In my garden . . .

One of the things which I love most about the spring is watching the garden come back to life again . . .  with colour and scent and activity.   This past week has seen our bird feeders being inundated with fledgling sparrows, blackbirds and starlings.  They are so much fun to watch . . .

Most of our garden is filled with plants that come back every year, and we do have a lot of wild flowers which we plant, that magically appear in new places each spring!  Wild flowers are not only pretty to look at, but great for the environment . . .  think bees, butterflies and of course birds.

Our chives at the moment are just a-buzzin' with bees.  They seem to adore the chive blossoms.  I wonder what that does to the taste of the honey, if anything . . .  an intriguing thought indeed.

I love my kitchen herb garden most of all.  It sits right outside my back door, within close proximity to my kitchen and cooking area.  I am able to nip outside, rain or shine . . . and gather in whatever I need when I am cooking.  An herb garden delights the senses . . . they are visually pleasing . . .  intoxicatingly fragrant . . .  and of course the tastes are amazing.  

Herbs are steeped in superstitions and folklore.  Over the years everyone from country women, to witches . . .  to fairies have used them to cure everything from the broken heart to the broken toe, and everything in between.  Symbols of courage, friendship, loyalty, romance and remembrance, you can grow them almost anywhere in a garden, or a pot . . .  both formally or haphazardly . . .  and indeed you will often find them growing wild in woodlands, in nooks and crannies on rock walls, on well trodden paths to the sea and the like.  There is nothing more delightful than the smell of wild garlic or thyme wafting up to enrich the senses whilst on a country walk.

Most of my herbs return to delight me every year, but there are some, like the softer herbs such as basil and parsley, that I need to replace each spring.  I think even were I to live in a sky high apartment complex . . . I would still have an herb garden, were it only a small one on the window sill . . .

Rosemary . . .  for remembrance.   We have an enormous rosemary bush which grows in the centre of our back garden.  I can remember when I first moved over here to the UK and I realized that rosemary grew almost like a weed, in hedgerows and garden borders all around the UK.   It likes the sun, does rosemary . . . and can get quite large.  It doesn't get cold enough here in the UK for it to die out in the winter.  I can pick mine all year round.  The bees love it's blossoms . . .  and lamb loves it's flavour.  Beneath a shoulder of lamb in a roasting tin, it creates a natural trivet which keeps the meat from the bottom of the tin . . .  serving a dual purpose as it also flavours the meat from the bottom up.  It also makes a very wonderful herb brush to brush on butter, or meat drippings . . . onto roasting meat, fish or poultry.  It has a somewhat strong flavour however, so a little bit goes a very long way . . .  but used judiciously, it has a wonderful appeal and it makes a beautiful decoration . . .

I have several varieties of thyme in my garden . . .  the herb of courage is thyme.  The patio at the back of my mother's house is covered with thyme and each step upon the old moss covered stones and bricks brings that delicate herby scent into your remembrance . . . the scent of roasting turkey and herby stuffing.   I have both regular thyme and lemon thyme.   The lemon thyme goes wonderfully with fish, naturally . . . but it is also a pretty special with a simple dessert such as a panacotta.  I think it is one of my most beloved and much used herbs as it goes in just about anything.  In soups and stews . . .   salads, chowders, stuffings . . . with vegetables (haricots verts love it!) or in herb butters to serve on steaks or chops or fish.  I pan fry my cod in butter along with springs of thyme and it is just beautiful when it is done.  It's also lovely pressed  between the pages of books . . . and when you happen-chance upon a dried and pressed spring during the winter months, it brings to the senses a delightful summer remembrance . . .

Basil, which needs to be replaced each year . . . is the symbol of love and devotion . . .  so lovely with tomatoes, cheese, pasta . . . in pesto.   Then there is French Tarragon.  I do so love my French Tarragon.  It's leaves delicately flavour my cod-fish cakes, and of course it is a must in bearnaise sauce, so good with steaks.  Mint, for virtue . . . a hardy perennial which must be kept in check or it can quite easily take over, but how very delightful the smell . . . refreshing and cool.  I cannot help but press a leave between my fingers each time I pass.  Classic with lamb and peas . . .  and of course the perfect garnish for ice cold summer drinks and in teas . . .

