A Monday worth getting up for....

Ever enter a comment on a posted giveaway, just on a whim because the "prize" was so captivating you couldn't resist? Ya, I do that on occasion and never give it another thought. Imagine my surprise today to do a quick visit to The DIY Showoff and see my name in print as the winner of this amazing prize!!!!!!!! I can hardly wait to try out this piece of technology in my home- fondly known as the cave. Thanks Roeshel for this amazing giveaway opportunity. Amazing to learn I actually won something. If you haven't been there, run now to her blog and check out all the amazing creativity she features. Just a warning, you may be there for awhile for the projects are endless!

Happy Spring!

Wow, not sure how time is flying by so quickly these last few weeks. Well, not exactly true. We own a small rental unit that our former renters kindly decided to trash every inch of the place. It has been a whirlwind month of repairs, replacements, painting, and endless cleaning. I can't for the life of me figure out how people can be so rude, disrespectful, and downright destructive of their living spaces.





To make it more eventful, the Princess and her hubby are having to move into this rental for financial reasons. The rush was on to get this wrapped up and them moved before the end of this month. We are almost there now and will begin her move tomorrow. Seems as though there are just not enough hours in every day to do all we plan or need to do. I know it will get done, but it doesn't prevent me from many sleepless nights and countless hours of needed tub soaking and the blasted heating pad.





OK, let's add to the excitement with the big news. Ready?

















Princess is expecting her first child in October of this year! I get to be an official grandmother which is rather exciting. We already technically have grandchildren from my stepchildren, but this will be the first from my own kids. I am hopefully they can fully resolve the major marital issues they have had and move ahead for a better future. We will begin painting and decor for the baby's room after this major move is complete and the dust settles a bit. She wants to do a safari theme in the room which I think will be adorable. We found this great rug a Target

(Target stores)

that will either be directly under the crib or behind it on the wall. It is a large size and would be better centered in the room, but it has latex backing which means Princess can't walk on it due to her latex allergies. Her plan is for pastel colors with a splash of more "real" animal print thrown in which will be cute if we can pull it off. If you bloggers run across any great products out there any links or such would be appreciated. I'd love to find some wall words with a baby/safari theme to use but the walls are very heavy texture which would making hanging difficult at best. I found a sweet safari baby panel at Joanne's to do a crib quilt. Going to try my first go round at machine quilting to perhaps outline the animals. Any quilters out there with hints?

And if that isn't enough fun for one month, my son has now moved his wedding planned for July to another state and location 3 times! AAAHHHH!!! Can you tell Mom is just about ready for the funny farm?

I hope everyone has a lovely weekend. Crossed fingers for good weather during the move as one day it is 70 the next we have snow. Typical desert weather but I am ready for summer for sure.

Lately I have a obsession with creative storage solutions. This may be driven by the fact that our rather small home is bursting at the seams with stuff. Every size, shape, and sort imaginable. Purging is in the near future, but before then I wanted some ideas to store the remaining items that wouldn't cost an arm and a leg. I am more a function kind of gal rather than one who demands matchy-matchy coordination. If I can reuse some items I already have for a new purpose, even better.

I came across some ideas that really caught my attention and thought maybe they would interest others too.

Use a weekly pill box to corral all those small bits and pieces that otherwise float around and get lost. I love this idea for scrap booking eyelets, especially that they actually attached a sample to each slot for easy reference. Simple, inexpensive, and effective. You could do the same for any small bits-buttons, screws, charms, earrings, fishing hooks, pins, needles, game pieces. These containers close tightly which makes them perfect for these tiny items to keep them from spilling all over your drawer or purse for that matter.


OK, so technically this isn't really organizing, but original all the same. I see so many out there repurposing dressers, TV stands, etc and you could easily incorporate this in those pieces. Make yourself a custom bed out of foam and some fabric, tuck in the bottom space and you have a great spot for Fluffy to retire. Beats tripping over the dog bed for sure. I found endless variety of this project done in everything from kitchen cupboards to freestanding furniture. My cats would go nuts for this idea. Now all I need is a dog..sniff..sniff..

