor.
The flowers are Sydnee's from her boyfriend.

I put some twinkle rice lights on my tree and removed the garland for a Valentine look.

I was too lazy and cold to go outside to take this picture, so it's through my kitchen window, but it is the carving my husband did on a tree we had cut down last year. You couldn't see the carving anymore, so he painted it. I really love it! ♥

And last but NOT least...I took this picture of my Booga when he was 3 months old. It's still one of my favorite pictures.

Well, I can't wait to go check out everyone's posts.

♫ Happy Birthday To My Hubby ♪

2011-01-06T08:40:00.000-06:00

Well today is my hubby's birthday. Not sure if we will be going out for dinner tonight or save it for the weekend. We celebrated his birthday last weekend with his family because he is a twin and his sister lives in Chicago and doesn't make trips in during the work week.
My MIL ran out of candles so she put taper candles in each cake. Jon likes chocolate with chocolate icing and Jen loves French Silk from Bakers Square. I made Jon's cake and Scott helped me ice and sprinkle it...all I had were red and green sprinkles. :)

Here is Scott trying to get in on blowing out the candles...and yes, Jon is being goofy blowing! He is NEVER serious!

Well, hope you all have a great day! I have to go figure out what to make for dinner tonight!

~FOR SALE~ SOLD

2011-01-03T10:46:00.001-06:00

I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and super fun New Year!
My Christmas decor is all put away and I am rearranging and tweaking like crazy. I usually have no problem with the "when 1 thing comes in, 1 thing goes out" method, but I find that I am hoarding some primitive decorations that I no longer use. I'd like to start weeding out the stuff and really curb my spending in this new year! We'll see how that goes! ;)
I am ready to get rid of this old fashion mouse trap I purchased from Winterberry Prims. I bought the little mouse separate but I am willing to throw him in, what's a mouse trap without a mouse right? I am asking $25 for everything plus shipping. The mousetrap was used as a candle holder so there are candle drippings on it with the candle included too.
If interested, please drop me an email.

Making A Gingerbread House

2010-12-21T13:33:00.002-06:00

Yesterday my daughter took my son with her to her boyfriend's house to make a gingerbread house. I found out later that his parents bought the gingerbread house especially for Scott to go there to make it. I seriously was so touched at how sweet that was! They even took pictures for me.

They had a blast!

A Christmas Story Comes Home

2010-12-19T13:08:00.000-06:00

Today we decided to take Scott to see Santa and what better place to see him than on top of Santa's Mountain like in A Christmas Story.
Here we are waiting to see him.

And here is his picture with Santa. I love his Rigid plumbers hat like Daddy's!

My DH decided the picture of Scott sliding down the slide was too blurry and deleted it!!! GRRRR!
I guess it's OK because they do this every year so hopefully we can get a clearer picture next year!

The author of A Christmas Story grew up in Hammond, IN. one town over from me. Here is his childhood home.

Sorry it's so dark. I love that the owners put a leg lamp in the window!

While waiting for Santa, we were able to see the original Macy's Christmas windows that were used in New York.

It's a Major Award!

I Triple Dog Dare You!

You'll Shoot Your Eye Out!

The Bumpus' Dogs!
We seriously have 4 dogs that live next door to us that get out all the time! UGH!

And then we voted on the ugliest lamp contest! My vote was for the pink shade on top of the cast. Funny!

We got there just in time, it was starting to get crowded.

Now I'm going to relax and watch the movie for the thousandth time! Love it!

I wish you all a wonderful Christmas and a Happy Healthy New Year!

Display Chain #10 "To Share"

2010-11-30T10:26:00.002-06:00

I am pretty excited about The Holidays this year! My son is 4 and now he is more excited about Christmas.
We are doing some different traditions with him than I did with my daughter, who is now almost 18. I was a single mother for the first 4.5 years of her life and I created my own traditions with her. My husband has his traditions that he would like us to do with our son.

For as long as I have been married, my MIL has gotten us Pjs on Christmas Eve. This year, the Pjs will be coming from the Christmas Elves who will leave them on our front porch and ring the doorbell when it's time to get ready for bed. I found this adorable book with the idea and hubby is up for it!

I also found this book about how Santa has help knowing if you are bad or good. His magic elf sits and watches you during the day and at night he flies back to The North Pole to report how you have been. When he comes back, he finds another place to sit to watch. You are not allowed to touch the elf or he will lose his magic and Santa will think you forgot about him. Every morning my son comes down to the basement to see where the elf is sitting now. He is even leaving the elf alone!! This book is called

The Elf On The Shelf, by Chanda Bell and Carol Aebersold. The website is so cute.