Chives, coriander, sage, dill, marjoram, oregano . . .  all of these grow in my garden along with parsley, and interspersed between them all are edible flowers . . .  Nasturtiums, tasting of radish and so very colourful.  Borage, with it's sweet blue flowers . . .  Chamomile, perfect for tea . . . and of course my Lemon Verbena, which delights in a variety of ways.  I love to make a syrup with it to brush over cakes and muffins, and it makes a lovely tea.

All of these things bring me such joy each year.  I am so blessed to live in a place and climate where I can have these things growing right outside my door at my fingertips almost all year round  . . .  but never lovelier than in the Spring and summer months when they are at their very best.  They just make me happy.

A thought to carry with you through today  . . .

ღೋღೋღೋƸ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒღೋღೋღೋ

 "' Just living is not enough,' said the butterfly.
'One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower.'"
~Hans Christian Anderson

ღೋღೋღೋღೋღೋღೋღೋ



Baking in The English Kitchen today  . . . .  delicious Apple Crumble Tray Bake.   Sweet squares, buttery and filled with apples to enjoy with an afternoon cuppa on a sunny Saturday . . .

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Wherever you go and whatever you do, I hope Saturday is very kind to you!  ♥♥♥

Friday Finds

 


A few of the wow moments, or things I discover each week that tickle my fancy. I hope that they may inspire or tickle yours too!

 I did not know this.   It's a great piece of information to have.  I think every house has crayons in it.  I have tons of matches because of all those little matchbox dolls I make.  I also have crayons.



I love, LOVE this felt strawberry scissor keeper.  It looks really easy to make as well.  A free pattern from Red Brolly.  



How to make your own coloured mason jars, from Momtastic.  I adore coloured glass.  It's as simple as using food colouring and Mod Podge.   Who knew???   Momtastic did!



I just love these cute bowls.   You make them from balloons and paper machier and fabric strips.  Rather cute don't you think?   Not sure what I would use them for.  Found on Bread and Buttons.  I once did a Paper Machier Humpty Dumpty in Americana Colours.  I wonder what ever happened to it . . . I dread to think.



I just love aprons.  Don't you?   I could collect them like salt and pepper shakers.  I found a page with links to over forty free apron patterns.  On Tipnut.   If you like aprons you will want to book mark that page!



No source for this, but you simply mod podge photographs onto boards, paint the edges and then hang with ribbons.  I love this idea.



I am loving these fabric covered boxes which I found on In My Own Style.   It looks like a very simple idea and I have tons of fabric that I have bought through the years.   Simple!



Quick and Easy Headboard Updates from BHG.  I love the BHG website.  There is always something great on their page, from cooking to decorating and everything in between.



Spa In a Jar from The Gunny Sack.  What a great gift idea!  It would be great to do with the Young Women or the Relief Society at church as well.   I love it!  Plus there are free printables.



Mason Jar Pincushions.  There is a complete tutorial on The Seasoned Homemaker.  I adore pin cushions.  Like egg cups and tea cups and salt and pepper shakers.  I could easily collect them!

And that's it for this week.  I hope that you found something useful amongst this bunch!

A thought to carry with you through today . . .

`*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..
A Rich and Rewarding Life 
 comes to those who 
Live with Heartfelt 
Appreciation and Gratitude 
for their Blessings. 
 Every Breath is a Gift to be 
Loved, Honored and Cherished. 
Bless the Breath of Life 
 and Bless You. 
~Micheal Teal
`*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..  

 

Cooking in The English Kitchen today, deliciously different fish for Friday in the shape of some scrummy Tuna Burgers!  So tasty!

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Have a fabulous Friday!!

