A Mashup of Things

I've wanted to post this for a while, but wasn't sure where to put it.  Since today's subject (s) is a compilation of unrelated ideas, I thought it fit in perfectly with this post.

Did you know that each toothpaste tube is color coded?  The codes are not because the companies want to add to the design of the tube..  The codes identify the ingredient makeup of the product inside.  I noted when researching this that the carton the toothpaste is enclosed in does NOT have this code on it.  Only the tube does.  The codes are as follows:

GREEN - All natural ingredients
BLUE - Natural and medicine ingredients
RED - Natural and chemical ingredients
BLACK - All chemical ingredients

I was horrified to see my freebie toothpaste had a black code on the tube.  This pretty much means I've been being careful of what I eat, then clean it away with chemicals.

The color code is located in the back, on the bottom.

I always wondered how people cared for their teeth when there was no toothpaste.  I found out (and have tried) a couple of things.  I use baking soda to brush with until I can remember to grab natural toothpaste from the store.  Then I will brush with both.

To avoid tooth decay a process called pulling was used.  It's simply swishing coconut oil through your teeth for five to fifteen minutes once a week.  The video I watched was put up by a physician who explained the benefits of pulling.  The amount of oil he recommended was way too much for the size of my mouth so I went down to 1/8 of a teaspoon.  I have to warn you if you try this the solid oil doesn't feel so good in the mouth, but it quickly becomes a tasteless liquid.  If you try this do not spit the oil down the sink drain.  Use, instead, the trash can.  The oil will solitify and clog the drain.


Speaking of coconut oil, I'm getting the impression that this natural food is a wonder item.  Following is a list of things the oil can be used for in a beauty routine.  I feel like we've been had by all the pretty packaging on cosmetics in the stores.

1.Makeup remover
2. Shave cream
3.Facial cleanser (I haven't tried this.  I would assume this is for dry skin.)
4. Diaper rash
5. Moisturizer for dry skin
6. Hair conditioner

Many of us don't appreciate what commercial weed killers do to the soil.  I tried this recipe for a natural weed killer and it works.  It took two days for the weeds to begin to show signs of death, but it does work well.

NATURAL WEED KILLER

1 tablespoon soap (I used Dawn)
1 tablespoon salt.  (I used table salt so it would dissolve quickly.)
Fill the remaining space in the spray bottle with vinegar.

To alleviate tomato blossom end rot add a compost of fifty percent ground egg shells and fifty percent coffee grounds to the soil mixture before planting.  Make sure the shells are washed then dried well before you grind them.  This keeps the soil safe and free of salmonella.

I have not tried this recipe for a tick repellant yet, but it sounds to have workable ingredients in it.

TICK REPELLENT

20 drops lemongrass oil
20 drops eucoliptus oil
4 oz. distilled water
Shake well and spray on clothing and shoes. 

Now for the pretty stuff!

These eggs are not colored for Easter.  They came to me this way in shades of blue, white, tan and brown.  When I ordered them from C's friend who raises chickens I had no idea they would come in pretty colors.  It was a pleasant surprise.

Toppings for our sandwiches that we decided on for Easter dinner.  My gift to my two working daughters is I will do all the cooking and provide the food for dinner.

To all my readers - may your Easter day be filled with loving recollections and God's peace.
                                               HAPPY EASTER

The Week in Review

I've been active this week, taking advantage of the nicer weather.  Yesterday it was in the low 70s (F.)  It was the perfect weather for a birthday celebration at a restaurant on the inter coastal waterways.  My kids took me out to lunch to celebrate and everyone had a great time.  The grandkids took a walk down the dock and enjoyed the nature the waterways had to offer.

I received a bag of gifts from each family, some practical and others for fun.

I scheduled Marley's surgery this morning for March 4.  I have to bring her in at 7:30 AM and she will be there the whole day, even though the surgery takes just a few minutes.

I also called the company that provides my home insurance because the rates go up every year, even though I have never filed a claim nor has anything changed in my living situation.  I asked a load of questions and found out that each year they add coverage, even if I didn't ask for it.  I was a bit put off that the minimum amount of coverage I could get on my furnishings was 15000$.  I don't have that much invested in my furnishings.  I lowered the amount to the 15000$ mark and saved 17.00 a year.  It may not seem like a lot, but the money is mine, not theirs to do with as they please.

