view from the nest

❤HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY❤ and tornadoes in winter?

2012-02-14T10:10:00.000-06:00

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Happy Valentine's Day

Yeah we get all mushy and stuff around here. Hubby gave me roses and chocolates. And he treated his girlie girl to a rose and some baking stuff (her passion). So all is well, hugs and kisses, blah blah - dinner tonight - blah blah blah.

❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤❤

Then, my youngest son was perusing the contents of the fridge for breakfast while making small talk with me [multitasking at its best I tell ya] And it went something like this:

NICHOLAS: Mom? Are there tornadoes in the winter?

ME: (not even hesitating to answer, b/c he is often random like this) Sure, it's rare, but if the weather conditions are right it can happen. You know, we've had a very mild winter so far and if we get a storm and the warm air and cold air mix just right----

NICHOLAS: ----what are you talking about?!?!

ME: ----then the conditions could produce----Wait----What?? What were YOU talking about??

NICHOLAS: I didn't ask you about THAT!

ME: (scared to ask now)

**let me insert a disclaimer here. My husband is FOREVER hearing the wrong thing come out of our mouths. Instead of responding with a simple 'What did you say?', he will just respond to what he thought he heard and ramble on until one of us interrupts and sets him straight. Uhmmmm....... kind of like this morning's conversation. **

What DID you ask me then?

NICHOLAS: I asked 'why are there tomatoes in the butter?'

ME: Laughing hysterically so tears immediately form. I can no longer form words and just grab Nicholas and hug him. Now we're both shaking from me laughing so hard and he really doesn't know what to make of his 'cuckoo for cocoa puffs' mom, but he goes with it anyway. BTW, he's a great hugger.

Finally I compose myself long enough to tell him what I thought I 'heard' him say and break out in a refreshed bout of hysterical laughter, still hugging him and now I'm apologizing while laughing and hugging and yelling out 'Help me, I've become DAD! Please help me, I'm becoming your dad. OMG, I've become your dad, LOL, I swear I thought you said Tornadoes in Winter, not Tomatoes in Butter.....**WAIT**

--Why ARE there tomatoes in the butter?

Telemarketers - No is a complete sentence!

2012-01-14T10:03:00.000-06:00

I love Oprah for teaching the 'No' lesson. I just need to remember to use it more often.

Had a telemarketer call the other day and it went something like this:

T: Hi, I'm calling you back because the last time we spoke you said 'sometime next year' would be a good time to check back with you-- (it's the 10th of the new year already--slacker)--

ME: Regarding?

T: [blah blah blah] installation of windows [blah blah blah] ........I'm waiting for a break and finally interrupt him --

ME: --We're not interested.

T: Really? Because the last time we spoke, you said you were interested in replacing your windows sometime next year [blah blah blah.......I'm gazing out into the newly fallen snow and imagining all 26 of my windows removed, and a minus 5 windchill blowing through my kitchen] and then I snap out of that fantasy and say--

ME: I don't recall having that conversation.

[is this a new sales technique praying on the bad recall of menopausal women with 20 year old windows?]

T: Yes, we--

ME: Look, my husband's in the business. So, if we decide our windows need replacing, he would do the work himself.

T: Well, that's great that your husband can install windows and I completely understand him not wanting to hire someone to do it then ...[should have ended there, but then he inhaled and went on]..... but he couldn't offer the warranty that we can by doing the work himself.

ME: For a second the phone was silent on both ends. I know what I was thinking [seriously dude? I should pay thousands of dollars in labor to YOU when my husband can install them for free. And besides, I know where to find my husband if something doesn't work with the windows. Can you give me THAT guarantee?]

T: He said nothing while I was thinking. Perhaps his brain was saying 'Seriously dude? Did you just say that out loud? Maybe she's really dumb enough to fall for that line? Yeah, I need to add this one to my top 10 sales pitches, because she hasn't hung up on me yet----

ME: -- Click--

Giveaway ~ Giveaway ~ Giveaway!

2012-01-03T06:52:00.000-06:00

You can win a $100 Visa Gift Card!

Click HERE to see how!

Merry Christmas

2011-12-24T07:47:00.000-06:00

Be Blessed!

2011 Favorite Things

2011-12-21T07:52:00.000-06:00

I started gifting some of my favorite things a few years ago (ala Oprah), minus the expensive new car. Don't hate, she has a bigger expense account than I do.

Anyway, these are a few of my faves that are being given to my besties this year:

Pioneer Woman's Cinnamon Rolls, made by Moi

These are TO.DIE.FOR!!

Floral Pin by

The Lovely Poppy

I'm pairing one of these up with the last gift here

[scroll baby scroll]

Best lotion, HANDS down

[sorry, had to say it]

Soap & Glory used to call it Great Shakes

Then my fave lotion and I were on a hiatus until it re-emerged as

'Hand Food'

Pashmina

[Amazon.com]

No one will guess how little you spent on these

They are gorg!

Blessings

2011-12-18T19:36:00.002-06:00

Blessings to you and yours

from

The Rix Family

2011

Favorite Things

2011-12-01T18:52:00.002-06:00

I am not Oprah and I don't play her on TV. I do admit I was a slightly obsessed fan, even having the honor of being an audience member once. I also admit to getting slightly depressed every year when she'd kick off the holiday season with her 'Favorite Things' episodes. Recently, a friend got to visit the 'Favorite Things' set -- she wasn't an audience member and didn't receive anything so I didn't have to be jealous of my best friend or anything super selfish like that.........Ahem,...........but I digress.

Nester is hosting a 'Favorite Things' party and I hate to miss out on a party. And now that Oprah is off the air and all.......I figure we need to carry on the tradition, right?

Here goes. My list of FAVE.OR.ITE THINGS.
[all under $30]

ORIGINS SMILEAGE PLUS LIP BALM

NOTHING WILL MAKE YOUR LIPS HAPPIER

$12.50

I'VE HAD A RED LICORICE LOVE AFFAIR MY ENTIRE LIFE

THESE ARE JUST ONE OF MY FAVES
Under $2 at Walmart

WHEN I'M HAVING A ROUGH WEEK MY HUBBY SLIPS ONE OF THESE ONTO MY DESK

HE LIVES BY THE MOTTO 'HAPPY WIFE, HAPPY LIFE'

MY HUSBAND IS A VERY SMART MAN

Under $2 at Trader Joe's

ANOTHER ORIGINS FAVORITE

EYE PENCILS WITH BUILT IN SMUDGER TIP

MY TWO FAVORITE COLORS ARE 'MUSHROOM' AND 'MULBERRY'

$15.00

DON'T NEED A FANCY EXPENSIVE WINE TO PLEASE THIS PALETTE

YELLOW TAIL SHIRAZ IS ONE OF MY FAVORITES
$11 at Sam's Club

I NEARLY HAD TO SEND MY SON OUT FOR THIS FOR DINNER TONIGHT

I'VE BEEN CRAVING IT FOR SIX DAYS NOW

MAYBE TOMORROW NIGHT?