Psst!!  - Lynn . . . Todd's feet are 11 inches long and mine are 9 1/2.  Thank you so much.  I'll send you some cards in exchange if you like.

 

Five more Things about Me

I thought I would do a five things about me post again.  I really enjoy them, and I hope that you do too.  This is a photo of my younger sister and I.  I think she was probably about three here so I would be six years old.  My sister has always had straight as a stick hair.  I don't know how my mom got those curls to stay in her hair for this photograph, but she looks really cute I think.  I love this picture of  us.  You can see the love.  My sister was my first best friend and she is still my best friend.  I was always a fairly confident child in many respects at that age.   That all changed when I got to be around ten years old.  I am not sure how it happened, but I suddenly got very shy and lacking in confidence.   That shyness and confidence plagued me for most of my adult life.  At one point I was so shy that I would pay my brother to go to the store with me because I was too afraid to go by myself.   I credit joining my church with having restored my confidence and helping me to be less shy.  I have grown in very many ways since joining and I don't just mean by girth! (LOL)  I have realized that I am very capable and that I have many talents and have a willingness to share them.  And that is the first thing about me for today.  Once shy . . . now not so shy, and willing to share.

People always say they love my smile.  Todd says my whole face lights up when I smile.   I did not do a lot of smiling for a very long time, and when I did it was only on the surface.  I did not feel it in my heart.  I think I was sad inside for most of my adult life.   I am glad that I finally found my smile and that now it is a smile that comes from inside and is not just pasted on the outside.  I had a lot to be happy about through all those years, and I did experience small pockets of joy,  but they were fleeting.  For the most part I was just really sad, and pretending to be happy to the outside world.  Now I am truly happy.   I am glad that I found my innermost smile before it was too late.  I love my smile too.



This is a photograph of me getting an award at the end of the school year in Grade one.  I was six, almost seven.  I am the one second from the left.   The girl on the far left was my best friend from kindergarten and through most of my life.  Her name was Susan Warburton and we still remain in touch, all these years later.   She was always a lot taller than myself.  We used to get called Mutt and Jeff, after a cartoon in the paper.  I can remember wishing I was a member of her family because they seemed to have a lot  more than we did.  She had a big wooden doll house that I loved to play with.  It had a green roof and I think it was home made.  I thought she was really lucky.

Every Sunday night her mother would cook them potato pancakes, but they were not the ones made with grated potatoes.  I think they were made with mashed potatoes.  I used to ride my bicycle over to their place really fast after our own supper was done, hoping that they would have some leftover and her mother would share them with me.  Of course she always did.  Sometimes she would also give me some of their dessert, which was always Cantaloupe with ice cream.  I loved it.  It was not something my mother ever gave us.  I am sure I was probably a bit of a pest, but they never made me feel like one.

The girl on the far right is Eileen Sargeant.  Her father was the Principal of the school.  We were good friends too.  She is the girl that I went home with one Friday to have French Toast.  We have stayed in touch all through the years also.  She even came to visit me here in England when I lived down in Kent!  We had not seen each other in over 40 years at that point. It was great!

I was always afraid of dogs when I was a child.  I was attacked by a German Shepherd when I was nine.  It was not cute like this German Shepherd puppy is.  It was big and it chased me around and around the back yards of where we lived until it knocked me over.  I can remember screaming and screaming and screaming  . . . and running as fast as I could . . . and being so afraid.   I can remember feeling very tired but still running because I was afraid of what would happen if I stopped.  I thought I was going to die.  I was always small for my age and the shortest in the class.  This dog was huge compared to me and I was absolutely terrified.  It was like a nightmare come true.   I will never forget it.  I am still afraid of German Shepherds.  I probably always will be.

