Another Plate Wall

OK, here you have it another wall of plates. I have had a stack of these to hang for quite some time to replace a very dated picture that hung over my bed from my country decor days.

I'd really like your input. What would you change about the arrangement to improve it. You see I have a little bit of a perfectionist streak when it comes to projects and I like to walk away at least feeling it was as close to perfect as I could get it. That's why I have to sew and feel like things are very finished. That is also why I am so slow at getting projects done.

Remember the camera quality is very poor. Which leads me to another question , when you comment today would you please be so kind to tell me what kind of camera you are using. I am trying to figure out what would be the best camera for me to purchase, that would give me a better quality picture, but stay in a practical price range for me.

I hope to have more pictures of the house coming as I slowly complete some projects, but right now the neighborhood yard sale will be taking more time it is only 14 days away.
Have a wonderful ,relaxing, blessed weekend. Jackie

Practical Info, and no pictures......

In doing some checking on our homeowners insurance, I came across some very interesting information that you all might be interested in.

*Be sure to make any updates with your insurance company when making improvements on your property. Our new roof got my husband and I to thinking about this, and guess what we are under insured.

*The most interesting thing that I found out, is that since our area is included in the hurricane area for FL, even though we are not in FL there is a restriction right now to be able to make any changes to our policy. We will have to wait until all hurricane warnings have subsided before we can make any updates to our policy. I never knew that. The insurance has put what is called a binder restriction on any changes. I never knew anything like this existed, we have an older home, and that is why we don't have updated coverages. Interesting info that would be worth checking out especially if you have an older home.

I'll try to be a little more fun tomorrow. Have a great day! Jackie

Homecoming

We spent Sunday afternoon catching up with old friends that we had not seen in almost 20 years! It is hard to believe that much time has passed. A few weeks ago we were invited to Homecoming at the church where we were members before we moved here. We have seen some of them here and there, but because of the distance many of them we have not seen at all. I was like a little kid not knowing what to expect but excited all the same. We arrived right on time to a packed sanctuary. There were so many new faces, many whom I did not recognize, but as I sat there, I began to pick out those faces that were familiar and Oh the joy to see those folks again!

Our former pastor was the guest speaker, and our former minister of music led the music. His wife and I were pregnant at the same time . We both had boys within a week and a half of each other. How thrilling it was to share about our families and how things have changed! When we moved away we both had toddlers that kept us so busy, and now have young adults that are following the Lord.
It was a time of joy and refreshment as we spent time with those dear friends. Just a little glimpse of what heaven will be like.
I am reminded of the priceless blessing of friendship. Have a blessed day. Jackie

Reality Check

When I read Liz's post for today, I laughed out LOUD! I can certainly relate to her dilemma. If you haven't stopped by, it is worth a read. She is the inspiration for my post this AM. I have been pondering this all week, and feeling mostly defeated. My weight is a constant battle for me. I am an emotional eater. I eat when I'm happy, down, tired , discouraged, you get the picture. When my body is feeling sluggish and drained I cannot be all that the Lord wants me to be and He confirmed that when I read Liz's post today.

I will be taking a before picture, and posting at a later date, with an after picture. Pictures don't lie, let me tell you. I will be reading some for encouragement, and using those videos too. I am going to change things up a bit so I don't get stuck in a rut.

I'll be keeping a weekly watch on these

Now, if I can only find my WW material and start keeping up with the points. When I asked my husband if he'd seen it and his reply was, "it's probably in the yard sale pile." I'll be checking that too. How about you would you like to join in? We could all be a great encouragement to one another. Accountability makes a huge difference. What healthy changes are you making? I'll leave you with this verse,"Or do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit who is in you, whom you have from God, and that you are not your own? For you have been bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body." I Corinthians 6: 19 & 20.

Until Monday have a wonderful and blessed weekend.

Jackie

Thought for the day...........

Have a blessed day. Jackie

Tuesday's Treasures

Even though the JL sale over the weekend was not great. I thought my finds at the thrift store yesterday made up for it..........
Large Wilton Armetale Platter (new), Wine Bottle Coaster to match (I plan to use it as another serving piece), small salt and pepper (all unused), 2 Karen Kingsbury books from the redemption series, which I am looking for a complete set for my daughter. I paid a whole .39 ea.

Large Clear Platter, and new silver tray. My total came to $10.96!