I LOVE THIS! Nearly all of these terrific ideas were found at the Better Homes and Gardens website. This one said they used Velcro to attach the forks to the wall. I think this would be a perfect solution in the kitchen for a couple things. First, I see this idea on a back splash to hold a recipe card up out of the mess while cooking. Second, how about on a cupboard door (either inside or out) to hold those appointment cards or takeout menus, or coupons for the next shopping trip. Upside down or right side up they would be adorable and functional. I also love them reused as garden stakes to hold the seed packets in the garden for each row.

Hold the phone! Literally! HA HA HA!! Seriously, run to the nearest thrift store, grab one of those bread boxes right now. Take it home, paint it, decorate it, drill a couple holes for your cords, and you have a brilliant charging station for all those crazy electronics. I bet I could even coral Prince's cordless drills, screwdrivers, and scissors in one of these big boxes.

OK, how many uses can you think of for a used mint tin? A million right? How about a fancy business card holder? Spiff it up with some paper or ribbon that coordinates with your cards, brilliant! Much better than a boring old box on your desk, or that pile floating around in the bottom of your purse isn't it?

My absolute, total favorite of them all. Use tacks to fasten binder clips to a bulletin board you jazz up any way you wish. Perfect holder for your business cards, takeout menus, grocery list, coupon organizer, to do list, whatever your heart desires. Creative, stylish, cheap, and useful.





Ok, so these aren't organizing, but since I'll have more room I want to spiff up the space I will have when I finish.




Perfect for all those furniture projects out there everyone is doing. Bling up your new desk or table with some coordinating ribbon around the edges. Ribbon comes in every shape, size, and color so there are endless possibilities.

OK, now it's your turn. What creative storage solutions have you come up with for your home? Please share!

What do you do with all those books piled all over the house, garage, in every corner? Am I the only book-a-holic out there? Take some hardcover books, remove the insides and attach the covers to a headboard or a piece of plywood! Yeah, yeah, I HATE to ruin a book, but seriously, sometimes they are past saving. If you can't part with your own, pick up a box on the cheap at a garage sale. Can't find the colors you like? Whip out the trusty spray paint, add a sealer, custom color books!

Pumpkin parade

Better Homes and Gardens is one of the magazines I enjoy. I also sign up for their e-newsletter for the 100 days of holiday ideas. Part of the reason I am so fond of this magazine is the variety. Each issue is scattered with home decor, frugal tips, home tours, craft projects, and recipes. There is usually at least one idea included that I can find a practical use for in my own home. So many crafters are showing off their pumpkin/fall/Halloween ideas this season.

Now that my children are grown, I miss out on the fun of carving pumpkins. Seriously, the yucky goo spread over my entire kitchen floor is something I sorely miss. Not enough just to do it myself this year however. I still like to add some festive decor, for myself, visitors, and those ghoulish tricker-treater friends though.

I found some simple, mostly frugal, and quite striking ideas at BHG and though they may spark someone elses creative bones as well.

Lets start with some simple paint ideas for those squeamish folks who don't fancy pumpkin guts sliding thru their fingers shall we?

This is adorable! Simple painted legs and shoes with a small bow glued on for good measure. I think even better if you lay them down so it appears the house fell on the witch, maybe right in front of the garage door even.



This one should appeal to those with the black and white decor happening out there. Even easier if you start with a white pumpkin, use a stencil of your choice.

This one adds another bit of sparkly goodness. How many of you have faux gems, or even maybe some of those pins laying around in a dark drawer somewhere?

Dimensional craft paint, or even a glitter/glue pen. Make a web design, add some gems or pins, a bit more detail and a glittery masterpiece is born. Easy, cheap, fun for kids as well.

This one has a bit of carving to it, but could just as easily be done with only paint. Would be super fun at a backyard bonfire set up with some real lanterns mixed with them.




This is my favorite. Grab a pack of those paper doilies and have at it! Use them as a stencil.

Simple, elegant and endless possibilities for sure. Tape it on, paint in your choice of designs and colors. I think these would be brilliant on a Thanksgiving table. Use a white pumpkin, you name it.

Now, while you have those doilies out, check out this brilliant masterpiece.

Yes, shapes here are cute from real lace doilies, but a cheaper version would be use designs from those paper ones! Glue it on, pin it on, double stick tape.