On Christmas morning after all the gifts are torn open, I make Monkey Bread for us to enjoy.

Here is a recipe I found online.

Ingredients

2 (12 ounce) cans refrigerated biscuits 2/3 cup sugar 2 tablespoons cinnamon 1/2 cup butter 1/2 cup brown sugar 1/2 cup sugar 1/2 cup MUSSELMAN'S® Apple Butter

Directions

Separate biscuits and cut in quarters. In a bowl, combine sugar and cinnamon. Roll biscuit pieces in cinnamon sugar to coat, and drop them in a greased Bundt pan. Make sure they are distributed evenly.

On the stove top, heat the butter, brown sugar and sugar to a boil until sugar is dissolved. Remove from heat and stir in MUSSELMAN'S Apple Butter. Pour mixture over the dough, and bake in a pre-heated 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes, turn upside down onto serving plate, and remove pan.

I love the magic of The Holiday!
I can't wait to see everyone's posts on what they would like to share! Check out the leads on Misi's blog.
Have a wonderful Holiday Season! ♥

The Winner Is...

2010-11-28T08:16:00.000-06:00

I want to thank everyone who entered my giveaway and to all who follow my blog!
I used the random number generator. I just went by the number of your comment. So that means the winner is...

Comment number 2 is Hillcresthome Prims Tricia!!

Congrats Tricia!! Please send me an email with your address and I will get her out to you!

Thanks again to everyone who entered! Have a wonderful Sunday!

Display Chain #9 "Favorite Hat"

2010-11-23T12:21:00.000-06:00

Today's Display Chain was picked by Pamela over at Civil Folks. She wrote...
Do you have a cherished hat or bonnet? Was it yours or did you inherit it or just buy it because it 'suits' you? Who might have wore it from the past, what did they think, did their brainwaves pass into the fibers? :) A woman's covering was her 'glory' in times past, how does a covering make you feel?
Awesome theme Pamela!
I do not wear hats (hubby says I have a pin sized head, he's not that far off...I had to buy child size glasses since the adult ones were too big for me) but I love to decorate with them!
Here are my displays of hats from my whole family...
My daughter Sydnee decorated her room in a fashion theme and has this on her wall.

Here are my various bonnets around the house.

I always forget to turn on the candles for pictures! :(

My snowman hat from Christina at C&C Furnishings that I use as my tree topper.

And of course my hubby and son's contribution to hats!
Stop on by Misi's blog to check out everyone else's displays!
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!!

Giveaway!!

2010-11-20T18:24:00.000-06:00

Well, I was going thru my Holiday decorations and weeding out the things that I haven't put up in awhile. I bought this Angel last year and only used her for a few weeks before she was packed away for the season. I have decided not to use her and thought I would like to give her away on here.
I will give it a week and draw a name on the 28th.
Anyone who would like to win her is to comment on this post, US residents only and must be a follower of my blog.

Sorry, the chair is not included.
Good luck to all and Thank You for reading my ramblings!
Have a great weekend and a wonderful Thanksgiving!

Display Chain "You Light Up My Life"

2010-11-16T12:45:00.001-06:00

I haven't been feeling well and wasn't going to post but this is a BIG favorite of mine...candles/lighting! Thank you Amy for picking an excellent theme this week!
Here are my contributions to Misi's Display Chain...

I also wanted to answer the question on where I got my telephone that was in my last post. I got it at Pottery Barn. It is a real phone and it has caller id and is cordless. Thanks so much for your interest!

BTW...I tried to add a Christmas picture to my title header and it seems blogger is all crazy! I noticed it was different with me adding pictures the last few posts. Now I can't add a picture to my title anymore and I can't center my blog title. Grrrr!

Well, I'm off to check out everyone else's posts!

Have a great day!

Display Chain "Holiday Crafting"

2010-11-09T09:00:00.003-06:00

Well, I am pretty excited to start decorating for Christmas already! I just took all my Fall decorations down inside the house. I loved how everything looked this year. When we moved in our home, I was pregnant and didn't feel like painting the walls. They were an awful maroon color with a wash of pink over it. It wasn't REAL bad in person, but take a picture and WOW, that pink jumped right out at ya! My Fall decorations clashed bad against the walls. After painting a neutral tone a few months ago, it seems any seasonal decoration will fit right in now.
So anyway, I had a problem with what to do with my telephone when I would put my Christmas Tree up. I had a small phone and was able to balance it on the wood arm of my chair the last few years, but we had to buy a new phone since my son decided to throw our other one in the toilet.
While driving home from work, I found this sofa table in the trash.

