Moonlight Dreams...

Christmas Home Tablescape

2012-12-13T09:08:00.001-06:00

I’m back after a long blogging break and I thought I would get back into the swing of things by sharing this simple table setting that I’ve created for our dinner tonight.

I found this gorgeous red velvety trimmed tablecloth at the thrift store last weekend and wanted to do a setting using it. It has ribbon embroidered flowers and leaves on each corner. It is huge! I haven’t added the leaf to my table yet and when I do, the tablecloth will be a much better fit. But…I just couldn’t wait to do a setting using it on my round table. So for now, the ends are just draped on the floor.

It’s hard to tell from these two photos, but the tablecloth is a beautiful red color. There is also a green ribbon border.

I used silver beaded chargers, cream dinner plates and “Christmas Home” salad plates by Royal Stafford.

Closeup of the “Christmas Home” salad plates.

The lantern surrounded by greenery sits on a silver tray.

My Christmas Home tablesetting…

Thanks for visiting with me today! I hope your Christmas is a magical one!

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

Dreamgoddess

Please send some prayers and good vibes my way!

2012-03-23T17:30:00.001-05:00

As I had mentioned before in posts, I lost my job in December 2009. Other than a one month temporary job back in January, I’ve been unemployed since then.

I live in a small town and it’s been hit very hard by the economy. We keep hearing that the economy is turning around, but there is zero evidence of that here where I am. I’ve lost count of the businesses that have either closed altogether or have moved their operations other places in the last few years. One more business closed last week and another is having a going out of business sale right now. Competition for what few jobs become available here is unreal.

Late yesterday afternoon I received a call to come in this morning for an interview. The job is only part time for right now, but will possibly be full time in a few months. The job would be perfect for me as I would be doing basically the same thing I did at my old job.

Please , if you are a praying person, say one for me. I need prayers, good thoughts, fingers crossed, anything! I really, really need a job!

A Tale of Antique Love

2012-03-02T09:26:00.001-06:00

There is a small antiques shop where I live that I love to browse around in and drool over all the gorgeous stuff. Gorgeous as in ~make you want to cry~ beautiful stuff!

Early last year, I stopped in to look around and when I walked in the door…oh my gosh, I spotted her! My eyes popped wide open and my jaw dropped…she was stunning! I wanted to snatch her up and take her home with me. Gold gilt over spelter, ruffled blue shading into pink cased glass, ornate base…it was love at first sight!

Unfortunately, I had been unemployed over a year at that time and after one look at the price tag, I knew there was no way. Sadly, I would have to leave it in the shop…but, oh my, did I want it! You know that feeling when something just screams your name!

It had been purchased in New Orleans many years ago by the owner of the shop and had graced her home since then. Deciding the time had come to sell it, she brought it into the shop. She knew how badly I wanted to buy it, but also knew I simply couldn’t afford to at the time.

For months, I would often stop by just to look at it and wish. On one of my stops by the shop in late summer, the owner told me that she had a gentleman that wanted to buy it. My heart dropped! I was even more shocked when she told me that he offered her cash on the spot and she turned him down. She said she knew how badly I wanted it and she just couldn’t sell it to him. I was speechless…but still broke, if you know what I mean!

Now my mother often would go to the shop to browse also and one Saturday, a couple of weeks before Christmas, she asked me to go with her. When we walked in the door, the owner had this big smile on her face when she saw us. She told us to come with her and we walked to one of the back rooms of the shop.

There it was, sitting on a table. My mother walked over and picked it up. She turned to me and said “This is your combination birthday and Christmas present”. I think I actually screamed!

I know I wanted to cry! My mother said she didn’t want to try to wrap it because she was afraid it would get broken. I don’t know which of the three of us ~my mother, the owner of the shop, or me~ was more excited! We were all laughing and talking at the same time…I’m pretty sure at one point I probably did cry a little.

My friend Richard at My Old Historic House told me that Victorian epergnes, or centerpieces as they were also called, were often used on tables in a hallway or parlor. They were also used as the focal point for dining tables. Depending on where they were used, epergnes could have held fruit or possibly even calling cards during the Victorian era. I wish I knew how old she is!

This is my third epergne, so officially I now have a collection, right?

By far, she is my favorite of the three! Not only because I wished and hoped for her for so long, but also because my sweet mother gave her to me.

For a while, she sat in a cabinet in my living room. Now though, she makes her home on my antique Victorian fern stand that I restored. You can read about that here if you would like to.

I’m linking up with Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks for stopping by to see me today! Hope your weekend is pinkilicious!