 I HATE CHOCOLATE MILK.  I have always hated chocolate milk. It's really kind of odd as I love chocolate cake and chocolate cookies, chocolate muffins, brownies . . . chocolate candy, but when it comes to chocolate milk and chocolate ice cream, chocolate pudding . . . I can't stand it.   I never liked cold cereals like cocoa puffs or chocolate flakes because it made the milk on it into chocolate milk.  BLECH!  I could eat them dry, but not with milk on them.   I tolerate hot chocolate, but I am not overly fond of that either really.  Oddly enough, Todd is the same, except he doesn't like chocolate cakes, biscuits, brownies or muffins either.  He does like chocolate candy, which gets him in trouble sometimes because he eats my chocolate stash which I try to hide so he can't find it.  But he always does.   He has not learned the lesson all men must learn . . . ie.   Do NOT ever mess with a woman's chocolate!

And there are five things about me.   Probably I have repeated myself.  I don't know!  Here's a bonus one, just in case.  My family all calls me Alice, which is my second name.   With a mother named Mary, and a sister Mary Cindy Louise, I always got called Alice and my sister always got called Cindy.  I started using my first name about 15 years ago now and cannot imagine being called anything but Marie, but my family all still call me Alice.  When I hear that name it feels strange.   On the other hand, I hate my ex husband calling me Marie. It makes me cringe.  I don't know why that is.  I don't want him to be a part of "Marie's life" I guess.  Alice was the person who was bullied and trod upon for all those years. Marie is brave and strong and capable.



Here is a little painting I did yesterday afternoon.  The flowers took me forever.   It is a bit different than my other ones.  The girl is a bit older.  Todd thought she looked oriental.  Not sure how I feel about it yet, but I am warming to it.



Happy Birthday to my big baby boy who is 39 years old today!  It's hard to believe that he is 39 years old. It seems like just yesterday they were putting him in my arms and I became a mother for the first time.   I was a single mum with him for a couple of years.  We lived with my parents.  That is my mom with him in this photograph.  I think he was about 18 months old in this picture.



He's always been my cheeky little chappie.  I love him with all of my heart.  We have always been very close and he is the one of my children who is most like me.   He has a tender, sensitive and giving heart.   I am very proud of him and always have been.  



He is a great father to his boys, probably a much better father to them than I was a mother to him.  He's incredibly talented in many ways. He has a brilliant wit and has always been a fabulous writer.   He's a talented actor as well.   This has been a difficult year for him and his sweet little family.  I am hoping that this next year will be a whole lot better.   Happy Birthday Anthony.   As I am always telling him . . .  Yo Mama Loves YOU!

A thought to carry with you through today  . . .

(¯`v´¯)
 `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
  ¸.•´¸.•~♥♥♥~•.~ ~♥♥♥~•.~ ~♥♥♥~•.~ 
There is a moment in every day 
when the birds stop singing 
and the wind stops blowing and, 
for just one brief moment, 
we are given an opportunity to reflect 
on the amazing symphony of life. 
~Susan Gale  
*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻*

 

Cooking in The English Kitchen today  . . .  Easy Barbecued Brisket.  A simple meal which basically cooks itself.  We like it on toasted buns, but I have it on good authority that it's also quite tasty on baked potatoes!

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Have a fabulous Thursday!  

Nattering on about nothing much . . . .

This was the view from our upstairs library window when we lived down south.   The orchard just past our hedge.  This was in the spring when the apple trees were coming into bloom.  Such a pretty sight.  Having spent a goodly portion of my life living in the beautiful Annapolis Valley of Nova Scotia, a primary apple growing area, I hold a special fondness in my heart for apple blossom and for apples.  Each year, about this time . . . they hold a special festival there, called "The Apple Blossom Festival."  Established in 1933, this weekend marks the 82nd Festival which has been held.

Early colonists from Europe introduced the sweet scent of apple blossoms to the Annapolis Valley as they brought seeds, grains, fruits and vegetables to the new land. A plaque on a reconstructed gristmill in Lequille, Annapolis County, notes the site as the first “farm”. From the 1600′s on, production of apples was an industry with both the Planters,  and later the Loyalists planting orchards up and down the Valley. In peak years, nearly 3 million barrels of apples were harvested so they were valuable crops indeed!



