Old Fashioned Farmhouse

Recipe for Contentment

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 13:48:00 +0000

I am posting this as a reminder today. I really needed this.

Recipe for Contentment

time required: Hebrews 10:35-39
preheat at 1 John 3:1-3

Ingredients:
Matthew 6:8, 32         Matthew 5:45
Matthew 7:9-11          1 Corinthians 10:13
1 Timothy 6:6-8         Romans 8:28-39
Hebrews 13:5-6          Proverbs 31:25
Philippians 4:11-13   1 Peter 5:10-11
Job 2:10

~~~~~~
Directions:
Matthew 6:9-21, 25-34   1 Peter 4:19
Matthew 7:7-8                    1 Peter 5:6-9
Proverbs 3:5-6                   1 Timothy 6:17
Proverbs 19:23                   Exodus 20:17
Hebrews 13:5-6
Philippians 2:14-15
Romans 8:24-25

Serves All: O taste and see that the Lord is Good! Psalm 34:8

*Can be made under all circumstances according to Paul’s not-so-secret recipe! Philippians 4:12*

Hebrews 1:3“The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.”

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Bad news, Good news!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 05 Apr 2011 15:41:00 +0000

Life is in the Details is closing and Old Fashioned Farmhouse is here.

Hello Ladies, I just wanted to pop in here to remind you to pop over to my new blog. It’s been on my mind for awhile to change my blog name and reflect more of where I am and where I am going.

If you are a follower of this blog, I hope you will continue to be a follower at my hew home. Please pop over and let me know you stopped by.

I have missed my blogging life and my friends, but life has been happening so I needed this little break.

At this time I am not going to delete this blog, but will in the future. So change your bookmarks my friends.

Blessings,
Cindy

Changes are coming!

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 04 Apr 2011 17:44:00 +0000

Just a real quick note to let you know to be on the lookout for some changes, beginning with a new blog name and url. It is alot of work to update, but I hope you will continue to follow me.

Hoping to have things ready in a few days or sooner.

Be back soon!

Simple Pleasure and Gratitude 2-10-11

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 10 Feb 2011 14:12:00 +0000

Today I thought I could tie them both in together….

It’s been a while since I have gotten to participate in these meme’s but I just love them both and the other ladies are so dear that I have had the opportunity to meet and share with. I’ve been moving and getting settled since Halloween of last year so it’s good to be back. :)

My Simple Pleasure and Gratitude today is simply REST

It’s wonderful to have the time to rest our bodies and know that we don’t have anything pressing that has to be done. Can you say grateful? After several months of running and going non stop it is wonderful to be able to simply stop and rest.

Join us over @ A Collection of This and That for Simple Pleasures hosted by Dayle and Thankful Thursday hosted by Laurie @ Women Taking a Stand

And

1 Corinthians 13:1-3“If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing.”

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Should I lie

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 21:27:00 +0000

and tell ya that I have been on some far away trip and I’m so exhausted by all the excursions that I’ve done, that I can barely think straight. When in reality I have been playing hold up and hostage

in my own home. Yep, you heard that right. I have been sitting here at home and not blogging nor really wanting to post. Ok…that’s not really true, I’ve wanted to post but just haven’t felt that I have had anything worthy or fun to even share.

I think this weather has me in some kind of a funk. This happens to me alot around this time of the year…All the activities of the holidays are over and this year I had the move on top of everything else, so I am feeling a bit “out of sorts”. Although I am a wee bit excited about all the progress I have made with getting things in order. Isn’t that what January is all about? And that is what I spent most of January doing…..cleaning out computer files, making password list, personal work related files, creating a coupon binder, going back to the menu planner, and also back to cooking and baking more. :) Not bad for a January. Now that February is here, we have gotten my hubby’s work office moved to a new location. (His lease was up at his other office), and hoping now we can focus on some fun stuff.

This past weekend (Sat) he and I took the day and headed out to a auction up in Pa that had primitives for sale. Oh my…good thing I am living in a shoe box because there was lots I wanted to bring home

. Afterwards we hit several antique stores in the area, grabbed some dinner, did some grocery shopping and headed home. I was utterly worn out when we got home.

