"Show and Tell Friday!"

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

I have a sweet friend named Gwen and we have exchanged handwritten letters for several years now. Last month we were in a tea towel/gift swap together and I would like to share the things that she send me.

Gwen made this darling gingerbread boy tea towel for me. He made himself right at home on my kitchen towel rack!


Isn't he cute with his rick-rack and button eyes?


She also sent me some beautiful greenery with a gingerbread boy sitting right in the middle. I set it up on my kitchen windowsill.


A little dish with two homemade knitted dishcloths.


Gwen recently learned how to make paper, so she gave me this very pretty card. She also attached a gingerbread cookie recipe, which I can't wait to try.

The gingerbread candle makes my kitchen smell just like Christmas!

As you can see Gwen is very creative and talented, and spoiled me with wonderful gifts. Thank you, Gwen!



Show and Tell Guidelines

What is Show and Tell Friday?
Show and Tell involves showing something to an audience, and then telling them about it. Your show and tell must be something that you own, and is in your home or garden.

What items work well for Show and Tell Friday?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Family heirlooms
-A collection you may have
-A piece of jewelry
-A special gift
-Gardening pictures

What doesn't work well for Show and Tell Friday?
-Posts with no photos have no "Show." Please don't use them.
-Photos of events (trips, vacations, celebrations, etc.)
-Photos of things you are selling or planning to sell.
-Photos found on the internet, graphics or screenshots. Please use photos you take yourself.
-Old photos of just people instead of things.

There is no place like home is the original home of Show and Tell Friday. Please do not host your own.

How can I participate?
Once you've got your photo(s) and your story, it's easy as 1-2-3!

1 - Publish your "Show and Tell" on your blog, including a link back to There is No place like Home.

2 - Copy the link (or "permalink") from your post.

3 - Add it to Mr. Linky, along with your first name only. I usually put Mr. Linky up on Friday at 12:00am Eastern time.

A Hot Cup of Tea

I was so excited to see the Celestial Seasonings holiday teas available when I went grocery shopping this afternoon. The girls and I enjoyed a cup after dinner.

~Candy Cane Lane~

"What could be better than the delectable taste of an old-fashioned candy cane-the memorable flavor of cool, luscious peppermint that is such a delight."

~Sugar Plum Spice~

"Take a sip of Sugar Plum Spice and journey with us to the Land of the Sweets in Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker. Here you'll find gingerbread houses, trees laden with sugar plums and days filled the sunshine. This is the land of the Sugar Plum Fairy, who is beautiful, gentle and kind."

~Gingerbread Spice~

A wonderful way to thaw a frosty chill is to step into a cozy kitchen warmed by the spicy aroma of fresh-baked gingerbread!



My favorite is the Gingerbread spice. Do you have a favorite hot drink this time of year?

The Giveaway Winner!

Thank you to everyone who participated in the giveaway for Marybeth's new ebook A Recipe for Christmas JOY! Also, thank you Marybeth, for writing such a wonderful book and for your generosity in giving away a copy for someone to enjoy!

I put all of the names in a bowl, mixed them up...


...and picked one!

Congratulations Mrs. Pivec. Please email Marybeth for your copy of the book!

For all of you who would like to order A Recipe for Christmas JOY, please visit Marybeth's at Cheaper by the Half-Dozen. As soon as your order is confirmed, the ebook will arrive in your inbox! No waiting on shipping!!

A Recipe For Christmas JOY and a *Giveaway!*

***Please scroll down for new posts!!!***



I promised to share with you a special way to welcome in the Christmas season, so here it is!

Marybeth Whalen is a homeschooling mom of six children and has just published her first ebook! It is called A Recipe for Christmas Joy and she was sweet enough to give me a copy to review and another copy for a giveaway!

Marybeth has filled this book with over 50 recipes, menus, devotionals, practical advice, and tips that will inspire you to put the focus of Christmas back on Jesus as you and your family prepare to celebrate this upcoming season!

Here are a few of my favorite things from the ebook:
~A week-by-week checklist for organizing your Christmas
~Celebrating Advent
~Creative gift ideas that won't break the bank
~Homemade gifts
~Hosting a Christmas peppermint tea
~25 ways to make the holidays holy days
~List of Christmas read-alouds for you and your children

and most importantly...
~How to make Jesus the center of your Christmas!