It was beat up and had an awful vinyl covering that contained some sort of food stuck to it. I'm sure the owners thought I was crazy grabbing it out of their trash. If I knew it had food stuck to it, I probably would've passed. I left it in our garage for a few weeks until I was thinking about what to put our new phone on during the holidays. This table is too long and too tall, but with a few simple cuts, I (or shall I say my husband) made a small phone stand. I painted it flat black, did a little sanding and rubbed some stain on it and it looks MUCH better! Now I am ready to drag out my tree!!

I can't wait to see what everyone else is up to!

Display Chain "Peek-A-Boo!" WINNER!!

2010-11-02T08:01:00.001-05:00

I'm sorry I am posting so late. I got out of work late and then my daughter's friend/boy, but not boyfriend, made us dinner.

Anyway, the winner is participant #7

Civil Folks Blog!! Congrats Pamela! Can you pop on over to Misi's blog and shoot her an email with your address? She has an awesome goodie in store for you, one of her wonderful candles! I can vouch for her candles, they are awesome!
Thanks to everyone who played along and for everyone who commented! This was fun!!

I have been needing different ideas for storing common everyday items "prim/colonial style". I only have a few pictures from my kitchen where I hide things. If I had the money, I would love to make those prim cabinets that cover the whole stove and fridge, but for now I have these...

I have this outlet in the middle of wall under a window that I only use for my doorbell. It kinda stands out like a sore thumb.

I decided to put that little peg rack above it and centered it with my stove and door. Now I can hide it but still use it.

I also have a sink board but hubby wasn't having any of that. Sunday mornings are hard enough when he wants toast, eggs and coffee and all of it is hidden! LOL

Well, I can't wait to see how you all hide your things! I hope to get some ideas!

Since Misi is on vacation, you can link to this post.

Thank you for letting me choose this weeks topic and for playing along!

Hugs!

I will be back tonight to pick the winner!

Tuesday #6 Theme

2010-10-29T09:00:00.009-05:00

As per Misi's putting me on the spot, oh I mean request, LOL, I have thought about a theme for her Tuesday Display Chain. Oh the pressure to think of something as unique and fun as she has done for us!

So...my idea is called "Peek-A-Boo". I would love to see how you hide your things or unique ways that you store things.
I hope that is a fun theme and that you can all join in on Tuesday with your displays/ideas! I will do as Misi does and make my post on Tuesday morning so you can all link to it. I'm not sure if I will be picking the winner Tuesday night or if Misi will be home in time to.
Well, I want to wish you all a very safe and fun Halloween!

Tuesday Display Chain "Souvenir"

2010-10-26T15:40:00.000-05:00

Misi's Display Chain.

Hubby and I would take a trip EVERY anniversary (Feb. 14) and I would pick up a charm for my charm bracelet and he would get himself a key chain and magnet from all the places we have been.
Since having my son and me not working as much as I did, we haven't been able to take our anniversary trips anymore.

Those 2 charms are still waiting to be put on from our last trip, a cruise 5 years ago.

Someday we will pick up tradition again.

While waiting for my picture to load I was looking around my computer room and noticed a sketch that we had done while in NYC Central Park.

Excuse the flash glare.

Sorry for the short post, blogger was really not cooperating and I need to get to work.

I'll catch up on everyone's posts tonight I hope.

Have a great day!

Tuesday Display Chain "Make Do"

2010-10-19T10:17:00.000-05:00

Here is my Tuesday Display for Misi's Make Do theme...

Sorry if you have seen this before, I couldn't think of anything else.

I wanted a little towel holder for my little bathroom and came up with this. It's just a bobbin with a dowel through it.
While in the garage I did see another "make do" from my husband's grandpa.

What is that log on a stick you ask?

It's what we use to crush our cans. His grandpa did a lot of stuff like this. It seemed like more work to make the log than to just crush it with your foot. Oh well, we have it now and my son loves to crush the cans for us.
Thanks for checking out my post and I can't wait to go check out everyone else's!

Tuesday Display Chain "2 Colors"

2010-10-12T11:12:00.000-05:00

Here is my Tuesday Display for Misi's display chain...