Sunday we headed out to church followed by stopping in at the store to grab a few things for lunch. We came home and made lunch together, Chicken fijitas’ ummmmmm yummy!, even had time for a nap before the Super Bowl. All in all it was a great weekend…so what have I been up to this week….

Trying to decide what to do for my family for Valentines day. Got any plans? We don’t usually do alot for each other. And for my kids, I normally just pick them up some goodies, but this year I am playing around with the thought of “making them some homebaked goodies” .

I will most likely work on them tomorrow as hubby is taking Friday off from work and we may be going out of town for the day and Saturday we are taking my boys to see the Washington Wizards play the San Antonio Spurs in DC. So it should be another busy weekend.

So this hopefully gives you a idea of where I’m at as well as where my head is at these days. But hoping to be a much better blogging buddy soon.

Now where is that excursion list….JIC…..

2 Thessalonians 1:3“[Thanksgiving and Prayer] We ought always to thank God for you, brothers and sisters, and rightly so, because your faith is growing more and more, and the love all of you have for one another is increasing.”

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I’m still catching up

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 02 Feb 2011 17:19:00 +0000

I thought I would be caught up by now, but oh no. Instead of my list getting smaller, it seems to be growing. Everyday I wake up to a new list of things that I want to accomplish. When will it end, maybe after ALL the snow.

Look familiar?

Alot of this has been going on around here.

We have had lots of snow and ice this year and so it has prompted me to really work on some projects that I have put off for a long time. (Staying home ALOT).

And I feel like I am finally finding my balance.

It amazing how much I can get done in a day if I stay away from the computer. :)

I have been spending much more time in my kitchen, which can be a good thing or a bad thing. I feel some of the weight I lost a bit ago creeping back on. YIKES!

Waiting for spring, so I can get some outside exercise.

She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and portions for her servant girls. She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are strong for her tasks. Proverbs 31:15-17

For a long time, especially when my kids were small, I used a menu planner faithfully. However as they got older, I kind of drifted away from that. As well as grocery shopping in my usual weekly manner. But over time it has proven that we have not and aren’t eaten well balanced meals due to no planning. Eating alot of quick meals. So I am working on implementing this menu plan and grocery shopping again to my routine. Clipping coupons and making list.

I have created a new Coupon Binder which I am hoping to use. I need to share some pictures of mine, but it’s still not completed. But if you use coupons and think that you might be interested in creating one for yourself

Things You'll Need:

3-ring binder
pencil pouch for binder
plastic baseball card protector pages
folders
divider sheet with write-on tabs
empty envelopes
any other small accessories you want

(photo courtesy of Ehow)

The Cowboys Wife @ The Wooden Spoon has a video you can watch to put one together.

I also have another project completed…will have to share that with you the next time….All I will say it I’m lovin it!!! Just sayin!

Can we talk Valentines? Next time….

1 Corinthians 2:9“However, as it is written: “What no eye has seen, what no ear has heard, and what no human mind has conceived”— the things God has prepared for those who love him—”

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Will I ever catch up

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 13 Jan 2011 18:34:00 +0000

with all of you….I am hoping too. There just doesn’t seem to be enough hours in the day to get everything done that needs doing. Like the old sayin goes, “the faster I go, the behinder I get”.
I’m all tucked into my new surroundings. A small little two bedroom apartment, It’s actually quite cozy and I am enjoying spending my days here. For this little season in my life, I am grateful.
"Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God." Phil 4:6 NKJV

It's perfect for hubby and I and we can sit back and re evaluate our priorities and decisions we need to make without all the pressures of owning our own home. I am finally starting to feel like I can breathe again.
It’s hard to believe that I was away from my blog for over 5 weeks, but so much has happened in that timeframe. Moving day finally arrived.

Let’s just say without the goodness of alot of friends, I would still be moving. We made the initial haul to our new home on the 18th of December, but we continued to move for the next 8 days. Yep…you heard me right. 8 days and on the 9th day we closed on house. Closing was on the 27th.

Whew, so you know what that means, we had Christmas in our new little apt. amongst boxes and all.