CHIPOTLE BURRITO BOWL
Add a bag of chips with mild salsa and some Iced Tea
Best meal for under $10

GAP CREW NECK LONG SLEEVED T-SHIRT

DON'T LAUGH

BEST FITTING - BEST FEELING -- MOST DURABLE T-SHIRT I'VE WORN IN AGES

HANDS DOWN
$16.95

PREMIER DESIGNS

COMPANION EARRINGS

THESE ARE MY FAVORITE EVERY DAY EARRINGS

SO MUCH SO THAT I LOST ONE RECENTLY

AND REPURCHASED ANOTHER PAIR

IMPATIENTLY AWAITING THEIR ARRIVAL
$26

I could go on and on but this was a lot of fun. Let me know if you try any of my favorites. I'd love to hear from you and LOVE to get comments!

GO DAWGS!!

2011-11-18T14:57:00.003-06:00

Our high school football team is in the finals to play downstate and they are UN.DE.FEATED!!!

NBC news came to film a pep rally this morning and this is a clip of the fabulous school spirit some 600 students mustered up at 5am!!

View more videos at: http://nbcchicago.com.

This post is entitled: 'When do Boys Connect the Dots?'....

2011-10-13T08:59:00.000-05:00

....and various other things my boys do to make me scratch my head.

So, take a stroll with me [if you dare] and enter the boys' bedroom (cue the dramatic music)

See anything wrong with this picture?

no not the half painted walls ....

.... perhaps the unmade beds?..... surely you jest?

See the hamper? It looks empty doesn't it? There's a reason for that...

(follow me to the other side of the room. I know it's scary but I'll hold your hand, kay?)

Are things beginning to make a little sense now?

See I asked my son to carry up his empty hamper on Saturday after I did laundry.

Now is the time I make you do math.

Today is Thursday - need a hint? That makes FIVE days that the hamper has been sitting empty by his bed when it's supposed to go in the closet here.

What's that you say? You don't see a hamper here? You only see FIVE days of dirty clothes climbing out of the open closet? There's a reason for that....

Because it's still sitting HERE, by my son's bed......where he put it on SATURDAY....

Still.Empty.

I know I should wait and make them do it, but quite honestly I just played out the entire conversation in my brain and I exhausted myself just thinking about it so I caved and took care of it myself.

VOILA!! Much better!

Even better still!

Now....how long before you think they'll notice? Anyone care to wager a bet?

GARAGE SALE......MINE!

2011-07-14T08:06:00.003-05:00

Just a sampling of what's leaving my house.

Hopefully, never to return...

Please, somebody come and buy it all!

This is the craziest piece for sale. Why?

I actually sold it last year. A nice woman bought the entire set.

In addition, she bought a table and chairs from my neighbor

Just how many people do you need to sit at one table?

Anyway, this chair needed a little TLC
and my hubby felt bad selling it in the quasi-wobbly stage

(you know being a carpenter and all)

So he glued and clamped it overnight
and the woman thanked him and agreed to come the next day and pick it up...

Well, she never did.

So.....For Sale.....One lonely chair!

Anyone?

FRIDAY'S GARAGE SALE FINDS

2011-07-11T08:33:00.000-05:00

Crate and Barrel cereal bowls

.25 cents each!

They are sort of a rounded square and perfect size for the kids

These are currently on sale for $4 each

I got all 8 for $2!

Pretty glass votive holders

.25 cents each!

Wrought iron wine bottle and glasses display (including 4 wine glasses shown)

World Market

Insulated zippered market tote

I've seen these for upwards of $25 in various stores

The Revealing

2011-07-06T12:44:00.002-05:00

My July 4th Flag Cake Reveal!

See making of cake HERE

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

2011-07-04T06:41:00.001-05:00

[compliments of my 12 year old son]

Red, White & Blue....and lots of frosting!

2011-07-02T16:42:00.004-05:00

Made a Flag Cake today.

I'll unveil with a few pics after July 4th

Until then...

here is the making of

AND what I did with all the cake scraps

First layers (Red) done

White and Blue layers done

(and some falling apart)

The best Vanilla Extract Evah!

and some cheap whipping cream

Priorities girls, Priorities!

So what did I do with the cake scraps from the flag cake?

(drum roll please)

Even my crumbs look Patriotic!

See cake reveal HERE

Advice Please?

2011-06-30T12:38:00.004-05:00

Okay, this is where I pretend to have a loyal blog following and ask for help:

I desperately need your advice!

ECHO.......Echo..........echo......

[cue the crickets]

Well, to my few (and I mean it in the very literal sense of the word 'few') followers:

What do you think about refinishing this desk?

Should I take the plunge?

How would you refinish it?

Some important facts to know:

1. It was originally my grandfather's so it's sentimental (aka I don't want to ruin it)

2. It's old: as young as 75 -- as old as 100 years?

3. I'm not trying to keep it original so painting it is my first thought.

4. Last and most important: I've never restored a piece of furniture, ever!

The top finish is pretty scratched up. I thought about putting a glass top on this when it's done. What do you think?

Hardware: all intact and not hideous at all.

Options:

1. Keep as is?

2. Keep original, but paint?

3. Change entirely -- to what?

I think she has pretty lines.

All the drawers need stops and could stand to glide smoother (suggestions?)

And finally, what type of finish? What color?

I'm thinking an off white, perhaps with some glazing, but am open to suggestions.

Oh and here is the matching chair. It's original to the desk.

Closeup of side detail

Back of chair.

Seat is some type of faux leather and I can see another layer of fabric under that.

To be honest, it's not the most comfy of chairs and I don't know if I'd want to sit in it for long periods of time at a desk.

So do I repurpose it for somewhere else?

Keep it with the desk b/c it's original to the desk?

See? I told you I needed your help!

They say it's your birthday [CUE MUSIC]

2011-06-28T10:36:00.003-05:00

Polar Opposites

2011-06-27T15:34:00.004-05:00

The weather this spring/summer has been less than stellar.

It's not uncommon for one day to be 30 degrees cooler than the previous.

Or even drastically different from morning to late afternoon on the same day.

I knew moving to the 'country' we had our own weather climate here, but I still have a hard time getting used to it. Severe storms blow in with no real notice.

We haven't purchased a pool pass this summer and the weather lately has made me glad we didn't. Couldn't go walking this morning due to rain, and then 'Sybil' [my affectionate name for Mother Nature] decides to break out in puffy white clouds and bright blue skies. What gives?

Seriously!!!

Nothing speaks volumes better than pictures so here ya go!

