Miss Bloomers

Starring Mr. T

2013-05-18T17:35:00.000-07:00

Mr. T is our resident turtle...I've posted about him each year since I've been blogging, especially in spring when I spot him after the

long winter months.

He is a box turtle that has been here ever since we moved in our home...so almost 20 years! He is actually friendly and will approach us...I'm sure he equates us with food as we always find something to feed him. Bananas and lettuce seem to be favorites.

My son is a professional film editor and works on local commercials and television shows in Oklahoma and he surprised me with this unique video of Mr. T!

Not exactly in the style of

Miss Bloomers but very entertaining and made me laugh!

Thanks Patrick!

This week I'm linking with
Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays

Fredericksburg Herb Farm

2013-05-15T09:19:00.000-07:00

On our recent trip to the Texas Hill Country we stopped at one of my favorite places, the Fredericksburg Herb Farm.

What a charming place this is and the new additions are beautiful. We have been visiting there for several years and have watched the progress the new owners have made since purchasing the property.

There is a new beautiful spa, cute little Sunday Cottages and a newly renovated restaurant, making it a fabulous destination for couples or girlfriends!

When we first "discovered" the herb farm the property had a large herb and flower garden behind the historic main house. The family grew herbs for their upscale restaurant and sold plants. In the early Spring they hosted an herb festival and offered
herb seminars.

The new owners kept a small herb garden and the adorable gift shop that sells plants, gift items and candles.

The handmade candles are wonderful and each visit I purchase them for myself and friends. The essential oils are strong and my favorites scents are the lemongrass with lavender.

The Sunday Cottages are adorable with rocking chair porches and porch swings. They have a two night minimum to stay there and our schedule this visit didn't allow us to stay both nights. (Insert sad face)

Fredericksburg is a great place to shop, relax and just enjoy the hill country and it's a quick drive to Austin or San Antonio if you need the big city!

I'm linking with
The Tablescaper's
Oh the Places I've Been!

She posted about Fredericksburg too...it's really is a great place to visit!

Wildseed Farm

2013-05-09T10:33:00.000-07:00

When we were newlyweds we lived in Austin and I fell in love with the Texas Hill Country. Bluebonnets and wildflowers edge the roadways and cover the landscape and we always enjoy driving through the countryside.

Over the years we have enjoyed returning to Austin and discovering new towns and places out in

the hill country.

One of our favorite places to visit is

Wildseed Farm. We discovered this wonderful seed farm and nursery several years ago and this year our trip happened to coincide with the

blooming season.

Wildseed Farm grows fields of flowers and
sells their seeds in the beautiful gift shop.

Here are some favorite photographs from this scenic place!

Larkspur

Poppies

Great selection of plants and garden items!

Beautiful flower combination

Water feature and lilies

Feather grass

Laura Bush petunias

Lettuce trials

Wildseed Farm is located outside
Fredericksburg, Texas and well worth the drive!

I'll share about Fredericksburg Herb Farm
next week...stay tuned!

I'm linking with
Tablescaper's Oh, the Places I've Been!

Spring and Mr.T

2013-05-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Well I thought Spring had arrived only to find that we are now threatened with another possible freeze!

Most of the plants I have already planted should survive but I'm concerned about my beloved hydrangeas as they are setting their flowers heads now. Only time will tell...here are a few plants that have bloomed in the garden this week.

This purple Clematis is a favorite and I have it mixed with a climbing rose over my garden arbor.

My garden is about a month behind on growth and not much has bloomed...seems my plants don't know whether to do retreat or grow. We had 80 plus degrees two days ago so I went out and cleaned flower beds and planted a few things. Oklahoma isn't the easiest state to be a gardner in but I'm determined anyway!

Mr. T showed himself after a long winter and quite a hail storm last week! I'm always delighted to see him after months of wondering if he'll return. He loves bananas!

Lilacs

Nelly Moser Clematis

Honeysuckle

Knockouts

Iris

Azaleas

English buttercups

I love this color combination...

and my trowel given to me by a friend.

Hurry back Spring!

I'm linking with
Tootsie's Flaunt Your Flowers

Azaleas and Mom

2013-04-18T09:53:00.000-07:00

I arrived home from Florida exhausted but grateful for the time I was able to spend with my Mom. The emotional aspect of her move went better than expected but sorting through mounds of paperwork and belongings was tedious and seemed never ending! She was not able to make decisions so my sister-in-law and niece pitched in and helped me sort and pack. We thankfully only had to move her to a room downstairs in the Memory Unit.