Dreamgoddess

The Splendor of English Roses

2012-03-01T12:59:00.001-06:00

Which is loveliest in a rose? Its coy beauty when it's budding, or its splendour when it blows?
~George Barlow

The weather has been really nasty this morning with rain pouring down. Since it’s too yucky to get out and all my cleaning is finished (yeah!), I decided to play around with a very simple table setting for tonight’s dinner.

It’s been a while since I’ve actually set the table and we ate in the dining area. In fact, I think the last time was at Christmas! My youngest daughter told me yesterday that we really need to start eating together at the table…so this setting is for her. Dinner at the table tonight…she’ll be tickled, especially since we’ll be dining by candlelight (she loves that!).

Just a simple setting…I used a pink tablecloth layered with a white lace cloth. I added pink napkins with silver napkin rings.

To anchor each setting, I used a pink charger. The dinner and salad plates are one of my favorite sets. The pattern is “English Rose” featuring delicate pink and red roses on a sagey green background.

The footed glasses are “Heritage” by Fostoria.

The silverware belonged to my grandmother. I always loved this pattern when I was growing up.

For the centerpiece, I used a silver footed tray that I found a couple of weeks ago at the thrift store. A few glass marbles, two crystal votive candholders and one pink mosaic candleholder (another thrift store find!)…and I called it finished!

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

I always enjoy your visits, so thanks for stopping by!

Dreamgoddess

Southern Lady Cake

2012-02-29T18:34:00.001-06:00

Oh, I’m so glad you dropped by! I’ve been baking and have a wonderful treat to share with you today. I made a Southern Lady Cake and it’s one of my family’s favorite cakes.

I’ve been making this cake for several years now after finding the recipe in an issue of Southern Lady magazine. The recipe was created as a tribute to the magazine by a lady in Atlanta known as the “Cake Lady”. It’s moist, has a wonderful texture and is so delicious with a delicate orange flavor. Don’t be tempted to skip adding the glaze…it puts this cake right over the top!

Psst…if you don’t tell anyone it’s made from a mix, they’ll never know it!

1 box orange supreme cake mix

1/3 c sugar

2 T all purpose flour

1 c sour cream

2/3 c oil

1/2 t orange extract

4 eggs

11 oz can mandarin oranges, drained

2 T orange juice

1 c confectioner’s sugar

Grease and flour a tube cake pan. Combine the cake mix, sugar and flour in a large bowl. Add the sour cream, the oil and orange extract. Mix at low speed with a mixer. Add the eggs, one at a time. Increase the speed to medium and beat for 2 minutes. Add in the mandarin oranges and mix until all ingredients are well combined. Pour the batter into the prepared tube pan. Bake at 350°F for 45-50 minutes or until a knife inserted in the cake comes out clean. Let the cake cool in the pan for 15 minutes. Combine the orange juice and confectioners sugar well. Drizzle over the cake.

The original recipe called for baking 45-50 minutes, but it always takes longer to bake when I make this. I usually end up having to bake it for about 1 hour before it’s done.

Thanks for visiting with me today! I’m joining these parties…

Miz Helen’s Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday

Alison at Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfolded

Designs by Gollum for Foodie Friday

Sweet as Sugar Cookies for Sweets for a Saturday

Dreamgoddess

A Piece of Victoriana

2012-02-28T07:51:00.001-06:00

A few weeks ago, I shared with you my Victorian fern stand that I found at the flea market in Mobile. The seller actually had two of the fern stands and I’m still kicking myself for not buying both of them! He had traveled to the flea market from Mississippi and told me he had bought the stands from an estate sale in an old Victorian home there.

The stand had lots of issues…the legs were badly tarnished and the cast iron top and middle section was covered in rust. One of the legs was a little bent, so it leaned to one side instead of standing straight. My husband suggested forgetting about trying to restore it and simply paint the stand. Oh, the horror! What was he thinking??? Personally, I think he was having a senior moment about that time!

The marble was in pretty rough shape also.

Cleaning this baby was A LOT of work! It involved multiple cleanings and sandings to remove all the rust from the cast iron.

The brass was so badly tarnished in places and none of the several brass cleaners I tried would remove all of the tarnish. Finally an antiques dealer suggested I use Bar Keepers Friend. I’m not affiliated with this company in any way, but if you’ve never tried it, I recommend buying some of it. This stuff works miracles! (See how one of the legs was bent??)

So, here it is in all its restored glory. All the rust is gone and the brass has a beautiful glow now. The iron pieces were probably originally painted to match the brass legs, but I’m really liking the way it looks now.

I placed it in my living room and I’ve been having so much fun playing around with different items sitting on it. I started out with this…

and then this…

…and ended up with this for now. I love it! My husband was even impressed and said maybe he was wrong about painting it. In the back of my mind a little voice is saying, “ya think so???”