8am today

And exactly 2 hours later

same day

same location

See?

SYBIL!

Cupcakes Any-Onesie?

2011-06-25T08:19:00.002-05:00

Made these yesterday for a friend's baby shower

What do you think?

Where do you display your American Pride?

2011-06-25T08:03:00.000-05:00

First Day of Summer?

2011-06-22T10:07:00.002-05:00

First day of summer can only mean one thing...

Tornado Warnings and Severe Weather!

This was at 8:19 pm

...and then only 5 minutes later at 8:24

This was a little later

Encouraging Words

2011-06-20T06:40:00.003-05:00

The Nester is talking about Everyday Encouragement

HERE

I have a drawer at my desk where I keep notes of encouraging words

Right next to my chocolate stash

They both uplift this girl's spirit, what can I say?

This is a horrible picture taken spur of the moment at 6am on a dark rainy day without a flash with my phone.

I really just didn't want to show you all my best chocolate in plain view LOL.

Happy Father's Day!

2011-06-19T13:23:00.004-05:00

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!

This is my all time favorite pic of my own dad

with my mom

I think right after they got married.

FRIDAY'S GARAGE SALE FIND

2011-06-17T12:54:00.003-05:00

Got this today at a Garage Sale

This is actually a lady who holds about 3 sales a year and resells her flea market finds, including this antique jar from Italy

Isn't she pretty? And it's hard to tell in the pics but this is big - about 10 inches or so at its widest.

I opted for a flameless candle b/c I don't want to deal with cleaning up dripped wax

Love it even more at night!

This concludes the MONTH of cake!

2011-05-31T09:07:00.011-05:00

NATALEIGH

NOAH

NATHAN

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

2011-05-10T08:00:00.001-05:00

Speechless!

That was me when my family surprised me with

THIS

Still learning Mac vs. PC but I'm having a blast!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

2011-05-06T22:46:00.002-05:00

Lollipop Guild Girls

Nataleigh

Lullaby League Girls

Just a 'few' of our Munchkins

Sneak Peek

2011-05-04T06:34:00.001-05:00

Not sure if I'll get any other pics or video of the play b/c I'm back stage throughout, but this is my youngest, Nataleigh in one of the orange skirts on the left as a Lollipop Guild Munchkin!

Flowers and Headbands and Socks, Oh My!!

2011-05-03T06:56:00.005-05:00

I'm on the Costume Committee for our elementary school production of

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

This has been my life lately

The above flowers turned into headbands for the munchkins

(we have a cast of 90!)

There was lots of 'Sock Drama' but I won't go into details

(in order to protect the innocent)

Hope to post some performance photos here later this week!

Until then..

BREAK A LEG EVERYONE

City-Wide Garage Sale Finds!

2011-05-02T06:51:00.004-05:00

Pottery Barn Phone for my Tween Sweetie - $10

This came from the same home where I purchased the Pottery Barn Madison Book Rack and Cork Board last year. Wonder what they'll be selling next year?

Two embroidered pillows (.50 cents each)

A friend says they are also Pottery Barn?

Closeup of Pillow detail

Bombay Kids Wool Gigi Rug

This thing is huge! I could only fit it at the foot of her bed and it fills that space

This is a full sized bed - the rug is 3'x6'

I saw a brand new one sell for $220 on Ebay

I paid $15!

Two Whole Hands!!

2011-04-30T13:46:00.002-05:00

Baby Girl turns 10 next week!

How is that even possible?

A few random shots of her through the years.

Age 4

Age 5

Age 3

1 Day Old

Her Birth Announcement Photo

Stay tuned for birthday celebration pictures!!

Happy Valentine's Day [from nature]

2011-02-14T09:11:00.006-06:00

Chicken Bow Tie

2011-02-05T18:13:00.006-06:00

This is a favorite at our house...

...at least with the adults

Oh well, more for us~

Shall we begin?

I won't be including measurements, just ingredients.

Adjust to fit your size family

Your mileage may vary ;-)

Start with boneless chicken breasts. Cut into bite sized cubes. I cook them in olive oil and garlic until all sides are white but not cooked all the way through.

Forgot the picture, but add basil to the chicken and toss.

Use a LOT of Basil, you can't overdo it, really!

Trust me.

Cook Bow Tie (Farfalle) pasta, drain and set aside.

Let's talk about Sun-dried tomatoes shall we?

(yes, they're in the recipe)

But seriously, these are the best. I buy them at Costco. They're marinated in Olive Oil.

Add these to the chicken. (see the basil now?) You can chop them if you like, but I'm lazy and just toss them in whole.

Next comes the broccoli florets. I use flash frozen for convenience. Did I mention I'm lazy?

Toss and simmer covered for about 3-5 minutes.

When you think everything is 'married', place some butter in the center of the pan and let melt.

This forms sort of a roux but without the flour.

Next, add 1 cup of chicken broth. Don't worry about being precise with the measurements. I used a cup here but mostly b/c I think my new stainless measuring cups are pretty [wink].

Next add a cup of wine. Whatever you have on hand works.

I just happened to have a bottle of this open.

Yes there's a glass poured for me too. Don't Judge -- What's good for Julia Child is good for me. We're tight like that!

Anywho....getting back to the recipe

[taking a l-o-o-o-o-o-ng sip of wine here]

....and I'm back

OKAY! Here's where you combine the veggies/chicken mixture and the pasta. I find it easier to pour the chicken mixture into the pasta pot, but sometimes I mix the pasta into the deep frying pan with the chicken mixture

[I like to shake things up like that]

Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the pasta absorbs the flavors

Voila!

This is the finished product.

I like to serve this up in my pasta bowls from Crate and Barrel

Bon Appetit!

Today: brought to you by the letters 'S-N-O-W'

2011-02-03T09:45:00.007-06:00

Hello

News around here is one word

SNOW

oh and lots of it

It started about 3pm on Tuesday exactly as predicted

and by the next morning I woke to this when I opened my garage door

Then the snow removal began.

Of course my husband is out of town so the kids all pitched in

I don't think if they knew it would take 8 hours to remove it all they would have been as willing.

This is my porch swing having a time out.

My oldest had to remove her from where she hung out because the wind kept swinging her into the support beam and I thought it might break which would be bad (wink)

This is the damage she caused to the beam!

This is the side garage door (imprint in the snow of the door panel)

In the previous snowblowing pic this drift was about 3 feet deep. Then the street plower came and buried us under 5-6 feet of newly 'delivered' snow (sigh)

The following two pics show how we deal with blizzard stress. Oh and I've been sick since Sunday.

The kids say I'm funny when I take cough syrup with codeine.

At least I can still make soup.

My last batch of Pioneer Woman Cinnamon rolls

saved for a special occasion

Nothing like a Snowpocalypse to bring on the comfort food, right?

