Archives for October 2010

31 Days To Savor ~ Fall Burlap Slipcovers

Having a fall gathering?  Isn't this the niftiest idea ever?  It's an old burlap sack pulled over the back of a chair and re-purposed as a slipcover.  Then, the sack was tied with some twine and decorated with festive ornamental corncobs. This particular one was made out of old coffee bags that were found and purchased for a few dollars at a local coffee shop. I bought some old burlap potato bags at our local garden market for a couple of bucks a piece.  I may make these slipcovers, pillows, or let my kids play some old … [Read more...]

Fancy Friday~Fall Drinks

The air is getting crisp and the leaves are turning colors here on the East Coast.  This is one of my favorite times of year.  I love putting on a comfy sweater and curling up on my sofa with a good book and a warm drink.  Coffee is my "go-to" hot drink...but, sometimes it's a Masala chai latte, rooibus or hot chocolate. This fall, I want to add something new to the beverage repertoire. Crystal over at Cafe Cyan, recently made a Pumpkin Spiced Latte...using real pumpkin, not just flavoring!  This is one Fancy drink!  … [Read more...]

31 Days To Savor ~ Love What You To Do

Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful. ~Herman Cain What do you love to do? … [Read more...]

31 Days to Savor~Happy Glasses

There's a little story that goes behind these Happy Glasses. Last summer, I picked them up at a flea market in Baltimore...not 'cause I needed them.  I picked them up, solely on the premise that they made me happy.  I brought them home and told my husband my justification..."They are Happy Glasses."  He smiled with a little quizzical grin.  Fast forward a few weeks...Chris Ann flew into Baltimore.  I went to pour her a drink and pulled out the glass.  I asked her, "What is this?"  To which she responded, "A Happy … [Read more...]

31 Days to Savor~LoveBomb with Apples

LoveBomb=The act of preparing, serving and sharing a meal or a morsel with someone you normally wouldn't.  This is an act that takes you outside of yourself...usually involves a little bit of courage...and rewards you in ways that are hard to express. We have LoveBomb-ed with burgers, cupcakes and even breakfast.  But, because apples are plentiful this time of year...how about making an apple pie, galette or bread! Think of a neighbor or a teacher...the librarian or guy at your local coffee shop who serves you your … [Read more...]

31 Days To Savor ~ A Guest Shawl

The summer season has faded but, we have had some leftover warm evenings this fall to savor one last meal on our deck.  The sun is setting earlier too, so we've been setting up the fire for some added light and warmth. My new favorite table-setting piece and pretty way to savor some lingering hours on the deck?  A pretty shawl draped over the chair for my guests. The shawl welcomes my guests by adding some color to my table.  And, hopefully adds to their comfort. You could use some old blankets or some cut fabric … [Read more...]

31 Days to Savor~Meditation

Take a moment...or even better, a few...today, to close your eyes and be still.  Quiet your mind and your spirit.  Take a moment to mentally walk away from the mounting To Do list, taking care of others, creating, cleaning, organizing and talking. Be quiet.  Be still.  Savor the peace. … [Read more...]

Fancy Friday Pumpkins

It's that time of year again to pick your pumpkins! This year I got my pumpkin inspiration at the Junk Bonanza. Every year I love to decorate or fall-scape as I like to say- with pumpkins inside my home and with pumpkins outside on the front porch. Our family likes to go into the country to pick our pumpkins. Then we take our collection of pumpkins home and make them our own! ~~~~~~"I had a pumpkin, a big fat Pumpkin ~~~~~~It was growing on a vine. Then I … [Read more...]

31 Days to Savor~Cooking With Your Kids

Cooking with your kids can be challenging.  For me, I need to be in the right frame of mind...rested.  I like to have the counters clear, the ingredients set up and the broom ready in the corner. But, there's nothing like those moments in the kitchen with my kids.  Helping them to measure, mix and stir.  Spending time with them and talking. My kids "fight" over whose turn it is in the kitchen.  They guard that time and won't let any of their siblings cross the threshold.  It's there time, with me. Let them … [Read more...]

31 Days to Savor~Life Through Your Kid’s Eyes

I don't know about you, but my kids grab my camera every chance they get. When I go to download my photos I  find shots of the floor, a corner of the wall or feet...lots of feet!  I also find my teens have tried to capture a cool, new facebook profile pic. Sometimes though, looking at life through their eyes, is inspiring and freeing. Give your kids your camera today...or buy them a disposable.  Savor life through their perspective. … [Read more...]