eleven-o-one creations

Flatware Wind Chime & Simplicity

2013-01-03T10:12:00.000-05:00

Some people seem to live for Christmas and could have Christmas year round. I, unfortunately, have always been an "every other year" kind of gal. I love it every other year. You know...all the planning, the decorating, the entertaining, the shopping, the cleaning, the hoping no one is disappointed type stuff. It would be better if it occurred ever 24 months...not every 12.

After all these years, I've finally recognized a pattern. Yep...I get excited every OTHER year.

This wasn't the year.

I have to admit it. I'm glad the holidays are almost over and life can get back to normal.

Don't get me wrong...I love Christmas for what it ought to be...a celebration of Christ's birth and God's gift to us. It's all the other hype that goes with it that I could do without - every other year.

I can hear you gasping as we speak. I know I'm not supposed to feel that way but I do. Sorry.

So...now we are moving on to January. (Of course, 10 years ago I had to go and have a baby on January 2nd so, of course, we were still celebrating a birthday as of yesterday. (I can't believe my baby is 10, by the way)).

But here we are on January the 3rd and I'm ready to SIMPLIFY. Again.

Yep...SIMPLIFY is my word of the month.

So, I took a little time to simplify and be creative. I haven't had time for creativity in quite some time (as you can tell by my blog).

I'd been wanting to make more wind chimes for a while...

When my yard-saling buddy gave me these beautiful crystal prism's as a Christmas gift because she knew I loved to create things, I could hardly wait for a spare moment to get busy.

I just love the way the sun makes the prism's sparkle when it hits at the perfect angle.

She also gave me a few vintage, silver-plated forks which she knows I'm always scouting for.

I wish you could hear the chimes. These big silver-plated spoons make such a lovely sound.

When the sun hits the prism's, they sparkle and look like little sparks of fire.

OK. I'll confess at this point.

I made this set for the friend that gave me the prisms. BUT I'm keeping it. I just love it.

No...I'll probaly give it to her. I have enough silverware to make another set. So, maybe I'll keep that set. Although, I have another friend with a birthday...

Well, one day I'll make a set for myself. Until, then I enjoy giving them to friends when they least expect a gift.

Truth is...I'd rather give gifts when I don't have to. Not at Christmas when people expect gifts. I never seem to be able to buy for people under pressure.

I do so much better when I just see something that reminds me of someone and I just give it to them.

I know I sound like a grinch and perhaps I was a little of that over the holidays. I wish I was "normal". Next year will be different! It will be my "on" year, I'm sure.

So...am I the only one that thinks we should do the hype every OTHER year?

Happy New Year everyone.

Linkin' up to
French Country Cottage
Three Mango Seeds
www.cupcakesandcrinoline.com
www.itsoverycheri.com
www.settingforfour.com

Repost - Grandma Can't Wait For Christmas

2012-12-24T13:53:00.000-05:00

I've been out of blogging commission for a while. Google decided about a month ago that I was out of space. Odd, since it said I was only 42% full but none the less, it wouldn't let me load any more photos. So...being rather busy at the time, I couldn't worry about it right then and I just let it go.

But last night, I tried again and low and behold, it let me load photos.

Here we are the day before Christmas and I have nothing ready to post. But as I finish up my last little bit of baking...I can't help but reflect on Christmas's past. So, I decided to repost one of my favorite Christmas stories of all. Wishing you all miracles this Christmas...

GRANDMA CAN'T WAIT FOR CHRISTMAS...

My grandmother, Thelma, was always as giddy as a child when it came to opening Christmas presents. She could hardly wait once all her gifts were wrapped and under the tree. All of my extended family would gather at her house and as soon as the last family member arrived, the paper began flying off the gifts as fast as Grandma could hand them out. Sometimes, she wouldn’t even wait until Christmas day…she was just too excited about seeing the smiles on our faces.

In 2006, as I sat in the chapel at Baptist Hospital in Pensacola, Florida just two days before Christmas, I couldn’t help but think about Grandma who passed away in 1998. She had been a nurse in this very hospital for twenty years . After my grandfather died in 1962, she went back to school and got her nursing degree. As a child, I was always so proud of my grandmother in her stark white uniform with the smart nursing cap on her beautiful hair. Later, her independence and self-sufficiency was an inspiration to me as I went off to college and later began my career.

I couldn’t help but wonder, however, what my grandmother might be feeling if she were with us at the hospital that day. My mother, Grandma’s oldest daughter, was having surgery to remove a very large, cancerous tumor that had developed in her abdomen. The doctor had assured us before the surgery that it would be a long, drawn out surgery as he was quite sure that the cancer would be wrapped up among my mother’s organs and that radiology and chemotherapy were quite likely a must. We were prepared for the worst but we prayed for complete healing. We also prayed for strength to handle whatever the outcome might be.

In the waiting room, there were at least 40 people who had come to show their love and support of my parents and to pray as my mother had surgery. My Grandmother would have found comfort in that support as I did but I can only imagine the anticipation and anxiety she would have felt just having to wait for the doctor to return. It would have been far worse than waiting for Christmas! We were all quite surprised when after only an hour and a half, the doctor was out and asked to speak with my father, brother and me. The doctor himself said he was quite surprised when they found that the tumor was not touching any organs at all. They were certain they removed it all and no radiation or chemo would be needed. It was, he said, a miracle!

We all knew that it was just that and we were all giddy with excitement! I know that Grandma never would have doubted that our God was able to save her daughter. And I bet she was in heaven asking God to give us our Christmas gift early… while all the family was together! Christmas was extra special that year as we celebrated two miracles: Jesus’s birth and my mother’s healing.

Wishing you PEACE and JOY during this season of miracles.

Merry Christmas!

Witch Way D&B

2012-10-20T22:44:00.000-04:00

We live in an older home. It's a four square built in 1929. One of my friends always jokes that she is going to the B&B every time she comes to our house. We often have cookouts in our back yard so when the cooler weather hits we always say "the B&B is open for business".

