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.

Earlier this week I shared pictures of the canisters on my kitchen hutch. Today I'm going to show you the entire hutch.

A bought it used a few years ago, gave it a fresh coat of paint and added new knobs.


I actually like to call it my "pie safe" since Phillip took out the glass doors and replaced them with screen.


A couple of days ago I added some hooks to make more room for my teacups.


Everything was found at a resale store, yard sale or was a gift.




I put all of my summer dishes on the bottom shelf.




Along with my tea tray. Thank you for taking a look at my kitchen hutch!


~*~*~Show and Tell idea for next week: A special childhood keepsake.~*~*~


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Homemade Father's Day Card

Timalee at My Unexpected Happiness asked about sharing some homemade card ideas for the men in our lives and this week's project is my attempt at doing that. Remember that Father's Day is coming up in a few weeks!


You will need two coordinating patterns of scrapbook paper and depending on what you use can really change the look of the card.


Here are a couple of "girly" cards I made, too.


You will need a 7x5" notecard (or a 7x10" piece of cardstock). I also picked up some thin cording since I'm guessing guys don't appreciate ribbon as much as we girls do. :0)


Cut 4- 6 3/4 x 2 1/4" strips of scrapbook paper: two of each pattern.


Fold the left flap of your notecard toward the center of card.


Repeat with right side.


Glue one of the paper strips to left side of card.


Repeat on other side, making sure to use the other patterned paper.


Take another strip, turn it over and with a pencil, make a mark along the long edge at the 3 3/8" point.


Place one end of ruler on the dot and the other end at the top right corner. Draw a pencil line. Repeat with the top left corner.


Cut along pencil lines and you will end up with a triangle. Repeat with remaining strip of paper.


Glue triangles to front of card, as shown.


Punch a hole at the edge of each flap.


Tie a lose knot with the cord. I also added some BBQ stickers, but I think I like the card better without them.


You can also turn the triangles around for a different look.


I hope you enjoyed this week's homemade card project!

I Remember Laura Blog-a-thon

Miss Sandy over at the lovely Quill Cottage will be hosting a special blogging event during the month of June called "I Remember Laura" Blog-A-Thon. I received a copy of Little House on the Prairie for my 10th birthday and have been a fan of Laura Ingalls Wilder's stories ever since. Miss Sandy is giving us a chance to share our special keepsakes and treasures, along with our "Little House" memories. I can't wait to join in the fun! You can read all the details HERE.

Homemade Napkin Rings

I made some homemade summertime napkin rings for this week's project. Come on over to Seasonal Delights for the instructions!

Kitchen Canisters

Thank you for sharing your summer menu ideas with me yesterday. It sounds like a lot of us grill and make salads this time of year. Several of you asked me a few questions and I will get to them soon!

I spent Tuesday afternoon moving some things around in my kitchen. I got the dishes down from the hutch, and the top of the oven and fridge. Everything needed a good dusting and then I had fun rearranging it all.


I especially wanted to make room for my canisters.


So, what do I have inside them?


Coffee. I have to start the morning off right. :0)


Sugar


Various teabags


Tea biscuits


Do you have a set of kitchen canisters? If so, what do you keep in them?

Summer Recipes and Menu Planning

Thank you for stopping by this weekend, I hope you had a great time with your family. On Sunday afternoon, I organized my cookbooks and recipes. It's hard to believe June is almost here and the time for lighter lunches and dinners.


I get most of my recipes off the internet, but my favorite summer cookbook is Gardeners' Community Cookbook. I found it at Goodwill many years ago.


I put tabs on all of the recipes I'm interested in making. I never get to them all, but it's fun to try!


You can't go wrong with tomatoes, zucchini, fresh herbs, pasta and cheese.


Tomato, Basil and Cheese Pie


Rosemary-Cheese Scones


I also updated the menu organizer on my fridge. I did really well with it at the beginning of the year, but recently got out of the habit.


Every day has a post-it note. A lot of our meals of repeated, so I just move the note over to the right side, until I need it again.


We want to start having friends over for dinner once a week this summer. I made a list of possible appetizers, lunches/dinners, salads and desserts. We like to grill some kind of meat and then make several side dishes.


Hopefully having a list close by will make the dinner planning easier, especially when my mind goes blank!