For more details, please visit Marybeth's blog, Cheaper by the Half-dozen.

If you would like to be entered into the giveaway for this wonderful ebook, just leave a comment by November 27, 07 at 10:00pm. For all of you who would like to order it, it is an ebook, so as soon as your order is confirmed, it will arrive in your inbox! No waiting on shipping!!

~Leftovers!~

Thanksgiving has been over
at least a week or two,
but we're still all eating turkey,
turkey salad, turkey stew,
turkey puffs and turkey pudding,
turkey patties, turkey pies,
turkey bisque and turkey burgers,
turkey fritters, turkey fries.

For lunch our mother made us
turkey slices on a stick,
there'll be turkey tarts for supper,
all this turkey makes me sick.

For tomorrow she's preparing
turkey dumplings stuffed with peas,
oh I never thought I'd say this--
"Mother! No more turkey...PLEASE!"
-Jack Prelutsky, It's Thanksgiving, 1982



What is your favorite way to eat turkey leftovers? I like it sliced on a big roll with lots of mayo, salt and pepper!

Scenes from our Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving arrived with cold weather and even the possibility of some snow! We spent the morning watching the Macy's Thanksgiving day parade and eating snacks. I made deviled eggs, glazed meatballs and cheeseballs and crackers.


This was the first time I've ever made cheeseballs. I used cream cheese, ranch dressing mix, worcester sauce, and garlic powder.


I set out a few more Autumn decorations. Brenda at Country Romance sent me some special acorns from her home, a small silver dish and pretty doily.


She also sent me this beautiful chest which I filled with pinecones. Thank you, Brenda!


After lunch we went to Phillip's parent's home for Thanksgiving dinner. There were 17 of us and we all had a wonderful time together. The food was delicious and we had fun playing games after dinner.


Friday night everyone came over to our house for another Thanksgiving dinner. More visiting, laughing and games. Oh, and dessert. ;0)


Before several family members get on a plane to go back home, we are having a family portrait taken tomorrow afternoon. It has been wonderful to have everyone together again!

Thank you for looking at the scenes from our Thanksgiving!

Hello!

Student:Kelli
Class:Blogging Break
Grade:F

Hello everyone! I have been busy these last few days, and have missed visiting with you. I have some "after" pictures of my gardens to share (look below this post) and also some Thanksgiving gifts that I received in the mail.

My friend Julie surprised me with some Thanksgiving treats. A pretty wreath, sweet Autumn figurines, a scent sachet and stickers.


She also included these wonderful vintage postcards.


The wreath is the perfect fit for under this hanging lantern. I put the little figurines in the center of the wreath. Thank you for everything, Julie!


I also received a few gifts from my friend, Kimberly. Two pretty hankies with very delicate leaf patterns.


Kimberly also sent me a two beautiful vintage postcards. Thank you so much, Kimberly!


I thought I would display all of the Thanksgiving postcards on my fireplace mantle.


I just tucked them in around the other decorations.






Thank you for looking at my new gifts!

My November Gardens

This area under my tree was supposed to be a rock garden, but it never looked right.


This afternoon, I moved all of the rocks around the outer edge, filled it in with fresh dirt, and planted pansies.


I got my watergarden ready for the cooler weather.




I also deep cleaned my back patio. A new tablecloth, pansies in the planters and freshly vacuumed carpet.


A little corner of my patio, decorated for Thanksgiving.

Monday, November 19, 2007

Hello everyone! I'm sure you are all wanting to know who the winner of the "Giving Thanks" giveaway is. I'm happy to announce that the lucky lady is from the blog Capturing Today! Congratulations! I also noticed on your blog that today is your birthday, so Happy Birthday too! Please email me your address and I will get your gifts sent out right away!

Thank you to all who joined in with me this past week! You all put so much time and thought into your posts and it was wonderful to see all the ways that you have prepared for this upcoming time of Thanksgiving. You kept me motivated while doing the daily cleaning challenges and inspired me with your Thanksgiving traditions, memories, recipes, crafts, poems and prayers. Thank you for sharing so many wonderful things this week. I couldn't ask for a better group of blogging friends!



If you need any last minute Thanksgiving decorating, craft or recipe ideas, here are some posts from this past week's "Giving Thanks" celebration.