So this year for Halloween, when I saw a sign on Better Homes and Garden's web site, I decided my house would make the perfect "D&B" or Dead & Breakfast. So...I painted a sign...then decorated accordingly...

We hung the sign last week and it's getting lots of attention in the neighborhood.

So far, we have two guests...

This is Bob. He enjoys sitting on our fronch porch waving to al the neighbors.

And this is Bill. He's having a hard time getting out of "bed".

The witches that run the D&B are a little wild.

Hilda really shouldn't have been texting while she was flying...

I think she's going to be a little late getting breakfast ready today.

But...it looks like breakfast is already cooking.

"Life" is good at the Witch Way Dead & Breakfast!

Wouldn't you like to come and stay at the WW D&B?

Rooms are cheap!

I'm Linkin' up to:

Three Mango Seeds

It's So Very Cheri

Cup Cakes & Crinoline

A Positive View

2012-08-31T12:29:00.001-04:00

Back before I had children, I worked in corporate America as a software development manager for a large company in the finance industry. In 1999 I shared an office with a fellow manager named Doug who was quite a bit older than me. He was a veteran of the Vietnam war. He didn't talk about his days in the war and I didn't ask. I mostly remember that he was loads of fun to work with and I had a great deal of respect for him.

One evening at the end of an extremely stressful work day, we were reviewing the many unpleasant circumstances surrounding our current project and I made a comment similar to "Geeze, things can't get a whole lot worse." Doug didn't hesitate in his response that was "It's not that bad...nobody died!"

I laughed at his wonderful, positive response thinking he was making a joke but when I looked up at him, he wasn't laughing. He then told me that when he was in Vietnam, he and his co-soldiers always stated that it was a good day when nobody died. Imagine being in the swamps of Vietnam, mosquitos biting, fear driving your every move. And yet, you can remain positive just by realizing that things could actually be worse.

That one little statement put things into perspective for me then and actually...for the rest of my life. From then on, whenever I think I've had a bad day, I've always reminded myself that "Hey - nobody died."

Last night was no exception. While finally getting a break in my rather stressful day with kids, homework, middle schooler drama and other minor incidentals throughout the day I briefly felt sorry for myself with the many demands on my time but I caught myself in my pity party and thought "Hey - nobody died." I immediately said a prayer of thanksgiving to God for giving me all of the "troubles" that I had experienced throughout the day. I knew things could be so much worse.

It's easy to start feeling sorry for ourselves and while "nobody died" may be true today, it may not always be true. So, I also have this to fall back on... James 1:2-4 says "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything."

I thought I'd just throw in these photos along with my musings today. These are shots I took earlier this month in North Carolina. I think my favorite one is the one below...

It's not that it's such a great photo...it's not. It's just that this little flower in the middle seems to have his arms raised to God in praise. Wouldn't you do likewise if God had planted you on this mountainside overlooking His beautiful creation? I wonder how long it took these flowers to grow tall enough out of the weeds to see this beautiful view?

So...if you don't see such a beautiful sight when you go about your day, maybe you just haven't grown tall enough yet to see the beauty. Just remember James 1:2-4 and persevere.

I hope your day is blessed with joy...trials and all.

Home Made Laundry Soap - I Copied a Copy Cat!

2012-08-15T13:39:00.000-04:00

I've been toying with the idea of making my own laundry soap for several weeks ever since I read about how Being Creative To Keep My Sanity made her own and saved a bundle. Then when I read how Bliss over at Bliss Ranch (one of my favorite bloggers) decided to ~~copy~~ use Yvonne's recipe at Stone Gable after seeing how Kim at Savvy Southen Style made hers, (whew!) I decided I had to ~~copy~~ try it myself.

So while out running errands yesterday, I decided to pick up all of the ingredients.

Now, I realize that there are tons of soap making tutorials out there and yes, mine is a copy but I thought I'd just try to give you a few tips in case you decide it's time for you to ~~copy~~ try it out yourself.

(I'll list all of the ingredients shortly)

Tip 1: You can get all of these ingredients at Walmart. I first went to Target and they only had the Oxi Clean. Then Walmart and got everything else except the Super Washing Soda. I think they had it but I had accidentally left it off my list. So once I realized I was missing it, I ran to Ace Hardware (closest to my house) and they had it.

Tip 2: Mix this up outside or in your garage. It creates a big dust bowl wherever you do it.

I mixed it all in a big bussing tub in my kitchen and although it smelled nice in my house, there was soapy dust all around once I was done.

Tip 3: Figure a way to reduce your cost. All of these products totaled about $38 with tax. The most expensive items were the two containers of Downy Unstoppables. At $6.97 each those two items alone were about a third of the price. I believe those are simply added to provide the wonderful scent. I believe you could easily reduce it to one or simply leave it out all together as is done at Being Creative. You could also just add the Unstoppables to the loads you want to smell good.

Tip 4: Find a pretty container to put it in. This gigantic jar was only $10 at Walmart!

OK. So here is the recipe and a breakdown of my cost.

1 3 lb. 7 oz Box of Arm & Hammer Super Wash ($4.79)

1 4 lb. 12 oz box of Borax ($3.38)

1 3 lb. box of Oxi Clean ($7.54)

1 4 lb. box of Arm & Hammer Baking Soda ($2.12)

4 bars of Fels Naptha Soap Shredded ($.97 each)

2 containers of Downy Un Stoppable ($6.97 each) (Optional)

Total - $35.65

NOW - that total seems like alot to me. Except that you only need 1 to 2 Tablespoons per load. Think about it. Add up all of those weights and you get 291 oz. I measured it and 1 1/2 Tablespoons weighs 1 oz! So, each load will cost you a little over 12 cents and you get 291 loads!

So I did a few loads this morning...nothing all that dirty and it smells good. Fine. But the real test will come when my two boys come home tomorrow and I send them out in the back yard to play in the mud. Yes, I'm going to give them permission just so I can test this out even better.