Have a great afternoon. Jackie

New Roof and Rain...

Our new roof is complete, and I must say I really like it. It freshens up the outside a bit. I think in the fall we will do some painting and sprucing up on the outside. It is also raining here. When I woke up this morning I could not believe I was hearing the sound of a slow steady rain. About a month ago I told my BF that I would just love a day where it rained all day long. I cannot even remember the last time it did that here, but I think today is the day. It is such a refreshing change from the heat!



..............and no, we have not just had a bath. We have just completed our walk in the rain. Stella is not a typical dog. She will not just run out in the backyard and do her business. She likes her morning walk rain or shine. She ran out for a brief moment earlier, but around 9:00 was ready for her walk. I thought the rain had stopped briefly, but was mistaken. She was then too excited for me not to take her. We have a short circle that we walk, and by the time we were finished it was raining steadily! So we come back in and get the hair dryer out. The hairdryer had been making a fairly loud noise for quite some time, but you continue to use it until it quits, right? or until just before it catches on fire.

I am off to purchase a new one and will be posting some terrific finds from the thrift store that I found yesterday. Until later.....

Jackie

I Won!! and Remodeling$$$$$$$$$...

I arrived home yesterday afternoon, and this box of goodies was waiting on me! I won Dawn's 2ooth Post Giveaway over at Gahan Girls. For a much better picture check her out. I was so excited since I never win anything. She now has her seashell crosses for sale and they are so pretty. Mine is a smaller version of the larger ones that she has for sale. There 4 vintage hankies, an old badminton trophy, vintage note pads and one of her cute matchboxes with a little birdie right on top. You will want to stop in for a visit at her place, because she will make you feel right at home. Thanks Dawn!

What are you spending your remodeling $$$$ on these days. Well here is a look at where mine are going............

A view in the front yard.


A beautiful view out the side door.

and my hydrangea that was finally showing promise.... Oh the necessities of owning an older home. I will say on a brighter note, that it is completely paid for thanks to God's provision for us. We have been here through my daughter's lengthy illness, job loss, a wedding, and now the empty nest. The nest is just in need of a little repair.

Remember that HUGE JL yard sale that I was so excited about? Well I spent more on the tickets for my daughter and I to get the Early Bird shopping than on our actual purchases. Needless to say I had been so excited and we were both disappointed. No purchases worthy of showing you today. Oh well maybe next time. Today I'll be catching up on the laundry and collecting a few nails later on. Have a blessed day!

Jackie

The Nest....

These are my two that have flown from my nest. I will be off tomorrow to visit my daughter and my son heads back to his place to get ready for school. I am extremely proud of these two.

My daughter was married in January, and they are in the middle of a major house remodel. I will be helping for a few days , and we are also going to the yard sale fund raiser. We are looking forward to it and I hope I will be showing some great finds on Monday.

My son is a junior in college and a very talented artist . He loves the Lord, knows God's word well and is one of the most disciplined young men that I know. I will miss him once again.

God has blessed me with two wonderful children and a great son-in-law. I just thought I would take a little time today to do a little bragging. I will be away until Monday so I hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Jackie

Neighborhood Yard Sale

I am in the process of organizing a neighborhood yard sale. If no one else in the neighborhood has one I will. I have a room, that seems to be accumulating stuff daily. I am in the process of deciding what things I really want to hang on to and what it is time to let go of. Both of my children have brought home additions to the sale so I have definitely got to get busy. The flyers have been made and delivered to the neighbors so the only thing left is hopefully there will be some participation.

A COUPLE OF QUESTIONS:

**Have any of you ever organized a neighborhood sale, and what was helpful in getting participation?
**How do you decide what to keep and what to get rid of?

I usually err on the side of getting rid of more than not enough, then sometimes wish I had not let it go, like the dresser and chest I sold for little of nothing, and now wish I had it back for the bedroom that needs a dresser and chest. How about you, is there a yard sale in your future?

Sensational Sales......

I had told myself I would not get up early Saturday morning and go hopping from yard sale to yard sale, but as you will see my sweet husband changed my mind and I am glad he did! Let me show you a few of my finds. Keep in mind this is not everything. It was one of those days I had to practice some self-control.

How do you like these little dessert dishes?

I bought a large collection of these at an estate sale, and these will be added to it.

