Sweet Pea

Cupcake Liner Heart

2012-01-26T05:17:00.000-05:00

After making a Faux Patchwork Heart Wreath to hang over the mantel in my living room, I decided the mantel needed a few more Valentine touches. A ruffled heart made from cupcake liners filled in an empty space on the mantel perfectly.

Making it was easy and in expensive.

Supplies:
Cardboard
Utility Knife
Sharpie
Cupcake Liners: 3 packages of white and 3 packages of pink/yellow/green
(You will only use the pink papers.)
Glue Gun and Glue Sticks

How-To:
Draw a heart on cardboard using a Sharpie and cut out with a utility knife.

Fold a cupcake liner in half. Add a drop of glue to the right side and fold in half again. Add another drop of glue to the right side and fold one more time. Hold briefly until glue sets, then glue onto cardboard heart.

Glue one row of white papers to the edge, then add a second row of white. Switch to pink and add two rows. Fill in the middle with white.

Display! I am in love with the ruffles that the liners create. This looks like the top of a very fancy box of chocolates.

Vintage flower vases make fun candle holders.

Pink, white, and ruffled…Perfect for my Valentine mantel!

Bathroom Renovation :: Part One

2012-01-24T05:17:00.001-05:00

Renovating our upstairs guest bathroom has been on our “to do” list for a long while. 2012 is the year for this project.

Take a look at this tiny bathroom. House designers in the 1950’s didn’t count bathrooms as spaces deserving much square footage. This space is small and very difficult to photograph!

The main thing that I disliked in this bath was the floor. The vinyl’s condition was good, I just didn’t care for the pattern. However, I did like how easy it was to clean.

Our original plan was to keep the wall tile. The previous owner installed it and since this bathroom isn’t used often, it’s in like-new condition. After much debate, we decided that neither of us really liked the tile’s pattern and we agreed that we’d be happier with new, white subway style tile.

The vinyl floor came up quite easily. I did that project by myself one evening while Mr. SP attended a football party. (Removing vinyl sounded like more fun to me than watching football!) A Saturday at home was all we needed to gut the rest of the bathroom.

Removing the tile was fun and relatively easy.

This bathroom has no ventilation and even with little use, the ceiling paint peels. We hope to install ventilation as a part of the renovation to prevent this problem in the future.

These areas will be patched and sanded before we paint.

Mr. SP worked hard to get backerboard on the floor so that we’ll be ready to tile once we receive it.

The sink is one of our dilemmas. If we keep our current sink, we’ll have it sprayed white along with the tub and I’ll possibly make a skirt for it to hide the exposed pipes under it. On a quick shopping trip to Ferguson, we found this tiny sink and vanity that fits into our small space and we are considering ordering it. It comes with the mirror but not with the faucet. It would be nice to have a small bit of storage space in this bath. Currently there is none other than the medicine cabinet.

For the floor, we picked an old fashioned black and white mosaic. Our plan for the walls is to use white subway tile.

I’ve been looking for fabric to use for both a shower curtain and valance for a long while and haven’t found exactly what I want. (If I knew what I want, it might be easier.) I’ll most likely make a valance using this Pate Meadows design.

It feels so good to finally have a start on this project. Tiling is next on the list! (We still need to order it.)

Faux Patchwork Heart Wreath

2012-01-22T18:38:00.000-05:00

This weekend was cold and dreary, perfect for crafting. I had my first round of prolotherapy injections in my back on Thursday and was given orders to rest for four days. Not being able to exercise over the weekend gave me plenty of time to craft and I enjoyed it so much!

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner and I decided to make a “wreath” to hang over our fireplace. I had most of the supplies that I needed on-hand and only had to buy an inexpensive sheet of foam board to complete this project.

Supplies:
Foam Board
Sharpie
Utility Knife
Mod Podge
Foam Brush
Coordinating Fabrics Cut into 2.5” Squares
Pipe Cleaner

How-To:
Use a Sharpie to draw a heart onto the foam board. I drew on the wrong side in case I messed up, then I’d still have a clean “good” side. Cut heart out with utility knife.