I have a small collection of blue sponge ware. I like the contrast it makes in the corner of my dining room.

I wanted to take some pictures looking out my front window of the leaves changing on our trees but it seems I kept getting my husband's work truck in the photo...hey, it's 2 colors!

Yes, I get to have a huge tiger truck parked in front of my house...sigh
Even when I tried to take a picture of my son climbing our tree it's right there in your face! Like the big orange and black elephant in the room!

I can't wait to see everyone's displays for today!

Tuesday Gathering "Only You"

2010-10-05T09:34:00.001-05:00

Here is my gathering for Misi's display chain...

I was very young when my Grandparents died and all of their items were grabbed by Aunts and older cousins. I also lived in a very small house for many years and I didn't have much storage. When I moved into my current home, I was stumped on how to decorate and fill it. While web surfing I found a website filled with beautiful pictures of homes and I was hooked!

Anyway, while I was slowly gathering new decorating ideas my Mom gave me a yelloware bowl that was my Grandmother's on my Dad's side. I loved it and all but what clinched it for me was when my Dad (who I might add does NOT care 1 bit about decorating or stuff like that) came over and looked at the bowl and told me his memories of how his Mom would make him and his brothers pancakes with that bowl every Sunday morning. I was so happy to hear I got a family memory! It is my favorite piece!

My son accidentally knocked it over when I had it displayed on my stove board. I cried so hard seeing it in pieces! I gave it to my Dad begging him to try and fix it! I think it turned out pretty good and now maybe as it is passed down later, the fixed crack will be part of the memory story.

I also have 1 more picture to share.

This is how my hubby asked me to marry him...

He drew it out and framed it and gave it to me for Christmas. I have it in my computer room with all the other things he and my daughter have drawn or made for me. I even have some room for when my son starts making me pretty pictures!

I can't wait to see everyone's "Only You" picture or gathering!

Dedicated To All My Prim Friends!

2010-09-30T11:36:00.000-05:00

A friend on one of the forums I belong to posted this wonderful poem.

With love to all of you,
Robyn

Tuesday Display Chain

2010-09-28T08:50:00.000-05:00

Misi from 1890 Gable house Musings is hosting an awesome display chain! This sounds like so much fun, I had to join! Stop by and play with us! Just click on her blog link!
Here are my displays...I even remembered to light my candles!

Everyday Life!

2010-09-27T16:59:00.000-05:00

Before I begin my post, I wanted to thank everyone for entering my giveaway, becoming (or being) a follower and for commenting on my posts! I really appreciate it! I never thought I would ever have a blog let alone have people want to follow it! Again, thank you from the bottom of my heart!

So...I was on the phone today with my BFF Theresa and as we were wrapping up our conversation, I said that my house was trashed. She scoffed and said my house is never messy. Well, as my blog title says..."Primitive Decorating and Everyday Life".
This is what my house looks like 90 percent of the time!

Chairs are hardly ever pushed in, my purse hanging on the chair back, shoes laying wherever and this is pretty tame for papers being on the table.

A puzzle laying without the pieces, cars EVERYWHERE, a snack dish empty and one of Scott's na-na's (blanket) in a pile.

The arm chair covers are constantly being thrown off the chair.

A wide shot of the mess!

My little mess maker! When he saw me taking pictures of all his toys, he wanted to pose next to his latest pile!
So as you see, my house isn't always picture ready...and I wouldn't change it for the world! My daughter is almost 18, works 2 jobs, is a senior in HS, takes a college course and I hardly ever see her anymore so I have to cherish these moments while I have them.

Well, I got a Fall goody in the mail today. My Mom gave me money for my birthday so I treated myself to something I found on Facebook. Pigeon Creek Cabin had these adorable scarecrows posted and I just had to have one!

I put him on one of my new rockers I got for my birthday. He is so awesome!!

The other rocker I put on my front porch. I like it so much better than the stone bench I had!

As I mentioned in my last post, we went to a few Fall Fests over the weekend. We had fun! I just love all the corn fields that surround them! I asked my husband to take a picture for me and this is what I got!

That would be his pride and joy!
I guess I have no room to talk, I take pictures of my decorations and when I move something I need to take a "tweaked" photo!

Well, that's it for my everyday life post! It's not perfect but I love it all the same!
Thanks for stopping by!

The Winner of My Giveaway is...