After lunch my daughter took me to the dollar store.  The white bins I've been looking for were all gone so I left with only some tissue. (Kleenix)

I made a quiche this week and ate it for two dinners so far.  I'll have it one more time, then freeze the rest for when I have no desire to cook.

The hardwood floors got a firm scrubbing this week from the position of me on my bum checking out every corner in the rooms.

The bedding got washed along with the comforter.  It was time to rotate sheets so the second set went on and the current one will go in the linen closet until I want a change.  Nothing says comfort more than a clean set on bedding.  Since the bedding was fresh the rest of the room had to be cleaned, as well.

I made an 8x8 pan of brownies at the beginning of the week for the week.  But, I didn't finish them so they went stale.  What I should have done is freeze individual pieces for the future.  I will keep that in mind for next time.

I use a box mix that I purchase only when they are on sale.  Cake mixes are also bought the same way.  Here is some information I recently learned: Using the mixes beyond the expiration date can be dangerous because the yeast can grow spores.  Good information to remember.  I had to throw out five boxes of cake mixes that had expired.  I'm going to have to adjust my buying habits when it comes to mixes.  I don't use yeast when I make a cake from scratch, but it seems the manufacturers do.  Perhaps it's in the flour.  Who can tell?

I was talking to a friend (who has a 90% creative rate) and she came up with the word (s)of the week, without realizing it.  WORD of the WEEK:  Simple Life.  Something that doesn't involve a lot of stress.  Perfect!  That's the message I try to convey to my readers.  A person can live any where and live a simple life.  They can choose the things that help them reduce stress and choose not to do others.  As an example you know I make my cleaning products.  It's easy and takes very little time.  But, I no longer rely on this method for cleaning toilets.  I use a store bought wand and pad.  I've been cleaning toilets with my hands since I was ten years old.  I don't want to accomplish that task in that manner any longer.  I splurge on the product that does the work for me.  Stress gone.

Simple living is more a frame of mind than a location.  Anyone who chooses to follow the life style can do so right where they are.  Choices of which thing you wish to practice are there, too.  Learn what is good for you, research costs and go for it.  Choices not only should take into account saving funds, they should be enjoyable to you.

Stay safe.

 

Rantings of a Grandmother, with Accomplishments Thrown In

It's mid week with Halloween just three days away.  Halloween was always a time to stress for me - as a mother of young ones - because of the creativity factor needed to design a costume.  Thankfully all of our children have inherited creativity from their father's side of the family.  I know for certain that there will be a small Peter Pan knocking on doors in his neighborhood on Saturday.  (Our area restricts trick or treating to two hours.)

A basket full of goodie bags for the grands,  I think my daughters
will be a bit upset with me.  Each bags holds a load of sugar
concoctions.  I know the parents control the amount of sugar
eaten each day after Halloween, so how upset can they get?

The following day the clocks get turned back to usher in darkness at five PM on the East Coast of the United States.  Is our country the only one that changes time in the fall and spring?  I'd be interested in hearing from other countries concerning this. 

I remember the time change was originally brought about for the farmers.  They needed early morning hours of daylight to work their farms.  I'm not sure this is currently necessary because most of the farms are now corporate owned.  (Sad, but true.)

Last night I hopped in the bathtub for twenty minutes to experiment with the detox bath solution I posted.  I used 1/2 cup Epsom salts to 1/2 cup baking soda and 12 drops of lavender oil.  I'm normally an in and out kind of girl, so it took some stamina to stay in the tub for the entire twenty minutes.

Keeping in mind this was the first time I soaked in the detox solution, this is what I found.  My skin is smooth as silk.  I don't have a problem with dry skin except on my elbows.  They are now as smooth as a baby's bottom.  Is it because I stayed in the tub for an extended period of time or because of the solution?  I can't answer that right now.  I do know I felt invigorated afterwards.  I'll know more after a couple more times in the tub, so I'll keep you posted.

