All Things Southern

Chocolate Eclair Desert

2009-11-01T20:39:00.002-06:00

This is so rich. But ooohhh so good.

C"est si bon.

Chocolate Eclair Desert

2 - 3 oz. pkg French Vanilla Instant Pudding

9 oz Cool Whip

Graham crackers

3 cups milk

Icing:

1 stick butter

4 tbs. cocoa

6 full tbs. milk

1 box powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

Butter 9 X 13 pan. Line bottom with whole graham crackers. Beat 2 - 3 oz. packs instant pudding as on package directions. Fold in 9 oz. Kool Whip.

Pour half over graham crackers. Top with layer of graham crackers. Pour rest of pudding then another layer of graham crackers.

Icing: Bring to boil butter, cocoa and milk. Remove from heat and add powdered sugar and vanilla. Pour over graham crackers. Refrigerate overnight.

BLOG-SEEING

2009-10-29T08:26:00.001-05:00

As promised this post is about other blogs I follow. I love the ideas they share and can't wait to see what they are going to come up with next. (Click on the blog names and it will bring you directly to their blogs)

This one is from Edie, her blog is Life in Grace. Two years ago she decided to give up her career as a family practice physician to stay home full time with her family. She is a blogger, a homeschooler, and a self-proclaimed goddess of the domestic arts.

This post was the before and after of her kitchen renovation.

Next up is Chris and her blog, Just A Girl. So cute and she is a school teacher to boot. This post is about a buffet she redid, before and after. We could do this.

Ok, then there's Layla and her blog, The Lettered Cottage. She is renovating a cottage in Alabama with her cute hubby. Go check out her blog for so many befores and afters, but I wanted to share this post about cute Halloween decor that she did. Layla specialized in Virtual Design Consultations, you have to check this out. She is soooo talented.

Susie Harris, Where Friends Become Family lives right here in Louisiana. A good ole Southern chick and very crafty. Look what she does with old screen doors. Amazing. Click here to see her

Etsy store where you can view and purchase her amazing artwork. (Just in time for Christmas)

And last, but not least is Rhoda from Southern Hospitality. She is a big time thrifter, she loves a bargain. While visiting her blog, you will find before and afters, recipes and diaries of her travels. She writes for her local newspaper and I love to see what she's going to do next.

That's Rhoda, on the right.

Look at what she does with beadboard wallpaper. I had never heard of this before. It looks like real beadboard paneling yet waayyy cheaper.

I hope you enjoy their blogs as much as I do.

Have a great Thursday!

WHAT'S BEEN GOING ON IN YOUR WORLD?

2009-10-23T14:14:00.002-05:00

What's been going on in your world? Now that I live out in the country it's hard keeping up with everyone. I like to keep in touch through e-mail and the occasional telephone call. But what I love the most are visits with my friends. There is something to be said and something very healthy about having girlfriends. And I don't know what I would do without mine.

I know I haven't been blogging lately. But I still follow such wonderful blogs, and in my next post I'll be highlighting some of my favorite ones. So be sure to check back because these girls got it goin on. From wonderful holiday crafts to room transformations to furniture makeovers.

If you want me to feature your blog in that post, please email me at debtib1@mac.com and I will! :)

I know it's been a while, so let me get caught up.

First off, my new favorite treat. yum yum

It's a Vanilla Chai Tea from Bolthouse Farms. You keep it in the refrigerator and serve it chilled. It's not high in calories for a snack and I think it's delicious.

I have been really working hard at exercising and eating well. It comes natural to some people, but not to me. At all. I have to plan the workout and plan my meals. It takes work, but I do see the belly going down and the butt shrinking (a little). I just hope I can stick to it. Watching the biggest loser is motivational, if they can do it, I can do it. No excuses.

Look at this mess. This was what was left at my other house. When we got a purchase agreement on it, Bryant and I moved all of this out and into the new garage. And of course I had to go through it all, one thing at a time. I thought about having a garage sale, but decided that if we weren't going to use it, we would give it away to people who could. Having a garage sale just wasn't worth the stress or the 100.00 that I would probably make for a few day's work.