Making a Cornucopia

Thanksgiving Napkin Rings

Stamped Paper Napkins

Thanksgiving Place Cards

Refrigerator Dinner Rolls

Holiday Sparkle Drink

After Dinner Games



We are going to be having a fun-filled week. All of Phillip's family will be together this Thanksgiving and we will be eating dinner at his mom and dad's house. On Friday, everyone will be coming over to our house for another big dinner. Here are some things I'm looking forward to this week:

-Planning our dinner menu with the girls and Benjamin
-Shopping for our turkey
-Baking pies
-Making our thankful tree
-Colder weather that is expected to arrive on Wednesday
-Watching the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade
-Visiting and laughing with family and friends

Phillip will be off for the entire week after Thanksgiving so we can put the finishing touches on the winter edition of Seasonal Delights, due December 3, 2007.



I do have something to share with you on the day after Thanksgiving. A special way to welcome in the Christmas season, so be sure to come visit me! Other than that, I will be taking a break and enjoying this time of year with my family.

I would like to wish you and your family a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving!

~Kelli

Saturday ~ Giving Thanks

This is the last day for our "Giving Thanks" celebration! We have taken this week (Monday through Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. My daily cleaning challenge, activity and words of Thanksgiving are located directly before this post!

Mr. Linky is available for you to join in and here are some things you could share:
-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.
2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.
3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.
Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Have fun!

Saturday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge

I will be going outside for today's cleaning challenge. You can join in, or work on any area of your home that you like.

This area around my tree is supposed to be a "rock garden", but I've never been happy with it. The Asparagus fern is getting moved to another flower bed, the rocks placed all around the outside edge and pansies in the middle.


For some reason the bottom of my door always "weathers" much more than the top so it's getting a couple coats of stain. It will be a cool day so I can leave the door open for awhile.


I've hardly been out on my patio since coming back from vacation. It needs cleaned, vacuumed and I'm going to put a few Autumn decorations out there too.


Lastly, my water garden needs cleaned out, the plants trimmed back and the fountain turned back on.


I won't be able to get to all of this tomorrow, but I'll post "after" pictures sometime in the future. Are you working on any projects this weekend?

Saturday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"

Thanksgiving "After Dinner" Games

Turkey Treasure Hunt:
Hide pictures of turkeys your children or you have drawn or printed out around the house. Set the timer for 15-20 minutes. Whoever finds the most turkeys is the winner!


Feather Game:
Make a construction paper headband and feathers. On each feather, write a stunt for a person to do. Examples:
-Twirl around six times, the close your eyes and stand on one leg for five seconds
-Spell your name backwards, and the pronounce it.
-Walk across the room with a book on your head.
Each player picks a feather, then performs the feat.


Thanksgiving Memory Game
The first person starts by saying, "At Thanksgiving dinner I ate turkey." The next person must repeat this and add another dish, "At Thanksgiving dinner I ate turkey and mashed potatoes." The third person must repeat it and add yet another dish and on and on and on. Whoever makes a mistake is out and the game continues until there is just one person left!

Saturday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving Comes But Once a Year

Thanksgiving comes but once a year,
But when it comes it brings good cheer.
For in my storehouse on this day
Are piles of good things hid away.
Each day I've worked from early morn

To gather acorns, nuts, and corn,
Till now I've plenty and to spare
Without a worry or a care.
So light of heart the whole day long,
I'll sing a glad Thanksgiving song."
Thornton W. Burgess

"Show and Tell Friday!"

If you are looking for our "Giving Thanks" celebration, please scroll down!

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

I dug through my jewelry box for today's show and tell. The first thing I'm going to share with you is a bracelet that Phillip gave me before we were married, about 15 years ago.


He had it made at Disney Land and as you can see it spells out my name in gold!


A small blue stone dangles from one of the swirls.


My sister, Melissa knows how much I love acorns, so on my recent vacation, she surprised me with these tiny acorn earrings.


They are about the size of my pinky!


I don't wear the bracelet anymore, but I've been wearing the earrings as much as possible since Autumn is coming to an end!

Thank you for looking at my show and tell!


Show and Tell Guidelines

What is Show and Tell Friday?
Show and Tell involves showing something to an audience, and then telling them about it. Your show and tell must be something that you own, and is in your home or garden.

