Bird-Themed Kitchen Vignette

A little rearranging was in order in my kitchen.  I placed this vignette  on one counter in my kitchen.  I have a "grapes and birds" theme going on throughout the kitchen.  Additionally, I have a rooster and chicken theme that is emerging!  Technically they are birds! ;-)

Hap Brandon, my talented artist friend, painted the chickens above the flowers.  They coordinated perfectly in my black granite counter topped kitchen and the burgundies, golds, and greens throughout.  Click on her name above and you will see the immense talent she possess!

Some people do not like what they call "clutter" in their kitchen.  I love being greeted and surrounded by lovely things that look more like a "feathered nest".  What is your personal style? 

Easy-to-Make Vintage Recipe Box For a New Bride

Recently, for a Bridal Shower for a very dear friend's daughter, we oldies-but-goodies, auntie types, decided to gift the bride with some old-fashioned recipe cards.  (I say this because the young gals use the internet these days to find everything!) We vintage ladies still hold dear the beloved Recipe Box.  We were asked to bring two recipe cards. One was to be a treasured recipe we wanted to share, the other was to be our very own Recipe For a Happy Marriage. 

Above is the recipe card box that I created.  I stained the box first, then sealed it with Modge Podge, then measured, cut and Modge Podged a logo I created for the bride and groom to the top of the box.  Within the box I decoupaged a carefully measured and cut  old favorite of a Recipe For A Happy Marriage, in which the author is unknown. (Sorry the picture is so out of focus!) To finish the vintage look, I attached with glue some antique-look sequins all around the border of the logo atop the box. 

When all was said and done, we were all quite pleased with the results and we believe the bride enjoyed receiving such a heart-felt gift from her surrogate aunties.  We hope she will enjoy it for many years to come and remember her special day.

 

Guest Room Welcome Gifts

I had so much fun anticipating a visit from my two granddaughters and my older granddaughter's best friend.  Always trying to make them feel welcome and special, I constructed these gift baskets for about $10 each

A trip to the Dollar Store rewarded me with some fun and unique items I thought they would enjoy.  Each girl received a basket with a brightly colored bandana to make the basket appealing.  Within the bandana-laced basket I inserted coordinating water bottles, with a screw in container at the bottom for ice, M & M's, or whatever they wanted.  I found matching hair brushes, eye masks they could refrigerate and wear to sooth their tired eyes, (after attending a Taylor Swift concert, a much welcomed addition!).  I supplied them with a scrunchy, a toothbrush, and a coordinating bottle of body wash from Bath & Body Works.  And lastly, a custom water bottle label with their name applied in the matching color of their basket.  They were so bright and cheerful.

I knew I had achieved success when Morgan said, "Staying at Grandma's is better than staying at a hotel".  ;-)

I share this with you because I want you to know it doesn't cost a fortune to make someone feel loved and welcome.  

French Inspiration

It is my desire to share with you books that bring me hours (yes hours) of pleasure.  Along with Charles Faudree, my favorite author and illustrator of French Interiors is Betty Lou Phillips.  Her pictures are absolutely incredible.  Because we have traveled all over France, we, like her have fallen in love with everything French, especially interior design and outdoor spaces.

I can pick up any of her books for a visual treat and be transformed to the French countryside without the expense of a costly plane ticket.  Although, I must admit, it does make me want to purchase a ticket to France and be on the next plane to Paris.

Within the pages of her books, I am reminded of the details that make a room or outdoor area uniquely French.  I am in the process of incorporating old and new to update my guest bedroom to include crocheted laces, a monogrammed pillow, fluffy bedding that mingles well with my treasured Angel prints, tapestry, and French furniture.  I will reveal pictures when it is more complete.  I say more complete, because I don't know if a room is ever complete when you dwell in a home for long time.  it's fun to update and edit.    

Below are books by Betty Lou Phillips I have many of them, and the one's I don't have, I have made a goal to purchase. My personal favorite, at this point in time, is Unmistak

Flower Holders Made From Tin Cans

Normally, I'm not that much into the shabby chic look for my home, but I do appreciate it's whimsy and unique appearance.  My sister and I wanted to construct something for my mother's caregivers to express thanks for the care they give our mother.  I had a collection of cans that I knew I wanted to use "some day".  Here's what we did with a few of them.

Because it was May, we decided to fashion these flower containers to resemble traditional May Day Flower Hangers.  We wrapped wired twine around the cans in, up and down, and in an all around fashion.  Then we constructed handles atop the cans connected to the body twine as handles so that they could be hung on door knobs or hooks.  We then attached cotton lace, burlap, ribbons, and bird and butterfly name tags.  The final task was to fill them with roses from my garden. 

Double Delight & Yellow St. Patrick's Roses

The ladies loved them and we were so happy we made them.  Now, we will have to continue to supply them with lovely flowers to make more of their days delightful.

Plastic cups were inserted as to not rust the inside of the cans.  They fit and worked perfectly.

I'd love to know what you think and what kind of artsy-cragty projects you might be up to as summer begins.  I love reading your comments.  Just click on the comment button below and you can share.

Thanks for reading and sharing.  I hope you have a delightful day!

Debbie

A Delightful Walk Through Peters Canyon

I can't believe that I have lived in this area for over 28 years and have never taken a walk around Peters Canyon Lake which is only about a mile from my house!  This is the most beautiful walk.  My son, Chris, was here for a visit and we took this 2.5 mile walk around the lake.  