I did save my favorite things and have put them in storage. My friend Toni will be opening a consignment shop. I will be helping with the marketing and other aspects of the business and I'll have a booth there. So that's where my treasures will go. The name of the business will be Brocante Market. Brocante is french for second hand goods. I will keep you posted on the venture. She is looking to start after Jan 1 of 2010.

I've also had to keep up with these 3. Avery on the left and her 2 friends from next door. What a handful. They are so funny.

And I have to deal with looks like this from time to time.

But I much prefer this look. Love you Avery girl.

Miss Rylee had to have tubes put in her tiny little ears. She did great.

Last weekend I went shopping in Lafayette with 3 of my favorite girlfriends. There was a new store that we wanted to check out. omg, it is now my favorite store. Find one and check it out, you will not be disappointed. It was full of Christmas items. Beautiful. But I can't wait to go after the season to see what they are going to fill the store with. The prices were great too.

I bought new Christmas decorations that I will show when we get around to decorating for Christmas.

I bought 2 new blue platters. I forgot to take pictures of them. But if you want to see them you'll have to come for a visit down Irish Bend Road.

The name of the store is:

The Paul Michael Company store

Click on the name and it will bring you to their website.

This is another treasure I found. I will be placing it on top of the entertainment center.

It's pretty big and it was only 40.00.

It reminds me of an antique french wine bottle which run anywhere from 100.00 to 200.00.

A bargain for me.

So really please email me or leave a comment and let me know what's been going on out in the real world. I'm trying to get used to being home all day. Some days I get so much done and some days not so much.

Anyway I hope today is a good one and your weekend is better.

FISHING IN THE GULF OF MEXICO

2009-09-07T20:16:00.004-05:00

Bryant, myself and our neighbors, Tricia and Edgar went fishing this past weekend. We took the boat offshore. Way offshore, I couldn't tell you exactly where we were but I know it was far because it took about 2 hours by boat to get out there. The weather was perfect, the gulf was calm and the trip was productive. This was the first oil rig we pulled up to.

I have to tell you, I did not fish too much this time because I was busy trying out my new camera. I took many, many more pics but could not put them all. So I am showing my favorites.

This was under the platform. I just love the colors.

This is a ladder going up onto the platform. We did not go onto the platform, we just tied up to it.

This is a big (pink) jellyfish. But you can hardly see it in the picture.

This was our (gross) bait, pogey.

We caught red snapper but had to throw them back because they are not in season right now.

We caught gray snapper aka mangrove snapper. We kept these, they are good to eat.

We caught sharks. Threw them back.

Then the catch of the day!!!! Tricia hooked a cobia. It was a struggle. Edgar, her husband had to help her. They fought if for about 15 minutes.

Bryant looked on in disbelief at how big this fish was.

It was huge!

They finally got in in the boat. (We did keep it and we did eat it)

The end of a great fishing trip.

The ride home was awesome. Slick calm seas.

This was a shrimp boat we saw along the way home.

Tricia is still talking about her "big" fish! It weighed 48 pounds and was taller than the girls.

The catch.

Have any fishing stories to share?

Debbie

NEW BLOG LOOK

2009-09-07T14:34:00.001-05:00

This is Jackie.

She is my blog designer.

I love working with her.

She was very patient and listened to my wants and needs.

I highly recommend her if you would like to update your blog.

Thank you Jackie!!:)

Go to her website and check out blogs that she has designed:

click here:

Memories By Design

TO CELEBRATE MY 100TH POST, STAY TUNED FOR A GIVEAWAY!! :)

Happy Labor Day!

Debbie

MY GIRLS

2009-09-05T09:50:00.000-05:00

I am so blessed to share my life with such special girls. My daughters, my son's future wife and my precious granddaughters.

This is my oldest daughter, Megan. She is beautiful and is still a little girl at heart.

