Using what you have

I love the change of seasons and try to use what I already have at home to reflect the season. It can get quite interesting when you are using the same things for many years. The dining room table needed something bold so this year I stole a birch twig pumpkin from the pumpkin display above the desk to combine with an outdoor succulent I am trying to save through the winter... we'll see. A huge bowl of fairly realistic fruit (enough that there are bite marks out of one of the apples), old brass candle holders, and a presentation it makes. I'm loving the fact that I can recycle and be happy...actually joyous of God's provision in our life.

Making Theirs Yours

While searching for economical ways to make Cali’s June wedding unique, I purchased many handcrafted items from Etsy. Etsy is a website for buying and selling all things handmade. There are amazing artists and crafters with very unique items available. Here are a few items we used: bridal veil, pearl hair clip, flower girl necklace, grandbaby's tie (it was custom made to his measurement and closely matched the groomsmen.) More Etsy finds from me later.

An apple a day...

Enjoying fall with it's bountiful healthy harvest...

simply core out an apple and fill with

butter, brown sugar, raisins, pecans. Bake til soft and you will probably lick the bowl... that part will not keep the doctor away!

LONNY

Since the demise of both Domino and Blueprint magazines, my daughter Cali (age 22) and myself (ahem) have been hoping a replacement would come along to again inspire us in home decorating with a modern eclectic bent, entertaining, cool clothes, etc. etc. I found LONNY which is an online magazine that has some really amazing features. I am too tactile to want to read a magazine online but this will have to do. If you have babies, are just out of school or are at the ahem age, it is inspiring. Check it out.

Making it Mine - the letter L

Adding your initial makes your photo wall so much more personal. Any craft store like Michael's carries these 3" and 4" letters.

Dressing Ingredients

This is to ALL my girlfriends - any age, any budget, any style... you have GOT to check out shabby apple for the missing ingredients you have been looking for in dresses: sleeves, no cleavage, hems that cover the bottom end of things. This is my favorite dress but the shoes and little girl dresses are enchanting. It is my understanding that this company is owned by LDS (Church of the Latter Day Saints) and they wanted really fashionable clothes that still respected the body. They are having a dress design contest under the dare to design tab of the site. AND...see their fit to flatter tab for help in knowing what looks best on you!

Keep it in the family....not!

You know those secret family recipes that we swoon over but no one will give it up? Here is one I found the other day. It was supposed to be Rhubarb Upside Down cake and it called for 28 marshmallows! I don't think any of us need that. I had over a quart of fresh Raspberries (thank the dear Lord above we live next to Aunt Kathy and her green thumb!) I substituted the rhubarb for raspberries - oh the world is so sweet....sun kissed ruby red berries neatly turned out on a platter. yum... I will share the recipe...just ask!

OK, I'll save you the trouble:

Put into the bottom of a 9 x 13 pan:

4 c. chopped fruit, berries or rhubarb

1 c. sugar

Cream together:

1/2 c. shortening

1 c. sugar

Add:

2 eggs

1/2 c. milk

Mix in separate bowl:

1 3/4 c. flour

1/4/ t. salt

3 t. baking powder

Add dry ingredients to wet and mix. Pour and spread over the fruit.

Bake 40 min at 350.

Invert onto platter. Serve with a dollop of whipped cream - do you know how to make the real thing?