How about this little guy?
6 salt cellars with glass spoons......
One of my husband's all time favorite movies....

Pretty cream colored plate.........

Did you notice the black bench that everything was sitting on?

Yes, that was part of the find too! One of my FAVORITES!

So you ask, what was the grand total for everything?

Dessert dishes .50

Dog Figurine 1.00

Salt Cellars & Spoons 2.00
Movie .50
Plate .25
Bench (new) 25.00

Grand Total $29.25

This is a little more than my usual yard sale spending, but the bench was worth it. I also picked up a few yards of fabric, my husband got an exercise jump rope, a shirt, spoon rest, and I guess that is about it. It is unusual in our area to find many good sales at all particularly this time of year. You never know. Did you have any fabulous finds this weekend? I'd love to hear about them.

Have a wonderful week, I may be in and out. I am headed to my daughters to deliver Chloe.

Jackie

Last Chance

This is your last chance to enter the

200th Post giveaway over at the Gahan Girls.

Hurry before midnight tonight!

Have a great weekend!

Jackie

Along the Way

Remember yesterday started like this for me.

What a great surprise!!!

Well, somewhere along the way this happend! Another little surprise........

Now in case you are wondering exactly what this is, this is what a portion of my car now looks like.

While sitting at a stop sign on my way home, ready to make a left turn toward home this happened. A little red SUV was coming around the curve slightly on the fast side, as she went to make the turn she lost control and came straight into the side of my car.

Needless to say it was a little scary. I saw that she had lost control and was coming straight for me. I was afraid she was going to hit my door. I had put the car in park and was trying get out of my seatbelt to move to the other side and avoid the hit, when her vehicle hit towards the tire and just above my door .

Afterwards I came home and had to have a few of these. One a day is usually my limit, but not today!

As I wait for the insurance adjuster to call today, I am clearly reminded of God's protection for me. It could have been much worse and instead was just a fender bender. Please pray that our car is not totalled. I know it looks minor, but where it hit has caused the car to drive a little odd and because we drive a vehicle forever it is not worth much. The insurance could end up totalling it because that might be their cheapest way out, but not for us. My husband has reminded me that this did not catch God by surprise and He has a plan for us, as a matter of fact it is a good one.......Jeremiah 29:11.

I have rambled long enough today. I hope each and every one of you has a blessed day!

Jackie

Surprise, Surprise!!!!!!

Today started with this little surprise. Kim from The Hancock Family sent this little award over my way. She was so sweet and kind to think of me, since I am not a seasoned blogger and I am still in the learning stages. I hope you will please be patient, and hopefully you will begin to see some improvement. About Kim, you will love her. From what I see she is down to earth, an encourager and wants to spread some sunshine to others. Give her a visit and you'll be glad you did! There are specific instructions that must be followed in order to maintain such status in blog world though, so here they are:
1. Put the logo on your blog.
2. Add a link to the person who awarded you.
3. Nominate at least seven other blogs.
4. Add links to those blogs on your blog.
5. Leave a message for your nominee on their blog.
The best of the best... check them out...


1. Susie Harris at Bienvenue would be one of my inspirations to begin my blog. Not only does she have a beautiful home, make the greatest tassels you'll ever see, but she is REAL and it shows!

2. Shannon at Bless our Nest is a full time nanny to the most adorable little guy, and you will not want to miss her great decorating ideas.

3. Joys of Home is just that a joy and inspiration to vist.

4. Dawn at Gahan Girls made a most kind offer to after my first visit. You will want to run over for a visit, kick your shoes off and stay a while.

5. Liz at Mabels House is someone you will definitely want to meet. I visit daily. She is a talented writer, has the cutest home and an adorable sidekick...Mabel.

6. Lipstick and Laundry has a cute little etsy shop. She will share some great ideas with you, but most of all has a love for family and friends.

7. V & Co is a truly amazing mom and wife! or at least I think so. She makes some of the most beautiful quilts, cares for her family all while her husband is deployed in Afghanistan(I think this is correct). Send some encouragement and prayers her way.

Kim thanks again for the award!It was such an encougagement for day I have had. Details later, I will just say God's protection for me was evident today.

Thanks for all the encouragement that you ladies have been to me. I had planned on doing this much earlier, but circumstances did not allow.

Blessings,

Jackie

Collections...

