Subtle Valentine Decorating

Something a little different for Valentine's Day.
A combination of silver, candles, miniature dry rosebuds, pepperberries and a Valentine card given to my hubby's mother and passed on to me by my wonderful SIL. Thanks, Nancy!

Be sure to check out the other
wonderful mosaics over
at Mary's!

Stimulating the Senses

You're thinking, "What in the world is she talking about?" Well, I took a look at my winter/February mantel from last year and thought it felt a little "cold". So I went back to what I like best when decorating: nature and feeling cozy.

This mantel from last year, was missing something - warmth. And goodness knows we can all use some warmth!


This is much better. Not a huge change, but definitely an improvement. All it took were some mason jars, filled with Epsom salts to mimic the look of snow, (those of you in the midwest and along the east coast may want to skip the salts) and a tea light nestled in the top. And no, you don't see any amaryllis blooms this year - all I got are big green wonky leaves that look like green antlers. Don't look.


On to the olfactory sense...and this is one of my favorite things to do on a chilly day. Fill a large pot with water, slice up an orange/tangerine, toss in a couple of bay leaves, a few cloves, sprinkle in these spices: cinnamon, nutmeg and ground allspice. Bring to a soft boil and then reduce to simmering. Now...DON'T forget about this on your stove!! I add more water when I notice it getting low. You can reheat with the same ingredients 2 or 3 times. This homemade simmering potpourri smells divine!


Last but not least, lets cover the ole' taste buds. Because who couldn't use a warm you to the bones stew after being out in the brutal cold? This is a delicious and very easy recipe to boot.

French Vegetable Beef Stew

2 lbs. beef stew meat and olive oil to brown meat
1 can condensed onion soup
1 - 6oz. can tomato paste
1 TBSP. basil
1 tsp. salt and 1/2 tsp. pepper
5-8 carrots, sliced
2 c. sliced celery
1 can or frozen wax beans - if canned, do not drain
1 can or frozen green beans - again, do not drain if canned
1 can kidney beans (don't drain)
optional: potatoes are fine if you don't plan on freezing the stew and Parmesan cheese if you want to top it off.

In a large pot over medium/high heat, brown meat well in olive oil. Reduce heat to medium, stir in undiluted onion soup, 5 soup cans water, tomato paste, basil, salt and pepper. Simmer covered, 1 and 1/2 hours.

Add all vegetables; reheat to boiling, then simmer covered 30 minutes or until meat and veggies are fork tender. Top with Parmesan cheese if you'd like.


The beauty of this recipe is that it has such a good base that you can vary or add vegetables to you liking. I try to healthy it up a bit, by skipping the canned veggies as much as possible and use fresh or frozen. Yum!

Thanks for visiting and come back for a Valentine's gift (for kiddos) that keeps giving through out the year!

Spring Decor - Part II

click on any image to enlarge

Built-in shelves flank our fireplace since this house was built. We've lived in this house for 13 years and many of those years these shelves have been one hot mess! Only recently have I been enlightened by my good friend, Amanda, that you don't just pile up all your crap up there and call it a day. Who knew?I always knew I liked how other people arranged their schtuff, but had no idea of the thought process which went into it. So, I scoured catalogs and the internet in search of some guidelines. These are some pointers I took note of.

OBJECTS
Keep "heavy" objects on the lower shelves. (Heavy can be weight or bulkiness.)

Like items make more of an impression when grouped together. (Especially if they're small.)

Use "greens" as a place for your eye to rest. (My greens are dried or fake.)

Vary textures, shapes and colors to keep the eye moving from top to bottom.
For a more subtle effect, vary the textures and shapes, but keep everything in the same color.

Use items which have special meaning to you. (This Pressman camera was given to me by my father-in-law and is a real treasure to me.)

SPACING
Place objects on shelves in layers. (I'm a major offender of this "rule" - I used to line up my items like soldiers in one row.)

Leave some open space on each shelf. (About 10%)

BOOKS
Sort books by color rather than subject. (This works well if you don't have a ton of books.)

Stand books vertically and stack horizontally. Large books make a great stand to elevate a piece. (plates, pictures, etc.)Exclude paperbacks and remove dust jackets from hardcovers.

I don't know that I've followed all the "rules', but I do know my shelves look a whole lot better. Before, I had a ton of framed pictures on my shelves and now the pictures I've selected have special meaning and can get the proper attention they deserve.

What rules do you follow or break when decorating your shelves?
Thanks for visiting and Happy Easter, friends!

Spring Decor - Part I

Finally! I'm hoping to successfully link up to Mary's Monday Mosaic tonight. She hosts this at her blog Little Red House. I have long admired the creative and fabulous bloggers who participate in Mary's weekly feature. Be sure to check them out here.I've included a few more shots of our mantel. I've fussed and fussed with this and I've decided to let it go. You see, I try to maintain a symmetry on our mantel and this time it just didn't work out. See how my apothecary jars are not the same size? I also wanted to paint some larger eggs to put in the hurricane on the left. It didn't happen. So I put off this post long enough and said "the heck with it". The bunnies are made from vintage handkerchiefs and they remain my favorite Easter decorations.What took the longest was the shelves to the left and right of the fireplace. I completely cleared them off. (Even dusted them!) I looked all over the internet at professional designer sites, bloggers' home photos and retailers for some inspiration and guidance. There was a ton of great stuff to look through! And of course all that research takes time...so my next post I'll share some pointers from those who really know how to decorate.Thanks for stopping by and if you're coming via Mary's Mosaic Monday, I hope you'll come back!