My daughter cut my hair this morning in her kitchen.  After the styling and washing I was quite pleased with the outcome.  I know her life is pretty full so I tend to let my hair go for a couple weeks after I should have it cut.  Make note to self.  Stop it!  You feel so much better when your hair is freshly cut.  I also had my eyebrows done this week.  I wouldn't say Italians all have a uni-brow, but I will say I'm much more attractive when the brows are taken care of.

I'm in the process of extending my exercise routine.  I added five minutes this week (each day) and will continue to add five minutes a week until the routine hits thirty minutes.  That's the last frontier to do whatever needs to be done to stay as healthy as possible.

Tonight's dinner will be a package of fresh spinach served warm with vinegar, salt and pepper. I'll add a side of cheese and a glass of milk for protein.  Spinach has so much iron in it(as well as so many other vitamins)  and the vinegar is good for digestion.

This week's major accomplishments are minimal.  I scrubbed down the living room right down to the light switch plates, as well as the master bedroom. The master bath also was scrubbed this past weekend.  Two loads of laundry and an additional one for the bed linens.  I've had the wash ball for a month so I put it out in the sun to rejuvenate.  The powder room and kitchen just got a wipe down this week. Next week will be their turn to be scrubbed.

What did you accomplish this week?  Somehow when the tasks are put to paper, you see a lot more was done than was the original thought.

Stay safe.

The Evolution of Holiday Decorating

Since it's raining and quite gloomy this morning I have settled in to watch videos on yoo toob.  There are a few ladies I have been watching because I learn more about decorating - specifically, holiday decorating, from them.  This is something I have just gotten into thinking about.  Christmas has always been a big decorating time for me, but all other holidays pretty much went to the wayside with the exception of window clings or a table center piece.

Today I watched a series of videos about table scapes.  I had no idea there was such a thing before.  A centerpiece on the dining table is all I have ever seen anyone do.  Maybe a candle on each side of the centerpiece.  These ladies go the mile with place settings, center pieces, as well as other small items such as name cards and menus.  I know I won't go the whole mile, but I will travel down the road of tablescaping for maybe half of the mile.

One lady explained the benefits of raising items up on a stand.  I have a springy looking cake stand, so I used it to prop up the wooden bunny I have in the center of the table.  With a place mat under the cake plate there was enough room to put the candy jar and jar of pink polka dotted straws to the side.  I like it.  I don't know if the evolution process will continue, but for now I'm comfortable with what I have done.  I keep reminding myself this is a work in progress.

I took things from around the house to add to this centerpiece. 
The cupcake candles are from the dollar store, as are the candy
and the straws.  The placemat under the display was
on sale (clearance) at Dillard's.  The four placemats surrounding the
center were also from Dillard's clearance section.

Remember the sticker paper I got at the dollar store earlier this week?  I was under the impression it was sticky paper, but soon realized it was paper that can be used to place favorite stickers on to create your own sticker book.  Even with the new information, I went ahead and cut squares out to match the size of the plain card stock ones I made for the Easter tree.  They got glued on top of the plain squares and have added a bit of festive color to the tree project.  The grandchildren can use the backs to write their names or draw a picture.  Again, this may evolve even further, but for now I'm satisfied.

In this photo you can see the evolution of the hanging tags on the Easter tree.
I left some of the tags plain card stock to, hopefully, add interest.  Each
tag has a small doily sticker in the center.  The ribbon is cream and
mint green that I bought at the dollar store.  That store has the
neatest things in it.

 



The tulips were moved onto the counter to finish off this display.

I am evolving.  From using only the scientific portion of my brain into awakening the creative side.  I don't think creativity will be full blown in me, but I'm happy it is being somewhat explored and developed.  Thank you for going on this journey with me.

Happy Valentine Day

In the later years of my marriage Valentine Day was the one time my husband presented me with a bouquet of tulips.  They're my favorite flower.  When they settle in, they take on a free form rather than a formal look.  Even after he has passed, someone in my family makes sure I get tulips for Valentine Day.  This year it was me.  I found a bouquet for $4.99 when I was at Trader Joe's.  The bouquet had 4 more stems in it than the ones in the grocery stores for $5.00 less.

