----------~Deb's Country Kisses~

!!What's New @ Deb's!!

2009-10-08T06:00:00.000-05:00

Meet the new additions to our family!

This is Big Boy! What started out as a joke has added two dear members of the family! A guy that my husband works with has a chicken farm (is that what they're call?) down in Montgomery AL. My husband told me that the co-worker was joking with a few guys at work saying that they were CITY BOYS and didn't know the difference between a rooster and a hen. LOL!!! Of course my husband had to take it further like he knows it all, and the man told him that he would bring him one. Well two weeks later and to everyones surprise, the guy shows up to work, WITH A ROOSTER!, FOR MY HUSBAND!! AND MY HUSBAND BROUGHT HIM HOME!!!

Isn't he beautiful! My husband brought him home thinking I would freak out but, to his surprise, I loved him and wanted to keep him!! LOL!!!! We first had to tie a little cord with a loop around his leg to attach a leash, so he could be free to roam the yard (we have no enclosed fence). At night for a few days we would use the dogs kennel.

Mini Poo thought she was a sheep dog and that she was his keeper. LOL!!! She would bark if he tried to go anywhere and he would come after her as if he was telling her to get out of the way and shut up! That was too funny!

Now since man can't live by bread alone, we now have Maggie

And Big Boy takes good care of her! LOL!!! If you go into the pen she'll get behind him and he actually guards her. And yes we, have eggs, they both guard them ! LOL!!! Though my husband gets them anyway and eats them. I'm not brave enough to do either one yet! But I do go in and keep the pen cleaned out so I don't have to smell anything. LOL!!! Oh! don't let me leave out that there's a whole lot of crowing going on but, I think the neighbors really like having the built in alarm clock! LOL!!! I asked them if they were bothered by it before we decided to keep him, and they said, "no". And all is well in the neighborhood. It's a Rooster lover's dream!

Sorry I haven't been around much but I work a little job, and though it's only part time, it and my regular house work keeps me pretty busy. I miss you guys and from time to time I do check on you, just to know that everyone is ok. Just a little of what I'm up to.....Deb

A New Project In The Plan

2009-04-13T10:16:00.019-05:00

Remember this? This was my Patio floor project last summer. I was tired of the plain green carpet and painted on these faux rugs. Now I'm sick of it all! My little tropical room is just not doing it for me anymore.

This is a 2006 magazine that I have, I've always admired the look of this outdoor space.

Simple enough to pull off. I don't have this big beautiful door, but I have a chaise lounge like this and two little plants holders that will be ok.

I don't have this fantastic fireplace, but I have enough furniture and a fire pit to make this little seating area. I need an umbrella the wind destoryed my old one. Wood was not a good choice.

I don't have this wonderful courtyard but, I have a section in the backyard with beautiful flower beds that I can put yellow and red flowers in and set up a nice seating area.

I have a bench that can serve as this one, and I'm sure I can find a few lovely pictures to cozy things up.

I have a table a round table with chairs, all I need is to pick up some fabric in reds, and a nice rug and a few other accessories. I love the rug in this photo and have already price one at Lowes but hopefully I can do a little better on the price somewhere else.

Then while in Lowes I fell in love with this set, but the loveseat and coffee table alone, is 240.00. So I will be content with my old (I think) LOL!!!.

Here's the old, I've already put it out into the backyard to get started on painting it black, but we are getting a lot of rain. But I think this will be a good week.

These are a few others that I have and they will have to do as well

This is the floor underneath that green carpet in the first picture, I just plan to pressure wash and seal then add the outdoor rug. This is sort of a big project because last year I spent more time on the computer than in the yard, so I have lots of yard work, plus cushions to recover. Hopefully I can find new cushions that wont cost too much.

All in all I plan to be extra busy for the next two or three weeks. See you then! Hope all my hard work pays off! Deb

Happy Easter!

2009-04-11T11:57:00.001-05:00

Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him. Psalm 34:8

Tablescape Thursday ~ A Garden Theme

2009-04-09T07:56:00.011-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday, and BLESS ALL WHO ENTER! I hope you will all enjoy Easter Sunday having dinner with family, sitting around the most beautiful tables. Tablescape Thursday is hosted by our lovely Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. Please stop by for a visit as she will have a host of participants with wonderful ideas for a perfect tablescape.

My inspiration this week, is this lovely birdhouse. I purchased it at Big Lots long ago for 24.99. I fell in love with it's ceramic roof.

This started out to be a table for two, but because I only have two of the larger dinner plates shown here, (and as some of you may know I enjoy a fullness to everything); I added a different setting below to accomodate myself. The salad plate you see here is from a set of four, that I purchased at Stein Mart many years ago. In this setting I placed my napkin underneath my salad plate.