This is my baby, Avery. Those eyes say it all.

This is Shani, my oldest son's future wife. I love her because she loves him and makes him happy.

This is us at the hospital while Megan was in labor.

My Haylee bug.

My Ry Ry

My girls..........

Debbie

USING WHAT YOU HAVE

2009-09-03T08:54:00.009-05:00

I love re-using what you already have.

Here's an example of furniture that I had in our other home:

The hutch that I had custom built for this small wall in the dining area (on the left)

Here it is in the new house, looking like it was meant to be there.

A chest of drawers that I picked up at a local antique store years ago. It was in the foyer.

I don't have a foyer in this home, but found a place for it in front of the brick arch wall.

A small armoire picked up at an antique warehouse in Baton Rouge. I knew it would fit perfectly in the master bedroom so I loaded it into my suburban (with no room to spare) and hauled it home.

It is now on the other side of the brick arch.

Just a shot of the top of the armoire, again using what I had. The only thing new is the urn that I picked up at Old Time Pottery in Foley, Alabama. I'm loving this blue color right now.

Looking toward the television and fireplace.

If there is anything that you have re-used and have before and after pictures, email them to me and I will share it in a blog post.

Oh and the art class was great. The first class was mostly lecture, but we did get to paint a base coat on our canvas for the next class. I'm mainly taking this class to have time to myself and to spark the ole creative streak. What are you doing that's just for you?

Debbie

I'M SO EXCITED

2009-09-01T11:52:00.002-05:00

I am going to take art lessons once a week in New Iberia with Melissa Bonin,
starting tonight!

Here is here website if you want to check it out:

http://www.melissabonin.com/index.cfm

Something for me, just me, no kids, no husband, no pets.

I can't wait.

I'll let you know how it goes.

THE EVOLUTION OF A KITCHEN

2009-08-31T09:21:00.005-05:00

This is today.

Before:

This is right after the sheetrock was installed.

Here the sheetrock has been "mudded".

The brick arch has been installed.

First coat of paint on the walls.

Crown moulding installed.

Cabinets and baseboards installed.

Granite installed.

Hood installed, backsplash in, last coat of paint and appliances.

And we moved in.

New lighting in and hood stained.

I should have closed the pantry door in this one.

If you have any questions about the process of building or putting a room together, please leave a comment and I will get back to you.

We love the open concept of the kitchen, dining and living area. We have no formal areas. Our second living area is the screened in back porch. When I'm cooking we can all be together. I can watch tv while washing dishes.

FIREPLACES AGAIN

2009-08-25T09:53:00.005-05:00

Remember a while back when I posted about fireplaces?

If not, click here to read about it: FIREPLACES

Well that was at the end of last year when we first started building the house.

I just got around to decorating our fireplace for the first time.

In fact I got into a decorating mood last week and started digging around in the unpacked

boxes sitting in our garage waiting to be sorted through.

I always say shop around your house before you go out and spend money. Move things around.

I did go out and buy 2 new items to use on top of my entertainment center.

(You'll see that in my next post)

That got me going. I put those 2 items on the entertainment center and started going around the house to see what else I could use in the living room and I also went through boxes of accessories that I've collected throughout the years.

It works for me. It makes the house look more like home.

This is when we first put up the plywood walls. This is where the fireplace will go.

At this stage, sheetrock has been installed and floated. Painters have applied first coat of paint (after weeks of deciding on paint colors) as I shared with you in this post:

PICKING PAINT COLORS.

The brick layers have begun our fireplace. I got the idea for the shape in a magazine.

When you build a house, it will not be perfect.

There will be things you wish you could change.

But you prepare yourself for that before going into it, you try to think of everything beforehand to prevent those things from happening (which I thought I did), but there is bound to be some things that you could not foresee.

For example, the opening in the fireplace. When I walked in at this point I wanted to cry. The opening looked so small compared to the rest of the fireplace.

But there was nothing we could do unless we wanted them to tear it down and that was not going to happen. So I shed a few tears and let it go. You work with what you have.

