Pandora's Box

Old Books

2012-02-01T21:27:00.003-05:00

Don't you just love old books?

I can't tell if it is just the old covers, or the smell, or the wonder of who used to own them, or thinking about how many times they have been read - but they intrigue me.

But I do know that I like to use them in vignettes around the house!

Do you think that people will use Kindles as decorating props in the future ?

Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville

A few surprises...

2012-02-01T09:23:00.003-05:00

This week I received a few surprises in the mail. The first was from Andrea of Needle Notes. Andrea sent me a few cute necklace charms she made - this one is a reminder that February is "wear red" month:

My second surprise was from BJ from Sweet Nothings. I won a bag in one of her recent giveaways. It arrived wrapped in cute tissue from Home a la Mode. I was expecting a small handbag....

But, a large tote bag arrived. This will be perfect for day trips - it has so many compartments and zippered sections - and I LOVE it!

So, lucky me!

Enjoy your day!

Winner!

2012-01-31T18:53:00.003-05:00

Congrats to Sherry at Ties 2 The Past who is the winner of the MyMemories Digital Scrapbook Software!

And what's a post without a photograph?

La-TEA-Da, Rochester, NY

2012-01-31T10:01:00.000-05:00

Last week I visited my daughter in Rochester and she took me to La-Tea-Da Tea Room and Parlor for lunch:

The first thing we did when we arrived was to find attire in the tea room, so that we were dressed appropriately!

They had many hats, stoles, gloves, etc. My sister-in-law, Cathy, joined us:

And here's Caitlin, my youngest daughter:

Each table was set with a tea pot, cups and saucers and a bell to ring if we needed service:

All of the china was mix and match:

The two rooms were decorated with cute tea paraphernalia ....

and tea pots in every theme imaginable!

We had a great lunch of chicken salad wraps, salad and fresh fruit!

I immediately spied this hand painted Chippendale mirror in the "dress up" area for children:

And it was suggested that we try their signature dessert....sorry, but we dove into it so quickly that I never got a photo of the strawberry covered scone with ice cream, whipped cream and chocolate syrup...

So, if you are ever in Rochester, NY and looking for a fun place to have lunch, try La-Tea-Da

A POLKA DOT CAKE!

2012-01-29T17:50:00.006-05:00

I usually don't want the latest in kitchen gadgets, but this year I told my husband I wanted a cake pop maker:

It's a small piece of equipment and I LOVE IT!

I mixed up a small cake mix to try it out:

And they came out PERFECT the first time:

And I even took this a step further.....

and decided to make a polka dot cake. I put the cake balls into cake batter:

During the baking, I pushed some deeper into the pan, so that the polka dots would be at different levels:

and it turned out well:

Next time I want to try a chocolate cake with white balls!

And it was served on really cute depression glass cake plates that I bought at the flea market last week for only $2.00!

Sharing my Polka Dot Cake with

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Tutorial Tuesday @ Hope Studios

Last chance

to enter my

MYMEMORIES digital scrapbook software GIVEAWAY

Valentine's Day Brunch for 2

2012-01-25T09:23:00.000-05:00

My table is set for Valentine's Brunch:

Each place setting has a milk glass covered dish to hold cheesy scrambled eggs:

Eggs, fruit salad, apple cinnamon muffins, crisp bacon, mimosas and tea and coffee will be served.

Cheery poppies brighten up the table:

The fruit bowls ($.59 ea at thrift shop), cups and saucers ($.39 ea at thrift shop), and main dishes (6/$3.00 at a garage sale) are Westmoreland milk glass. The Toscany heart shaped dishes were purchased years ago at Marshall's.

I handpainted the charger plates:

as well as the individual butter dishes and salt and pepper shakers:

And for the sweet tooth: 2 jars of candy :

Please don't forget to go here to enter my

MYMEMORIES digital scrapbook software GIVEAWAY

Sharing with Tablescape Thursday

and Thrifty Thursdays

Another MacKenzie-Childs Knockoff!

2012-01-22T14:02:00.001-05:00

This time I wanted to imitate the retired buttercup pattern. I have the covered baking pan and the squash pot, so I thought I would see if I could make a canister:

I bought a glass canister with a wooden lid, similar to this, at the thrift store for $.49:

I "yanked" the wooden knob off the top, "pried" off the plastic seal and primed and painted the wooden lid with white paint:

I scrubbed and sterilized the jar and set it aside:

I bought rub-on decals for $.49 at Michael's, similar to the flower pattern on original MacKenzie Childs Buttercup pattern, and rubbed them onto the wood:

The flower pattern is different, however the colors are the same:

I used my pot lid so I could imitate the polka dots:

I painted an old wooden bead a similar green to that of the original and then pulled out my old trims and beads. The gold crown piece is actually a M-C piece from their old Odds and Ends store:

I stacked everything onto the wooden lid and adhered with super glue:

And here is my version of the Buttercup pattern:

Not too shabby, huh? And my investment was only $.98 and an hour of my time:

Sharing with Met Monday, Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm, Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple and Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Please enter my

MYMEMORIES digital scrapbook GIVEAWAY

(winner chosen at the end of January)

Pottery Barn Bird

2012-01-21T06:00:00.001-05:00

You might recognize this bird from the Christmas ornament collection from Pottery Barn this past season. Every time I would go into the store during the holidays, this bird caught my eye:

WHAT? Only $.97?

So, she came home with me to be transformed into a Valentine decoration. I cut out 4 fabric hearts and 2 from batting:

Before I stitched them together, I inserted a thin jute rope:

I attached the top of the rope to the bird's belly:

A cute little scrappy, country decoration to add to my Valentine's decorations! I also thought she might be cute with a "bird treat" hanging below, but we have had snow lately and I didn't want her to get wet!

Please don't forget to enter my

MYMEMORIES digital scrapbook GIVEAWAY

Sharing with Show and Tell Saturdays

My Memories Giveaway!

2012-01-19T12:19:00.002-05:00

I was recently contacted by My Memories, a digital scrapbooking software company, asking if I would like to offer a giveaway to my readers. By agreeing, they also offered me the program. This scrapbook software is so easy to use, but more importantly, FUN!

Now, I am no computer wiz, and when it comes to learning something new, I tend to get a bit cranky. BUT I created an album, with photos and text, in less than 10 minutes. Here is a sampling of one page from that album:

This is the best part!

As a special for all of my readers, they gave me my very own Share the Memories code that provides a $10 discount off the purchase of the My Memories Suite Scrapbook software and a $10 coupon for the MyMemories.com store - $20 value!)

Use this code:

STMMMS92129

Here are the contest rules:

1. Visit www.MyMemories.com. and choose your favorite digital paper pack or layout - come back and leave a comment telling which you like best.

2. Follow me and leave me a comment telling me so!

3. Follow/Like MyMemories at one of the following sites - come back and let me know:

Blog- http://blog.mymemories.com/

Facebook- http://www.facebook.com/pages/MyMemories/140359372717593

Twitter- http://twitter.com/#!/mymemoriessuite

I will pick a winner at the end of the month!

