Cre'me dans mon cafe'

Versatile Cheese Ball Recipe

2011-12-20T18:08:00.000-08:00

Here's another yummy recipe you might want to try for your next party or family get together. It is easily adapted to suit your taste. Be creative and add your own twist to either recipe, have fun and ENJOY!

Pineapple Pecan Cheese Ball

2 ~ 8oz blocks of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 ~ 8oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
1/2 cup finely chopped bell pepper (a combination of red and green is nice for Christmas)
2 Tablespoons minced onion
1 cup chopped pecans (1/2 cup mixed into the cream cheese, 1/2 cup for the outside of the cheese ball)

Mix together the above ingredients and shape into a ball or log. Roll in the chopped pecans, cover and refrigerate until chilled thoroughly. Serve with assorted crackers, toast points, celery sticks or pita chips.

Dessert Cheese Ball

2 ~ 8oz blocks of cream cheese (room temperature)
1 ~ 8oz can crushed pineapple (drained)
1/2 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
2 Tablespoons Kraft Marshmallow Cream
1/4 cup chopped maraschino cherries
1/2 cup shredded coconut (save 1/4 cup for the top)
1/2 cup chopped pecans

Mix together the above ingredients and shape into a ball or log. Roll in the shredded coconut, cover and refrigerate until chilled thoroughly. Serve with vanilla wafers, gingersnaps, shortbread, graham crackers or graham cracker sticks.

Tomorrow......A Treat for Our 4 Legged Friends

Recipe For Fun

2011-12-18T18:24:00.000-08:00

From mid November to January 1st, there are many occasions to celebrate a host of holidays. It's a time to get together with family and friends and reflect on memories of the past, rekindle and mend relationships and simply enjoy the company of one another. As the old year draws to an end and a new one is about to begin, we begin to reminisce, we become aware of how quickly time goes by and how important it is to make the most of each day and focus on the things that are the most valuable. So, we plan parties and get~togethers and luncheons and dinners and before you know it we've filled our plates so full that we're exhausted and too tired to enjoy the simple pleasures that we were trying so hard to embrace, we're stuffed with preparation and hustle bustle and have no room left for dessert or the sweetest part of our celebrations. We think our homes need to be decorated to the hilt and look like the cover of The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book and everything we serve must be made from scratch and served on Lenox, Royal Daulton or Vietri. Just to set the record straight, I'm not saying your home "Can't" look like the cover of The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Book or that everything can't be made from scratch and served on fine china. I love The Ultimate Southern Living Christmas Books and glean a lot of inspiration from them, I have a set of Royal Daulton and much I make for gatherings is from scratch. Let me also say, I have been guilty of thinking everything has to follow those guidelines or it just isn't good enough. All of those perceptions are a fallacy, the most important thing is the fellowship enjoyed, them time you spend together, not the decoration, the food we eat or what we eat it on. If you are gathering together for the right reason, none of those things should matter, if they do, you've missed the reason for gathering together. So, I'm encouraging you invite someone over even if it's for a bag of lays and a carton of French Onion Dip and celebrate the season together. I know you and your guests will be glad you did, but in case you have the time and want to make some homemade goodies instead we'll be posting some simple and delicious recipes we hope you'll try and enjoy.

Bon Appétit

Garlic Feta Cheese Spread

4 oz Crumbled Feta Cheese

4 oz Cream Cheese (1/2 of an 8oz block) softened

1/3 cup mayonnaise

1 clove of garlic minced

1/4 teaspoon dried basil, crushed

1/4 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed

1/8 teaspoon dried dill weed

1/8 teaspoon dried thyme crushed

Fresh thyme or basil ~ optional

Assorted vegetables and crackers

In a food processor bowl or mixing bowl, combine feta, cream cheese, mayonnaise, garlic and dried herbs. Cover and process or beat with an electric mixer on medium speed till combined. Cover and chill until time to serve. If desired, garnish with fresh thyme or basil. Serve with assorted vegetables and crackers. Yields 1 1/2 cups

Out With The Old.....In With The New....Sort Of

2011-12-06T23:54:00.000-08:00

Before & After

Transformed!

2 Corinthians 5:17

Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation; old things have passed away; behold, all things have become new.

In this disposable world we live in today, people are getting rid of the old and getting new without thinking twice. Granted, there are times when it's time for something to go, but more times than not they just need to be tweaked a bit and shown a little TLC. There was a time, not so very long ago,when people planned and saved before making a new purchase and repaired and restored things and kept them as long as they were useful. Today, not so much. We live in a world of MORE, MORE, MORE and instant gratification and don't think twice about discarding a perfectly good item and purchasing new.

I love going to thrift and antique shops to look for treasures and I always wonder what the people were like who owned those treasures, the stories behind the items and how many memories were made with them and while I could go out and purchase new, I love giving new life to something old yet still useful. I love taking something I already have and transforming it and that just what I did this week.

Old wreath undergoes transformation.

Year before last I purchased 3 new wreaths for our home in South Carolina to replace the much smaller wreaths I'd had for many years (approximately 13 years). Before purchasing the smaller wreaths I'd always had "a" Christmas wreath or some type of decoration on our front door, but that was about the only outdoor decoration that I had. After moving to North Carolina and having 6 front windows and a door I thought it would be nice to have a wreath for every window and the door, so off to the craft store I went to purchase 7 standard pine wreaths and 7 VERY basic red velvet bows. I fluffed the wreaths, attached the bows, hung them up and Voila! within no time the house looked like a picture from Currier and Ives (minus the snow). A few years later my daughter and I decided it was time for something with a bit more pizazz , so after scouring a myriad of magazines and the latest Southern Living Christmas book we had our inspiration and were off to the our local discount store for some embellishments to give new life to our demure little wreaths that had served us well, but were in much need of a makeover. We filled the cart with a few spools of the perfect red, green and gold stripped ribbon and several boxes of very basic glass ornaments in a variety of colors and a paddle of floral wire. After we arrived home with our treasures we spread them all out on the dining room table and got to work. We removed the old bows, fluffed the wreaths and began attaching hundreds of shiny glass ornaments to them and then topped them off with a dazzling new bow. Our little wreaths that only a few hours before were looking a bit drab were now spectacular! Now instead of looking like a picture from Currier and Ives our house looked like the cover of House Beautiful ~ December issue! The little pine wreaths had been given new life and adorned our house for several more years, not only in North Carolina, but for 4 COLD and SNOWY Decembers in Massachusetts before returning to sunny South Carolina. After spending 4 years in the snow many of the glistening bulbs had lost their luster and some had cracked from the cold so I tweaked them a bit by removing the cracked and lack luster bulbs, added a few new ones and hung them back up for 2 more years. That's where the 3 new, larger wreaths came into the picture. The new house in South Carolina had 2 VERY large front windows and one door and the little wreaths looked lost so they were on their way to live with my sister in Tennessee to adorn her house, that is until we got our His and Her's houses (see previous post) so one of them returned to North Carolina from whence it came and underwent yet another transformation. As you can see, the little pine wreath was given new life once again and is all gussied up in her newest Christmas attire and ready to deck the door, or in this case the fireplace with grandeur. Not only do I have a beautiful new wreath (for very little money) I've had a lot of pleasure regenerating them and lots of memories from the Christmases the little wreaths welcomed family and friends to our home.