So up went the crown molding and the reclaimed wood mantle. It was starting to look better. My eyes were not drawn to the tiny hole but the beautiful wood.

That's one thing I've learned about decorating.

Almost always, you will not get exactly the look you are going for.

Like in a magazine or in someone else's home.

But, you can create the illusion of what you are going for.

Don't get that?

If's ok.

That's just me being a little dramatic.

This is the fireplace today.

I'm looking for a screen to go in front of the "hole". I'll know it when I see it.

Now is this what it will look like the next time you see it? I don't know. When I start decorating another room I may have to go shopping on the fireplace mantle.

AVERY'S NEW PAINTING

2009-08-24T14:01:00.004-05:00

I love reading blogs.

It's what I do when I have a few spare moments.

I get so many ideas from reading about what other ladies are making, creating, doing, cooking.

Whew.

It's fun for me.

Anyway, one of the blogs I follow is called Endless Possibilities.

If you click on the name it will bring you directly to her blog.

She specializes in painting personalized signs along with raising her young family.

She's precious, she's cute and I think she's booked until Christmas. That's how good she is.

She did this precious painting for Avery's room. I must have ordered it just in time.

We have been in the house for about 2 months now and I am slowly getting around to decorating. I am not a one room at a time girl, oh no, I skip from room to room driving myself crazy. Anyway in the next few days I will be posting some of my progress.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debbie

Screened porch done

2009-08-23T12:48:00.003-05:00

The screens are installed on the back porch.

We can't wait until the weather gets cooler.

It's so nice to sit out here at night and not get eaten up by the mosquitos.

If you look between the loveseat and the side table you can see Kitty watching me.

Outdoor fireplace.

All we have left to do is figure out what we are going to do for a hood over the grill.

ANY IDEAS?

AVERY'S NEW FRIEND

2009-08-23T12:04:00.005-05:00

Say Hello to my Little Friend.........

Her name is Kitty.

You better watch out.

I will post pics of Mason's imperfect, almost finished room later.

Thanks for stopping by.

Debbie

Check this out

2009-08-09T17:18:00.005-05:00

Isn't this just so cute?

I ordered it from Kim Wheeler of smallwords.com. Check out her website and her blog.

She is cute and funny and so talented.

So sorry

2009-08-05T14:19:00.001-05:00

So sorry I have not been blogging lately.

Trying to take care of some family stuff.

I know we all have sh** to deal with in our own lives.

Can't be creative when I am trying to figure other things out.

Forgive me for now.

I will be keeping up with you, checking out other blogs for inspiration.

I will be back.

Love you,

Debbie

MY NEXT PROJECT

2009-07-08T08:03:00.008-05:00

My next project will be to decorate my son's room.

Mason is 15 and into fishing and hunting like his dad.

He is out of town for the next two weeks. I will be doing a "while you were' out" and surprise him when he gets back from his trip. When I first started this blog, I did a "while you were out" surprise for my sister. You can check it out here.

He loves camouflage. I don't. But it is his room, so I have to know what my client likes.

This window looks out to Bayou Teche beyond the back yard.

When he moves out (not rushing anything) I will have my writing desk at that window for inspiration.

Uumm, yes the gun safe in the corner stays. He says the LSU print does not go with his decor so I will have to find another spot for it.

These windows look out to the future courtyard.

The shades should be in any day.

Empty wall.

Prints to use on empty wall.

Oh and I have to find a spot for his two friends. Yes he shot them. Yes we eat deer meat. We are from the South people.

I'm going to start on this room today.

But when I'll finish it, I'm not sure. When I do, you'll be the first to see it.

Debbie

IN THE BACKYARD TODAY

2009-07-08T07:49:00.004-05:00

When I woke up this morning I looked out my window to see this lady. She was just walking along the bank of the bayou.

This is when a really good camera would come in handy. This is the closest I could get of her with my zoom lens.