Finally, I want to share a little something that Grace put together this weekend. Cantaloupe and cherries are on sale right now, so she arranged the sliced cantaloupe on a plate.


And filled in the empty spots with cherries! Isn't that a great idea?


Thank you for looking at my summer menus. I would love to hear about some of your favorite things to eat this time of year!

Happy Memorial Day!

~Heroism, Dedication, Courage~
Remembering with you the beauty of a life past, but not forgotten.



Wishing you a wonderful Memorial Day with your family!

Weekend Chit~Chat

Happy weekend! We have been enjoying some relaxing family time today. Phillip has Monday off and we will grill and roast marshmallows over the BBQ. I have been reading through one of my favorite cookbooks and making note of summer recipes I want to try. I plan on taking better advantage of our Farmer's Market and teaching the girls how to can some pickles and jam. I spent most of Friday morning out in the garden weeding, trimming and putting down fresh mulch. Here are some of my May blooms...

Petunias


Columbine






Snapdragons




Grace's pinwheel petunias


Pansy


I have yet to be successful with tomatoes. A mocking bird has found the ripe ones again this year.


Grace gave me this small bouquet of lavender.


Right now Phillip is teaching the girls and Benjamin how to play a new game. Once he gets everything explained, I'll join in.


Although Fern seems to be enjoying her nap in the sun. Maybe I should try that instead. :0)

I hope you are having a wonderful weekend with your family! Do you have any special plans?

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 to two "new-to-me" porcelain boxes to share with you today.


The flowers make me think of a summer morning in a rose garden.


The smaller box has a 24 K gold scalloped rim.


The larger box is my favorite and would be perfect for holding teabags or maybe chocolates. :0)


A close-up of the roses.


Pretty lilacs.




Have you ever heard of "China Charm by Fawn?"


I have looked all over the internet and can't find a single thing about it!


For now they are on my dining room hutch, but I may move them to my letter writing desk to hold pens, stickers and stamps.


Thank you for looking at my show and tell!


~*~*~Show and Tell idea for next week: A special item in your bedroom.~*~*~


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Simple Pleasures Around the House

I was "puttering" around the house yesterday afternoon and noticed some little things that make me happy.


A simple centerpiece using a yellow dishtowel, a favorite plate and a few lemons.


A clean kitchen sink and dishes.


Fresh bread for dinner.


And a new embroidery book and pretty floss to drool over. What simple pleasures are you enjoying today?

Homemade Notecard and Envelope

My friend Cathy sent me these beautiful stickers (I love Sunbonnet Sue!) and they were the inspiration for this week's homemade card. You can use any kind of stickers or embellishments, of course.




Cut a 4" wide strip from a 12x12" piece of scrapbook paper.


Turn strip over and fold down a 2 1/2" flap at the top.


Fold the bottom flap up to meet the top crease line.


Basic card shape.


Using decorative scissors, cut top flap as shown.


Punch a hole at the bottom.


Add stickers and a ribbon bow.


You can make a matching envelope from the leftover scrapbook paper.


Take a 5 3/4 x 4 1/2" envelope apart and trace onto scrapbook paper.


Cut out and glue sides and bottom.


Add a decorative label to the front.


Send to a friend! Let me know if you make one too!

Porch and Yard Decorations

Hello! Thank you for your comments on the tomato and mozzarella salad and also my lunch with the morning doves. I may have to take a break from eating lunch on the patio for awhile since it has been close to 100F for the last two days!


I thought I would share some little things I have around my yard and porches.


Depending on the season, I change out the ribbon around my rocking chair pillow. My friend Heather sent me this pretty yellow ribbon.


Impatiens on a plant stand with a small birdbath underneath.


Since summer is coming up, I put out my mini star lanterns.


Lit up at night.


In this corner of my front yard I have a gliding bench.


Along with a butterfly plant hanger.


A comfy pillow on the bench.


The centerpiece on my back patio table is a votive candle holder.


But I found these rose shaped floating candles that fit perfectly in each section.




And finally some new pictures on my patio wall.


One for each of the four seasons!




Thank you for looking at some little things around my yard!