What items work well for Show and Tell Friday?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Family heirlooms
-A collection you may have
-A piece of jewelry
-A special gift
-Gardening pictures

What doesn't work well for Show and Tell Friday?
-Posts with no photos have no "Show." Please don't use them.
-Photos of events (trips, vacations, celebrations, etc.)
-Photos of things you are selling or planning to sell.
-Photos found on the internet, graphics or screenshots. Please use photos you take yourself.
-Old photos of just people instead of things.

There is no place like home is the original home of Show and Tell Friday. Please do not host your own.

How can I participate?
Once you've got your photo(s) and your story, it's easy as 1-2-3!

1 - Publish your "Show and Tell" on your blog, including a link back to There is No place like Home.

2 - Copy the link (or "permalink") from your post.

3 - Add it to Mr. Linky, along with your first name only. I usually put Mr. Linky up on Friday at 12:00am Eastern time.

Since next Friday is the day after Thanksgiving, "Show and Tell" will be taking a short break!

Friday ~ Giving Thanks

Welcome to day five of our "Giving Thanks" celebration! We are taking this week (Monday-Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. Each day I will be posting a Thanksgiving related activity, cleaning challenge and Words of Thanksgiving. They will be located directly below this post!

Mr. Linky is available for you to join in and here are some things you could share:
-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.
2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.
3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.
Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Have fun!

Friday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge*UPDATED

Today is misc. or catch-up day. If you haven't had a chance to finish up a room or project, now is the time to do it!

I will be cleaning up where I keep my letters and notecards. This ribbon bulletin board is in the hall, by our bedroom. I will have to find a place to store the older letters, since I'm running out of room!

Before:


After:



Our dollhouse also needs a little work. We have never decorated it for Christmas, but I thought it would be fun for the girls if we got a Christmas tree and other tiny things.

Before:


After:




What are you working on today?

Friday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"

Today I'm going to show you a fun and festive drink that both adults and children will love!

Here are the ingredients: Ginger Ale (or Sprite), Maraschino cherries, sugar, and liquid red food coloring.


The first step is to make some colored sugar. I use 4 drops of food coloring and a 1/2 cup of sugar.


Mix together, mashing sugar with back of spoon.




Take a glass and run a orange or lemon slice along the edge. This will help the sugar stick.


Dip the glass in the sugar.


Fill the glass with ginger ale.


Add 2-3 spoonfuls of the cherry juice.


Drop in one or two cherries...


...and enjoy!

Friday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

For each new morning with its light,
For rest and shelter of the night,
For health and food, For love and friends,
For everything Thy goodness sends.
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

Thursday ~ Giving Thanks

Hello everyone! My good friend Cris from From Our Home to Yours emailed me last night to ask if I would add her name to Mr. Linky since she was going out of town for a few days. I said I would be happy too, but for some reason when 11:00pm came around last night, I completely forgot about it! Ahhh!

Please go visit her today and see her delicious looking Pumpkin Spice Bread. The pictures have my mouth watering! Cris, please forgive me for forgetting about your link!

Pumpkin Spice Bread

Thursday ~ Giving Thanks

Welcome to day four of our "Giving Thanks" celebration! We are taking this week (Monday-Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. Each day I will be posting a Thanksgiving related activity, cleaning challenge and Words of Thanksgiving. They will be located directly below this post!

Mr. Linky is available for you to join in and here are some things you could share:
-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.
2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.
3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.
Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Thank you to all who have joined in!! I apologize if I have not stopped by to comment yet. I will visit you soon!

Thursday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge*UPDATED!

Today's cleaning challenge was to find something in your bedroom that needed attention.

I cleaned out the pullout shelf in my writing desk.

Before:


After:


I'm also going to be switching out the hangers in Grace and Emily's closet. I have been putting this off for many years. They have had these tiny hangers since they were newborns and I guess it's time for them to have regular sized ones. They are 8 and 9, afterall. Next, they'll be wanting to borrow the van. ;0)


After:


You are welcome to join in today's bathroom challenge, or clean any other part of your house. Let me know what you are working on!

Thursday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"

If you are hosting a big crowd this Thanksgiving chances are there will be a "kids table." Make it a fun place to eat dinner with some crafts and activities! These projects are easy enough for little ones to help with and perfect for older children to do all by themselves.

For the first project you will need: Paper napkins, ink pads (color of your choice) and Thanksgiving/Autumn related rubber stamps.


All you do is stamp each napkin with a pretty design!


You can use one large stamp....


Or several little stamps all around. Use your imagination!


For the next project get out your paper and stickers for these easy napkin rings.