RYLEE CLAIRE

2009-07-03T12:17:00.002-05:00

Not a good picture because Megan took on her phone, but omg couldn't you just eat her up?

Rylee Claire already hamming for the camera.

Now let me go get some more kisses.

HAPPY INDEPENDENCE DAY

2009-07-03T08:10:00.005-05:00

I know I'm one day early, but I want to wish you all a Happy 4th of July!

I found this poster on foundersofamerica.com

This says it all to me.

We need to remind ourselves that our freedom is not free.

As we enjoy the day with family and friends, good food and drink, let's remember the people and their families who make sacrifices for our freedom.

Let's say a prayer for them and let's be grateful to them.

Debbie

MASTER BATHROOM

2009-07-02T22:20:00.006-05:00

Here is the progress in the master bathroom; ie my favorite room in the house.

This is Bryant's vanity.

The mirrors came out great.

Southern Glass in Franklin did them.

First they glued a plain mirror to the wall.

Then they took 4 inch mirror strips and mitered the edges to meet and glued them to the original mirror.

I searched for mirrors in this size and they were very expensive. This was a less expensive way to go and I really like them better.

This is my side. Don't look at my bed in the mirror, I haven't made it yet. (And I might not)

I need something to go between the two mirrors. I would really love a piece of art with greens and browns but I have not found anything that speaks to me yet.

When I saw this chair at Pier 1, she spoke to me. She said, "Debbie, look at me, I'm so pretty and I will look fabulous in your new bathroom." I tried to ignore her because she was not on sale. I walked away and continued to browse. She was so seductive. I could hear her all the way on the other side of the store. Guess what? I was weak, she won me over.

But just look at her.

Could you have passed her up?

Ok, maybe some of you could have. But not me, I was weak. But after all I did need a chair and that's another thing checked off the list. Now........what to put on that wall.

I know I promised pictures of the tub area last week, but I was waiting for the shades to come in before I posted pics of it.

Sanctuary.

Mercury Glass candle holder, Pier One. (Gardenia candle smells soooo good)

Last mercury glass candlesticks left at Hobby Lobby.

Old silver tray that Maw maw used to have on her dresser many years ago.

(sigh) I miss her.

If you have any ideas for the wall between mirrors or around the tub, please, please leave comments. Comments welcome.

Debbie

ANOTHER DAY ON THE BEND.......

2009-07-02T08:30:00.002-05:00

Even though I have no flash on my camera and I have no idea when I will get a new one, I am not going to stop taking pictures because that's what I like to do.

WHAT'S YOUR FAVORITE CAMERA AND WHY?

I took this in the bayou right behind our house. It speaks for itself.

Maybe this evening, I will play with it in Photoshop.

I see that ULL is offering an online course in Photoshop CS4 which is what I have. I will have to take it to figure out how to use more than the one or two things that I've figured out on my own.

Well for those of you who thought the hood over the stove was a bit too white, I had it faux finished. hhhhhmmmm, not lovin it. I watched him closely and think I will be touching it up in the next few days.

Would you like me to post a video of me doing it? (touching up the hood)

My mother and father-in-law gave us a Hurricane Blessing cross for our new home.

It came with a Hurricane Blessing,

May the Lord keep you in his mercy & grace during a storm.

It has palm trees on it. There were also facts about palm trees on the blessing.

A few of the facts.....

The palm tree was embossed on ancient Hebrew coins symbolizing strength.

Early Christians used the palm branch to symbolize the victory of the faithful over enemies of the soul, as in the triumphal entry of Jesus into Jerusalem.

Bending but not breaking, the palm tree remains an enduring symbol of protection and strength.

I pray that we are spared from hurricanes this season.

Debbie

POWDER ROOM

2009-06-21T07:27:00.006-05:00

The powder room is done.

Well, almost.

The mirror (had to have) is from Pottery Barn.

The overhead light fixture (not what I really wanted but will do for now) is from Home Depot or Lowe's, I forget.