The aroma of the blossoms in May and June, along with the natural beauty of the bloom, made the advent of spring even more of an occasion in the valley. Local boards of trade and community councils had talked of a spring carnival at blossom time but it was not until 1933 that the talk turned into action and the first Apple Blossom Festival was held.

The original objectives of the Festival were to make the Valley’s apple industry better known throughout North America and Europe; to publicize the scenic beauty of the area and the historic background of Longfellow’s Land of Evangeline; and to provide an opportunity to foster and develop local talent through participation in Festival events.    Each year a different valley town vies for the honor and  is picked to host the festivities with that town's mayor being the master of ceremonies.   The year my eldest son was born, my Doctor was the Mayor of the town which was hosting and my son picked Apple Blossom weekend (The day of the parade to be exact!) to be born!!  Most inconvenient for the Doctor!

Each community in the valley picks a girl to represent them during the festival,  a "Princess."  There are "Teas" in the weeks running up to the Festival itself, with all of the princesses in attendance.   One of these young ladies will be crowned "Queen Annapolisa."  It's a really big deal.  They are considered to be the cream of the crop where "Valley"   girls are concerned.

Throughout the festival there are a variety of events such as Teas, Suppers, Games, etc.   The Queen is usually crowned at a ceremony on the Friday evening and  on the Saturday there has always been a grande parade, which thousands turn out to watch.  There used to be a formal ball on the Saturday evening, but I don't know if they still do that.  It was always a very elite and formal affair and people are just not that formal any more are they . . .  although I am sure there is still a dance of some sort.

Last year the Festival was twinned with the Goosnargh and Whittingham Whitsuntide Festival.  Goosnargh is a village here  in the North West of England in the Preston, Lancashire parish.   I find that fascinating because Preston is one of the major historical points of where the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Saints got started, and that is why a Temple was built in it's vicinity, called the Preston Temple, and where the Missionary Training Centre is here in the UK.  It's kind of nice to have a special link between my home here in the UK and my home back in Canada.

 Todd and I were sealed in the Preston Temple for time and all eternity, so it holds a very special place in our hearts.  We love to go there as often as we can.  

I just thought I would tell you a bit about the Apple Blossom Festival this morning since it is my son's Birthday tomorrow and I always think of the Apple Blossom Festival at this time of year and picture the orchards back home all in bloom.  This time of year makes me a tad bit homesick . . .

It's hard to believe that just a year ago I was getting ready to fly back to England from Nova Scotia, after my mother had had her operation and gone through all she went through.   It's amazing how much can change in a year.   Mom is still suffering the after effects of all of that, although thankfully no cancer remains or has come back.   She has short term memory loss still, and her toe is still healing and causes her a great deal of discomfort at times.   The VON are still coming in several times a week to care for it.  Her Doctor says were she a much younger woman, all would be well by now.  It takes much longer for things to heal as you get older.

And too, it's been almost a year since my sister and her partner moved to Nova Scotia to care for my mom.  Now they have my dad there as well, which is a blessing for us all.  I am truly grateful for all that they do for my parents.  I know it's not been easy for them.  They still have not been able to find full time work and their unemployment benefits will be running out soon.   Please pray that something will come up for at least my sister's partner soon.  Thanks!

My friend Suzan is having a difficult time at the moment.  She has been the primary care giver for her mother and father these past number of years and it has come to the point where her father, who has Alzheimers disease (hope I spelt that correctly), is needing to go into a home.  It's a very sad occasion for them all.  As you can imagine a lot of red tape goes along with this process and they have run into a few snags.  Could you please pray for Suzan and her family at this time, that everything will be sorted before it needs to be and that this process will run smoothly for them all and they will have the strength to get through it all.  Thank you so very much!

I have babbled on long enough this morning, so I will leave you with a thought for today . . .


