Nanniepannie's Blog

RELAX A WHILE

2012-03-13T19:13:00.002-04:00

Wow, I can't believe it,
two "off days" in a row, and no rain in sight.
How can a working girl get so lucky?

Finished up my domestic chores early
because this was waiting for me
in the back yard.

Life can be good...
if you let it!
Just relax.

SPRING FORWARD...INTO ACTION!

2012-03-11T20:00:00.000-04:00

Well we lost an hour today, but I feel I got more accomplished
than I have for a very long time.
It felt great,
very satisfying!

As soon as the chill was out of the air,
I headed outside into the garden
for a little "clean up" time.
Two weeks ago I brought this prop home from work
and was able to get it polyurethaned
and into the back yard.

I also gave my hummingbird feeder pole a
covering of Rust-oeum Hammered paint.

Next I played around with my newest creation.
A mini greenhouse made from two old windows.

I had seen one at a show Sue and I went to last week
and said to myself...
I can make that.
It doesn't hurt when you have a pile of old windows
stashed in the basement.

I swept and cleaned up all around my
gardening shed.

Lastly I hung some bits of yarn
for my feathered friends.
Spring is in the air
and they will be building their nest
very soon.

Oh yea, forgot to tell you I also put together
my new rope hammock,
a Christmas gift from Sue...
but that's another post.

Happy Gardening!

Saying Goodbye to a Friend

2012-03-08T18:34:00.002-05:00

She had a great life.
She was a happy cat.
It was her time.
Rest in Peace
My Little
Dixie
darling.

HAPPY FOR A NEW BLOOM

2012-02-26T15:38:00.000-05:00

A new bloom for my living room.

I've just finished re-potting my newest purchased.
It's a Phalaenopsis Orchid.
The tag read, EASY...we'll see.
I'm hoping and praying it does well.

I've always loved having blooming flowers inside.
We are into the last stages of Winter here
and I can see things starting to bloom outside,
but it's still too cool to get out and play
in the garden.

This past Christmas a co-worker of mine, Justin Martinez
gave me a book about Orchids as a gift. He knew I
loved to garden and thought what a perfect gift
for someone stuck inside just
waiting for Spring.

Last week I headed to Lowe's to see what they had.
I knew my local greenhouse would have more variety
but wasn't sure if I wanted to pay that price
for something so unsure, after all I could
kill it in a mater of weeks.

Not only was Justin's gift an inspiration
but also this recent article in Better Homes and Garden
about Terrariums and planting in glass containers.

I went a head and bought a recommended potting mix...
wanted to do it right.

Who knew you had to soak it for twenty four to
forty eight hours before using.
Did I mention that I'm not a very
patient person?

Waiting...just waiting.

Now it is all done and what a colorful
addition to the sitting room.

Keep your fingers crossed.

Happy Gardening.

THE PERFECT SUNDAY EVENING

2012-02-20T06:00:00.002-05:00

Deep Dish Pan Pizza
from Pizza Hut.

Heathbar Blizzard
for desert.

Masterpiece Classic
"Dowton Abbey"

LIFE IS GOOD!

BURLAP WREATH...CHECK

2012-02-19T13:45:00.000-05:00

It's a rainy Sunday and working in the yard is
out of the question.
What's the next best thing?
Why getting crafty of course!

I had a little left over burlap from another project
and a straw wreath I picked up last Summer
at a yard sale for twenty-five cents.

I already had the origami birds made.
A little time and some hot glue
and there you have it...
my craft itch
Scratched!

What a Hoot!

2012-02-14T14:42:00.000-05:00

Found this great graphic on a T-Shirt
Wish I could find it as a plaque...
wouldn't it be great on a tree
in the garden.

A FEW DAYS OFF!

2012-01-28T13:36:00.003-05:00

I can't believe it has been two weeks since my last post.
My only excuse...I've been lazy.

I got outside today for a little while and took a stroll
around the garden.
The weather has been so mild here lately my flowers
think it's already Spring.

Two days ago I spotted our first daffodils!

This blue Hyacinth has been blooming for the past week.

I've had this weekend off
and have been trying to get
caught up on everything
I've been neglecting,
including house work...
uck.

I've done some cleaning out and reorganizing.
It really feels good to lighten your load.

My closets look so much better!