I haven’t decided what will go on the bottom yet…still playing around with that. I’m linking up with these parties…

Marty at a Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday (my first time joining this party!)

Bee at Beez Rental Designs for her very first Frugal Treasures Tuesday

Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday

Doni at Faith, Grace, Crafts for Pearls and Lace Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party

Alison at Stuff and Nonsense for Fridays Unfolded

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home

Redoux Friday Link Up Party #45

Thanks for dropping by and visiting with me today! I hope to see you again soon!

Dreamgoddess

Death by Oreo Cupcakes

2012-02-23T07:55:00.001-06:00

Just before Christmas, I came across a recipe here for Death by Oreo Cupcakes . My family really wanted me to make them, but in all the Christmas rush, I simply didn’t have time then. My daughter ever so sweetly reminded me last weekend that we STILL hadn’t tried the recipe, so off we went to the store to get the ingredients.

Oh my goodness, these cupcakes were so delicious…almost an Oreo overload! An Oreo on the bottom, Oreos in the cake batter and the cream cheese frosting…then garnished with a mini Oreo.

I did notice the mini Oreos were the tiniest bit soft where they sat in the frosting, so I would suggest not garnishing the cupcakes until right before serving them.

I’m joining Miz Helen’s Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday. I’m also joining Sweet as Sugar Cookies for Sweets For a Saturday.

Thanks for dropping by to visit!

Dreamgoddess

Better to Light a Candle…

2012-02-08T20:08:00.001-06:00

than to curse the darkness. ~Chinese Proverb

I had the brilliant idea to stop by my favorite antique shop last week. I only did it to kill time, you know, not really shopping or anything like that of course…but then, I walked in the door and I saw a glimmer of etched cranberry glass. Well, of course I had to make a beeline for it.

Oh, it was love at first sight! It’s heavy brass, which is in serious need of some polish, and there are four wonderful fish arcing down the base.

Hmmm…but what exactly is it? It’s not a lamp and it didn’t look like any candleholder I had ever seen. The central brass tube is made up of two pieces that lock together.

A spring slides down into the brass tube.

A visit to an antiques board here on the web gave me an answer to the question of what exactly it was that I had found…it’s a spring loaded candle holder. The candle goes down into the brass tube on top of the spring. Then the top brass piece is put on and locked into place. As the candle burns, the spring pushes the candle up to the top of the tube so it continues to burn. Pretty cool, huh!

The most common ones made now are altar candle holders for churches. I have no clue how old this one is…I just thought it was wonderful. The best part??? I only paid $5.00 for it! When I saw the price on it, I thought “Oh yeah baby! You are definitely going home with me!”

I’m hoping to have time to sit down this weekend and get it polished. I can’t wait to see that brass glowing!

I’m joining Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday.

Thanks for visiting today!

Smoking in the Salon

2012-02-03T11:03:00.001-06:00

Dahling…sashay on into my salon and pull up a chair. Cigarette? No? Well, hold on a minute while I light mine and then we’ll talk. (Ok…imagine the sultry voice of Mae West here. LOL!)

From the latter part of the 1800’s into the mid 1900’s, smoking was often considered to be glamorous and sophisticated. Novels, and later, movies portraying the romantic and mysterious allure of smokers contributed to the huge demand for tobacciana items.

One highly popular item around the turn of the century, especially in Europe, was the Parlor Smoking Set. They were often made of majolica, porcelain or cast metal. Smoking Sets can be found decorated with transfer scenes or handpainted florals. The Set could consist of several pieces or one piece with various sections.

This particular Smoking Set, made of porcelain and glazed a soft shade of green, was made sometime around 1900-1910 in Austria. It’s decorated with handpainted pink flowers and gold trim .

There are three sections in the Smoking Set…one is used to hold matches…

The largest section is for the cigarettes…

And one section is for the spent matches.

On the back of the section for holding the matches are these handpainted letters – MOK. Maybe the initials of the artist? I have no idea.

Parlor Smoking Sets similar to mine can be difficult to find online…for the simple reason many people don’t realize exactly what they are.

When I purchased this one, the seller had no idea what it was and had suggested perhaps it was made to use on the dining table to hold salt and pepper. Hmmm, I suppose it could be used for that purpose if you really wanted to.

Thanks for dropping by my salon today! I’m joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday and Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Vienna Art Plates

2012-02-01T16:00:00.001-06:00

Vienna art plates were tin plates decorated with colorful lithographs that were primarily used for advertising. They were manufactured under six different company names in the early 1900’s. The most commonly found plates today were made by the H. D. Beach Co. of Coshocton, Ohio.

