Thursday, February 28, 2008

Six word Memoirs

BJ over at Sweet Nothings tagged me to play the fun game of the 6 WORD MEMOIR........ Here are the meme rules: 1. Write your own six word memoir 2. Post it on your blog and include a visual illustration if you’d like 3. Link to the person that tagged you in your post and to this original post if possible, so we can track it as it travels across the blogosphere

4. Tag five more blogs with links 5. Remember to leave a comment on the tagged blogs with an invitation to play! MY 6 WORD MEMOIR IS :

To do...........to love.............to hope............
I tag these blogs:
Janet at House Peepers
Amanda at Jacarandacottage
Rose at Classic Charm
Carletta at Round the Bend
Brenda at Country Romance

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

Obedient wife?


There was a man who had worked all his life, had saved all of his money, and was a real
miser when it came to his money. Just before he died, he said to his wife...'When I die, I
want you to take all my money and put it in the casket with me. I want to take my money
to the afterlife with me.' And so he got his wife to promise him, with all of her heart, that
when he died, she would put all of the money into the casket with him. Well, he died. He
was stretched out in the casket, his wife was sitting there - dressed in black, and her
friend was sitting next to her. When they finished the ceremony, and just before the
undertakers got ready to close the casket, the wife said, 'Wait just a moment!' She had
a small metal box with her; she came over with the box and put it in the casket. Then the
undertakers locked the casket down and they rolled it away. So her friend said, 'Girl, I
know you were not foolish enough to put all that money in there with your husband.' The
loyal wife re plied, 'Listen, I'm a Christian; I cannot go back on my word. I promised him
that I was going to put that money into the casket with him.' You mean to tell me you put
that money in the casket with him! 'I sure did,' said the wife. 'I got it all together, put it
into my account, and wrote him a check.... If he can cash it, then he can spend it.'



Saturday, February 23, 2008

Different takes...............

I like to use things in my home for different purposes other than for what they were intended. My throw, in the picture below, is actually a wool drapery panel that I found on a shopping trip one day. I thought the color and pattern really complimented my throw pillow and my red accent wall. Red is one of my favorite things!


The light below is actually an outdoor light fixture. I find that they can actually be a lot less expensive than interior fixtures, especially when bought at a local home store as opposed to a fancy lighting store. I like the golden seed type glass in it. It gives a nice glow at night.

An extra wine rack holds a few of my magazines. I wasn't using it so I thought I'd try it with something else.
Over the years, I've had many different uses for things. I used a tablecloth with clip on rings as a fabric shower curtain. I've used shower curtains to make fabric wall art. I padded a fabric headboard with the smooth side of one of those egg crate mattress pads. Then I covered it with sheets that matched my comforter. I made art panels for behind the bed out of plywood, batting and fabric. I've used a heavy round trash can as side table by adding a plywood round top and covering it with fabric.

What different uses for things have you done?

Wednesday, February 20, 2008

I adore doors!

I'm not sure when I became interested in pictures of doors but I find them interesting. The one in the upper left was taken in Italy. No, I didn't go there. Darn. My friend did and he took this with the water flowing up to the doorway. It also has cute window boxes. The two center ones are from Spain. The upper right one with the lace curtains is from France. The lower left and right ones are from Italy too.

I have also collected some calendar pictures of doors that need to be framed.


The lace curtain one was the first one I bought at an art fair.
Close up in Italy.
This one came from an art fair, as well. I thought it was very unusual. My friends say it looks a little scary. The more I look at it, it is kinda scary. It's never made it to the wall.

Tuesday, February 19, 2008

Talkin' toile!

I love toile! BJ over at Sweet Nothings was talking about how she loved country French style. I have always loved the look and especially the fabrics. Here are a few pictures from BHG and Horchow using toile in different ways. Want to learn more about it?
Toile (pronounced twahl) means "cloth" in French.