TIP 5: Do not try to use your liquid dispenser for this. And if you have a front loader (as I do) add it to the barrel instead of the dispenser. It is safe for HE as it does not produce many suds.

I found this beautiful scoop while I was in North Carolina last week.

I thought it was so pretty and was planning to use it as a coffee scoop. But coincidentally, the colors match my new laundry soap and it is exactly 1 1/2 Tablespoon in measurement so I figured it was meant to be used in the laundry room!

So here is a big thank you to the many bloggers who copy each other and pass on their ideas. You inspire me. And I hope that any little tidbits I can add will inspire you too.

Happy Washing.

(Disclaimer: Please use at your own risk. It's probably not a good idea for sensitive skin or diapers.)

Update: Today is January 4, 2013...I'm just now heading out to pick up my next batch of ingredients. So this batch has lasted 4 1/2 months! That is a cost of about $7.90 per month. Not bad! And it works well on most dirt.

Linkin' Up to:
30 Handmade Days
2805
At the Picket Fence

Williamsburg Inspiration

2012-07-30T16:18:00.000-04:00

Abandoned. I suppose that is the name I should give to my blog these days. I suppose, I should put it in all caps! ABANDONED!

The last post I did was 3 days before school was out. And here we are just 3 weeks until school starts back again. During that time, life has been crazy and I simply abandoned my blog.

It's not like anyone out there (besides Mom) really reads my blog regularly. So I don't think my absence from blogland has really had a huge effect on you. If you're mad at me, well...sorry. It's just that I really haven't done anything I felt would interest you. This is, after all, supposed to be a blog about home decor and though I have lots of "in progress" projects, nothing is complete yet.

I did, however, make a trip to Historic Williamsburg. I love history and just love touring old houses. This is definitely a place to see old houses! So, since this a blog about decor, I thought I'd share some of my photos with you so you can see how people decorated back in the late 1700s. You know...things really haven't changed all that much.

I hope you'll forgive me for not remembering whose house I'm in but I will point out that all the homes in Williamsburg were owned by the wealthy citizens. The average family did not live like this. A few things to point out in the photo above.

Notice the "rug". It is actually a painted canvas of some sort. This was apparently fairly common in this time period. They did not finish their wood floors as we do today and the "rug" was a decorative touch. (You know...I'm pretty sure I've seen this on Pinterest.)

Also notice the very bright color of the wall paper, the beautiful details in the wood work and the gorgeous built in cabinet where they displayed their expensive china. (I must say...the calf head in the center of the table did not seem too appetizing to me!)

This dining room is similar and sports beautiful yellow wall paper instead of green. Notice the beautiful quality of the furniture and the painted rug on the floor.

I've always wanted a fireplace in my dining room. But I'm really glad I wouldn't have to rely on it for warmth as these families did.

I'm pretty sure that in it's day, this kitchen would have made the cover of Better Homes and Gardens Magazine. And you thought open shelving in the kitchen was a NEW concept! Ha!

Don't you just wonder how they kept yards like this looking so beautiful? Did they let the goats wander through the yard to mow the grass? This photo was taken from under a beautiful trellis that sits at the end of the sidewalk. I thought it made a beautiful frame for the house. BTW...this is the back yard!

No...probably not the goats. I think they would eat all of the flowers, too. This had to be a very wealthy homeowner.

Talk about a bird house! This is the ultimate bird hotel! I forgot to ask anyone why in the world they needed such big bird houses.

This office is quite functional but it seems to me it needs a woman's touch.

The exterior of homes are equally as impressive as the interiors. But this could be Anywhere, USA. We still see these styles two hundred years later!

Now, if you wanted your house built out of brick you had to order that brick from the brick yard where they make every brick by hand...or foot. Yes, they actually used their feet to mix up the mud for the bricks.

Anyone who wants to experience mud mush is welcome to squish all they want.

I passed on this opportunity but my kids both had to give it a try.

I think the gardens at Williamsburg are quite impressive. They have both vegetable gardens...

...and ornamental gardens. I've asked Mr. 1101 to build me this trellis.

He laughed! Mumbled something about doing it right after he built the bird hotel and installed raised beds for my future vegetable garden.

Of course, no trip to Williamsburg would be complete without a visit to the governor's mansion.

This trip was very inspiring from a decor perspective. When I got home, I immediately began working on my own dining room. No...I didn't paint it yellow or green. Hopefully, I'll get it finished soon so I can show you. But don't expect the painted rug. OR the calf head on the table.

But...it was also very inspiring from an American perspective. Williamsburg is more about freedom than it is about decor. It is a wonderful reminder that freedom isn't free. Many people over the years gave their lives for our freedom and it is not something we should take for granted. If you have a chance to visit Williamsburg - don't just look at things. Listen. And before election day...learn.

I hope you are having a wonderful summer. Even though Williamsburg doesn't have roller coasters, we feel like we've been on one all summer and it's not over yet. Next...the mountains!

Summer Is Almost Here

2012-06-04T12:53:00.001-04:00

I know for many of you, summer has already started. But we still have a few days of school to go...

Normally, I prefer the routine of the school year over the laziness of summer but this year...I can hardly wait for school to be out. We've been counting down for over a month!

It's just been a tough year. Of course, as the kids get older I imagine it will be even harder.

On Thursday, my oldest will be "graduating" from 5th grade.

It's a big deal.

Apparently.

No...there's no cap and gown and no diploma.

But, there will be tears.

Mine.

Yes, my first born is growing up and moving on to the dreaded Middle School years.

That's enough to make anyone cry, right?

But I think my tears will be for an end of an era. I'll miss the innocence. I'll miss the joy he gets from little things. I'll miss the cuteness of the children. (No uniforms next year... YIKES!). And I'll miss the other parents. We've been together for 6 years now...since kindergarten.

Yep, one more sweet innocent summer before the mini-hormone years begin.

But probably after the first week of the kids being home, my tune just might change so I guess I'd better be ready...

Just kidding! I really am looking forward to a fabulous summer.

(I probably won't need to count down until we're in...at least the 50's)

I hope your summer will be fabulous, too.