Tomato Mozzarella Salad

I have a recipe to share with you today. I made this tomato and mozzarella salad for Phillip's birthday cookout and everyone really liked it. We like to grill a lot in the summer, so I will be making it again soon! Come on over to Seasonal Delights for the recipe!

Lunch with the Morning Doves

Yesterday, I made myself a toasted tomato sandwich for lunch and went out onto the patio. Fortunately, I took my camera along because the Morning Doves came for a visit. Feel free to click on the pictures to make them bigger!


The babies in the nest are almost full grown. The bigger one was stretching out his wings.


The mama dove flew down.


And had a little drink.


I noticed that the baby was getting very close to the edge of the nest, so I held my camera up for several minutes.


His first flight out into the world!


The mom gave him a quick snack.


Then the Dad came for a drink.


And the happy family went for a walk. It was a great lunch!

A Birthday Cookout

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend. We had a fun cookout for Phillip's birthday yesterday. We were so busy visiting with everyone that we didn't take pictures once company arrived, but here are some pictures of getting things ready.


Making chocolate cookies. We had homemade ice cream sandwiches instead of cake.


I set out most of the serving dishes ahead of time.


I also got out our corn on the cob holders.


And the swizzle sticks for stirring iced tea.


We had soda, cranberry/raspberry tea, iced tea and lemonade.


Phillip grilled chicken and sausages and we also had potato salad, tomato and mozzarella salad, corn on the cob, stuffed mushrooms and devilled eggs.

Thank you for taking a look and have a great start to your week!

A Simple Woman's Daybook

I am participating in Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook today!


~For Today~
Monday, May 19, 2008

Outside My Window...
A bright and sunny day. It is starting to heat up here in Texas.

I am thinking...
that I need to have a good attitude about Mondays. :0)

I am thankful for...
a less busy week than last.

From the kitchen...
leftovers from Phillip's birthday cookout: grilled chicken, potato salad, sliced tomatoes, corn on the cob and chocolate ice cream.

I am wearing...
blue jeans and a black shirt.

I am creating...
a "Sunflower House." The sunflower seeds that I planted two weeks ago never came up, so I'm planting fresh ones this afternoon.

I am reading...
The Candlelit Home by John Terrell Fry

I am hoping...
to organize my sewing supplies.

I am hearing...
the washing machine. I am determined to keep caught up on laundry this week.

Around the house...
are bedrooms to be cleaned and letters to be written.

One of my favorite things...
celebrating birthdays.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:
Grace has her last art class of the year on Tuesday and we are having friends over on Friday.

Here is a picture that I am sharing...

Grace discovered a rabbit nest under our lavender plant. I will be careful not to get the babies wet with the hose.

Thank you for reading my Daybook!

Water Lilies and Roses

Hello! How is your weekend going? We have been busy getting ready for Phillip's birthday on Sunday! We are having his family and a few friends over for a cookout. The house and yard are nice and clean and I have a few pictures to share with you.


The first water lily of the season.


It loves the bright sun.




Won't you come into my garden?
I would like my roses to see you.
~Richard Sheridan 1751-1816


My Joseph's coat climbing rose has so many beautiful blooms right now.








Can you spot the little visitor?

I hope you all are having a great weekend! I'll be back later with birthday pictures!

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 two treasures to show you today. They were both given to me by my Great-Grandma. I was still very young when she passed away, so I don't remember her very well, but I do have memories of visiting her at her nursing home quite often.

This is a small devotional book for Mothers. I didn't appreciate this book growing up, but I'm glad I hung onto it, now that I have children of my own.


Several of my signatures on the inside cover. Maybe I was practicing?


I received this book in 1982.


I was six years old.


My Great-Grandma left me this tiny heart necklace and I have kept it safe in my jewelry box for many years.


The gold has tarnished in spots, but I think it is still sweet. Thank you for looking at my show and tell and have a wonderful weekend!


~*~*~Show and Tell idea for next week: Something you got on a trip.~*~*~


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Snacks and lunches in a basket

Hello! Thank you for your comments on our Morning Room and dried roses. I appreciate you taking the time to stop by and say hi!


Many of you know I'm a huge fan of baskets. I use them for all kinds of different things around the house. Last week, I spotted these three at the resale store for $1.00, so I brought them home.


The are the perfect size for lining with a napkin.