Below is how I used it in my laundry room to make the plain cabinets more interesting. I just took foam board and covered it with toile fabric. It's attached to the cabinet fronts with some removable poster mounting tape. When I get tired of the look, I can just take them down. I lined a couple of baskets with leftover toile and a check fabric.



(Sorry about the reflection of the mirror.)

Monday, February 18, 2008

What did you do on President's day?

Until 1971, both February 12 and February 22 were observed as federal public holidays to honor the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln (February 12) and George Washington (February 22).

In 1971 President Richard Nixon proclaimed one single federal public holiday, the Presidents' Day, to be observed on the third Monday of February, honoring all past presidents of the United States of America.

See what Snopes said about President's day.

I worked today, but many people had the day off. I hope you had a good Monday. How did you spend It?

Sleep in?
Float in the pool?
Play a few games?
Check your makeup?

Saturday, February 16, 2008

99 steps and posts ........

Wow, it's hard to believe I've had over 99 posts since I started blogging. It's been my pleasure to meet a lot of nice people from around the world. I only wish I had more time to visit and share some more interesting topics.

Sorry.........nothing to give away for my milestone except my thanks for your sweet comments and support.

Thank you......................thank you...............................thank you!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

99 things about me. (In no particular order)
  1. I love dogs.
  2. I am not a real blonde
  3. I don't like to tell my age.
  4. I love chocolate.
  5. I love a good joke.
  6. I am smarter than I look.
  7. I don't like my toes.
  8. I lied about my weight on my driver's license.
  9. I love anything with cheese.
  10. I'm not very athletic but I like sports.
  11. I love to listen to Michael Buble.
  12. I like easy listening music.
  13. I never had measles.
  14. I wish I was taller.
  15. I like to draw.
  16. I wish for a "do over" on a few things.
  17. I am kind.
  18. I love my family and we all get along.
  19. I am not terribly sociable.
  20. I am quiet until you get to know me.
  21. I am a good friend.
  22. I don't like dill pickles.
  23. I am chubby. Oh my.
  24. I love to cook when I have time.
  25. I love to decorate.
  26. I like to eat pasta. (Hence, the chubby)
  27. I love a glass of wine now and then.
  28. I like comedies and dramas.
  29. I don't read much.
  30. I'm a visual person.
  31. I miss my dad.
  32. I like being outside.
  33. I don't go to church.
  34. I believe in God.
  35. I don't like mustard on my hot dogs.
  36. I like Las Vegas.
  37. I have to push myself to exercise.
  38. I should go to work today but I don't want to.
  39. I love most flowers.
  40. I'm not a big seafood eater.
  41. I watch the soaps.
  42. I listen more than I talk. Really!
  43. I lead a simple life.
  44. I drive an older car but the miles are low.
  45. I don't use credit cards very much.
  46. I don't know why I decided to do this list.
  47. I watch American Idol and Dancing with the Stars.
  48. I enjoy my blog time.
  49. I don't care for over bearing people.
  50. I am a hard worker.
  51. I can't believe I'm halfway through this list.
  52. I'm not much of a "bs" er
  53. I am honest and trustworthy. (Sounds like a scout)
  54. I don't smoke.
  55. I am fairly neat but not obsessive.
  56. I love magazines.
  57. I like vanilla ice cream better than any other flavor.
  58. I wish I was doing something more creative.
  59. I love Christmas.
  60. I'm good at math.
  61. I get along well with my neighbors.
  62. I have only been married once.
  63. I don't like doctors.
  64. I wish I had more free time.
  65. I like to take pictures at all the family gatherings.
  66. I can sew but don't very often.
  67. I like to decorate cakes.
  68. I like girl scout cookies. (Thin mints)
  69. I like cottage/traditional style.
  70. I have always lived in the Midwest.
  71. I am afraid of spiders.
  72. I won't drink milk after the date on it.
  73. I like all kinds of pretty dinnerware.
  74. I would rather buy decor items than clothes.
  75. I do like shoes.
  76. I don't wear a lot of jewelry.
  77. I rarely wear fragrance.
  78. I like to get my nails done.
  79. I love art fairs.
  80. I enjoy musicals.
  81. I only have one brother.
  82. I am stubborn, at times.
  83. I will stand up for what I believe in.
  84. I always try to vote.
  85. I have 13 nieces and nephews.
  86. I am the oldest in my family.
  87. I'm usually a happy person.
  88. I like antiques but don't have many.
  89. I like to collect wedding pictures.
  90. I like to travel but I'm really more of a home body.
  91. I prefer diet coke over pepsi.
  92. I like to walk my dog.
  93. I like to play in the snow.
  94. I prefer 70 degree weather.
  95. I love to shop!!!!
  96. I love to dig in the dirt.
  97. I wish I'd worn more sunscreen when I was younger.
  98. I'd love to win the lottery. Somebody has to.
  99. I'm glad I'm done with this list!!! You're probably bored to tears.