In my second setting, I used the salad plates that match the two dinner plates above. I coupled them with these dinner plates that I have four of. I have six of the salad plates to match the larger ones in the first setting, so I kinda spreaded them around. I also used two as candle holders for the pretty green candles. The napkin rings are from a candle ring that I took apart.

The bowl that matches the salad plates, I used as a base for my centerpiece. I only have one. Here's also a close up of the candle and plate.

Center view

End

Overall, I think it turned out well as a mix and match! So when ever you don't have enough of one thing. Couple. Thank you all for taking the time to visit my tablescape as I will be visiting with you as well. Deb

~ Foodie Friday~ featuring ~Barbecued Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples~

2009-03-26T18:50:00.001-05:00

Welcome to Foodie Friday hosted by our lovely Gollum @ Designs By Gollum. Please visit, as she has a host of others participants with tasty recipes for all of us to try!

My contribution for today is:

Barbecued Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples

Here I've gathered are all of my ingredients

I started with my sauce. This sauce is soooooooo good!

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

Then I seasoned my pork, and it's ready for the grill.

1teaspoon dried thyme

1 teaspoon garlic salt

1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper
I used crushed red peppers, I didn't have any ground

Smokeless inside grill, always put water in the bottom to keep it smokless. When ever I cook on it, the food is always so tender. Maybe it's because the water in the bottom keeps it moist.

Almost ready for sauce and it smells delightful!

Here I have brushed on that wonderful sauce, I cheated and added a 1/8 teaspoon of dried mustard to my sauce, which made it perfect!

Here's the finish! I also had steamed cabbage, sauteed apples, purple hull peas and cornbread patties. I know a little juice from the apples is on the plate but, that's for the cornbread. YUMMY! Thanks for stopping by my first Foodie Friday, hosted by Designs By Gollum. Don't forget to stop over for a taste of the many other participant's selections. My recipe is listed below.

Barbecued Pork Chops with Sauteed Apples

1/4 cup packed brown sugar
1/4 cup ketchup
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon low-sodium soy sauce

Remaining Ingredients:

6 (6oz) bone-in center cut pork chops

(about 1/2 inch thick)

1teaspoon dried thyme
1 teaspoon garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon ground red pepper

Cooking spray

Sauteed Apples

Parsley sprigs (optional)

1. Prepare grill or broiler.

2. To prepare the sauce, combine brown sugar and next 3 ingredients in a small bowl (makes about 1/2 cup). Place 1/4 cup of the brown sugar sauce in another small bowl, and set aside.

3. Trim fat from pork chops. Combine thyme, garlic salt, and ground red pepper, spinkle pork chops with thyme mixture. Place pork chops on a grill rack or broiler pan coated with cooking spray, and cook six minutes on each side, basting with 1/4 cup brown sugar sauce. Serve pork chops with Sauteed Apples and reserved 1/4 cup sauce. Garnish with parsley sprigs, if desired. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 1 pork chop, 2/3 cup of Sauteed Apples, and about 1-1/2 brown sugar sauce).

Sauteed Apples:

3 tablespoons butter or stick margarine

6 cups sliced peeled Granny Smith apples

(about 2 pounds)

1/2 cup packed brown sugar

1/8 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1. Melt butter in a larg skillet over medium-high heat. Add apples, saute' 6 minutes or until apples are just tender. Stir in brown sugar and ground cinnamon. Cook for 1 minute or until sugar melts. Yield: 6 servings (serving size: 2/3 cup).

~Sail ~ Sand~ and ~ Sea~

2009-03-25T16:00:00.006-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday hosted by our lovely Susan, @ Between Naps On The Porch. Please stop by to see Susan's lovely tablescapes, which are always breathtaking, along with her host of other participants.

Today, I'll call my Tablescape "Sail Sand and Sea". This is a picture I ran across, that I thought I could use in my tablescape but, I couldn't make it work. So I'll just use it as an introduction.

My tablescape was inspired by this lovely platter. It's Homer Laughlin China, and his GOTHIC style. When I saw these, I thought of seafood on the large platter. Each platter was only 3.99.

The detail almost took my breath away. The gloss look, was also pretty.

They even had the smaller plate that I thought could be used for salad or breakfast! They were 2.99 each. They are restaurant plates in surplus, that's why I was able to get them for so little.

I used this napkin ring and a candle ring that I already had. I took the candle ring apart to couple with the napkin ring for the effect below.

Soooooo pretty! This is my everyday flatware. The table mats are from Big Lots for 1.00 each, in the softest shade of blue.

I found these two, joined at the cheek at Ross for 3.99. I thought they were cute and the two fish are my sign. It's also a candle holder and I have a candle glowing inside.

Then I found the lighthouse to match, same price. They both fit perfectly into the scheme.

The large seashells I've had for a while, I got them at Marshall's for 4.99

The centerpiece, is a hurricane, on a wood base, I found it at Ross for 6.99 added a little lift and faux greenery. The cute little gobblets are by Libby, four to a box for 5.99 and I was lucky enough to find two boxes.