Brush the back of a fabric square with Mod Podge and smooth into place. Press fabric over to the back with your fingers when covering the edges.

Vary the position of the fabric squares to resemble patchwork.

Allow to dry for several hours or overnight.

Since this is very lightweight, I made a hanger out of a pipe cleaner and adhered it with packing tape.

Hang and enjoy!

As a cute embellishment, I made a flower with heart shaped petals using this pattern.

I am so pleased with this project. This cute heart makes me smile and really brightens up my living room. Please keep visiting as I’ll soon share my Valentine mantel.

Sharing With:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Tutorial Tuesday at Hope Studios
Tutorials and Tips Link Party at Home Stories A2Z
Share Your Creations at Kristen's Creations
Weekend Bloggy Reading Party at Serenity Now
Weekend Wrap-Up Party at Tatertots and Jello

Brown Display for Winter

2012-01-17T05:10:00.000-05:00

I like to have a pretty display on a chest that’s in my dining room to admire as it’s the first thing I see when I walk through the door. New Year’s cards worked for the first few weeks of 2012, but New Year’s is over and it’s time for a change. I shopped my house and came up with a simple display that smells good.

The candle has a wonderful vanilla scent. I found this on sale after Christmas for a steal at Kroger. I almost passed it by and am so glad that I didn’t. Often candle scents are offensive to me, but this one is an exception and smells very good.

I filled a glass hurricane with a mix of coffee beans and polished rocks that my grandmother used to use in flower arrangements. The coffee beans have a subtle scent that is so pleasant.

A P. Buckley Moss bird Christmas tree ornament is too pretty to save only for Christmas. I enjoy this year-round.

This is the first thing that I see when I come home each day. I like the mix of browns for winter.

It was wonderful to have yesterday off from work. A little time to myself was just what I needed to get rejuvenated. Bring on the week, I’m ready now!

Sharing With:
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life

Vintage Typewriter Table

2012-01-15T18:58:00.002-05:00

When I visited my aunt over Christmas break, she gave me a very interesting typewriter table that belonged to my great-great aunt who raised my grandmother.

Have you ever seen anything like this? I certainly have not! Believe it or not, it actually is pretty comfortable to use. It could be a tad bit bigger, but for its size, it’s not a bad place to sit and type.

Since this was originally my Great-Great Aunt Fannie’s table, I’ll include a picture of Fannie. I barely remember her, but my grandmother and my father loved her to death. My dad took my mom to meet Fannie before my grandmother met her!

I’m not sure where this table will find its permanent home, but for now it is in my family room. I thought it would be fun to fill it with vintage books to make a vignette.

Old books are so interesting. Some of these were my grandmother’s and a few Mama gave to me. Many are my grandfather’s school books.

The stool part of the table cleverly folds underneath it.

I’ll soon find the perfect little nook for this cute table. Have you ever seen anything like this?

Sharing With:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style
Potpourri Friday at 2805
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground
Weekend Bloggy Reading Party at Serenity Now
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Winter Decorating :: Silver and White

2012-01-12T05:27:00.000-05:00

Silver with white says winter to me. Glass candle holders, small silver compotes, white candles, and an ornate silver tray make a pretty display for my dining room table.

More silver and white adorn the buffet beside the table.

All I need now is some snow on the ground to match my silver and white theme!

Is Getting Fit Your Goal for 2012?

2012-01-11T05:15:00.000-05:00

Last year I started a Fitness Friday series where I shared exercises that I have found to truly work. It’s a new year and many have set a goal for 2012 to get in shape. Let me help!

I did a bit of blog housekeeping this weekend and organized all of my Fitness Friday posts into one location. You can now click on my “Get Fit” page to find the exercises that I’ve posted.