H. D. Beach began manufacturing the art plates around 1904 and applied for a patent which was granted on February 21, 1905. Beach continued to produce the plates until about 1913.

Many of the plates featured lithographs reproduced from hand painted artwork found on Royal Vienna porcelain plates. One commonly used theme were ladies, but there were also scenic lithographs used.

My small collection features scenic plates made by Beach. Two of them have the patent dates of February 21, 1905 stamped on the back, but the other two have a “Patent Applied For” stamp which dates them to about 1904.

You can see photos of all the beautiful Vienna Art Plates and learn more about them here.

Thanks for dropping by! I’m joining Paula at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday. I’m also joining Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party, Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Dreamgoddess

Repost of Dining with the Snow Queen

2012-01-26T17:55:00.006-06:00

It's been a bit hectic for me the past week and I haven't had much time to take photos for a new post...so I decided to repost one of my favorite table settings from last year.

Jagged icicles and glittering snow,

restless winds around us blow.

Stealth and quiet, we must not be seen

if we are to catch sight of the Snow Queen.

Utterly forbidden it is to see her face,

to trespass in her hallowed abiding place.

If caught, to eternal winter consigned

to be imprisoned until time out of mind.

Bitter chill and shards of ice,

for all that shall we pay the price?

Frost like a mirror, smooth as glass,

in truth we are at an impasse.

Oh please tell, do we dare to go on

or should we quickly have withdrawn?

Ominous shivers down us creep

as we anticipate what we shall reap.

She rides from out of the distance,

from a land of timeless existance.

White horses pull her crystal sleigh,

from her destination she does not sway.

Ermine trimmed cape blowing in the breeze,

who can say what her arctic gaze sees?

Sparkling snowflakes cling to her gown,

while below in the valley lies the sleeping town.

Ethereal and beautiful in her icy glory,

truly not a fairy tale or other story.

Shimmering crystal, etched with a snowflake,

a crown of ice …it’s her, no mistake.

Neither to the left nor to the right

does she look during her swift flight.

Not the tiniest sound do we make,

nor movement, our life not to forsake.

Then ever so slowly, she nears our hiding spot,

shock, anger and a glower we received not.

Instead a sublime smile, a wave and a wink,

then to our surprise, she was gone in a blink.

Amazing, no imprisonment or fuss,

what about all the stories told to us?

Imagine our shock and surprise to find

The Snow Queen was actually quite kind.

The Snow Queen graciously thanks you for visiting with her today and she hopes you’ll come back soon!

She’s joining in with Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch for another Tablescape Thursday. She's also joining Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday. Last, but not least, she's joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Why don’t you join us too?

Dreamgoddess

Maidens and Nymphs – the Fantasy Art of Hans Zatzka

2012-01-21T21:29:00.001-06:00

My absolute favorite artist is Hans Zatzka, born 8 March 1859 in Vienna, Austria. I first discovered Zatzka’s art while browsing eBay many years ago. He studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Vienna and also painted under the names P. Ronsard, Zabateri, Joseph Bernard, Bernard Zatzka and Pierre de Ronsard.

Although Zatzka made his living from painting religious themed frescos in churches and alter paintings, he is perhaps best known for his paintings of maidens, nymphs and cherubs.

A copy of Zatzka’s “In the Night Sky” hangs in my dining area. Looks so ethereal!

Two vintage prints in ornate brass frames hang in my living room.

My newest acquisition featuring the artwork of Hans Zatzka is this antique vase trimmed with gold and marked Victoria Austria. I spotted it in my favorite antique shop and quickly grabbed it before someone else bought it!

Here are other examples of Zatzka artwork showcasing gorgeous nymphs, maidens and cherubs. Warning…stop here if you don’t like seeing partial nudity!! Zatzka was obviously fond of painting semi nudes. LOL!

“Fortune”

“Elfenreigen” – This is one of my favorites…nymphs dancing under the light of the full moon.

“Water Nymph”

“Symphony of Water Nymphs”

“Water Idyll”

“Pearls of the Sea” – this is another favorite of mine.

“The Arrival of Spring”

“Venus with Putti and Attendants”

Zatzka continued to paint until he was in his 80’s and died on 17 December 1945. His artwork is very collectible now and often commands high prices at auction.

I’m joining Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday. Since some of his artwork does have hints of pink in them, I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks for joining me today! Hope the rest of your weekend is wonderful!

Dreamgoddess

More Cherub Love and Some Great News

2012-01-18T21:05:00.001-06:00

First, for my fantastic news! I finally got a job…well, it’s only part time and temporary, only for about 6 weeks, but it’s still a job! Can you hear the choir singing “Hallelujah”??? After 2 years of being unemployed, ANYTHING is better than nothing!