Isn't this what the Lord does with us? He keeps the old and breaths new life into it to make it a thing of beauty and just like the little wreaths we occasionally need to be tweaked and shown a little TLC. There are times when we are affected by the elements of the world and start to show some wear and need to be fluffed, enhanced and given a new commission. He finds pleasure in restoring and seeing the beauty of His handiwork.
What do you have around your house that could be transformed? I hope you will look for something that you can give new life to either for yourself or someone in need. And remember, He is the Reason for the Season, He came to transform the old and make it new and He never tires of renewing.

Growing Pains and a New Name

2011-12-04T19:23:00.000-08:00

Miss Caroline helps Grandmomma and Mommy make a Christmas wreath.

I can hardly believe it's been nearly a year since my last post when I told myself I would start to post regularly. I suppose annually could be considered regularly and that's a schedule I might just be able to keep up with. We've experienced a lot of growing pains since my last post in January. Five days before my last post, our little Miss C turned 2 and in April her family grew by 1 and she became a BIG sister!

Meet Master Jacob

In addition to Jacob we added a new grandcat, Sebastian to the family in August, our precious Wicket became a sister when Packer adopted us in October and our youngest son moved home in the spring bringing with him another of our granddogs, Momma.

Sebastian helping Grandmomma choose linens for a wedding.

Packer and Wicket

Me and our Boston babies.

Momma, one of our 3 granddogs.

Yes, we now have a zoo, maybe I should start charging admission. Then to top it all off, if that wasn't enough growing, we added an additional residence when my husband accepted a position in NC in February. His and Her's towels are one thing, but His and Her's houses are quite another and since the Lord has continued to bless my business we've decided to expand to NC so hopefully that will be growing in our new location as well. With so many changes I decided to revamp my blog and rename it, Cre'me dans mon cafe' or, Cream in my Coffee and Other Simple Pleasures in Life and hopefully starting sharing some of the new happenings around here as well as some of the simple pleasures in life that I enjoy, so Cheers and Christmas Greetings!!

To Everything There is a Season

2011-01-27T08:10:00.000-08:00

To everything there is a season... Ecclesiastes 3:1

The current season is winter, not my favorite, but one that the Lord created so it must have a purpose. Every year right after Christmas when the Christmas wreath comes down off of the front door and gets stored back in the garage I'm left with an empty front door in desperate need of something cheery that says "WELCOME" to our home! Here in the South where temperatures rarely drop below the 20's and we have a variety of evergreens and pansies that bloom all winter, it's still difficult to come up with something that doesn't look too Christmasy or too Springy and that is fitting for the season. So this year I was determined to find a perfect and fitting solution. I had my old standby red berry wreath, but wanted something with a bit more pizazz so I decided to look around my yard and see what "wintery" things I could discover. Of course red berries were everywhere as was Spanish moss and ivy. Although our magnolias aren't covered with the gorgeous white blooms they are known for this time of year they do provide interesting pods in the winter which were perfect to add interest and texture. If you haven't "murdered" your Crepe Myrtle yet, they too have some very interesting little pods that look like fluffy brown blossoms that are perfect for filler. We are not at a loss for branches and vines that can be braided or twisted together and used for a base, but I cheated a bit there and used a bare grapevine wreath I already had. With some new elements and ideas in hand I went to work and put together the new focal point for my front door. All I was in need of now was a bit of whimsy and since we don't have snow, snowmen, snowflakes or icicles wouldn't work, but there is one thing that we always have plenty of and is very fitting for a "beach" home.......shells! I chose starfish and a beautiful ribbon bow to top it all off. I am very pleased with my new "Winter" wreath, what do you think? If you're in the same quandary then bundle up and take a stroll around the neighborhood and don't forget to take a basket to collect all the treasures you will find. If you decided to take the wreath challenge, please leave a comment and let me know where to go to see your winter wreath masterpiece! Happy hunting and designing.

New Year Changes

2011-01-20T21:05:00.000-08:00

Hello blogger friends! I've tried repeatedly to keep up with my blogging, but have been very unsuccessful, but it's a brand new year so I figured I'd try once again. For starters I decided to give my blog a brand new look by changing my background like I had done so many times before, but this was one time that change was NOT a good thing. As you can see, it definitely has a new look, but not the look I was going for. I don't know what I did and I have been unsuccessful at changing it back to the way it was, SO, please overlook the mess and if you can offer any kind of help or pointers as to how to get my old layout back I would greatly appreciate it!

Other than the blog design mess I just made we are enjoying a very blessed year so far. Our little Miss C will be having her 2nd birthday this Saturday, which seems impossible and she has a baby brother on the way, set to arrive in April. I am going to attempt once again to be more regular with my posting and hope you won't give up on me and will visit me. I hope all of you are enjoying a wonderful brand new year. I look forward to visiting you soon and seeing all the creative things you've been up to.

Happy New Year!

Light at The End of The Tunnel

2010-09-28T06:03:00.000-07:00

Good morning friends! Just a quick note to say hello and to let you know I've missed visiting you and seeing what you've been up to. The Lord has blessed my business this year and because of that I've been busy as a whole swarm of bees! There have been months when I felt like the Little Engine That Could and kept saying, "I think I can, I think I can, I think I can" and remembering, I can do all things through Christ who gives me the strength. He's the one who brought me the brides and He's the one who has given me the strength and ability to plan and orchestrate the over 30 weddings so far in 2010. With only 8 weddings and events left, I can finally see the light at the end of the 2010 tunnel. I'm looking forward to a little break before entering the 2011 tunnel, but excited to discover all of the exciting things the Lord has planned for next season. Hopefully during my "down" time I'll be able to do a little blogging and get to visit my friends in blogland. If you'd like to see just a portion of what's kept me busy this year you can visit my Grand Occasions Inc. Facebook page and see pictures from some of my recent weddings. Happy Autumn!

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#!/pages/Myrtle-Beach-SC/Grand-Occasions-Inc/305937087832?ref=ts

Stop and Smell The Jasmine

2010-05-15T14:36:00.000-07:00

It was a long time coming this year, but springtime has finally arrived in the sunny South! One of my favorite things to do is enjoy my first cup of coffee on my patio listening to the birds sing, the bumble bees bumble and smell the sweet aromas that fill the southern air in springtime, but because I've been as busy as a whole swarm of bees I haven't gotten to take advantage of those kinds of mornings very often. When we bought this house 3 1/2 years ago the yard had been lacking some TLC, but little by little it's starting to take shape. We started with the front yard and worked our way to the back. Last year we completed Phase I of the backyard and are getting to enjoy some of the fruits of our labors with our beautiful and fragrant Confederate Jasmine. We hope to get Phase II started within the next week and I'm trying to stop for at least a few minutes each morning to smell the jasmine. I hope you are enjoying a glorious springtime where ever you are and hope that are are finding time to stop and smell the roses, lilac or whatever sweet blossoms are blooming near you.