Since you have out the glue and pins now, lets move right along to another simple chic version. This version as strings of sequins, but whatever trips your trigger would work too. Ribbon, pearl strands, twine, yard, wire, see, again the possibilities are endless. See the rings on the stem?

See, sometimes you just have to think outside the pumpkin shell don't you? Well, while you are digging through your stash of goodies to try this, dig a bit farther to include this one as well. A few more "found", recycled, borrowed, broken bobs and you have yourself a magical ride!

Now, my Prince is the ultimate pack rat. I guarantee somewhere in the depths of my garage and assorted tool boxes, bins, buckets etc we have a million things rusty and delicious just like these. If you aren't so lucky, just think a bit more and you'll come up with something close. A jam jar lid laying around? Packets of those "some assembly required" extra pieces in plastic bags? A few extra coat hangers? Kid's outgrown bike alongside the house? Some paperclips? Cinderella would be proud of this baby for sure! Even better, see those tiny white pumpkins so innocently sitting there looking so cute? Not sure what's up with the eyebrows, but a carriage must have a coachman standing guard.

So, while you were digging around, I bet you found several packs of thumbtacks lurking in those drawers you didn't even know you had. No, well then I pity you. Cause if you spray them a quick coat of one color, or leave them shiny you get this baby.

Simple stencil design, unique choice to add some house numbers, a name, again the options are mind boggling if you think about it. Even raid your scrapbook stash for those brilliant brads you are hoarding. No, well I have jars of them. This would even work on those fab "faux" pumpkins and you can have it for years to come.

Now, in case there are sceptics lurking here, or those saying good grief why in the world would anyone paint, carve, or otherwise waste the day away on a darn pumpkin. Then I say to you

Scared ya didn't I? Well, maybe not, but even the craft challenged can swing this I am sure. Got a pen? Write B-O-O on three slips of paper, prop them up, tape it to the wall, whatever floats your boat. Really lazy, try H-I! But seriously, how ridiculously easy is this? These are really flashcards, propped on floral frogs inside glass jars.

So, go ahead, parade your pumpkins. No more excuses of how boring or difficult you think it is. Besides, you just might make someone smile while you are at it. We all need a bit of that now and then don't we?

Nice rack

Not that kind of rack, seriously what kind of blog do you think this is? Never mind, don't answer that........


My latest obsession has turned to plate racks. Not those wacky little re purposed clothes hangers that perch precariously on the wall, waiting for your dollar store, I mean heirloom china to come crashing down with the first swift kick of door slamming. No, more alternate forms of plate storage, something different than your average monster stack of discs piled high in the dark cabinets. I mean, hey, if you got a nice rack you ought to show it off right? Besides, the way I see it, two less steps of dreaded dish detail. No more opening and closing the cupboard door, genius!

Now, I spent far too many hours randomly clicking through every possible search term I could imagine for inspiration. Let me just say, disappointing results would be an understatement. Most led to custom cabinets, or the kind where the plates are flat exposing the full face of the plate. Now, if that's your style, good for you. I however have possibly the smallest kitchen in America. Seriously. I don't have 700 feet of wall space just waiting to be filled with single file plates. Besides, who wants to look at my boring white Corelle plates with black rings? Yeah, thought so. So instead, I need compact storage.

I have two choices to accomplish this. One would be to construct, rather bribe the resident Prince, to construct some said device that could fit into the narrow crevice directly over my sink, which is currently the only open wall space not already occupied. This area currently has a small cabinet up high over the space, connected to the other cabinets flanking the sink. Best option, maybe? Next would be a overhaul of my existing cupboard that I currently use for dishes. Now the bottom shelf is all the plates, mid shelf is bowls etc. Top shelf is my "good dishes" (don't tell they were 20 bucks for an 8 piece place setting at the drug store). So, to pull this off, I'm thinking we can retrofit the existing cabinet for the bottom section to enable vertical plate placement. I have to keep the center section for bowls.