I had a wonderful weekend and can’t wait to share my finds with you! My husband surprised me with a trip to Mobile and we hit up a few of my favorite antique shops Saturday.

I added some bisque cherubs to my collection and can’t decide which is my favorite! The first piece is marked Ucagco China, Made in Occupied Japan, which dates it to between 1946 and 1952.

What a sweet little face he has!

The cart is decorated with gold trim and soft pink roses.

This second piece had me stumped! I couldn’t find any online information about it and wasn’t able to find another one similar to it.

So, I turned to the fountain of all antiques knowledge…Richard from My Old Historic House. (If you’ve never visited Richard’s blog, RUN, don’t walk over to visit him! Just be sure to bring a towel for all the drooling you’ll be doing when you see his gorgeous home!)

According to Richard, these types of pieces were made in several places, including France and America, but were most commonly made in Germany. They can be found decorated with children or animals too, but the ones with cherubs are more popular. This particular piece was probably made in the latter 1800’s to early 1900’s. I thought perhaps it was a vase or planter, but Richard said it was more likely a vanity piece and could have held jewelry.

Fortunately he also told me not to use it with water as it would bleed through the soft paste of the unglazed porcelain. Thank you Richard for sharing all the info with me! You’re the greatest!

Count ‘em…three sweet little cherubs and garlands of pink roses! Love, love, love me some cherubs!!

At another antiques shop, I found this necklace. It’s possibly just vintage glass beads…but I’m hoping it’s faceted rock crystal. I need to take it to a jeweler to have it tested. Unfortunately, my photo didn’t capture how it sparkles!

Then on Sunday, my husband and I went to the flea market for a couple of hours. One of the vendors had some pieces that he had bought at an estate sale in an old Victorian home in Mississippi.

This brass fern stand immediately caught my eye as I had been looking at one almost identical to it in an antique shop here where I live…except the one in the antique shop was, I kid you not, almost 7 times the price of the one at the flea market!

Here’s a close-up photo of it when I got it home. It has some issues that I’m working on…tarnish and what looks like some corrosion (?), but so far, it’s beginning to clean up nicely.

The vendor at the flea market said the top is marble, but I wonder if it might not be alabaster instead. I do know it needs a REALLY good cleaning! I can’t wait to get it all restored! I think it’s going in my living room next to the piano.

The most important question…what to put on it when I get finished??? I don’t have a green thumb, so an actual fern is out. Maybe this calls for another shopping trip!

So this is how I spent my weekend and I hope yours was wonderful too! Thanks for visiting me today and I hope you’ll come back soon.

I’m joining Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday, Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party Thursdays, and Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Dreamgoddess

Cherubs and Roses

2012-01-04T00:32:00.001-06:00

A new beginning is perhaps the best time to say…
It’s so nice to know you…
And here’s wishing our friendship
continues to grow in the days to come. – Author Unknown

Happy New Year to all my blogging friends! Just for you, I found this wonderful old Tuck postcard this past week to wish you and your family much love and happiness in this New Year.

I hope everyone had a fantastic New Year’s holiday weekend! My husband, two youngest daughters and I spent a quiet, but fun, time together on New Year’s Eve. We had a nice dinner and then an evening of playing games while we waited to ring in the New Year.

Since “your” New Year’s postcard featured a cherub and roses, I thought I would continue that theme by showing some of the cherubs I have around my home.

My newest favorite was given to me by my mother. The little cherubs have the sweetest expressions on their faces and the applied roses are so beautiful. In researching the mark on the bottom, I found it was made by Sadek, which was founded in 1936 and is still in operation. One website I read was not very nice in their comments about Sadek wares…doesn’t bother me, I love the bowl and think it’s absolutely gorgeous!

This little bisque cherub was an antique shop find last year. The owner of the shop said she thought it was possibly made in Germany.

A pair of wall plaques made by Ucagco, probably in the 1950’s to 1960’s.

A pin tray with a transfer scene of a cherub and a butterfly and a half (one of the butterflies is missing part of his wings and body).

A cherub sitting on a shoe with more applied roses.

Almost hidden behind a vase is another one of my favorites…a Victorian figural epergne or centerpiece with a cherub.

Last, but not least, is another favorite cherub that I found on eBay several years ago. Actually, I think he might be Cupid with his bow and arrow, but that’s ok.

Well, that’s it for this post. I have a few more, but that’s for another day. Thanks bunches for visiting with me today! I hope you’ll come again soon.