2010-09-25T00:00:00.001-05:00

So, I decided to pick the winner a day early because we have a very busy weekend planned. We are leaving at 5:30am to go to a car/craft show 3 1/2 hours away and then on Sunday we have 2 more fall fests and then my MIL will be coming over for dinner and cake for my birthday. Instead of doing a post super late on Sunday after cleaning up, I just thought to do it a day early.
So I did the random generator like I have seen on other giveaways and it was easy peasy! I had 62 entries including a few emails.

I wrote everyone's name down and numbered them and came up with lucky number 40! Pretty cool being I am only going to be 40 for another day!
So who is number 40?

Simply Shell!!!
Yeah Shell! I am so happy you decided to open a blogger account! Can you send me your address either by clicking on my sidebar where it says "I'd love to hear from ya" or thru Facebook is cool too!

Well, I better get to bed. We have a LONG day ahead of us tomorrow!!
Have a great weekend!

* My Giveaway Gifts *

2010-09-09T15:51:00.002-05:00

I just wanted to do a quick post and show you the items I picked out for my giveaway at the end of the month. If you want to sign up, please click here.
I got these little Halloween ornaments at the Blueberry Fest this past weekend.

These candy corn bowl fillers were an eBay purchase.

The wooden bowl is NOT included...sorry.

And these last bowl fillers were purchased at Huckleberry Handcrafts. I just love that store! You can find her store on Facebook by clicking here.

Again, the bowl is NOT included. I'm just showing you how darn cute everything will look in a bowl of your choice. I will throw in the grungy cheesecloth and a few other textiles so you can play and tweak.

Good luck to all who have entered! My next post on September 27, I will be announcing the winner. New entries still have time, but PLEASE do so on the giveaway post.

Finally got me a tart burner!

2010-09-07T09:57:00.001-05:00

I got my awesome winnings from Dana over at Homespun Treasures By Dana and let me tell you everything smells wonderful!! The tarts were packaged so pretty that I was hesitant to open them all up. I can see why I have read on other blogs, people say they don't want to burn them because they are so cute!

While at the Blueberry Fest in Plymouth, IN this weekend, I bought myself a tart burner. I wanted one that uses tea lights since I don't have an abundance of outlets in my old home. I found this one that I thought was adorable.

That would be one of my tarts burning as I write. It's the pumpkin sampler one in the picture above. It smells so good. It reminds me of the wonderful Fall Fests that are all starting up.

I also received 1 of Dana's awesome pumpkin flicker candles. He is just too cute! Here is where I put him.

After placing all my winnings in there new homes, my husband thought I was completely weird smelling my fingers every now and then. I'm like here smell! All he could think of was the SNL skit with Mary Katherine, so he wouldn't smell my fingers.

His loss!

Thank you again Dana!

Don't forget to go to my previous post to sign up for my giveaway. I picked up 1 gift this weekend but I have a few more things in mind I'd still like to get.

Hope you had a great holiday weekend!

A Giveaway!!

2010-09-01T19:12:00.000-05:00

Being this is my birthday month, I am close to 150 followers and I just won an awesome giveaway myself over at Dana's blog Homespun Treasures by Dana with sweet Donna of Sweet Prairie Dwellings kicking in a couple of surprises, I would love to have a giveaway! This is my way of passing on the love! This is my second giveaway and the same rules will apply...

1) you must be a follower of my blog to qualify
2) you must comment on this post ONLY and
3) you must live in the US

That's it!

Now if you know anything about me you know I don't sew. With that said, the item(s) will be bought from a prim store. I haven't bought them yet but they will be Fall/Halloween related in honor of my favorite season.

I will pick the winner and announce it on my birthday, Sunday September 26.

Good luck to all that enter!

I am so grateful to you for your friendship, support and sweet comments on my posts!

Prim Hugs! ♥

Fall has arrived!!

2010-08-30T13:49:00.002-05:00

In my decor that is...
This year was the first year I decorated this early. I would usually do it closer to the middle of September but I was so inspired by all the photos on Facebook, the new A Primitive Place magazine, Country Sampler, and all the other Prim magazines out there.
I read something funny on Facebook the other day. A friend had written that she was pulling out her fall bins to start decorating. One of her friends wrote "why, it isn't even fall yet" and she wrote "in the prim world it is!" I loved that!! We do have our own little world don't we?
I kept my fall decorating to the inside for now. I had neighbors that asked me why I decorated so early last year when it was a week before fall...can you imagine their horror if they saw the inside of my house now?
So here are a few fall touches around my house...

Got this fabulous bittersweet vine from Winter Willow Primitives. I was going to cut it and place it here and there but I thought it fit perfect the way it was. I may have to just pop on over and get more to cut up.

