Getting there, slow but surely

Oh my, I have spent the better part of the yesterday and early evening working  on getting everything transferred and updated, etc.  It never ends specially if your me, cause I am always wanting to add something else.  I keep saying “one more minute” and those minutes can turn into hours. My poor hubby.  But most of the technical stuff is done now  but I might do a little bit more “playing”. 

“Pleasure in the job puts perfection in the work.”

 

 

 

 

So why the move you ask?  For awhile now I have wanted a new name for my blog. Although I am a firm believer that it is the little details in life that make it what it is, hence the old blog name “Life is in the Details”.  I’m a girl born and raised in the country and I love my country roots. I am a bit old fashioned and my dream is to someday own a big ole farmhouse.  So this is how the new name came to be. This is where I am today.

  B

 

Anyway, yesterday was a perfect day for spending in the house and working on the computer, it was such a gloomy, dreary day here after having such a beautiful Monday.  Our temps on Monday got up to 80+ but yesterday our high was in the 50’s, with the rain stopping in the afternoon and skies became clear but the winds were high.  Our forecast for the next week or so is about the same alot of rain and cooler (cold) temps.  I am so ready for warmer weather and sunny days. 

 


Oh and the flowers, oh the flowers.  Seeing all the pretty colors  scattered one the ground. 

Right now we have  buttercups coming up everywhere in town.   This is one of the times I miss my yard.  I miss all the crocus and tulips blooming in the yard.   



Some pictures from my yard last spring. F

Daisies starting to come up	My clematis starting to grow up the trellis
My Lilacs blooming, I miss the way my yard smells when these are in bloom.	The Bradford Pear trees in bloom.

 

 

 

1 John 3:16“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

I’m still catching up

 

I thought I would be caught up by now, but oh no.  Instead of my list getting smaller, it seems to be growing.  Everyday I wake up to a new list of things that I want to accomplish. When will it end, maybe after ALL the snow.

Look familiar?

Alot of this has been going on around here.

 

 

 

 

We have had lots of snow and ice  this year and so it has prompted me to really work on some projects that I have put off for a long time. (Staying home ALOT).

And I feel like I am finally finding my balance.

 

 

It amazing how much I can get done in a day if I stay away from the computer.  :)

   I have been spending much more time in my kitchen, which can be a good thing or a bad thing.  I feel some of the weight I lost a bit ago creeping back on.  YIKES! 

Waiting for spring, so  I can get some outside exercise.

 

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls.  She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard.  She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:15-17

For a long time, especially when my kids were small, I used a menu planner faithfully.  However as they got older, I kind of drifted away from that.  As well as grocery shopping in my usual weekly manner.  But over time it has proven that we have not and aren’t eaten well balanced meals due to no planning. Eating alot of quick meals.   So I am working on implementing this menu plan and grocery shopping again to my routine.  Clipping coupons and making list.

 

I have created a new Coupon Binder which I am hoping to use.  I need to share some pictures of mine, but it’s still not completed.  But if you use coupons and think that you might be interested in creating one for yourself

  

Things You'll Need:

•    3-ring binder
•   pencil pouch for binder
•   plastic baseball card protector pages
•   folders
•   divider sheet with write-on tabs
•   empty envelopes
• any other small accessories you want

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

(photo courtesy of Ehow)



The Cowboys Wife @ The Wooden Spoon has a video you can watch to put one together. 

 

I also have another project completed…will have to share that with you the next time….All I will say it I’m lovin it!!!  Just sayin!

 

Can we talk Valentines?  Next time….

1 Corinthians 2:9“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Can't seem to get back in the groove

last week was spent "working” playing in my house, and getting ready for all my kids for the weekend…and as you can see, I didn’t get here to post even. Hoping I do better this week, although I can’t believe how late in the day it is already. 
Saturday my hubby and I went out with some friends, we were heading to the Annual Apple Festival but there was just TOO many people, so we ended up going to the antique mall and then hitting up the market for  some pumpkins and gourds.  We had such a fun time and the weather was simply perfect.