I hope to start writing Fitness Friday posts again very soon. Being injured for so long took the wind out of my exercise sail and being depressed about being hurt made it difficult for me to get motivated to post about exercise. (I was lucky to be able to exercise even while injured, though not at the intensity or frequency that I prefer. For that, I am very thankful.) My new treatment has me wearing a Serola Belt for all activity except for bathing and sleeping. This belt holds the SI joint in position which allows muscles that haven’t been working properly to work again. In addition to wearing the belt, I’ll soon start Prolotherapy injections which stimulate healing. The doctor I saw predicts that the combination of wearing the belt and doing the Prolotherapy should have me back to normal by summer. I already can tell a difference in how my back feels after wearing the belt for only a few days. I finally feel almost normal! What I’ve found amazing is that now that I don’t hurt, I feel happy again! For so long, I’ve been sad and depressed and I had forgotten what happy feels like and I like it. I’ve got my fingers crossed that this treatment will work!

Let me know if you try any exercise. If you have a suggestion for an exercise that works a particular body part, let me know and I’ll see what I can do to help you out.

Happy Exercising!

Winter Mantle

2012-01-10T05:18:00.001-05:00

My winter mantle was inspired by old artwork that belonged to my grandmother. Both scenes looked rustic and wintery and I thought they’d look good mixed in with some white pottery, a pinecone wreath, and a touch of brass.

I never lost my love for brass. I like how my fireplace insert shines in the light.

Being a working girl, I had to wait until the weekend to take some pictures. During the work week I only see my house at night. It’s so nice to be home when the light is pouring in the windows.

The picture on the left was painted by my grandmother’s friend, Alice Fitzpatrick. I am guessing that Alice gave it to Granny as a gift for Christmas 1929.

The picture on the right was painted by my grandmother’s cousin, Freeman Funk. I’m suspect that this is a paint-by-number, but I could be wrong.

Freeman kept a careful record of his painting time.

Alice Fitzpatrick painted this picture that hangs in my dining room later in life. I inherited it from my grandmother.

It has yet to really feel like winter in Virginia.

I’m dreaming of a snowy day with the hopes of hearing the magic words, “_______County Schools are Closed.” If that happens, I’ll sit in this room and watch the snow fall while enjoying a hot cup of coffee.

Sharing With:
Winter Mantle Party at Potentially Beautiful

10 Calorie Cookie

2012-01-08T14:35:00.001-05:00

Is is possible? Could it be? Yes, this cookie really contains only ten calories and it tastes good, too. If you are on a diet and need a chocolate treat that won’t damage your waistline, this is it!

Chocolate-Coffee Meringues
2 T unsweetened cocoa
1 tsp. instant espresso powder
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
3 large egg whites
1/8 tsp. cream of tartar
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup super fine sugar

1. Preheat oven to 250 degrees. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or a Silpat. (I used two baking sheets.)

2. In a small bowl, combine cocoa, espresso powder, and cinnamon. Set aside.

3. In a large bowl, beat egg whites until frothy using an electric mixer set to medium speed. Add cream of tartar, salt, and vanilla; increase speed to high, and continue beating until soft peaks form. Slowly add sugar, 1 T at a time, beating until stiff peaks form and mixture becomes glossy. Gently fold in cocoa mixture until combined.

4. Using a rubber spatula, transfer mixture to a pastry bag fitted with a large star tip. (Or cut 1/4 inch off the corner of a large plastic bag.) Pipe small mounds onto prepared baking sheets.

5. Bake for about 45 minutes. Turn oven off and leave cookies in for at least 45 minutes more. Remove from oven; transfer to a wire rack and cool completely.

Notes:
I made 35 cookies making the calorie count actually nine calories per cookie. A batch of 24 cookies equals 13 calories per cookie. They are fat free!

At only 10 calories, you can eat as many of these goodies as you’d like with ZERO guilt!

Chocolate and zero guilt...What could be better?

