Woodpecker Watching Weekend

Woodpecker Watching Weekend. Say that 3 times fast. Hmmmm, could be good for a laugh. 😀

Is there anything better than a nice relaxing weekend, where you actually just relax? Possibly, but a whole weekend to relax is wonderful. No kids. Don't get me wrong, I love kids, but sometimes it's nice to just be in adult company, and then have quiet times with no kids. I don't think the Woodpeckers that I watched all weekend would have been as social if kids were running around playing, screaming, and having fun, as kids do. It's their job.

High in a dead, hollowed out tree nest was a family of Woodpeckers. Mother diligently bringing food to the babies. What an awesome sight to see. Behind our camper, next to the wood pile.....so close, yet so far away. The nest, of course is really high in the tree. Which made amateur photography challenging to say the least. But what fun!

Decorative Shelves & Shutters

Shutters add a rustic, homey touch to an area, and the kitchen is a great place to start that warm feeling when you are at home. They are a wonderful focal point that draws the eye to an area. Last week I shared my Kitchen Shelves project with you, if you missed that post it can be seen here. As promised this is an update to share the shutters that were added to finish the project. 

Remember where it all started? The mirror? The little frames? The "What was I thinking"? Yeah, not one of my best attempts of beautifying the house. But hey! We can bounce back and change aspects of our surroundings to make it really pretty.

Kitchen Shelves

Adding shelves to an area can make a big difference, with so little effort. It's such a simple tweak with a big impact. Adding shelves for actual storage is a great option when you're short on storage space. I was fortunate enough to have ample storage space, but not enough decorating surface space. 

For so long had I wanted simple shelves in the kitchen. A little spot to decorate for the different seasons, or just in general to decorate. Finally last spring I fought the apprehension and did it. A trip to Hobby Lobby, armed with a 40% off coupon, which was not needed because the shelves were on sale for 50% off (Sweet!!!!) and back home with 2 unfinished wooden shelves, 34 inches wide, for a whopping total of  $13.99 + tax. This was my only out of pocket cost, as everything else I had on hand. Love it when that happens.

Wooden Signs

I love the warmth that wooden signs add to a room. There's just something about wood that seems to conjure up the feelings of comfort, relaxation, and a sense of ease.

Wooden signs can be purchased in lots of places. You are limited to what is in the store, however adorable they are. But sometimes you just have to make it yourself. Which is exactly what happened a couple of years ago for Christmas.

Butter Bell

If you're like me, when it comes time to serve fresh bread with.....well, anything, I like to have nice, soft, spreadable real butter on hand. Not margarine or a butter substitute. Real. Butter.

Not saying it needs to be done every day, but there are times. Considering that I usually serve homemade soup twice a week,

Open House Tips and Tricks

It's been 2 years since the last time there was a High School Open House on my agenda. Thank goodness. Don't get me wrong, it's a lot of fun, but it is also a lot of work. Well.....if you're very wealthy and can afford a party planner to do all of the planning, work, and decorating for you, not to mention the catering part of the process to boot....then it's just money. Right? Riiiiigggghhhhht. Most people don't have that kind of disposable income to hire everything out. So out of fantasy land and back to reality, you'll do most of the work yourself. Planning, making decorations, actual decorating, cleaning, and probably some of the cooking. I can't actually help you physically do any of those items (sorry), but I am here to give you a round up of a few of my favorite ideas to help get you on the fast track to your Open House Day. Simple. Easy. Affordable.

If you have the space, consider having an Open House/Graduation Party right at home. Maybe a friend has a large screen tent your could borrow, unless you have one in storage. Tents can be rented as well, but it can be costly.

Open House 2011

Use inexpensive items and customize them by adding decorative elements in the color of your theme.

It's Been A Long Time...

It's been such a long time since I've been here. Sorry friends. Life took over. A couple of years of not feeling well physically really took a toll on my creative desire. The aches and pains have mostly gone, but that leaves a lot to be done to get back on track with regular household tasks, as well as all of the projects that I wanted to complete. By the way, those have gone unfinished, as of yet.

Now? It's back to the grindstone!! Yay! I'm looking forward to tackling many projects, large and small. Well, not too large. I must pace myself. And hopefully, not hurt myself again. I hope you'll join me for a new round of fun. The creativity and enthusiasm are starting to bubble up inside me. Come back soon. There's plenty to do.

Vanilla Extract Update

After three months of sitting, steeping, melding, and getting better with each day that passes......Homemade Vanilla Extract! Let's take a look. 

A few months ago I started a batch of Homemade Vanilla Extract to give away as gifts this Christmas season. What an easy gift to put together. This is where it started. You can see the beans and vodka all nice and fresh in the bottles on the first day.

Holiday Scents

What's that smell?

Okay, let's be honest, that question can be taken in two completely different ways. If you live with, or have lived with teenage boys, then you know this to be all too true. Luckily today I'm talking of things that smell good.

What's your scent? Is there a particular scent that you use during the Holidays? Something that just speaks to you and says "Christmas time"? I'd really like to hear your thoughts.

Frosted Pinecones

Don't you just love pinecones?!! They are so versatile and can truly be used for more than one season. Love them!!

Free End Table Makeover

Don't  you love when you find a great bargain, or better yet, a freebie that just can't be beat? Especially when it allows you to be a bit creative.

This little, old end table was sitting on the curb in front of a house, and the young lady said she was getting rid of it, and it was free.

Christmas Stocking Hanger Makeover

It's not easy finding the perfect decorations.

Always in search of the perfect Christmas stockings and Christmas stocking holders, last year a compromise was made. I managed to find (or change) Christmas stocking holders to tide me over until I find what's perfect for me.

Decorating for Christmas is a fun, and expressive way to beautify your home. In the quest for the perfect look to suit our own style, we look; explore magazines, websites, catalogs, anything we can get our hands on.