Meet Chopper

2010-04-14T11:36:00.000-07:00

As most of you know I am a wedding planner and am blessed to say, business is booming!! Wedding season has officially started here in Myrtle Beach and this weekend I will have my 5th event of the season. Last weekend however, I had my first of the season, a doggie ring bearer. Meet Chopper, the English Bulldog who very carefully carried her mommy and daddy's rings down the isle. Chopper took her job very seriously and was one of the most well behaved ring bearers I have ever had the pleasure of working with. I have 3 other doggie ring bearers this year and if they do as good a job as Chopper the weddings will go off without a hitch.

Where we love is home. Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts. ~Oliver Wendell Holmes

2010-02-22T04:21:00.000-08:00

My Home Sweet Home

Every house where love abides

And friendship is a guest,

Is surely home, and home sweet home

For there the heart can rest. ~Henry Van Dyke

Home is where your heart is.........

There's no place like home. ~Dorothy

Home is a place you grow up wanting to leave and grow old wanting to get back to. ~John Ed Pearce

The light is what guides you home, the warmth is what keeps you there. ~Ellie Rodriguez

Not too much time these days for blogging, but thought I'd share our Myrtle Beach snow with you. It was beautiful and a sight you don't see here often and the best part was it was gone in less than 24 hours.

Happy Monday! Hope you all have a good week.

Memory Lane

2009-12-01T06:21:00.000-08:00

http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/

Visit Susan @ Between Naps on The Porch for more Before and After

A Stroll Down Memory Lane

Before

After

Well, try as I might, I'm just not having much success at blogging on a more frequent schedule, but I'm not giving up. I like to start decorating for Christmas the day after Thanksgiving, but like my blogging, I'm a little behind this year. I did re-arrange furniture the week before Thanksgiving and set up the Christmas Village before Thanksgiving so maybe that will give me some bonus points. I thought I would share a before and after with you of my Christmas Village.

I LOVE my Christmas Village, it reminds me of my childhood and a much gentler time. There were not cookie cutter malls in my childhood. Each shop had it's own personality, it's own unique smell. I can still smell the delicious scents coming from The Peanut Shop and the dapper Mr. Peanut welcoming everyone in. I love imagining walking on the snow covered streets and going from shop to shop. I can hear the chime of the bell ringer's bells and the tinkle of the coins as happy shoppers drop them in the big red pots. I can hear the cheer in the voices of the people on the streets and in the stores as they wish everyone a "Merry Christmas"! That time and place is only a memory now, but oh how I love to relive them every chance I get. This Christmas Season I hope we can all take a step back in time if just for a moment to remember what this season is all about and enjoy the simple pleasures.

Tropical Tablescape

2009-11-05T03:46:00.000-08:00

TABLESCAPE THURSDAY Hosted by Susan at Between Naps on the Porch

Beautiful and delicious beach cake is displayed on a gorgeous dimensional display of crushed shells, driftwood, starfish, shells and moss.

Cake by Incredible Edibles, Photography by Chris and Cami Photography

CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE FOR MORE DETAIL

I was so excited when I first began my blogging venture, but shortly after I began I got buried in weddings. That isn't a bad thing, in fact is quite the opposite. I've been blessed to be able to profit from doing what I love most. The downside of it is, I don't have the time I used to have to plan my own events....I actually haven't had time to have any of my own events. I'm hoping to be able to squeeze a few in in the next few weeks, but in the mean time I thought I would share some of the beautiful tablescapes from some of the weddings that I have had the privilege of planning.

Just as there are no two couples exactly alike, there are no two weddings exactly alike. Even if you have a dozen beach themed weddings they all have a different twist. The tablescape I'm sharing with you today is one of my favorites. When Deana and Will chose the South Carolina coast as their destination wedding venue they knew they wanted their special day to carry a low country theme and be filled with Southern Charm. You won't find a place filled with more Southern Charm than DeBordieu Colony. The elegant Georgian style clubhouse was the perfect setting for their casual yet elegant low country reception. From the exquisite Low Country cuisine to their one of a kind "grit" send off, the evening was filled with casual elegance as well as low country Southern charm.

Alternating high and low centerpieces consist of birds of paradise, cymbidium orchids, ginger and pincushion protea. Low bubble bowl arrangements sit on a squares of bamboo fencing and monstera leaves. Three foot tall cylinder vases are wrapped in bamboo fencing for uniformity.

To Everything There Is A Season

2009-11-04T06:11:00.000-08:00

Outdoor Wednesday At A Southern Daydreamer

The family is one of nature's masterpieces.

~George Santayana

I love Mary Engelbreit's art. Her pictures depict such happy, whimsical scenes that remind you to be thankful for the little things in life that are often overlooked. Things that are the true treasures and make life worth while. So often we get caught up in the hustle bustle of life and are so busy in making a living that we forget to live. While I am not a fan of cold weather I am a fan of fall. I love the beautiful jewel tone leaves, the rustle of leave beneath your feet, sweet smell of hot apple cider and the sweet taste of caramel apples...........oh, and you can't forget the pumpkins!! Pumpkin pie, pumpkin scones, pumpkin lattes, pumpkin rolls, and just pumpkins in general! Every day, every season we are surrounded by little miracles that make life worthwhile if we'll only slow down long enough to catch a glimpse of them. Hope you are enjoying your fall and anticipating the wonderful holidays that are just around the corner. Take a minute to step outside today and while you are there, stop to smell the pumpkins!

It is of the Lord's mercies that we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning: GREAT IS THY FAITHFULNESS. Lamentations 3: 22-23

Miss Caroline's Very First Halloween

2009-11-02T19:10:00.000-08:00

It seems like just yesterday that I was in Tennessee visiting my sister for her birthday and shopping for my daughter's baby shower which we were planning for Thanksgiving weekend. Well, it's been a year ago now and Miss Caroline is 8 months old and just celebrated her first Halloween. My sister, who is a Halloween baby (I told her she was the best Halloween treat I ever got) loves dressing up for Halloween and making creative and unique costumes, has decided that that would be her and Caroline's special bonding activity. She will be her personal costume designer. Once she's old enough to make her own requests all she has to do is let Auntie M (she's also a HUGE Wizard of Oz fan so we thought the name was only fitting) know what she would like to be and she will have a one of a kind custom made costume. This year her mommy put in a request for an Indian costume so Auntie M. got to work and even included the authentic suede moccasins. As you can see Miss Caroline had a very happy first Halloween.

Oh! It's an Apron

2009-10-10T05:13:00.000-07:00

Hello to all my blogging friends. I've missed you! Things are starting to slow down a bit and I'm hoping to start blogging again. As many of you know, I'm a wedding and event planner and thankfully the wedding business is still booming which is a blessing. For a few months I don't have an actual event taking place so I'm hoping to plan some events for my friends and family at my home.