Thank you for visiting my calm little table by the sea, as I look forward to visiting you and your beautiful Tablescapes. Deb

~MY WORLD TODAY~

2009-03-24T09:20:00.001-05:00

MY WEAKNESS! A bag of Circus Peanuts! What do they taste like? NOTHING! No flavor that I can determine, just plain sugar! But for some reason I can't pass them up. I think it's something in the way that they chew. This bag, was opened this morning. I have to go out in a little bit and didn't want to burden myself fixing breakfast so, this light went on in my head, and the caption read, "What about that bag of Circus Peanuts, all you need is a little sugar and you'll be alright till you get back". Well the results are what you see above. Now, mind you that it's only about five left, I pushed them in the little window to get a picture, however, they don't fill up the window because it's a large bag.

It doesn't help any to stand here in the kitchen (EATING THEM) and look into the dining room and see this! I had another light go on in my head that the caption read, "If you bring the Ab Lounger upstairs, it will be so much easier to use it because you won't have to go down stairs alone". So, I had my husband go down and get it. That's been two weeks ago and the only time I used it was the day he brought it up!

Well now I want it OUT OF THERE! It's totally messing with my decor. LOL!!! But I hate to hear I told you so, because my husband knew that he would be taking back downstairs again. SO NOW IT'S TIME! Well this is my world today, what's yours. Deb

To Be Or Not To Be

2009-03-23T09:00:00.002-05:00

This is a new posting for Metamorphosis Monday, what I originally submitted didn't go over well but, it was pertaining to things changing.

If I offended anyone, mainly Susan, I apologize as it was not my intent. So I went back into my archives and found this. It is when I first started blogging and I think my third post. So I have an anniversary coming up. I began blogging last year March, 26. I wish I had a before picture of the chair, but believe me, it was a mess.

Metamorphosis Monday, is hosted by our lovely Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. Please visit, as there are a host of participants with lovely before and after projects and here is mine.

After losing his mother, my husband and a family member had been doing some repairs at her home which is now his family’s home house. One night he brought home this chair. He said, we were getting rid of some things and this looked like something you would like. I love flea markets and yard sales. I looked at it, it was covered in dust and grime, and had a very unflattering fabric. I said to myself, "cute chair, I can work with this ".

The next day I took out the "Mean Green", for those of you not familiar with this product, it’s an all purpose cleaner and I know for a fact, if used on furniture it will strip away old dirt and "varnish" and for this reason it is advised not to use on wood furniture. But that’s what I wanted it to do. I got the chair cleaned up and after it was dry I painted on a satin polyurethane. I found a piece of gingham fabric that I had left over after making a cushion for the bench at my dinning room table, and recovered the seat.

I stood there admiring how well it had turn out, but then for the first time noticed that it was much smaller than your normal sized chair. I thought to myself, maybe it will work out as an extra chair in an overflow situation. After finding a place for it, I sat in it. It was not the scale of the furniture already in the room, so it looked out of place. It was also not comfortable to sit in because it was so small. I couldn't’t think of any other room that it would compliment.

Then I thought of my husband, he was so sure that I could find a place for it and even though he didn’t say it, it possibly had some sentimental value to him. This is what I came up with, it is now a plant stand and it sits by the window and it’s plants drink up the Alabama sunshine and they’ve never looked healthier. So with a little imagination, something you think you can’t use, can very well turn out to be "quite" useful. Deb
Posted

Tablescape Thursday - The bunny is over here

2009-03-18T19:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday! It's hosted by our lovely Susan at, Between Naps On The Porch. Susan's tablescapes are tough to beat, so stop by and see her's, and the host of other participants. They're Growing!

Today my tablescape will start with these beautiful Bordallo Pinheiro plates. I'd seen them around blogland and often thought how nice they were. I'd seen a few in green but, I was blown away when I saw them in YELLOW. I knew immediately that they would make a very beautiful spring tablescape. Mine has a bunny in the center, and little bunches of carrots all around but, I've seen others had a rooster, or a pig.

I coupled them with the white dinnerware that I found at The Dollar Store.

I'm also using these guys, I couldn't remember for the life of me where I got them but I've had them forever. A he and she pair and they each sit on half of a beautiful hand painted egg.

This lovely couple was found at Big Lots back when I could hardly find anything in there that I didn't like. Look, he's serenading her.

Then how about this, on my purchase receipt, they were called panties. Good name, and look at the little chicken feet.

They only had the four and I bought them all for 1.99 each at Ross. They are holding faux eggs.

I'm using my everyday flatware, and linen napkins that I found for 1.99 each for a pack of four. I was lucky enough to find two packs. They are cream colored.

The flowers are from my husband, a just because. I love mixed flowers and prefer them over Roses any day.