I lost count of how many trips we made up and downstairs!

She and my father lived in the Orient for many years and her collection of porcelain, cloisonne and Asian art is impressive so we kept a few larger pieces in her room. We did hire a professional to move

her large pieces.

We hung her six panel screen high on the wall to conserve precious floor space since the suites are cozy and not very large.

Her new suite is in the Azalea Wing and has a great light and a lovely view of the garden and patio with blooming azaleas, roses and saucer magnolias.

I carefully sorted her possessions and moved her favorite things while editing so her new home would feel more spacious and easier for her and the staff to move around in.

This is her favorite rattan chair, she has a pair of them so we choose

these to remain in her room.

This cabinet is full of her favorite pieces. She purchased most of the cloisonne in Hong Kong...her favorite place to shop!

My brother brought over a rocking chair so Mom can enjoy watching television in a comfy place.

The suites have small kitchenettes with white cabinets. She loves her blue and white porcelain and when she still owed a home her collection was displayed over the cabinets and throughout her kitchen. We placed as many of her favorite pieces above the cabinets as we could squeeze up there!

She loves her collection of celadon so I placed a few pieces on her dresser and made a flower arrangement for her before leaving for home.

The staff at the assisted facility always enjoy coming into Mom's room as she can still tell them stories about each piece she acquired and what country it was purchased.

She loves her new room and by keeping as many of her favorite things around her and I think she will adjust nicely in the days and weeks to come.

Thanks for so many of your sweet comments and emails! Blogging buddies are the best!

Happy Spring!

2013-04-03T13:04:00.000-07:00

It's raining here in OKC and we are so appreciative as we have been in a drought for the past 2 years!

Can't wait for the garden to come alive.

I've been having technical difficulties with my posts..so glad this finally updated.

I'll be on a blog break until later in April...I'm leaving for Florida to move Mom into a Memory Unit.
Thanks to many of you for your sweet words and support, it means the world to me!

Happy Spring!

Happy Easter

2013-03-31T20:54:00.000-07:00

Have a Blessed and Happy Easter!

Easter Bunny Teapot

2013-03-31T12:19:00.000-07:00

This Easter table is from a couple years ago but still one of my favorites! I'm not big on re-runs but as I'm preparing to go to Florida to move my mother into a memory care unit, I'm not much in the mood to create a whole new table this year. God is good and we are grateful that Mom can stay in the same assisted living and just move to another room so she can be better supervised and cared for. I covet your prayers as we make this transition that she will be comfortable and feel secure.

Easter is such a special day to me. We worship at our church and then spend the day with my sons. My guys are usually watching golf while I'm in the kitchen finishing preparations for a special meal. Like so many of you, I have always loved setting a pretty table for the holidays long before "tablescaping" was a word.

My friend gave me a truly special gift just in time for my Easter tablescape.

She knows I enjoy tablescapes and collecting dishes and she generously gave me this beautiful Fitz and Floyd tea set that belonged to her mother. Such a precious gift and I just love it!! The black and white rabbit and the carrot handle are so unique.
Thanks so much Linda!!

I already had cabbage leaf plates and placemats in my collection...so I couldn't wait to create a special tablescape with these beautiful pieces.

This is my kitchen breakfast table and a preview of the tablescape I am planning for our Easter dinner in the dining room.

I layered a simple white Pier One dinner plate with my favorite green majolica. I finished with the carrot sugar bowl from the tea set just for fun.

The set also included a cake plate with three little bunnies surronding a large cabbage leaf. Such a cute piece and a perfect plate for an Easter carrot cake.

Until the cake is done...I put out some carrots for my new little friends.

I love conservatories and greenhouses...this miniature version was on clearance for $20 and I couldn't resist. The dragonfly latch is so pretty.

I filled it with a spring bird's nest, a vintage bunny from GW and teacup filled with a candle.

Hope your Easter Day is blessed and you spend it with people you love!

More pictures of my dining room table :

I'll be gone for several weeks and certainly

hope you have a blessed Easter!

I'm linking with Kathleen's Let Dish

and Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays

Spring..almost!

2013-03-29T21:02:00.000-07:00

The sun is shining and it's almost Spring!