More bittersweet from Winter Willow and the basket from Primitive Basketcase.

I got this great Witches Hat from Beansprout Candles, but unfortunately I'm not sure if she has a website anymore.

This is my pineapple I won from Misi. I changed out the sweet annie that came with it for a corn husk. (that was also her idea!)

I got these adorable acorn and leaf bowl fillers from Huckleberry Handcrafts. Debbie also has a Facebook page under the same name. I just added a little cheesecloth and a pumpkin for an instant bowl display.

My last picture is of a little swap I did with Jobeth from Primfills. I just love the little Halloween menu she sent me!

It's perfect on my stove board!

So how about you? Have you started your Fall decorating yet? I'd love to see!!

Stress = a furniture redo

2010-08-11T14:06:00.002-05:00

When I'm stressed, bored, mad, upset...oh heck any 'ol time is a good time for a change!!
I feel like I can't sit still for more than 10 minutes. I try and relax with a magazine, but all the inspiration in them makes me want to change something of mine. Since a large purchase is out of the question right now, I decided to finally paint my dining room hutch.
It was a freebie given to me by a coworker of my MIL. It wasn't my style but it was the right price! It used to have glass doors with a big piece of wood down the center. The glass doors came off before I could even get a picture and the wood down the center was sawed off right after. I lived with the color for 4 years until I finally just dove in and put some paint on it.
So here is my before picture...

(It is also before I decluttered.)

Here my my hutch now with the paint and all decluttered...

I am very happy with it. It really helped my stress level for that day! Now I'm eyeing my kitchen cabinets...

I got to meet my Prim BFF!!

2010-08-06T12:37:00.000-05:00

Hi all! One week ago today I was enjoying vacation time and shopping with my prim BFF Theresa.
My husband, son and I drove to PA and made a pit stop so I can meet Theresa. My daughter stayed home for the first time by herself. I think she had her own lil vacation. (She did great!!)
It was so nice to be able to hang out and do some shopping.

My husband and her husband got along very well, even though my husband kept calling him by my future BIL's name...

Aren't they adorable with their arms around each other?

On our shopping excursion I picked up a pair of prairie curtains for my dining room window. I wanted something a little more cozy and didn't want to have to change out all my windows. I love them!!

Before I had a scalloped valance:

Now I have the prairie curtains:

My other goodies are fall items so those will be posted later.

After visiting with Theresa, we headed down to Gettysburg and Hershey. I just have to say how beautiful PA is!

We had such a great time! I can't wait until next year when we do it again!!

Have a wonderful weekend everyone!!

My Winnings From Misi!

2010-07-08T16:56:00.002-05:00

I received my Giveaway winnings from Misi today and let me tell you it was a windfall!! I was so excited I didn't get a picture of how beautifully everything was wrapped. Also, I started placing them in their new homes before taking a picture...oops!
I got a wonderful reflector lamp, framed silhouette picture, spiced colonial pineapple with sweet annie filler and a spiced double candle holder.

I also got this awesome spoon holder!! I've been wanting one too!!

I got one of her way cool colonial silhouette boxes, a sweet thank you card (thanking me!? Thank YOU Misi!) and a wooden rooster game board.

And to top it all off, I got this whole stack of wonderful Colonial stationery with the brown feather on the left in my ink well!!

Is that all not the most wonderful bunch of Give Away goodies you have seen? Needless to say, I am one happy winner!! Thank you again Misi!
Stop on by her 2 wonderful blogs...*~1890~* or Gable House Goodes and see what awesome talent this girl has!!

Well, not much else is going on here. We went to visit my parents last weekend and Scott is always excited to see "Poppy's Hot Rod". My Dad has been restoring a 1952 Plymouth for awhile now and he just got the engine running a little better.

My Dad is always working on a car project. For my graduation, he took me to the ceremony in his 1950 Mercury.
I loved going to Car Shows with him when I lived at home and now my husband and son go to them with him too. I love Summer!!

Well, I hope you all have a wonderful rest of the week!

Painted My Kitchen

2010-06-28T23:40:00.001-05:00

The last of the cheesy faux paint treatment is gone from my house. My walls are plaster and have a texture to it. There was a mixture of 3 different colors in my kitchen, gray, white and a hint of teal. There was also a floral border in the kitchen and by the back door. The border came down immediately after we moved in. We had to live with everything else because I was 8 months pregnant and had to work on the nursery. 4 years later we finally tackled the kitchen.