Adding a glass of cold milk.


And a couple of cookies!


I have made Heather's Oatmeal Cookies many times and they are always good. I added butterscotch chips and a few leftover chocolate chips that I needed to use up.


They are also the perfect size for a sandwich lunch out on the picnic table. I have a feeling these baskets will get lots of use this coming summer!

We've had three busy days in a row this week. I'm looking forward to an "at home" day. We will do our schoolwork in the morning, dust and vacuum the living room, laundry, and hopefully it will be dry enough to play outside in the afternoon. What is on your to-do list today?

Spring Tulip Notecard

Welcome to this week's homemade card project! Don't forget you can substitute different paper and stickers for the cards you make.


This is a 6 x 4" inch notecard. Cut a slightly smaller rectangle from scrapbook paper and glue to front of card.


Add a ribbon knot along the right hand side of card.




Add stickers of your choice.


Cut a 2 1/2 x 2" rectangle from cardstock. Cut a slightly smaller rectangle from scrapbook paper and glue to front of cardstock.


Glue to front of card, under the ribbon, as shown.


Send to a friend! Let me know if you make one too!

Victorian Morning Room and Dried Roses

I borrowed this neat book Victorian Flowercrafts from the library a few weeks ago. In addition to flower projects and recipes, it takes you through a Victorian home and shows different decorating ideas.


My favorite room is The Morning Room. Here is what it says:

"The Victorian Morning Room was used in the mornings much like a family room is used for all kinds of daytime activities. Positioned to catch the morning light, it would be a place for the girls in the household to pursue a hobby or just to chatter. The lady of the house might choose to work out the day's menus here and write a few letters, or talk to the housekeeper about household matters."


Grace and Emily liked the sound of this and have made our back patio our Morning Room. We already eat breakfast out there, so we've been chatting about the plans for the day, too. This is far to girly for Benjamin, so he plays in the sandbox. :0)


The book also inspired me to dry the roses that Phillip got me last week.


I gentle peeled off each petal.


And placed them on a large cookie sheet.


I also had some roses left over from May Day.


I put the tray in our garage and the roses were dry in about 3 days.


I put them in a ziplock and added some rose essential oil.


This is what the finished sachet bags will look like, but first I have to let the petals sit for a few weeks. I will probably save them for Christmas gifts.

Have a wonderful Wednesday!

Green Chile Chicken

I'm sorry I'm so late with Tuesday's Seasonal Delights weekly recipe! I came up with this recipe when I opened my pantry and it was pretty much empty. :0) I had a can of diced tomatoes and green chiles, plus chicken in the fridge. I added some spices and came up with Green Chile Chicken, which we've had once a week for the last month! Anyways, come over to Seasonal Delights for the recipe!

My New Wagon Planter

Hello! Thank you to all who left a comment for my book giveaway! I used random.org to figure out the winner and I'm happy to announce that Becki from Field Lilies is the lucky duck! Congratulations Becki! Email me your address and I will get them right out to you!

I had a wonderful Mother's Day yesterday. The girls made me breakfast in bed and everyone gave me sweet and thoughtful gifts that they picked out. After church Phillip took me out to lunch and best of all, I got lots of hugs and kisses!

We had a relaxing afternoon at home and I want to show you a little something I worked on.


Last summer, this dirty and rusty red wagon was sitting out by the curb for trash pickup.


I brought it home, cleaned it and the it has come in handy for lots of different things.


It has even held summertime snacks!


I thought I would do something different this year.


I gathered up my various terra cotta pots.


And lots of flowers.


I filled the larger pots with potting soil and planted the flowers.




I filled the empty spots with all the smaller pots and saucers.




This is what I ended up with!


Who knows what our little wagon will be used for next year, but for now it seems to cheer up this spot in our front yard. Thank you for taking a look and I hope you have a great start to your week!

The Simple Woman's Daybook

I am participating in Peggy's Simple Woman's Daybook today!


~For Today~
Monday, May 12, 2008

Outside My Window...
Blue skies, green grass and baby mourning doves getting bigger every day.

I am thinking...
How I wish summer vacation could start now.

I am thankful for...
A lovely Mother's Day with my family.

From the kitchen...
Garlic and herb shish kabobs, corn on the cob and spinach salad.