I must admit that during the time I wasn’t in the most festive mood. My mood and attitude was anything but cheerful. I hurt and my whole body ached. Now looking back, I hate that I let this move take the joy out my holiday. Even though we had one little tree( I normally have around 7-8), it was decorated and there were presents under it. Which wasn’t easy to do. Have you ever tried moving and shopping for presents and decorating for Christmas ALL at the same time. If not, I DON”T RECOMMEND IT!!!

After the holidays and the closing, hubby put me on a plane and sent me to Kentucky for a week. To spend with family and just to regroup. I can’t tell you how relaxing it was to just “do nothing”.
So now I have been back home for over a week and I am trying to get myself on a schedule and back in the groove….making my list and checking them twice.

I hope everyone’s new year has started off good. Did you make any new year’s resolutions? I didn’t.

However there is one thing that I want to achieve. I am reading the bible in 90 days. Several years ago, I made a goal to read the bible, something I had never done completely. And I am pleased to say that I did it. So this time I thought it might be a good idea to do it in 90 days.

Yesterday I spent some time changing a few things on my blog….I plan to make a few more changes in the near future. Nothing big, but just want a fresh new look…

I received a email from a anonymous reader who asked me “Now that you have taken the apron picture down, is it possible to see it again?” Yes, it is, thanks for your email and for stopping in and dropping me a line. I was going to email you back but no return address. P.S. This is one of my favorite pictures too.

Well ladies, need to get back in the kitchen, Chicken pot pie is on the dinner menu.

2 Corinthians 5:19-20“that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.”

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Am I crazy yet?

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 15:11:00 +0000

Ok…don’t answer that. I feel awful that I haven’t been around to visit with you all, but I am knee deep in boxes, and a array of odds and ends that I don’t know what to do with it. Or how to pack.

Normally at this time of year, I would be engrossed in all the festivities of the holiday season, not this year, and it has bummed me a bit. Haven’t bought the first present and not sure when I will. Our plans are to move on the 18th into a 2 bedroom apt, however, it all depends on when our appraisal comes back..which is being done today. UGH! Anyway, if we can get into our apt by the 18th, I will get a chance to put my tree up for my kids, and possibly do some baking, among boxes, but that’s okay.

But right now, I am taking it day to day….

My dining room table loaded with things I don’t know how to pack.

Kitchen counters covered with “stuff” that doesn’t have a home. Several of the cabinets are already empty, however I am saving this room for last to pack.

This is the family room, and I have packed most of the things in here already, the things I haven’t packed will be moved to the apt to use there. (I am having to pack for immediate use in the apt, as well as pack to store for long term) What a job!Another pile of “stuff” in the living room that I don’t know how to pack. But most of this room has been emptied out.

Basically I have cleaned out EVERY drawer, closet, bathroom cabinet, nook and crannies except the kitchen and packed it away. About all that is left is our garage and my hubby’s office to go through.

Girls if you have any tips or hints, PLEASE do share…I could use them.

Hope you all are enjoying the season, and really wish I could share more of it with you….but hoping soon things will be better for me.

John 11:25“Jesus said to her, “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in me will live, even though he dies;”

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Happy Thanksgiving

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 12:19:00 +0000

T is for the trust the pilgrims had so many years ago
H is for the harvest the settlers learnt to grow
A is for America, the land in which we live
N is for nature and beauty which she gives
K is for kindness, gentle words, thoughtful deeds
S is for smiles, the sunshine everyone needs
G is for gratitude... our blessings big and small
I is for ideas, letting wisdom grow tall
V is for voices, singing, laughing, always caring
I is for Indians, who taught them about sharing
N is for neighbors, across the street, over the sea
G is for giving of myself to make a better me

by Judith.A. Lindberg

Colossians 3:17“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.”

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Thanksgiving Eve

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 24 Nov 2010 18:48:00 +0000

Today has been filled with getting things ready for our traditional family dinner. Thanksgiving is my favorite holiday meal and I enjoy every minute in the kitchen baking and cooking for my family. The aromas of pies and breads baking in the oven….smells of cinnamon, nutmeg, swirling around. Candles flickering a soft sweet glow. Sipping cocoa or cider.