Cut one strip of paper for each napkin.


Wrap strip around napkin and secure with a piece of tape.


Add a fun Thanksgiving sticker and you're done!





Finally, here is a link for some Thanksgiving Printables. There will come in useful while everyone is waiting for dessert!

Thursday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

“Come home to Thanksgiving!
Dear children, come home!
From the Northland and the South,
from the West and the East,
Where’er ye are resting, where’er ye roam,
Come back to this sacred
and annual feast.”
~Horace Greenley (1846)

Wednesday ~ Giving Thanks

Welcome to day three of our "Giving Thanks" celebration! We are taking this week (Monday-Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. Each day I will be posting a Thanksgiving related activity, cleaning challenge and Words of Thanksgiving. They will be located directly below this post!
Mr. Linky is available for you to join in and here are some things you could share:
-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Thank you to all who have joined in so far! I have really enjoyed your Thanksgiving posts!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.
2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.
3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.
Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Have fun! We are looking forward to what you have to share!

Wednesday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge*UPDATED!

Today's cleaning challenge was to find something in your bathroom that needed attention.
Here are the before and after pictures of what I worked on.

Bathroom cupboard before:


After:



Linen closet before:


After:


I also cleaned out the game closet from Tuesday's challenge.

Wednesday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"

Today I'm going to show you how to make some easy place cards for your Thanksgiving table.
Children can help with this project too!



I like to use gift bag tags (from Michaels) because they are the perfect size and already folded. You could easily cut and fold your own using cardstock though!



For this place card, I attached a sticker, so that it was only on half of the top part of the card. I added my name in the left corner and a little blessing at the bottom. It says:

Bless the food before us,
The family and friends around us,
and the love between us.
Amen.



For this next placecard, I glued gold and cream ribbon along the top and bottom of the card, and then glued on two pieces of dried wheat for a harvest look.


The last one is simply a name written on the card, with a small cluster of acorns placed in front.


I hope I have given you some ideas for some easy-to-make Thanksgiving place cards!

Wednesday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

Psalm 100

Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth.
Worship the LORD with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.

Know that the LORD is God.
It is he who made us, and we are his;
we are his people, the sheep of his pasture.

Enter his gates with thanksgiving
and his courts with praise;
give thanks to him and praise his name.

For the LORD is good and his love endures forever;
his faithfulness continues through all generations.

Tuesday ~ Giving Thanks

Welcome to the day two of our "Giving Thanks" celebration! Doesn't it seem like Thanksgiving is being pushed aside more and more each year? The stores are already playing Christmas music in many parts of the country!

Let's take this week (Monday-Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. Each day I will be posting a Thanksgiving related activity, cleaning challenge and Words of Thanksgiving. They will be located directly below this post!

I would love for you to join in the fun! Mr. Linky is available for you to sign and here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.

2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.

3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.

Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Have fun! We are looking forward to what you have to share!

Tuesday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge*UPDATED

Tuesday's challenge will be to find one thing (or more!) in your living room that need some attention. Maybe something needs dusted, organized, or deep cleaned?

Today I cleaned the two drawers in our coffee table.

Before:


After: Remotes on the left, coasters on the right.


Before:


After:



I didn't get to the games, but there is always tomorrow!


We also have a book shelf of games that isn't too bad but...


the game closet in our hall is. Look like I will be busy for awhile!


If you would like to join in today's challenge, be sure to let me know what you are working on!

Tuesday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"-Part 1

Looking for an easy way to add homemade dinner rolls to your Thanksgiving menu? These easy to make, soft and slightly sweet rolls will be perfect!


Fresh from the oven with lots of butter!


At our Seasonal Delights website we post a weekly recipe and this week it happens to be Refrigerator Dinner Rolls. Come on over to get the recipe and see many more pictures!

Refrigerator Dinner Rolls

Tuesday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"-Part 2

The Cornucopia (also known as a Horn of Plenty) is a very common Thanksgiving symbol. It makes a beautiful centerpiece for your Thanksgiving table, and today I'm going to share with you the step-by-step process of making one.

You will need a horn shaped basket.


There are many things you can fill your cornucopia with: pumpkins, apples, gourds, dried leaves, acorns, chestnuts, dried wheat, etc.