A Quick Valentine Idea

2012-01-17T02:01:00.002-05:00

Repost from 2011

This can be made for any occasion but I always make them for Valentine's day.

All you need is red or pink felt and clear plastic:

Cut a heart shape from each, measuring about 5 - 6" wide.

Stitch 3/4 around the heart, stuff it with candy, and complete the stitching to close. (It is easier to sew it plastic side down)

It's a lot of fun watching children try to figure out how to get the candy out!!

I have also made these by punching holes all around the edges and stitching it closed with yarn or embroidery floss!

Sharing this idea with Thrifty Thursday at Tales from Bloggeritaville

and Hope Studios and

Very Merry Vintage Style

Guest Bathroom Window

2012-01-15T20:55:00.000-05:00

When we moved into our home, I made this valance for the guest bathroom window. I also had to make a lace balloon shade in case the neighbors were "peeking"!

The walls are sand color and the accent color was navy, but I thought the room wars dark.

While I was on Cape Cod last year I bought a bunch of fabric from a designer . This was one of my favorites:

Using the same pattern I designed for the original valance, I cut our another from the designer fabric and lining fabric. I stitched the right sides together.

The trick to forming smooth curves is to clip the convex curves...

and to snip the concave curves:

To get sharp corners, you must cut at an angle to reduce the bulk:

I sewed on 3 sides, leaving the top open:

At this point I turn it right-side out:

And pressing your fabric really well is the key to making your products look professional:

At this point I stapled it onto the same board I used originally. I keep the nails in it so that I can use the exact same nail holes in the woodwork:

I also hot glued the trim on the bottom edge. The reason I glue it is that it can be easily removed and used again (this very trim was on my living room valances last year!)

And then it is tacked back into place:

BUT, I didn't like it with the balloon shade, so I made a bottom curtain (just in case those neighbors are peeking, remember?):

The bathroom is now brighter without the navy blue shower curtain

Can you see the neighbor's morning room windows? No way for them to see anything going on in this room!!

Sharing with Met Monday!

A few quick changes...

2012-01-15T11:48:00.004-05:00

I have been meaning to recover a few benches with fabric that I have had for many months. This bench has had the same fabric for over 2 years and I wanted to brighten it up a bit.

A few minutes and a staple gun and here it is:

This is one I bought at the thrift shop for $4.99.

My plan was to cover it with a salt bag, but the bag was too small (another one of my plans spoiled by not thinking things through thoroughly!!)

This is now listed on Craig's List - hopefully I can get rid of it!!

Recovering benches or stools is quite easy and a quick way to add an accent color or brighten things up!

Sharing with Met Monday

Pottery Barn Bargain

2012-01-12T16:19:00.003-05:00

My favorite artificial plants are the ones you can find at Pottery Barn. The other day as I was strolling through the store (because, remember, I am not buying anything I do not need - haha), I found this damaged plant:

"WHAT??? only $.97??? Well, I can't pass that up!"

And I had the perfect little pot to put it in:

So I SQUISHED the styrofoam into the pot:

Just a little taste of spring - even though the weather report is calling for 3-5 inches of snow on Friday!

Sharing this with

Frugal Friday @ Shabby Nest

Show and Tell Friday

Frugalisious Friday

Yearly Son-in-Law Post

2012-01-09T19:02:00.000-05:00

Son-in-Law: Patti, you haven't mentioned me on your blog lately!

Me: What do you want me to say about you?

Son-in-Law: You can talk about how charming I am !

Me: How about if I mention the greatest thing you have ever accomplished:

CARTER!

Harlequin Chest

2012-01-04T15:00:00.000-05:00

You may remember this table I refinished last year. I gave it to my niece as a housewarming gift.

Recently I found a cute chest and painted it to match the table:

Each piece was only $10.00 - what a bargain!

Sharing with Thrifty Thursday

A Needed Change or Blogging Therapy - Which will it be?

2012-01-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

I have set a few goals for this year:

First and foremost, I want to stop buying things at the thrift store. Secondly, I want to stop buying things I don’t need. Finally, I want to create with a purpose.

In the past two years I got caught up in the “I saw the greatest thing on ‘so and so’s blog’ and I want to make one” scenario! I made apothecary jars from candlesticks and jars, I covered benches in burlap coffee bags and I made seasonal banners. I spray painted just about everything possible in Heirloom White.

I painted numerous pieces of furniture to sell or give away. I tried chalkboard paint, glazing and marbling. I made scrap fabric flowers, made scarves from t-shirts and designed fabric jewelry. I made glass art for the garden, planted flowers that I don’t even know how to take care of and made garden markers from silverware.

I made pillows that didn’t match my decor, altered clothing that I never wore and made a few necklaces that are not my style. I bought fabric without a purpose, bought chairs I didn’t need and bought some bowls that I will never use. I made everything possible out of drop cloths and burlap.

I made gift boxes when I had no gift that needed one, I made gifts when I didn’t need to give one and I gave away too many things that I should never have bought. I pinned too many ideas and recipes - most that I will never attempt to make!

I am afraid that I have BLOGGING OCD and CRAFTING ADDICTION - something must change!

I actually have caught myself browsing through thrift stores or garage sales thinking “Mamie Jane would love this” OR “Okio B would do wonders with this” OR “Sweet Nothings has been looking for one of these” - - CRAZY, HUH?

So, I resolve to THINK before I buy. And to create with a PURPOSE.

And if that doesn’t work, I will need Blogging Therapy! Does anybody out there have the same problem - or is it just me? Do you know of a good Blog Therapist?

Wow Us Wednesday Party is going on

Happy New Year!

2011-12-31T12:05:00.000-05:00

Happy New Year!

I have been quite lucky lately...

2011-12-28T19:42:00.001-05:00

I have been a lucky gal the last few weeks. I was the winner of numerous giveaways on some lovely blogs.

This is a great gift package I won from Whisper Woods Cottage . I haven't made anything with it yet, but look forward to playing with all this burlap and paper in January when we are snowed in!

I also won this slipcover from Ugly Sofa at the DIY by Design blog. I haven't rec'd the slipcover yet because I am waiting for this specific style to come in:

And I also won this sweet 3 tiered server from Creating Wonderful Spaces!

I would say that I was quite lucky lately, so I bought a few Mega Millions lottery tickets - but no luck there!!

Thanks ladies for these fabulous gifts - I was thrilled to be the recipient of each of these generous gifts!

Please visit these blogs and tell them I sent you!

They are still kids....

2011-12-27T15:43:00.002-05:00

All of the "cousins" found my old Patty Play Pal doll in the basement on Christmas day and this is what they did:

Some kids never grow up, but

they always keep us laughing!

Merry Christmas!

2011-12-23T21:19:00.001-05:00

Wishing you a Happy Holiday!

Last minute snacks for coworkers...

2011-12-21T17:31:00.004-05:00

These ideas are all over Blogland and Pinterest, but I wanted to remind you of how easy they are to prepare:

Hot cocoa mix, a marshmallow pop with crushed peppermint in a mug:

So quick and easy to prepare!