Gag Gift - Pardon My Language

2012-05-24T14:36:00.001-04:00

My best friend from high school is turning 50 on Saturday. Of course, she is 10 years older than me...I was a really fast learner and she was kind of slow.

So, I wanted to give her something really special for her milestone birthday.

I don't talk like this in real life and normally I don't lie but I just did both, didn't I?...she isn't really that much older than me. In fact, she's only older by a month.

But just the same I thought this would be a fun gift.

It's a little picnic caddy I picked up at Target.

It has one large compartment on one side and three small ones on the other. In the center of the three, I gave her a little extra ~~time~~ thyme. We all need a little more time no matter what age we are, right?

I'm sure she is going to love it!

(I'm starting to realize that one lie just leads to another! I'm so not used to this.)

Anyway...Happy Birthday, LG!

Linkin' up to:
Happy Hour Projects
At the Picket Fence

Flatware Wind Chimes

2012-05-11T15:50:00.000-04:00

If you answer to "Mom" or "Dad" when I call, please stop reading this post.

Do NOT scroll down!

Unless you want to ruin your surprise.

OK. There. With that said, I can continue knowing that my mom and dad do EVERYTHING I ask of them! (Right!). But if they are reading this now, they will see their combined Mother's day gift/birthday gift before they receive it.

Yes, Dad's birthday often falls on or very near Mother's day so he must always share the day. Sorry, Dad. (I knew you were reading.)

Oh well, it's OK if your reading. In fact, when they get a wad of flatware in the mail, they'll probably need something to go by to see what they are supposed to do with it.

I made them a set of wind chimes out of some vintage silver-plated flatware.

I wish you could hear them. They sound lovely in the breeze.

I was so pleased with this little project that I made a second set. The second set actually turned out even better than this set so I sent the second one to Mom and Dad.

Since I know you are still reading, Mom, Happy Mother's Day!

And since I know you are showing this to Dad, Happy Birthday, Dad!

I love you both very much.

Linkin' Up to:

The Shabby Nest
French Country Cottage
Common Ground
Funky Junk Interiors

Super Moon - A View From Florida

2012-05-06T00:04:00.000-04:00

Tonight the moon is "Super". It is the night that the moon will be at the closest point to the earth. I caught it a little late to see it at it's full glory...I wish I'd been about an hour earlier. But I thought I'd share my view of it with you. These are taken from my front yard.

If I'd had a little more time, I think I could have done better. But somehow I don't think my dinner guests wanted their hostess running around the neighborhood looking for the perfect angle all night. So...I did the best I could in a hurry.

Have a great Sunday!

My "Ironstone" Collection

2012-05-04T18:11:00.005-04:00

Some collections just don't require any effort. I had no idea I had so many white dishes. And this isn't all of my white. But not one single piece is actually Ironstone. I posted yesterday about Ironstone collections and an excellent question arose. "What is Ironstone?"

Well, I'm no expert nor do I want to be. But I believe ironstone is supposed to be a blend of strong iron and fine china creating a nice heavy piece of pottery. But I believe the actual content is questionable. There are many makers of ironstone and it seems much of it dates to the 19th century. Some are actually marked "ironstone" on the bottom.

So, when I said I already had a collection...I meant a collection of white dishes. Not ironstone. I have no need to collect actual ironstone. Where would I put it? I have too much stuff already!

But while writing this post, I've realized that my collection is much more than a bunch of white dishes and old gadgets...

Many of these things are quite meaningful to me. Let me tell you about a few...

The little white pitcher behind the sugar tin was given to me by my Great Aunt Ruth several years ago. She gave me several pieces but this one is my favorite.

These kitchen gadgets all belonged to my Great Aunt Myrtie. They were given to me after she passed away. The little rooster was given to me by my grandmother (Granny) when I was about 10 or 11. . I wrote my name on the bottom of it when I received it so I know it's mine!
That little mixing bowl was a gift from my college room mate!

The (cracked) bowl and it's matching platter were wedding gifts to my parents. (Were you wondering what happened to these, Mom? They are safe and treasured!)

These silver candle sticks were given to Mr. 1101 and me as a wedding gift. (Our friend knew we like antiques.) The beer bottle has a very interesting story. When my grandparents got married sometime in the 1920's, they didn't have a whole lot of money. Granny found the bottle out near a fence post (at least that's how I remember the story) and she used it her entire life as a rolling pin. She never owned a rolling pin! But she used the bottle to roll all of her dumplings (she made the BEST dumplings ever) and her pie crusts and whatever else needed to be rolled.

The milk glass...a yardsale find. But there are matching glasses and a pitcher at my grandparent's farm that belonged to my Granny and I think my mom has a similar set.

This silver pitcher belongs to my mother-in-law. It actually has an inscription that reads "2nd Place, Officers' Wives Bowling League, Ft. Benning, GA, 1963-1964". (They must have been pretty good!) The little glass sugar and creamer on the left belonged to my Aunt Myrtie also.

So...as it turns out this little cabinet is much more than a collection of dishes. It's a tribute to many of the special women in my life. This little cabinet hold lots of special memories and lots of history!

Plus...it looks good, too!

I think this is a perfect entry for my kid's journal don't you?

Ironstone Collections

2012-05-04T17:13:00.000-04:00

A few weeks ago, I posted about my dining room and how I want to change it. Many of you gave me some great ideas and I've finally decided upon a plan. Unfortunately, I'm no where near getting it done. That is going to require some help from Mr. 1101 and I don't think he is looking forward to it not to mention that there are just too many other things going on right now. (Too bad my kids are too young to hire!)

However, you might remember that I had a wonderful built in cabinet in the corner. It was certainly not being well used. Lots of stuff just thrown in there. Well, I decided that a wonderful collection of Ironstone would look great in that cabinet so, of course, I began pinning for a little inspiration.

While contemplating how I might go about collecting such a gorgeous array of items, I realized that all I really needed to do was to walk around my house to do some shopping. I have to say...it really didn't take too long to fill that cabinet up! I suppose that is one of the advantages of being ~~old~~ a long time collector of things. Sometimes you have a collection but just don't know it!