Wordless Wednesday

2011-01-19T09:52:00.002-06:00

Lead Me

2011-01-19T06:49:00.002-06:00

The first time I heard this song, I thought it was so sad.

Then I really listened to the lyrics.

And it inspired HOPE!

Watch and read along with the lyrics, then scroll down to see the video from Sanctus Real

Merry Christmas from the Rix Family

2010-12-26T08:54:00.002-06:00

Christmas Tour 2010

2010-12-13T08:16:00.005-06:00

Here is my home entry for

Christmas Tour 2010

Front Porch Entry

Entry table

Coffee Filter Wreath and Trees

Family Room Tree

Train Under Tree

Family Room Mantel

Picture is Son #2 at 6 months

Kitchen Centerpiece

Living Room Tree

This belonged to my Mom

Kids' Bath

Snowman Themed

Master Bath

Old World Santa Theme

Big Boy Tree

Car Themed

Girl Child Tree

Barbie (Pink) Themed

Middle Boys Tree

Lunchbox Themed

And lastly

The Outdoor Decorations

Ala Griswolds

Well Spanx me!

2010-12-12T10:10:00.003-06:00

I bought some Spanx for an upcoming special occasion.

I thought I could use a little smoothing and trimming.

I was skeptical that this teensie tiny elastic band of a thing could provide noticeable results.

You be the judge!

This is me

BEFORE SPANX

Okay, not horrible - I've seen worse

But, let's take a look at the reverse side

See those unsightly rolls? - Ackckck!

I hope to do something permanent about them in 2011

But in the meantime - Ackckck!!!

This is me

AFTER SPANX

It's not really drastic

But I can see a smoother silhouette (if I squint) LOL

Let's see what they did for the back side

You know -- the side they'll all be laughing and pointing at behind my back

Okay, maybe I'm exaggerating a teensie bit.

AFTER SPANX

BIG improvement in my opinion.

What do you think??

BEFORE AND AFTER - FRONT

More noticeable with the side-by-side, no?

BEFORE AND AFTER - BACK

Much smoother and I think slimmer looking too!

Keep the Change!

2010-11-29T17:11:00.005-06:00

I found the perfect container to put our spare change in.

It's one of those tubs-o-gum that the kids always finish and forget to tell me that they finished until I go to chew a piece of gum and find out that it's all gone.

But I digress

I raided our change jar this afternoon and filled the empty gum container to place in our cup holder in the minivan.

We have plans for this change!...

We plan to put it all right here!

Each time we go into the grocery store or Walmart and pass the Salvation Army bucket, the kids will get to donate some of the change to a worthy cause.

They also get the opportunity to wish the volunteer

'Merry Christmas'

'God's Blessing!'

It's just one of the small traditions I started with the kids.

They get excited to donate and feel good about doing something 'worthy'

What traditions do you share with your kids during the holiday season??

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-11-22T21:11:00.002-06:00

You can win this:

Seriously!!!

Just visit Thrifty Decor Chick and see how by clicking HERE

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-11-15T07:25:00.002-06:00

You can win a Gift Certificate for

Pure and Lovely

Just by posting HERE

All Things Thrifty is having a Giveaway

2010-11-12T07:12:00.002-06:00

You can win some of this:

By visiting All Things Thrifty HERE and taking a chance to win!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-11-12T07:07:00.003-06:00

Here's another great giveaway. Bloggers have been very generous lately, haven't they?

You can win this Pottery Barn Gift Card:

Treat yourself to a little somethin' something' this holiday season. To win?

Just visit Urban Farmgirl HERE and take a chance of winning!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-11-07T13:13:00.000-06:00

You can win all of this:

by clicking HERE

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-11-01T21:25:00.001-05:00

Melissa is having a great giveaway for her readers. You can win this:

By going HERE

Good Luck

View from INSIDE my bedroom this month.

2010-10-23T07:03:00.002-05:00

Kind of creepy to wake up in the middle of the night and see this mummy watching over me.

Spooky Porch Update

2010-10-07T19:51:00.005-05:00

So after about a week of moping and saying he 'didn't think he felt' like decorating this year.

My husband got over it and did this today.

This is the newest addition to the family.

The kids have dubbed him Flat Stanley

He's as tall as me

don't let that impress you - I'm short

My carved and lit pumpkins

Ratty Rat

[I hate this thing]

I try to sneak a little cute in when the hubster and kids aren't looking

I generally hate spiders but don't mind them outdoors so much

especially light up ones in cool colors like purple and green

I think the weird hanging insect looking thing reminds me of summer and mosquitoes.

Here in Illinois they can feel this big some nights

The skeletor guy accidentaly gets left turned on some nights and I have the pleasure of hearing him moan while he glides back and forth on his zip line

I just call this guy rabid bat

[shudders]

we've had this ghost/pumpkin combo since our early married days

before kids and ghoulish stuff took over

light up spider webs book end each end of the porch

Flat Stanley behaving

Still to come....

Some spooky additions to the 2nd floor

Stay tuned

mwah hah hah hah hah

Transition to Halloween

2010-10-01T17:15:00.003-05:00

I showed you a few of my fall decorations yesterday.

Well, I decided to REALLY change things up in my entry for

HALLOWEEN

Are you ready for it?

This is the

BEFORE

And here is the

AFTER

I know - life changing, right?

Just in case you missed it

Aren't you sceered?

Hey, it's a start. Front porch decorations are next

My hubby is in charge of those and sorta goes overboard.

Stay tuned!

A few Fall updates!

2010-09-30T20:13:00.004-05:00

Front Entry

Just a few Autumn leaves and candles

The cutout pumpkin holds a candle

Dollar Store Pumpkins replace my candles

A $6 package of fall 'filler' from Walmart

$8 worth of fall foliage from Hobby Lobby

Vase is from a garage sale I posted about last week

The Leaf Garland was $5 at Hobby Lobby

Fall Vignette on the coffee table

Garage Sale Finds

2010-09-25T11:21:00.004-05:00

Spur of the moment Garage Sale Stop rendered me a few good finds:

This decorative fleur de lis candle/elephant [LOL] stand

Mom collected elephants and I displayed these here for now

[$2.00]

I was debating over these pieces when I realized she had the entire set tagged for $8

I asked her a few questions about them when she offered the whole set to me for $5

SCORE!

Have no idea where I'll put them all though

Suggestions welcome

Oh and I think these came from Hobby Lobby??

[Anyone recognize the clearance tags?]

They each had their retail stickers still on the bottoms but a few still had clearance stickers attached. By my estimation, she paid about $60 clearance prices.

[$180 retail for all]

ALL for $5 buckaroos!