I found a interesting assortment of gourds while I was here, I will have to show you later in the week…(they are still on my camera).
Today the weather has been rainy and cold, high was only 53 today.  Today has been just a all around lazy day for me.  Haven’t been real motivated.  However, I have quite a few things on my plate for the rest of the week.
Just wait to you see what I have….Can’t wait to share. 
Hope all is having a blessed Monday!

Proverbs 27:1“Do not boast about tomorrow, for you do not know what a day may bring forth.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Wowser’s it’s hot

Happy Saturday A

Since I didn’t get here yesterday thought I would make a little post today.

I’m really trying to stay cool.  It was over 90 at 7:00AM. It’s is suppose to be out hottest day of the year today with the heat index.  Can you say FALL?  I am really getting ready for cooler temps, but I do hate to see Summer come to a end.  Mom just called from California, not sure where she was, but she said their high today was 59.  Wow!

Last night I spent some time downloading fonts.  Can you tell?  I love fonts and Kevin and Amanda has some of the most amazing ones and they are FREE, just my price.  B

I am thinking that I am going to spend some time today playing around with my blog, that is always fun to do on a day like today.  Maybe even work through a few tutorials of future projects.

Well, with the interruption of the phone call, I have lost my train of thought, so I wiill go ahead and close for now.  Hope you all stay cool and have a blessed day.

Hugs and Blessings,

Psalm 112:5“Good will come to him who is generous and lends freely, who conducts his affairs with justice.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.

Summertime is here

and with that we tend to spend more time outside so with that  in mind, I thought I would share a little inspiration with you.

What better time to head to your local Diary Queen or other favorite ice cream spot, to have  a nice cold treat on a HOT summer day.

Sometimes my hubby and I like to take a walk in the evenings up to our little ice cream shack that is patronized by all the locals here.  It’s a great way to cool off as well as catch up with some of your neighbors. 

 

There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart.  ~Celia Thaxter

Now would be a great time to dust off that picnic basket and load it down with all kinds of goodies.  Maybe grab some books or a fishing pole.  Head off to the nearest lake, or meadow and just relish in the day.

You can’t have a picnic without food, so I have shared a few treats with you below.

"If a June night could talk,
it would probably boast it invented romance."
-  Bern Williams

Summer just wouldn’t be Summer without the “House Wine of the South”.  Ice Tea.  It’s always a favorite drink of mine, not only in the summer.  It is something I drink year round, but will tell you that it taste best on a HOT summer day when it is chilled with loads of ice and some lemon. 

Wine of the South-Sweet Iced Tea

Ingredients
3 Family size tea bags
2 Cups of cold water
1 Cup of sugar

Directions

I recommend Luzianne Tea Bags if available, if not Liptons is another great choice.

Place the two cups water in a pot and add the tea bags. Bring to a boil, do not continue boiling. Remove from heat and let steep. Pour warm tea into empty pitcher. Add the sugar and stir until the sugar is dissolved. Fill remaining pitcher with cold water.

In summer, the song sings itself.  ~William Carlos Williams

And what about some fresh strawberry pie.  Yummy!

Ingredients

• 2 (8 inch) pie shells, baked
• 2 1/2 quarts fresh strawberries
• 1 cup white sugar
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1 cup boiling water
• 1 (3 ounce) package strawberry flavored gelatin

Directions

1. In a saucepan, mix together the sugar and corn starch; make sure to blend corn starch in completely. Add boiling water, and cook over medium heat until mixture thickens. Remove from heat. Add gelatin mix, and stir until smooth. Let mixture cool to room temperature.
2. Place strawberries in baked pie shells; position berries with points facing up. Pour cooled gel mixture over strawberries.
3. Refrigerate until set. Serve with whipped cream, if desired.

Summer has set in with its usual severity.  ~Samuel Taylor Coleridge

Or some good ole Strawberry Shortcake!  Delicious!!!!