Today I'll show you my inspiration. As soon as I get a few photos taken I'll show you what I came up with.

This one is from The Apothecary Shop. I have to say I was excited about finding that blog. It is really beautiful! Lots of great photos.

The one above is apparently from Country Living Magazine. That is just a few too many soup tureens for me but it is pretty.

I'm not sure of the source on this one but I love the addition of the old clock face. Gives it a bit of added interest. I also love the old bead board backing of this cabinet.

This one also did not trace back to the link that I had on Pinterest so I'm not sure where it originated, either. If either of these is yours, please let me know so I can give proper credit. By the way...how do you dust all of that?

Doesn't this cabinet remind you of a school cubby cabinet? I love it. And the collection looks well organized in it.

Well, as soon as I get my photos, I'll share my collection with you. AND I'll just warn you in advance...not a single piece of it is actually Ironstone. But it is white and will simply have to do!

Have you ever decided to collect something and then realized...you already had?

My One Year Anniversary

2012-04-30T17:00:00.001-04:00

One year ago today, I published my first post to this blog.

This little garden chair/planter was my first furniture painting ~~experiment~~ experience. I painted it just to see if I would like painting furniture. And I posted it just to see if it would be fun to post.

According to my dashboard, it has had a whopping total of 130 views! I received 4 comments on it and they all are dated June 7 & 8 which must have been about the time I figured out how to link up to a party.

Over the year, I've published a total of 144 posts. I put lots of work into everyone of them and I have really enjoyed the experience. Mostly, I've enjoyed the communications with other bloggers.

Over the past few weeks however, I've toyed with the idea of stopping my blog. I've decided to start a new career (although it will be extremely part time for starters) and projects and blogging will be hard to fit in. Plus, I've decided to put some time into journaling for my boys. I want them to one day read my journals when they are older and more mature so they can get to know their 40 something year old mom even if I am in my 60s or 70s when they read it. Maybe my grand kids will get a kick out of it if they read it even if I am not around when they do.

But I've realized I'm not ready to give up my blog!

So, you are stuck with me. You may see me less often but I'm not going away. So...please keep in touch.

Today...I'm saying "Happy Anniversary to Me!"

And if you are still reading at this point in this post...I'm thinking you might actually care. So I also want to say a big "THANK YOU" to everyone who reads my blogs. You are all wonderful.

The Rest of the Back Yard

2012-04-26T21:37:00.000-04:00

Sick of my back yard yet? Well, this is the last of it. I'll mostly let the photos talk...

This is from the back corner of my yard. On the left is a grapevine that is probably 20 years old.

These grapes were tiny little things about 3 weeks ago. They start growing at the beginning of April and will be ripe (purple) in the beginning of July.

Last year, one of our fox tail palms died after a brief freeze. That is why the new one in the foreground is much smaller than the one in the back.

This is the view coming into the gate.

Notice that my "redneck chandelier" no longer has the vases on it. They fill up with water when the sprinklers run which is just a bad idea unless you like mosquitoes. I just put them up when ever we grill out or have guest over now.

Remember my bougainvillea? I had to trim it way back and it went into a bit of shock. It is finally starting to bloom again. We still have to build a trellis for it.

This is our "outdoor kitchen". Like my buffet? It is made of recycled wood from my previous deck and is topped with a piece of granite left over from our bathroom addition. It cleverly hides the irrigation pipes and the water meter!

I love this little fountain. Mr. 1101 bought it for me when we were expecting our first child. These little children are supposed to be holding an umbrella but somewhere along the lines that piece got lost (or broken). So, now they just stand there looking really hot in the hot Florida sun. But I still like it.

This pot has a twin. They came with the last house that I owned but I just couldn't leave them behind when we moved into this one.

Bottle Brush Tree

Hibiscus

Stag horn fern

OK. Now, there is one big secret in the backyard. My ~~skilled~~ selective lens has protected you from this up until now. I have to admit I really hate to show you but if you stuck with me this long on the backyard series I feel it is only fair to show you the whole truth.

So brace yourself.

I call it the big blue blob! I'm not a pool person and we really didn't want to put in a permanent pool. But if you want your kids to play outside in the summer here in Florida some sort of water activity is a must. So...there it is. Up for the summer. It will come down in October (if it doesn't explode first). This is it's third year and it is showing it's wear. I'm keeping my fingers crossed.

Hope you've enjoyed my back yard tour.

If you missed my first two posts on the back yard you can see them by clicking the links below.

Linkin' up to...

French Country Cottage

Funky Junk Interiors

My Florida Back Yard - Part 2

2012-04-19T06:00:00.001-04:00

I love my back yard. I think I could spend half my time out here if I didn't have so many other things to do.

Last week, I showed you part 1 of my back porch. Today, I'll continue on with another great space: my west side porch.

There's not much to it and the truth is, it happened quite by accident and is still a bit of a work in progress.

You see, this brown wicker setee sat on my east side porch for many years. But when you helped me redecorate that porch last August, I no longer needed the setee there. For lack of anywhere else to put it, Mr. 1101 and I just stuck it here temporarily.

It is real wicker and not exactly something that should be out in weather but this area is sort of covered so it only gets wet when it is rainy and windy.

The pictures above were taken last week at the beginning of the week. This big beautiful red impatient decided at the end of last week that it was time to die. That's right. They only last so long. In fact, I have three of these that I planted at the same time (around Thanksgiving) and all three of them now have a fungus and I must replace them.

That's not unusual. It just is how it is. So this weekend, I replaced this pot with some petunias.

I think it is a nice change and the smaller plant allows the pretty plant stand that holds my oregano to show it's lacy, feminine legs. This is also the only area of the yard that I use any pink. In other area's it seems to clash with the orange/rust color of the furniture cushions.

I use this area to grow my herbs.

This basil was started from seeds.