Sharing With:
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch
Weekend Bloggy Reading Party at Serenity Now.
Saturday Seven at Positively Splendid

Vintage Pot Love

2012-01-04T18:09:00.000-05:00

Collecting vintage pots over the years has been so much fun. They are easy to find in antique and thrift stores, affordable, and come in pretty colors and patterns. A good portion of my collection is on display in my kitchen right now.

Green pots hold my dish soap and sponges.

These three decorate the corner by the television. My mom’s friend, Peggy, gave me the pot in the back that belonged to her mother. Wasn’t that sweet?

Green pots line the counters against the wall.

Yellow pots fill the display shelves at the ends of the cabinets.

The white pots are in my basement, waiting their turn to go on display. I have only one blue pot, one orange, and no pink. I’ll look for those colors this year to add to my collection!

Sharing With:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Mad for Plaid

2012-01-03T18:23:00.000-05:00

When I visited my aunt and uncle over Christmas, my aunt gave me two plaid scarves that belonged to my grandmother. I didn’t think that I would wear them because they are wool but loved their patterns. When I got home, I decided that they’d make a pretty winter table runner. I added a red and black buffalo checked scarf that I haven’t worn since college to make a set of three.

I’ve always been a fan of plaid. In college, I wore this plaid scarf with a red double breasted coat complete with giant shoulder pads. I loved that coat and still have it. If big shoulders come back in, I’m ready!

Love the variety in this bowl. I made the clove pomanders years ago and they still smell good. I also made the acorn covered ball and the hemlock cone covered ball.

The pie safe beside the table holds a plaid sewing box that belonged to my great-great aunt. Her sewing supplies are still inside. My dad gathered the Sumac years ago for me and it’s still pretty. My dad died in 1997, so I’ve had this for a long while!

Red plaid is definitely a favorite print for winter!

What about you? Are you mad for plaid?

Sharing With:
Share Your Creations at Kristen's Creations
Potpourri Friday at 2805
Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Through Life

Winter Ornaments

2012-01-02T11:03:00.001-05:00

Today I’m enjoying my last day of winter break. The Christmas decorations are packed away for the season except for things that look “wintery.” Many of my P. Buckley Moss ornaments look like winter and even though they are tree decorations, they are pretty to display this time of year.

I made a very simple display on a chest in my living room. This is a good spot where I can enjoy them daily.

If you aren’t familiar with P. Buckley Moss, she lives in Waynesboro, VA, and the scenes depicted are from the beautiful Shenandoah Valley.

These peaceful snowy scenes say “It’s January!” to me. I like January as the rush of the busy holiday season is over and life slows down a bit. There's no shopping to do, no yard work to worrry about, and best of all, there are snow days for which to hope! What about you? Do you like January?

Sharing With:
Marty at A Stroll Through Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday

Vintage New Year Post Cards

2011-12-31T09:05:00.001-05:00

Can you believe that it’s the last day of 2011? The older I get, the faster time seems pass by.

Our house is in the terrible transition of putting away Christmas. Cleaning up makes a terrible mess! Even with a mess in just about every room of the house, I had to pull out my vintage New Year cards to share for the beginning of 2012.

The cards belonged to various great-great aunts, mostly Willie. I don't have a picture of Willie, but I'll share one of two of her sisters, Fannie and Lulie. I took this picture of a picture at my aunt’s house the other day. It’s too bad that the glass gave such a glare. Fannie is on the left and Lulie is on the right. Fannie raised my grandmother and was a milliner. I think my grandmother looked a lot like Lulie.

I hope you have a wonderful new year. To be honest, I’m glad to see this year go. I haven’t been a very happy person this year, mostly due to my back problems and not being able to do the things I like to do. I start a new treatment next Thursday and am very hopeful that 2012 will be the year that I finally get back to normal!

I wish the best for each of you for 2012!

