Oh, Christmas Tree (scroll down below this list to read the post) A Partridge in a Pear Tree The Greatest Gift: Nativity Peppermint Parade Snowmen Peace on Earth Whimsy Christmas Winter Wonderland Holiday at the Beach Gingerbread Traditional Woodland A Child's Christmas Blue Christmas Country Crafts Pretty As A Peacock Yuletide Tea Party Mountain Cabin Teddy Bears Cardinal Song Christmas Wedding Nutcrackers Vintage Santa Claus Oh Holy Night Shepherds Angels Stars Royalty (The Wisemen) Bells Light Hello, all. I hope you U.S. friends had a safe and blessed Thanksgiving with lots of great opportunities for memory-making... and ... Keep Reading...
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When there’s heartache behind the smile…
It's the beginning of Thanksgiving week here in the United States. Traditionally, it's a time to focus on food and family... and gratitude for both. It's a festive time, signaling the beginning of the holiday season where everything purports to be "merry and bright". But it's been a hard year for many. Perhaps for you. As you gather 'round the Thanksgiving table this week, perhaps there is a heaviness behind your smiling face. Perhaps you feel the weight of Family concerns Business challenges Grief Spiritual struggles Health issues Transition Perhaps this particular "slice of your life" doesn't offer the prettiest vantage point you've ever had... Several stories ... Keep Reading...
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A Simply Thankful Tablescape
If you like simple, quick-and-easy table ideas for Thanksgiving–or Autumn–perhaps this tablescape will give you a few. The pumpkins and "hammered glass" goblets came from Dollar Tree a few years ago. The placemats were Nice Saves from Goodwill. The linen napkins were at Tuesday Morning–on clearance. The candlesticks were an auction box find. The solid wood napkin rings were 50 cents each at an outlet mall many years ago. The acorn salad plates (my favorite Fall dishes!) were a fantastic surprise at T.J. Maxx a few years back... They're Spode and were ridiculously inexpensive. Tablescapes don't have to be expensive! This one certainly isn't. Just be sure to ... Keep Reading...
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Do you know your Autumn personality?
It's time again for the Notecard Party at A Haven for Vee. My theme this month? City Girl–Country Girl At this gorgeous season of the year, no words are needed in the city... ...or in the country.. One of these is my absolute favorite. Hint: It's the one you've never seen before. (Thanks, Vee, for letting us add an occasional "unpublished" pic!) It's the last one. The old International Harvester tractor. My Granddaddy was a mechanic for International Harvester–and was the "savior" for many a farmer when a combine went kaput during harvest season. This useful old tractor brings back lots of great memories...and creates lots of new ones; ... Keep Reading...
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The foolishness of God…
Have you noticed all of the owl ornaments in stores this year? Owls are pretty common sights in Autumn and Halloween decor, but hanging on Christmas trees? Christmas trees that aren't "woodland" trees? I didn't expect them... and to be honest, they seem a bit out of place to me – for Christmas. Agree or disagree? If you disagree, I'd really love to hear your perspective! While thinking about "wise ol' owls," I remembered something I read recently... ...the foolishness of God is wiser than human wisdom, and the weakness of God is stronger than human strength. 1 Corinthians 1:25 The really wise people we know? They can't begin to measure up... Perhaps we ought to look ... Keep Reading...
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Grateful: Around the Thanksgiving Table
Thanksgiving 2013 What will it look like at your house? Will you decorate with leaves? Real or faux? Will you use family treasures? Candlelight and colored glassware? Will your dishes be formal...or casual–or both? Will the Pilgrims join your celebration? Will conversation flow easily... or is this a challenging year for your family? When you think of everything for which you're grateful this year, what's the "bright spot"? I'm grateful to be here sharing this season with you again this year. I'm grateful for the new friends I've met this past year–both in real life and here in Blogland. You "imaginary" friends are some of the best! Thanks ... Keep Reading...
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How to gently remove old paint from antique hardware – It’s easy!
This topic may not apply to you, but if you know anyone who refinishes furniture or lives in an old house, it may just be their "missing puzzle piece." They'll love you for forwarding this post to them. Better yet, share it on your FaceBook or Google+ page. You never know which of your friends are wannabe old house owners! Unfortunately, it's a common problem: perfectly good door or cabinet hardware that's been painted over. For years I used chemical paint strippers, but all the while I thought there HAD to be a more gentle–and hopefully easier–way to accomplish the task. Good news: There is! The hardware on this door was about as *rough* as the door itself, but the door is going in a BARN ... Keep Reading...
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Too close for comfort…
Sitting across the room, Renaissance Man couldn't believe it. Obviously the hotel room was recently updated, so why didn't the designer replace the old leather ottoman? I laughed... because I realized what he didn't: The ottoman wasn't old; it was brand new The ottoman wasn't real leather; it was "faux" The ottoman's significant signs of wear weren't added over time; they were fabricated in the vinyl The designer thought the "lived-in look" would make guests more comfortable Did it work? Not really. Comfort isn't something you can fake. It either IS–or it ISN'T. As dark comes early for many of us these days, our minds turn to comfort. Dropping temperatures send us inside as ... Keep Reading...
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Is Thanksgiving on your radar yet?
Thanksgiving is late on the calendar this year, but I know some of you are already making your grocery lists and planning your decorations. But some of you haven't even started thinking about Thanksgiving yet. Perhaps today you could use a little inspiration... Warm colors. Texture. Leaves. Nuts. Brass. Baskets. Pottery. Wood. The vintage Homer Laughlin plates are available in my Etsy shop...and there's still plenty of time to get them to you before Thanksgiving. What are your Thanksgiving plans this year? Family coming in? Going somewhere? Cooking for a crowd–or just a few? Dare I ask... When will you put up your Christmas tree? Before or after ... Keep Reading...
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How to get a new pair of shoes for $2.99
Here's a quick tidbit for you on this Tuesday... Recently I needed to replace a pair of casual brown shoes. Fortunately, I found the cutest pair of Clarks for half price. Yea! But UNfortunately, they were a little more reddish-brown than what I like, so I hesitated–even at half price–because I don't want to spend money and then not wear them. Knowing how much it costs to care for orphans...and knowing their names...does that to me. Here's how the conversation went: Me: These are really cute–and comfortable–but I wish they were more of a chocolate brown... Sales clerk: Well, honey, you can always rub 'em down with some mink oil. Me: Mink oil? Where do you get mink ... Keep Reading...
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How to have hanging ferns that are the envy of the neighborhood: Part 2
While walking "speechless" in the woods the other day, I came across some wild ferns–and was reminded that it's time to show you the "after" of the ferns Renaissance Man hung on our old house porch last Spring. You know... back when I asked you if your hanging ferns are the envy of the neighborhood. Those of you with eagle eyes will notice that the ferns are hung differently in the above pics. That's because their original position over several years was causing a problem that needed to be remedied...and it required painting the porch ... and moving the ferns. But "all's well that ends well," so the other day–before temps dropped into the 20s–I took a few After pics for you. Didn't Renaissance Man do a nice job? This ... Keep Reading...
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What “speechless” looks like…
Renaissance Man and I can live anywhere in the world–as long as he has easy access to an airport. So why do we still live in a tiny little town in East Tennessee? I'll admit... Some days we ask ourselves the same question. But not yesterday. Yesterday reminded us... Driving in the "golden rain," we made a beeline for the camera... ...and straight out to the countryside. I can't put into words what we felt–or why we still live here... but I can show you. For you Mom... You who loves "interesting" logs. And for you, sweet Little Man... You who tells me your "favorite color is red". Next time I'll show you the ... Keep Reading...