See the little bunny on the left, I'd seen him somewhere but forgot where. He stayed on my mind and I had a time finding him again. I was actually shocked when I found him that he was still there. I've forgotten all over again where I got him but, I remember he was 11.00. The receipt said it was a watering can, but it's not.

I used this pedestal to raise the flowers and add height to my table. I used my cake plate to showcase pastries.

And here's the overall view, very springish I think. I'd not found placemats that I loved when I took these pictures, but yesterday I found the perfect ones. Well, re-doing my table was just out of the question, so I didn't buy them. I kinda like the color of the wood table against the other colors anyway.

Thanks for joining me again this week, I really enjoy it when you come by. Please leave comments as I love them too. I also look forward to visiting with all of you. Deb

~What I'm Toying With~

2009-03-16T00:16:00.001-05:00

As you know, I hate to cook! Well, I was in my favorite dept store (Ross) and spotted this spice rack. The rack included 18 spices. I thought how neat, because normally when I find a recipe, it calls for spices that I've never bothered to buy and the thought of gathering all the ingredients makes me not want to try the recipe. So this made me think. I thought, this would be a great way to get started on my spices, and it was only 19.99. So I bought the rack, and these cook books. The one above...

And this one

Bought myself an apron too! I'll keep it right here on this little hook.

Now my first recipe was from neither books above, it was a recipe that I recieved in the mail. Beef and Broccoli and it looked so good. So I tried it. These are all the ingredients that was needed.

And this is the finished product. Well it had a fantastic flavor, and the only thing I messed up was that I didn't use fresh broccoli and my frozen broccoli sort of over cooked but, next time everything will be perfect. As a side, I chose Wild Rice.

Then I tried Shrimp Linguine, it was perfect, only in my picture I had not added the croutons, shredded cheese, and dressing to my salad but, this was a great meal. My husband loved both!

Then yesterday I cooked from my Light Cooking cook book. I made Chicken with Garlic and Lime. This is not the picture in the book but, the recipe is on the same page.

This is what it looked like before it went into the oven. Fresh garlic, ground cumin, oregano, white vinegar, lime juice, and chopped fresh cilantro to garnish. My sides are garlic butter rice, green beans, salad; and rolls.

I set the coffee table, and this is what the finished product look like. It was a great, light, meal, and quite tasty!

I also made Paula Dean's fried apple pies. A very quick recipe made from biscuit dough, apple pie filling, and powdered sugar.

Afterwards, we had a little wine and all in all it was a lovely meal! Now maybe, just maybe, I can join in with Foodie Friday (SOMETIMES)!!!. LOL!!! I don't want to over do it. But I'm sort of excited about something new at meal time. This is what I'm toying with! Deb

Tablescape Thursday ~A Romantic Table For Two~

2009-03-11T20:29:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday, hosted by our lovely Susan, at Between Naps On The Porch. Please stop by to visit her many, many, other participants as the numbers continue to grow.

My tablescape idea for this week, all began with this bowl. I found two at my favorite store (Ross) for 2.99 each.

I needed something to compliment them, and I found these plates and thought they were perfect together. A jeweled look for myself, and a masculine look for my husband, as I will be using these two together, for an intimate dinner for two.

I've added to the above, a silver charger...

...and to below, this beautiful flatware that I found at Marshall's moving sale a couple of months ago. It's an eight piece service, with serving set. I only paid 42.00 at 60% off.

Here, you see all the silver effects. The table cloth is silver and brown. I found it at Ross for 5.49. The brand name is Berkshire. I love how all these things compliment each other.

A close-up of the main characters...

...and everthing put together. My husband and I always eat in our den, so I set the coffee table so we can dine and do our favorite thing (watch TV) LOL!!!

The stemware is Luigi Bormioli (found them at Ross) they are 20 and 22oz glasses.

This ice bucket was found at a little Antique shop, it has a top that goes with it. The silver tray I found at a thrift shop it's the middle size of a set of three and I paid about 19.00 for all three. I wish I could use them all the time but I would be constantly cleaning them.

Everything here is not perfect as I would like, when I actually do this, I plan to have fresh flowers where I'm using faux. All in all I'm looking forward to this evening which will be soon. I'll tell you all about it.

Here I'm playing around with some effects on my camera. I think it's makes a pretty picture.

Thanks for joining me, as I look forward to visiting most of you! The number of participants keep growing and it is making it difficult to visit everyone, but I'll try! Deb

My Most Embarrassing Moment - Who Can Top It?

2009-03-09T21:00:00.001-05:00

This is a total reenactment of the crime, I keep forgetting to take a picture of Ross everytime I go there, so I had take a picture of the bag. LOL!!! Well it all happened about two months ago when I was on my Hiatus. I was busy about my day, at home, doing a little this and that. When I had this brainstorm. I don't remember what the brainstorm was about, I just know that it had something to do with going to Ross. Well I didn't want my husband to know that I was in there, AGAIN, and I only had about an hour and a half before he would be home. That meant I only had 30 minutes for getting there and back, and an hour to browse. So I grab my most comfortable shoes, and you know comfortable shoes don't always look their best, but neither was I; so I hoped I didn't run into anyone that I knew. Once in the store I rushed around looking at this and that. Seeing a few slacks that I liked, I went to try them on. When I removed the slacks I was wearing, I got a glimpse of my feet, and this is what I saw.