✻ღϠ₡ღ✻ (¯`✻´¯)
                   `*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ.
“Give every day the chance to 
become the most beautiful day of your life.” 
~ Mark Twain  ✻ღϠ₡ღ✻

 

Cooking in The English Kitchen today  . . . .  deliciously simple Chicken Lazone.  We loved this. It was easy to make and fabulously tasty!  Quick too!

Have a wonderful Wednesday!  Don't do anything I wouldn't do!

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The Simple Woman's Daybook

 

FOR TODAY, May 17th, 2014

Outside my window...  
It's actually very overcast this morning.  We had a nice and sunny day yesterday, but I am not sure what it is going to to today.  Perhaps this will change and the sun will come out again.  Here's hoping!

I am thinking ...
✻ღϠ₡ღ✻(¯`✻´¯)
          ✻ღϠ`*.¸.*₡ღ¸.✻
 "The world is full of people looking for spectacular happiness 
while they snub contentment."
~Doug Larson

Do I forget to enjoy the mundane in my search for the spectacular, and in doing so overlook contentment???   I don't think so.  I'm about as content as content can be.  ☺

I am thankful ...
For each of you.   It may sound rather sad that my life should be so narrow that this counts as much as it does, but it's true.   Getting on here each morning and pouring my heart out to you, my much beloved readers/invisible friends is an integral part of each of my days.  You mean the world to me and I love, LOVE this part of my day.  I would be lost without it.  A big chunk of my heart would be missing.  I am very thankful for each of you, even those who are silent invisible friends.

In the Kitchen ...



I'm cooking leftovers today  . . .  with my Stove Top Spaghetti.   This is super tasty, and economical and easy to make.   We loved it.  Well . . . I  loved it.  Todd just ate it.

On my "To Cook" list ...



Having the missionaries twice for supper next week on both Tuesday and Wednesday.  (Sisters  one day, Elders the next).  This looks like the ideal recipe.  I can serve it on both days with not too much hassle I think!  From Lets Dish Recipes.

I am Creating ...



Sparkle Party Crowns.  What little girl (or big girl for that matter!) wouldn't love one of these.  It's glittery and magical and I want one of those just to sit on a shelf in my craft room.  And maybe sometimes I will wear it when I am crafting and it will help my craft MoJo even more!  From Kelli Murray.



I just adore this altered spoon.  It's whimsical and quite "Faerie" in appearance.  I love anything that is "Faerie" as you know.  I am going to look for an old spoon and do this myself.   Found on Sketchbook.



I adore this little Confetti Heart.   I love heart anything, but this is unusual and so colourful.  I have tons of paper scraps in my craft room.  Could this be something I might do with them???  It just may be!  From Dollar Store Crafts.



Chocolate Party Spoons!  I think these are totally A D O R A B L E !!  Found them on  a tasty little blog called, Delicious Delicious Delicious!



Re-usable sandwich wrap.  What a brilliant idea.  There is a complete tutorial on Crafty Stylish.  I think it's just fabulous.   What a money saver, no more buying sandwich baggies, and better for the environment too!

I am going ... 
I think I am going to have to change this question because for the past six month or so I haven't gone any place really except for church and grocery shopping, with some Visit Teaching thrown in for good measure.  I think I am becoming quite boring.

I am wondering ...
Not long now until the craft CD is on the television.  I am wondering how well it will do.  I really hope that it does okay.  I am also thinking about my next cook-booklet, and pondering the direction I will take with that.  I have so many ideas floating around in my head for things.

I am reading ...


My Loving Vigil Keeping, by Carla Kelly

To Della Ander’s relatives, it seems like an absurd whim when the young educator accepts a contract to teach in Winter Quarters, a coal mining camp near Scofield, Utah. After all, she lives with a socially prominent family in Salt Lake City. Why teach in a place as hard as a coal mining camp, even if the Winter Quarters mines have an enviable reputation for safety? It’s no whim to Della. She yearns to reconnect with the life she knew as a child, before tragedy yanked her from a home equal parts ramshackle and loving. But when disaster strikes, what the teacher learns in Winter Quarters will change her life forever, and her heart.