This is a picture of the 99 steps in St Thomas, VI. We visited here a couple of years ago and believe me, there are 99 plus steps. I huffed and I puffed and I climbed those stairs.........and just after a giant margarita at Hotel 1829! Chubby girls shouldn't try to drink and climb stairs. LOL


Built in the mid 1700’s the 99 steps are actually 103 steps. Built by the Danes, these steps and many others could be found all over Charlotte Amalie and were believed the best way to climb up and down the town’s steep hills. Many historians believe that the stairway was actually a result of impractical planning on the part of Danish engineers who had never been to St. Thomas. The brick used to create the steps were originally brought from Denmark as ballast in the hulls of sailing ships.



Friday, February 15, 2008

Something to howl about!!!


My dog has a new role model. (See my Bailey on my sidebar)

Westminster Dog Show

Uno, the barking beagle became the first of his breed to ever win the coveted best in show prize at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. Despite the popularity of beagles in the U.S., none has ever won the top spot in the 100 year history of the prize. Uno strikes a pose with handler Aaron Wilkerson Tuesday night, after winning best in show at the 132nd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City.

Watch his win!

Three cheers for beagles!!! Hopefully Bailey will use Uno's picture for some diet inspiration.

Thursday, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine's Day

I thought I would share my Great Grandmother's blanket chest on this Valentine's Day. It was given to her by her "sweetie", my dear Great Grandfather back in 1897!!!

Hope you're having a good day with your "sweetie" or family.

Hugs,

Nan

Monday, February 11, 2008

Things aren't always as they appear

A WOMAN was flying from Seattle to San Francisco. Unexpectedly, the plane was diverted to Sacramento along the way. The flight attendant explained that there would be a delay, and if the passengers wanted to get off the aircraft the plane would re-board in 50 minutes. Everybody got off the plane except one lady who was blind. The man had noticed her as he walked by and could tell the lady was blind because her Seeing Eye dog lay quietly underneath the seats in front of her throughout the entire flight. He could also tell she had flown this very flight
before because the pilot approached her, and calling her by name, said, "Kathy, we are in Sacramento for almost an hour. Would you like to get off and stretch your legs?" The blind lady replied, "No thanks, but maybe Buddy would like to stretch his legs."


Picture this:

All the people in the gate area came to a complete standstill when they looked up and saw the pilot walk off the plane with a Seeing Eye dog! The pilot was even wearing sunglasses
. People scattered. They not only tried to change planes, but they were trying to change airlines!


THINGS AREN'T ALWAYS AS THEY APPEAR.


A DAY WITHOUT LAUGHTER IS A DAY WASTED!!!

Sunday, February 10, 2008

Birthday calendar

The birthday calendar tells you how long you've been alive in hours and minutes and even when you were most likely conceived! What songs were popular the year of your birth and other interesting information is included.

It also gives you your life path number. I'm a 7.

The Life Path 7 suggests that you entered this plane with a gift for investigation, analysis, and keen observation. You are a thinker of the first order. You evaluate situations very quickly, and with amazing accuracy. As a result, you are thorough and complete in your work, the perfectionist who expects everyone else to meet a high standard of performance, too.