Let me explain. Prince and I made a deal when we were married. I cook, he does the dishes. Period. Now, two small problems with this arrangement. Prince is rather "vertically challenged". On a good day he can reach on tip toe a quick toss of items to the top shelf of our cupboards. Now, the bad news. After his heart stopping return to the rodeo circuit several years ago, he has some mobility issues that hinder his ability to hold up his end of our arrangement. Namely, putting the dishes away. Three problems. First is he had to have a cervical fusion of multiple levels of his cervical spine, which now means looking up is seriously not possible without leaning his body back. Second is the loss of ability to raise his right arm (yes he is right handed) higher than chest level. Third is the loss of strength to his right arm, meaning a full cup of coffee is pushing the limit of what he can raise to chest height. Now he can arm wrestle the Hulk at waist level, but pull his arm up and scrawny me will beat him with one finger.

So, a good wife makes certain concessions for the man she loves. I got rid of my ENTIRE collection of Pfalzgraf pottery dishes (sniff, snob, wail) and bought black and white Corelle dishes. They are light weight, and less prone to breakage. Great. Next, if it goes higher than the second shelf, good old me finds a stack of dishes on my counter awaiting delivery to the higher reaches of our cupboards. Now, our cupboards are standard height, and I do have a lot of stacking in all of them. No way the guy can do it. Well, he could if I choose to learn mosaic as they would be in a million pieces after crashing to the floor. So, can I redo the entire interior of the plate cabinet for this whim? Uh, no. Standard second shelf height is the farthest north this fantasy storage can go. And before someone asks, no I can/will not put my dishes in the lower cabinets near the floor. I'd never see them again, plus, I'm too lazy to bend over and so is he.


Sorry for the lousy photo, but this is the only sample I could see showing one directly over the sink. I like the slots are straight, so the dishes go in directly, not at an angle as they do with many.

I also like the style of this, but envision as another cabinet wedged between the two currently flanking my sink on the wall. I would want it to have something on the bottom to hold the paper towels and cloth towel holders that currently inhabit this space.

This one really jumped at me, but no way as I have no counter now, let alone hog up space with something flush with the counter. Maybe turned upside down and hung up would be exactly what I'm seeing in my mind though.

Not a plate rack, but LOVE this little built in nooks for the spices under the cabinet near the stove. I mean hey, if he has to get out the tools, what's one more little honey-do-project right? Plus, I think this would be super for mugs etc under the cabinet that holds our drink ware.

Now this one is not even near where I want mine, but similar idea as I already have a high cabinet, and if we construct just the plate rack portion under it, maybe with two levels-one for dinner plates, one for salad plates.

Now, if I was a good wife, I'd tell him this is exactly what I wanted. See, no little dowels to place, less cutting, measuring, blah, blah blah.

It does kind of grow on me though. Hmmm, do I trust him, I mean myself, not to knock them all down with one fail swoop of an arm? No safety stop with the dowels? Geez, if my kitchen was this organized with coordinating baskets etc, someone would know they came to the wrong house. Makes me jealous though. Really jealous.

I like the simplicity and open nature of this one. I like the two levels for plate sizes. One thing disturbs me though. See all that mismatched stuff all over the walls and counters? How is it that designers can pull this off, yet my kitchen simply looks like the mismatched disorganized chaos that it is? Oh well, too bad.


So, thanks for sharing my fantasy plate rack adventure. May happen, may not, only time will tell. What about you? Anyone have a nice rack you care to show off? hehehe

Help! I've "fallen" and can't get up!

I finally managed to snag a few moments to tread the dreaded stairs to the attic to retrieve some seasonal decor. Mostly because I was shamed into doing it by viewing all of your lovely blogs while I sat here procrastinating. Am I the only one or does it kind of feel like Christmas when you open the boxes to find your old friends nestled inside? Then, I usually try and snag a few pieces each year on clearance, that I toss in before sealing away for next year. Of course, by the time I reopen the box, I have no idea where "that" came from!

Where shall we begin? OK, most sane people start at the front door, so for that reason I'll start there. Well, sort of. See, if I showed you what my front porch REALLY looks like right now, you'd run and never return. So instead, I'll show you the front door, after you are safely in my entryway. Well, not really an entryway, more like a slice of linoleum about 3 foot square overflowing with coats and tools and hats.... ANYWAY

Welcome to my humble abode! No need to take off your shoes, wouldn't want you to get hurt if you step on a broken dog bone or cat toy. See, easy to know if I'm home or not isn't it?