Today was the first time in a long time that I've been able to check on my blogging friends to see what you have been up to. The first place I started was at Just A Little Something For You......my dear friend Judy's place and to my delight found a brand new post of the adorable aprons her sister in law has been making for the past few months. I happen to be one of the VERY lucky recipients of one them. I hadn't planned on doing a post today, but when I saw Judy's post I decided I had to do a quick post to let you see me in my haute couture as well. I love wearing my very special apron (I'm an apron girl anyway) and as Judy says, just slip on the apron and you're ready to go. Last month when my oldest son and his girlfriend came to visit I had this picture taken of me with them and posted it on Facebook. One of my friends was commenting on my cute sundress and then realized, OH! it's an apron!!! They are the perfect accessory for any dinner party. You can get them to coordinate with any theme and not only are they practical, they are adorable and you won't have to worry about what to wear. With the holiday season just around the corner I might just have to get a few more for all my parties! You might want to contact Judy to see how to get your very own haute couture apron as well.

I'm looking foward to catching up with all of you. Please come and visit with me as well (bear with me while I get back in the swing of things).

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Blue Monday, but No Sadness In Sight

2009-07-13T16:15:00.000-07:00

Congratulations Lynette & Mike

Hello dear friends in blogland!!! I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer. I think of you often, I just haven't had a spare moment to get a post written much less published. As most of you know, I'm a wedding planner and this is my busy season. I am blessed to be able to have a job doing something that I love. Somehow we have been able to accomplish a few jobs around the house and have even had some landscaping done in the backyard, but I'll have to post about that when I have a chance to take some pictures. For now, it's another "blue" wedding. Blue seems to be the most popular beach wedding color, but just as every couple is completely different so is every "blue" beach wedding. This happens to be one of my favorite ones yet. This happy couple from Ohio decided to tie the know while on vacation and make it a small, intimate, family affiar.

Memorial Day Memories

2009-06-18T06:16:00.000-07:00

As many of my blogging friends know, our children don't live in the same state as we do and our times together are definately not as frequent as we would like. This Memorial Day was a special time for us as we got to enjoy having our daughter, our granddaughter, one son and two sisters (which our granddaughter made great aunts) here to make memories with. It was also our little Caroline's first trip to Grandmomma and Granddaddy's house and her very first beach trip. As you can see, she's growing like a little weed (or kudzu in the south).

Originally referred to as Decoration Day, Memorial Day, is a day that has been designated as a day to remember those who have died defending our nation. In recent years it has become not only a holiday to remember our fallen soldiers, but a day to remember and decorate the graves all of our loved ones who have gone on before us. It is also a popular day for families to gather together and enjoy picnics or barbecues. In a sense we are creating memories with the loved ones that will one day be remembered on Memorial Day in the future. Time goes by so quickly and special times with our loved ones are at times far and few between. Let's make the most of anytime that we can spend with family and friends and make all the memories we can to fill our treasure chest with, for it's our memories that keep our loved ones close to us no matter where they are.

Such an Honor

2009-04-28T01:57:00.000-07:00

Attitude of Gratitude Award

This is an award for people who know how to make lemonade out of the lemons that life sometimes hands you. It is also an award for blogs that have a good Attitude and plenty of Gratitude. Your attitude is not determined by circumstances, but by how you respond to your circumstances. It’s how you react to events, not the events themselves, that determines your attitude.

When I started blogging in January I intended for it to be a blog for my business, Grand Occasions and offer tips and advice on weddings and events, but I quickly discovered many delightful ladies with the same interests as me, so my Grand Occasions turned into a personal blog and a place I come to relax, get inspired, pick up clever ideas and meet new friends. I have gotten to know some very special ladies and I'm looking forward to meeting many more. I've learned they are very patient and understanding friends and continue to visit even when I'm a little slow in publishing new posts.

I would like to introduce you to one of those friends, Sherri at Sharing with Sherri. I was deeply touched when she gave me my very first award this week. It's the Attitude of Gratitude Award! I feel so honored and excited to have been given such a special award. Now, she tells me I have to share what has given me that attitude of gratitude and to be honest, I'm not exactly sure I know except by the grace of God. I don't know if it's something that's been developed or if that's just the way the Lord made me. I was raised by parents that didn't take anything for granted and who expected us to be thankful for and take care of what we had and were given. If you didn't show appreciation or respect for whatever it was, it was taken away and sometimes given to someone else who was in need of it or who would appreciate it. We never felt like we were entitled to things as so many children and adults are today even thought looking back we had more than most. Our parents were older and worked hard for what they had and what was given to us. My mother died when I was 10 and my sister was only 5. Even thought that was very young I had a solid foundation and lot of determination. The Lord provided us with an abundance of godly women to give advice, make costumes, take us shopping, provide a bed or whatever else we were in need of at the time. We loved being with our Daddy and especially loved going to work with him (he owned a beauty salon), but there were just some things a daddy didn't know how to handle like a woman did. As Sherri said there were good times and bad times especially after our daddy re-married, but somehow by the Lord's grace I came out unscathed and ended up with a whole lot of knowledge about a whole lot of things. I think life is short and even though this world we live in is not what it was intended to be it's filled with amazing beauty and a lot to be enjoyed. I'm a people person. They interest me, they are all different, they all have their own unique story and I'll let you in on a little secret...none of them are perfect and every single one of them no matter where they come from, how much they have or don't have, has a problem or two. I am thankful for all of those godly self-less ladies the Lord put in my life and the times they shared with us that sometimes weren't convenient. If I could go back and change things I honestly don't know how much I would change. I've learned valuable lessons that I would otherwise never have learned. The trick is to put into practice what you've learned. Of course you always wonder what if, but remember this, nothing will ever happen in our lives that the Lord doesn't allow. He knows all about it even before it ever happens. He's promised to never leave or forsake us so take hold of His hand and enjoy the stroll. He'll do the leading so you can enjoy the scenery. He didn't promise us a life without lemons, in fact He's told us there would be lots of lemons and He's given us the recipe to make lemonade with them. So if you have bowl full, a bag full or maybe even a whole house full of lemons, start squeezing them and add plenty of sugar you will find that it's very refreshing!

Sherri is a brand new blogger as well, please stop by her blog for a visit and get to know her http://sharingwithsherri.blogspot.com/

Thank you Sherri for this very special award. I feel very honored and blessed to have met you!

A Love As Deep As The Ocean

2009-04-27T05:29:00.000-07:00

Photos Can Be Enlarged By Clicking On Them

It was a blue Saturday for Bethany & George, but the only tears were tears of joy as the happy couple said I DO on the beach with the blue Atlantic as their backdrop.

Bethany's love for femininity and Georges love of golf were combined to create a beautiful and whimsical wedding theme for their blue wedding. Under a cloudless blue sky and surrounded by a warm ocean breeze guests celebrated with a couple that was made fore eachother! Congratulations Bethany and George!

http://www.grandoccasions-inc.com

It's Blue Monday time!
Hosted by Smiling Sally
@ http://smilingsally.blogspot.com/
Be sure to visit her blog and leave her a message.
Also, check out other participants blogs too!

The Shirt Off Your Back

2009-04-22T09:52:00.001-07:00

Click on photo to enlarge.