While it's still not past our freeze date outdoors I wanted to bring spring inside so I decorated my little hutch with a few of my favorite things!

This year I changed a few things and added few more bunnies, egg cups and the sweetest garden inspired mugs.

I planted the mugs with sweet little Tete a Tete daffodils. The mugs are English bone china.

I'm not finished with the garland and still need to arrange a few things

so will post more pictures

when I'm all done.

We are enjoying gorgeous weather so I'm planning on cleaning out my flower beds.

Have a great weekend!

Ozark Mountain Break

2013-02-27T14:05:00.001-08:00

We love to travel and sometimes we just need a quick weekend getaway and after six weeks of working on our rental home we needed some rest and relaxation. The heart of the Ozarks are only about a five drive from our home and seemed a perfect change of pace with winding roads through farmland and picturesque valleys. Fall is my favorite time to visit when the foliage is at peak but even without foliage we enjoyed our drive and just having some couple time.

Instead of fall foliage the tops of the trees were covered in
ice crystals which made for a beautiful display!

Never mind that is was freezing cold and we just happened to squeeze a trip in before the "blizzard" was scheduled to hit Oklahoma City, it was still a nice getaway from our regular routine. Thankfully we arrived home in time to get to the grocery store which was overcrowded and full of empty shelves. (Turns out the "blizzard" passed us by)

Our trip started with a breakfast stop along a section of historic Route 66 in Stroud to the Rock Cafe. The Rock Cafe is a fun restaurant with lots of history and memorabilia and they serve great homemade food cooked on a flat top grille named Betsy
that is original to the cafe.

Our stomachs full, we were back on the road to Tulsa and up winding roads to Eureka Springs for a nice shopping stop and stretch of the legs. This time of year many of the shops are closed for the season, so if you are a shopaholic you might want to wait a few months, but I enjoyed that there were no crowds.

Photo source: Southern Living

We haven't been to Branson in about six years and enjoyed the newer area of Branson Landing with all of the great shopping and restaurants. The dancing fountains were beautiful along the promenade and Lake Taneycomo.

Photo source: Branson Travel

We did take a quick shopping stroll through the historic section of town and I enjoyed a nice little shop called
The Classy Flea.

Filled with lots of great retro and antique items my husband and I had a great laugh when we discovered a set of canisters identical to the ones we had 37 years ago! Avocado green with a mushroom motif...so stylish in the 70's and now again if your are into that retro look!

The owners were very personable and fun to talk with.

I found a fabulous set of Boopie vintage glass dishes that I just couldn't pass up! Perfect for my next Miss Bloomer's tablescape, this Federal Boopie snack set just had to come home with me!

The price was $13.75 for a set of eight...two of the cups are missing but I'm sure I will be able to get find a couple cups to complete the set.

My husband enjoyed shopping in the vintage
Dick's Five and Dime

and could have spent hours there.

I will definitely need to check out this place next trip...they were just closing as I got there. (Insert sad face) Love the birdcage
chimes hanging by the entrance!

Our condo has a lovely screened porch with views of the river and we spent time enjoying the peace and quiet of nature from our third story view. Saturday morning we watched fishermen fly fishing and catching trout and yes the fish were bitin'!

We had a lovely Sunday brunch at the Chateau on Table Rock Lake with amazing food selections as we enjoyed the views from the dining room and listened to a talented pianist.

Chateau on the Lake source

I'm so thankful to have had some quiet time with my husband.

Now that we are back home ...going to start a fire and make a pot of tea...enjoy your week!

Linking with:

Susan's Outdoor Wednesday

Wishing for Spring!

2013-02-21T19:32:00.001-08:00

We had thundersleet last night! Really it was quite something to hear thunder and ice pellets hitting the windows all night. I'm not really complaining because we so need the moisture but it was a little weird!

I am so ready for spring as so many of my fellow gardeners are. Another year to plant, replace and build in the garden is exciting.

Don't we all love Pinterest on a snow day! Such a great place to share and save ideas and get inspired!

I love garden sheds and greenhouses.

I have several on my wishlist and have collected all my favorites on Pinterest.

So I'm counting the days till flowers are blooming and I can get my hands out in the dirt...but in the meantime we are taking a little trip through the Ozarks for some rest and relaxation after six weeks of refurbishing our rental we are a little weary but glad it's completed and rented again.