Sharing With:
The Polohouse for Favorites on the First

Top Projects of 2011

2011-12-27T22:35:00.001-05:00

At the end of each year it’s fun to look back to see what was accomplished and to share a few favorite projects from the year.

A Pine Cone Door Decoration brightened our front door during the cold winter months.

A yo-yo embellished Spring Wreath decorated a porch wall.

A Tea Cart Makeover was a summer project.

As was this Tennis Racket Dahlia front door wreath.

A Patriotic Table Runner adorned our table for the 4th.

Transform a Wreath with Paint was a fall project. This wreath crafted in February was badly faded by fall. A bit of paint transformed it into....

Can you believe that it’s the same wreath?

A School Pride Pillowcase Skirt is great for game-day and so simple to make.

For Christmas, Peppermint and Candy Cane Wreaths brightened my windows.

Thanks for stopping by Sweet Pea. If you are new, please comment so that I'll be sure to visit you.

I’m sharing with:
Rhoda at Southern Hospitality for her Top Projects Party.
Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesday.
Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday.
CSI Project for Favorite Projects of 2011 Challenge
Jen at Tatertots and Jello for her Weekend Wrap-Up Party.
Amanda at Serenity Now for her Weekend Bloggy Reading Party.
Amy at Positively Splendid for Saturday Seven.

2011 Christmas

2011-12-26T09:25:00.001-05:00

The big day has come and gone and I hope it was special for all. We hosted a Christmas Eve dinner and then spent Christmas Day with my mom and father-in-law.

It’s been a while since I’ve entertained and I really enjoyed setting a pretty table and cooking a large meal.

Mama and my father-in-law enjoyed a bit of Christmas cheer.

I made beef tenderloin for the first time and it was quite tasty.

We also had scalloped potatoes, pineapple casserole, roasted broccoli, maple glazed carrots, and rolls.

Our friend Elsie is fantastic cook and baker and made dessert. This cake was on the cover of the December 2011 Southern Living and I was so excited to try it.

Nicole and Keith think it looks quite good, too. (This cake gets a 10 out of 10 rating from me!)

Christmas Day started with Pumpkin Spice coffee from Vermont and present opening.

Mr. SP spoiled me, as usual. You can tell that I like to workout by his present choices. I have my fingers crossed that 2012 will be a better workout year for me. I’m still plagued with the back problem that has bothered me since May. Thursday I have to travel 3.5 hours to see a specialist that my pt hopes can help me. Please cross your fingers for me because I’m really desperate for a solution.

Next up was an afternoon with Mama on Walnut Avenue.

Mama and I had to laugh at how she opens her pantry doors!

Do you like Mama’s new kitchen curtains? I admired them while she fried our traditional Christmas Day oysters feast.

Everything was so good!

Mr. SP and his dad surprised Mama with a new tv. Don’t you like the way Mr. SP decorated the package? Mama had no idea what was in the box and was quite surprised.

It was a wonderful day. This week we still have a few more celebrations with family and with friends. We are both off from work and plan to enjoy every second.

Thanks for stopping by. I’m looking forward to reading about your celebrations, too.

Merry Christmas to All

2011-12-24T07:30:00.001-05:00

Christmas Eve is finally here. I’ve been gone over a week and have much to do today to get ready for dinner tonight. After a week of doing no domestic duties, I look forward to a day in the house to get ready for my guests. (After a trip to the grocery store…wish me luck!)

As a final Christmas decorating post for 2011, I'm sharing my vintage card collection.

I wish each and every one of you a very Merry Christmas!

Christmas Pinterest Inspiration

2011-12-21T13:44:00.001-05:00

The combination of not working and taking a long, long car ride to get to our Christmas vacation destination gave me plenty of time to be on Pinterest and to collect some Christmas inspiration that I'd like to share.

Cake balls are so good! I haven't made them since last Christmas and I remember that I couldn't stop eating them. This Christmas ornament version is too cute.

Source: astepinthejourney.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

This mouse would be cute either on a package or used as an ornament. This really reminds me of something my grandmother made long ago.