Bedroom Board & Batten or WOO-HOO!

BEFORE

Maybe the title should be "What Was I Thinking?!" I remember being impressed with myself when I matched up a border with a wallpaper from another manufacturer. That was 12 or so years ago.
And cherubs! If you know me, then this might be shocking. In my defense, we were just married. I dunno. I should just let it go and show you the "After".You can find a tutorial here. There are a lot of things I am able to do myself, but power tools simply are not "my thing".Before this treatment, I was thinking I needed to paint our bedroom furniture. Now I see the previous "dirty khaki" paint color was a terrible match for our wood. Now I think it pops nicely against the white. The paint color above is now "Bird's Nest" SR211 by Valspar. Here is another blogger who had the same treatment done in her bedroom. I opted for the bedroom because ours lacks any architectural interest and I wouldn't have to worry about the kiddos knocking into the woodwork.

Thanks for visiting, friends!

Quick, Cheap and Easy...

Decorations! Don't be sassy with me...my son and I barely survived his first book report last week and now I'm waiting for the AT & ! guy who was supposed to be here between 9 and 11. It's now noon. Do you think God is trying to tell me something?! Be patient, child!

I have no problem with Valentine's Day. I just don't want my house to look like Cupid came in and threw up everywhere. Nice image, huh? However, our kids do love when I change things up a bit. So in keeping with my "streamline" approach, I share with you my felt circle garland and tissue paper hearts.

Here is the mantel for February:
Close up of garland.Very easy to make! Buy the adhesive backed felt and you don't even need to mess with glue. I used ribbon spools to trace my circles. Use 4 circles if you want the dimension like mine. Peel off backing, fold circle (good side to good side) and match up another folded circle, stick halves together, stick your third circle on there, place your twine or ribbon down the center and then place your fourth circle, matching up the edges. Did that make sense?Next project is excellent with the kiddos! I used the cardboard from our empty cereal boxes, drew different sizes of hearts and cut them out. I didn't paint mine, but thought about it and said who gives a rip if you see some cardboard? Besides, the kids made more of an effort to cover the entire shape rather than have cardboard showing. Punch a hole to hang your heart from.I love this project because you can use that tissue paper that's all wrinkled up or has a rip...what !? you don't save crumpled up tissue paper?!!? Okay then, go to the dollar store! I cut my tissue paper into 2"x2" squares - no measuring, just approximate. Ball up tissue and glue on randomly or make patterns.
Get some colorful curling ribbon at the Dollar Store or use whatever you've got stashed away. You can repeat this project for any seasonal decorating - just cut different shapes. When you're done you can hang them, prop them against pictures of loved ones or share them!Happy crafting!

January Decor

I do realize January is almost over.

I'm not gonna let that little detail stop me from sharing with you all how I decided to transition from the excessiveness of the holiday season to the streamlined natural look for the new year. I seem to struggle every January with how I want to decorate...being in the South, we don't have true winter weather or I might be tempted to try this:image from Hope Studios

Here is the link if you'd like the instructions. I think this is a great wintry look!
But, like I said, we don't get real winter weather. (Don't hate - you wouldn't want to be here in August. I don't want to be here in August!)
Back to January. It all started with the spring Pottery Barn catalog. If you read this post, you know I'm on a tear to organize this house and you'd think all catalogs go directly into recycling. Not...so...fast!
The Reader's Digest version is, I saw these:
and made it my mission to find a cheapie version. (The larger one goes for $59.)
Friends, you have to go weekly and you too can find "PB imitators" at incredibly reasonable prices. How reasonable, Trace? $4.99 reasonable!!!Yep, $4.99 a piece for these beauties! Now I know there are bloggers who get great stuff at the Goodwill or thrift shops. Not me. Not only do I strike out, but I feel like I need to shower afterwards. (You might recall I live in an area where portable dancing poles are advertised as Christmas gift ideas.) See here, if you need proof.