Most everyone has heard the saying, "they'd give you the shirt off their back". While I've never actually had anyone do that, I did have a friend give me a shelf right off their wall. While living in Massachusetts I was admiring a friends "teacup shelf" that didn't have a teacup one on it. She said, "oh, is that what that is supposed to be" and laughed. I said yes and almost every Southern girl has one on her wall filled with teacups. I asked her where she had gotten it because I have a teacup collection and was in need of one. She had gotten it from J.C. Penney when she was first married about 22 years earlier. A few days later she came to visit me and what did she have with her? The teacup shelf ! I couldn't believe it. She had cleared out all of her nick nacks, took it off her wall and was giving it to me!! I love that teacup shelf and the memories of my dear and very generous friend. She has even added a teacup to my collection. Truly a gift from the heart and one that suited me to a tea.

One Very Excited Grandmomma!

2009-04-13T07:07:00.000-07:00

Anticipated Package
Finally Arrives!

Even The Wrapping Is Beautiful!

Yippee!

Now isn't THIS the most adorable apron you've ever seen?

Many of you may have seen the darling aprons and matching tea towels pictured in Judy's post titled "The Very Fashionable Grandma's Apron" at Just A Little Something For You a couple of weeks ago. They were made by her very talented sister-in-law Julia and purchased by Judy as gifts for the lucky recipients of her pay-it-forward post. I am very happy to be one of the lucky three!!!

NOW, I hate to disagree with Tracy and Kim, BUT, I think you'll just have to agree that "MY" apron is the absolute cutest apron you've ever seen. I'll definitely be one fashionable Grandmomma wearing such an adorable apron. We are expecting a lot of guests this spring and summer and have a lot of get togethers scheduled already with the first one being in about 2 weeks. That should give me plenty of time to find some black flip flops with pink and white polka dot bows!! I can't wait to show off my beautiful apron.

If you've never visited Judy stop over and say hello (http://justalittlesomethingforyou.blogspot.com/) , you're in for a treat. Pour yourself a cup of coffee or tea and enjoy. I'm so glad I discovered her blog and I think you will be to. Not only have I gotten a lot of great ideas and inspiration, but I've made a very special friend. Thank you Judy for my gorgeous apron and tea towel!! They are absolutely perfect. Tell Julia thanks as well and to keep up the good work.

Speaking of give aways, hop over to http://etiquettewithmissjanice.blogspot.com/ and look at what Miss Janice is giving away!

Easter Story Cookies

2009-04-08T06:16:00.000-07:00

Hello friends and visitors! I've been so busy with weddings lately that I haven't had much time to visit my blogging friends or get anything posted. I was trying to think of something I could post this week and when a friend asked me to send her the Easter Cookie Recipe I thought it might be just the thing to share with you this week. I think it's a wonderful Easter activity to do with the special little ones in your life and thought you might enjoy it as well. The recipe isn't my own creation and unfortunately I don't know who the creator is. I did make these with a friend and her son a couple of years ago and it does work. Hope you enjoy sharing the Easter Story with your little ones and hope you have a joyful Easter weekend!

EASTER COOKIE RECIPE

Making cookies with your children
to teach the true meaning of EASTER! The Word became flesh and made His dwelling among us. We have seen His glory,
the glory of the One and Only, Who came from the Father, full of grace and truth. John 1:14

You Need

Help & permission from Parents!

1- cup whole pecans

1-teaspoon vinegar

3 egg whites

pinch of salt

1-cup sugar

zipper baggie

wooden spoon

tape

Bible

Preheat the oven to 300 (this is important-don't wait 'til you're half-done with the recipe)

1. Place the pecans in the baggie and let the kids beat them with the wooden spoon to break them into pieces. Explain that after Jesus was arrested, He was beaten by the Roman soldiers.Read John 19:1-3

2. Put the vinegar into a mixing bowl. Let each child smell the vinegar. Explain that when Jesus was on the cross and He became thirsty, He was offered vinegar to drink.Read John 19:28-30

3. Add the egg whites to the vinegar. The eggs represent life. Explain that Jesus gave His life so that we could have life.Read John 10:10-11

4. Sprinkle a little salt into each child's hand and let them taste it. Put the rest into the bowl. Explain that this represents the salty tears shed by Jesus' followers, and the bitterness of our own sin.Read Luke 23:27

5. So far the ingredients are not very appetizing. Add 1 cup of sugar. Explain that the sweetest part of the story is that Jesus died because He loves us. He wants us to know and belong to Him.Read Psalm 34:8 and John 3:16

6. Beat the egg whites with a mixer on high speed for 12 to 15 minutes, until stiff peaks form. Explain that the color white represents the purity in God's eyes of those whose sins have been cleansed by Jesus.Read Isa. 1:18 and John 3:1-3

7. Fold in the broken nuts. Drop by teaspoons onto a wax paper cookie sheet. Explain that each mound represents the rocky tomb where Jesus body was laid to rest.Read Matt. 27:57-60

8. Put the cookie sheet in the oven, close the door and turn the oven off.

9. Give each child a piece of tape and seal the door. Explain that Jesus tomb was sealed.Read Matt. 27:65-66

10. Go to bed. Explain that they may feel sad to leave the cookies in the oven overnight and that Jesus followers were in despair when the tomb was sealed.Read John 16:20-22

11. On Easter morning, open the oven and give everyone a cookie. Notice the cracked surface and take a bite. the cookies are hollow! ON THE FIRST EASTER, Jesus' followers were amazed to find His tomb empty.Read Matt. 28: 1-9

Benny Update

2009-03-08T05:35:00.000-07:00

Hi friends and visitors. I thought I would give you an update on our grandcat Benny. Some of you may recall the picture I posted of him the day after he came to live with us looking sad and forlorn. Well, I'm pleased to let you know he has adjusted very quickly and is now one happy cat. He slipped out yesterday when Granddaddy forgot to shut the door and decided to go on an adventure! He was so proud of himself since Grandmomma and Granddaddy didn't know he had gone out. Grandmomma heard Fluffy (the neighbors dog) barking by the front door and figured he must see Benny in the window, but a while later when Grandmomma opened the door to leave the house, IN FLEW Benny, relieved to be back inside. He doesn't think he'll be going on any new adventures any time soon, maybe never! His Mommy is coming for a visit in May and he is looking forward to her and Caroline's visit. I'm sure he will have a lot of exciting things to tell them.

Cooking With Matt

2009-02-23T07:21:00.000-08:00

Click on Pictures to Enlarge

Two thousand and nine has been an exciting year for our family. Our daughter became a mother, we became first time grandparents, our sons became uncles and both of them moved into new condos. This weekend, Hubby and I decided to drive to NC to spend some time with the boys and see their new digs.

While there we got to enjoy some delicious meals prepared by our favorite chef, Chef Matt! Our oldest son discovered a hidden talent several years ago that family and friends enjoy as much as he does and like to take advantage of whenever we can. He loves to cook!! Not only does he LOVE to cook, he has a natural talent for it and everything he makes is delicious. We are happy to be taste testers anytime he has a new recipe that needs testing. His goal is to go to culinary school and have his own restaurant one day. If only he had discovered his love and talent for cooking before getting his BS degree, we might be coming to you live from Matt's Kitchen on national t.v.

I thought you might enjoy a short episode of Cooking With Matt. I wish it was smell-avision or taste-avision, but this is the best I can do.