Subtle changes make a big difference

2010-09-06T15:46:00.003-05:00

I can't stress enough how small changes affect the look of a room. With very little investment, these are the few small changes we've made in our kitchen to make it feel more like 'ours'.

BEFORE

AFTER

Command Center - Part Deaux

2010-09-01T08:17:00.005-05:00

This wall is opposite where I showed you here:

Command Center - Part One

Just to the right as you enter the Laundry Room

Main goal was to get the backpacks off of my counter top [barely visible next to dryer]

The memo board holds a variety of coupons, playbills, favorite photos and misc. reminders

[newspaper clipping was a favorite July 4th photo of mine that made it to print!]

Love having the backpacks off the counter, but also off the floor!

[keeping with my pink accents, I added a pink hamper to ~~Girlie~~ Brighten up the place!

Here's the small counter that the kids piled their backpacks on before.

My plan is to put a one-stop charging station here for the family.

DTR [aka Down The Road] plans are to flip this counter to the left of the washer/dryer instead of the right side where it is currently. We have a closet door, the garage door AND the washer door all converging on the same spot, so moving the counter top there would also allow us to slide the washer/dryer down a few feet. But like I said - down the road.

For now - this works for us.

Call me subtle...

2010-08-31T09:08:00.009-05:00

~~My husband is a contractor/carpenter~~

~~Yes! It's wonderful to have a handy guy around~~

~~and Yes! My stuff is last to get done~~

You know.....

Cobblers kids are the last to have shoes syndrome?

Umkay

so THIS

has been MY sink in the master bath for about ~~Forever~~ 3 weeks.

Can you see it??

S-T-A-N-D-I-N-G W-A-T-E-R

Ackckckcck!

*****

Now ~~ I tried the 'Honey, can you fix my sink?' approach, and got the standard response...

Yep, I'll get it done soon

Well, I took to using HIS sink and was envying the flowing AND draining water that he obviously took for granted!!

Funny how you crave something when you don't have it, right?

So I decided to leave him a slightly subliminal message where he couldn't miss it!

And YES, I used my manners because I'm nice that way [grins]

Well....... it only took a few days!

He took yesterday off [our anniversary] and did a whole BUNCH of 'Honey Do' list items.

~~ and NO, that wasn't his gift to me [but it sort of is]~~

~~Don't tell him I said that, kay?~~

I came home from work and discovered he had done this!

I'm tickled!!

Now you're all saying 'Man it doesn't take much to excite this girl, does it?'

Nope!

My love language is 'Acts of Service'

When my hubby gets to doing things around the house for me??

I swoon!

Seriously!!

But just so you don't think I'm COMPLETELY abnormal

I do like chocolate, diamonds and Coach purses (not necessarily in that order).

OH!!!

...and

He's taking today off too!

I heard rumblings about him cleaning out part of the garage.

~SWOON~

See? I told ya!

Command Center

2010-08-26T09:05:00.002-05:00

My new command center

[based in Laundry-land]

I have plans for this room but they are WAY down a very long road, so for now I chose pink accessories to accent the 'stainless' washer/dryer

[behind this wall is our laundry closet]

This is the laundry closet

[currently the pool closet]

Towels, swimsuits, sunscreen, etc.

[soon to be retired for the fall]

I have plans something along this line:

we'd remove the closet and build cubbies and a bench

{hey a girl can dream, right?}

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-08-24T19:35:00.001-05:00

You can win one of these:

Right HERE

This is REMOTEly cool!

2010-08-24T17:03:00.002-05:00

**Bad photo disclaimer: Broke the lens on my good camera so the quality of my point and shoot are -- well -- sorta poopy!

I'm turning on my TV!

[sort of like that vintage commercial of the mom doing something leisurely and stating "I'm cleaning my oven"]

Yes I know I'm pointing it at the microwave!

Hence the 'Remotely cool'

[did you catch my play on words there??]

Don't even have to point it at this when I press the buttons!

There's a cool computer with a touch screen

[the really bad pic is showing me choose 'Watch TV'

And then guess what happens?

The TV turns on!!!

Even if I point it at this!

Like this!

This was my hubby's birthday gift from me. He despised using FOUR different remotes. When he wants to watch a movie, now all he has to do is press 'Watch a DVD' and it changes the HDMI input, turns on the Blu Ray player and automatically switches on the surround sound system!

I think I may have heard angels choirs sing!

2010-08-19T16:05:00.002-05:00

School begins in less than a week for the kids

We're trying to squeeze in the last bits of porch time

It's an inviting porch don't you think?

We never did get around to assembling and staining the matching rockers to the swing over there...

Maybe next summer? Until then... we have this...

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-08-09T16:31:00.000-05:00

You can win your very own Stella & Dot necklace right HERE

Craigslist Funnies

2010-08-07T16:00:00.003-05:00

I'm always entertained by the Craigslist items for sale!

Come.........take a look at the bargains you can find.

This beauty falls under the category of 'Shabby Chic'

And she can be yours for the low price of $125!

(dust mites included at no extra charge?)

******************

This one......

described as Antique (ya never know what that will bring to the table)

But for the bargain price of $500, you can remove the couch condom and it might be good as new.....uhmm...... or maybe that's 'good as old' since it IS, after all, an antique.

******************

This one was listed as a 'Three Seater Couch'

What on Earth?!? I guess two sit ON the couch and the 3rd person rolls around on the back cushions until they deflate??

************

And this one was simply listed as

'Green Couch'

While it certainly IS green and it looks like it has good bones (gotta love the tufting!), let's look more closely at the description and find out if there might be any special reason for the low price of $30??

**Vintage Green Couch [so far so good]

**Good Condition [I would probably agree.......but wait]

**A few cigarette burns on the lower side of the right arm that are almost unnoticeable [umkay, but still ....cigarettes?? + burns?? -- probably a deal-breaker for me]....then the description goes on to say ..... and one large one (burn) on the right cushion -- we just flipped it over [guess the right side of this couch was where the smoker had his/her time outs?] Sorry, you had me at 'Cigarette'.

Then it says [remember the above noted flaws]

**we bought it 6 years ago and since then it's been in a smoke free, pet free home. [phew that makes ALL the diff in the world!]

and to finish it off

**Cash only, serious offers only [because if you're in the market for a vintage green couch with cigarette burns from a non smoking home, and only have $30 in your budget, they don't want to hassle with you if you're not serious!

SLIPCOVER VIRGIN

2010-07-30T18:09:00.003-05:00

I did it for the first time!

I made my very own slipcover!

Before you see the reveal

Here's a reminder of the BEFORE look!

!!!!!!!!!!!!!

(now you all understand why she HAD to be covered)

Here is her skirt

Here is her seat

Doesn't she have lovely arms?

I made a velcro 'escape' hatch on the back.