I love how the stems take on a life of their own when tulips get comfortable in their surroundings.

Valentine Day is for lovers.  I don't buy anything for the grandchildren because their parents take care of them.  Once in a while I will purchase something for family members who live close to me.  My prime store?  The Dollar Tree.

I bought the bags 2/1.00
Note pads, 1.00 each
Towel, 2.00 each with Kohl's cash
Small perfume spray, free with a coupon at VS
Large room spray, I can't remember where I got it, but I paid 2.00 for each
Candy, .75 each bag.  This came from TJ's, but I couldn't put it in my blog post because it was to be part of these gift bags.
Magnet, 1.00 each
TOTAL, 7.25 each bag

I had the ribbon from an earlier DT haul this month.  The cupcake holders were on sale for .25 and the bags have been in my cupboard for three years.  Funny how I can remember what I pay for something, but not where I got it.

 

Instead of having the decorations scattered, I put them all in the kitchen area.  The 'welcome' sign came from - you guessed it - the Dollar Tree.  I moved the swag off of the fireplace and swaged it on the pantry door.  Small heart stickers in the center of each doily heart are from the DT, as well.

I wish my readers true love on Valentine Day as well as throughout the year.

Stay safe.

 

Valentine's Day Swag for $1.00!

Can you believe there was an ad for the NRA on this site?  I don't know where the ads come from, but I was very upset with this particular ad that has no place on this blog.  I deleted it - I just figured out how to and told google it was inappropriate.

I have two new readers who have signed up on Angie's House.  A big welcome to Thursday's Child and GIF Images.

I have often thought (and said) that my creativity level is below zero.  And, for the most part it is.  I'm more inclined to experiment with a recipe and call it fun than sit down to do any sort of craft.

This morning, out of the blue I got an image of what I could do with the dollar store paper hearts I bought the other day

I've always had a penchant for paper heart doilies.  As a child I loved them and wished that I could have just one.  I would have taken good care of it, bringing it out every year.  My mom said we couldn't afford them, so they went on my wish list for when I was a 'big' girl.

Then when we had our family, I couldn't afford to spend the $5.00 Hallmark was asking for them.   One day, what I considered  a miracle, I found a package on deep discount.  Every February first those hearts were lovingly separated and hung in the big picture window of our living room.  Year after year, until they couldn't take one more taping.  It would have been nice if the dollar stores were invented back then.

Now there are dollar stores.  I not only got a package of medium sized white ones this year, I bought a package of large pink ones last year to display in my front windows. (at the dollar store)

Now for the creative idea.  I was thinking about how much I like the holiday swags the stores put out.  I didn't see any at the dollar stores I visited last week, so I forgot about them.  Until this morning.  I had twine and the paper heart doilies.  I could make one.

Out came the ruler, hearts, and twine.  I measured twelve inches between the center of each heart and got to taping the hearts to the twine.  Twelve inches, twelve inches, twelve inches - 6 times . (There are seven hearts on the swag.)

When the swag was close to being complete, I remembered I also bought some pink grosgrain ribbon.  It went behind the twine for what I told myself was a means to introduce depth.  The idea was right on.  Imagine me, and how surprised I was, when the completed project ( 20 minutes later) was presented.  I did it!

Now to hang it.  This was a problem so I tried a number of different tactics.  I settled for securing the swag at the corners of the fireplace.  I couldn't get the hang of securing it in three places.

I purchased the hearts and ribbon because I liked them, thinking I would find something to do with them.  The thought that I would create anything with my hands didn't even enter my thought process.

I used seven of the 15 hearts at a cost of approximately .50 cents and half of the ribbon at a cost of .50 cents.  The twine was in the kitchen drawer as was the tape.  So for a dollar, I made a happy project.  I would say that was a frugal hack, wouldn't you?

Pictured here are the materials I used to create the swag. Scissors, tape, ruler, twine, heart doilies,
and ribbon.  The entire project cost $1.00 plus the twine and tape.  If pink or red hearts were used, only the twine would've
been needed.

The finished product.  I can't say how thrilled I am with the results.
Crafters would shrug this off, but to me it's a personal milestone.