A Day The Lord Hath Made

2009-02-18T19:32:00.000-08:00

The heavens declare the glory of God; and the firmament showeth his handiwork.
Psalm 19:1

Now You're Cookin!

2009-02-15T09:25:00.000-08:00

One of my favorite things to do is look through decorating, design and craft books for new ideas. While visiting my sister we decided to look through her stacks of Christmas and Craft books to find some new ideas for Christmas gifts. While leafing through a Trash To Treasure Book I came across one of the cleverest ideas I've seen in awhile. A child size range made from a recycled nightstand plus cookware and kitchen accessories to match made from boxes and containers we all have around the house. I will be making one for Caroline and I thought I would share it with you in case you would like to make one for a special little one in your life or perhaps to sell at a craft fair.

CHILD'S RANGE

The first thing you will need is an unused nightstand. Perhaps you have one on hand, but if not one should be easy to find at a thrift store, yard sale or maybe even on a curbside. You will need a 1"x6" pine board, 3" wide baseboard, handsaw, screws, screwdriver, wood glue, white primer, assorted colors of acrylic paint, paintbrushes, permanent marker, knobs, handles and some imagination. Remove the old handle/handles. Sand the entire nightstand and wipe with a tack cloth. Cut a piece of 1"x6" board the width of your nightstand and attach to the back with wood glue and screws, making sure the board extends 3" above the top edge of the nightstand. Cut a piece of the 3" wide baseboard and attach to the pine board extending above the edge of the nightstand with wood glue. After the wood glue is dry, prime the entire "range". After primer has dried, paint with white acrylic paint. Once your base coat is completely dry you can attach the knobs to the knob panel and paint on a clock. Complete your range by painting on burners, trim accents and adding your new oven door pulls. I'm sure it would be easy to make a sink, washer/dryer and other appliances with a little imagination.

CANISTERS AND COOKWARE

You will need:
Recycled assorted containers with lids in 5 sizes.
White spray primer
Craft knife
Cutting mat
Assorted colors of acrylic paint
Paintbrushes
Foam core board
Assorted wooden knobs
Hot blue gun
Utility scissors
Craft knife
Two jumbo craft sticks
Wood glue

1. Apply primer to outsides of containers and lids
2. For pans, use craft knife to cut 1 1/2" to 2 1/2" from bottoms of two containers
Paint pans.
3. For each pan lid, draw around bottom of pan on foam core board. Use craft knife to cut out circle 1/4" outside drawn line. Draw hearts or any design you like on the top of each lid and paint with assorted colors. Outline each heart in a contrasting color. Paint designs on each heart. Paint knobs, center and glue knob on lid.
4. For pan with handle, use utility scissors to cut craft sticks in half. Matching cut ends, stack halves and glue together. Let glue dry and paint handles. Use craft knife slit large enough to insert handle in side of pan. Apply glue to cut end of handle and insert in slit.
5. Draw heart or other design on the sides of remaining containers. Using assorted colors, paint each heart. Outline each heart in a contrasting color. Paint designs on hearts as desired.
6. For each canister lid, paint lid of container and knob.

What could be easier or more affordable? A one of a kind, custom kitchen made by you especially for your little one. Have fun cooking up some special times with the special child in your life!

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!!!

2009-02-14T14:29:00.000-08:00

Oh What A Beautiful Sunday!

2009-02-11T17:08:00.000-08:00

Black Cherry & Mint Chocolate Chip For Me and Strawberry & Vanilla For My Hubby

Pictures May Be Enlarged By Clicking On Them

Sorry guys, but I just had to post new pictures of the beach. It was 73 on Sunday so we, along with everyone else in Myrtle Beach decided to go to the beach. Even the horses came out in record number. We had a nice long walk followed by our first ice cream of the season. Beach Season that is!!

Thank You, Grazie, Danke, Gracias, Merci!!!

2009-02-05T08:01:00.000-08:00

Intentions are a good thing if you follow through with them, but meaningless if you don't. I know many times I have had good intentions, but got caught up in the trap that it has to be perfect or I have to do more and end up waiting to try and accomplish perfect or get or do more and then find out by waiting I've missed an opportunity by not acting in a timely fashion. Maybe you too have missed opportunities to say or do something to show thanks, encouragement, support, love or just to let someone know you are thinking of them. So, I'm trying to overcome my tendency toward "perfection" and as Nike says, just do it!
As most of you know I have been away visiting my daughter and precious new granddaughter, Caroline Elizabeth. For obvious reasons I didn't do much blogging while I was away. I was able to find a few minutes daily to check and see who had been by to visit and read my comments. I have been trying with the very best of intentions to reply back to everyone that was kind enough to visit and leave a comment while I was aways, but alas I feel I'm not making a lot of progress as I am also trying to catch up at home and with my business. I found this quote and adorable picture in my new 2009 Calendar by Mary Englebreit and thought it was good food for thought as well as perfect for my post today.

The smallest good deed is worth a thousand good intentions. ~Anonymous

So, my post today is to all of my blogging friends and visitors. A great big Thank You! to everyone who visited and left such sweet comments. I want you to know how very much it was appreciated. To those of you who stopped by for the first time, please visit again, I would love to get to know you and to those of you who stop by regularly, please bear with me as I get back on track. I'm looking forward to catching up and seeing what you have been up to while I've been away and borrowing many of your creative ideas.
Hugs!
~Grandmomma Elizabeth
Better is little with righteousness, than a great revenues without right. Proverbs 16:8

Me And My Shadow?

2009-02-04T08:19:00.000-08:00

Look what followed us home!!
We just returned home from Chicago last night, or at least I thought we had returned to the sunny south, but when I opened the blinds this morning I figured I must have been mistaken or having a dream.......a bad dream!!! Once I was sure I was wide awake I knew I wasn't seeing things or dreaming. What I did see was SNOW! Big fluffy white flakes of it and it was sticking to everything!! We did bring something home with us, but it definitely wasn't snow. I would like to introduce you to our Grandcat, Benny. He'll be making his home with us until Caroline gets a little bigger. Right now he's having a difficult time adjusting, but who wouldn't under the circumstances. His mommy brought home something that requires a lot of her attention and doesn't leave much time for Benny. He's been banned from the room not to mention the bed he normally sleeps in (except in the daytime). He's been medicated, zipped into a travel bag, traveled by train, plane and automobile to a strange new place that has yet another object of attention, A DOG!! What's a poor kitty to think? I'm sure in time he will adjust and learn to love it here. His mommy will be here to visit in a few months and he can still talk to her anytime he wants too. Thankfully most of the snow has melted and it's nice and sunny, but still only 28 degrees. Hey, that's better than the 3 degrees in Chicago so it could be much worse.

Meet Our Newest Blessing!!

2009-01-22T19:52:00.000-08:00

Caroline Elizabeth
Made Her Debut At 3:11 p.m. Thursday, January 22, 2009
Weighing in at 6 lbs 10 oz, 19" long

Anticipation!

2009-01-22T11:30:00.000-08:00

Mommy & Daddy To Be

I know many of you are familiar with the Carly Simon hit "Anticipation". The chorus goes like this:

Anticipation. Anticipation
Is making me late, is keeping me waiting.