Enjoy your weekend!

Internet source

Southern Georgia Wedding

2013-02-02T21:13:00.000-08:00

Valentine's Day is almost here and I wanted to post something romantic. I've been so busy with getting our rental home refurbished that my tablescapes and blog posts have fallen by the wayside. Today I received the web images to share from the wedding so I thought the pictures would be perfect for a Valentine's post!

Our son Ryan got married last fall at an 1830's antebellum home in Bainbridge, Georgia.

The Commodore Inn was

a beautiful setting and we couldn't have been more excited and
pleased with
Ryan and Ashley's big day!

Located in Bainbridge Georgia the historical inn is surrounded by majestic oak trees covered in

spanish moss.

They got married under the gazebo on a perfect fall day.

Here are some of my favorite pictures from the day:

It took me forever to choose my favorite pictures and I still need to go through all 500 proofs again!

I've already filled one scrapbook and I'm working on a second one.

I'm linking with

Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays

Christmas Homecoming

2012-12-21T14:22:00.000-08:00

Sandestin Resort website

My southern roots lead me home for the holidays. My mother, brother and his growing family live in Florida where I spent most of my childhood. Our middle son also lives a few hours north of Florida with his new bride. So we transplanted "Okies" pack up and all head down to the gulf coast with our two furbabies in tow!

Sandestin Website

All the white sand and blue water is worth the 15 hour car trip that is always fun and full of tradition. When the boys were small we played all sorts of car games and made up a few of our own.

Pinterest

There are so many churches in the south that one year we counted churches all the way to keep the boys entertained. I don't remember the exact number they counted but it was in the hundreds!! They are grown now but still remember all the fun things we did before electronics. I 'm sure if you are old enough you have played those car games with your children too. After all back then we didn't have DVD players, cell phones and Ipads!

When we cross the Mississippi River we always take a break and marvel at the Mighty Mississippi River and bridge from a scenic visitor center.

South of Jackson, Mississippi there is a fruit stand that my husband and I have been stopping at since we first got married over 35 years ago!

Donna's website

Donna, the lady that owns it has gone from a small roadside stand to a large store with a gift and ice cream shop. She even has a website! People stop there from all over the country on their journey home for the holidays. I always have to buy some fresh produce and hot boiled peanuts!!

They give you lots of napkins so you can nibble your way home!

Photo: Jennifer Davick

Highway 98 is our last stretch of road and when we reach there we are "almost home". The highway winds through tall pines down to Mobile, Alabama and finally out to the
Florida gulf coast.

You do have to go through a long tunnel that goes under Mobile Bay and that was always an exciting part of the trip for my boys.

Another 90 minutes and we are home!

This year we are staying in Sandestin and I can't wait to see those sugar white beaches and spend time

with my family.

Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year!

See you next year!!

Christmas Luncheon

2012-12-11T17:46:00.000-08:00

This time of year there are so many fun parties and get togethers. I was excited to be invited to my former employer's Christmas luncheon.

We always look

forward to this party.

She lives in a beautiful historic home in Crown Heights and her home is rich with history even dating back to prohibition.

Center staircase and Christmas garland

I thought I would share the
gorgeous table

she set for us today.

Her tablescape featured handpainted dishes that an artist friend paints and gives her each year!

The centerpiece is a collection of silk Christmas trees, a beautiful angel and reindeer. The tall trees were removed during the meal so we could visit with each other across the table.

The plates are wonderful with a MacKenzie Child look and are personalized for the family.

Each plate is unique and

includes the year.

The colors are vibrant and I love the black and white check pattern that repeats in each plate.

She served a delicious meal and we had a wonderful time

decorating cookies,

laughing and exchanging presents.

Spending time with friends and family is just the best time ever.

Merry Christmas!

I'm linking with

Kathleen's Let Dish

Susan's Tablescape Thursdays

Flurries Tomorrow!

2012-12-09T15:30:00.000-08:00

I am not a snow person. I love snowmen and looking at snow and cute little snow covered houses.
I just don't like being out or

driving around in it!

I grew up mostly in the tropics with the exception of Ohio and had very little experience with the white stuff before coming to Oklahoma.

I do like having all four seasons, just without ice or snow.

As a child I remember my grandmother coming to visit us when we lived in Ohio and she made

snow ice cream with us!

I still remember how much
fun that was!