I had to do it so I could make the cover fitted enough to show off those pretty arms in the previous picture~

And here she is all done!

Next ~~Victim~~ Uhmm I mean project!

Nesting

2010-06-26T18:29:00.003-05:00

I've been 'Nesting'

Someone posted a real birds nest on Freecycle

I thought it was kind of an odd thing to offer but I was curious

I had to let it sit outside for about a week to dry out

Then I had to 'evict' some of the creepy crawlies who were dwelling on the underside

Can I hear a collective 'ICK'??

Apparently it was blown out of a tree by our recent storms.

The eggs fell prey to the local wildlife

I nestled some of my 'surrogate' egg soaps inside

Thanks to a little Gorilla Glue

I attached a small clear plate to a candlestick holder

and voila! The perfect nest display!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-05-13T06:48:00.000-05:00

You can win a pair of THESE

At Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls

Robin's Nestful

2010-05-09T22:59:00.002-05:00

Garage Sale Finds

2010-05-01T11:43:00.004-05:00

Vintage dish I'm using to hold some jewelry for now

.25 cents

Picture frame

$1.50

Stackable storage boxes for my daughter's closet

$5 for the set

Pottery Barn Kids Book Rack

This along with the cork board were my huge splurge items

I paid $85 for both items

Love this cork board -it's huge!

Board alone measures about 23"x17"

The framing adds another 4" all the way around

Would love to know what this retailed for new.

Is it the Madison line like the book stand??

Technically, I didn't buy this AT a garage sale

I bought it from my neighbor though who had just purchased it in January and replaced it with something else

$25

I'm playing around with wine corks in my apothecary jars

I've got plans for this picture ledge I bought for $1

And finally, this mason jar I picked up for .25 cents

I poured some sand inside and added a votive for a nice lantern for outside

Garage Sale Heaven!

2010-04-30T22:20:00.003-05:00

What do you get when your paycheck aligns with the opening of the City-wide Garage Sale??

Combine that with a friend who likes to shop??

You get about 5 hours of pure Garage-Sale-Induced Bliss!!

I haven't taken pictures of all of my goodies but I'll share these:

Pottery Barn Madison Book Shelf - Retail price - $119.00

Robin's price - $42.50

Okay, I guess I'll have to take pics of the other PBK find, b/c I can't find pictures online of it anywhere. To be continued...

Pier One Finds

2010-04-24T14:38:00.003-05:00

Love me some Spring Clearance Sales

Got these at Pier One for 75% off!!!

This gawgeous egg wreath was clearanced to

$7.48

I was tickled to find a few moss bunnies

Clearanced down to

.58 each!!

This 'Easter Tree' could be used any time of year. One lady was buying one to use to hang her necklaces on. Wondering if I should paint it or leave it white? Any other ideas what to use it for?

Clearanced down to

$2.48

Please Console Me!

2010-04-08T22:18:00.003-05:00

We finally purchased a Media Console for our TV. We've had the TV for about 16 months but couldn't agree on something we loved to put it on.

We've had it on my nephew's old desk all this time.

Functional?? Yes! Pretty?? No!

While shopping last week we found this and have been thinking about it ever since. So we went out and got it tonight and my son and I spent the last 2 hours re-wiring everything.

I just love the curvy design on the front and the loads of storage it provides.

Plus ALL the ugly wires are now hidden!!!

Not to mention that it's NOT a desk!

Best PSA for Seatbelt Safety!

2010-04-07T21:34:00.001-05:00

Some things I've been up to...

2010-04-03T21:01:00.006-05:00

I saw LIVING WITH LINDSAY make these and knew I had to have some too.

I hung two in my powder room to add a touch of Spring, wrapped in tulle.

Got the idea for these from BAKERELLA

Brought this platter to our neighborhood egg hunt for the kids and they literally disappeared in under 5 minutes!

p.s. I left off the ganache. I thought between brownies and chocolate chip cookie dough that there was enough sweetness, but that's just me.

My new love!

Do you see it?

Here's a hint: There used to be a brushed nickel fixture here

I've been a spray paintin' fool

Oil Rubbed Bronze transformed the old wimpy brushed nickel into this

Similar fixture, only this one was brass (shudder) in it's former life

Isn't she pretty now?

Not to mention she looks related to her 'sister' in the kitchen now.

I made an Easter 'Nest' of bread and filled it with

Robin's Egg Blue Dyed Eggs

Anyone care to guess what I dyed these beauties with?

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-03-23T07:09:00.001-05:00

You can win one of these:

Right HERE

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-03-19T13:06:00.001-05:00

You can win a can of this:

Right HERE

Friday Frugal Finds

2010-03-19T12:21:00.005-05:00

My church held a fundraiser today so I declared it open season on 'Garage Sales'!!

I got the tray for $1 and the Cloche bells for .50 each

Just playing around with some Easter eggs for the photo.

Horribly bright photo, sorry

This is a cute mirror with a small drawer I plan on hanging in my daughter's room

There was no sticker on it, so they priced it $2 -- Yay me!

My friend came along, and

she showed me a favorite second-hand shop of hers too

where I picked up this reproduction mercury glass vase

$4.75 marked down from $6.99

Keys are all the rage now. Got this also at my church sale

for $5!

I hung it on an existing screw for the photo but it isn't staying here.

You can see the scale of the key in this photo

I think I want it on the wall that meets up with this one

so you can see it right when you come in the entry

We've had a few gorgeous Spring days here.

I couldn't help shooting a pic of this. I call it:

Cross in the Sky

(original, huh?)

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-03-18T06:30:00.000-05:00

You can win 3 of these:

Right HERE

gO -- gREEn !!

2010-03-17T14:49:00.002-05:00

Friendly Bling

2010-03-16T18:25:00.003-05:00

My friend just returned from Germany and brought me back a lovely crystal cross from a factory she toured. I wasn't sure where I should display it 'safely'. After all, it had traveled all the way from Germany in one piece and I wanted it to stay that way [wink].

So I attached it to a lamp in my master bedroom with a length of white tulle. I think it looks real pretty there!

Change.......Change.... Change!

2010-03-14T07:56:00.005-05:00

We did this over a year ago but I was going thru old pictures and wanted to post them. Just to show that you don't always have to spend money or a lot of time to make big changes. I've always hated the row of cabinets that hung over our peninsula counter. Even for a short person (not naming names here), I couldn't stand on one side and hold a conversation with someone on the other side without ducking.

It literally took my husband 10 minutes to do this (He removed 6 screws).

It was the BIGGEST change in our home that took the LITTLEST amount of time.

BEFORE

AFTER

VIEW FROM KITCHEN

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-03-03T08:01:00.001-06:00

You can win these

Right HERE

Somebody Please Buy Me Wednesdays

2010-03-03T07:30:00.003-06:00

I totally made up that title to sound like it's a permanent fixture on my blog LOL. But I ran across these today and want one!