Some of you were asking about hanging a collection of white or cream plates so today I am showing a couple of collections. Please forgive the quality of the photos. A new camera is moving up on the list .

Below are the plates in what we call "The Room". It used to be our garage. Please overlook the lack of window treatments. In this room we have our TV, our computer, a table where most sewing projects take place. More room to spread out. When our little company (aka Chloe )leaves I will try to show a little more.

This is just a collection of creamers hanging on a shelf in my dining room. As you can see I like the white and cream china. Oops that one on the bottom shelf is a little out of place.

Again the quality of this picture does not do it justice, but this is an iris that my son did when he was taking art classes in high school that hangs over a bench in my living room. One of these days I will get everything fluffed for a full house tour.

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Seeing Double?

No, you are not seeing double. For those of you who guessed I would be switching my son for a four legged creature, you were correct. This is not the best picture but Chloe is on the left, my daughters mininature schnauzer, and Stella, my little girl is on the right. This should be an interesting two weeks. You see Chloe is about 6 or 7 months old, and Stella is about 7 years old. Chloe likes to play and be a little bully non stop, but Stella on the other hand is more laid back and likes to have her rest. Stella usually gives in and lets Chloe take over. I will actually have to put Chloe up a few times a day just to give little Stella a break.
Wrestling
Stella Resting.
Chloe and her stick.

By the way, this is resting for Chloe.

Have a great day. I'll be busy!

Jackie

Quick Switch......

I am making a quick switch in more ways than one. I started an earlier post today, while I was holding on the phone for quite some time. After I received an answer to a somewhat frustrating situation, I decided that bringing in the day with such a negative post was not the greeting to start the day with, so I am making a switch.

The second switch will be tomorrow when I travel to my daughters . I will be switching my boy and a packed car of items to be used for renovating the home they have just purchased. I will be bringing a little something back with me when I return Saturday. I will be sure to post some pictures but until I am back on Monday, I'll let you guess what I will be bringing home with me. What do you think it might be? Until then have a blessed and safe weekend.

Jackie

Busy Kitchen!

There has not been a kitchen explosion , I promise!

Just a few more preserves being made.
I am off to pick a few more figs this morning so I will have one more double batch. I also have some peaches that I will be working on a little later today.

Yesterday I had some help from my sweet son. We picked more blueberries for the freezer. You can guess what kind of dessert I will be making more of.

Next will be the pears, since they are not quite ready yet. Thank goodness!

I am enjoying all of this, since it has been quite some time since I made large quantities of jellies. This will make great gifts for Christmas with a loaf of homemade bread?

What are you getting ready for Christmas? Hope you will share lots of ideas.

Hope you are having fun in the kitchen!

Jackie

Simple Things

This morning I was thinking about what I should post. Not much creativity going on, this weekend. I want to be very real in my posts, so here it is, a few of the simple things that my sweet husband and I enjoyed this weekend. Hope you enjoy too!

A row of sunflowers that turned out not to be quite as large as the package indicated.

Up Close

A bucket of corn from two young salemen that a friend and I purchased which turned out to be quite interesting. I will just say what we ended up with tasted very good!

Last but not least the strawberry fig preserves that I made from the figs we picked. Sometimes for me it is the simple things that bring the most enjoyment. How about you?

Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Giveaway!

Dawn over at gahangirls.blogspot.com is having a giveaway in celebration of her 200th post. Hop on over if you would like to enter.

Temptation

Just thought I'd leave you with an easy tasty treat for the weekend. Actually this went to work with my sweet husband this morning. And believe me, I debated on whether or not to go ahead and cut it, so I could sneak a slice for me.
*Pour in greased bundt pan and

if desired.

Easy Chocolate Chip Pound Cake

1 Box Yellow Cake Mix

1 Small Box Instant Chocolate Pudding

1/2 Cup Sugar

3/4 Cup Oil

3/4 Cup Water

4 Eggs

8 Oz. Sour Cream

1 Cup Semi-Sweet Chocolate Chips

*Combine first 3 ingredients

*Add everything else(except chocolate chips)

*Beat until smooth

*Stir in chocolate chips

bake 350 degrees for 1 hour. Actually mine was about 5o minutes, it will just depend on your oven.

*Cool and sprinkle with powdered sugar

Have a great weekend and enjoy!

Jackie

"Pitcher" Perfect

Here are a few of the latest thrifted finds.