Chocolate Covered Oreos - simply dip an Oreo in melted chocolate, add some sprinkles and wrap individually:

OR turn them into pops by adding popsicle sticks:

OR Brownie Covered Oreos, simply dipping an oreo into brownie batter and baking in a muffin pan:

and all these can be served on cute little plates and delivered to friends - or served to yourself!

Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

Quick and easy marshmallow pops...

2011-12-19T16:19:00.002-05:00

I found these huge, oval, flattened, peppermint marshmallows at Walmart:

I dipped them in chocolate, sprinkled some pretty sugars on them, pushed in a wooden stick, and wrapped them up:

A quick and easy snack to have on hand:

Sharing with Hope Studios

The Dickens Characters in Skaneateles

2011-12-18T17:22:00.003-05:00

During the month of December the Dickens characters roam Main St in Skaneateles, NY. They

put on skits, made my husband sing Jingle Bells, and Scrooge is mumbling "Bah Humbug"!

But it was this sign that made me laugh out loud:

"Where there is drink, there is always danger" Haha

And Father Christmas was even bringing joy to the day!

Holiday Parties with my Girlfriends

2011-12-17T16:24:00.006-05:00

This was a week of "girlfriend parties" for me. Thursday night was our Bunco Party with a Yankee Swap of gifts.

There were handmade scarves...

Girls hiding their gifts....

...girls "stealing" gifts from others...

...and lots of wine......and too much food...

And Friday was my "girlfriend happy hour" that I host yearly. Above is my dear friend Joni.

Friends from all walks of life....

and again, lots of food and wine (so much that I never took photos when everyone else arrived!)

There's nothing like a gathering of girls - lots of great stories, laughs and giggles!

I am happy to say that I am finished shopping, wrapping, baking, entertaining (until Christmas day, when there will be 12 for dinner) and I get to enjoy the week before the holiday by just relaxing!

Are you all ready?

The guest room tree

2011-12-14T15:14:00.000-05:00

This wall tree is about 25 years old and I haven't used it in a few years. This year I decided to decorate it for the red, black and white room:

I gathered some mesh ribbon with wire to tuck into the branches:

and I used some dollar store red glass balls:

and some sparkly dollar store ornaments with red and white bows:

The lights twinkle down the hallway and brighten the end of the house that is rarely used!

Sharing with:

thrifty thursday

The Living Room Mantle

2011-12-12T14:31:00.000-05:00

I always struggle with decorating my mantle. This year I have my Swarovski crystal snowflake ornaments on a Pier 1 tree along with a garland of twinkle lights, some gold reindeer, silver trees and the knockoff MacKenzie-Childs stockings I made:

The Swarovski snowflakes twinkle in the afternoon sun and leave rainbows on my wall!

The gold accent pieces are so pretty at night:

Just a little winter wonderland on my mantle!

North Pole PIllow

2011-12-11T17:43:00.000-05:00

I needed a gift for our Bunco gift exchange and I have been thinking about making this pillow for a while:

I saw this somewhere in Blogland, I printed it in Word, and then printed it out on fabric:

I adhered it to the front of a piece of polka dot fabric and then pleated and pinned blanket binding around the edge:

I stitched over the pleats and backed it with green and white striped fabric:

Hope my Bunco friend likes it:

Sharing with Met Monday,

Make It For Monday @ Cottage Instincts and

Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple

John's Sports Tree

2011-12-10T18:06:00.001-05:00

John's special tree is the "Sports Tree":

It's hanging on the wall in our bedroom and has special sports ornaments, such as SU,:

quite a few Yankees ornaments:

and even a few cheerleaders to represent our daughters!

Christmas Carolers

2011-12-09T16:30:00.000-05:00

My all time favorite Christmas decorations are my Possible Dreams Carolers:

Some are from 1987 and others from 2001:

Sitting beside the carolers is a tree in a clay pot painted by one of my favorite artists....

...Angie Strauss from Niagara-On-The-Lake

It's beginning to look a lot like.....

An Anthropologie Tree

2011-12-08T14:38:00.000-05:00

I just saw this clever tree in the Rochester Anthropologie store:

Old books stacked high to create a tree shape, with large lights.

I want this - in my Library - that I don't have - too bad I get rid of my books after I read them - this sounds like a new project for me, which of course would require an addition on the house, gorgeous built-in shelves, red leather chairs with ottomans, a fireplace, braided rugs, and maybe even a small dog - maybe next year??

The dining room tree

2011-12-07T18:03:00.000-05:00

My dining room tree is one of my favorites. It is a collection of chandelier crystals, gold, white and glass ornaments and gold twigs:

Santa stands by the tree:

There are fairies....

...angels, sand dollars and stars...

... white poinsettias and lots of glistening crystals....

...and white and gold bows!

Sharing this with:

Tales from Bloggeritaville

MacKenzie-Childs Knock-off Christmas Tree

2011-12-05T19:29:00.000-05:00

On Sunday we went to Aurora, NY , to MacKenzie-Childs, to buy me a birthday present (or a few!) and I saw this gorgeous tree that I knew you would love to see (BJ, Terry and Debbie especially!) If there was a way, I would have picked it up and snuck it out the door! I just love how they put the teapot on top!

My husband showed the manager of the store, Pam, a photo of the knock-off stocking I made and she showed it to other employees (they loved it!) and then we talked a while about their textile department....I would love to work there when I retire from teaching but the daily drive would be too long...hhhmmm, wonder if they would let me move into the farmhouse??

She did encourage me to apply for a job working the Barn Sale next summer, so maybe I will!!

Here's their gorgeous tree:

Last year I created this knock-off tree by hand painting many of the ornaments:

It was a fun project that took many hours:

A few are actually MacKenzie-Childs pieces:

Some are wood, others are glass:

Last year when my husband and I met Victoria and Richard MacKenzie-Childs, he told Richard that he must be part of our family because many things in our home had his name on it - and then invited him over for the holidays!! Men....

Sharing my tree with:

Tuesday Treasures @ My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia

Time to Shine Tuesday @ A Diamond in the Stuff

My Christmas Fudge Wreaths

2011-12-04T12:15:00.001-05:00

This fudge, in the shape of a wreath, is so easy to make - and it's "never fail", too. Here are the supplies:

The first thing I do is cover some "prescription" bottles with plastic wrap. These are to create the holes in the center of the fudge, to create a wreath shape.

I place these in the center of small aluminum pie tins:

I lightly brush butter on the tins and the plastic wrapped bottles:

I cut "leaves" out of gumdrops or spearmint leaves:

I chop up lots of walnuts:

And here is the recipe:

12 oz bag of milk or semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup peanut butter OR butterscotch chips

1 can sweetened condensed milk

1 t vanilla extract

Melt all 4 ingredients until creamy and add 8 oz chopped walnuts

Pour into 3-4 prepared small pie tins and add a few "leaves" and little cinnamon balls:

Refrigerate until set. Then I "twist" the prescription bottle out of center:

Peel away the pie tin and it is ready to be wrapped up for gifts or ready to slice and enjoy yourself!