I’ve joining Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday. I’m also joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Dreamgoddess

Puppy Chow

2011-12-28T07:32:00.001-06:00

Oh my goodness, I wish someone had told me earlier about these scrumptious little treats! My sister made goodie trays for everyone in the family and she included some Puppy Chow in mine.

After one taste, I immediately called my sister for the recipe. She said the recipe was found here at Food.com.

9 c Chex cereal

6 oz melted chocolate chips, melted

1/2 c peanut butter, melted

1/4 c butter, melted

2 t vanilla

1 1/2 c powdered sugar

Put the cereal in a large bowl. Combine the chocolate, peanut butter and butter; microwave on high for 1 minute or until melted. Stir until smooth. Add vanilla and pour over the cereal. Stir to coat. Pour into a large Ziplock bag; add the powdered sugar. Shake to coat the cereal. Pour out on waxed paper to cool. Store in sealed containers or bags.

This is so yummy! I really could have been selfish and not shared with the rest of my family… but ‘tis the season and all that, you know.

I’m joining Patti and Paula at Ivy and Elephants for What's It Wednesday and Miz Helen for Full Plate Thursday. See you there!

Hope your holidays were filled with yummy treats too!

Let It Snow

2011-12-27T12:00:00.001-06:00

I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas and holiday season! I had so much fun spending time with my family. My son was home for 2 days and he kept everything lively here at home. He and my middle daughter played a game of Twister Christmas night that had us all laughing until we cried. My kitchen floor became an impromptu race track for some remote controlled cars that my grandsons received. Although I do miss the laughter and fun we had Christmas day, it’s so nice to sit back and relax for a bit now.

For Christmas dinner, I set up the island in my kitchen for my grandsons. I wanted the setting to be playful and fun, but very simple. I wish I had thought to use a white tablecloth so it would have looked more “snowy”, but this was put together super quickly and I just didn’t think about it.

I thought these plates decorated with a merry snowman would be perfect for them.

Silverware was tucked inside a blue stocking.

White napkins were decorated with blue and white curling ribbon and a mitten ornament.

Snowflake goblets completed each place setting.

Greenery was decorated with red berries and blue and red ornaments for the centerpiece.

A snowman nutcracker took center stage.

Peppermint striped candles were placed at each end of the greenery.

Cute little snow people salt and pepper shakers were a thrift store find.

I love this little thrift store find! This roly poly snowman is a jam jar and his sole purpose in the setting was to look adorable!

My grandsons really enjoy having their own special “table” at Christmas and I had so much fun creating this one for them!

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday. Hope to see you there!

Thanks for visiting!

A Melody That Would Last Forever

2011-12-23T06:49:00.001-06:00

Christmas Eve was a night of song that wrapped itself about you like a shawl. But it warmed more than your body. It warmed your heart... filled it, too, with a melody that would last forever. -- Bess Streeter Aldrich

I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

To all my wonderful blogging friends, I hope you and your family to have a blessed, Merry Christmas filled with much love, laughter and song.

Coconut Yum Yums

2011-12-21T20:39:00.001-06:00

I’ve had this recipe in my cookbook at Food.com for quite a while and thought it would make a nice addition to my goodie trays this Christmas. The original recipe, posted by MizzNezz, can be found here at Food.com.

Is it a cookie…or is it candy? I don’t know, but they sure are good! The recipe was super easy to make and, start to finish, probably took about 20 minutes.

1/2 c butter
3 c coconut
2 c powdered sugar
2 oz semisweet chocolate

Combine the coconut and sugar in a large bowl. Melt the butter and add to the coconut/sugar. Mix well; scoop out small portions with a spoon. Roll into balls and place on cookie sheets. Make an indention in each one. Melt the chocolate and place a small amount in each indention. Chill until firm.

The original recipe states a yield of 36, but I must have made mine a bit smaller as I ended up with 48 of them.

I’m joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday.

Thanks for visiting today!

Merry Christmas,

A Merry Blue and Gold Christmas Setting

2011-12-21T07:46:00.001-06:00

                        You better watch out,
                        You better not cry,
                       You better not pout,
                       I'm telling you why

Santa Claus is coming to town!

                           He's making a list,
                       Checking it twice,
                        Gonna find out
                   Who's naughty or nice.

Santa Claus is coming to town!

           He sees you when you're sleeping,
             He knows when you're awake.
      He knows when you've been bad or good,
            So be good for goodness sake!

                 So...You better watch out,
                       You better not cry
                      You better not pout,
                      I'm telling you why.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

                    With little tin horns
                    And little toy drums.
                       Rootie-toot-toots
                   and rummy tum tums.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

                        With curly head dolls
                    That toddle and coo,
                        Elephants, boats
                     and kiddie cars too.