That's just what I have been doing since last night at 7:06 p.m. when our daughter called to tell us our grand-daughter, Caroline Elizabeth had decided she wanted to make her debut in January instead of February. Sooooo, all night and all day I have been waiting and waiting and waiting. Anticipating, and anticipating and anticipating. I am so thankful for telephones, text messaging and emails!!! Being 740 miles apart is not an easy thing to deal with anytime let alone when your first grand-baby is about to arrive! Mother, Father and Baby are doing fine at this point, it's just been a long night. Things are moving a little slow, but I just received an update that they are starting to make some progress now. Little Mother's biggest complaint is that she's starving!! Her last meal was at noon yesterday and she says as soon as she gives birth she want a big Coke and something greasy!! That's not her normal very health conscious diet. Please pray that things go smoothly and quickly with no complications. I know patience is a virtue, but it's hard for a first time Grand-Momma to demonstrate patience at a time like this! I'm not anxious, just eager and excited for her to get here! As soon as she does I'll introduce her to you all.

A Day At The Beach!

2009-01-21T08:31:00.001-08:00

Pictures Can Be Enlarged By Clicking On Them

What could be better than a day at the beach?! I know many of you are longing for the first signs of spring! Thanks Terrie at Terrie's Lil" Piece of Serenity for those wonderful Robin pictures and the sound effects to go along with them. For many of you it's been days, weeks and even months since you've seen the ground. Snow, as picturesque as it can be gets old after days, weeks and months of shoveling and plowing. I know, I had my share of it for 4 years. So, I thought I'd bring you a little bit of sand, surf and sunshine to look forward to or to dream about. Crank up the heat, rub on some Coppertone, Panama Jack or Ocean Potion, turn on some Embers, Beach Boys or Drifters music, put on your shaggin shoes and shades and your ready for a day on the strand! Grand Strand that is...Sunny Myrtle Beach, SC. Just thought you'd like to know, it is a sunny day here on the strand, but I'll definitely be cranking up the heat here as well since the temperature has only made it to 21 degrees so far. I know, I know... some of you would love for it to be a nice toasty 21 degrees. Have fun pretending, it won't be long now. Spring is only 64 days away!!

Inspiring!

2009-01-20T06:25:00.000-08:00

Inspiration That Started It All

Good morning friends! I know most of you enjoy decorating your homes and making them a reflection of you. I may have gone just a "step" too far in that area. I'll let you be the judge. I've always wanted to paint a wall in a way that would personalize it. I faux finished a foyer once and was very please with that, but that wasn't the whimsical type of painting I had seen in pictures and always envisioned having in a room of my house. Since the children are all grown there were no "children's" rooms to get creative in I had to look for another room and an inspiration piece. I was unwrapping a special going away gift from one of my "Doodles" (I'll introduce you to them later) and voila, there was the inspiration I'd been looking for. A colorful wooden flip flop dangling from a hand-painted sign that said "Life Is Good At The Beach"!! What could be more perfect, flip flops (one of my very favorite things), the beach and all my favorite colors. Now, where to hang this inspiration piece and what to paint. Since my decor is pretty traditional with a little country French, the beachy, tropical colored flip flop didn't really fit in anywhere, but there was one place it might just work. My laundry room! What better way to make laundry day enjoyable than to be surrounded by cheerful colors and your favorite things. The first thing I needed was paint so off I went to the craft store and bought multiple bottles of acrylic craft paint a rainbow of colors. I already had brushes of all shapes and sizes so now all I needed was a pattern and a ladder. Making a flip flop pattern was fairly simple. It was basically drawing a figure eight. Once I had my necessary tools it was time for the fun to begin. I decided I would paint a border of flip flops around my laundry room ceiling. Step one was to trace the pattern at equal increments all around the room. Step one wasn't too bad, now for step two, step three, step four, step five............... are you getting the picture? It was one of those projects you start and shortly into the process you begin to think, "WHAT WAS I THINKING"?!!! I wanted every one to be different and have multiple colors and dimension I forget you have to wait for every color to dry before you can apply another one and some colors take more than one coat. Days later when the last embellishment was complete I stepped off the ladder and took a look at my handiwork (or insanity) and was very pleased with the results. I also added my favorite verse (which I want to re-paint with a finer line- one of these days). Would I do it again? Yes, absolutely! Not only does it make me smile while I'm doing laundry it's become sort of a novelty to my friends and family. Everyone likes to pick their favorite flip flop. So let me encourage you to be adventurous, grab a brush and some paint and go for it! You might just be glad you did.

****Enter To Win******BONUS*******FREE******It's You're Lucky Day**********

Now that I have your attention I want to give you the opportunity to be included in an exciting "Pay-It-Forward" challenge that I discovered on my friend Judy's blog at Just A Little Something For You. If you've never visited her blog you simply must stop by and get to know her. She has so many creative ideas I know you will love in addition to her always inspirational posts. It's been a pleasure meeting her and I know you will feel the same way. I was so excited to learn I was the first to leave a comment on her paying-it-forward post and can hardly wait to to see what I'll be receiving! I know it will be wonderful whatever it is. I can't wait to see who will be the first to leave a comment on this post and who I'll be paying-it-forward to.

Here’s how this works…. the first 3 bloggers to leave a comment on this post will receive a hand-made item from me. Those 3 bloggers promise to post this challenge on their blog (meaning they too will ‘pay-it-forward’, creating a handmade gift for the first 3 bloggers that leave a comment on their blog!!) That's a lot of hand-made love being passed around! :~) Here's the part I got really excited about...the gift can be anything you choose and any price range and you have 365 days to make & ship your item. Good luck and have fun creating!!

You're Invited!

2009-01-19T13:56:00.000-08:00

It's not enough that I can't keep up with one blog, I have to create another one. When I starting blog number one, "Grand Occasions", I fully intended for it to be attached to my company web site and be a "business" blog, but I discovered so many wonderful bloggers that I had so many things in common with that it evolved into more of a "personal" blog. What's a girl to do? If one is good then two must be grand, huh? I'll let you know soon. Since it's been awhile since I've gotten anything posted on my "personal" blog I thought I'd post an invitation for you to visit my brand new "Myrtle Beach Weddings & Events" blog. Now that I have them both up and running and I've been able to download pictures to my new computer I should be a blogging maniac or at least a regular contributor. I appreciate you visiting Grand Occasions and have enjoyed meeting each of you. I hope you all have a very productive week. I'm looking forward to visting many of you in the next few days to see what you have been up to.

You're Invited to Visit The Grand Opening of "Myrtle Beach Weddings & Events" Blog Spot
You've Just Said Yes!

http://myrtlebeachweddings.blogspot.com

With Love

2009-01-13T10:58:00.000-08:00

Pedicure Given With Love By Cousin Amber Baby Sock Corsage Made With Love by Cousin Amber Girly Pink Bunny Coat Given with Love by Cyndi
Afghan Crocheted with Love from Aunt Marsha
Canvases for the Nursery Hand Painted with Love by Granddaddy
Diaper Cake Made with Love by Aunt Marsha Hat, Scarf & Mittens Made with Love by Amber #1

It's less than a month now and I'll be a Grandmomma!! I was just thinking about all the beautiful gifts our daughter received at her baby shower and how special they all were and thought I'd share just a few of them with you. We haven't had a baby in the family for quite some time so everyone is excited to say the least. From the moment we heard our family would be getting an addition we began sewing, crafting, painting and shopping for an assortment of things especially for the little blessing that would soon be joining us.

