Busy Weekend

 It's a rare weekend when I take no photos, especially in the Autumn, but we were working on the house, getting it ready for the holidays and company.  I had to share this photo of my little orchid.  For weeks now
this little show stopper has given me so much pleasure.  The last bud has now opened, and I have no idea how long the blooms will last.  What a little miracle.

 It was so much fun to watch it come back into bloom.

 Once again thanks to my dear friend Jane.

One day last week I found these rare candle holders,.by one of my favorite artists, Sarah Lugg.  I have featured her art here before and was inspired to make my own tag art, with nature's bounty just like Sarah.

 These tags spell out peace, in such a lovely way.

 I've never seen any licensed products for Sarah before except for some crafting kits I own.

 One of those moments you want to cheer in the thrift store, EUREKA!

On the same trip I found this canning jar.  I was lamenting the fact that I didn't own a wide mouth blue ball jar, and didn't even know if they existed.  There on the shelf was this cool green jar with the French word for garden, Jardin.  I had purchased this lamp kit from the hob lob, even though it was pricey, (of course with a coupon) and not exactly sure where I would use it.  

 Just one of those things that are so cool I know I'll find the perfect place for it.

We had the craziest weather on Halloween, 50 to 60 mph wind gusts, snow, the Lake was lapping over Lake Shore Drive, breaking up the concrete paths.  Still the trick or treaters came.  Our little bird and baby bug costumes were Pippi Longstockings and a little witch. They came to trick or treat, and  they stayed for hot chocolate and to warm up a bit. (and many hugs, they are getting so big!) Then they went out with Grandma and Mommy to visit some houses on our block. Brrrrr!  We'll be talking about the weather on this Halloween for years to come.

The Great Pumpkin did not come this year to our house (no sincere pumpkin patch, actually no pumpkin patch at all.) but I did get to share my favorite Halloween tradition with my babygrand this weekend.  Poor Mommy has a bad ear infection and had to go to the Doctor.  Penny was sooo upset.  So Daddy called Grandma. We played together long distance over the ipad.  First with toys and then by watching (for Penny's first time) It's the Great Pumpkin Charlie Brown.  Penny loved the part when Linus rolls with the pumpkin and of course all of the parts with Snoopy.  By the time Linus gets put to bed, Mommy was home, and we got to share the funniest parts again, again!  My girls, I cannot wait to have them close, Daddy too!

Speaking of being close, we were called last night by Jon and Charlotte.  They bought a portable dishwasher, the dream of every apartment dweller, from someone moving on Craig's List.  When it came time to get it into the car, it was too big.  Jon called...So how's it going?  What cha doing?  ...This is what we're here for, we are like Batman and Robin just waiting for the Bat signal. ;-)  Off we went in the Batmobile, aka known as Grandpa's Big Blue Truck and headed for the city.   We got to the kids within the hour. The problem was solved,  and we were back in our cozy chairs before the news.  Oh to have all the kids close by...not only for us, but for each other.

So that was our weekend. If you read to this point, thanks so much for stopping by. ;-)
Enjoy this beautiful day.

Autumn Tablescape

Setting a pretty table is what I do while my guy is watching football on a Sunday afternoon.  I've been collecting things for weeks, intending to make an autumn tablescape.  The first order of business, clean off the table.  That is sometimes the most daunting task.  Our kitchen table, rarely used for it's intended purpose, seems to collect the most clutter.

 I found the pretty leaf glasses at the Goodwill for a quarter a piece.

 The napkins and napkin rings were also a thrift find, as were the striped place mats.

 The pumpkin jar was a gift from Elizabeth last Thanksgiving. The pedestal is a Shabby Chic cast iron urn from Target years ago.  I have a pair and they are used in every season here at home.

 The quilted leaves I purchased years ago in a small town near Galena, Illinois. The leaf vine from Hannah's, a store in Antioch. bought just last year.

 The small bowls, another thrift store find.

 The tea light cups were an Ikea find a while back.

 Candlelight, looks and smells so good.

 I just love the colors, so warm and inviting.

My hubby and kids bought me this table and chairs when a local tea house went out of business.  A sweet Mother's Day gift I use every day.