OH, MY, GOODNESS! This isn't the actual picture from the dressingroom but, THESE ARE THE SHOES I WAS WEARING!!!!!! I began laughing so hard, I could barely keep it down, (you know the silent laugh). After trying on the slacks which I didn't like, and could barely see from laughing and crying, I took the things I did want, to the cashier. There was a lady ahead of me and when she was done, she remained a little to the side of me looking for something in her purse. The cashier ask me how was I doing, and my reply was "I don't know". I told her that I was in the dressingroom and noticed my feet (stepping back so she could see them) and we both began to howl with laughter. The lady before me, still standing there, over heard the conversation, looked down at my feet and join in on the laughter.

When I left the store and was at the trunk of my car, the lady from the store was passing from the front of my car. She said, I was so busy laughing at you, that I forgot where my car was parked, and we both laughed about that. As she was walking away she stopped, turned back around and said, Deborah and (my last name). Then I turned and said yes, puzzeled that she knew who I was. Then she said, I'm Sharon and (her last name). We had the same last name. Then I reconized her, we had only seen each other once at my stepdaughter Shanda's birthday party, and she was a very nice person. The lady was my stepdaughter Shanda's mother! We laughed soooooooo hard, hugged, and talked for a while, then went our separate ways.

Now, the moral to this story is: Don't ever again leave the house without giving yourself the once over. Your embarrassing moment may truly be the one that can never be topped in your lifetime! If you can top this one please write about it, and let me know that you did!!!!

P.S. I've just learn that Sharon is sick with pneumonia, her doctor perscribed meds but says that if she's not better by this Thursday, she will have to be hospitalized. Please say a prayer for her, that she's better soon. Deb

An Update & Award

2009-03-06T04:00:00.006-06:00

When I posted my Tablescape I so wanted to include this picture but my husband and I disagreeded on whether or not I should by it. I got it at Ross. He thought not and I thought why not! LOL!!! Anyway I've been hiding it out in the front bedroom closet. LOL!!! Then last night when I was working on my post he was still up so I couldn't whip it out for the photos.

Anyways it fits perfectly with my Tablescape and it's a shame it's hidden away. I will use it one day if I have some ladies over for a lunch or something. It'll just set the scene. It's not hung it's actually just resting against the wall and on the chair. It has all the colors that I used in my Tablescape.

I also want to mention two extra birthday gifts. One was a Ross gift card from my niece,Regina. It's what I used for my purchases of the two bowls and pitchers that are in my Tablescape, you can see it in my previous post if you haven't already. The other is this beautiful birdhouse one the left. It's from my cousin Marie. The one on the right is from Rue's giveaway. I think I'm having a problem with the color setting on my camera or maybe it's my computer. The colors are looking sort of bland to me.

This award was given to me by my friend Melissa over at Little Things In Life. Melissa is a Photographer and does fantastic work. She even has a Photo blog. It's called Missy's Photography. Please stop by them both.

These are the rules:

1. Post on blog with link back to the awarder.

2. Award 5 deserving Dishaholics (they can recieve this award a million times and if you think they are a closet Dishaholic, give it to them for their inspiring taste and display of dishes. The dishes can be displayed anywhere in or around their home.

3. Name your favorite set of dishes/pattern that you own.

4. Name a set of dishes/pattern that you DO NOT own, but would like to own.

5. List a favorite accessory ( stems, silver, flatware, etc.)

This is my favorite set of dishes that I own, it's by 222 Fifth and it's called Gabrielle. I have a service for eight. I found them here and there after Christmas and managed to get all that I needed. I have four setting that are square and four that are round. I have two extra square salad plates that can be pair with white Bone China dinner plates that I found to give me a service for ten.

This is a set I would love to have as a service for eight. I only have 6 dinner plates and 4 salad bowls. I've seen them on the Net but haven't order any yet but, I just love love love them.

I love this stemware. It's by Chris Madden and goes perfect with either dishes above. The goblet holds 18oz's of liquid and the other 9oz's.

This is my second try at this post, my first had and error and would not post, I had to do this all over again. For this reason I will not list five. However if you are a Dishaholic and want to share some of your favorites please feel free to play along. Deb

Thursday's Tablescape

2009-03-05T00:38:00.001-06:00

Welcome to Tablescape Thursday. Hosted by the lovely Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. Susan's participants keep steadily growing and growing and growing and it's so much fun! Susan's tablescapes are always so very beautiful so please stop by her blog to browse.