That is just one of my favorite traditions, spending the day before Thanksgiving in the kitchen, as well as watching a black and white Christmas movie while working away the hours. Today I’m watching “White Christmas”.

Tonight, when all my kids arrive it will be spent finishing up the last minute prep, and watching the classic “Charlie Brown Thanksgiving”. A holiday favorite too.

Do you have any Thanksgiving Holiday Traditions?

Hope your having a blessed day!!!

Colossians 2:6-7“[Freedom From Human Regulations Through Life With Christ] So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”

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I'm still here

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 14:44:00 +0000

Just wanted to let you all know that I am okay and I'm still here.

Since my last entry, we have SOLD OUR HOUSE!

Woohoo! Doing a happy dance!!!!

Anyway, there is a ton of things to do, and with both holidays coming before settlement, I am a bit overwhelmed. We settle on our house 27th of December, but hoping to be moved out the week before Christmas so that I can still put up a tree and have a holiday with my children. (We still haven’t found a place to move too, but have several leads)

Thanks to all who have emailed me about my absence, it means alot to know that I have been missed. I am still around and will be back once things slow down a bit.

I hope all you dear friends have a very happy and blessed Thanksgiving.

Blessings

Psalm 100:4-5“Enter his gates with thanksgiving and his courts with praise; give thanks to him and praise his name. For the LORD is good and his love endures forever; his faithfulness continues through all generations.”

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Don’t forget the Porch

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 29 Oct 2010 12:58:00 +0000

I don’t know about you, but I love when I am out driving and I run across a home that is decorated for the upcoming season. Something makes me feel good inside, is shows love of home to me and a family that shares together. A mom who wants to make “home” a special place for her family and make memories that last a lifetime. Below are some of those that I enjoy looking at:

Check out all kinds of decorating with the entries for the front porch contest.

Here is a sneak peek of mine:

Got your porch decorated? Be sure to let me know, so I can stop over and visit.

Hope you have a blessed Friday and weekend.

Romans 12:1“[Living Sacrifices] Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual act of worship.”

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Simple Pleasures-Reading

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 13:45:00 +0000

Happy Thursday dear friends….hope your having a great week and are enjoying this fall weather. I am loving everything about this time of year…

Last night I spent the evening making pumpkin bread and my house smelled so yummy, the mixes of cinnamon and nutmeg and pumpkin spice filling the house was a aroma to behold. Anyway, I could go on about that and the smells of cooking are a wonderful simple pleasure, but today the one I am really enjoying now is reading.

This is my favorite…Amish Fiction, next to my bible and bible study books, this is what I enjoying reading the most. These stories are full of family, love, faith. Such strong family values. Where life slows down and the real things in life that matter are tended to.

“If you think all romance novels have covers displaying a shirtless Fabio clone embracing a woman with heaving bosoms and are filled with torrid sex scenes, think again. The hottest trend right now in the romance genre is the “Amish inspirational,” which are books with chastely dressed women on the front and no sex inside. Yep, that’s right, kissing is about as racy as it gets in an Amish inspirational. But, for many readers, that’s very appealing. As a recent article in USA Today says, “In our sex-soaked society, nothing seems to inflame the imagination quite like the chaste.””

If your a reader, and you love the simple life, I highly recommend these books. You will not be disappointed.

So what is your simple pleasure today? Check out what others are saying, by stopping in at Simple Pleasures. Join Dayle (our wonderful hostess) @ A Collection of This and That.

1 Peter 1:24-25“For, "All men are like grass, and all their glory is like the flowers of the field; the grass withers and the flowers fall, but the word of the Lord stands forever." And this is the word that was preached to you.”

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Little behind the times

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Tue, 26 Oct 2010 14:57:00 +0000

Do you ever get like that? I know I do.

I decided that today I would finally offload my camera, cause I had gads of pictures that I wanted to share, but just hadn’t taken the time to do this one intricate step.