1. Arrange a few leaves along the top inside of the basket.


2. Place your largest item inside. I used a pie pumpkin.


3. Arrange Autumn leaves (from the store or your yard) along the sides and in front of the basket.


4. The next layer will be your medium sized items. I used gourds on the left and Indian corn on the right.


5. Now it's time for the small items such as pumpkins and apples. Arrange them so they appear to be flowing out of the basket.


6. The last layer will be tiny things such as acorns and chestnuts. Sprinkle them all around.


All the way up to the very front.


All ready for Thanksgiving!

Tuesday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

Thanksgiving Time

When all the leaves are off the boughs,
And nuts and apples gathered in,
And cornstalks waiting for the cows
And pumpkins safe in barn and bin,
Then Mother says, “My children dear,
The fields are brown and Autumn flies,
Thanksgiving Day is very near
And we must make Thanksgiving pies.”
~Author unknown

Monday ~ Giving Thanks

Welcome to the beginning of our "Giving Thanks" celebration! Doesn't it seem like Thanksgiving is being pushed aside more and more each year? The stores are already playing Christmas music in many parts of the country!

Let's take these next six days (Monday-Saturday) to prepare our hearts and homes for this wonderful time of year. Each day I will be posting a Thanksgiving related activity, cleaning challenge and Words of Thanksgiving. They will be located directly below this post!

I would love for you to join in the fun! Mr. Linky is available for you to sign and here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions or memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

Remember, everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into a drawing at the end of the week! Go HERE to see the prizes. Each day you participate, your name will be entered into the giveaway drawing. If you participate two days, your name will be entered twice, join us all five days for five entries, etc.

Please read the participating instructions carefully:

1. Write a Thanksgiving post on your blog. Link back to There is No Place Like Home so that others can join in. You may use the "Giving Thanks" button located at the top of this post.

2. When signing Mr. Linky, you must link directly to your "Giving Thanks" post and not your homepage URL.

3. In order to make the Mr. Linky list easy to read, please type your first name only. You may also add a 1-2 word description of what you are sharing. Example: Kelli-Recipe.

Note: Mr. Linky will be up at 12:00am Eastern time each day.

Have fun! We are looking forward to what you have to share!

Monday ~ Daily Cleaning Challenge *UPDATED!

Monday's cleaning challenge was to find one thing (or more!) in your kitchen that needed deep cleaned, tidied, organized, or even fixed.

Here are my "before" and "after" pictures!

Cooking Utensil Drawer ~ Before:


After:


Kitchen hutch drawers ~ Before:


After:


Before:


After:


Pantry ~ Before:


After:


I hope you all did well on your kitchen challenge today!

Monday ~ "Thanksgiving Fun!"

Napkin rings usually cost at least a couple dollars each, and when you need enough for 8-12 napkins it really starts to adds up!

Here are three easy, yet elegant ways to make your own Thanksgiving napkin rings this year.

The only thing you'll need for this first project is beaded garland, which you can find at your craft store. With wire cutters, cut a 5-6 inch length for each napkin.


Bend the garland to fit around each napkin and you're done!




For the second project you will need:
1. Raffia, cut into lengths suitable for a medium sized bow.
2. Autumn leaves from your craft store's floral section. Or you can use real leaves from your yard!



Gather your folded napkin in the middle and wrap your leaf around the center of it.


Secure with raffia bow.


Trim bow ends.






For our last project you will need:

1. Autumn floral sprigs of your choice
2. Thin ribbon, cut into length suitable for a small bow


Lay rolled napkin on top of cut ribbon.


Place sprig on top and secure with ribbon.


Add a bow.




I hope I have given you some ideas on making your Thanksgiving table extra special this year!

Monday ~ "Words of Thanksgiving"

Prayer of Thanksgiving

In the early 1600's the Dutch settlers brought this prayer to the New World. Music was added and it became a favorite in the colonies. The colony, originally called New Netherland, included the coastal areas that later became New York, New Jersey, and Delaware.

We gather together to ask the Lord’s blessing;
He chastens and hastens His will to make known.
The wicked oppressing now cease from distressing.
Sing praises to His Name; He forgets not His own.

Beside us to guide us, our God with us joining,
Ordaining, maintaining His kingdom divine;
So from the beginning the fight we were winning;
Thou, Lord, were at our side, all glory be Thine!

We all do extol Thee, Thou Leader triumphant,
And pray that Thou still our Defender will be.
Let Thy congregation escape tribulation;
Thy Name be ever praised! O Lord, make us free!