Just a step ahead will lead you to the door from the house to the garage. See that hook? I put it up 13 years ago for my Christmas wreath as the space between our solid and screen doors on the front will not accommodate a wreath there, so I go for this spot instead. Well, Prince promptly claimed it as his hat rack so that baby stays there 24/7/365. Yeah, we have a 6 hook hat rack less than 6 inches from this door, and a massive coat rack about two steps left. Never marry a cowboy, I'm just saying, the hat is usually the deal breaker. If you don't have a proper hook, he WILL use your lampshade whether you want him to or not.

I saw this wreath in some magazine several years ago with directions to create yourself. Looked easy, materials are cheap, so of course I had to do it. Now, it is easy, but VERY time consuming, messy, and generally annoying to do. Basically it is a straw pre-made wreath that you cover with soaked corn husks. Fold em over and attach at the base with a floral pin. MILLIONS of husks later, you got a darn cool wreath. Once I got in the groove, I seriously made 10 for family/friends/enemies etc. Excuse the pathetic bow. I was trying to do a new one as the old one was beyond repair after many years of packing away, but my little TLC chose yesterday to decide HE WAS HELPING, aka, would not leave it alone. Had to cut my losses and go with messy. Besides, after Prince smashes it with his hat a few more times, all will be good. Yes, he still uses the hook, I mean hat rack with the wreath attached.

This little cutey pie sits on the tiny table I found to go under my alleged coat/hat rack directly next to the front door. I love my feathered friends, but for indoors, artificial is much less messy. Notice the pliers peaking under the chair? Yeah, and the coffee stain on the table? Keeping it real here people. As the staying goes, If you are coming to see my house make and appointment. If you are coming to see me, come anytime at all! And actually, even if you make an appointment, the house is going to be dirty or messy or both, so there you go!

Now, take about 2 steps past the garage door and you are in front of my little table which is usually filled with cowboy statues and such. Since I dread the ladder to the attic, and I'm lazy, when I decorate fall, you get a Halloween fix too. I went sedate this year, aren't you glad?

FYI, that table was completely hand made by my brother Wayne who passed away about 6 years ago. All the furniture in my home is light oak, but his home was all dark wood tones. He so lovingly hand finished this I don't have the heart to change it. If Prince ever fixes his Mom's old fold down table, I'll give this one to one of the kids.


Here is a closer, although blurry look at the bottles. They were all uncovered in the dirt on our ranch in Utah. I love the odd sizes and shapes of these. Most often I use them for floral vases for little blossoms etc.

Here is a close up of the cloche. Say hello to Max the mouse. Caught him trying to steal my pomegranate. Teach him to mess up my display. Wanna know a secret? See that dried pomegranate under there? Well, it was one I bought several years ago when I made large batches of pomegranate jelly for Christmas gifts. That one was extra and I was going to use for garnish in some drinks. Then Prince bought some apples etc, and this baby got buried in the glass fruit bowl I have out. By the time we reached him, well OK, when I noticed the blue fuzz on the apples and went to pitch them, I discovered this little gem, petrified and glorious! See, neglected food items=home decor! This gem has to be at least 6 years old now, hard as a rock, and going strong!

Next, I'll show you the bathroom. Isn't that where most people head the minute they walk in the door? No, well, too bad we're going there anyway. Way back when I told you I had custom switch plates made for my guest bath. I wanted a western theme here, but it still isn't finished. Getting there, but not quite as the "wedding" got in the way this year.

On the vanity I have used one of my Mom's baskets she always used and filled it with some various glittery pumpkins. Please ignore the ugly counter, I do.

In case you need to use the "facilities", I wanted to pretty up my basic wire shelving unit for you. I LOVE this vase that Prince bought for me several years ago. It is real cowboy rope that is wrapped and secured to a glass vase inside. So it really will hold flowers if I so chose. Right now, silk works for me. A touch of rye grass, 2 floral stems, done. Someday I'll show you what that sign says.....

Now, for the men in my life, I've added a touch to the back of the toilet tank for viewing pleasure. Again, forgive the blur as I had 4 cats insisting they wanted to help and were banging themselves on my elbows. 12 shots later, this is as good as it gets. Sorry.