I am wearing...
Blue jeans and my favorite yellow shirt.

I am creating...
Pressed flowers stationery.

I am going...
To the post office. I'll be getting some 1 cent stamps since the rate increased today.

I am reading...
Anne of Green Gables

I am hoping...
to get caught up on laundry.

I am hearing...
the early morning quiet.

Around the house...
Books to read, math lessons to complete, bedrooms to deep clean, and lots of free time for playing this afternoon.

One of my favorite things...
Fresh hot bread straight from the oven. I'd like to make some whole wheat oatmeal bread this week.

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week:

Monday-Benjamin's Cub Scout graduation
Tuesday-Grace's art class
Wednesday-Dental appointment for Emily
Thursday-Grocery shopping
Friday-Get ready for Phillip's birthday dinner

Here is a picture that I am sharing...


My new wagon planter! To see more pictures click HERE. Thank you for reading my Daybook!

New Books and a Last Minute *Giveaway!*

We headed out to the resale store this afternoon and all kinds of wonderful book popped out at me from the full bookshelves!


This little quote book has beautiful drawings and pictures of Royal Albert Old Country Roses.


This is my mom's favorite china pattern, so I will be sending this book to her.


Have you heard of The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden?


It is filled with beautiful nature drawings, poems and personal thoughts.


Prayers and Blessings for your Home




Sweet poems and quotes that take us through all four seasons.


No Better Friend Than You


Another seasonal book with friendship poems and quotes. It would make a great gift!


An Invitation to Tea by Emilie Barnes. Inside are 10 different themed teas, along with lots of recipes.


And last but not least, The Gentle Art of Hospitality by Alda Ellis. I have never seen this book before, but glancing through it, I can see that it is filled with great ideas and recipes...


~Create a warm kitchen welcome
~Room fragrance all year long
~Flavored Iced Teas
~A well-stocked pantry
~Friendship gifts
~Ideas to make your gathering delightful

I already own two of these books and found extra copies of the other ones, so I decided to have a giveaway!


Here are the books I'm giving away:
~The Country Diary of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden (paperback)
~Prayers and Blessings for your Home
~No Better Friend Than You
~An Invitation to Tea by Emilie Barnes
~The Gentle Art of Hospitality by Alda Ellis

To enter the giveaway all you have to do is leave a comment before Sunday May 11, 08 at 11:59 pm EST. You don't have to have a blog to join in, just leave an email address, so I have a way of reaching you. Good luck!


I also want to take this time to say Happy Mother's Day to all the wonderful moms here in blog land. I hope your day is very special!

Weekend Gardens

It seems I have been sharing gardening pictures every weekend lately. Thank you for coming by to visit and say hello!

I love to look for tiny and hidden things while working in the garden. Come along with me and take a peek.


Among the water garden rocks...


...a sweet violet enjoys the morning sun.


Near the garden gate...


...hen and chicks spread quickly.


At the future home of our sunflower house...


...morning glory seedlings sprout up.


In the garden box...


...lavender blooms sway in the breeze.


Tiny basil plants pop out of nowhere.


In the secret garden...


...the beginnings of a new bleeding heart!


A purple columbine bud...


...and a pink one!

Have a wonderful weekend!

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.


Happy Friday! I have some new gifts to show you today. Recently, I participated in a homemade gift swap and my partner was LaTeaDah from Gracious Hospitality. May of you know her from the lovely Tea blog-a-thon she has been hosting. Here is what she sent me...


Two of the softest hand towels with gorgeous trim.


A pretty piece of needlework framed in a Victorian style frame.


I especially love the ferns and roses!


Some lavender handsoap and bodywash, a candle and a sachet filled the dried lavender.


The lavender is from LaTeaDah's own garden. I can't wait to try adding a little to scones and shortbread.


Since my bathroom is done in lavender with green accents, these gifts are perfect and I have already found a home for everything. Thank you so much, LaTeaDah!




Thank you for looking at my show and tell!

~*~*~Show and Tell idea for next week: Something that you have made.~*~*~


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Lots of strawberries!

Our little strawberry patch has been doing so well this year. The girls and Benjamin like to go out every morning and see how many ripe berries there are.


Don't you think the white ones are pretty, too?