I was blessed with a wonderful grandmother who lived in Florida and was a true southern gal.

My father was in the Air Force and we got orders to move to Hawaii when I was in kindergarten. I enjoyed living in Hawaii but I sure missed my grandmother!

Hawaii was a beautiful place during the holidays and we lived there for four years.

I grew up singing

Mele kalikimaka and enjoyed
all the

warm holidays!!

1963 photo of me and my brother in our yard at Christmas. Note that the poinsettias have turned red next to the house. I'm sure living in Hawaii has given me a lifelong love of flowers!

Flurries are on the way for us tomorrow and I am dreaming of a tropical Christmas where the palm trees sway!

Sandestin in 2 weeks! I'll settle
for white sand!
Are we there yet?

Linking with

Smiling Sally's Blue Monday

Playing with Mud Pie

2012-12-03T14:21:00.000-08:00

Mud Pie makes me think of my childhood, that sinfully delicious chocolate desert, adorable baby clothes and my favorite dishes of all time!

I'm been gathering and playing with my Mud Pie holiday dishes
and planning a tablescape which I
finally finished.

The hospital gift shop where I worked as a nurse until my recent retirement, stocked a line of Mud Pie baby clothes. Thank goodness my kids were grown or I wouldn't have brought home a paycheck!

When the gift shop eventually started stocking Mud Pie serving pieces
and the Christmas collection and I knew I was a goner!

2011

The vibrant colors and fun graphics along with the three dimensional designs just melted my heart. I was hooked!! I started with a few pieces and ornaments and then the gift shop announced they were closing and everything was 50% to 80% off
for employees!!

You would have thought someone gave me a winning Powerball ticket!

Santa Ornament

I was able to purchase two of the black and white desert/cheese plates and the adorable loaf pans...

FaLaLa

and Merry.

The large mugs also found their way into my shopping bag as well.

2011

Oh and lest I forget this adorable picture frame

and these cute Halloween bowls.

Oops... and this sea turtle cheese server that I purchased for me and my best friend who adores sea turtles.

Who could really fault me for falling in love with such an adorable collection? Especially since I purchased most of the collection for at least 50% off !

2011
Snowman Ornament

I have bought some darling Mud Pie baby gifts for friends as
Mud Pie has the cutest baby clothes I've ever seen!

No I'm not a spokesperson for Mud Pie nor have I received any money or products from them...(although I'd be happy to take some off their hands) I just adore their products.

Each year they introduce new holiday pieces that are fun and festive! Even though last year's pieces aren't available...the new pieces coordinate nicely from year to year and can be easily mixed and matched.

I love that because I mix patterns and plates all the time to get new looks! I layered the black and white desert plates on my green majolica
and red chargers from Portugal.

This year since the hospital gift shop is no longer open I had to find another Mud Pie source. Thankfully our local stationery shop, Paper 'N More in Oklahoma City carries a large selection! Here's a photo of the gift department and their Mud Pie display!

I used great restraint and purchased two mugs that coordinate with my desert plates from last year's collection.

Rudolf and Santa!

I also chose one of the new
cookie plates with a black and white fluted edge.
I wanted two more of the black
and white checked desert plates but
they were unavailable. Maybe I can find them on ebay.

Many of you have inquired where to find the collection and online is probably your best bet. Mud Pie has a great website! A good number of hospital and fine gift shops carry the collection so you may have to make a few phone calls to find them in
your area.

So finally I set my table for two at our breakfast table and added my favorite teapot "Mrs. Potts".

I used the placemats and napkins I purchased back in February while in Carmel and added a simple silver napkin ring.

Mud Pie brings out the kid in me and I love playing with such pretty colorful dishes and adding them into the mix with things I 've had for years. I can't wait to share this table with my best friend!

Topiary in a Mug

Merry Christmas and I hope you find time to be a kid again during the holiday season and do something you love! Remember to celebrate the true meaning of Christmas with your family and friends!

Glory to the Newborn King!

I'm linking

Tablescaper's Seasonal Sunday

Susan's Tablescape Thursday

Marty's Tabletop Tuesday

Kathleen's Let Dish

Nita's Mod Mix Monday

http://modvintagelife.blogspot.com/2012/12/mod-mix-monday-79.html

Sneak Peek

2012-11-28T13:26:00.002-08:00

I've been up in the newly re-organized attic getting my Christmas decorations and putting away the fall bins. I was stressing because the ONLY things I couldn't find were my favorite Christmas Mud Pie dishes! Silly me I didn't put them there! I found them safely in another part of the house and I had even labeled them so nicely. So much for my memory!

