Black and White is Just Right

I want to thank Susan from Between Naps on the Porch for hosting Tablescape Thursday each week. It gives us an opportunity to play dishes and there are some very talented folks out there. To see all the beautiful tablescape postings go to Between Naps on the Porch.

Black chargers are from Hobby Lobby. Plates and bowls are Bella white stoneware from Profitt's. Salad plates are from Marshall's. Tablerunner and Napkins were made by me with my handy dandy Singer sewing machine.

Tealight holder is several years old and is from Yankee Candle.

Flameless candle lantern is from Marshalls. Decorative red bell peppers are from TJ Maxx.

The tall flameless candle lantern was another find at Marshall's a few weeks after I found the shorter round one. The green leaf dessert bowls are from Kohl's and are being used to hold additional candles.

The Chef brothers, Luigi and Paulo, have joined us today to discuss what we are having for dinner. I think they are planning to prepare something quick, easy and tasty. A crisp green salad and a big plate of spagetti. The green and red colors will coordinate perfectly with the black and white. Don't scratch your head Chef, I agree with you, it's a weeknight after all and quick and easy is the way to go.

The Chef brothers suggested dimming the lights and enjoying the glow of the candles while they work their magic.



I think they've done this before.



All the best,

Decisions, Decisions

I'm in love with fabrics...they are so beautiful and come in so many colors and patterns. Fabric, like paint, can transform a room and/or an occasion. What is a tablescape without a tablecloth, table runner or napkins....what is an outdoor picnic without a tablecloth, napkins and nice comfy pillows? Inside our homes, a room without window treatments, a sofa or chair without pillows...all are just like a lady who left home without a purse, shoes, belt or jewelry.

A lot of people think they can't sew, but many of the things you can make for your home are simple straight stitching and don't take a lot of expertise. A napkin for instance is extremely easy - for a 17" square napkin, cut fabric in 18" squares for as many napkins as you need to make. The extra inch, allows 1/2" on each side to sew under raw edges. With a hot iron, press a 1/4" fold around the edge of each napkin, folding right side over to wrong side of the fabric...press all 4 sides....then fold over 1/4" again on all 4 sides. This gives a clean edge with no raw edges exposed. Once you have all 4 sides pressed with 2 1/4" folds, you simply stitch around each of the 4 sides and you have a napkin that you cannot purchase in stores. Sewing gives you a lot of flexibility in your decor, and you will gain experience while reaping the benefits.

When I was growing up, my Mom was not into stylish attire for teens and did not allow me to pick my clothes, for the most part. I learned to sew for myself, so that I could make my own clothes and not feel like a total idiot wearing some of the things my Mom bought...in the 70's, a gathered skirt was definelty not in vogue and had been out of style by a good 10+ years. I learned how to be a Survivor early in life.

Ok, back to the present now and not my depressing teen years. Is there anyone out there who would want to relive their teen years??? I'm trying to decide what to do with my latest fabric finds...I'm thinking table runner, napkins and table covers. I might even transform a couple into pillow covers. The sewing machine is prepped and ready and I'm hoping that after work today, I'll still feel energetic enough to get started.

All the best,

Followers - Problem with Blogger Add In

Apprently Blogger has made a change to the Followers add a gadget and it is not working correctly. I deleted mine, thinking it was a problem on my end...when I went to add it back, found out that Followers is now showing up as a new add a gadget and is not set up correctly. I checked a couple other blogs and their Follower title is there but does not have any followers listed. I am so upset, because now I have lost those people who had signed up as followers....man, worked so hard to get where I was.

Just wanted everyone to know there is a problem and don't delete and try to re-add your followers, as I'm sure Blogger will be fixing soon. I'll be asking that you reset yourself as a follower, as soon as I can.


All the best,

Dinner for One

I'm joining Tablescape Thursday, hosted by Susan at Between Naps On The Porch. Be sure and visit her site to see all the beautiful tablescapes for this week.

When I find myself home alone, which doesn't happen often, it's time to relax and indulge.