Cherished Gifts and Cherished People

With a bit of sadness, Christmas day has come and gone.  I. like many of you, look forward to this day all year.  Some of us even begin preparing for it the day after the festivities are over.

I have begun to plan for next year by going to Wal Mart with my daughter and purchasing three rolls of Hallmark wrapping paper for next Christmas.  Along with that there was a pack of 100 tags that I brought home and some tissue paper to put in the Christmas gift bags I got for .50 cents each.  Everyone knows the gift bags stay at grandma's house to be recycled for nest year.  My small part in keeping the environment healthy as well as the budget.  I bought more bags this year because I found wrapping most gifts this year had my body, especially my hands, in an uproar.

This year I waited to wrap gifts.  As time went on I found myself with the bulk of the wrapping being done two hours before my guests arrived.  I don't ever want to do that again.  My hands were in pain and my back was not in the mood to like me very much.  The task completed and the gifts under the tree just in time for the guests to arrive.  2015 will be different.  The gifts will get wrapped as they come into the house.  Of course I will forget what's in the wrapped packages so I will put a little note on the bottom to remind me using small print.

I received some tear jerking gifts this year.  My grandson asked me if next year I could get gifts that didn't make me cry.  I'm not sure, but I doubt it.  Time to learn to turn your head when the tears flow.  It's only for a few minutes anyway.  Call it preparation for when you get married.

Our eldest daughter found a picture of her dad when he was on ship in the Navy.  He was 17 or 18 years old trying to learn the guitar.  The picture was a bit beat up so she took it to a friend and traded baby sitting services while her friend and her husband shopped for Christmas in trade for the work her friend did on the picture.

The result of her efforts is a large black and white photo framed in a sturdy black frame.  I'm going to have my husband's ID bracelet attached to the frame to be displayed over the fireplace.  Of course I also cried when my son sent me the bracelet that his dad gave to him.

Daughter number two sent me 2 items that brought tears escaping.  When I opened those gifts I was alone so no one had to be uncomfortable.  I got a picture pillow of my grandchildren and a reusable grocery bag with another picture and the words 'Best Grandma' under the picture.  I see this as a conversation starter when I'm grocery shopping.

Daughter number three surprised me with a shadow box for my husband's flag from the Navy I received when a color guard played taps at his service.  I have been meaning to find one for years, but never remembered when I was out shopping.  Another choked up time when I was thanking her for the great gift.  Her response was she didn't want the kids to unravel the flag while they were playing in the loft.

The one and only son is not to be forgotten.  No tears when I opened a gift from him, only a big smile.  He sent me a large gift card to a national chain.  There's some fun in my future with this gift.

This Christmas was filled with appreciation and lots of fun and great company.  I sincerely hope all of my readers had a warm and happy time with those that you love.

Gifts of love that I will always cherish from people I already cherish.

Merry Christmas, The Menu, and Reflection

Just two days before Christmas day.  How exciting!  The Italian cookies are made as well as the sugar cookies I got from Noreen's Kitchen video.  Because my hosting will be on Christmas Eve today is the day I will make the Italian ricotta cheese cake so it can set up in the refrigerator for a few hours.  The crust is made from graham crackers, but I didn't have regular ones so I crushed up the kiddie snacks that have chocolate in them.  It sounds like it will work because a person can't go wrong with chocolate filled grahams - can they?

I spent yesterday in the kitchen slicing and dicing veggies, finishing up the cookies and slicing cheese.  I also wrote down the menu and decided I needed an additional dish with substance.  The menu will be"

Meat tray
Rolls
Macaroni salad
Veggie platter
Wine from my cousin's vineyard  ( award winning and goes down so dang easy)
You can check him out here:    http://rizzowinery.com/
Flavored ginger ale
Cheese and cracker plate
Ricotta cheese cake
Dorittos (for the kids)
Cookies
Pickles from the garden
Russell Stover chocolates
Hot chocolate in Santa mugs
Jello with home made whipped cream
(Not necessarily in that order.)

44 cookies just before baking.  The remainder were cooked the next day which made the total 72.

The finished product.   Iced and sprinkles even the kiddos will be attracted to these.

The mess that was made after the cookies were done.