Added some little touches for the
Valentine's Day season.

I still have a few more tasks to finish
before the sun sets, but I'm feeling good
about the things I've gotten accomplished
so far this weekend.

At the end of the day
all I want to do is
sit back...

...and put my feet up.

Happy Gardening!

FRIDAY'S FLOWERS

2012-01-13T13:43:00.010-05:00

We woke up to snow on the ground this morning.
It's our first for the season,
so we can't complain.
Everything outside is frozen, in hiding or underground,
and for a gardener that can be sad times.

Lucky for me there are blooms inside!

The Amaryllis my neighbor have me for Christmas
is just now starting to peak out.

Downstairs the violets are blooming as well.

The pink ones are in their glory.

My guest bedroom has a little pot of paperwhites
that opened up two days ago.

And in my sitting room...
something to make me smile.

Happy Gardening!

BATHROOM...BY THE NUMBERS

2012-01-08T19:53:00.001-05:00

I've recently done a little revamping in the bathroom.
Nothing major just a change with curtains and such.

While out and about this past Fall I found a collection of numbers at
an antique mall in Asheville, NC.
I've seen numbers use quite a bit in decorating and knew
I wanted to do something, but not sure what.

I just started playing in my bathroom one day
and this is what I came up with.

Almost everyone that used my facilities
over the holidays asked...
what's up with those numbers,
what does it mean?
I say it doesn't mean anything
it just is.
Then I joke, when you are on the throne
you can see how many you can find.

One detail I love are these
wonderful clothes pins my
sister- in- law,Terry, made
for me this past Christmas.

Aren't they GREAT?

The baskets were a cast off from VS
and a treasure to me.

Oh, and this chair belongs to...

Miss Dixie.

Tablescaping With Birds

2012-01-06T07:20:00.001-05:00

Pick a bunch of Blue Birds

You may have read that I opened an
etsy shop over the Christmas season
called nanniepannie.
I was in bad need of an outlet for my crafts
and etsy seemed like the perfect solution.

Problem is...there is soooo much out there.
I'm wondering how I can entice people to want
my origami birds,
because I got to tell you...I'm can't stop
making them!

I decided to take some shots using them in
tablescaping,
maybe I'll get some interest.

I think they would be a great way to decorate
for a party, tea or luncheon.

You know, it's almost as much fun
taking pictures of them as it is
making them.

New Year...New Skill!

2012-01-04T10:36:00.000-05:00

Guess what one of my New Years resolutions was?
Yep, that's right
I'm going to TRY to learn how to
crochet.

I've always been fascinated with it,
but I'm not a patient person and have my
reservations about my commitment level.

It's time to give it a go!

Lately I've seen so many fascinating things
that so inspire me to learn.
I love these crocheted rocks.

I know...I know...
I'll have to start simple
probably with a pot holder
but that's okay.

There are so many decisions
not only do I have to decide on what to make,
the yarn choices are endless.

Will I ever be able to create fun pillows
like these? I wonder.

I'm going to start small

and build up my skill.

One thing I do know I can be as
creative as I want
and make it my own.

Maybe in a year or two I'll master those rocks.

In the mean time...
I'm going to have some fun.

Thanks to Google
for all my images.

SIMPLY CHRISTMAS

2011-12-23T11:54:00.001-05:00

Christmas is almost here
and when you work at the "Mall"
it can't come soon enough.

I'm taking a sick day today
because my tummy is not being very nice to me.
But more than that...
I simply need a mental health day.

I'm staying in and staying cozy,
enjoying all the little details of
my space here at Buttermilk Cottage.

As I walk around and look at the
special treasures on display,
I feel the magic starting to
flow again.

My psyche is starting to rejuvenate

and the spirit coming back into my soul.

Take time for yourself this holiday

and some time to enjoy the simple
pleasures that come with the
Season.

Merry Christmas

and peace to you and yours!

THERE'S NOTHING LIKE A CLASSIC

2011-12-18T16:44:00.001-05:00

Last night my sister and I had a
"dinner and a movie" night.
At my brother's suggestion, we watched the
latest version of
"Jane Eyre".

We were not disappointed.
This visually stunning movie kept us both
entertained and delighted.