This takes little time but makes a lovely gift. I usually wrap it in cello wrap with a pretty bow!

Sharing this with:

Met Monday

Amaze Me Monday

Tutorial Tuesday

Snow Crystals

2011-12-02T15:53:00.003-05:00

I just bought a new tree at Pier 1 Imports for my Swarovski crystal snowflakes:

This is my favorite snowflake on the tree:

No, I think this one is my favorite:

Now to decorate the rest of the mantle...

Oh, wait, this one is really my favorite:

Happy Decorating!!

Sharing with Show and Tell Friday

and Check Me Out Saturday

Lucky me!

2011-12-01T17:19:00.003-05:00

My dear friend, Andrea, just surprised me with a lovely gift:

She makes the prettiest cards and jewelry.

These pendants will certainly be worn a lot this month!

And she sent them to me "just because"!

Go visit Andrea at Needle Notes and let her know that you saw her beautiful jewelry here!

Thanks, Andrea - I just adore them!

Santa Claus is Coming....

2011-11-27T20:16:00.005-05:00

I have a new addition to my little Santa collection:

A large print of the Jolly 'Ol Guy:

I have a few Possible Dreams Santas:

A santa I made in 1991:

with a face I created myself:

Ho Ho Ho!

Sharing with

Strut Your Stuff Thursday @ Somewhat Simple
Open House Thursday @ No Minimalist Here
Hooking Up @ HoH

MacKenzie-Childs Knock-off Stocking

2011-11-27T20:15:00.000-05:00

I decided to make a pair of funky Christmas stocking for John and I, so I gathered some fabric, trim, and ribbons. For my inspiration I used the MacKenzie-Childs catalog (of course!!).

And this is how the first one turned out:

Off to complete the second one!

Sharing with Met Monday

A Wonderful weekend in Ohio...

2011-11-27T17:47:00.005-05:00

We just spent the last 4 days with this little guy - we celebrated both Thanksgiving and Christmas in Ohio

We played all day, every day and had lots of laughs, hugs and kisses!

And we ate enough "fake food" to feed the world!

And after he went to bed, we drank wine!!

Where were the guys? Daddy and Grandpa played football,watched the games on TV, logged in many hours of hide and seek and watched The Lion King too many times to count!

We already miss them!

Making Peppermint Soap

2011-11-21T16:07:00.001-05:00

I decided to try something new - making soap! I followed Martha Stewart's directions and I purchased some soap and peppermint oil. It DID NOT GO AS PLANNED!

I decided I wanted the soap to be red and white, but I could only get the soap colored pink because it was white to begin with...so pink and white striped sounded just as good to me. I melted the soap in the microwave (only once did it boil over and make a mess on the microwave tray!

I used a bread pan and as I layered each layer of white and pink, I "scored" the hardened layer as the directions stated - THIS MUST BE WHERE THE MISTAKES BEGAN!

As I popped the set soap out of the pan, I was quite pleased with the results

(OH, JUST WAIT!)

I sliced the soap into bars...and guess what happened.....

Apparently I didn't SCORE each layer well enough:

VERY DISAPPOINTING, YES, VERY DISAPPOINTING.....

So, I threw all of the pieces into a ziploc bag and I will deal with this in the spring when I attempt to make pink bunny soap!

Lessons learned:

Martha isn't always right.

Martha doesn't always write clear directions.

Soap is inexpensive to buy, so why make it?

Sharing with Hope Studios and Wow Us Wednesday @ Savvy Southern Style

A few quick ways to wrap food for gift giving...

2011-11-20T17:11:00.005-05:00

There are lots of ways to reuse containers for wrapping Christmas presents.

One of my favorite ways is to spray paint a large can:

Drill holes on each side to thread ribbon or cording through:

Paint a cute snowman or santa, or you can even buy a pre-painted one at the craft store, and glue it on the front:

I tied a ribbon through the holes and knotted it on the inside:

Here it is, all ready to be filled with some home made Christmas cookies:

Here is a smaller can, wrapped with scrapbook paper and a ribbon tied around the top:

This one is a "Pringles" can covered with scrapbook paper with a floral pick tied onto it with ribbon:

The ideas are endless for reusing cans!

Sharing these ideas with Met Monday

Winner of stockings

2011-11-19T17:03:00.005-05:00

I am happy to announce that one of my first blogging buddies, from when I first started writing this blog, is the winner of the burlap stockings:

Jeanine from OkioB Designs!

She is extremely talented and creative - if you haven't been over to meet her, head on over there right now!

Dinner for 4

2011-11-16T14:44:00.002-05:00

I don't have a defined dining room in my home, it only has 2 walls. The antique dining table that is centered in this area does not have chairs around it, giving the illusion of more space. I just bring in chairs when using the room to dine!

Friends came for Sunday dinner and the menu was simple:

Garden Salad, Stuffed Shells and Garlic Bread.

I was excited to use my new Pottery Barn tablecloth and Waverly napkin rings with the napkins I bought in the Caribbean a few years ago:

The dishes are from Marshall's:

The flatware is Spode:

And here are the Lenox stemware I got over 31 years ago as a wedding present:

Sharing with Tablescape Thursdays at Between Naps on the Porch

Burlap Rice Bag Stocking, a Giveaway and a winner

2011-11-12T07:10:00.000-05:00

Here is one of the stockings I made from the leftover pieces of the burlap rice bag after making the pillow:

I began with a rice bag:

and just the same way I made the pillow, I used 2 pieces of fabric to stabilize the burlap:

I am giving away 2 of these burlap stockings, which measure about 10" long:

Just perfect for a gift card, a small gift or even candy:

If you would like to have a chance to win two stocking, leave a comment telling me that you follow and/or brag about it on your blog or FB and I will pick a winner next friday.

The winner of the rice bag pillow is:

Donna from One Simple Country Girl

Burlap Rice Bag Tutorial and Giveaway

2011-11-06T17:17:00.005-05:00

I bought this burlap rice bag at the flea market a few months ago and I wasn't sure what I wanted to do with it.

One thing I did was make a pillow. Because burlap needs some stability when you are sewing with it, I cut out 2 pieces of muslin to match the piece I cut from the burlap. I sewed all 3 pieces together with the burlap sandwiched in between the muslin. The corners are clipped so that there is no bulk in the corners when turned right-side-out:

An opening was left in the bottom center. Never leave an opening anywhere else, this way the hand sewn seam will be on the bottom of the pillow as it is displayed and not noticeable.

I love the description on this bag:

I then topstitched it to help keep it in shape:

So here is is! And I would like to give it away!!

Because I appreciate all of my readers, and I love reading my daily comments and emails. I am celebrating my followers.

To enter, please be a follower - new or old - leave a message, and I will pick a winner on Friday

Next week I will be giving away 4 Christmas stockings I made from the rest of this bag!!

Sharing with:

WhisperWood Cottage for Burlap Week

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday @ Coastal Charm

Christmas Craft Tutorial Party @ The Project Queen

What are you doing this weekend?