What is it that makes a gift special? Is the amount the giver spends that makes it valuable? Perhaps it's the brand, designer label or the store it was purchased from that gives it distinction? I believe it's something far more priceless than any of those. Not that a gift that would fall into any of those categories would not be special (I have received many "Special" gifts from all of those categories), but it's not those things alone that gives it value, it's the giver of the gift and the thought that was put into choosing the gift that sets it apart. Have you ever wanted to give a gift, but felt you couldn't afford a suitable gift? Have you ever spent more than your budget would comfortably allow to purchase such a gift? It's easy to fall into that materialistic trap and try give a gift that is equal to Mrs. Joneses gift. Those darn Joneses seem turn up in all of our circles, don't they? Allow me to say a word about Mrs. Jones. I have known several very sincere Mrs. Jones that give with love from the very bottom of their hearts. She may just have a larger budget than others and she would never want anyone to feel their gift was inferior in any way. We need to remind ourselves what's really important when giving and receiving a gift. Everyone I've met in blog land has a variety of talents and creativity they can use to create the perfect gift. Whether it's something handmade, home cooked, a service your can provide or something you purchase. Whatever the gift, regardless of the cost, if it's made or given with love it's always just right.

It's A Southern Thing!

2009-01-08T07:14:00.000-08:00

We southern girls have some habits that might be considered strange to girls in other parts of the country, but which are perfectly normal to us. We like "things" and find many of these "things" to be necessities and not luxuries. When we hear the term "things" our minds often are quick to think non-essential or extravagant, but that's not always true. One such "thing" that is absolutely essential in the daily life of a Southern Girl is the beverage napkin! I always keep a variety on hand and change them to match my decor, my mood, or the season. I never knew they were anything but a normal part of life until I lived in New England. One of the dearest friends I made while living there said to me one day, I always use a paper towel for my beverages, is that improper? I assured her that it wasn't and that I use an occasional paper towel as well. She told me how much she loved using my "special" napkins, but that paper towels are just more practical and affordable and she thought it was a luxury to use beverage napkins. After that we started referring to my napkins as "Southern" napkins and to hers as "Yankee" napkins. That conversation took place in the summer and a few months later when I was thinking of something small with a special meaning I could get her for Christmas I immediately remembered the "Southern" napkin conversation. Since she loves the beach and collecting seashells I began my search for beautiful beverage napkins with a shell motif and a pretty holder to put them in. Of course that was a simple thing to find and had a variety of shell napkins to choose from. I couldn't resist dropping by "The Pig" to pick up a roll of decorator "Yankee" napkins to send as well. A few days later I received a call from her thanking me for the gift and letting me know she keeps them on her nightstand and uses one every evening with her cup of hot tea! That's been two years ago and not only am I still sending her "Southern" napkins for birthdays and Christmas (this year the were white with the SC symbol of the Palmetto and moon), but she's started to buy them for herself as a little "luxury". Once more it just goes to prove you can find pleasure in the simplest of things.

Peter Rabbit Baby Shower

2009-01-06T10:46:00.000-08:00

I love Tablescape Tuesdays and am looking forward to participating before much longer. In the mean time I thought I'd share a couple of pictures from my daughter's baby shower. We love English Cottage Style and Peter Rabbit so what better theme to go with for a baby shower. Peter Rabbit has been around a long time and is a vintage favorite so Peter Rabbit items should be easily found,right? Wrong! Found, yes, but not easily. Normally our Marshall's, T.J. Maxx and Tuesday Mornings has a variety of Peter Rabbit items, but not a single one when I'm in need of them. Bargain shopping is one of my favorite hobbies and the hunt is what makes it so rewarding, so hunt I did. I searched on Ebay and Google. I called friends and relatives in other states to recruit their help. Besides the obvious, Peter Rabbit himself, I needed a white picket fence and a watering can. Even in the South watering cans and picket fences are hard to come by in November. I found one little lone watering can at Old Time Pottery, but there was not a single table size picket fence to be found, so I made a quick stop by Home Depot and asked for 8-10 paint sticks which I painted white and hot glued together. I found a pot full of artificial cabbages at a local florist shop, invitations on Ebay along with a quilt block I used for a backdrop for the gift table and fabric with an all over Peter Rabbit motif to make a table topper for the coffee bar station. I printed my own return address labels, name tags, what do you predict and advice and well wishes cards along with labels for the favor boxes. I stumbled across a Peter Rabbit Anniversary Barbie along the way and of course Grandmomma had to be the one to buy her first Barbie! I used scrapbook paper and printed pictures of Peter Rabbit characters to make an adorable banner strung on pink double faced satin ribbon that was hung across the fireplace. My daughter's best friend from WV even managed to find a Peter Rabbit frame and a stuffed Peter Rabbit and Jemima Puddle Duck at her Kohl's. At Wal-Mart On-line I scored a Peter Rabbit CD set and a DVD of Tales of Peter Rabbit and Friends. In just a few weeks we had everything we needed to turn our house into Peter Rabbit Cottage plus there was a story to go with every item we used which made for great conversation. Half of the fun of entertaining and celebrating is being creative and doing it yourself. It doesn't need to be perfect or expensive, it just needs to come from the heart and that always makes it priceless.

Happy New Year & Welcome To My Blog

2009-01-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

With 2008 only a memory I am reminded of just how quickly time goes by. Truly, life is like a vapor that appears for a little time and then vanisheth away. It's been said that life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away. Each of us are surrounded by breathtaking moments daily, but many times they go unnoticed because we are too busy looking for grandeur and fail to recognize the truly extraordinary in the simple things. The world we live in today has become such a fast paced, materialistic, got to have it now society that we don't slow down long enough to smell the roses and if we did stop to smell the roses along the way they would probably be in the floral department at our local grocery as we dashed through just to grab a couple of things and not on a rose bush in our own yard that we've cultivated with our own two hands. We no longer invest time into things that don't produce instant reward. We have to constantly keep our guard up to not be swept away with this raging tide of materialism and business. We don't mean to be swept away, it just happens. We make our list of priorities, we learn to say no (sometimes) and we vow to slow down, but somehow we go from the shoreline with the gentle waves tickling our toes to being pulled under by the riptide. As this brand new year begins and we have 365 clean pages, actually 360 now, to fill any way we wish let's try and remember that the best things in life aren't things, focus on what's truly important, look for creative ways to make the most of what we have and enjoy all of our blessings.
I'm excited about my new blogging adventure and look forward to sharing tips and ideas and with you and offering bits of encouragement. Since this is all new to me, please bear with me as I learn what I am doing and feel free to give advice. It is always welcome. Last year's venture was designing my own web site. They say you should never stop trying and learning new things, so here's to a year filled with new knowledge and new friends.