Santa Claus is coming to town.

              The kids in girl and boy Land
                        will have a jubilee.
           They're gonna build a toyland town
               all around the Christmas tree.

                 Oh....You better watch out,
                        You better not cry.
                      You better not pout,
                      I'm telling you why.

                   Santa Claus is comin'
                   Santa Claus is comin'
                   Santa Claus is comin'
                             To town.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday.

I’m so glad you visited me today and I hope your Christmas holidays are merry!

There’s No Place Like Home for the Holidays

2011-12-19T15:54:00.001-06:00

Today, I’m sharing the last of my decorated Christmas trees – one in the hallway and one in the kitchen.

There’s no place like home…the Wizard of Oz is one of my favorite movies. I can remember, as a child, being so excited when it was played on tv. Many years ago, I started collecting Hallmark’s Wizard of Oz ornaments and this is one of my family’s favorite trees that we decorate.

Along with the Hallmark ornaments, the tree is filled with apples, lollipops, poppies, and snowflakes. A yellow cloth covers the bottom of the tree. One day, I’ll probably quilt the fabric to look like a yellow brick road.

Dorothy and Glinda…

The Great Oz…

“Ruby Slippers” sit on blue and white gingham fabric…

The Scarecrow was always my favorite of Dorothy’s friends.

I’ll get you, my pretty…

and your little dog too!

The kitchen is truly the heart of my home. It’s the place where we gather to talk about our day and just spend time together. It’s a place of warm cookies and milk, fun , laughter and yes, even sometimes tears.

At Christmas, my kitchen is transformed into a Candyland. I love to see how my grandsons’ eyes light up when they come to visit!

This is a fun “grandmother” ornament that I found a few weeks ago at the thrift store. She’s all ready to bake with her bag of flour, rolling pin and cookie recipe! I love the little bun in her hair!

The Hoosier cabinet is set up as a candy station. Apothecary jars are filled with lots of goodies and treats.

The candy tree always brings a smile to my face!

The gingerbread teapot, sugar and creamer were thrift store finds. They brighten up the corner of my kitchen.

Before I close this post, I would like to introduce you to a very important member of our family. I was browsing through my favorite consignment shop and there she was…sitting there, just waiting to come home with me. My daughter named her…what else but “Ginger”, since of course she is a gingerbread girl. She’s even baked cookies in honor of your visit!

I’m joining Marty for Table Top Tuesday.

Ginger and I thank you so much for visiting with us today and we hope you have a

Merry Christmas!

Christmas in the Living Room

2011-12-17T18:50:00.001-06:00

Wow, it’s hard to believe Christmas is only a week away! I am SO NOT ready! I’m sure next week is going to be very hectic for me trying to get everything finished up before next weekend.

At least the decorating is finished! Here are some photos of my living room all ready for Christmas.

This is our main tree. Each year, I buy a special clear or spun glass ornament for each of my children, so the tree is predominately decorated with them. There are also ornaments on the tree that my children made in school when they were younger. We added in a few silver glittery balls to the tree.

There are also pink sparkly ornaments scattered around the tree.

The fireplace mantle...

Curio cabinet and hall tree...

The village is set up on top of my piano…

Have you been Naughty or Nice this year??

On the coffee table are two of my Snow Queen figurines...

I made the beaded ornament cover for this ball several years ago.

Living room as seen through the looking glass…

I’m joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks bunches for visiting with me today! I hope you and your family have a wonderful Christmas!

Orange Vanilla Chip Cookies

2011-12-13T15:35:00.001-06:00

I felt like baking cookies today and had some white chocolate chips that I needed to use. After a quick search of Food.com, I found this recipe here for Orange Vanilla Chip Cookies posted by ratherbeswimmin’. Yep, I had all the ingredients, so I was good to go!

2 1/4 c A-P flour
1/4 t baking soda
1/2 t salt
1 c unsalted butter. softened
1/2 c sugar
1/2 c firmly packed light brown sugar
1 large egg , at room temperature
1 T grated orange zest
1 c white chocolate chips

Sift the flour, baking soda and salt into a mixing bowl; set aside. Cream the butter and sugars together in another mixing bowl. Add the egg and mix well. Add the flour and mix well again. Add the orange zest and white chocolate chips. Stir well to combine all ingredients. Using a teaspoon, drop the dough onto an ungreased cookie sheet (I greased mine). Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes or until golden brown. Cool the cookies on the cookie sheet for 1 minute; remove to wire racks.

