After gathering up my supplies the other day I was fully prepared to "mantel-scape". This year I came across what I think is a "find". These delicious velvet pumpkins by Plush Pumpkin. This is what I started with, my scaled down freshly dusted simple mantel. Then I added some love. The trompe l'oeil effect of the painting and the pumpkins is kind of fun. The newly decorated mantel ended up adding a cozy warmth to my living room, even from afar. Our contest to win a trio of … [Read more...]
Velvet Pumpkin Thanksgiving Giveaway
We know they are yummy. Velvet plushness waiting to adorn your mantels, table tops, ledges and bowls. One of our lucky readers will have this special trio, from Plush Pumpkins, sent to them just in time for Thanksgiving! Our pumpkin trio giveaway *sponsored by Plush Pumpkins* is going to go through Friday, November 19th, 1pm Central!! Winner must live in the U.S. due to the shipping weight of the pumpkins. Here are 2 ways to getting yourself some pumpkin love! Make sure to leave a comment that says what … [Read more...]
Happy Birthday Chris Ann!!!
Good morning sistah! You are waking up, too early....I'm guessing 4 a.m. I know you are frantically throwing your last minute things in your bag to head to the airport. I wanted to be the second, 'cause I'm sure Todd was the first, to wish you a Happy Birthday!!! Here's your gift... Originally I thought I'd bring it to Cancun to hand to you personally. But, then I thought, some gift! I don't want to make you lug it around!! So, I'll ship it to you when I return! Have a wonderful day!!! (I know you … [Read more...]
Signs Of A Great Summer
This summer shows excellent signs of bursting with potential if this past weekend was any indicator. Right off that bat I hit a yard sale and scored some cute porch decor and a set of dishes! There was time to work in my garden. There were eager helpers who wanted to start their chores before breakfast! Roxy met a fan who wanted to "contain" her! Roxy can barely "contain" her enthusiasm for the situation. got hotchalk? got hot help? Suburbia Man stains the deck-fresh for the … [Read more...]
Summer Cocktails & Themes
Over the years, somewhere along the way, Kristin and I began "theme-ing" our summers with a signature cocktail. Looking back...I'm pretty sure it started the summer we moved to Minnesota. The cocktail and theme was suppose to lift our spirits, embody our mojo, and help us get through our busy schedules, holding us up until we'd meet again. It had to be refreshing. It had to make us happy. It had to be a cocktail we would look forward to sharing next time we clinked our glasses together, which we try to do, at least … [Read more...]
Today is Our Day
Happy Mother's Day to all you mothers out there! Believe us when we say, we know that your days are full of endless loads of laundry, piles of dirty dishes, driving bus loads of loud children, shopping for and preparing meals for the umpteenth time, wiping snotty noses on your T-shirt, managing EVERYONE's hectic schedule...only to redo the same thing day after day. But, we also know why we're happy to do it! Here are our reasons! Kristin's... Teapot Little Man Zap Drama Boy and Little … [Read more...]
Lucky to Be Irish!
Two of my five children have red hair. The question is always asked, "Are you Irish?" I smile and reply, "Yes!" My mother's side of the family is Irish. I was raised with the understanding that to be Irish was something to be proud of. Her family is fiercely loyal and loving! They are a force to be reckoned with. They can drink beer and appreciate the good stuff! They are witty and sarcastic, passionate and vivacious! Even when my grandmother passed away, there was singing and clanking of glasses...a true Irish … [Read more...]

