My tablescape started with this bowl. I'd been shopping around after Christmas and had become quite fond of Ross department store. So while in there, I spotted this bowl. It was so beautiful to me that I just had to have it.

Then I spotted the sugar bowl and creamer. Wow! The bowl was only 6.99 and I was thrilled to find that the sugar bowl and creamer were only 3.49 each. I later found another set (the sugar bowl and creamer) (different day) so now I have two sets like the one above.

Just two weeks ago I was browsing at Ross and stumble upon four cups that match. Well they were 3.99 each but I thought 12.00 is not bad when I have other things to go with it.

While shopping in Marshall's right after Christmas I found this. I had purchased some glasses that mimicked this shape so I had to have it. It was only 6.99. Then I found another one at T.J. Maxx for the exact same price so now I have two.

I coupled it with the bowl and added a little greenery and I think it's turned out to be a very nice centerpiece.

OH MY GOSH! Just yesterday I found these pieces. They are different though. The first pieces that I found were stoneware and these are China. The bowls and pitchers were 8.99 each but the sugar dish and cream were 3.49 each. If you want to know why I bought them all, I will have to say just GREEDY! LOL!!

This picture shows the difference. The one on the left if dressier than the one on the right.

When I found my first pieces, I didn't have a clue as to what type of dishes I would use but, I remembered that I'd seen these red plates in The Dollar Store. I think they work just fine.

The napkins are just paper napkins by Vanity Fair, and the flatware is from Marshall's. I got it at 60% off when they had a moving sale.

I found this coffee pot at TJ Maxx for 19.99, not exactly a steal but, I've seen them other places for a lot more.

This is just a better picture to show off the pitcher. I really love all of these pieces.

Thank you all for stopping by this week to see my tablescape, it was so much fun as always. I look forward to stopping by to see yours and share in your creativity. Thanks again to Susan for hosting all of this fun! Deb

Happy Birthday Treasures

2009-03-03T04:00:00.001-06:00

My day began with this birthday card from my husband, it says: "I Love Being Married To You" Well, I knew that! LOL!!!! Inside there was a big old gift inside too, if you know what I mean? I love to shop for myself unless it's jewelry.

This is the breakfast that he cooked for me, Old Plantation smoked sausages, grits, eggs, toast, and orange juice. Boy I was shock at how good it was. I had told him to make sure my eggs weren't brown and scorched because that's how they've been in the past and he pulled it off. Thanks baby, your breakfast for me was wonderful!

This is my daughter, she stopped by with a lovely gift. If you look closely you will see that it has eight votive candles. She asked, where are you going to put it? So I walked around the house looking for a place but all the spaces were filled. Then I look over the fireplace and inside the mirror, I could tell was the perfect dimension for this candle holder.

See it fit to a tee. I just used a piece of wire and attached it on a nail above, it will also be easy to clean the mirror when needed. I haven't lit the candles yet, I'm waiting for a special occasion.

My sister brought this card filled with cheer!

Left to right: An Angel with wings that are my birthstone with a lovely bible verse, Freesia bath soak, a Garden Rain Reed Diffuser, nectarine blossom foot scrub and spa socks.

This is the gift I received from my Secret Pal, one of the ladies in my club. This lovely green box held,

this lovely necklace and earrings by Erica Lyons.

I took this picture so you could see them but, could show myself, I'm having a really bad, bad, hair day in this photo.

Two of my grand kids mother, brought me a card and this cake. No, I didn't eat all of it, I gave my grandsons some to take home with them.

I got these two rose plants. Camelot in pink, and Golden Masterpiece. I can't wait until Good Friday.

Others just gave me money! I put it all together and went shopping! I bought this bag and shoes

and this bag and shoes. Yes, they both are black but I needed black in somewhat dressy and not so dressy. So these are my little treasures.

The gifts were really nice and all but, really I was just so thankful to the Lord that He'd granted me another year. And I pray that there will be many, many, more for me and for you! Deb

We've Got SNOW In Alabama

2009-03-01T07:43:00.005-06:00

These are all pictures of the back yard from my den window.

I know they don't look like much but, CAN YOU BELIEVE IT? SNOW!!!! IN ALABAMA!!!

Well Birmingham, this doesn't happen often. The snow has collapsed the tent that I have up for the boys. These pics are from the window, don't think I'll be going out to take any pics but, who knows. It's still coming down if we get a lot, a lot, maybe I will. Deb

2009-02-23T04:00:00.000-06:00

Hey Everybody! IT'S MY BIRTHDAY!!

Can you believe that I had/have no party planned? Well it's true!! I'm not a party animal after all! My husband has taken vacation leave from work for my birthday and the two days to follow. I don't know what he has planned yet but, I'm (DOWN FOR WHATEVER)! I'll let you guys know how my day turned out though, whether it was good or whether it was bad. My club members will be celebrating my birthday at this Saturday's club meeting. I'll post about it too. So see ya soon!