I thought I had better before pictures of the kitchen but I never really liked it in there so I guess I didn't take many.
Before:

After:

It's a compromise in color...he wanted green and I wanted tan. In the daytime it's more tan and now it looks green. I'm happy with it. It's called Providence Olive by Benjamin Moore Historical Collection.

I would love to rip out the flooring but can't right now.

On the wall to the left of my table that is blank I am putting a collection of slaw cutters. I only have 3 at the moment and I'd like 5 so as soon as I complete my collection, I'll put them up.

Thanks for looking and I hope you have a wonderful week!

UPDATE:

I have already removed the small peg racks on the soffett since my post last night. I felt it was too cluttery. LOL

Can't wait til vacation!!

2010-06-23T12:21:00.000-05:00

When hubby and I got married, we said would take a vacation on our anniversary every year! We were able to do it for the first 6 anniversaries and then obligations kicked in...Hubby had to have surgery so we took that money to pay the medical bills, then I got pregnant and couldn't take a trip at that time, we moved and couldn't afford one another year...5 years later we are finally going on one again! It's not on our anniversary and we are taking the kids, but it's a vacation and I'm excited!
We are going to Gettysburg, Pennsylvania at the end of July. We wanted to stay in a haunted hotel, but most of them are B&B and with the kids I didn't think that would work. My son is at the age where he will say things about ghosts and I thought that would be so cool! He will talk about a child in our house that I have no clue about. He is not scared and my cat is cool so the child must be harmless, right?...My son even has said that my late FIL, who died 2 years ago when my son was only 1, says Hi...creepy huh?
Anyway, we really need this vacation and need to get away from some of our "obligations"!

So I did a little more tweaking and here are some more simple displays...

Wow, that was easier than normal to upload...

Hope you all have a wonderful day and thank you for stopping by!!

A Few Collections

2010-06-16T09:46:00.000-05:00

I have been moving things around and grouping stuff together and long behold, I have collections! Here are a few of them...

Please excuse the potty chart on the chalkboard...potty training in progress.

Love the colonial jug in the center I purchased from Janet at Winter Willow Primitives!

This batter bowl was my grandma's. My Dad remembers her making pancakes with it.

And my veggies and garden spade are from this great store by me called Huckleberry Handcrafts.

My seed packets were made by my great friend Theresa of Purensimple Primmercantile. Love them!!

I just read that I won the give away from Misi's blog 1890gablehousemusings!! I am so excited!! She has such wonderful decorating taste and excellent goodies! Check out her blog!

Well, that's it for now, I will post a few more collections another time! Thanks for stopping by!

My Attempt At A Makedo Towel Holder

2010-05-26T14:53:00.000-05:00

Let me just preface this post with the information that I am not much of a crafty person. I enjoy others hard work and will pay for it!!
I have not been very happy with my upstairs bathroom decor. It has come a long way since we moved in, however, it is still not where I would like it.
I have ALWAYS had a small bathroom. I have a small vanity in there and wanted some sort of standing towel holder. I found a few I loved but the owners were not selling them. I pouted and then decided to try and fashion something of my own.
I just took an old bobbin I had that I was not displaying anymore (b/c of my obsessive moving around of things) and made the holes that were already in it a little larger. I then took a leftover dowel I had from when hubby made my "thing-a-ma-gig" (from a previous post) and inserted it into the larger hole. I rubbed some stain on the dowel and wa-la, instant towel holder. This is just decoration for me, I do not use it. Here is my make do standing towel holder. I'm pretty happy with it since I paid $0 for it...

Now to get hubby to install my farmhouse pump style faucet. He wasn't real happy I bought it since this faucet is only 4 years old.

Hope you all have a wonderful Memorial weekend!

Before There Was Prim...

2010-05-19T10:21:00.000-05:00

Before we moved into our 1930s Sears home, I lived in a 750 sq. ft. ranch style home for 14 years.

I had it decorated very neutral hoping it made the house feel bigger. It was cute and I was able to maintain it by myself for 6 years while raising my daughter. I then gave marriage another try and in moved my hubby. I so wanted to move and get a bigger home, but it was so cheap to live in my small home and be able to take lots of trips. I didn't buy decorations since I was very minimalistic...again thinking less was more in making my home feel bigger. We lived there for 6-7 more years until I became pregnant with my son.