Where to go? TJ Maxx Home Goods! I then copied my good friend, Amanda's idea to use whole coffee beans as filler around my pillar candles.I don't even drink coffee, but I love the aroma of my hubby's hazelnut blend! The table runner is from Ma-Ma and too pretty to be covered up by anything else. This is where I got my jumping off point. I decided I wanted to keep things neutral browns, creams, whites and subtle greens...leave the color for February and eventually spring. And then my brain ran with it and thought, what should go on the mantel?Well, of course! Issue: we have not one pine tree in our yard. I needed an immediate fix, so while walking Ella, I spotted a house in our neighborhood that had a plethora of pine cones. Unfortunately, Ella filled the bag I had with me, so I had to get one from home and come back. My plan was to "ad-mire and ac-quire" (say this with a deep Southern accent) those pine cones, but it couldn't be that easy could it? Nope, by the time I returned to the house, there was a car in the driveway. Hmmm. What's an impatient, gotta-decorate-it-now girl to do? I'll tell you what - knock on the door, lie your a$$ off about needing pine cones for your kid's school project and promptly collect them and be on your happy little way. I mean really, do I want to be known as the crazy pine cone lady of the neighborhood? Right. Did it work? You betcha.
Here is the result on my mantel: (click to enlarge)I tried it with just the potted bulbs up there, but it was too plain for my liking. I collected the sticks from our back yard and tied them with jute/twine and placed them behind the pots. I know it's nothing fancy, but I have loved the simplicity.
Another fabulous find at Home Goods is this large pedestal bowl for $20. Filled it with pine cones too. I'm crazy like that. The flower pot hugger is hand made and reminds me of Ella. I just realized I am way beyond a Reader's Digest version, so here's my dining room:A closer look at the terrarium (also from Ma-Ma) on the hutch:I came across a blogger who recommended taking a closer look at faux florals. She said the quality has improved and I certainly agreed when I found this orchid stem for $2. I thought the fern looked good too. Already had the river rocks, cut some stem off and bent them to place under the rocks - no hot glue needed. Easy and I don't have to worry about killing an expensive plant!Whew! If you're still reading you get a gold star! (And a pine cone.)
Happy ad-mirin' and ac-quirin'!

A Very Good Day

I have been so excited to share with you what happened to me recently, but I had to wait until I received my "prize" to show you. Yes, I said prize! I entered in a give-away over at Mary's Little Red House. You all remember Mary, I expressed my admiration for her work in this post. Well, she is now selling her prints on etsy, here. And winner, winner, chicken dinner....I won! No skill was involved, just pure luck. Here is my selection from Mary's fabulous shop:copyright Mary Carroll
(don't make me hunt you down!)

Isn't it beautiful? I love it!
Well, the same day I saw I had won a print, I got a box from my Ma-Ma. What could this be? Sneaky, she is! I called her as I opened it and to my surprise were a set of milk glass dessert plates.Apparently, Ma-Ma was cleaning out and organizing her basement and came across these plates given to her from my grandmother, Mia. Who is the whole reason I started collecting a few pieces of milk glass. Milk glass like this:Does this piece look familiar? It's part of the reason I picked the above photo from Mary's selection!
Be sure to come back as I share how these two pieces inspired my January decor. In the meantime, head on over to Mary's shop!
Thanks for stopping by and Happy shopping!

P.S. Notice the length between my posting? Well, this organizing bit is really puttin' a kink into my blogging! Thanks for returning and I am grateful for your comments!

Fall/Halloween Decorating Done Cheap

You'll notice I lean towards fall decorations versus Halloween decorations. It all has to do with being lazy. That's the truth. Sad, but I know myself. I'd rather be able to leave things up through November than go through the whole process again on November first. A BIG thank you to Amanda who was so generous and thoughtful to make this fabulous FALL banner for me. I love it!(I was shopping the house and was encouraged to move something from one room to another {via the Nester}. This picture is usually in our bedroom, but I like its vibe for this season. Not sure its the right size, but whaddya think?)

This year I got a bag of various smallish pumpkins at BJ's for just $6.99. I love how they look on top of my urns, candlestick holders and mantle. Add a little reindeer moss and...instant, inexpensive fall decor.goblin is a sales find from Michael's

I buy my stuff when things go on sale - lots of times they are on sale before the holiday. I found these feathery picks half off at Hobby Lobby and they added some punch to a premade garland I already had and look terrific with this urn - gives it more presence up on that top shelf.I did have to wait until after the holidays for this cornucopia, though. It was originally $50 and went down to $10 - again at BJ's.
There are a few cutesy things I have for the kids including this wooden Halloween tree and the countdown calendar I shared with you here. I also put up tacky orange lights on the front porch the week of Halloween. Honestly though, they seem to enjoy the change of decor no matter if it's Halloween themed or not.
Thanks for stopping by and happy decorating!

Hydrangeas in the Home

So you know I'm not a complete decorating dunce, I do know that dried flowers are a big faux pas to decorating divas. My opinion though is that hydrangeas are fabulous cottagey classics. My spell checker doesn't like my made up word cottagey, but you know what I mean, right? And what's better than fresh cut flowers which didn't cost an arm and a leg, thankyouverymuch?!


I also know they only have a certain shelf-life and should be disposed of before gathering dust. However, if used in the right area - say, above kitchen cabinets, their shelf life can be extended. No dust can be seen from down below and aren't those decorative ledges put there to keep any dust from floating downward?
There. I've made my case for allowing my hydrangeas to stay as part of my decor and exposed myself as a decorating rebel. (Of course, you know doilies and milk glass are not so chic either, but they remind me of my grandmother, Mia, and pair up nicely with cottagey accents.)
Our home may not be Pottery Barn material, but it is a reflection of my quirky, sometimes-sentimental self. This post was inspired by the Nester's mantra "It Doesn't Have to be Perfect to be Beautiful". Check out her oh-so-inspiring blog!