There are plenty more on the way.


The little berries make a perfect snack.


Along with strawberry tea, of course!


They also make the perfect snack for the bunny fairies!


Speaking of strawberries, I found this fabric at Hobby Lobby a few weeks ago. I'm going to make myself and the girls aprons for the summer.


And finally, strawberries have been on sale lately, so we've been making strawberry smoothies.

Here is the recipe:

~Strawberry Smoothies~
3 cups ice
1 1/2 cups strawberries, quartered
1/4 cup sugar
1 cup milk

Blend all ingredients in blender until smooth. Enjoy!


Don't forget to save a strawberry for the top!

Homemade Lined Envelopes

This week I received such a cute card in the mail from my friend, Dot. I hope she doesn't mind if I steal borrow her ideas. :0)


Not only do I love the card, but I love how she lined the envelope with matching paper. I've never seen this idea before!


Basically you cut a piece of paper so the sides are slightly smaller than the envelope and about 1-inch from the bottom.


Slip it inside the envelope and glue the top edge down. Here are a few I made...







Any leftover pieces of paper can be used for a little color on the front of the envelope.

Thank you for the pretty card, Dot! BTW, Dot is a wonderful photographer, so be sure to visit her at her blog, Strolling Through Georgia!

Decorating a garden gate

Hello everyone! Benjamin got his first library card last week, so we've been having lots of fun going to the library and checking out books.


I have a weakness for gardening and decorating books and Outdoor Companion by Mary Engelbreit is one of my favorites.


Isn't this a sweet garden gate?


I also like this one...


...and especially this one!


I starting thinking about my poor pitiful gate. :0) Until we get our fence replaced in a few years, I'm not able to do anything about the wood or color. I decided to look around the garage and yard to see if I had anything to make it a little more welcoming.


I started with this old planter box that my mom gave me and I filled with with impatiens.


I got this garden lantern at a yardsale a few years ago.


This was my wreath from last summer. I hung it on the front of the gate.


I hung this little sign in the center.


Here is the "after" picture. We've had a few rainstorms and everything has survived just fine. Thank you for taking a look!

Blueberry Cream Cheese Strudel

Hello everyone! Thank you for your wonderful comments on my easy entertaining post and thank you for sharing your great tips, too.

I had Mother's Day in mind when I was looking through my recipes last week. I wanted one that was easy enough for Dad and the kids to whip up for a surprise breakfast in bed because what mom doesn't like that, right?! My Mother-in-law made this Blueberry Cream Cheese Strudel when she came out for a visit after Emily was born. I've made it several times since then, and it is always a hit.


Flaky puff pastry filled the sweet cream cheese and blueberries.


It would also make a wonderful dessert or a teatime snack. Come on over to Seasonal Delights for the recipe and let me know if you try it!

Easy Entertaining

Hello! I hope you all had a great weekend! We had lots of time to relax, which is always nice. Emily and I finished planting all of our sunflower house seeds and we are hoping to see tiny seedlings soon.

This past Friday, I had a friend and her daughter over for lunch. I thought I would share some pictures and a few easy entertaining tips with you.


It was a warm sunny day, so I rearranged my patio furniture, so we could sit across from each other and visit. I'd like to keep the large chair there all the time, but it would get rained on.


My friend arrived around 10:30am and we had some hot tea. The lace cloth on my tea tray is actually a table runner folded in half.


I usually serve the same thing for lunch whenever we have company over. Sliced turkey and cheese, along with rolls or croissants (my favorite!).


Lettuce and sliced tomatoes.


Mayonnaise and mustard.

I put all of the food on plates about an hour before company arrives, cover them with saran wrap and place in the refrigerator. Everything is quick and easy to get to once it is lunchtime.


I also like to serve a vegetable and dipping sauce. I decided to get a little fancy with the cucumbers.




The girls and Benjamin like crackers too, so I filled up the other side of the plate, and put a bowl of cheese spread in the middle. Sometimes I put out an olive and pickle tray, too.


Everyone seems to like lemonade. I cheat and buy it all ready made.


It's even better with strawberries. I quartered the berries and added them about an hour before lunch.


For dessert, I usually serve fruit (whatever is in season and on sale) and something that I have baked.