Deb

God Bless Us Everyone!!!!!

2009-01-20T14:28:00.000-06:00

I was going to just let the picture speak for it's self but I just can't contain my thoughts! I am so proud of this man for his accomplishments, and just as proud of America as a nation of people who came together and voted for a better future for our great country! God Bless Us Everyone! Deb

No I'm Not! Yes I Am! But I Try!

2009-01-05T11:53:00.001-06:00

But maybe I am, my husband sure thinks so. So maybe it's time I did take a break and try to re-group. Find a better way to manage my time wheres I can still visit with you guys and keep my home up and running. Let me just be frank, there have been times when the only spot in the house that was presentable was the room that I was sharing in my post. LOL!!! Now there's definitely something wrong with that picture. LOL!!!! Anyway, I TRY to stay away some, but, it's so hard. I want to know what each and everyone of you are doing, you're my friends. Addiction? Still I'm not convinced, but we'll see.

Well I've made my list and it goes something like this....

Definately spend more time with my husband, instead of sneaking away to the computer

Yes! I've got to make time for a few fireworks!

A little me time wouldn't hurt, I spent some of my weekend watching old movies that I love. It was quiet time for me and I was able to hang on every word. Good Will Hunting was one of them, I just love that movie! I told you I'm a sucker for happy endings.

Maybe a little experimenting is in order, I'm getting tired of the same ole everything!

Who knows maybe I'll come up with a few things to share, but I digress.

Maybe a little exploring, my husband wants to get away and do things and I've become such a home body.

So I'll be cleaning up my act, adding a few new scenes, but keeping up with the classics

Catching up on some reading

Getting out with family and friends, I rarely visit anyone. I have an elderly Aunt I need to check on, grand kids I need to spend more time with. All of my free time has been spent in front of the computer. So I have to get things worked out, and become well rounded in this New Year! LOL!!! But well rounded in a good way so....

Maybe get into a little exercising again, so I can look like Raxx. I really need your secrets girl LOL!!!! ( I hope you tell me that you've just never had a weight problem). Nikki, I doubt if even your weight loss plan will work for me, but it's on my list because I really don't want to end up like the lady in the next picture.

I love my dog!

So I'm getting rid of these

Going to bed on time so that my husband can

Get rid of these, (he can't sleep without me)!

And spending a little more time on me, because I've noticed that I bear a striking resemblance to this guy LOL!!!!

But not for long!!! LOL!!!!

Friends, I'm breaking for a few weeks! But I'll be back! Hopefully a little more organized than before. I've really enjoyed my time with all of you this past year, and I can't wait to get back to continue our friendship in the new year! Take Care!
Deb

Oh No Nikki Crumpet! Why??

2008-12-31T04:00:00.009-06:00

As most of you may know I was one of the winners in Nikkicrumpets giveaway, she's @ Blah Blah Blah Blog. I know you all know her because I always have to push my way through the crowd to post a comment. Yes, she has been deemed the Queen! LOL!!! I've never seen as many comments on any blog as the numbers she receives and I tell you she will have you howling with laughter. Well yesterday I received my package from dear Nikki.

There was a ring of the door bell, I knew immediately that it was Nikki's package. My husband went to the door and brought it in. I got a knife and sliced into it. There was a card for me.

It had Ozzie and Crumpet on the front, there was a kind note that was signed, Nikki and the boys. My husband and I got a big kick out of that. lol!!

It had this beautiful metal bucket, even the bow is metal. It is so pretty!

This beautiful note pad that matches my kitchen perfectly. It has a magnet on back so I can attach it to the fridge.

There were loads of other goodies too!

This Santa filled with white chocolate and peppermint kisses, He has a zipper in back and Nikki loaded it with kisses. (Oh No Nikki)!

The cutest Santa cup, it was loaded with goodies too.

See! First I went to work on the Reeses cups, then the silver Hershey's kisses, then the Rolo's, then a Rolo and a silver kiss together, and then the pepperment kisses. I was sick :O(

Look! Double Fudge Brownie Mix. (Nikki ! Why)!

Oreo cookies drenched in Belgian Chocolate yum! yum! I gave my husband one. Then while I worked on this post they slowly disaapeared.

Two

One

Zero!

Last but not least, the cutest little snowman ornament! Thanks Nikki! You really know how to pack a lunch! Deb

Our Family Christmas Party

2008-12-28T20:30:00.002-06:00

These are a few pictures from our family Christmas party, we had a great time. It was so good to get the family together for the holidays. It was my family and my husband's.

2008-12-28T20:30:00.001-06:00

Tablescape Tuesday ~ A Child Is Born

2008-12-23T01:19:00.000-06:00

Welcome friends and Bless All Who Enter! This is the eighteenth Tablescape Tuesday hosted by Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch. Susan is a master at tablescapes, stop by and see hers and a host of other participants. The numbers keep growing every week.