Biscuits
3 1/2 cups (14 7/8 ounces) King Arthur Unbleached All-Purpose Flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 tablespoon baking powder
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
1/4 cup dried buttermilk powder*
3 tablespoons sugar
1/2 cup (1 stick, 4 ounces) butter or margarine, or1/2 cup shortening
2 teaspoons vanilla
1 large egg
1 cup (8 ounces) milk*
Shortcake
2 quarts hulled strawberries
1/2 cup sugar
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
1 cup (8 ounces, 1/2 pint ) whipping cream

*Or substitute 1 cup buttermilk for the buttermilk powder and milk.

The Biscuits: Preheat the oven to 425°F.
Whisk together the dry ingredients, and cut in the cold butter, margarine or shortening. Whisk the vanilla and egg with the milk, then add all at once to the dry ingredients and stir until the liquid is absorbed. Turn the dough out onto a lightly floured surface and knead 4 or 5 times, just until it holds together. Pat the dough out until it's about 1/2 to 3/4 inches thick, and cut it into circles (using a sharp cutter for the highest rising biscuits). Place the biscuits onto an ungreased baking sheet, brush the tops with milk or egg white for a shiny surface, sprinkle with sugar if desired, and bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the tops are golden brown. Remove from the oven and cool for 15 minutes before serving. Yield: 9 biscuits.
To Assemble Shortcake: Mash 2 cups of the strawberries. Slice the remaining strawberries, and mix all of the berries with the sugar and lemon juice. Let rest 1 hour. Whip the cream until soft peaks form. Just before serving, split open the biscuits, spoon half the berries and whipped cream on the bottom half, top with remaining biscuit halves, and spoon on remaining berries and cream.

Summer time an' the livin' is easy, Fish are jumpin' an' the cotton is high. Oh, yo' daddy's rich, and yo' ma' is good-lookin', So hush, little baby, don' yo' cry.
Ira Gershwin and DuBose Heyward

I hope you have a blessed day and weekend.  Get out and enjoy our beautiful summer weather.

Another look

for me.  I decided I wanted a more spring look for me blog,not sure if I am going to make a header or not.  Can’t really decide.  Guess it will depend on whether I have the time to get one  created.  So what do you think about this look.  I decided to try out the template designer that Blogger has.  Pam did a great tutorial on it the other day, if your interested, take a look at her tutorial.  I found some other great blog templates I would like to play around with so who knows how long this look will last.

This has been a very busy weekend for us.  Yesterday I was out all day but I got my shoes finally for the wedding….yeah now if I knew what to do with my hair.  Help!  Tori came over on Friday to help me decide, she tried it down and curly, but not sure, still thinking about doing a updo. To be honest though she and I liked it best when I just threw it up in a claw after all the work we did.  So back to playing around with it this week.

This weekend our weather has turned off cold again, we have had such a great batch of hot days so when it is the norm, we are COLD.  I am so ready for hot weather.  Seems I am always cold.  Spent some time this AM trying on my wedding wardrobe and was praying that on wedding day the weather temps will be warm, or I will freeze.

Well today is a day of cooking and cleaning and laundry.  So guess I should get back at it. 

Have a blessed Sunday!

Rainy day here

today so it is going to be a day of computer fun.  Most of the work in the house is caught up so I am going to play around today on the computer and do some updating and blog hopping. 

I really need to spend some time working on my bible study too, since I haven’t really started it.  Read through the lesson but haven’t actually done ANY work.

Today I also need to come up with a some more schedules to keep me on task for my son’s wedding.  We are doing the countdown now.  2 weeks and 4 days.  YIKES!!  It’s hard to believe that he is going to be getting married.  I keep asking myself where does the time go, seems like only yesterday he was under my feet growing up.and ALWAYS asking questions.  Wesley is such a wonderful son, and such a sweet and honorable person.  I couldn’t be more proud of the young man he has become.  He shows his mother such love and concern and really tries to brighten my saddest days.  I love him so much.  When I think about all the little things he has done for me over time, it leaves no doubt that he will make a wonderful husband.  His family is always top on his list and I know that will be extended to HIS new family with he and Stephanie.  I pray that they will have a blessed union and that God will shower them with his blessings as he has my life.  As parents all we truly want is for our kids to grow up and be happy and live the life that God has ordained for them.  I am no different,  I want them to be as happy as a couple as he has made me, being my son. 