It's the perfect time for dinner and a movie.



Candlelight is always calming and beautiful, whether you are having a crowd or just yourself for dinner.

Dinner in the Family room is a treat when served on a mirrored tray. My plate is from the Fleur de lis collection. I love the detail edging and the fact that it is square in shape.

My salad plate is from Lori Siebert and purchased from TJ Maxx. Instead of girl's night out, I am enjoying girl's night in.

I hope you enjoyed my tablesetting and are able to find some quite time of your own.

All the best,

Fall and Halloween Goodness and some Blog Friend Giveaways

On a weekend shopping trip, I noticed that Kirklands has set up a fall and Halloween display of products. I'm a sucker for the fall season and love Halloween, the first thing I saw was the display. Here is some eye candy for you, if you are like minded.

Love, love, love these witchie legs

For me, this puts everything in perspective...when I think I'm having a bad day, I need to remember that it could always get worse.



Adorable aprons.

Would love to see pictures of any other Fall/Halloween goodies you have found as well.

Giveaway goodies from some of our Blog Friends...be sure to check out these great sites and signup for their giveaways

Leigh from Bloggeritaville is hosting a week of Giveaways to celebrate her Blogaversary. You can find her blog here.

Wendy from The Shabby Nest is also hosting a giveaway and you can find her blog here.

All the best,

McAlisters Deli is giving away a free sweet tea on July 23rd.

All the Best,

Nashville Shopping

Big shopping day planned for tomorrow with my daughter, Tiffany. We are going alone, no children and are traveling to Nashville. Plan to hit the Pottery Barn and a stop at Opry Mills. I have a list of "homey" things I would like to find. We will see how successful I am.

Wanted to remind everyone of Free Chocolate Friday...You can check out the post here.

A couple of giveaways that I'd like to make you aware of on two great sites. Visit Kasey at Lola B's to check out her giveaway. You can find the details here. Also, Carol at Long Ramblings is having a giveaway from Leen Graphics. You can find the details here. You can link directly to the Leen Graphics site here. Be sure to visit both these ladies and sign up for their giveaways...be sure to visit for awhile as they both have some interesting stuff out there.

All the best,

Tablescape Thursday - Summer Table

For my very first Tablescape Thursday post, I have a Summer table to present. Thanks to Susan for hosting and please visit her site to see all the beautiful tablescapes.



Come in and have a seat. It's hot out there, so I've fixed you a sweet tea with lots and lots of ice, just like we like it. We are having pasta salad and fruit for lunch, just before we run out for a day of fun. I've set a bright, sunny table for us today so that we can embrace summer inside, while leaving the heat and humidity outside.


Enjoy your tea while I finish the food.

Chargers are wicker and are from Home Goods. Plates are Bella white stoneware and were purchased at Profitts years ago. Salad plates are from Marshalls and cool the setting in a light robins egg blue color.




Napkins are white damask and tied with a simple green gingham ribbon for a touch of elegance and whimsy


Centerpiece is a white soup tureen filled with ivy, grapes and yellow roses. Lemons are scattered about the table to add an additional punch of sunshine.

All the best,

All The Cool Bloggers Are Just Chalkin'

If you live and tour BlogLand, you know that anything can be made into a chalkboard quickly and without a lot of fuss. In addition, the majority of bloggers with an eye for home decor have multiple chalkboards.

Chalkboard Trays


Chalkboard Doors

Chalkboard Cupboard/Pantry

Chalkboard Pots

Chalkboard Walls

There's probably even a Chalkboard Hubby out there somewhere, with a qrocery list scrawled across his chest...milk, eggs, butter.

I found a great item to use with the various chalkboards, that is much more bright and colorful than normal chalk...can't be rubbed off (My Grandbabes think that you write something on the chalkboard just so they can wipe it off immediately)...and is removed easily with water. This product is used by Starbucks and other retailers on their chalkboards and is called Chalk Ink. Here are a couple boards showcasing the vibrant colors.

These have already been added to my shopping list for the weekend.

All the best,