2011-11-05T05:32:00.000-04:00

This is how I plan on spending the weekend - being lazy on the couch, browsing through these mags for some new recipes, gift ideas and craft projects for Christmas this year:

It's never too early to start planning!

Clothespin Santas

2011-11-04T05:36:00.001-04:00

Here's a quick idea for a handmade package "tie-on". Similar to the way I painted the cinnamon santas, but I used clothespins this time:

They can be used on gift bags, instead of a bow:

and many other ways: to gather a napkin at a place setting, as a place card at the table, to label foods at a buffet, or even clipped to a recipe card (with the ingredients or the actual prepared food attached)

Sharing with: Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home and Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal

Cinnamon Santas

2011-11-02T17:17:00.001-04:00

I like to get a head start on the holidays!

I have already made a woven ribbon pillow, vanilla and 3 different grilling rub mixes.

Today I am sharing the Cinnamon Santas I made:

Instead of putting a traditional bow on some of my Christmas gifts, I made some Santas out of Cinnamon sticks:

I gathered my supplies: paint, brushes, cinnamon sticks and Snow-tex:

I painted the "hats and belts" in red:

I used Snow-tex for the white fur on his hat and belt, and his beard and mustache. If you are not familiar with this, it is a textured paint that dries firm:

I painted flesh faces, rosy cheeks before adding the Snow-tex:

To finish them off, I added eyes and a belt buckle:

Perfect packaging for Apple-Cinnamon Bread!

Sharing with

Thrifty Thursdays at Inspired By Charm

and

Thrifty Thursday at Tales From Bloggeritaville

A Quick Pedestal Tray

2011-10-30T12:36:00.000-04:00

While I was visiting Mountain Breaths a few weeks ago, I spied a clever trick she had displayed on her dining table. She took a MacKenzie Childs enamel cup and plate and turned it into a pedestal tray.

I have the large pedestal tray. but sometimes it's just too big for what I want to serve.

A little bit of poster putty holds the plate onto the cup:

And you have a smaller tray:

Thanks for the clever idea Debbie!

Sharing with Met Monday

Mediterranean Grilling Rub

2011-10-29T14:09:00.000-04:00

Here's the third grilling rub mix I made for the neighbor's gift baskets:

Recipe:

2t rosemary

2t thyme

2t minced onion

1t minced garlic

1t salt

3/4t dried red bell pepper

I also made Southwest Rub and Double Pepper BBQ Rub

Sharing with

Be Different Act Normal

What do you do with....

2011-10-28T19:15:00.001-04:00

an old Pottery Barn vase that has tarnished and you are too lazy to polish it?

Make a quick arrangement of fall leaves, pinecones and feathers!

Sharing with Saturday Spotlight at Craft Envy

Double Pepper BBQ Rub

2011-10-26T18:46:00.000-04:00

You probably know by now that I am preparing homemade items to go into food baskets for the neighbors as Christmas presents.

I also made Southwest Rub and these are the ingredients for

Double Pepper BBQ Rub:

As before, I packaged the mix in small baggies:

and I printed the recipes onto little paper bags:

and tied them closed with twine:

Recipe:

1/2c paprika

1T cumin

1T brown sugar

1t chili powder

1T black pepper

1 1/2 t cayenne pepper

1/4 t ground cloves

Mix together and store in baggies

Sharing with

Thrifty Thursday (Tales from Bloggeritaville) and Thrifty Thursdays (Inspired by Charm)

Chicken Soup

2011-10-25T16:22:00.000-04:00

For the past few months, every time I prepare fresh vegetables, I have put the stems, ends, leaves, or leftovers into a baggie in the freezer. The bag was full of asparagus, zucchini and yellow squash ends, celery tips and leaves, bits of onion and garlic, leftover corn, spinach and carrot ends.

I put them into a pan with two cups of water, some seasonings and boiled them for an hour or so. I strained the vegetables and had the BEST vegetable stock leftover.

I added fresh carrots, chicken, onion, celery and asparagus to the stock to make a delicious soup:

From now on, this is what I will do with all my leftover veggies!

MMMMMGood!

There's SNOW in the forecast!

2011-10-24T00:37:00.001-04:00

In Syracuse we have often seen snow around Halloween time.

This morning I heard that we might have snow flurries on Thursday!

My two rose bushes are still blooming and

I didn't want them to freeze and wilt! So, I picked 2 bouquets!

I will miss fresh flowers in the house all winter, so until spring, this will be it!

Can you tell which milk glass vase is a Fenton?

Home made vanilla...

2011-10-23T15:10:00.002-04:00

You should know by now that I am making gift baskets for the neighbors. Along with dried herbs from my garden, an assortment of spice rubs for grilling, candy and cookies, I decided to make vanilla.

I began with vanilla beans:

and vodka:

I cut the vanilla beans in half, sliced them down the middle, to open them and placed them into jars with vodka:

I copied this label from WhipperBerry and printed on fabric and glued it onto a paper bag:

They have to set for a month or two, shaken now and then - simple as that!

Sharing with Met Monday

Wow us Wednesday

Homemade Southwest Rub for Grilling

2011-10-20T14:24:00.001-04:00

I am planning ahead for Christmas gifts and made a great Southwest flavored rub for chicken, beef or fish. These will be added to baskets of goodies for the neighbors.

The recipe is at the bottom of this post.

I mixed all the spices and herbs in a plastic bowl:

I ran some small white bags through the printer:

and I packaged 2 T of the mix in small clear baggies:

The baggies just fit into the paper bags:

and then I punched holes in the top and tied it closed with a twine bow:

This recipe made 16 little gift packets:

Southwest Rub

1/3 c course salt

1/4 c lt brown sugar

2 T paprika

2 T black pepper

2 T oregano

2 T thyme

1 T cayenne pepper

1 T cumin

1T coriander

1 T chili powder

Mix all together well and enjoy on chicken, fish or beef!

Sharing with:

Show And Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

Weekend Wrap Up Party @ Tatertots and Jello

Show and Tell Saturday @ Be Different, Act Normal

Stuff and Nonsense

Swiffer refills and a winner

2011-10-18T18:36:00.003-04:00

Are you tired of buying refills for your Swiffer?

I was....so I took and old microfiber dish towel ($1 at the Christmas Tree Shops) and cut 2 pieces the same size as a Swiffer cloth:

Now I can just throw them into the washing machine and reuse:

The winner of the Uprinting Post cards was:
78a05a42-f5fe-11e0-ab52-000f20980440
Sarandipity

One Christmas Gift - DONE!

2011-10-16T12:36:00.002-04:00

Many, many years ago I made woven ribbon pillows for friends as Christmas gifts. This year our Bunco group will be exchanging gifts and I decided to resurrect this idea.

I cut the ribbons into 12" lengths, weave them and pin them into place

I chose an assortment of ribbons, not necessarily Christmas, but a bit glitzy for the holiday season:

The ribbons are pinned onto a scrap of fabric so that I can stitch around the outside edge, holding them in place:

I chose a back that had similar colors as the ribbons:

I also hand stitched a ribbon fringe around the edges:

A special gift for one of my Bunco friends! One present completed, many more to go!