When I found them I was so excited I had to stop right then and play with my dishes!! This is a preview of my next tablescape.

Now I can relax and go grocery shopping...but I'm definitely going to make a list since I can't seem to remember things!

Hope you all find your

Christmas decorations!!

I'm linking with

Kathleen's Let Dish

Cindy's Show and Tell Friday

Plaid Tidings

2012-11-25T15:10:00.000-08:00

We are going to my home state of Florida this year for Christmas and I really wanted to get a jump on Christmas decorations so we could enjoy them before we leave.

Saturday I went into the attic (recently organized with the help of my son) to get the dining room tree and managed to get it up and decorated. I think this is the earliest I've had a tree up. What a joy it was to go into the attic and find the exact things I was looking for! My resolution now that I'm retired is to be way more organized!

I removed my Thanksgiving tablecloth and decided rather than coming up with a completely new tablescape I would use some of the same basic elements from that table for a Christmas table.

Collecting has been fun over the years and now that I have many seasonal dishes and tablecloths it is easy to just change a few things for a whole new look.

I started with a red tablecloth and

used the same lantern, candlesticks,

greenery, topiaries and brass chargers that were on my Thanksgiving table.

I removed the turkey and replaced him with a sweet little bird to go along with my cardinal dishes.

I switched out the candles for Santas that I found at a thrift store for 50 cents! I just added a Christmas candle ring where the amber ones had been.

I needed something to replace the oranges and I found a pine cone garland in my stash.

I added a few plaid ribbons to the topiaries for extra color.

The dishes were found at an antique store and were less than $10 for all four. They are from Cracker Barrel and I love red cardinals and holly.

The brass chargers were from an estate sale and the twig chargers from one of my favorite stores..Pier One.

The plaid placemats were on sale as well for 50% off and the tablecloth came from a thrift store. I really didn't spend a lot on this table since almost everything was on sale or second hand!

I'm linking with

Metamorphosis Monday

Marty's Tabletop Tuesdays

Kathleen's Let Dish

Tablescape Thursdays

Happy Thanksgiving!

2012-11-22T14:12:00.000-08:00

Thanksgiving is one of my
favorite holidays!

Growing up I remember Thanksgiving

was one of the times Mom would use the "real china" and it made our
meal seem even more special!

She eventually amassed an extensive china and dish collection from her travels and living overseas and loved entertaining her church group and family. She has given me many pieces to enjoy and it makes her happy to know her things are still being used.

The crystal on my table
she purchased while in Japan.
I too love setting a pretty table and I'm on the lookout for beautiful tablecloths and items I can add to my collection.
I always buy off season for the biggest savings.

I purchased this tablecloth on sale and just fell in love with the fabric. The orange pops of color made me think of Thanksgiving although it is a little untraditional and that's why I chose to use it this year. I didn't want to repeat the same style table I did last year.

I thought the table just needed solid color dishes so they wouldn't compete with the tablecloth. I layered a white dinner plate over a brass charger and finished with an orange fall leaf plate.

The leaf plates are great for salad or bread and are very versatile. They were Wal-Mart specials
a few seasons ago.

The chargers were from an estate sale and were brand new in a box. $ 3.oo for 4 chargers and I purchased two boxes.

The lantern I've had for years and the turkey tureen was a bargain find at a thrift store for $1.98!!

Beautiful copper dripless candles were the perfect color and I purchased these in Sonoma on a recent trip. I used my grandma's white milk glass candleholders and covered them with some greenery and napkin rings for a little sparkle.

Oranges are the perfect compliment to the tablecloth. How easy is that
for a centerpiece?
I love topiaries and added them
to the table for some height.

Simple solid color beige linen napkins were folded and placed under the plate
for a more casual feel.
I then used my mother-in-law's sterling to complete the table.

I set the table the night before Thanksgiving and love the soft candlelight!

Hope your day is full of fun, family, food and thankfulness!

Linking with:

Tablescape Thursdays
and
Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays

Surprise Thanksgiving Flowers

2012-11-17T20:17:00.000-08:00

My friends and family know that I adore and love flowers in my garden and home. I am always thrilled to receive a bouquet from the grocery store or florist especially when unexpected!