Guess you can say that my days lately have been kinda emotional as I look back on my son’s childhood  and remember, and wonder where did the time go.  But I will leave those thoughts and emotions aside for now as we move on to the next chapter of his life.  

Now wiping the tears from my eyes as I stroll down memory lane, I will say goodbye for now.   Hug your kids today!  Tell them you love them, you only have them for such a short time.

Blessings,

 

Ever have one of those days

where you had things you really NEEDED to do and couldn’t get motivated to do it.  That is me today.  Boy, I could sure use fairy godmother, or maid…whichever is fine with me. :) 

Today the temps are so much cooler than what we have had this week, but the sun is shining and it looks lovely outside.  All plush and green. 

Today I really should clean all my floors, the could use a good vacuum and mopping, plus I need to make out my to do list for the weekend, so that hubby and I can stay on task with our goals for the weekend.  So much to do and so little time.

Forgive me guys for not putting up the weekly roundup this week, but I haven’t gotten to do much blog reading, so I got NADA to post. 

May be back later, but if not, have a super duper weekend and be blessed, because you are!!!!

Hugs,

Thinking about bunnies

Another weekend has come and gone.  It was a slow weekend here.  I wish I could say that I got lots done, but that wouldn’t be the truth.  I didn’t have a great weekend and so most of it, I just spent doing some reflection and reading.  Not sure any of you ever feel this way, but I know I do.  Hoping for a much better week.

This morning the skies look clear and bright, but I know this is short lived.  We have another  snow headed our way this afternoon….I am really needing some sun and some warmth.  :) Seems like we just got dug out from the last 2.5 foot of snow that we got last week…hoping and praying that this will be dusting or a few inches…I can’t even bring myself to look at the forecast.

Now that Valentines Day is behind us, (did you all have a good one?) I guess I need to focus on Easter.  We all know that it will be here before we know it.  With that I thought I would share with you a little bunny that I “prettied up”. 

First, my bunny in all it’s Paper Mache glory…..that I picked up at the antique mall for peanuts. 

I gave her a coat of paint, not sure what color it was, it was more of a off white

Once she was all dried, I antiqued her, using my trusty shoe polish.  Yes, I have used shoe polish for years as a way of aging my goodies.

After that was completed, I dressed her in a pretty purple bow.  Now she is just waiting to be “on display”.  Maybe that will come this week. 

Got any Easter projects you are working on?  Oh do tell!

Got a few more projects on the table, so keep checking back.

You can find me linking to:
Met Mondays
Make it for Mondays
Make your Monday
Motivate me Monday
Made by You

Check out these wonderful link parties for lots of creative and awesome inspiration.

Hope all has a blessed Monday!

Hugs,

I can see clearly now

the rain snow is gone has stopped.
I can see all obstacles in my way
Gone are the dark clouds that had me blind
It’s gonna be a bright (bright), bright (bright)
Sun-Shiny day.

Okay, I was on a roll there(am I dating myself here, I know you all remember that song, right?)…but the snow has stopped at least for a few days and we have dug ourselves out somewhat, at least we are mobile again.  But I want to apologize for not getting here to post this week.  It has just been a different kind of week, I am  off my schedule something awful.  Hubby has been home almost all week because of our historic and record breaking snowfall.   Not sure about you, but when my husband is home, I don’t get anything accomplished that I want too. Plus on top of all that, I was really under the weather.  So alas,I couldn’t even think of anything to  share.  I know you don’t want to hear about me blowing my nose, and how sore it is.  But, thanks to the friends that dropped me a note or left a comment, I am feeling quite a bit better. 