Translated by Theodore Baker (1851-1934)

You may listen to the tune of this hymn at Cyberhymnal.org

Giving Thanks

This is a reminder that "Giving Thanks" begins this coming Monday. I will be sharing a daily cleaning schedule (with before and after pictures), decorating ideas, crafts, poems, prayers, games, table settings, and activities for children, and I would LOVE for you to join me!

Please go HERE for all the details, including pictures of the giveaway prizes!

Mr. Linky will be up on Monday at 12:00am EST.

"Show and Tell Friday!"

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

Today I want to show you 10 Noritake teacups that I found during my New England vacation. I actually passed them up the first time my mom and I went to the resale store. I kept wondering what I would do with 10 teacup without saucers! Then I thought how cute they would be during springtime and Easter and so I went back to get them.



They are white on the inside with gold rims and handles. The outsides are very pale pink, blue or green.




I was telling my friend, Kelly in MN about them and she suggested putting a paper doily on the white saucers I already have.


I love this idea!


I also love what I found just the other day. Two saucers (without teacups!) that match perfectly!


Better yet, they were only $1.00 each. :0)




My friend, Revee and her girls are coming over today. My tea tray is all ready and I'm looking forward to our visit!


Thank you for looking at my show and tell!


Show and Tell Guidelines

What is Show and Tell Friday?
Show and Tell involves showing something to an audience, and then telling them about it. Your show and tell must be something that you own, and is in your home or garden.

What items work well for Show and Tell Friday?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Family heirlooms
-A collection you may have
-A piece of jewelry
-A special gift
-Gardening pictures

What doesn't work well for Show and Tell Friday?
-Posts with no photos have no "Show." Please don't use them.
-Photos of events (trips, vacations, celebrations, etc.)
-Photos of things you are selling or planning to sell.
-Photos found on the internet, graphics or screenshots. Please use photos you take yourself.

There is no place like home is the original home of Show and Tell Friday. Please do not host your own.

How can I participate?
Once you've got your photo(s) and your story, it's easy as 1-2-3!

1 - Publish your "Show and Tell" on your blog, including a link back to There is No place like Home.

2 - Copy the link (or "permalink") from your post.

3 - Add it to Mr. Linky, along with your first name only. I usually put Mr. Linky up on Friday at 12:00am Eastern time.

New Special Things

Hello everyone! I'm happy to hear of the interest in the "Giving Thanks" feature that will start next week. I'm looking forward to seeing what you all have to share! Also, thank you for coming along with me for a "walk in the woods" earlier in the week.

Today, I would like to show you a few treasures I brought back from my trip. I found this pair of reading glasses at an antique store. I'm not sure how old they are, but since they are very tiny and fragile, I'm going to pretend they are from long ago. ;0)




I also found these four vintage keys. I plan on adding a red bow to each one, and hanging them on our Christmas tree!


One of the highlights of my trip, was driving through the state of New York. The rolling hills covered with Autumn colors were amazing! Here is the view from a little farm we stopped at, that was selling maple syrup.


I payed $30.00 for this gallon of New York Grade A maple syrup. I hope that's a good deal!


The first thing I made were Heather's Maple Muffins. They are my favorite maple treat!


When I arrived back home, Phillip had something new waiting for me, too. This IKEA kitchen cart is perfect for some extra baking space.


When it's not in use, we keep it tucked in the corner of the kitchen. Phillip also surprised me by hanging up this towel rack.


For now it holds all of my Autumn themed kitchen towels.


Thank you for looking at my new special things!

A Walk in the Woods

Come for a walk in the woods with me...






Carpet of moss.


A hidden pond.


A tall oak split in four.




Knock knock, anyone home?


A moss covered fairy castle.




These pictures were taken on my recent trip to New England.

~Giving Thanks~

The month of November has arrived and with it comes the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving. Over the river and through the woods, we gather with family and friends to give thanks for our many blessings.

During the week of November 12-17 (Monday through Saturday), I will be sharing decorating ideas, crafts, poems, songs, prayers, "after dinner" games, table settings, activities for children, and a daily cleaning schedule (with before and after pictures!).

Here is where the fun part comes in. I'm going to post a Mr. Linky, so you can join in too! Here are some things you could share:

-What you are thankful for
-Thanksgiving traditions and memories
-Recipes
-Craft Ideas
-Decorating ideas
-Your menu
-Cleaning/Organizing "before" and "after" pictures
-Anything having to do with Thanksgiving!