A Life Path 7 person is a peaceful and affectionate soul. But you guard your connection to people carefully. It's easy for you to detect deception and recognize insincere people, and you avoid them. You aren't one to have a wide circle of friends, but once you accept someone as a friend, it's for life. It's as if you must get to know someone a lot better before you allow the wall surrounding you to be penetrated. Chances are you are a very charming and refined individual with great poise and a quick wit. Nonetheless, there is an exclusiveness about you. You probably aren't a very social person. Your reserve is often taken to be aloofness, but actually, it's not that at all. It is merely a cover up for your basic feeling of insecurity. There's no rush, It takes time for you to warm up to new friends. Clubs and organizations hold little interest for you; you are not a joiner.

Scary, this is sooooooooo me.

Saturday, February 9, 2008

Sweetheart Burger



I don't remember when I found this website, but Carolyne Roehm has some beautiful ideas and tips to share. She has several books on flowers, entertaining, and collections. She has a lovely article for February on having a romantic dinner. As the valentine's day holiday draws near, I think I'm going to keep it simple and do the sweetheart burger that she had suggested last February. Just use cookie cutters to cut out English muffins for buns, shape your burger in a cutter, and make potato chips cut in heart shapes.
She also has a simple fondue using heart shaped pound cake.

Thursday, February 7, 2008

National Wear Your Bunny Slippers to Work day!

Let's get comfortable.
Isn't this pillow sweet?
This lamp would look adorable in a little girl's room.
Hey, why not! I saw this in the Room Service home catalog.They have some adorable bunny items.

Tuesday, February 5, 2008

Going green.............

I am tired of buying cleaning products that are costly and that contain lots of chemicals. I bought some simple ingredients at Wal-Mart and I'm planning on trying some recipes for basic cleaning supplies.

Most modern synthetic cleaning products are based on age-old formulas using natural ingredients that were passed down through the generations because the chemistry was right. Going back to the original naturally derived ingredients is a way to make cleaning products that work, don't pollute and save you money. Most are found in your kitchen cupboards.
Non-toxic cleaning can give you a deep feeling of gratification in knowing that your family's health is protected, and that your home is a place for your bodies to rest and recuperate rather than promote harm.

Here's a site for simple recipes for CREAMY SOFT SCRUBBER, WINDOW CLEANER, OVEN CLEANER, ALL-PURPOSE SPRAY CLEANER, FURNITURE POLISH, VINEGAR DEODORIZER, MOLD KILLERS.
Edited to say: That's not my hairy arm in the picture. LOL

Monday, February 4, 2008

Gender Specific Driving Ettiquette

A woman is driving at night on a narrow country road. At the same time, a man is driving in the opposite direction on that same road.


When they narrowly pass each other at high speed, the woman rolls down her window and loudly shouts - HORSE! Immediately the man shouts back - *ITCH!
The man laughs. He is proud to have reacted so quickly to the shouting woman and takes the next turn in the road, maintaining his speed.



Moral of the story:
Men never listen, and when they do, they don't understand one word a woman says.

Sunday, February 3, 2008

Looking at architecture in a new way.....


I love the idea of making framed wall art with pictures of letters in architecture or every day items. I found this site and I'm thinking of ordering. Here is another site. I suppose I could make this myself if I start looking at buildings in a new way. I usually have my camera ready.

I think this would be a great wedding gift. If you know of any other sites that have these, please let me know.

Government Warning!!!


*************GOVERNMENT WARNING*************
Do NOT swallow bubble gum!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sorry, I couldn't resist sharing this.

Saturday, February 2, 2008

Guest room view 2

On my guest room post, one of the ladies that I've known on line for a while didn't remember my guest room done in the blues. I rotate my look in there. I was doing animal prints for a while. I like to keep the walls neutral so that I can change the look often. I am thinking of changing it again. I have a quilt with pinks and green........so I may do that in there for a new look. I'll post it if I change it again.