It got me to thinking...
have I ever been disappointed with any
adaptation of Jane Eyre?
I did a little research and found out
there has been at least twenty three version
before the oldest one I can remember
staring Joan Fontaine and
Orson Wells
from 1944.

As a young girl, I remember falling in love
with George C Scott's
Mr. Rochester.

I know I've seen the Timothy Dalton
version, but I don't have a clear
remembrance of it.

Franco Zeffirelli's
Jane Eyre
starring William Hurt and
Charlotte Gainsbourg
was a stunning adaptation as well.
I've always been a William Hurt fan
ever since
The Big Chill.

This 1997 version, also a BBC production,
I believe is my favorite.

Masterpiece Theatre did it in 2007
and there was a mini Series
back in 1973.

Pick out a version and
watch it,
what great holiday fun.

Oh yea, don't forget
it's always a good read!

AFTERNOON OF CRAFTING

2011-12-11T14:46:00.001-05:00

I've been working on decorating our outside
porch tree for the past three weeks.
I know that sounds strange, but I just can't seem to
get it right. I keep adding and subtracting, trying
to get the right mix...don't ask me why.

Today is Sunday and I'm home alone.
I decided to make some paper mitten ornaments.

Last year I read a tip in blogland, you can use Epsons Salts
instead of using glitter for a snow effect.

I cut the mittens out of an old book I've been destroying
and trimmed them with thin red ribbon.

I painted the mittens in Mod Podge then rubbed them in the salts.
Some I dredged only at the finger tips
others I did it all over.

I think they work on my rustic outdoor tree.
I wanted my ornaments to be representative
of the gals that live here.

Origami birds for me since I'm somewhat obsessed
with them right now. Yarn balls for my sister,
the avid knitter and
the mittens are for Kate,
my niece,
who's passion is reading
without a doubt.

What an enjoyable to spend a Sunday afternoon.

Have a wonderful week!

I'm A Shop Owner!

2011-12-08T18:09:00.004-05:00

Well, I've gone and done it.
Just opened a shop on etsy.
I'm learning as I go...but so far...so good.
I only have seven items up right now
but I'm hoping to list a few every day until I have my stash
out there.
I needed an another outlet for my crafting
and now I have it.
Come by and see me soon.

Nanniepannie

GARDENING FIX

2011-12-07T12:02:00.001-05:00

How does a gardener get her fix during the winter months?
My answer...force bulbs.
Paperwhites are the perfect bulb for this
time of year.

They are super easy to grow and they look
great in almost any container.

Isn't this a fun idea? I think you would have to live
in a warm climate though. I tried putting some in pots
on the front porch a few years ago, but they didn't do
anything. Too cold I think.

I like to plant mine in clear vases.
The very tall vases are great for when they start
getting a bit floppy.

This year I tried something a little different.
They say by adding a little alcohol (1part alcohol to 7 parts water)
you can stunt their growth. It doesn't effect their
blooms, just the stems and leaves.
I'm giving it a try.

Happy Gardening!

linking to
Wow Us Wednesday @
Savvy Southern Style

ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS!

2011-11-28T19:55:00.001-05:00

Dreamy!

Dreamier!

The Dreamiest!

My life would be complete if Santa would
only bring me a Mini Cooper and
a vintage truck...
he could even combine the two
and I wouldn't complain.

Just Dreaming

THE PERFECT TREE...FOR ME

2011-11-27T04:28:00.001-05:00

I just completed my Christmas Tree.
It's taken me a week because I keep adding,
now it is an explosion of Origami Birds,
something I've wanted for the past three years.

I hand made 99% of my trimmings
but I did use some of my favorites
from Christmas Past.

I lightly dusted some twigs from the back yard
with white spray paint.
My tall slim tree from twenty years ago
needed a little something.

They are all ready to
take flight!

Some of the birds, I put on skewers, you
can also use them as plant stakes.

I used all types of paper to make my birds,
card stock, scrap booking, sheet music, old books,
anything I could get my hands on.

I've always loved working with music paper.
I had done the balls a few years ago and thought they were a
perfect fit for my Origami tree.

This is a fun stackable one I did.
Daddy, mom and baby.

I made several three bird garlands
by stringing them together.

This one was fun to do.
I used old clothes pins, Spanish moss,
and some red berries.

Now that it's done
it's the perfect tree...
...for me!

