In the front yard

Crab Apple tree in our front yard with buds not yet opened. A Choke Cherry tree in full bloom. Cistena Hedge with pink flowers is 8-10 ft tall. I love Spring! A yard that is desperate for some attention.. Up next.....its the garden.

Sofa Table

I went shopping with my sister Wednesday and our last stop was our local St. Lawrence Thrift Store. She had some pretty good finds. And I came home with this black Sofa table and a dress that I am hopng to refashion into a little dress for my little punkin, Abby.

Mirror, mirror...

The first photo is of a mirror hubby made for me after I spotted it on Southern Hospitality Blog. Rhoda had been Shopping In Destin. She snapped a photo of a mirror in one of the shops she visited and unbeknownst to her, I fell in love with it!  Living vicariously! Hubby made it for me on a Saturday. I finished it and by Monday night it was hanging on our wall. A turquoise under coat with a creamy white top coat and glaze. This was in 2010 and I'm still in love with my Destiny Mirror!

I also snapped several other mirrors around our home.

Not sure why these photos didn't post in the correct order, but you get the idea...

Ham and Bean Soup w/ Barley*

3 stalks celery chopped
5 carrots chopped
1 onion chopped fine
2 Cloves Garlic minced
2 sprigs Rosemary
1 T. Chopped Fresh Parsley(added right before serving)
1 C. Uncooked Barley
3 Cans Great White Northern Beans
Ham Bone w/ some diced ham
2 quarts water
3 C. Chicken Broth
Salt and pepper to taste

In 2 quarts water boil ham bone and simmer for about an hour before adding the sauteed onions and garlic, the chopped carrots and celery, the seasonings, Beans, Barley, and chicken broth. Simmer for another hour. For the last 5 mintes of simmer, add parsley. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Serve with biscuits or warm rolls. Makes enough for 8-10 people.

A Touch Of Pink

A Springtime vignette with a variety of white candle sticks,  lanterns and a pretty pink flower.

Chicken Enchilada Soup

3-4 Chicken breasts
1 Onion chopped
2 C. Cilantro
1 Can Diced tomatoes
1 Can Black beans
1 Can Corn
1 Can Great White Northern beans
1 Can Red kidney beans
1 Serano Pepper finely chopped and seeded
2 T. Better than Bouillon
2 T. Cumin
2 T. Chilli powder
2 t. Salt
4 C. Grated cheddar cheese
3 Avocados
Sour Cream
Bag Tortilla Chips

Boil chicken breasts in 8 C. water with salt, chopped onion and cilantro. Bring to boil and turn to med/low heat and simmer for an hour. Remove boiled chicken breasts from pot and dice into cubes. Add diced chicken, bouillon, tomatoes, corn, beans and spices. Salt and pepper to taste.  Simmer for 15 minutes more.
Top with Tortilla chips, grated cheddar cheese, sour cream, and diced avocados.

Pottery Barn Lamp

Hubby and I were out at a local thrift store when I found this gorgeous lamp. I didn't see the tag at first and told my hubs that it was heavy and most likely a Pottery Barn item. After we bought the lamp and were ready to pull out of the parking lot, Hubby looked for a tag or something to tell us where it came from. Then he saw the tag and said, "Look, Hon!" I was so excited, I screamed. We only paid $8 for it!

Knobby Oak Table

Moss balls in the bird house. Same old books. New lamp shade on an old lamp., Night time with the lamp on., Love the glow of a lamp at night. It makes a house feel cozy.

Turquoise Love

Spotted this turquoise cabinet in a local furniture store. It reminded me of a cabinet I have that was given to me by my sister. When she gave me this cabinet, it was painted dark brown. I stripped it, lacquered it an off-white color and glazed it.  Most of my things in our home are neutral....black, white and khaki. I decided I'd shake things up a bit and so I am planning to paint this sweet cabinet turquoise!  What do you think? Stay tuned for a new look for this old cabinet.

Bloom where you're planted!

My Crab Apple tree in all her glory. Can hardly wait for her to bloom again!