This is how this old girl has fun!  Thanks for stopping by.  Enjoy this beautiful day.

P.S. I am not much for Halloween, but have a happy and safe trick or treat!

Penny

Garbage Picked Chandelier

 Finding this chandelier on a Sunday morning walk, I knew just what I wanted to do with it.  I have hit the bottom of my Annie Sloan quart that I used to paint my kitchen cabinets, so when I saw this paint at he hob lob, I thought I'd give it a try.

 Sorry for the wonky photo.  The squirrel that runs my computer is finicky.;-)

 The coverage is comparable to the Annie Sloan Chalk Paint...

...and this was the second coat.  Eight ounces was around $5 with the coupon.  Annie Sloan sample size is half the size for $10! I think this paint performed well, coating a shiny surface, and the color was just what I was looking for.  Those bases on the arms are my next challenge.  Show you more as I progress.

Last evening, standing at the sink, the sky was amazing.  I had to run outside and capture the magic.
Sometimes the sun shines at an angle that looks brand new, and the crisp blue sky and fluffy autumn clouds
made these photos special.

 All from my deck.

I cleaned out my fountain that runs all year for the birds.  Sometimes in winter, the water stops completely and the surface freezes, but then a trickle starts as the sun shines or the temperatures start to rise.  A whole neighborhood of  birds and critters depend on this little fountain.  It looked so pretty with the leaves, so before I skimmed the surface, took this photo.  Oh Autumn, your beauty touches my heart.

Hope all is well with you my friends.  Enjoy this beautiful day.

Baking Therapy

 Whenever we have a service night or other club event, or if company is coming, I love to bake.  We all have the old standbys, but everyday new recipes get pinned, printed or otherwise saved.  Few ever see the light of day, but this little number will be repeated.  It is very easy and so delicious.  The base is an oatmeal cookie mix.

 The filling, 16oz Philly cream cheese, sugar and a egg...

 Spread on the par baked cookie,

 smothered in apple pie filling with added cinnamon......

covered in the remaining cookie mix...

 An important ingredient, Christmas music.  She sings like an angel!

In 35 minutes you have something different, really delicious and cut in small pieces, so easy to serve in cupcake liners. All the girls loved them, the family too.

Baking really is therapy for me.  Making something good for others to share makes me happy.  Tis the season of baking and cooking.  The nesting and preparation for the holidays is something I so look forward too.  Having the family close, the house warm and filled with laughter.  Nothing is really better than that.

Just a little recipe I thought to photograph, hope that you and your family enjoy it too.
The recipe is available at Betty Crocker, Apple Streusel Cheescake Bars.

No baking today, just a crafty project I hope to share soon.  Enjoy this beautiful day my friends.

My Chair and Other Household Musings

Well, I chickened out and bought a slipcover for my pink chair and ottoman. When I thought of all the things I would rather do than sew a slipcover for this chair, I threw in the towel.  I loved this Waverly fabric, and have even made a few things with it in the past.  When I saw a slipcover for my wing back chair and ottoman on clearance at Surefit in this great fabric, I ordered it. It looks a little like an unmade bed...and I love it!

Thought I'd throw in a photo of some Autumn decor.  That's bittersweet from my own vine! I painted and stamped this clearance mirror many years ago.  It's a perennial favorite of mine.

I don't have the tucking quite right and the ruffle is askew in the photo, but I am so happy with it. Babygrand Penny thinks it looks so cozy.  She can't wait to sit in it!  That's what I call a seal of approval!  Another step closer to having the house ready for the holidays.

My SIL Elizabeth found this beautiful embroidered tablecloth for me. It is so pretty with the cornucopias, fruits and veggies on all sides and in the center.  She is an excellent thrifter and is so generous.  So many of the cool things I have are from Elizabeth's thrifty shopping.

Just look at this little lovely.  So sweet and colorful.   Two perfect additions to my large vintage table linens collection. Elizabeth is also an enabler, and I love her for supporting my bad habits. Thanks Betty!

That's what's happening today in English Valley...How are things in your neck of the woods?  Thanks for stopping by...

Enjoy this beautiful day my friends.