Help - How can I get one for less? C'mon decorating divas! Give me a shout out on how to recreate one and the where/how to's.

William Sonoma - Only $89.95 (KA-Ching!)

♥♥♥♥ MOM ♥♥♥♥

2010-02-27T07:11:00.003-06:00

12/28/27 - 02/27/05

Hangman!

2010-02-21T19:30:00.005-06:00

Ever play Hangman?

This is how we play at our casa.

I buy 3 small framed monogram prints and ask hubby if he'll hang them for me, then I impatiently hang them myself.

Purchase an entry table, thinking a mirror would look really nice over it - so I buy one and politely ask the mister if he'll hang it.

I found another mirror for the family room (on clearance - SCORE - ) and stack it with the other 'To Hangs' along with the sconces and the family portrait, and patiently wait for the hubster to hang them.

Today was Hangman day

My niece stopped by for a quick visit. After she left, we had a quick meal.

Where did HE disappear to? I caught my better half out in the garage and asked him what he was up to -- cleaning out his truck -- was the reply. I flashed him one of those looks (I had been waiting 2 weeks now) and it worked.

He came in with drills, measuring tape and a fancy schmancy laser level thingie. I would have just 'eyed' it and had it all come out wonky. But anywho -- he played along nicely and won the Hangman game. Did I mention I {heart} my mister?

Entry table, mirror and monogrammed letters

From a different angle

Closer view

Mirror and sconces (family room)

Family portrait

not where I had planned to hang this

It needs something to go with it here

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-02-16T17:00:00.000-06:00

You can win THIS!

Right HERE:

HAPPY ♥ DAY!!!

2010-02-14T08:05:00.002-06:00

COPY CAT ~~ TAC YPOC

2010-02-12T09:58:00.004-06:00

Lookie at what I did?

I saw this in my Cambria Cove catalog and really loved it.

I even HAD to have it.

BUT I wanted to put one together myself. I did oodles of searches for Robin Egg Soaps and kept finding HERS -- all the same maker -- hmmmmm maybe I'll just have to cave and buy it from her after all?

Then a friend alerted me to some soaps at Pier 1 Imports............and they were on CLEARANCE! Oh my heart be still.

Short story is that I found them at my local Pier 1, along with a larger apothecary jar (in my opinion much nicer than the one pictured above) and bought a bunch of the egg soaps.

Then the next day I went back and bought all that they had left to fill my pretty jar. Did I mention mine was larger?? Umkay, so I didn't spend a ton less than the original, but mine is quite nice and I have the satisfaction of saying 'I did it myself!'

Here's the reveal:

Theirs held 16 soaps and mine holds 24. I probably could squeeze more inside, but like I said -- I bought ALL of them LOL. And looky how purty my bird branch candle matches.

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-02-11T19:03:00.001-06:00

You can win this...

By visiting HERE and leaving a comment.

It only takes a grain of sand to make a pearl....

2010-02-11T08:59:00.003-06:00

.........otherwise known as 'Things that irritate me'

Most people make typos from time to time.

I'm one of them, so this is no way intended to say I never make spelling or grammar mistakes.

Nor am I saying that it should really be a priority for everyone else to dwell on perfecting their 'Interquette' [Internet + Etiquette] ~~ See? I can let loose and make up a word and leave the annoying {{{red alert}}} underline without it bothering me.............ahem.............too much.

The 'proper' term I believe has become 'Netiquette' - either one works - you decide.

However, after spending most of my working life being paid to proofread and correct documents until they are 'perfection' to the powers that be, it's kind of hard to turn that button 'OFF'.

So, this isn't meant to be critical. It's just a way to vent about things I see every day that my inner administrative gal can't ignore. Here's my short list:

There ~~ Their ~~ They're

People who think they're safe by choosing one of the 3 at random and getting it right are at risk of tarnishing their grammar reputations. So there!

Contractions/Possessive

You're = You + Are

Your = possessive

It's = It + Is

Its = possessive

**************************

Misspelled words = Did you know that Misspelled is one of the most commonly misspelled words?

Definitely - middle of the word is 'finite'. Not sure why but many people misuse the word defiantly instead. Totally different animal.

Pilled - I see this a lot describing pilling of fabric on Ebay auctions. Piled does not mean the same thing.

Loose vs. Lose - You do not 'loose' weight. Some of us don't lose weight either, but that's another post for another day.

To/Too/Two - Please! I think we learned the difference between these in first grade?

I read a post from a woman whose (not who's by the way) husband tells her 'I love you to', to which she ponders 'Love you to what?'

Separate - it has 'a rat' in the middle

Desert vs. Dessert - remember you ALWAYS want 2 desserts! Especially when you spell desserts backwards and you are stressed!

Grammar - you don't want to correct someone's grammer and be called on it.

'I' before 'E' except after 'C' but there are a lot of exceptions. If in doubt, look it up!

TYPING IN ALL UPPER CAPS IS CONSIDERED SHOUTING ON THE INTERNET! I DON'T CARE HOW MUCH EASIER IT IS FOR YOU TO TYPE THIS WAY -- IT'S TOO HARD TO READ.

i really don't mind if you decide to type in all lower case letters. after all, it's just email, right? and at least my brain doesn't have to pause at each letter like it does for all upper caps. by the way, it was really hard for me to type this and not use my shift key automatically. see? old habits die hard. which reminds me of some more commonly misused words:

die vs. dye

buy vs. bye vs. by

hear vs. here

threw/through - ughhh

Please don't be rediculous -- be ridiculous instead.

It's Pregnant, NOT Pregnate (?)

Ask for advice, NOT advise!

I know this is ALOT (grrrrr) of venting - it's two words by the way

lot

Two

Words

see?

I'm out of time, but I may come back and edit with more as I think of them.

by..............I mean..................buy..................I definitely mean BYE!

Quake

2010-02-10T04:56:00.002-06:00

Woke at 4 am to an Earthquake.............in Illinois!

FUN............if only it weren't 4am

The snow plows woke me at 3:30, making about a bajillion passes. I was just drifting off when I heard things rattling again................this time it sounded different.

Dear God, thank you for equipping us with a little thing called adrenaline. Not so appreciated at 4am though.

Did I mention I'm awake now??

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-02-09T09:20:00.002-06:00

You can win one of these.......

Just click HERE to see the details!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-02-06T17:46:00.000-06:00

See how you can win some of this

Right HERE

Empty Nest?

2010-02-01T14:25:00.004-06:00

Not exactly an empty nest

*
*
*
*

Empty driveway, yes!

Makes me sort of miss the Hulk

*
*
*
*
*

Now, if I could only come up with something GREEN to replace the Hulk with????