 

But since I decided several weeks ago I would like to take Friday’s and do a Weekly Roundup of some great sites/post that I visited throughout the week.  Man, there are some talented women out there is blogland.  At night after things slow down(and they do, cause I am now a empty nester)  I spend several hours just reading your blogs.  I am so fascinated by all the things you women can accomplish.  You all inspire me to get up and get busy!

 

My side trips this week included:

Now, let me take you to Cathy’s @ Cobblestone Farm, for her adorable salt dough hearts.  With Valentine Day just around the corner, how cute these would be, but I love the fact that you can make them in different colors and they would be precious in any room all year round.  Take a peek.  She share a great recipe for these too.

 

One blog I just {heart} is “Beneath My Heart”, Traci has the best  furniture makeovers, as I was going through her site the other night  I found a great idea for a corner hutch (which by the way I  have)  and it needs a new look.  I think I found it here.  (I would like to repurpose mine to put in my craft room when I move) One of the best thing about her makeovers, is she share with you pictures along the way and explains to you how she gets the look she does.  Traci has a wonderful collection of makeovers.

 

I love organizing about as much as I do neat crafts and furniture  makeovers, so wanted to share a wonderful site that I ran across, looking for something.  Of which I can’t remember now, but I am sure it was important at the time.  Check out  Rachel at  the Small Notebook Blog.  Of course, when I go there, I get lost and spend waaaaaaayyyyyyyyy to much time there.  I love her inspiration  for her home. 
Rachel says:

• keep our lives simple and uncomplicated
• nurture our relationships
• learn practical skills such as gardening and cooking
• make smart decisions for our money
• enjoy peace during a hectic day

 

Really should get this posted so that I can start my day, hubby is going into work today, so maybe I can get back on track just in time for the weekend.  Yeah, me!

Blessed Friday everyone!

Still under the weather

Can you say another cold day here in Maryland? We are bracing ourselves for another snow today into tomorrow.  With snowfall accumulations between 12-18 inches.  So far the weather forecaster have been off on there numbers.  So wondering if we will get more than expected, as has been the normal. Most of us are getting tired of the snow and the shoveling, we are really looking forward to the Spring.  Come on SPRING!

Today I am taking some time to just play on the computer and work on a few things, mainly organizing files.  Still feeling crappy with this cold.  Not sleeping well at night because I can’t breathe, seems like all I do is blow my nose. I’m am so ready to be over this.  There is things this girl wants to do.  I have a list of “to do” projects that I want to tackle.  Mainly small crafty things but I just don’t have the motivation or the energy for it. 

I haven’t really even thought much about Valentines Day, because I haven’t felt like doing anything, plus I can’t get out on the roads.  I have seen some wonderful valentine crafts to do, but thinking I most likely will not get to them this week….I guess I can make them for next year…Right? 

Do you have any Valentine traditions or little special things you do for your loved ones? I  would love to hear about them.  I have found wonderful ideas (no cost) online, but now for the life of me, I can’t find them.  I know I saved it.  Guess it is the “fog” in my head that is causing them to escape me.  

Well did you notice my new banner on my site?  I created it yesterday afternoon while I was sitting around. It is okay for now, most likely will change it soon, want to do something a bit different, but  this is a bit more of what I am going for I think.  

Gonna  scoot and grab a shower, so maybe that will make me feel a bit better. Have a blessed Tuesday.

.

This is what I woke up to

Another winter wonderland.

Outside my back door

Another shot to the left in my yard, looking into the neighbors yard

Big pine tree in the front side yard.  Love this tree and it’s especially pretty with snow laying in the branches.Another shot of the tree, what do you think?  

So with this going on outside, wonder what will be going on  on the inside today.  Looks like a great day to stay home and get some crafts done. 

Now I know I said I would show you a little project that I did with my little silver dish…will be back later to show you.

Have a blessed and warm Wednesday.

Psalm 59:16“But I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love; for you are my fortress, my refuge in times of trouble.” Brought to you by BibleGateway.com. Copyright (C) . All Rights Reserved.