I had heard it was a long walk with steep grades and it was on the second half.  It was well worth it!  I think in the future I will walk the scenic west side to the half way point and turn around and walk it back.  The views of the lake, bunnies, and greenery were so delightful.  The day we went it was about 8:30 am on an overcast morning.

I will refrain from commenting further so you can just enjoy the views we encountered.

 

This hill is a lot steeper than it looks!  Hope you get a chance to walk this pretty path sometime soon.

Hugs, Debbie

Daisies & Birthdays

The table is set and awaits the two birthday girls, Patty & Mary.  We will be going to a Chris Tomlin Concert this night!! 

For those of you who may be interested, the daisy plate is Metlox Sculptured Daisy. The yellow beverage glasses resemble a Fostoria pattern, but I am not sure if that is what they are. The sherbert glasses are a Depression Era pattern. The tablecloth was purchased in Switzerland. The silverware pattern, is Oneida, Louisiana.

Our meal began with a mint marinated fruit salad.  It was cool and refreshing!  I just place about 1/2 cup of water and 3 tablespoons of sugar in a pan and brought it to a boil.  I then added a couple of drops of spearmint oil to it and marinated the fruit in it for about 1/2 hour.  The mint leave was added to compliment the mint flavor.  

Years ago, my friend Alma served this recipe for Chinese Chicken Salad.  It was delightful and memorable, not to mention healthy!  It's still as great as the first time I made it. I altered it just a little bit. 

Alma’s Chinese Chicken Salad

          1 bunch green onions, chopped

3 tablespoons sesame seeds

          1 package toasted slivered almonds

          2 packages Oriental Style Top Ramen Noodles, roken up in hands

          1 can mandarin oranges

          1 ½ whole cabbages, shredded (cut into thin slices)

          2 boneless chicken breasts (grilled boiled)

          (I purchased a broiled chicken at the store and extracted the meat)

          1/2 cup olive oil

          4 tablespoons cider vinegar

          3 tablespoons sugar

          1/2 teaspoon salt

Preparation

Beat and Chill:

1 package Top Ramen seasoning

1/2 cup olive oil

4 Tablespoons Cider Vinegar

3 Tablespoons Sugar

1/2 Teaspoon Salt

In large Mixing bowl Combine:

2 bags of Cabbage

Chicken

Onions

Sesame Seeds

Toasted Almonds

Crush the Top Ramen

Oranges

Toss and then add mixture over top and toss again.

Janice amazed us with her ability to duplicate Tommy Bahama's Pina Colada Cake! It tasted exactly like the one you would purchase there.  It was out of this world good.  She said you can obtain the recipe for it online. She had to make up her own white chocolate mousse for the frosting. It was spectacular the day after, and the day after that!  My son and husband loved it too.

We had to scoot to get to the concert on time.  We made it!  We had great seats and and even greater worship experience.  Kari Jobe opened for Chris and she was fabulous too.  A message was preached by Loui Giglio from Atlanta.

Can you see Chris Tomlin!  We could, and we could hear him quite well!

The Birthday Girls!

It was a delightful evening in every way! 

Spring Purple & Green Dinner for Six

What a fun dinner this was!  It's the people, not the preparations that make the event.  I found out that our neighbors across the street knew my good friend Shannon's husband. Shannon & Tom's son is a freshman in high school and Sandy is a Counselor at his very high school...so, we invited both couples over for what turned out to be a delightful evening.

These dishes were purchased at  Pier 1 Imports over two years ago. They had never been used until now as there was always some other event that caused them to be edged out.

The contrast of bright lime green and lily purple pleased me very much.  It had just the impact I was hoping for.  Flowers were purchased at my local nursery in hopes that they would compliment the setting.  Dollar Tree bowls were purchased for the pots.  I was so happy they didn't clash with my tablecloth!  Both Sandy and Shannon were able to take one home as a hostess gift.

The pattern is called "Lily".  Yvonne, from my FAVORITE BLOG IN THE WORLD, StoneGable, used them on a table setting of title Mother's Day Luncheon, for a completely different look.  Click here to see her beautiful setting.  If you aren't following her blog, you are missing out on the most visually beautiful and creative treats!

A close up of the napkins shows a Ralph Lauren paisley print napkin enveloped within a deep purple napkin, then secured by a dragonfly napkin ring.  I was fond of this arrangement to kick off spring.

Creamy Chicken Marsala  will now be a favorite offering of mine!  We all loved it.  It was well worth the effort it took to make.  It didn't take that long, it was just a complicated recipe for me to follow. I used six pounded chicken breasts with the same amount of ingredients and it was perfect. I served it with oven-roasted and olive oil, salt & pepper marinated asparagus spears and petite carrots.  OMG!  I would like to have it again tonight!!  I know a recipe is great when my husband raves about it too. :-)

Shannon is amazed that I experiment with recipes on my guests.   Accepting an invitation for a meal at my house means you are a willing volunteer!  Most times everything turns out wonderful...to my delight and surprise!

The grand finale was Mac Charles House Chocolate Cake! There is no better chocolate cake recipe on the planet!  The frosting is like fudge. This has long been a favorite of mine. I acquired the recipe from someone who had purchased it many years ago.  It's top secret.  My husband loves chocolate, so he was a happy guy.  

Because I doubled the recipe for the frosting, I had enough to insert into decorative jars and give chocolate sauce as hostess gifts.  Great warmed and poured over ice cream, or anything!

If you want a menu that is sure to delight, this is definitely one of them.  If you have friends and neighbors like mine, it is guaranteed to be a successful dinner party.

Hope you have a delightful week!  

Hugs, Debbie