*
*
*
*
*
*
*
*

Here! These'll have to do for now!

Shhhhhhhhhhhhhhhh!!!

2010-01-30T11:36:00.005-06:00

Finally got around to putting a photo in this frame!

It's from our Christmas card several years ago...

On my nightstand......ahh silence really IS golden!

Here's what the original holiday card looked like...

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-01-30T06:48:00.002-06:00

Frugal Mommy of 2 Girls is hosting a Giveaway HERE

This adorable 'Mini List Taker' by Bits and Pieces

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-01-27T18:43:00.000-06:00

Great Valentine Giveaway. And it's happening HERE!

Wonderful not bad very good day!

2010-01-26T20:58:00.004-06:00

Breaking up is hard to do.

Unless you are breaking up with the Hulk.

No, not him! But close. This is who I'm referring to...

We call her The Hulk b/c she is LARGE and GREEN and STRONG.

She's also been referred to as...

A Garage on Wheels.

The Hulk seems so much more dignified, doesn't it?

Anywho..................the Mister hasn't driven the green monster for 2 years except to exercise her. (Yes we're still talking about the truck here). We've tried selling her for a few months now but a stinky economy has yielded only a few interested parties. I almost didn't show the Mister the email from the eventual buyer b/c it's just been too discouraging to see him get her all ready to show only to have the prospective buyer end up being a no-show.

Today, they came -- they saw -- they BOUGHT!

We're thrilled! The buyers were happy! I freaked about having the cash in the house and immediately hid it in a great spot until the bank opens tomorrow. My oldest son is proud to have a parking spot to call his own.

Yes, all in all................... a very wonderful, not bad very good day indeed!

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-01-26T09:54:00.001-06:00

Frugal Mommy is having a giveaway HERE

You can win one of these:

Principal said Boobie - giggle, snort

2010-01-22T18:51:00.002-06:00

Actual email from the middle school principal:

'It has come to our attention that some students are ‘sporting’ elastic band bracelets that say “I Love Boobies, keep a breast.” While the intent of some students may actually be to support breast cancer research, others have a less noble intent. These have caused distraction to the learning environment, and in the end, show disrespect to women and girls in our building. If your child owns one of these bracelets, please be advised they are not allowed at RMS. Should your student have a passion for cancer research we will be happy to provide opportunities for fund raising involvement.'

Enough said!

Nesty Things I Heart

2010-01-21T06:31:00.004-06:00

Please somebody take pity on this girl and buy this for me!

I lurve Pottery Barn for this pillow!

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/embroidered-nest-bird-pillow-cover/?pkey=x|4|1||10|nest||0&cm_src=SCH

Gianna Rose Robin Egg Soaps (sigh)

http://www.giannarose.com/GRAStore.cfm?View=product&category=Eggs&ProductID=RESDa&do=detail

Another from Pottery Barn.....

http://www.potterybarn.com/products/nest-sentiment-lumbar-pillow/?pkey=x|4|1||10|nest||0&cm_src=SCH

Giveaway Giveaway Giveaway

2010-01-09T15:47:00.002-06:00

You can win your very own TJ MAXX Gift Card

HERE

Good Luck!!

Halloween Pictures

2009-10-09T18:07:00.004-05:00

Happy Fall Y'all!

2009-09-27T08:21:00.002-05:00

Facebook has really overshadowed blogging for me lately. I don't know if anyone reads my blog any longer, but I'm here!

Going to decorate the house for Fall/Halloween today. Pictures to follow.

Gratitudeisms

2009-01-19T05:55:00.003-06:00

Don't make a dash for Webster's - I made up the title header - meaning mini things I am grateful for today:

I love that even though I got up at 3 am (couldn't sleep) I was able to see the family of deer walking down our otherwise busy street, right in front of our house!
I love that my coffee maker is programmable so dh can wake at 3am to freshly brewed java.
I love that said coffee maker also tells me how many minutes/hours old my pot of coffee is.
I love coffee; but you (ahem) probably already had that one figured after reading #2 and #3.
I love routines and yet, I'm thoroughly enjoying NOT having a set schedule due to a surprise FIVE day weekend.
I love the smell of freshly laundered whites thanks to a marriage of Clorox Ultimate Care Bleach and Mrs. Stewart's Bluing (hmmm bluing doesn't make it smell better but I like my whites WHITE).
I love that my adventuresome kids think camping out means sleeping on the Aerobed in the living room (where they are currently slumbering as I type).
I love pajamas - I have stacks of them - especially the Simply Vera Wang, my current faves I'm donning now.
I ~~hate~~ tolerate my reading glasses (now a necessity) because I love the trendy Foster Grant designs.
I love my friends, especially the ones who will leave comments here b/c for some odd reason, my mundane life reads more interesting than it actually is.

view from the nest

❤HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY❤ and tornadoes in winter?

Telemarketers - No is a complete sentence!

Giveaway ~ Giveaway ~ Giveaway!

Merry Christmas

2011 Favorite Things

Blessings

Favorite Things

GO DAWGS!!

This post is entitled: 'When do Boys Connect the Dots?'....

GARAGE SALE......MINE!

FRIDAY'S GARAGE SALE FINDS

The Revealing

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!

Red, White & Blue....and lots of frosting!

Advice Please?

They say it's your birthday [CUE MUSIC]

Polar Opposites

Cupcakes Any-Onesie?

Where do you display your American Pride?

First Day of Summer?

Encouraging Words

Happy Father's Day!

FRIDAY'S GARAGE SALE FIND

This concludes the MONTH of cake!

Happy Mother's Day to Me!

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz

Sneak Peek

Flowers and Headbands and Socks, Oh My!!

City-Wide Garage Sale Finds!

Two Whole Hands!!

Happy Valentine's Day [from nature]

Chicken Bow Tie

Today: brought to you by the letters 'S-N-O-W'

Wordless Wednesday

Lead Me

Merry Christmas from the Rix Family

Christmas Tour 2010

Well Spanx me!

Keep the Change!

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All Things Thrifty is having a Giveaway

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View from INSIDE my bedroom this month.

Spooky Porch Update

Transition to Halloween

A few Fall updates!

Garage Sale Finds

Subtle changes make a big difference

Command Center - Part Deaux

Call me subtle...

Command Center

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This is REMOTEly cool!

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Craigslist Funnies

SLIPCOVER VIRGIN

Nesting

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Robin's Nestful

Garage Sale Finds

Garage Sale Heaven!

Pier One Finds

Please Console Me!

Best PSA for Seatbelt Safety!

Some things I've been up to...

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Friday Frugal Finds

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gO -- gREEn !!

Friendly Bling

Change.......Change.... Change!

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Somebody Please Buy Me Wednesdays

♥♥♥♥ MOM ♥♥♥♥

Hangman!

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