No one should go home hungry.  Some people will drink and their mates will drink soda as the designated driver.  The kids will paly (act nutty) in the loft and the adults will pretty much ignore any cries for help unless someone decides to hang over the railing.  I can lock all the doors on the second floor and let the grands be a bit free for a couple of hours.

Uncle J will read The Night Before Christmas to settle the kids in for the night just before everyone goes home for the night.  We are having a pajama party theme so everyone can fall into bed when they go home.

Before the activity begins I'll take a few minutes to reflect on the blessings I have and miss those family members that can't be with us.  Some day it would so nice for us all to be together on Christmas.  It would be a miracle if this ever happened, but I understand traveling 900 miles on Christmas is not an ideal situation for families.  We each want to feel the peace of the season and we do this best by being home. 

It's also a time I allow myself time to think about my husband.  I miss him every day, but so much so on Christmas.  I think of the Christmas that he super surprised me with my fist computer.  I cried I was so happy.  The poor man thought I was sad and hurried to tell me I could take it back if I didn't like it.  The only other time he was afraid I didn't want something was when we renewed our vows in front of the congregation - following mass - after 40 years of marriage.  He asked me if I loved him.  Didn't I want to renew?  Through water leaks I told him they were tears of happiness.

That he suggested we renew our vows was a gift from heaven because I'd asked him a number of times through the ten years prior to his passing and he would poo poo the thought.  This time he asked me.  He passed nine months later.  Do you see why I can't stop loving this man.  I know it's suppose to be until death do us part, but I guess I'm like a puppy (a cute one, of course) my loyalties will always be with this man.  And so to you my love, I offer a blessed Christmas.  Save a spot for me and don't forget to pray for us while you have a good seat near the throne of God.

Merry Christmas to all my readers.  You are a part of my life now.  God bless you all and may all you endeavor to accomplish in the new year be blessed.

Stay safe.

Angie

The start of the pierogies for Christmas dinner.

Pierogie dough rolled out.  Not too think or they will be too gummy.

The potato filling placed in the middle.



The finished product before they went into the freezer.

More Verbal Wanderings

Good morning dear readers.  Today the sun is shining making me think it may be warmer out there.  Nope!  It's chilly as December should be.  Not freezing though, so we're good to go.

My early morning was spent watching my favorite yoo toobers while drinking my vitamin Isotonic.  I'm on to the coffee at the moment which will be followed by a bowl of cereal or oatmeal.  I haven't decided yet.  That's the luxury of being retired.  I'm not forced to make decisions well before hand.

The new year's agenda book came out this morning with appointments written in and the old one put away.  Why is keeping the old ones so important?  It's not like I'll remember I put anything in it when I'm looking for dates.  No, I'll scratch my head and look every where else, then remember the agenda.  Good thing I have the time to go through that long process.  The thing is I'm not that organized with paper work so my journey to hunt something down is extensive.  Perhaps the new year will bring with it a desire to do something about that.  I know it's pure laziness on my part so I do have control that I don't exercise in that area.

I made up a holiday jar of the cookie mix I got off of Noreen's Kitchen on yoo toob this morning.  Three cups of the mix along with crasins and walnuts went into the jar with an instruction tag attached to the jar with twine.  This has been done a million times, but it's still a cute and thoughtful gift for a neighbor or work associate.  Bread is also in the bread maker to be served with dinner tonight.

I used a small piece of wrapping paper to cover the jar lid.  A small rubber band holds the paper in place then the screw top is placed over it.  I wrote out the instructions by hand on lined paper then taped it on a gift tag after I carefully cut it to size.  A piece of twine wrapped around the jar holds the tag and instructions in place.

This afternoon I have a couple of errands to run and a medical appointment.  My doctor is trying to get in all of my medical needs before the year ends.  Nothing serious, just the I'm aging and we need to keep up on things type appointments.  This is the first year I've had to see a physician on a schedule.  So I've done pretty well for myself.  I did mention to her (the doctor) that that life will not be focused on healthcare.  I will do my part with good eating and exercise and accept some of the changes that age brings.  My main concern is that my children are not saddled with a broken body to care for. 