I got this cute little (maybe 4 inches long) wagon at a craft show and filled it this time with some little pumpkins. Unfortunately, one has already gone for a "swim" when TLC decided they were cat toys. Hmmm.

OK, back down the hall and into the living room. I'd show you around, but its a mess. Here's a peak at my giant brandy snifter on my mantle. IF I ever put away all the boxes in front of the fireplace, I'll show you the whole deal with my way cool fiber optic tree.

It holds a mix of the same pumpkins in the bathroom, plus some glitter ones and some other gourds.

OK, move on over to the table. I have several Jim Shore pieces and I adore them. If you aren't familiar with his work you must google him and check it out. Major detail, weighty pieces, delightful. A few years ago I saw him on QVC and was lucky enough to get in on one of the special values, that gave me a auto delivery of a piece for each season. This is the fall bounty basket. Each one of those pieces inside is a carved piece of vegetable or fruit. they are about 1-2 inches and SOLID. If you have kids and they like to throw things like this, don't get one. You will be replacing windows or headed to the ER for a concussion I promise you. I mean they are solid, heavy, well made pieces. This basket has a squash, a red apple, and ear of corn, a pumpkin, and a pear. Many of his pieces are limited editions, numbered etc. See all the lines? Those are hand carved details. You could look at it for hours and never tire of the details really.

Here is a closer look at the side of the basket for your viewing pleasure.



Again, every line, every fence piece, every hay piece, the birds, the pumpkins, the apples are all carved for 3D effects. The man is an artist in every sense of the word. He has a variety of pieces, angels, Christmas, Disney, you name it. QVC has quite a selection, and their prices for his pieces are very reasonable. Yes, I am a QVC junkie, but I have seen some of these in galleries, and they beat the prices hands down.

OK, there is much more, but I'm glad you took the time to drop in and visit. Let's have a drink now shall we? All this decorating made me thirsty!

Watermelon Lemonade with a shot of

Happy Fall y'all!

What's your style?

I just completed an online quiz, which will also send you to a link to enter a weekly makeover giveaway. Kind of scary accurate....


Lisa, you are a Country Casual
Your home expresses your open, easygoing approach to life. You love unique finds, and can turn a few mismatched garden chairs or floral teacups into a charming arrangement. You appreciate a pretty mix of relaxed pieces, like painted wood or weathered furniture, lovely florals and other patterns, lots of throws and pillows, mementos and bunches of fresh flowers that give your home a unique sense of breeziness and charm.
You value comfort. Your home is a warm and open friendly place, and you feel happiest when everyone is cared for and relaxed in your space. Elements like pillows, throws, overstuffed furniture, and good lighting set the mood. You may also enjoy layering different fabrics or mixing patterns to create a cozy effect.


Check out the Homegoods StyleScope below to check your own style
http://www.homegoods.com/hghq_quiz.asp


They must be right as I just returned from buying new diffusers at Bath and Body Works, well a side trip to Black and White for 2 new killer dresses on clearance, oh, and Victoria's Secret.... Can't wait to try the new Scentports (or some such thing), my animals are having a tough time lately and frankly my home is suffering as well.

I'm late for a very important date....

OK, I have no idea why these are all showing blurry on the blog, but too busy to worry. Work is wild, laundry piling up, baking to do, presents to wrap, more presents to track that are now lost in UPS black hole, still no word if my son is coming, stocking stuffers to buy.......................

My most treasured ornament, a bell no larger than 1 inch, metal with glitter flakes. Was my Mom's at one time. Always loved it.

A very blurry nest, but oh well, a nest just the same. Went with all of Prince's ornies this year so only snuck in a few of my own touches just to annoy him, worked too!

OK, off to resume the labors of love. Stay warm and safe!

I'm dreaming of a White Christmas....

OK, have I told you lately how much I hate winter? Seriously HATE winter. Cold, snow, wind, ice, etc. It is just downright cold folks which makes me a cranky gal. Below zero kind of cold. Just plain nasty. Yet, it appears we will have a White Christmas this year after all. Mostly because there is no warmth in sight to melt what we already have, but also chances of snow next week. So, let's just hope on 12-26 it all melts and life goes on, ok?