See that ugly little plastic thing on the wicker table? That is my green house. I plant the seeds in it before I move them over to pots. (I usually move it to a spot that gets more sun when they are first planted, however.)

Right behind the white rails there on the left of the picture above is a trellis. It is completely covered with a bleeding heart vine. It gives the area wonderful shade and privacy.

This red chair is actually a planter and was my very first blogging project. You can check out it's creation

by clicking here. (I have two of them).

The plant in it isn't too happy lately. It is not a fan of the heat and it has been pretty hot here lately (in the upper 80's). I'll be trimming it way back soon. I have a little lime thyme under the table there.

The entire area was totally unplanned. It just sort of fell together as I just stuck random pieces out there because it's usefulness elsewhere had ended. I'm really surprised at how much I've enjoyed this spot and how often I use it. I often use it when I'm talking on the phone or in the mornings for my Bible study. It is so peaceful and I love to listen to the birds here.

So, there you have Part II of my back yard. There is more to come so stay tuned!

Linkin' up to:
Mrs. Hines Class
Common Ground
Feathered Nest Friday
Knick of Time
Funky Junk Interiors

Garden Gates

2012-04-18T08:22:00.001-04:00

Today, I finally went outside and finished painting the back side of my fence gate. I had painted the back side of the fence back in January but I didn't finish the gate because I thought it would be best to remove all of the hardware to do that and I needed a little help to get that done. Unfortunately, the help never happened so I decided to paint around the hardware today just so I could have it done and looking better.

Of course, while I was painting I got to thinking. Am I the only one that happens to? I get some of my best thinking done while I'm painting.

Anyway, I got to thinking that my gate was really a little plain so after I finished, I went to my favorite inspiration location...Pinterest. Here are a few gates that inspired me and I thought perhaps they might inspire you, too.

I love repurposed stuff and I think this is so quaint. It would look good on a farm don't you think?

{source}

Here is another old door as a gate. This one looks so inviting.

{source}

I love this one with the portal. Makes me really wonder what's behind it.

{source}

I love these that are painted bright whimsical colors but I'm not sure I could be bold enough for this.

{source}

{source unknown}

I especially love the color of lime green!

{source}

I see these gates all over when I visit North Carolina. They fit right into the woodsy environment.

But I think these gates below using repurposed tools and other interesting items are my favorites...

{source}

{source unknown}

Isn't this bicycle gate just wild??

{source}

This one is my favorite. I actually sent this picture to my dad a few weeks ago to see if he would make it for me. He welds. And, there are lots of old tools like this at the farm. Unfortunately, I received no reply...no acknowledgement...not even a laugh. I'm sure he is busy putting that together for me because I have a birthday coming up soon and he has nothing better to do. Right? (Sigh).

Well, a girl can dream, right?

Well, after all that dreaming and pinning, my gate is still plain. But it will have to do.

Happy Pinning!

Redneck Chandelier

2012-04-16T09:19:00.008-04:00

I love candle light and I especially love to use candles outside. I don't know why but I just really enjoy the look of a small flame lighting the big outside world.

So, I'm always looking for ways to light up my back yard. This weekend, I came up with a way to do just that.

This wooden contraption is a chicken feeder. I came across it last Thanksgiving when I was at my Grandparent's farm.

No one has lived at the farm since my grandparents passed away so the old chicken coop is starting to fall apart. I've taken many photos of it over the years. This is what it looked like last November.

I found this old chicken feeder inside and figured it could rot in my back yard just as easily as it could in the old chicken coop so I brought it home with me and stood it up next to the fence. I figured eventually, I'd come up with an idea of what to do with it.

I actually think it would make a great shelf for my clock collection (or some other collection) but somehow, it just doesn't seem to fit in with my decor. So, it's just been sitting in the garden.

It's still in the garden but now it is a fancy redneck chandelier!

Just a couple of vases and a carafe wrapped in twine and hung over the handle...

Mr. 1101 doesn't share my passion for candles so he just sort of grunted at the whole project. He couldn't picture it when I told him what I was making and once it was done, I don't think he really saw that it added value.

...whatever!

More on the back yard to come...

Linkin up to
House in Roses
Three Mango Seeds
Between Naps on the Porch
Knick of Time
Cherished Bliss

My entry into Craft and Tell @ Cherished Bliss is sponsored by Appliances Online and the Bosch Washing Machines
How to Nest For Less

My Florida Back Yard - Part 1

2012-04-10T14:03:00.008-04:00

People seem to think that here in Florida we don't have seasons. That's really not true. We have 4 distinct seasons. Hot (fall), Nice but sometimes cold (winter), Beautiful (spring), and Really, Really Hot (summer).

So, just like you northerners, we have times of the year that we are outside more than other times of the year. For us that is winter and spring. And in spring, we do spring cleaning and spring planting...just like you!

We've been spring cleaning our back yard so I thought I'd share a few photos and tell you a little about it.

I have lots of porches at this house and I enjoy nothing more than sitting on one of them visiting with good friends or family. So...come on over and sit a while as I give you a little tour...

Before I get started, I'll tell you that there is quite a bit to this story so it will probably span several posts.

I'll start with the back porch. (above) This "porch" as we call it didn't look like this when we moved in. It was a deck that was in pitiful condition. It was impossible to walk on with bare feet for fear of splinters and there was no rail around it. So, when our babies became toddlers, we decided a remodel was no longer optional. We had to totally rebuild it (except for the footers which were very stable). I'll tell you that whole story in another post. But for now, I'll just share a few photos to get us started.

This is where we love to entertain on cool evenings. It is our "out door" living room.

I love to drink my coffee out here on lazy mornings (which seem rare). It is very shady in the morning because it is on the west side of the house. Afternoons...not so much. Extremely hot, in fact. In the afternoons, I have to use my east side porch which all of you helped me redecorate last fall. Remember?

You can tour the side porch here.

It is such a tragedy to have to move from porch to porch, don't you agree? (OK, I'll shut up about that now.) Back to my back porch...

Don't you just love all of the white railings? Me, too...until we have to paint them anyway.