Several weeks ago, I mentioned that hubby and I traipsed off to The Wild Rose and Co. shop that was just opening in our area, you can read about the shop opening here, oh and did we ever. Well, today I am going to show you just one of the things I got while we were there. If you remember this is the weekend hubby was in the market for the new TV. Anyhow, I fell in love with one piece there and he fell for another. This is the piece he fell in love with. (Sorry it is a lop sided view of the cabinet) but hey, what can I say.

Actually this is a old cabinet that was housed in a barn (I believe) until Molly got ahold of it. (Check out her blog and the other talented ladies that have space in this shop ooh la, la!!. You can find their links on the other post)

Anyway, Molly put this piece in the shop, and even though I loved it too, I wasn’t sure it was going to work for the purpose of a TV stand. It was a bit to high, so hubby took his handy dandy saw to the legs and shortened it a bit. Now it is perfect height! But I am in {heart} with the way it houses my components and DVD’s and CD’s.

Not sure it is going to stay this way, as I have another piece that I purchased too, and have some ideas for it…so you will just have to wait and see what happens with it. Hoping to finish up with it soon.

This past weekend, hubby and I traveled down to The Barn Show and that was really awesome. Unfortunately I couldn’t go down on Friday, so went down Saturday and they still had great pieces to buy. But with very sad face, I didn’t get anything. I am believing I need a bigger home, or I need to stop liking these girls work. Anyway, here is a small sample of what they had that I just fell in love with.

(Forgive the quality of these pictures, they were made on my phone)

How cool would this be as a kitchen counter island. It was a distressed cream color with the dark top…stunning!

This desk would have come home with me, if I could have figured out a place to use it. It had loads of space and little cubbies, and it was painted a wonderful mustard gold with a dark stain. Be still my heart….

I would die for this too….it was painted black with all the little white labels….needless to say my head was reeling by the time we left.

And here is sweet Gail of The Kramer Angle check out her blog….she does awesome work and has such beautiful things at her shows and in the Wild Rose Shop and Co. If your local check her out, you’ll be so glad you did. I know I am….

Again I apologize for the quality of these grainy photos, but I am making do with what I got.

I hope you enjoyed your visit, and make sure you pop back in soon, want to share my front porch decked out for fall with ya.

Hope your having a blessed day.

2 Timothy 3:16-17“All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the man of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”

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Simple Pleasure - Lighting my Candle

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:27:00 +0000

Happy Thursday to everyone, today I am participating in Simple Pleasures with Dayle @ A Collection of This and That. I hope you will check out the simple pleasures that others are sharing.

Today my Simple Pleasure is my Pumpkin Spice Candle burning in my kitchen/family room. The aromas stemming from it feel the senses with warmth and coziness.
I love the way the candle changes the mood in the house, as well as mine,something as simple as a candle can slow me.
So what is your simple pleasure today?

Psalm 40:8“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

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Thankful Thursday-Good Health

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 21 Oct 2010 14:12:00 +0000

Another Thankful Thursday is upon us….and today I am extremely thankful for my health. For the last several days I have not been feeling all that well. Not really anything bad, but just didn’t feel good, mainly upset stomach and just feeling blasé.

And this morning I woke up feeling much better and it made me realize just how much we take for granted when we feel good.

And it gave me enough incentive today to decide to change some of my habits. Drink more water, green tea, drink less caffeine, etc… I want to feel healthy more than I want to feel tired, sick
and just not myself. How bout you?

Today Lynn, suggested we share ten things that make you uniquely you.

I have a heavy southern accent
I share my birthday with the Marine Corp
I LOVE history
I love to watch it snow, but hate driving in it
I love old black and white classics
If I could have done anything other than being a mom and housewife, I would have liked being a investigator
I'm the oldest
I lived in 4 other countries
I like to salt my apples when I eat them ( I get laughed at for this)
I take sugar and cream in my coffee.

So what is unique about you?
What are you thankful for today? If you would like to join us for Thankful Thursday hosted by Lynn @Spiritually Unequal Marriage, stop in.

Psalm 40:8“I desire to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”

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Is your home singing?

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 18 Oct 2010 20:03:00 +0000

After a very busy Monday Morning, I am finally taking a break.