I've made my way back to the kitchen this week mainly because the colors that I'm using in my tablescape are best suited for in here.

This is the center of my tablescape. I've had this centerpiece for about six years. Yes, it came from Big Lots ( back when they had beautiful things, yeah I know you know). I paid 24.99 for it, and I love it dearly!

It's a beautiful one piece sculpture and sits on a wood base. The detail is breathtaking but my camera could not capture its true beauty.

I tried several ideas in this tablescape but decided to keep it simple to magnify that "Jesus Is The Reason For The Season". Only one thing, I could not find paper plates that were suitable this time. I saw a few that had grapes and such but they just didn't have what I was looking for.

Now about a week after my first try at tablescaping, I knew that I wanted to do a tablescape using this centerpiece and had been on the look-out for something to go with it. On one of my trips to Marshall's I came across these plates. I thought the were lovely even though they are stoneware. They are by MIKASA and they're called Countryside Harvest. They only had four and were the great price of 2.99 each. I thought they were perfect because the centerpiece has touches of white in it, so I was happy with this purchase.

They have that little raised detail with just enough added color to bring it out just so. Frantic that I couldn't find any paper plates to go with them, I started to look for other options. Then one day I was in Hobby Lobby and I caught a glimpse of these. I thought they would be perfect because they had the same earth color as one of the robes in the centerpiece.

They came in this color, cream, and burgundy. I really wanted the dinner plates in this color and the desert plates in cream but the dinner plates were 13.99 each and the desert plates were 11.99 each. Well, I went back a couple of days later and they were on sale for 50 percent off. So I thought that since I had the four dinner plates from Marshall's in cream I could make due with just the desert plates in the color above. So I bought four.

They are beautiful! The picture does not do it justice, the outer rim has a metallic finish of some sort. I've never heard of this brand like lots of the others because plates and china and stuff has just never been my thing. It says on the back, Certified International, Karidesign, who's heard of it? No one I'm sure, but whatever it says, I love them.

Close up of setting

I used the napkins and rings that I use year round in my dining room when it's not the holidays and I have the matching place mats (not pictured).

I used my new serving dish that I just got as a gift from one of my club members, I think it fits in well with these colors.

So there you have it, thanks for stopping by to help me celebrate the birth of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, with a Tuesday Tablescape in His honor.

After today I will probably be very very busy, that's why I'm trying to visit as many tablescapes before I go to bed. Today I have gifts to wrap and dinner to cook. Then on Christmas Eve I'll be delivering gifts to my grandkids so they'll have them when they wake up Christmas morning. I would like to wish each and everyone of you a Merry, Merry, Christmas and the best of wishes for a Happy New Year! Deb

Living Room Dressed A Little For Christmas

2008-12-22T04:00:00.001-06:00

This is the Living room, not a whole lot going on here as I didn't feel like doing all the decorating in here that I've done in the past. Just a vase of Poinsettias in the foyer, and a few Christmas picks in the centerpiece on the coffee table, and a few red bows in the ficus.

See the desk on the right? I bought it at a yard sale about 7 years ago for 20.00. My plan was to strip it down and refinish it. Too bad, I've not done that yet.

Just added a few Christmas pillows. Oh and my tree I told you all about. There it is down there on the table in front of the window. See I told you it was smaller than the one in the den.

This Cabinet houses a television, for times when the hubby has control over the one in the den and I don't want to go downstairs or in the bedroom. Plus I get to see out the front windows.

The house from the outside. I just used bow and candles. A wreath on the door and if you look closely you will see the lighted topiary . I only have flowers in my bed on that side and they have died back for the winter so I covered the bed with pine straw.

I had to take the picture before it got dark because after dark I kept getting pictures like the one below.

Looks like the windows are on fire! There's the little tree and Chandelier.

Here's my Nativity Scene, I painted them myself eight years ago. I bought the Three Wise Men and camel, but my husband made Joseph, Mary, and the manger for me. The sign reads Wise Men Still Seek Him. Deb

Our Granddaughter Alana's Birthday Party!

2008-12-21T13:25:00.017-06:00

Yesterday our granddaughter Alana celebrated her 11th birthday. The kids had a ball singing and I tell you they knew songs new and old. That's Alana in red, holding the mic. Standing the right is one of our other granddaughters, Tiara.

Sitting at the table with the ponytail in red is our other granddaughter, Kiyah. Also pictured in the fun, are a host of cousins. That's Alana's mom getting the girls going.

A better picture here

This is my nephew Johnathan and Kiyah's mom

Johnathan

Here we sing the Happy Birthday Song and she blows out the candles. Yes, she wanted a Sponge Bob cake but that's okay. She doesn't have to grow up too fast.

Here Alana opens her gifts

Last but not least a little money! For a little shopping later! Deb