Oh my goodness, these were wonderful! The only change I made to the recipe was to use about 1/2-3/4 T of orange zest (since that was all I had on hand), but I liked the way they tasted only using this amount. I loved the subtle orange flavor. The cookies were scrumptiously (is that even a word???) delicious!

Next time, I’m going to double the recipe.

I'’ll be joining Miz Helen at her Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday. Thanks for dropping by and I hope you’ll come back soon!

Christmas in the Dining Room

2011-12-12T19:20:00.001-06:00

It’s Christmas time in my dining room…the buffet has been decorated, the tree has been trimmed and touches of greenery added for holiday fun.

I decorated the buffet with touches of pink, silver and snowy greenery.

The Victorian Noel cross stitched picture was made several years ago from a free pattern I found online.

Pink ornaments are nestled in a Homer Laughlin covered bowl, sans lid. An epergne holds pink spire ornaments.

Hanging from the lamp are a cluster of three ornaments decorated with beaded ornament covers.

Standing on my grandmother’s sewing machine cabinet is one of my favorite trees. It’s decorated with vintage ornaments from the 1940’s-50’s and knee hugger elves from the 1960’s-70’s.

The tree skirt was made from an old chenille bedspread that belonged to my grandmother. She loved chenille bedspreads and this one was her favorite.

Sitting under the tree is my small collection of Mark Roberts fairies. This one, Spirit of Hope, is my favorite. A portion of the proceeds from sales of this fairy were donated to The Breast Cancer Research Foundation.

Some of my favorite ornaments and elves.

Another shot of my dining area.

I’m joining Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Table Top Tuesday.

Thanks for dropping by and I wish for you and your family a joyous Christmas season!

Christmas Pink

2011-12-09T18:47:00.001-06:00

I feel like it’s been ages since I’ve posted on my blog! I had to take a little mini break because first my mother was very sick and then not long after she got well, I got sick. Thankfully we are both well now and it’s great to be back with my blogging buddies!

I want to share with you my absolute favorite Christmas table setting and it is usually the first one I do each year during the holiday season. I love decorating for Christmas using pink…I know, very untraditional, but what can I say?? I do also use more traditional colors in table settings for my family during the season, but I just love this one.

A snowy white lace tablecloth is layered over a pink damask cloth.

The chargers, handpainted by a talented artist in Texas, were a birthday gift from my husband several years ago. Among the pink roses dusted with snow are pine branches and white berries.

With the chargers, I’ve used clear glass dinner plates.

On each dinner plate, a clear glass sherbet to be used for dessert holds pink ornaments decorated with angels and sparkling glass glitter.

Sparkling pink ornaments rest in champagne flutes.

Pink Fostoria footed glasses will be used for iced tea.

Snowflake napkin rings were used on the pink damask napkins.

The centerpiece is decorated with snow dusted pinecones and branches, white berries and pink roses.

A pair of candleholders in the pattern “Caprice” by the Cambridge Glass Co. were placed at each end of the centerpiece and a taller crystal candleholder sits in the middle of the greenery.

I’m joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday. I’m also joining Beverly at How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday.

Thanks so much for coming by today! I hope you’ll come back again soon.

Redecorating the Hall Tree Corner

2011-09-22T21:45:00.001-05:00

I would love to have an entryway, but unfortunately my front door opens directly into my living room. In the corner next to the door is one of my favorite pieces of furniture – my hall tree. I wish I could say it was an antique, but it’s a reproduction of a Victorian piece.

For quite a while, I had a summery floral arrangement in a bowl sitting on the shelf. I decided it was definitely time for a change, so I’ve been playing around with it this week.

Antique vase with transfer scene featuring maidens and a cherub by the artist Angelica Kauffman (1741-1807)…

filled with an arrangement of eucalyptus and peacock feathers.

Love, love, love peacock feathers!

The antique porcelain heart with two cherubs…

would have held water and a small arrangement of flowers.

Framed print “A Garland of Morning Glories” by Emile Vernon.

For now, a crystal bowl in a silver plated holder filled with seashells and pearls. I’ll probably change up this shelf in the next couple of days.

Some of my vintage handbags…most of these are from the 1950-60’s and were gifts from my sister.

Antique prints by Hans Zatzka in scrolling brass frames.

Maidens…

and cherubs…my favorite type of artwork!

Container holding my grandfather’s walking cane and my grandmother’s parasol (actually it’s an umbrella…but parasol sounds so much better! LOL)

Peacock made by a very special cousin in the 1970’s. Love the iridescent sheen on the feathers!

Other than changing up the bowl of shells for something else, I’ll probably leave it like this until I decorate for Halloween.

I’m joining French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday.

Thanks for visiting with me today! I hope to see you again soon.