I’m a bit late in getting this post up, but thought I would share Making My Home Sing Monday hosted by Nan @ Mom’s the Word

I have spent the morning getting my house back in order after a weekend full of kids, cooking, and football. Every weekend of Football season, all my kids come home (they all live away from home)either on Friday night or Saturday morning and stay until Monday when they have to go back to work, or leave late on Sunday night. Either way, it gives my house a total workout when they are all here, not to mention, mom, plus usually I they bring a significant other with them. This weekend, I had kids sprawled out all over my house, in sleeping bags and couches, as well as my kids own rooms….but it was fun.

So this morning, I lit my pumpkin spice candle and filled my sink with hot soapy water, and started washing down my entire kitchen, cleaned my oven (I had a little mishap with a overflowing casserole this weekend), countertops, washed all my glass canisters, and moved some things around. Then moved onto the floors, which were in dire need of a good mopping, My major focus was on the kitchen, although the whole house got a quick pick up and dusting, and since there will not be anyone here until again until the weekend, I think I will save the sheets for Wednesday.

So what did you do to make you home sing today?

Hope your having a beautifully blessed day.

Psalm 27:14“Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD.”

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Simple Pleasures and Thankful Thursday

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 14 Oct 2010 13:04:00 +0000

all rolled into one. :)

Today I am joining Dayle @ A Collection of This and That for Simple Pleasure and Lynn @ Spiritually Unequal Marriage for Thankful Thursday.

I have so much in this life to be thankful for and I give God the thanks on a daily basis. Even the small things.

By him therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name. (Hebrews 13:15)

Today my simple pleasure is really simple really. Pumpkin Spice Latte…

When I see the signs go up at Starbucks or DD I know that fall has finally arrived. It is the one thing during this season I afford myself the pleasure.

I love curling up with my latte and thumbing through some old books or magazines or simply watching a wonderful old Classic movie. Doesn’t get much better than that, does it?

You might ask why I am thankful for this little simple pleasure….well again for me, it is simple. For the past several weeks, when my children have come through town on the way to my house, they have stopped off and picked one up for me. Why, because they know it is a treat that I love. And seeing their giving and generous hearts is always something to be thankful for. Plus I am thankful that it is a wonderful time to create special memories with them while we sip our drink of choice for this colorful and beautiful season. So what are your simple pleasure today, and what are you thankful for?

God is so good!

Pumpkin Spice Latte
makes 1-2 servings

Ingredients:
2 cups milk
2 tablespoons canned pumpkin OR 1 teaspoon of Torani Pumpkin Spice Syrup (I use canned pumpkin)
2 tablespoons sugar or sugar substitute
2 tablespoons vanilla extract
1/2 teaspoon pumpkin pie spice
1-2 shots espresso (about 1/4 cup of espresso or 1/2 cup of strong brewed coffee if you don't have an espresso machine.)

Directions:
In a saucepan combine milk, pumpkin and sugar and cook on medium heat, stirring, until steaming. Remove from heat, stir in vanilla and spice, transfer to a blender and process for 15 seconds until foamy. If you don't have a blender, don't worry about it - just whisk the mixture really well with a wire whisk.

Pour into a large mug or two mugs. Add the espresso on top.

Top with whipped cream and sprinkle pumpkin pie spice, nutmeg, or cinnamon on top.

Life is Good!

Romans 12:2“Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God's will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will.”

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I did it again

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 23:07:00 +0000

went and stayed away much longer than I had planned. Guess I needed this little break from the blogging world.

Not sure about anyone else, but the last several weeks my life has been rather busy and at the same time, I can’t tell you alot that I have actually done. Nothing that would look like a major accomplishment, but one of great self satisfaction for me.

One of my primary focus though has been less time at the computer. Seems some days get lost while sitting at the computer, and I have made a pretty concentrated effort to stay away from the computer during the days. Spending much more time, getting caught up on things around here and puttering around with some “fun things” for the home.

My weekends have been full with all my kids here, so I have been spending time with them and doing quite abit of cooking. It’s all good! Something I have greatly missed since they have all been away.

I’m just taking in the wonderful days of Autumn, enjoying the weather and fall festivities in the area this time of year with family and friends. It has been like a breath of fresh air.