In thankfulness for all of my friends here in blogland, the week will end with a giveaway! Everyone who participates and signs Mr. Linky will be entered into the drawing.

The prizes are a collection of gifts for you and your home, to welcome in the Christmas season!


~Six red damask napkins. The bronze tray is also included.


~A five foot jewel tone beaded garland, perfect for candle or napkin rings.
~A glittery pinecone candle.


~Two Christmas mugs, complete with lids to keep your drink warm!


~Two bags of each of the following flavors of tea: Holiday Spice, Silent Night, Happy Holidays, Peppermint, Gingerbread Boy, and Sleigh Ride.
~Festive shaped shortbread cookies.


~Snowman themed mini-cards, post-its, a journal, and notepad, so you can get a jump start on your Christmas planning!

The winner will be announced Monday, November 19.

Here is a "Giving Thanks" button that you are welcome to use on your blog.


I hope you will join me next week as we prepare for Thanksgiving!

Giving Thanks

I have lots of fun things planned for the week of November 12-17, so come back tomorrow and I will tell you all about it!

"Show and Tell Friday!"

Welcome to “Show and Tell Friday!” Do you have something special to share with us? It could be a trinket from grade school, a piece of jewelry, or a treasured collection. Look around your home for something to share; dig through those boxes in your closet if you have to! Share photos and the story that goes with your special item.

While visiting Ontario, Canada this past month, the girls and I had the pleasure of meeting Sandra, from Ravenhill Cottage and her husband, Bill. I met Sandra in a Letter Writing Yahoo group several years ago and we have become good friends. I was so excited to finally get to meet her in person! Sandra and her husband were nice enough to pick the girls and I up at my sister's house and we had lunch at the Swiss Chalet.

Sandra is just as sweet as I expected and we had a wonderful time visiting. Before we knew it, two hours had passed!

Here we are after lunch. It had just started raining, which explains why the girls are squinting!

Sandra (left) and Kelli (right)
Grace and Emily

During lunch Sandra surprised me with these two beautiful hankies!




Aren't they so pretty and delicate?!


Thank you, Sandra! They are the perfect tokens of our wonderful visit together!


Thank you for looking at my show and tell!


Show and Tell Guidelines

What is Show and Tell Friday?
Show and Tell involves showing something to an audience, and then telling them about it. Your show and tell must be something that you own, and is in your home or garden.

What items work well for Show and Tell Friday?
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
-Family heirlooms
-A collection you may have
-A piece of jewelry
-A special gift
-Gardening pictures

What doesn't work well for Show and Tell Friday?
-Posts with no photos have no "Show." Please don't use them.
-Photos of events (trips, vacations, celebrations, etc.)
-Photos of things you are selling or planning to sell.
-Photos found on the internet, graphics or screenshots. Please use photos you take yourself.

There is no place like home is the original home of Show and Tell Friday. Please do not host your own.

How can I participate?
Once you've got your photo(s) and your story, it's easy as 1-2-3!

1 - Publish your "Show and Tell" on your blog, including a link back to There is No place like Home.

2 - Copy the link (or "permalink") from your post.

3 - Add it to Mr. Linky, along with your first name only. I usually put Mr. Linky up on Friday at 12:00am Eastern time.

A Fun Evening

Hello everyone! We had a couple and their daughter over last night and enjoyed a dinner and fun evening together. I am slowly getting things back to normal around here and this was the perfect excuse to get caught up on dusting and cleaning. :0)

I gave the front porch a good sweeping and put our pumpkins on the rocking chair. I also tied a bundle of Indian corn to the back of the chair.


Walmart had small pots of Mums for 99 cents so I put two inside this barrel. Hopefully they will last through November!


Inside, the candy bucket was full and I made "Boo" goody bags for the neighbor children.


A pot of white chili was simmering away on the stove. (The recipe is on my sidebar.)


Crackers and cheese for the appetizer.


After dinner, we headed out into the neighborhood. It was fun to see all the kids dressed up!


Benjamin was a pirate.


Grace was an artist.


Emily was a cowgirl, here she is sorting her stash!


The neighbors were very generous. Shh...don't tell our dentist!


I'll be back soon for Show and Tell Friday!