Source: betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

I definitely want to remember this adorable idea for gifts. A monogram version would be cute, too.

Source: uncommondesignsonline.com via Paula on Pinterest

Spray painted bottle caps and cute paper makes an adorable holly package topper.

Source: whipperberry.com via Paula on Pinterest

Make your own bow from wrapping paper. This idea is one to use for gift wrapping year-round.

Source: Uploaded by user via Paula on Pinterest

These cute Christmas snacks are both simple and adorable.

Source: freefunchristmas.com via Paula on Pinterest

I'd love to make mitten ornaments like these for gifts next year.

Source: houserevivals.blogspot.com via Paula on Pinterest

If you're on Pinterest, I'd love to follow you and of course, you could follow me if you'd like. For me, the more inspiration, the better!

Hurricane Irene Damage in VT

2011-12-20T21:06:00.001-05:00

I’ve been in awe at the damage that Hurricane Irene caused in late August. Nearly four months later, damage can be seen all over the area we are visiting. I spent some time on YouTube today looking at videos of the flooding and frankly, I’m amazed at how quickly some of the areas have recovered.

The first damage that we observed on this trip was to the Taftsville bridge. A nearby storeowner told us that it propane tanks barreling down the river hit it over and over. I believe that he told us that the repairs won’t be complete until 2013.

The Quechee bridge next to Simon Pierce really took a beating. It’s so sad to see these old bridges so badly damaged. It’s also a hardship for the residents as the roads that they are on are closed.

Here’s one video showing the extreme amount of water and its powerful force.

Driving from Woodstock to Okemo, we saw many properties damaged or destroyed by the raging water. This small stream looks like it couldn’t damage a thing, right?

Look at the damage to a house built on its banks.

It’s a wonder it didn’t wash away.

Here it is from the other side. Note how close it’s built to the road.

Another damaged house:

You can see where the water rushed down the mountain cutting a path through the trees. A babbling brook must have been a raging river.

The babbling brook flowing from the mountain created this mess and destroyed this family’s farm and house.

A little farther down the road we saw this trailer that looks like it was tossed off of its foundation by the water.

The water appeared to have gone right through this building. It’s a wonder it is still standing.

I feel so sorry for these people who have lost so much, some nearly everything. It’s hard not to feel a bit guilty for being here to have a good time but then seeing this terrible damage. But then again, we are stimulating the economy by vacationing here, so that’s a good thing!

Christmas in Woodstock

2011-12-19T21:30:00.001-05:00

There’s something magical about Vermont at Christmas. We spent a most enjoyable weekend at one of our favorite inns in the world, The Woodstock Inn. Isn’t it lovely?

A gingerbread house crafted by the inn’s chef helps to decorate the lobby.

Across the green from the inn is this pretty covered bridge.

We spent a lot of time walking around the town shopping and admiring houses like this beauty.

Just about every outdoor decoration that I saw on a home in Woodstock was live.

A favorite destination just outside of Woodstock is Sugarbush Farm for cheese, syrup and maple candy. The cheese is outstanding and we purchased quite a bit for ourselves and for gifts. Sampling the cheese and syrup is so much fun!

The horses at Sugarbush wanted to take us for a sleigh ride but there was not enough snow. We had to settle for petting them instead.

We hadn’t visited King Arthur Flour in a few years and decided that it was time for another visit. Looking at the goodies in the store is pure fun if you like to bake.

A gingerbread house kit would be a fun Christmas activity for kids of all ages.

We took a very cold hike up Mount Tom, a mountain just across from the inn.

This trail is part of the Marsh-Billings-Rockefeller National Park. I would guess that a Rockefeller had this bridge along the trail constructed at some point.

Even on a cloudy day, the view from the top was pretty.

Instead of hiking back down the same trail, we walked down the mountain on a carriage road constructed by the Rockefellers. Isn’t this a serene setting?