My husband's employer had an appreciation dinner party for their employees and clients on the 50th floor of the Devon Tower, our newest skyscraper in Oklahoma City and it was a beautiful evening. The views are amazing from that vantage point.
The architecture and finishes of the building are high end, state of the art and Oklahoma City has a building
to be proud of !

The Devon Tower and Chesapeake Arena in the foreground. We are proud to have the Oklahoma Thunder who play at the arena!

The Devon Tower lobby and exterior are already decked out for Christmas and the enormous ornaments make a
bold statement.

Rotunda

If you visit Oklahoma City during the holidays you might want to add a trip to the Devon Tower and the Myriad Gardens across the street. The Christmas light display is beautiful!

The centerpieces for the tables were dramatic. (Excuse the clarity of the photos..taken with a phone camera)

We all admired how beautiful the arrangements were and the selection of flowers. Tulips, roses, purple hydrangeas, bells of ireland, tiger lilies, spider mums and orchids were combined for a striking bouquet and not the usual fall combinations.

At the end of a beautiful evening several of the ladies were offered an arrangement and I was more than happy to receive one to enjoy in my home!

Now I don't need to shop for a Thanksgiving centerpiece as this is gracing my dining room and is quite stunning! I love my surprise Thanksgiving flowers!

I am thankful for so much this year!
Happy Thanksgiving!

I'm linking with:

Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays
Marty's Tabletop Tuesdays
Tootsie's Flaunt your Flowers

Sunflower Tea Table

2012-11-10T11:49:00.000-08:00

I've been traveling the past couple months and haven't put together a tablescape in some time. I love yellow and was inspired by our recent trip to Napa and Sonoma with the warm colors of the sun to create a fun table. Sunflowers and lavender were in bloom and we enjoyed the beautiful fall colors of the grapevines.

Sunflowers just make me smile!

I purchased these placemats and napkins earlier in the year in a wonderful shop in Carmel. I love the black and white floral pattern that reverses to black gingham. I have used these for my Valentine's table paired with red tablecloth and napkins.

I thought they would look great
with yellow too.

My favorite sunflower plates are
from Pier One. I use them often.
I started with a simple white basket-weaved bordered dinner plate.

The Debbie Mumm large coffee/teapot was given to my by a sweet friend. She knows I love sunflowers and found it at a garage sale.

The napkin rings were purchased in Solvang, California and when I saw them I knew they would compliment my dishes perfectly.

The yellow tablecloth and napkins are from a thrift store in Pacific Grove. They were brand new and the thrift store proceeds go to help the local animal shelter. So it was a win-win!

The little 'Fleur' vase was purchased in a great antique shop in Fredericksburg, Texas. I filled it with fresh sunflowers for my little breakfast table.

We are enjoying the last warm weekend here in Oklahoma City. A front is moving through and will bring storms and rain. Meanwhile the sun is shining in my kitchen!

I'm linking with

The Tablescaper
Marty's Table Top Tuesdays
Kathleen's Let's Dish and
Susan's Tablescape Thursdays

Fall Garden Walk

2012-11-08T14:16:00.000-08:00

Leaves are turning and falling just as fast!

I'm wishing for another few weeks of fall before it freezes. I went out in the garden and snapped a few pictures just in case my flowers freeze this weekend.

(Insert sad face)

Our pin oaks are in their fall glory and I enjoy watching them change color everyday!

My red leaf begonias are still thriving.

Our red geraniums are blooming again and
I'll pull them out for overwintering soon.

The wooded greenbelt behind our home provides for great fall views and wildlife watching. We have deer, fox, owls and redhawks that visit along with the more common opossums, skunks and raccons.

I'm enjoying each fall day and walking through the garden before those cold winter days arrive. Here in Oklahoma our weather can change so quickly. Today it's 70 degrees outside and a glorious day!

Hope you enjoy your fall landscape!
I'm linking with Tootsie's Fertilizer Fridays!
Go by and visit!

Fall Favorites

2012-11-01T09:51:00.000-07:00

I'm back from all my travels and although I enjoyed California, Florida and Georgia it is always good to be home and back out in my garden. Fall is my favorite season and the colors in the landscape are just beautiful!

Holidays are fast approaching and before long we will be hurrying about to get things done for Thanksgiving and Christmas so I'm enjoying the calmness right now and catching up.