Sharing this with Met Monday and Tutorial Tuesday

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of 100 printed postcards from UPrinting

The "Skeleton" Tree

2011-10-14T20:41:00.004-04:00

While I was Party Hopping in Blogland yesterday, I came across a unique tree that caught my eye at Shabby French Cottage. I left a comment and Mikey emailed me, saying he found the tree, on sale, at Kohl's. I scurried there right away and copied his idea of hanging old keys on the branches.

GET IT? A "SKELETON (key) " TREE!

I can imagine keeping this tree out all year and decorating it each season!

Just the perfect piece to compliment the handmade tree on the wall:

My favorite thing about blogging, and meeting new people, is that everyone is so willing to share their ideas! Stop by and see the other wonderful decorations at Shabby French Cottage and tell him I sent you!

Don't forget to enter my giveaway for

100 printed postcards HERE!

Sharing with:

Weekend Wrap Up Party at Tatertots and Jello

Be Different, Act Normal

I hopped on the bandwagon...

2011-10-13T21:17:00.003-04:00

I decided to make a burlap "fall" banner to hang on my mantle:

It was simply made with burlap triangles, jute rope and I used a black permanent marker to write the letters:

And on the mantle sits my favorite fall decorations, a scarecrow and an autumn tree:

Don't forget to enter my giveaway of 100 printed postcards from UPrinting

Sharing this with Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

and Feathered Nest Friday

Uprinting Post Cards Giveaway!

2011-10-12T08:45:00.003-04:00

Do you remember the thrill of getting a postcard from someone who has gone on vacation? Some wedding invitations now include an RSVP postcard! Do you have a side business which has a mailing list? Do you need "thank you" postcards? Have you considered sending postcards as a holiday greeting this year?

Postcards are one way to express your affection and care to your loved ones.

If so, I am offering a giveaway, courtesy of Uprinting, for 100 5x7"flat postcards to one reader of Pandora's Box!

Giveaway ends Tuesday October 18th

Here's the scoop:

The internet has provided a lot of opportunities to see different designs of postcard printing that are presented by leading online printing companies.

source

Here are the prize details:

100 Postcards for One (1) Winner

5" x 7"

14pt Cardstock Gloss

No Folding

Front Only Printing

2 Business Days Print Turnaround Time *Free Shipping

Limited to US residents 18 years old and above only

Here's what you have to do:

1. Leave me a comment telling me what you would use the postcards for.

2. Become a follower for a 2nd chance and leave a comment saying so

3. Like/follow UPrinting on Facebook and/or Twitter

for a 3rd and/or 4th chance and leave a comment saying so

4. Sign up on GiveawayBlogs.com and leave a comment saying so for a 5th chance

This giveaway is sponsored by UPrinting, no monetary compensation was given and I will receive a postcard for hosting.

A few days on Cape Cod...

2011-10-11T15:40:00.004-04:00

One of my best friends lives on Cape Cod and it is one of my favorite places to visit. This is the view from "my bedroom" in her home:

and this is the "happy hour" view:

We had lunch in Harwich overlooking the harbor:

The weather was perfect for walking the beach in Falmouth:

Ate lunch overlooking Martha's Vineyard:

But this was the highlight of the weekend:

Sunday Brunch on the train:

It was like a trip to the past - traveling from Hyannis to the Cape Cod Canal - while dining on great food and drinking Bloody Marys...

You could see the ocean in the distance:

And the cranberry bogs were ready for harvest:

The Canal was glistening in the warm sun:

More flooded cranberry bogs:

And finally, some foliage, which hasn't peaked there yet!

Looking forward to returning in the spring!

A Little Treasure

2011-10-05T19:52:00.003-04:00

I found a cute silver teapot at Goodwill and I just couldn't walk away.

It was only $1.99 and has a great patina - I am struggling with this: should I polish it or not? I plan on making a Christmas floral arrangement in it:

While I contemplate, I am off to get my "ocean fix", enjoy the foliage, eat some good food and enjoy a few cocktails!

Almost everyone who spends a lot of time on Cape Cod plays the "I see the bridge" game on the way to the Cape - it's quite a simple game: who ever in the car sees the bridge first screams "I see the bridge" and they get a special treat (ice cream, candy, or they get to stay up late) and as you get older, it turns into "cocktails". I almost always win - I even play it when I am alone in the car - YUP, I will be in the car, coming around the bend, screaming "I see the bridge", mouth watering for a cocktail!

A busy 2 weekends...

2011-10-02T20:08:00.004-04:00

The last 2 weekends have been busy...We are not gamblers, but we ventured into the Turning Stone Casino and lost a few dollars:

We had lunch on Lake Ontario:

We took a "foliage train ride" from Utica to Old Forge, in the Adirondacks:

And as you can see, it rained all the way:

As a matter of fact, it snowed in Lake Forge earlier in the day and the train had a tough time on the slippery tracks!

There were beautiful sights along the way:

But the sun never came out!

The rain took many of the leaves down off the trees:

And we also went apple picking in Mexico, NY!

The weather during autumn in Central NY can change drastically from day to day!!

We have to enjoy it as we all know the snow can fall at any minute around here!

A Quick Ornament

2011-10-02T19:49:00.003-04:00

I have seen this idea on a few blogs, using wedding announcements to create an ornament for the bride and groom's first Christmas. I took the wedding program from my niece's wedding and cut it into strips:

I used a toothpick to curl each strip and then put them inside a glass ornament:

A special ornament for their first Christmas together:

Sharing with Met Monday

My (not so) Storybook Life...

2011-09-30T07:32:00.002-04:00

Here's an excerpt from Liz's (Mabel's House) book. HOT OF THE PRESS! If you haven't read her blog, it's a must... a daily read for me. I am sharing this in the hope that I can win a signed copy! Enjoy!!

Once one has breathed in the deep pungent aroma of sewage, you never again forget the nose-hair singeing, eye clawing, throat gagging experience. It comes over you slowly. You begin to feel like a character in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest as your muscles involuntarily jerk and you run screaming and blowing raspberries. Anything to get away from the mind-numbing stench.

But let me explain.

It was 6:30 a.m. I was standing in my retro pink tiled bathroom trying to open my bleary eyes and ready myself for work. As I stood there, peering into the mirror and wondering what demented nighttime fairy had planted four new wrinkles on my face, I paused and sniffed.

“Matt… what’s that smell?”

Matt staggered from the bedroom in his underwear, eyes half shut. “I don’t smell anything.”

I pointed my nose into the air like a hunting dog. “Seriously? You can’t smell that? Did you go to the bathroom in here earlier? I told you to use the room spray when you do things like that.”

Matt puffed out his bare chest and gathered his pride as best a man can with sleep in his eyes and a small hole in the side of his underwear. “I just woke up!”