The canopy which covers this porch is by Shade Tree. When we remodeled this porch, I really wanted a covered porch where I could sit and watch it rain but the pitch line of all of the roofs on this part of the house did not exactly make that easy. So, if I really want to be outside during the rain, I go to that east side porch (sigh). This canopy by Shade Tree protects the porch from sun and does a fabulous job. We have had this canopy for seven years and it has withstood wind and rain and is still in excellent shape. I would definitely recommend this product.

We found this old address plaque in the basement when we moved in. Original? Perhaps.

I keep a Rosemary bush in a pot right next to the kitchen door because I LOVE to cook with Rosemary. It also smells really nice when people brush up against it as they go in the door. It's not the prettiest plant in the world but for me, it's a "must have". I grew this one from a cutting from another plant.

Right around the corner are a few more herbs including mint, basil (from seeds) and some lime thyme.

Also close to the kitchen door is this potting bench that we use as a drink station. Originally, it was used as a changing table in my first son's room! His babies room was a gardening theme.

(Yep...Publix had a sale on coke products...buy 3 get one free.)

Last but not least right outside the kitchen door is a little table perfect for the four of us to eat a leisurely dinner while we watch the color of the sky change during the sunset hour.

Bella loves the back porch, too. This is one of her favorite resting spots after a hard day of chasing lizards!

I know I haven't been posting a great deal lately. Obviously, I am no "super blogger". Things have been quite busy in the eleven-o-one household lately and there are even a few changes going on which I'll share in more detail at some time in the future.

I love that you all come to "visit" me whenever I do post and I certainly enjoy visiting your blogs, too. It would be so nice to sit and share a glass of iced tea (so southern, I know) while we chat about the latest trends. But since we are neighbors in a virtual world, I hope you'll just drop me a note after you tour my porch just to say "hi".

In my next post, we'll enjoy yet another of my outdoor areas. Maybe I'll throw a little of that mint in a jug of sun tea!

(Click here to see Part 2 then Part 3)

Linkin' up to:
Three Mango Seeds
Between Naps on the Porch
French Country Cottage
504 Main
My Romantic Home
House in Roses
Funky Junk Interiors

Bar Keeper's Friend - A Test

2012-03-31T18:05:00.001-04:00

While we were away on Spring Break, my Cottages & Bungalows Magazine arrived. So, after all of the unpacking was done and the laundry was going I sat down for a few minutes to take a quick look.

(On a side note...why is it so much work coming home from a vacation?? It's just wrong!)

But anyway, while reading my mag, I came across a little tip that was credited to momoutnumbered.blogspot.com.

It stated that if your dishes were marred by silverware scratches you could use a little Bar Keepers Friend on them to get them out.

REALLY? Could it be true?

I thought these dishes were doomed!

I've had these dishes for probably 15 years! They are great Pfaltzgraff plates that are nice and heavy. Over all these years, I don't think I've chipped a single one.

But, all of the scratches make for an unappetizing table scape so when company comes, we use my newer dishes. Unfortunately, they are starting to show the same types of scrapes.

So, when I saw this tip I had to give it a try. I had some Bar Keepers Friend in my cleaning stash so, I whipped it right out.

I squirted a little bit on...

Scrubbed with a damp sponge (and a little muscle)...

...and noticed an immediate difference...

Notice the grey on the sponge! How exciting! It actually works!

Wow! Doesn't the "after" look so much more appetizing?

OK, they don't look brand new but this is a huge improvement.

Funny thing is I think Daniel at momoutnumbered may have had the very same plates. I visited her blog but couldn't find the post so all I have to go on is the picture in the magazine. So...here is my magazine copycat photo:

So...here is a magazine tip that is tested and true!

Thank you Cottages & Bungalows (and Danielle at momoutnumbered). It really works.

Linkin' Up to:
The Bunny Blog Hop

Wanted: New Trellis

2012-03-19T16:50:00.001-04:00

I have a problem. Everyday, I walk out my back door and I look at this:

I know...right? Tough problem to have. I get it.

But look closer...do you spot something yellow in there?

Here...let me help you:

Not the best looking trellis is it? Now I'm all for re-purposing things. But somehow this yellow ladder being used as a trellis just doesn't do it for me.

So the problem is that my bougainvillea has become so heavy that it has finally fallen even though it is tied to some posts. It happened a couple of weeks ago on a very (I mean very) windy day. It simply couldn't stand on it's own anymore. So, Mr. 1101 propped it up with this ladder as a temporary measure.

So now, we are faced with figuring out what type of trellis to put in to help support it.

This thing is massive! So it will have to be a pretty big trellis. Here is what it looks like underneath:

...and that is only one of them. We have two side by side.

Anyway, we need ideas so I started pinning. Here are some ideas I came upon:

{Source}

I really love this one with the red chairs next to all the red roses. (I probably wouldn't want bright pink chairs to match my bougainvillea). I especially love the re-purposing of the window and door! Hmm...I have at least one extra window around here somewhere.

{Source Unknown}

This picketing is nice. But that was what was here when we first moved in and it just wasn't strong enough to support it. It eventually fell under the weight.

{Southern Living}

This pergola structure would work but we already have a pergola under our grapevine and a pergola over our back porch. We really don't need another one.

{Source}

Something like this with some architectural details underneath might work.

These are all really beautiful don't you think?

Well, I'll show all of these to Mr. 1101 and see what he comes up with. He always comes through. I think he surprises himself sometimes but I have 100% confidence in his abilities.

Yes, this is the problem that I have. It's terrible and I know that you will feel sorry for me. By the way, it came with the house. I didn't plant it but I have lovingly cared for it all these year. ... Ok, ok. I've trimmed it occasionally. That's it. It is just beautiful on it's own with some help from God. I can't take any credit.

Hope your day has been filled with similar "problems".

Happy last day of winter!

Linkin' up to:

Do It Ya Self at Three Mango Seeds (even though I did nothing myself!)