The marble counter top (had to have) is a remnant from Acadiana Stone in Lafayette. Evan Taylor is who I worked with. We got all of the marble and granite in the house from them. If you need granite or marble call Evan. He will make sure you are happy.

The faucet is from Lowe's.

The soap dispenser, Target.

The hand towel (so cute), Target.

The hand towel stand, Bed, Bath and Beyond.

The cabinet built by Trey Coughlin in Jeanerette. Trey built all of the cabinets throughout the house.

Cabinet knobs, Target.

Brick pavers on the floor.

Love it.

This is to the left of vanity. We did a small window for natural light. The toilet is from Coburn's Supply. Love that you flush it by pulling the knob on top of the tank.

Now this room needs a little more. Something on the wall over the toilet. Maybe a black and white photo in a black frame or a black and white print. I don't know. Any advice is welcome. What do you think? Maybe some of my favorite bloggers will give me advice via a comment. (hint hint), like Layla from The Lettered Cottage or Rhoda from Southern Hospitality.

Sigh, this is the view from the powder room

Ok, I know my pictures are not that great.

Plus the flash on my camera has went ka-put.

I need a new one and with all of the many choices out there. I don't know which one to get or where to get it.

I can relate to Joni of Cote De Texas in her post about her camera.

I really want one that will take the best shots possible since photography is one of my loves.

Oh and my birthday is coming up. (hint, hint Bryant)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

2009-06-21T07:17:00.004-05:00

TO DADDY:

Thank you for being the first man to hold my hand.

Thank you for loving our mom through thick and thin.

Thank you for being gentle with us.

Thank you for the gifts of life, family, love and humility.

Thank you for the kisses that you gave all of us as we slept before you went to work. I pretended to be asleep for a lot of them.

Thank you for making us laugh.

But most of all Thank you for being you.

I love you Daddy.

Love,

Debbie

INSIDE OF PANRY- DONE

2009-06-16T09:36:00.010-05:00

Well, the pantry is done. I love it. It is perfect for what I need. We had leftover baseboards, so my awesome contractor used them to make the shelves. I had the shelves all stained to match the baseboards and crown molding in the rest of the house.

It's not like Eddie Ross's new pantry, but it's mine, all mine.

On this side, I organized all of our entertaining ware. It's not that big, so I could not get a wider shot. This is to the left as you walk in.

This is walking straight in.

And this is to the right.

MASTER SHOWER - DONE

My husband did not want anything fancy, but I had to give him a few body sprays. Love the natural light for the window.

Color on wall is silver mist, just like the master bedroom. We used mosaic ceramic tile that matches the ceramic tile on bathroom floor. Also used is crema marfil marble on the walls. Travertine trim to finish it.

Next post, I hope to have pictures of the new tub area. I will need help decorating in that space. I'm not sure what to do.

Ok, on to the next project.

Debbie

I'M BACK......

2009-06-10T13:20:00.009-05:00

I know it's been awhile since I've posted, but we have been very busy around here.

First off, Miss Rylee Claire Lemoine was born May 25th. She is just adorable and Megan is such a good mom. It is a joy to watch my daughter taking care of her daughter.

How cute is that?

Next up, the house.

We spent our second night in the new house last night. We still have last minute things being done as I type this. But we are almost there. We are still not fully moved out of our other house, but should be by end of next week.

I will probably host an open house there after we get it all cleaned up. If you know anyone in the market for a beautiful home with a pool (in this area), please let them know it is available and almost ready to move into.

It took 8 months to get to this point, but we are finally here.

This is before...........

And after.................

All we have left for the front porch is the shutters, they are being painted and should be installed next week.

As we continue to complete different areas of the house, I will post about it.

For now, these are a few of my favorite things so far:

The beautiful gas lantern from Bevelo located in New Orleans.

Love the backsplash. We will have the hood faux finished with a paint color to match the tiles in the backsplash. It really looks too white.

The pantry door. Later I will show pictures of the inside. It kind of reminds me of an old general store.

Be back soon! I promise.

Debbie