I hope I have given you some easy entertaining ideas. I would love to hear your tips too!

Weekend Chit~Chat

Hello! How is your weekend going? It was a beautiful day here in Texas. Phillip opened our bedroom window this morning, so we could enjoy the breeze and the sound of our water garden fountain. Our kitty Fern had fun dreaming of a goldfish lunch!


Phillip took the girls and Benjamin out to run a few errands and I had a quiet morning writing some letters. I found these pretty notepads at the Dollar Tree.



I also spent a little time out in the garden planting flower seeds and weeding (there are always weeds!).

My jasmine is in full bloom now.


Creeping thyme between the stepping stones in the secret garden.


This is my first year growing a southern variety of rhubarb. It hasn't been doing well, but just this week some new leaves popped up.


Benjamin loves the story of Peter Rabbit, so we planted a blackberry bush last spring. We can't wait to try the berries!


A rhododendron leaf. Doesn't it look like a fairy slide?


Two happy geranium blooms.


And finally some beautiful roses that Phillip surprised me with this afternoon. I like when he stops by the grocery store. :0)

I hope you all are having a wonderful weekend!

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 would like to show you a couple of new things in my kitchen window.


A couple of months ago, I purchased 12 old glass bottles. I liked to keep them filled with various flowers for a centerpiece, but our kitty loved to knock them over.


For some reason she leaves the kitchen window alone, so I decided to display the bottles there instead.


Right now they are filled with pink roses.






But my favorite new thing in the window has ten tiny toes...


...and a sweet little face.


Can you see her trying to escape from the flower pot?! My favorite thing about blogging is all the wonderful friends that I've made. A few weeks ago I got an email from a lady named Cathy. She sent me pictures of her beautiful "Meet in the middle" cards and we have been been chatting ever since.


Cathy knows I love fairies and was so kind and thoughtful to send me this little sweetie. I just love her, although she is a handful to watch out for. ;0) Thank you again, for such a lovely gift, Cathy!


Thank you for looking at my show and tell!

~*~*~Next week I'm going to being doing a color theme for my show and tell. I will pick a couple of special things that are all the same color. Feel free to do the same!~*~*~


Please read the Show and Tell Guidelines for step-by-step instructions on how to participate.

If you would like to join in, please leave your *permalink* below, along with your first name (this makes the list easier to read). If your link has been removed from Mr. Linky, please re-read over the guidelines before re-posting. Have fun!

Welcome May!

"The merriest month of the year arrives bringing with it sunshine, birdsong, apple blossoms, budding lilacs, and longer days to enjoy life as spring's promise is finally fulfilled. Start the month off on a high note with the celebration of May Day!" -Mrs. Sharp's Traditions



Art.com
The world's favorite season is the spring.
All things seem possible in May.
- Edwin Way Teale



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'But I must gather knots of flowers,
And buds and garlands gay,
For I'm to be Queen o' the May, mother,
I'm to be Queen o' the May.'
- Alfred Lord Tennyson



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Sweet April showers
Do spring May flowers.
- Thomas Tusser, A Hundred Good Points of Husbandry, 1557



I thought that spring must last forevermore
For I was young and loved, and it was May.
- Vera Brittain, May Morning



Art.com

I climbed and I climbed to the top of the tree;
High up in the branches I stood.
Below in the field was a man with his plough,
And I called him as loud as I could.

He stopped, and he looked at the hedges and lane,
And no one at all could he see,
For he never once thought, as he wondered and stared
I was up in the top of the tree.

I swung and I swayed with the tree in the wind;
I was not afraid I would fall;
The maple seeds spread out their little green wings,
And nobody saw me at all.
K. Pyle

~*~Happy May to all of my friends!~*~

Nine Patch Notecard

This week's homemade card project is called "Nine Patch."


You will need a 5" x 5" cardstock notecard.


Cut out 9 - 1 1/2" squares from scrapbook paper.


Glue to the front of cardstock.


Hot glue a bow to the top center square.


Quick and easy!


Here is a different variation.


Add some color to the edges and surface of the cardstock circle by dabbing it with an inkpad.


Add a bow and a charm. Stickers would work great, too!


All ready to send to a friend! Thank you for looking at this week's project. Let me know if you make one!