Time is going way too fast this month. So much remaining to do and so little time. Half of the packages I ordered aren't here which makes me very nervous indeed. We have scaled back massively this year as so many are, so am pretty much counting on the remaining items or it will look like the Grinch came instead of Santa. My son is supposed to come, but has run into some tough times and will not be able to afford the trip unless the elusive Christmas bonus comes this year. I was so looking forward to him being here, but at this point it is looking like a miracle will be needed for it to happen. Will make for a sad Mom indeed if he can't be here as it has been too many years now since he was. At least my Princess and her "finance"-ya, don't go there, will be here. Somehow she managed to invite the "future in-laws" to my house for dinner on Christmas. There go the plans for an actual sit down fuffy Christmas dinner this year as my table is not big enough for everyone. Back to the old ham on the floor in your lap kind of deal. Oh well, it isn't like there isn't always WAY too much food to go around. Just had my heart set on a fancipants kind of dinner for a change.

Lucky we got the outdoor lights up before the weather hit. The inside is decorated too. Went with my mom's old tree which is literally like the top 1/4th of my regular tree. Just put on the Prince's ornies this year with a few of my sentimental ones. Looks cute but not quite the same. Downsized 4 large boxes of stuff for the Princess and another big one for the younger Prince from all my years of collected crap, I mean priceless treasures. Still have WAY too much but love it all too much. Will post pix if I get a second soon.

Anyway, stay warm and have a great weekend!

View from our front porch-someday....

OK, I wanted to share with you the view from our front porch-well someday at least. When I talk about heading to the middle of no where all the time, this is what I mean. Some of the last undisturbed country in our great country is here. Unless you have been there, you seriously would not believe me.

But first, I want you so see Prince's mom in her favorite chair in her favorite spot in her home. The stove you see is the ONLY heat source this house (or her) has ever known. The large white box behind her is filled with chunks of coal and logs. Yes, I said coal. She was rather upset last year when we "modernized" the stove with the fan blower which is on the top of the pipe in the photo. Before that, if you wanted to get warm you better be standing in the VERY near area or it is downright nippy. But honey, stoke this baby up with coal and it is roasting! Everyone has tried to talk her into a pellet stove but NO WAY!!

Now, Mom gave the kids some of her property that surround her family home. We have the farthest corner from the house which is currently the edge of the property and covered in Russian Olive trees. The other kids didn't want it as it also contains the natural spring-can you say IDIOTS? Shame on me..... I see seclusion and a pond. They see thorny trees and a swamp-yep idiots.....

So, the new GPS also has a walking mode. Off we went to mark our new homestead. Here is the Prince trying to make any sense of the lady in the box as we roam the middle of nowhere land.

At last, our own little corner of the world. That clearing will one day hold my new home, complete with a stove that will heat the house not just my chair! See what I mean? Built in privacy. Those trees have thorns over 3 inches long, some have trunks over 3 feet in diameter. No sneaking around my house or you will be SORRY and bloody, ha!

Here is another view of the area from farther back. See those mountains in the distance? Gotta cross them on dirt road to get here. Yep!

Ok, now that blogland thinks I have lost my mind to want to live in the middle of nowhere hellville. Think again folks. No traffic, phones work sometimes, aside from family the closest house is over a mile from your house. No smog, no rude people, everyone knows your name and will literally give you the shirt off your back if you need it without even asking.

Behold, the view from my front porch-someday.......

I have to share my "goodies" I received from Judy at Brocante etc. She had a give away on her blog and by nothing short of a miracle I won! See, I never win anything, ever, period. I am so lucky to have received this generous gift-thank you Judy from the bottom of my heart!

First is the sweet note she included in my package-is this the cutest card you have ever seen?

And behold, my wonderful gifts! A bounty fit for a queen for sure. Included are a cookbook I am anxiously looking forward to browsing at length for some new ideas for treats for Santa. Adorable holiday spatulas with designs. A fabulous tea towel with the twelve days of Christmas designs that will be PERFECT in my black/white kitchen as I have red accents. And last, but not least, TWO blooming teas!

Judy, your generous gift is a treasure I will have for years to come. Thank you so much! Now, I must find a clear teapot to enjoy a cup of tea and a long read of this book!