I frowned, catching a glimpse of my makeup-less hot-rollers-in-hair state and tried not to think about the fact that I looked fifty instead of twenty-nine. “Well, help me figure this out. Because something smells ripe.”

We sniffed the sink drain and ruled it out as a suspect.

“Is it coming from the toilet?” Matt asked, examining it from top to bottom.

“No, that’s not it,” I snapped. I’m not known for my milk of human kindness in a disaster. Don’t get me wrong. I’m a survivor. I plan on eating my radish like Scarlet and clawing my way out of the nuclear dust while dragging my loved ones with me. But I won’t be doing it with positive phrases and a smile.

“Hon, I just don’t know. We’ll call a plumber after work, maybe it’s coming from under the house.” Matt staggered a little, trying to get past me and out of our tiny bathroom.

“Well, that’s just great,” I moved aside and pulled the shower curtain back so I could perch on the side of the tub and give Matt room to move out the door.

That’s when the full brunt of nastiness filled the air around us, a swirling mix of excrement and acrid stench that would have brought the sewer dwelling Ninja Turtles to their knees. Where the normally slightly-clean-with-a-hint-of-soap-scum bottom of the tub should have been, there sloshed gallons and gallons of brown sewage.

I clutched the front of my sweatshirt and held my breath. Matt began to dry heave.

“Get out and shut the door!” I screamed as we bumbled into the hallway.

“I’ll deal with this,” Matt grabbed my shoulders, trying to talk and hold his breath at the same time.

I could feel my eyes glaze over, the horrors of typhoid and hepatitis in our bathtub filling my mind. But more importantly, I could envision our evaporated savings account. In my mind’s eye I could see the long, gray hallway at the bank. A worker shrouded in a black suit pulled a set of keys from his pocket and unlatched a small locker labeled “Owen Bank Account.” Inside were two small stacks of quarters and a few crumpled dollar bills. It was bleak, not only because the banker with an unimaginative wardrobe gazed at me with an expression that could only be interpreted as “You’re a Big Fat Loser,” but also there was a very definite possibility we wouldn’t be able to pay for a plumber.

I wasn’t necessarily a spend thrift. In fact, I was downright frugal when it came to decorating with thrift store furniture and rewired vintage lamps. But the fact was, we were poor. We were starting out at starter jobs with starter salaries. We were starter adults with a starter bank account.

“Okay,” I nodded numbly, thankful that Matt was taking the lead on such a disastrous biohazard. “But make sure the plumber is super cheap. We don’t have much money!”

I left for work like a wino stumbling through a fog, not really remembering my commute, not really doing any work as I sipped my coffee and stared blankly at the computer screen. A disaster of such gargantuan proportions had previously been unthinkable in my life, and now I found myself attempting to push the image of a vast sea of bathtub poop from my mind. But I was sure of one thing: Anne Shirley never had to get ready for work while breathing raw sewage.

Blog Block

2011-09-26T19:24:00.002-04:00

I have Blog Block !

Question....

2011-09-25T10:06:00.002-04:00

What would you do with a syringe of chocolate?

Purchased last week in NYC at Max Brenner's

I just love this...

2011-09-23T14:56:00.000-04:00

Have you been reading Susan Branch's blog? If not, stop by!

Some More NYC...

2011-09-22T16:15:00.001-04:00

I decided that if I ever move to NYC, I would love to live here, in SoHo, in this adorable building:

One of the biggest disappointments of the day was waiting in line for almost 10 minutes to go into DASH. There was a door man, 2 bodyguards inside and 2 cashiers. They only allow 18 people inside at once. The least expensive item is a bottle of water with a photo of the Kardashian girls, which cost a mere $10.00. T-shirts are $60.00. And they don't even sell their own designs, but rather other labeled clothing - GO FIGURE!

Once again, the San Genaro Festival was going on in Little Italy and we took a few minutes to have a beer in Cha-Chas:

This bride was lucky enough to have her celebration at the PLAZA:

And finally a cool photo of the Empire State Building:

This "once or twice a year" trip is so much fun and I look forward to visiting again !

The Tiffany Yellow Diamond

2011-09-21T16:43:00.001-04:00

Remember this movie? Remember THE necklace?

Well, The yellow diamond from her necklace is on display at Tiffany's. The Tiffany Yellow, valued at $12 million in 1983 and now rumored to be valued at $250 million, has only been worn twice. The first occasion was in 1957 at the Tiffany Ball in Newport, Rhode Island when the chairwomen of the ball, socialite Mrs. Sheldon Whitehouse, wore the magnificent stone in a necklace of white diamonds.

The second public wearing of the Tiffany Yellow was in 1961 for a publicity promotion for the film "Breakfast at Tiffany's," staring Audrey Hepburn and George Peppard. Based on a novel by Truman Capote, the film lifted Tiffany's image and increased its appeal to millions of moviegoers worldwide. The Tiffany Yellow worn by Audrey Hepburn was set in the "Ribbons Necklace," a gold and diamond creation designed by Jean Schlumberger in 1960.

The diamond was recently on special display at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History. From April 11, 2007 until September 23, 2007, the current setting for the Tiffany Diamond is a gem-encrusted bird known as the "Bird on a Rock," which was designed by Jean Schlumberger in the 1960s. The jeweled bird is made of platinum and gold metal, white and yellow diamonds, and a ruby eye.Just stunning! I would have bought it, but I thought it was a little too ostentatious to wear to school and around the house! Instead I bought a little crystal candy bowl!

What Did I Buy in NYC ? ?

2011-09-20T17:06:00.005-04:00

A few days before I went for NYC I received the latest MacKenzie-Childs catalog in the mail.

After the new Courtly Check Compote caught me eye, I had to stop by to buy one.

It's a cute piece that I know I will use quite often:

I will use it as a candy dish, for dips and spreads and also for serving fruits and vegetables!

I was one happy shopper!

And from there I went to Tiffany's. Stop by tomorrow to see the 24 carat yellow diamond!

Another Day in NYC

2011-09-19T18:40:00.003-04:00

I went to NYC over the weekend and ate lunch at Max Brenner's in Union Square:

The restaurant is known for its Chocolate Bar:

But I had the jalapeno tuna salad sandwich with waffle fries. I didn't take the time to take a photo - I just dove into the sandwich and devoured it!

We bought cookies to go -a thick, thick chocolate chip cookie that took me 2 days to finish! There were huge chocolate bars on display all over the place - but way too large to carry around the city all day!

The Chocolate Pizza looked fabulous, but you can only eat so much at one time!! The bill came in this cute chocolate tin:

If you are in NYC, I highly recommend eating here!

Tomorrow I will share what I bought at the MacKenzie-Childs store in Manhattan!

Tea for the Snooty Gal...

2011-09-14T19:15:00.000-04:00

I saw this idea HERE and thought it was so clever. All you need is an old tea cup and a stemmed glass:

I needed to break the stem off the glass, so I put it in a paper bag, then a plastic bag, and cracked it on the edge of my granite counter:

OOOPs, it didn't crack off evenly - so I sanded it with a file:

I used epoxy to adhere the tea cup onto the stem - and I used tape to hold it steady until epoxy dried:

Cute, huh?