I thought I would share a few of my favorite fall photos from the last year.

My favorite scarecrow

Our majestic red oaks

Favorite fall destination-War Eagle, Arkansas

The Grist Mill

Wishing fall was all year long!

Southern Garden Wedding

2012-10-11T14:17:00.000-07:00

I can't believe it has been months since I have posted...sometimes life just happens and time slips away!

I recently retired from almost 20 years as a registered nurse and hung up my stethoscope! I am so grateful for the ability to be full-time homemaker
however the past few months have been hectic! We have been planning a southern garden wedding!

Garden at the Commodore Inn

Our son called us in August and told us he was getting married in October and we only had 90 days to help plan the event. He brought his fiance here to meet us ...they live in Georgia and we are in Oklahoma so I scurried around and re-decorated and painted the guest room for Ashley's arrival!

My mother is also having health issues and lives in Florida so I will leave tomorrow to spend some time with her the week before the wedding. On top of that we also had two trips planned to Colorado and another to California before the addition of the wedding trip...whew! We have just returned from a wonderful time in Tahoe and Napa...so needless to say blogging has taken a backseat these past two months!

I thought I would stop in and post a few pictures of the wedding location in Georgia before I head down south for the week.

My daughter-in law " to be" has always wanted to get married in a gazebo and this 1840's antebellum home in Bainbridge has the perfect outdoor garden and gazebo. The gazebo was being refurbished so I can't wait to see how it looks all decked out for fall! The home has been converted to a bed and breakfast.

Spanish moss hangs from the ancient oak trees that canopy the garden.

I'm off to Florida tomorrow and then on to Georgia for a true southern wedding!

Exciting times...will post more pictures when I get back!

Have a great week!

Heat Domes & Herbs

2012-07-24T18:55:00.000-07:00

Wow is it ever hot here in Oklahoma! The heat dome is over much of the midwest and we are praying for rain! We had a high of 107 last week and my plants are starting to feel the effects
of the heat and drought! Thank goodness for
sprinkler systems...I've been mulching
everything to cut down on watering.

On a positive note... I am thankful for herbs that love this heat. My rosemary and lavender are thriving and never looked better.

Inspiration came from a few grocery store herbs that led me to create a herb vignette with some herb themed items I have collected over the past few years. My latest addition is this bee skep...they look wonderful in a herb garden.

I started with an apron a good friend gave me

and just laid it down on the table as a runner. I just love the fabric!

The woven tray serves as a perfect setting for these little herb pots I purchased earlier this year on a trip to California. The herb pots will be perfect for a kitchen window sill garden this winter. I try to use only fresh herbs to cook with whenever possible.

This little herb topiary book I have had for many years and it has lots of great ideas to

create your own topiaries and very detailed information about herbs.

I like adding a few interesting items and unexpected items to a table too and
the plant labels are fun and can be used as place cards for guests.

The dishes were found for $1 each at Goodwill and they have 4 matching bowls and a chip and dip server. Don't you love those bargains? The delicate pattern features some of my favorite herbs!

The lavender sachet is a pretty guest favor and looks pretty tucked in the bowl.

The dried lavender is from my garden...when I deadhead my 'Grosso' lavender I just bundle and bring it in. I also cut it when it is in it's prime...but even spent blooms don't go to waste...I just make potpourri out of them or replenish my sachets. 'Grosso' is the most fragrant of the lavenders and so worth growing. I have added a few more plants to my garden this year so I will have plenty to
cut next summer!

This Goodwill find can be used for salad dressing

or a vase for herbs.

The pretty dish towel was purchased at the Apple Farm Inn in San Luis Obispo...such a wonderful place to shop, dine or stay!

The candle is handmade from the

Fredericksburg Herb Farm in Texas

and is lemon grass scented. Their candles are wonderful and I discovered them on a trip there a few years ago. I have to order them in between visits since we don't get there nearly often enough.

If you are ever in that part of the country the herb farm is a real treat...they have added a spa and darling cottages to stay in! The restaurant is wonderful too! It's on our list to re-visit
next spring.

Stay cool and hope you find something

to inspire you even in all this heat!

I'm linking with:

Marty's Tabletop Tuesdays
Tootsie's Fertilizer Fridays
and
Susan's Tablescape Thursdays
Tablescaper's Seasonal Sundays