Ramsign Winner

2012-03-16T20:49:00.000-04:00

Well, it has been a crazy week. I'm up to my ears in CLOCKS as I'm getting ready for the women's retreat that I've mentioned. More on that next week.

Right now, I'm updating you on the winner of the Ramsign Give-away.

And the winner is...

Labbie1 over at The Adventures of Garrett Squared!

Congratulations Labbie!

Ramsign Giveaway Reminder

2012-03-16T07:22:00.000-04:00

Just a quick reminder that the Ramsign giveaway will be today!

A Sign Giveaway!

2012-03-13T13:01:00.000-04:00

Recently, I was contacted by a company named Ramsign which makes...can you guess? SIGNS!

You all know I'm a big sign fanatic so I'm excited to be able to give one away (even if I didn't make it myself).

Ramsign makes quality enamel signs for your house, your mailbox, your business - wherever you would like to put a sign.

Here in the states, it's pretty much mandatory to have your house number located somewhere on the front of your house. Why not at least have a house number that is beautiful?

The winner of this give-away will receive a sign in any shape or color that you choose with up to 5 numbers.

(I can picture this with the number "1101" can't you?)

You can do any or all of the following to enter.

You can enter up to 4 chances to win!

1. Visit the Ramsign Website then leave me a comment telling me which sign you like best.

2. Follow me on Google Friends Connect (on the right) then tell me that you did in a comment (or if you are already a follower, leave me a comment telling me so.)

3. Become one of my Linky Followers (on the right) and let me know you did in a comment.

4. Like Ramsign on Facebook.

Thats all there is to it! This will run through noon on Friday and the winner will be announced Friday night.

I Feel Different Today - The Dining Room!

2012-03-08T10:44:00.001-05:00

I woke up yesterday morning feeling different...

(Source Unknown)

No, not like "the odd man out" different...

But rather like I wanted something different. I also don't mean like "I want more" type of different. Just I had this feeling like I needed to change something.

At first, I thought it might be the kitchen. But I looked around and realized that I really like my kitchen so it wasn't that.

But it was close. It's the dining room.

It is time for a change.

Coincidentally, yesterday was my 13th wedding anniversary. And yep...you guessed it...this dining room was decorated 13 years ago.

Well, sort of anyway. We painted it red 13 years ago and have never changed it. The furniture was an acquisition we made about 5 years ago on a Thanksgiving visit to see my brother in Georgia. I just happened to go to an antique shop with my sister-in-law and there it was!

After a call to Mr. 1101 who rushed over to the antique store to see it and a few calls to locate a U-Haul Truck, it came home with us---500 miles it traveled.

I've changed the pictures once or twice but the color has remained the same.

Don't get me wrong. I still really like the red. Every time I walk in this room, I feel warm and cozy. But..it's just time for something different.

I want to change the color and accessories. The rooms simply lacks personality right now.

That's where you come in. I can't decide what color it should be and what "style" I could make it without changing the furniture.

We're keeping the furniture - and NO! We aren't going to paint it.

I can paint the built-ins, the trim, the walls - change the light fixture and the window treatments.

I'm just not sure how.

So, what do you think? What color should it be? What should I do with that mirror?

We'll probably also change the window treatments and I'll consider getting rid of the big mirror.

There isn't a whole lot of wall space because there are three doors and two built-ins in this room.

The built in on the far right is actually a pass through to the kitchen. It apparently had doors on the kitchen side at one time but now it is open shelving in the kitchen and glass in the dining room.

The built-in on the left (or in the middle of the picture above) has become more of a dumping ground than a display case. And yes, I'll get rid of the baskets that I dumped up on top of it.

As you can see in the picture above, the living room is beige and very bright.

And on the opposite wall (above) there is a door that goes into a hallway that is also beige.

I have a brown in the kitchen that I love and most of the colors in my house are in the beige/brown family. The dining room has always been the exception. (Not counting the kids rooms).

I want the dining room to be a little less formal but...just not willing to get rid of the furniture.

Any ideas? You inspire me so much...I would love to hear your thoughts.

I'm feeling different today so...help me out.

Linkin' Up To:

Tickled Pink

French Tray

2012-03-07T10:08:00.011-05:00

I love French typography. If you've read my blog in the past, you know that I have painted several of the lovely old French ads that I found at the Graphics Fairy.

This one advertising wroght iron is one of my favorites:

This time, I have painted it on an old tray. I found this tray at a yard sale a few months ago. It looked like this:

I purchased it from an elderly man who seemed sad to see it go. It was obvious that his grown children were helping him with the yard sale as he prepared to move out of the home that he and his recently deceased wife had lived in for many years.

When I told him I wanted to buy the tray, he told me that it had been sitting on his bar for many years. I could see memories in his eyes as he recalled it's existence. He seemed far away. Then he said something about "that old thing" and seemed to brush off any importance it may have played in his life.

I truly have a love/hate relationship with such sales. I feel terrible for the owner's loss and an end to an era. But I love giving old things new life. And that was just what I promised the elderly man that I would do because as soon as I saw it, I knew it had a future.

So, it took me several months to decide what to do with this lovely, oversized tray and it finally came down to this.

Hand painted typography takes several hours to complete. It gave me plenty of time to imagine what all this old tray may have been through over the years. It gave me time to think of the elderly man and his wife. How was he doing in his new home? Did he miss his old home? What celebratory toasts had he and his wife made standing in front of this tray?

I imagine that after he sold me the old tray he never thought of it again...

...and in all honesty, I'm not really sure he would approve of the change.

...but I hope his memories will live on for a very long time.

I like to think that just a tiny part of that home lives on in this tray. And I hope it will witness many more treasured memories in the years to come.

Yep, I'm sentimental that way. Every old piece I work on gets me thinking...

Linkin' up to
White Wednesday
Mrs. Hines Class
The Power of Paint Party
DragonFly Designs
Three Mango Seeds
Night Owl Crafting
Happy Hour Projects
French Country Cottage
At the Picket Fence
Common Ground
The Graphics Fairy
Knick of time