Tea for the "Snooty Gal"!

Sharing with Thrifty Thursday

Green Lakes State Park, Central NY

2011-09-13T19:04:00.001-04:00

Just look at the color of this water:

This is why it is called Green Lakes. Doesn't it remind you of the Caribbean?

Looking forward to the leaves changing color!

Quick-to-Make Pumpkins!

2011-09-11T16:01:00.004-04:00

When I saw these pumpkins at Happier Than a Pig in Mud, I "pinned" them immediately! They are so cute and easy to make.

Lynn calls them "yo-yo pumpkins" because they are made with a circle of fabric and are sewn and gathered like fabric yo-yos. Simply cut circles of fabric:

Sew a small hem with "running stitch":

Gather your thread:

Throw in some poly-fil stuffing, pull the gathered stitch closed and tie a knot to secure:

I cut 3 pieces of jute long enough to wrap around the pumpkin with 3-4" extra on each end. The 4th piece of jute was cut about 10 inches longer:

I gathered all 4 strips of jute on the top of the pumpkin...

spacing it evenly so that the bottom looked like this:

I took the longest cord and began to wrap it tightly around all the other cords until it measured about 1-2", knotted it and added a dab of glue:

They are so easy to make and just adorable:

A few touches of fall are beginning to show up around here:

Sharing this idea with:

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle

2011-09-11T10:49:00.001-04:00

¤*¨¨*¤.¸¸ ...¸.¤\
\ 9/11 AMERICA \
.\¸.¤*¨¨*¤ .¸¸.¸.¤*
..\
☻/
/▌
/ \ NEVER FORGET!!! keep the flag going

EEEK, There is a Mouse in the House...

2011-09-10T07:27:00.000-04:00

Look at what I found at the Dollar Store:

2 little mice for a buck!

Pandora is very confused!

A Sweet and Quick Snack

2011-09-08T01:10:00.000-04:00

These are so quick and easy to make:

I gathered my supplies: 4 different types of sprinkles and melted chocolate:

and some marshmallows - I used chocolate marshmallows, but caramel, plain or strawberry flavored marshmallows would also work just as well:

They are FAT FREE :-)

I dipped the marshmallows into chocolate, added sprinkles, and stuck a pretzel into each one. After the chocolate sets, they are ready to eat!

So quick and easy - and tasty, too!

School begins...summer is over...fall is arriving in CNY

2011-09-06T15:31:00.000-04:00

I always have mixed feelings this time of year. For my WHOLE life, since I was 5 years old, school has begun for me on the Wednesday after Labor Day. The weather cools, leaves turn, and I have to go back to work after enjoying the last 10 weeks off from school.

The 2 toughest challenges I have are getting up at 6 am and learning 120 names of 6th and 8th graders. The second one is the worst because each student wants you to know their name and the older I get, the longer this takes me to accomplish.

So blogging might be a bit haphazard for the next few weeks as I spend time planning lessons, going to bed early and especially memorizing my student's names!

Bedroom Night Stand

2011-09-04T14:34:00.004-04:00

I am always amazed when I see photos of people's bedrooms and their night stands have NOTHING on them. I always wonder:

"where are their decorating magazines, tissues, eyeglasses, nail files, sudoku books, hollywood tabloids, water glasses, pens, telephones, tv remotes, note pads, and so on"???

Because my night stand always looked like a mess, I decided to make a quick change (and I WILL NOT show you the before because, trust me folks, I just described it in detail!)

This little set of drawers was given to me years ago by my grandmother. It was stained wood and I painted it white, then grey, then white again:

I painted it a few shades lighter than my bedroom wall (spiced vinegar) and kept the knobs white. Now I have enough drawers to hide all the aforementioned necessities!

But somehow I imagine it won't look like this for long!!

Sharing with:

Met Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

I love BASIL! and a winner!

2011-09-02T04:10:00.000-04:00

One of my favorite ways to use basil is to add ribbons of it to a grilled cheese and tomato sandwich:

Mmmmm - just delish!

The winner of the Cereal Treat Giftpack from General Mills/MyBlogSpark is:

GROGAN PHOTOGRAPHY

Congrats! Send me an email with your mailing address

New Pillsbury Breakfasts

2011-09-01T16:13:00.009-04:00

Have you tasted these?

Sausage & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich

Bacon & Cheese Biscuit Sandwich

Ham & Veggies Biscuit Sandwich

Bacon & Veggies Egg Scrambles

Sausage Egg Scrambles

Sausage & Veggies Egg Scrambles

To celebrate the launch of new Frozen Pillsbury® Grands!® Biscuit Sandwiches and Pillsb ury® Egg ScramblesTM, the Pillsbury Doughboy teamed up with Grammy-award winning American gospel music duo Mary Mary and surprised morning commuters with an unexpected performance. Mary Mary is the featured artist behind the catchy jingle titled "Brand New Morning" accompanying the new Pillsbury Frozen Breakfast television spots:

If I could figure out how to embed the video here, I would, but here's the link!!

Pillsbury Website: http://bit.ly/pbbreakfasts
Pillsbury on Facebook: http://on.fb.me/pillsburyonfb

Get a sneak peak of the new Pillsbury frozen breakfast products and visitwww.facebook.com/pillsbury to receive a $1 off coupon, while supplies last. Then let us know what you think.

Disclosure: I received these details from Pillsbury through MyBlogSpark

A Quick Craft

2011-08-30T09:36:00.001-04:00

I like to use little tins as flower vases, but I took a different direction with this tin. I can never find a pen when I need one, so I decided to make a magnetic pen holder for the fridge:

I removed the top of the tin:

I glued on a heavy duty magnet:

Now, if I can keep a few pens in the tin, I will always know where to find one!

Sharing this easy idea with Thrifty Thursday @ Tales From Bloggeritaville

Last chance for the cereal treat bars giveaway -HERE

I will pick a winner soon!

Thinking of the holidays...

2011-08-27T15:20:00.001-04:00

I have a list of things I want to try to make before December rolls around and life gets too hectic. I have seen some things in magazines, on blogs or in stores - and I also have "pinned" some clever ideas, too. Today I made a canvas cone to hold little treats- something I saw recently in a gift shop in Skaneateles, NY.

I started with a piece of canvas cut into a shape that would fold into a cone:

I painted both sides green with acrylic paint:
Then I painted a poinsettia and added a few polka dots:
I hot glued the canvas into a cone and added trim and a handle:
The trim has cute little buttons dangling:
And this is how it looked - ready to be filled with candy or a little present:
I think I will make a few in traditional Christmas colors to put on our neighbor's doors during the holidays!

Don't forget to enter my Cereal Treat Bar/ Gift Pack GIVEAWAY- HERE

Sharing this idea with :

Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps On The Porch

Motivate Me Monday @ Keeping It Simple

Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative

Making The World Cuter @ Making The World Cuter

Amaze Me Monday @ Dittle Dattle