I’d want to walk or run here every chance I got if I were a Woodstock resident.

A very large dog took a walk along the trail earlier in the day. My shoe is a 10.5, so this gives you an idea of just how big this dog’s paws would be.

A roaring fire greets guests in the lobby of The Woodstock Inn. It was a cold weekend in VT and we enjoyed warming up here each time we returned to the inn from an adventure. After the hike, we were both about frozen; my lips were numb!

Our VT adventure for the rest of the week is skiing, but there’s not a lot of snow on the slopes. Good skiing or bad skiing, we always have a good time in VT!

Fancy New Hat for a Special Lamp

2011-12-17T05:00:00.000-05:00

Long ago Mr. SP rescued this lamp from Granddaddy’s shed a gave it a face-lift. I’m sure that Granddaddy bought it at an auction and intended to do the same thing. For years I’ve looked for a shade for it with no luck. This beauty needed just the right shade for her special curves.

You might remember it from one of Amanda’s Decorating Dilemma parties from last year. I received some great suggestions from the party participants but never did find the perfect solution until recently.

This lady has a new hat and is strutting her stuff! A very nice Mennonite couple who run a lamp shop in the Dayton Farmer’s market helped me to find a shade from one of their catalogs. They are very knowledgeable and knew the type of shade that this lamp originally had. This lamp isn’t for everyone but I like it.

I can’t help but think of the leg lamp in A Christmas Story when I look at this shade.

I should be a nice daughter and let this lamp go to live on Walnut Avenue with Mama as it would look perfect in her parlor.

We keep jokingly referring to this lamp as “the cat house” lamp now that it has its fringe adorned shade. Meow!

Sharing With:
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Mama’s Walnut Avenue Decorations

2011-12-16T05:00:00.000-05:00

When I visited Mama for the Waynesboro Christmas House Tour, I took some pictures of her decorations to share. Mama spends most of her time in her family room. The photos above the pie safe are of her home under construction and in the center is the building permit.

My grandmother decorated with this candle every single year and now so does Mama.

The family room mantle looks pretty with Santa items, greenery, and wooden trees that my dad crafted long ago.

The parlor’s mantle looks elegant in silver and white.

Mama has a small tree in each of her front windows.

This is part of my grandmother’s Madonna collection. She used them in church arrangements and in arrangements for her home.

I’ll next visit Walnut Avenue for Christmas. I’m sure Mama will have added more decorations by then. I can't wait to visit her and to have our traditional Christmas food: fried oysters!

2011 Christmas Tour :: The Family Room

2011-12-15T05:00:00.000-05:00

Earlier this week I shared our living room and kitchen. Today’s post is the family room where we spend many hours each evening. Watching tv and looking at the tree is a most pleasant way to end the day.

Our tree looks pretty much the same from year-to-year. This year I added a topper similar to one Mama has always used from the late 60’s or 70’s. I bought mine in a Christmas shop in Manteo. My grandmother made our tree skirt and it’s been used by our family as long as I can remember. Mama let me have it a few years ago.

End Table Vignette:

My first grade teacher gave me this book.

Of course I had to use vintage post cards!

Gifts await Christmas morning in an antique laundry basket.

From the family room, this vignette can be seen on top of the pie safe in the dining area. The Econolite will stay out all winter. If you aren’t familiar with these, there's a light inside with a tube that turns making it look like it’s snowing.

2011 Christmas Tour :: Christmas in the Kitchen

2011-12-14T05:00:00.000-05:00

Welcome to my favorite room in our home, the kitchen. I’ve been collecting vintage punch sets for the past few years and by the time they were all displayed, there wasn’t room for many more Christmas things in this space.

The cute Santa towel on my stove is from King Arthur Bakery in Vermont. I hope to visit this fun store again very soon.

I like to use old crocks for utensils and pieces from my vintage flower pot collection to hold soaps and sponges. An old refrigerator dish keeps salt handy by the stove.