Every year I ask God for something for Christmas.  This year I was greedy and put in three requests.  One is for a long time friend - well two are - so I need to know when the miracles happen M.

I'm excited for tomorrow to come because that is when my grandson will be helping me make the perogi I mentioned in a previous post.  The recipe came from my husband's grandmother quite a few years back.  It took me an entire day to tweak the recipe because it was given to me in pinches and handfuls.  LOL  I can still picture the conversation we had on the phone over that recipe.  Precious memories from a terrific lady.

If anyone in the family is reading this and wants the recipe, leave a comment and I'll get it to you through private message.

That's it for today since life is slow and simple for me.  I wish the same for my readers.  Stay safe.

A Little Bit of This, A Little Bit of That

Yesterday I organized the Christmas gifts I have bought throughout the year.  I usually line each family's gifts on one wall so things are spread out.  I do much better visually when the gifts are out and lined up.  Seeing them gives me the opportunity to know what I have to purchase yet and how much are here already. 

Each Christmas the grandchildren receive one toy, one book, and one outfit.  This year I will have to forgo the outfits.  There's no worry on my part because Santa and Mom and Dad are on it.  Thankfully no one goes without.

There are a few more items I need to get, but the wrapping will begin shortly, even if I have more to purchase.

Most of the fall garden is planted.  There's 31 garlic bulbs - from the ones I grew this past season, 2 rows of spinach, parsley, and 2 rows of carrots.  The huge marigold plants were going to be pulled, but I am enjoying them.  So I trimmed one back - out of the planting space.  More seeds can now go in that area.  We're expecting heavy rains tomorrow night, so the seeds will wait until after. 

The mulch container has lots of leaves in it now so it can cook all winter.  It will be exciting to see how well it decomposes, making a good soil to add to next year's plantings.

The plant in the large pot was dead so I threw it into the woods hoping next year some of the seeds would take and bring color to the edge of the woods.  The excess soil went in the blackberry bed.

The garlic is covered in grass clippings to protect the tender bulbs during the winter.  The seeds will be Ok without mulch because they will be harvested before our temperatures get below freezing.  There's room left behind the rows because I plan on planting some tulip bulbs my daughter gave me for Mother's Day.

I got a nice bouquet of marigolds after I cut back the plant.  They would look nice in the house, but they're not the best smelling flowers.  Outside seemed the perfect place for them.

When I moved in here I went to TJ Maxx to find things for the kitchen.  Standing in a corner of a shelf was a large metal rooster.  He begged to go home with me.  How could I resist?  There really hasn't been a place for him in 21/2 years, but cute overcame this problem.  He was in the living room for a short while next to a chair.  When I found a great magazine basket, he was moved to watch over the stair landing.  I wanted him closer to me so he picked up and moved to the kitchen, on the floor, next to the end of the cupboards.

A light bulb went on this morning when I put a small lamp on the counter that I moved from the guest room.  I needed to hide the cord.  Bingo!  The rooster now sits on the counter, in the corner behind the small lamp.

The rooster finally found a permanent home.  I know he'll be happy here because he likes to help me cook!  ha ha


 

I'm May Be Getting the Hang of This Fall Decorating Thing

Saturday there was a short, but violent rain storm.  This is common in the area I live in.  These storms are rather comforting to me.  I love to see the earth renewed and the dirt washed away.  There was something a bit different about this storm.  It brought in fall air.  How refreshing to be able to open the windows wide so the fresh smell can permeate the inside of my home.  What a gift from God.  I know it happens every year, but that does not mean it's not a gift.  It just happens to be one that we are use to, forgetting it's a gift. 

Friday I went to do errands with my daughter.  As she did an errand at the sports shop, I ran into Pier One.  I wanted to look for a fall wreath for my front door.  The wreaths started at 40.00, so I quickly changed my strategy.  They weren't all that substantial anyway.  I did, however, find a wood hanging plaque with a stack of happy looking pumpkins welcoming in the season.  It was less than half the cost of the cheapest wreath.  The hanging became mine.

How cute is that?!!! I need to grab some putty to attach the hanging to the door because it blows around in the wind.  The dog thinks someone is at the door when she hears it knocking around against the door.  I'm not sure she can take all the excitement.