When we found our home and moved in, I had no idea how to decorate. My minimal decorations didn't seem to make our home feel cozy.
I was on the computer and came across some photos on Webshots and totally fell in love with the decor. It seemed that any style home looked great with the primitive decorations. I was hooked!
Here are a few before and after pics of when we moved in...

I thank you all for posting your pictures of your homes and all the inspiration you have given me! I not only love the primitive decorating style but the prim community that has transpired over the years! I have so many new friends that I have met on Webshots, forums and Facebook!

There are not many primitive decorators in my area and it is just so wonderful that I can get on my computer and find all the inspiration I need!!

Thank You!

My Weekend

2010-05-16T21:28:00.000-05:00

I hope you all had a great weekend! We got a lot done around here.

It was Prom on Saturday for my daughter. She went with a group of 18 and most went stag, including her! It kinda surprised me, we didn't do that when I went to school. She borrowed a dress from my niece.

Today she and 12 other people went to Great America. I remember doing that after my Prom...ages ago!

I have been planting and moving things around in my yard. Last year I had a couple trees removed and now there is so much more sunlight! When we moved in, we couldn't grow grass in the backyard, it was way to shady!

3 years ago...

This past weekend...

I am so happy with how green it is now!! There are things growing that I've never even planted!

Hubby got me a couple curb side finds...

My kids got me the basket and flowers for Mother's Day.

I also got this one...

While I was playing around and planting, hubby carved this in the tree stump for me...

J + R

I love it!!

Well, that's about it for my weekend and this post...I am having the hardest time inserting pictures and text!

Have a great night!!

Antique Book Light

2010-04-23T18:33:00.002-05:00

Just a quick post to let you know where you can get the book light.
I found an inexpensive one at Piper Classics for less than $3. The one I have is a tin one from A Simpler Time. If you click on both store names, it will take you to the link.
Sorry, I meant to put this info in my previous post.
Thanks for all your wonderful support on my woodworking experience!
This is from Piper Classics...

This is from A Simpler Time...

Primlish

Oops, sorry! ;)

My "new" bowl rack

Giveaway Winner ☺

♪ It's Beginning To Look Alot Like Christmas ♫

"Framed In" Cont...

Halloween Fun

~Tuesday Display Chain~Autumn At The Table~

~Tuesday Display Chain~Autumn Foliage~

~Tuesday Display Chain~Black and Orange~

~Tuesday Display Chain~Framed In~

~Tuesday Display Chain~Seasonal Peg Rack~

Some outside fall decorating

Going Bonkers for Bittersweet!

A Big Thank You!

Here a shelf, there a shelf...

Corner Complete!

I won a giveaway and some new purchases

Display Chain "Patina"

Display Chain "Personal Pride"

Days of Summer Swap and Graduation

Busy Weekend!

Display Chain "Spring Cleaning"

Display Chain "Easter Displays"

A Great Day!

Display Chain "Redo"

Gratitude

Display Chain "Stripes"

New Treasure

Display Chain "Newly Aquired"

Display Chain "Easter Basket"

Pay It Forward

Scavenger Hunt Week 1

Display Chain "Yummy"

Display Chain "Spring Florals"

Display Chain "Bowls"

Display Chain "Rags"

Display Chain "LOVE"

Display Chain "Displayed Sentiments"

Gift for my MIL

Display Chain "Sewn Or Stitched With Love"

Display Chain *Valentine*

♫ Happy Birthday To My Hubby ♪

~FOR SALE~ SOLD

Making A Gingerbread House

A Christmas Story Comes Home

Display Chain #10 "To Share"

The Winner Is...

Display Chain #9 "Favorite Hat"

Giveaway!!

Display Chain "You Light Up My Life"

Display Chain "Holiday Crafting"

Display Chain "Peek-A-Boo!" WINNER!!

Tuesday #6 Theme

Tuesday Display Chain "Souvenir"

Tuesday Display Chain "Make Do"

Tuesday Display Chain "2 Colors"

Tuesday Gathering "Only You"

Dedicated To All My Prim Friends!

Tuesday Display Chain

Everyday Life!

The Winner of My Giveaway is...

* My Giveaway Gifts *

Finally got me a tart burner!

A Giveaway!!

Fall has arrived!!

Stress = a furniture redo

I got to meet my Prim BFF!!

My Winnings From Misi!

Painted My Kitchen

Can't wait til vacation!!

A Few Collections

My Attempt At A Makedo Towel Holder

Before There Was Prim...

My Weekend

Antique Book Light

Display Chain Valentine