A little run down of some of the things I have been up to:

Antiquing with friends
Fall festivals and carnivals
Watching apple butter being made (and buying some) can you say YUMMO?
Decorating my front porch for Fall
Traipsing around hunting down the perfect pumpkins
Going to farmers markets
Creating list of upcoming crafting projects
Hitting some yard sales with my bf
Starting to organize photos (getting them ready to scan)
Cooking home cooked meals for my kids on the weekends
Watching football on Sundays with my sons
Reading for pleasure
Spending more time studying THE WORD
watching movies with my hubby
getting to bed earlier

So as you can see, I haven’t gotten alot to show for my time away, except a content heart. Which is a wonderful feeling.

I feel like I have been a terrible blogging friend/buddy, but this season has been a time for slowing down and making some changes and something that I feel like I really needed to do.

Not sure how often I will be around, maybe daily, maybe once a week…maybe when I feel like I have something to share….basically I am just taking this time as God leads me too, to enjoy those things that I get great joy from. My home, family, and friends. I know I will not be gone totally, because there is just so much out there in blogland and friends that I love to visit with and learn from.

K…since I have a few minutes tonight by myself…going to do some blog hopping. It’s been awhile.

Hope your having a blessed week so far.

Jeremiah 29:11“For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”

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Can't seem to get back in the groove

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:50:00 +0000

last week was spent ~~"working”~~ playing in my house, and getting ready for all my kids for the weekend…and as you can see, I didn’t get here to post even. Hoping I do better this week, although I can’t believe how late in the day it is already.
Saturday my hubby and I went out with some friends, we were heading to the Annual Apple Festival but there was just TOO many people, so we ended up going to the antique mall and then hitting up the market for some pumpkins and gourds. We had such a fun time and the weather was simply perfect.

I found a interesting assortment of gourds while I was here, I will have to show you later in the week…(they are still on my camera).
Today the weather has been rainy and cold, high was only 53 today. Today has been just a all around lazy day for me. Haven’t been real motivated. However, I have quite a few things on my plate for the rest of the week.
Just wait to you see what I have….Can’t wait to share.
Hope all is having a blessed Monday!

Busy Busy Busy Weekend

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Mon, 27 Sep 2010 14:31:00 +0000

but a fun one. Where to start.

My weekend all started on Friday when hubby came in to inform me he wanted a new TV, 55 inches to be exact. I said “WHaT? Anyway, to make a long story short, we decided to spend the day Saturday in search of his perfect TV. But before we could do that, I had a new place that I had wanted to check out. A new “shabby, chic, vintage, wonderful, glorious store that I had read about @ Mustard Seed Creations. It is located in a little town just about 13 miles from me in Walkersville, Md. It’s called the “Wild Rose & Co. and Marketplace”. All I can say is this place was simply beautiful with all the goodies for sale, and the owner and ladies that are selling their goods here are just as beautiful. And oh so talented. I can’t wait to go back and scout out new things as they go in. Hubby even really liked the shop and the ladies there.

Well, anyway, since we were in the market for a new TV, we knew we were going to need something to house it, and I found what I thought was the perfect piece of furniture there. *Note the big red cabinet…that is it, isn’t it a beautiful. I’m in love with this piece of furniture. Anyhow, hubby wasn’t so sure, but he knew how much I loved it and wanted it, he gave me the heads up to get it. However the practical side of me kicked in and I decided I needed to think of it. Plus he ended up finding another piece in the shop that he liked better for the TV (which by the way he hadn’t bought yet). I know the perfect place in my house for it, but he isn’t so sure about that either. Our space is pretty limited in this room…So what do you ladies think? Yes, No? I think my dream place for this piece would be in a kitchen as a island someday, but definitely not this house.

Okay enough about my dilemma’s, we ended up finding him a TV, and not a 55 inch. To big for the room…so we decided on a 47 inch LED and he LOVES it.

Do you know that little TV cost me two days of rearranging furniture to accommodate it,because we all know, you can’t bring something new in the house, without moving a million things around for just the right look…So last night about 10 or so, I finished up putting things back together in the family room. What a job that was! Now my thoughts are if I get that red cabinet, will I have to redo again? Do I dare to think otherwise?