Based around the true events of the Scofield Mine Disaster of 1900, this suspenseful romance from award-winning and bestselling author Carla Kelly is sure to please longtime fans and new readers alike. Thrilling and heartfelt, it’s a must-read. This is the third novel I have read of hers and I am truly enjoying it.  I love stories based on true events.



Until You're Mine, by Samantha Hayes
This  book starts with the description of a young girl sprinkling her tiny-tears doll with ‘magic dust’ to bring her to life, when the girl has no live baby in her arms by the time she is twelve, she throws her doll onto the fire in disgust. This book is dominated by mothers; mothers-to-be and women who long-to-be-mothers, step-mothers and mothers of teenagers. Underlying each page is the feeling that there are untold truths and half-told lies. The quest for the truth leaves me with a sense of unease, a longing to know what is going on while fearing what the next page will  reveal.   Just starting it, but already have that "can't put it down" feeling.

I am hoping...
I am really hoping the sun comes out today!  I wanted to get out into the garden and take some photos of what's blooming.

Makes me smile...
 

Looking at this photograph makes me smile.  It makes me think of my maternal grandmother whom I loved dearly.  It makes me think of a lost era . . . simpler times.  Grandmother's don't look like that any more do they?

I am learning ...
That the more I think I know, the less I really do . . . I am grateful for an inquisitive mind.

Around the house ...
 

From Our Blue Front Door, a garage sale dresser turned into a television stand.  I am loving this!  I shall be looking for an old dresser now!

 

3 ways to get an antiqued look when painting furniture from Painted Furniture Ideas.   I have an old drop front desk that I want to paint and am hoping this will help me to make it more interesting looking.

 

A shabby chic lampshade tutorial from  Simply Ciani.  It's a brilliant tutorial and looks very easy to do.   I love it!  I can see this on our bedside table lamps!  FABULOUS!

 

I love this bath cabinet, found on 4 the love of WOOD.  There are a lot of brilliant tutorials for decorating on that page.  Just wonderful.  I really love the French feel of this cabinet.

 

A tutorial on how to make a carpet using any fabric that you have fallen in love with.  I found this brilliant tutorial on All Parenting Dot Com.

I am pondering ...
I think that when you get to the stage in life where you have more of your life stretching behind you than you have of it sitting in front of you, you begin to ponder a lot of things . . .  each day becomes more precious.

A favourite quote for the day ...   
 

`*.¸.*✻ღϠ₡ღ¸.✻´´¯`✻.¸¸.Ƹ̴Ӂ̴Ʒ..
(¯`v´¯)
 `*.¸.*´Ƹ̵̡Ӝ̵̨̄Ʒ
  ¸.•´¸.•~♥♥♥~•.~ 
"Expect to have hope rekindled.  Expect your prayers to be answered in wondrous ways.
The dry seasons in life do not last.  The spring rains will come again."
~Sarah Ban Breathnach

One of my favourite things ...

 

I quite simply adore lace curtains.  If I had my way all of my windows would be thus adorned.  Here in the lounge I have some lace panel curtains that I have had since the 1980's.  I bought them at the Eatons Department Store.  I have always loved them, and I always will.  I paid a lot of money for them way back when.  They were worth every penny.

A peek into my day ...
 

I am a daydreamer and can often be found staring off into space.  My mind takes me to all sorts of places when I am doing mindless labour such as hoovering or dusting.   It helps to pass the time.

⋱ ⋮ ⋰
   ⋯ ◯ ⋯ Take time to enjoy the small*´¯`.¸¸.☆
   ⋰ ⋮ ⋱ blessings in life.*´¯`.¸¸.☆
   ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿ ✿¸.•*¨`*•..¸✿
   ╬♥═╬╬═♥=╬╬═♥╬╬═♥╬╬═♥=╬╬♥═╬
   ░░░░░░░░░░░░░ ░░░░░░░░░░░░░  

Wherever you go and whatever you do I hope there's a wonderful day planned for you!  

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