My sweet daughter brought home the pitcher and bowl on the left from their church yard sale, it reminds me of my great grandmothers . The pitcher on the right was one that I found recently. I would like to find a special place for the bowl and pitcher. Do you have any suggestions?

Here is another that she brought home for me. I don't know a lot about it other than it is old and she has a yellow one just like it. Does anyone know what kind of pottery this is? It unique and because I like pitchers it is a keeper.

Prop Up Your Feet!

I am pleased to announce, that I procrastinated no longer and finished the ottoman last night. Don't look to close cause it's definitely not perfect!

I don't know if anyone else out there struggles with this, but sometimes I have such a fear of goofing up a project, that I put off even starting on it, silly I know. I am such an amateaur seamstress, so sewing projects are the worst for me. My sweet husband and children say I just lack a little(lot of) confidence.

Now I am on to the next project, for today it will be a little cleaning and laundry. Have a blessed day!

Jackie

Creative Moment

While catching up on some blog reading this evening, I had a burst of creativity and thought I would share it with you. I was needing a unique gift for a sweet friends belated birthday, and here is what I came up with. My photography is not very good so please forgive me and don't look too close at the imperfections.

I took my thrift store fork and bent the prongs to make a stand for my verse, and there you have my customized birthday present. Total cost: Maybe $1.00. I have one of these that I use to display scripture, hold recipe cards, grocery list, etc. All you will need is a fork from the thrift store, scrapbook paper, double sided tape, ribbon and hot glue for the bow.

What easy birthday ideas do you have to share?

Have a blessed day! Jackie

Good Things

I will be away from posting for a while, since my son and daughter will both be home. When I return I hope to finallly have the ottoman finished and some pictures to share around the house. I thought I would leave you with a delicious and easy summer pie to try. The wonderful thing is this makes two.


Mandarin Orange Pie:


2 Graham Cracker Pie Crust
1 Can Sweet Condensed Milk
1/2 Cup Lemon Juice
1 Large Cool Whip
1 Large Can Mandarin Oranges Cut into bits.

*Mix milk and lemon juice*Add Cool Whip & fold *Add Oranges * Pour into pie crust and refrigerate until firm. I usually do this in the AM to serve PM.
Hope you enjoy!

New LOOK!

Thanks to Lena @ Simply Fabulous Blog Templates I have a new look today. My effort to try to spruce things up around here.

Speaking of sprucing things up a bit, here is a picture of the ottoman update. Hopefully I will be able to figure out the top today. Air compressors and nail guns are wonderful friends until you make a mistake(which of course I did). Stay tuned for the finished project.

Hope everyone had a wonderful 4th! My son is home for a few weeks so if my posting is not regular we are probably spending time together. He has promised to help greatly with the yard sale project, so we will be cleaning out the closets, attic, storage building ,etc. You get the idea. I still am amazed at how much STUFF I can accumulate. How much stuff do you have? What are your guidelines on what you keep and what you let go of. How many sets of dishes do you have and just when is enough, enough?

FABULOUS FLAG-FLYING FOURTH!

Yesterday I was thinking about what to post, since the ottoman project is going a little slower than expected, and I wandered upon Kari and Kijsa's fabulous flag flying fourth party and decided to join in.

The Lord also brought a verse to mind as I was thinking about our nation's birthday.It is my hope this will be our desire.

"If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land." II Chronicles 7:14

Have a blessed and safe 4th!

Point of No Return

This is the ottoman I started working on today. Looking at this, I bet you are wondering why I would slipcover it. Well the picture does not show all of the loads of hot glue that are all over the fabric, from the former .........slipcover! The pictures improve the look drastically. I have never tackled a project like this, but with the help of my DH being my sounding board for ideas, I think I am ready. I would like to tell you that I will post the finished product tomorrow, but we will see. This will definitely be a learn as you go project, since I am an amateaur at best. It has reached the point of no return, since I have made some cuts to the skirt of the ottoman and unless I want an unfininshed project here, I will have to get with it. Stay Tuned For The Finished Product.

BEFORE

DURING

Sweet Addiction

I have been away the past few days visiting my son. We live in a small town, but he lives in a larger one, with more of a variety of places to visit. This could definitely become addicting for me(see above picture). Who ever knew bagels could taste so good. What's your favorite place to visit while you are away? Hope you all had a great weekend.