This set started my vintage punch set collection.

This is my newest set, purchased this summer. Unfortunately, I broke two of the mugs as I washed them after their purchase. The four remaining mugs still look pretty with the bowl, so no big loss.

The other two sets in my collection are displayed on the left side of the stove. I wish the counter was always this clear!

The most important area of the kitchen is the coffee making area. Here I have some of my Lenox Holiday pieces on display along with vintage boots and Santas on the shelves.

This view is from the dining area.

Since it’s just the two of us, we rarely sit at the table to eat. I am looking forward to Christmas Eve when I’ll have guests to entertain.

My late mother-in-law made our runner and I like to use it each year for sentimental reasons.

If you were in here in person I'd offer you a cup of coffee and a Christmas cookie.

Blogging at Christmas is so much fun. I love seeing decorations from your homes. Thanks for stopping by my kitchen!

Sharing With:
Debra at Common Ground for her Vintage Christmas Party

2011 Christmas Tour :: Living Room

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Decorating for Christmas is so much fun. I’m delighted that you stopped by our home. Christmas cheer starts outside with a lighted PB inspired garland and ball embellished wreaths to match.

We usually enter our home by way of the screened porch. This area is decorated for the season, too.

The screened porch door takes us into the living room decorated in traditional red, green, gold, and silver.

I shared our mantle here. Making my own fresh wreaths is a pleasure.

Glittered pinecones shine in the morning light.

I love how the cloche glows in this picture.

Swarovski crystal snowflakes send sparkles of diffracted light all over the living room.

The 2011 snowflake is a beautiful design.

Thanks for stopping by our home. I’ll share more rooms this week. I’m looking forward to seeing your homes decorated for Christmas as well.

Sharing With:
Potpourri Friday at 2805

2011 Waynesboro Christmas Tour

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This past Saturday my mom, aunt, cousin, and I attended the Waynesboro Christmas Home Tour sponsored by the Wayne Theatre Alliance.

We started our tour at the Paradiso House, a 1910 two-story Colonial Revival built by David T. Coiner, Sr. This house was extensively remodeled in 2008 and is beautiful.

The homeowners were busy talking to guests and I was only able to ask permission to take one photo. The rest of the house was just as elegant as this room.

Next we toured the Scott home built in 1945 by William and Dorothy Porter. The best feature of this home was the equestrian art by the owner’s daughter.

Susan has long admired the Zawhorodny home and we were delighted to get the chance to tour it. This home was designed by Daley Craig in 1953 for Russell and Stella McDow. The Zawhorodnys purchased the home in 2004 and completely remodeled it. We adored the Williamsburg style of this home.

See the brown metal rectangle in the brick? That’s a mail door which leads to a wooden door above a kitchen counter.

The Plummer House was built in 2008 by Jack and Kathy Plummer.

There was a creepy surprise waiting in the master bath of this home.

The décor in this home was certainly not my style but I did like the design of the house.

Our last home to tour was the Curry-Montgomery House built in 1959 for Dr. Bill Smith, Waynesboro’s first pediatrician. It is currently owned by Dr. Sandra Curry and Mr. Thomas Montgomery. The house was designed to simulate the French Quarter in New Orleans.

This antique Santa was designed in France and used as a papier-mache mold in eighteenth century England.

After the house tour, we made a quick stop by the country club to look at the decorations.

And then went to the P. Buckley Moss Barn. Nice view!

We laughed and had fun all day!

After all of that touring, we were hungry. Mama prepared a most delicious lunch for us to enjoy.

We had a great day! There’s nothing like spending the day with family doing something fun. Mama recently stenciled her dining room wall.

I hate that this picture is blurry.

I’ve been lucky to see a lot of Mama in the past few weeks. This Saturday we will make a long drive to see my niece perform in The Nutcracker.

Does your area host a Christmas tour? It’s been a few years since my town has had one. When there is a tour, Mama and I always attend.