Now if you want to meet the ladies that share this wonderful space, you can check out their blogs.

La Rose Sauvage (Lynette’s is the owner) sweetest lady EVAH!

Serendipity

Also, if you would love a little sneak peak at the grand opening you can see a little video that Miss Mustard Seed hosted here. You’ll see why I was drooling while I was there.

K…off to start my Monday..gotta tackle a few small jobs this morning….it’s going to be a great day.

One project down

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 16:11:00 +0000

and several to go…today I am going to link up @Frou Frou Decor with my Fabulous Friday Find, and if you want to check out some great little projects then stop over and say hello. Thanks Terrell for sharing your party with me.

One day last week while I was scouring the local Goodwill shop, I ran across this old spice rack for $2. (Forgive the quality of these pictures,hey, at least I remembered to grab the camera. LOL)

So earlier this week when I had nothing better to do….NOT! I decided I would take a little trip to the local store and pick up some white spray paint….so I could work on this. I am quite pleased how it turned out. After two coats of paint, and one coat of antiquing, and a little sanding…this is how it looks now.

After

You can see how well the original paint came through when I sanded it. It’s almost finished, I need to add a sealer to it.

So what do you think? Better? Worse? And now to figure out what to do with it. Debating on whether to use it in the kitchen or in my craft room..leaning more towards the craft room.

Have a blessed and wonderful Friday.

Hebrews 10:35-36“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what he has promised.”

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Thankful Thursday-Sept 23

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:38:00 +0000

Good Morning ladies, it’s another Thursday to share what we are thankful for, today I’m thankful for the opportunity to stay home. I was a stay at home mom while my kids were growing up and I loved every minute of it. However, when I was going through my separation and divorce I had to go to work. I loathed it! I accepted it as the way it was but I hated it so. I missed being home and making my home our family’s oasis away from the outside world. There is something so wonderful about being able to create a home that your family loves to be and looks forward to coming home too. For the last year, I have had the opportunity to stay at home again, and I am loving every minute of it again and everyday I give thanks to God for that opportunity.

So what are you thankful for today? If you would like to read what others are thankful for or join in the fun,stop by @Grace Alone.

Romans 5:3-4“Not only so, but we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.”

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Simple Pleasure - Sept 23

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 12:35:00 +0000

So what is my Simple Pleasure today…..Flannel Sheets, yep you heard me right. When the weather gets cooler, I’m digging in my linen closet…..

With the cooler evenings and mornings it is the perfect time to break out the flannel sheets. To me, nothing says comfort like flannel sheets (except maybe flannel jammies). Now is the time for me to get my bed cozy and soft for the winter nights. Maybe even use a little linen spray of lavender to make sliding between the sheets irresistible.

I,also love the printed ones with all the holiday images. I have a couple of sets that I love to use during the holidays. How fun are these?, with the little trees, and my little snowflake ones.

So what is your simple pleasure today? Join us @ A Collection of This and That to see what others are saying.

Front Door Welcome

noreply@blogger.com (Cindy) — Wed, 22 Sep 2010 14:51:00 +0000

A fall wreath for your front door is the perfect way to welcome the beautiful fall season.

I love autumn wreaths, the vibrant colors, and all the hues of the season, with sprinkles of nature peeking through. Here are a few that I have saved in my “idea” bank.

The thing I like most about this one is all the sunflowers.

And with this one, I really like all the fruit and berries….

But I think this one is by far my favorite. I {heart} bittersweet. So simple and colorful. Martha Stewart show us how to create this wreath, here

There is so many elements of this one that I really like too, here again is my bittersweet, but my sunflowers are mixed in with it. And I would have never thought to put my corn in the mix.

Beautiful!

Wow, loving the Japanese lanterns mixed with the bittersweet. Such a great punch of color.

We all know you don’t have to use a fall wreath on the front door, it makes a festive centerpiece for the table, by just adding some candles or a hurricane lamp or glass vase.The possibilities are endless.

So what do you use as your centerpiece for the Harvest season?

I have a wreath that I need to rework…now I have some great ideas, if you really don’t know how to create a wreath, the video below will give you a general idea of how you can put one together. Take a look!