Yesterday I unpacked the few items I had bought at the end of last year, on sale.  I got a wrought iron looking pumpkin candle holder from Kohl's for $4.99 and put it away.  I forgot I had it until I started looking in my holiday closet.  I also had an off white pumpkin I got last year, as well as a plaque wall hanging.  I put the plaque in the powder room hanging from the shelf I put up a couple of weeks ago.  As a gift my daughter bought me a Sensy burner in the shape of an owl.

The owl graces the small round table next to a chair.  I'll have to think of a name for him.  Better yet, I'll have one of my grands do the thinking for me. tee hee

So far, this plaque and the door plaque are my favorite things.  The candle jar I cleaned out last week went next to the candle on this shelf with a bathroom item in it.

The white pumpkin went on the fireplace with the new one purchased last week and a candle.  I knew the mantel needed something else, but I wasn't sure what.  I was talking to a friend on the phone, and we went online to find pictures of mantels.  Thank God I have someone who is creative to guide me.  It never occurred to me to look at pictures online to get inspiration.  Most of the mantels had the one thing I'm missing - garland. Another thing I wasn't aware of is that the normal things used to decorate through the year had to be removed and replaced with the fall items.  I know that is a fundamental idea, but I never caught on to it until this year.

I think the mantel looks bare without the garland.  I think I'm on the right track though.  I moved the wreath to the bedroom and hung a picture my daughter sent me (Daughter # 2) in it's place.

I can't say how excited I am to decorate this year.  I feel like a kid in a candy shop.  The old sparky me is coming back to the surface.  I could almost see my dear sweet husband smiling as I was moving things around - just like he did when he was here with me.  Even though I miss him every day, I now smile when I think of him.  I wish every woman could experience a good man like him.  I really do.

Today I plan on going back to Pier One to grab a garland.  They have substantial ones there.  I've never used garland before, but I think it's time I catch up with the rest of the world.  If I'm not comfortable with it, then I'll take it back.

The windows are open, the closet doors are open and my spirit is soaring.  It's a wonderful life.

Do you decorate for fall?  What's your favorite things to display?  Do you have a fireplace?

Frugal Valentine Gifts

You can get some frugal ideas for Valentine's Day from kraft.

http://www.kraftrecipes.com/recipes/valentines-thins-121451.aspx?cm_mmc=eml-_-rbe-_-20110208-_-1012

Frugal Valentine Gifts

I was going through my Tightwad Gazette this week and came upon some of the author's (Amy Dacyczyn) frugal ideas for Valentine gifts.  Some of these sound like fun!

Bake a batch of heart shape cookies

Give a home made coupon for a massage

Cut a heart shape into a pink eraser and stamp hearts on a piece of construction paper to use as a place mat for your littlest Valentines

Pick a bouquet of winter branches and tie a red or pink ribbon around it for a centerpiece.  Around here the only ones that are available are pine branches, so I would use a pink ribbon.  You could stamp the ribbon with red hearts from your home made eraser heart. 

Write a poem to express your love. 

Local CNY Turkey Prices

Price Chopper .38 cents/lb, 25.00 purchase

Struppler's .48 cent / lb, 25.00 purchase

Tops .38 cents/lb, 25.00 purchase

Aldi's .99/lb (Butterball)

A Thanksgiving Meal

Every family has favorite dishes they prepare for Thanksgiving. Most of us enjoy a yummy turkey, prepared with a family 'secret'.

Our family is no different. There are staples, such as a green bean casserole, that just have to be served. Our grown children have taken the favorites into their own homes and have added some more from their spouse's favorites list.

This is our menu. Many memories are attached to these dishes.

Turkey
Sweet potato casserole
Green bean casserole
Watergate salad (I found out I am the only one who likes this)
Pickled eggs
Cheese and crackers
Pepperoni ( I don't know why)
Black bread and dip
Apple pie
Pumpkin pie

What are your favorite dishes? Ones that bring back fond childhood memories. I know my new SIL to be will be making macaroni and cheese this year and my daughter has discovered bread pudding as a new favorite.

Yum. I can't wait.