I'm linking with some fun parties this week
Wow Us Wednesday@
Savvy Southern Style

A CANDY FOR ALL SEASONS

2011-11-26T11:14:00.000-05:00

m&ms are the happiest candies I know.

Do you remember, back in the day,
when m&ms came in two flavors
and melted in your mouth
not in you hand?

This past Halloween
I was out shopping for my weekly supplies
and ran into these...
WOW this was some serious good candy.

While out today, I looked for the candy corn,
but none could be found.
Cherry Cordial had taken its place.

What an enterprise!
You can find m&ms in almost any flavor
and color.

I love the pink and red ones at Valentine's Day.

m&ms were founded in 1941
and named after the founder, Forest Mars Sr.
and Bruce Murry of Hershey.

I can't wait for their next
bright idea.

Love it!

DON'T FORGET THE CRANBERRIES!

2011-11-23T06:55:00.001-05:00

I'm guessing...
No matter how you tablescape this Thanksgiving
this bad boy will be on most tables.

You just can't forget the cranberries!

Some will have just a little on the side.

Others will want a GREAT BIG BOWL.

Happy Birds

2011-11-22T17:12:00.000-05:00

I walked out my door
and heard music in the air.

I looked up and there were hundreds of birds
in the trees above my head.

Then they flew away.

On to warmer climates no doubt.
Wish I could go too.

All images found on Google Image

SUNDAY SALE

2011-11-20T08:24:00.003-05:00

Two days down and one to go.

When we closed the doors last night at five
Susan and I ran to our favorite
Chinese restaurant
for some much needed down time.

We have been very pleased with our
Fiber Arts and Holiday Show.
So many people have walked through
our front door...many finding something
they couldn't resist.

Our inventory has been greatly depleted,
which of course is a "good thing"
but that also means some major
re-merchandising f0r the last day.

Back at home with our bellies full Susan got started
the accounts and I got busy condensing
and freshening up our
weekend shop.
The red and teal that started the show on our focal table
was all but gone...blues are taking it's place
for the final day.

We still have some
pretty things.
Sometimes just moving them around
can really generate interest.

What was left of the red, landed on a
buffet in the dining room.

Some pieces that didn't get a lot of show
during the first two days
are finding a more dominant home for Sunday.

Sassy!

We open the doors back up in less than five hours.
Wish us luck.
After that...the tear-down
not a fun job!

Have a great Sunday.

IT'S SHOW TIME...AGAIN!

2011-11-18T14:00:00.001-05:00

It is hard to believe it is already time for our Holiday Show
at Buttermilk Cottage.
My sister Susan, and I have been busy
changing our cozy home into
a fun boutique for our weekend sale.

I will have more pictures to share later
but I thought I'd give you a quick
tour of the show.
The preview show is tonight at six,
then open to the public on Saturday and Sunday.

Most of the jewelry is right inside the front door.
There are some amazing pieces
this year.

When you enter the living room
it's a girls dream!
Hats, scarfs, vest, bags and
more...more...more!

We have some wonderful wood pieces
by an incredible wood turner.

Our dining room holds more hand made things.

The focal table is all about red and teal!

Susan is bunking upstairs with me this weekend,
her room is full of delights.

Carolyn White, one of our favorite contributors,
has so many fun wearables this year.

We even have a "Kids" section.

We've turned Susan's studio into our
Christmas Room.

It's filled with beautiful hand made ornaments,
stockings, napkins and more.

I hope you have plans to visit, if you are in our city.
It's a wonderful Holiday time.

Come see us!!!!

NAP TIME

2011-11-03T18:23:00.003-04:00

Taking a short rest while I wait for some
inspiration.

Hope you had a great
Halloween.
Mine was low key...
I had to work.

CREEPY...IN A WONDERFUL WAY!

2011-10-28T20:22:00.001-04:00

My brother shared these with me last
Halloween.
I'm returning his favor this year.

He got them off the web,
not sure if they are done by the
same artist or not

but they are quite impressive.

We usually don't carve our
pumpkins

if I had this kind of talent
maybe I would.

What about you?

Get your butcher knife out
and get carving.

A DAY AT HOME

2011-10-26T22:00:00.001-04:00

What a day!
Up before seven and straight to work.
Not to Victoria's Secret...I was off today.
It was a BIG TIME cleaning day.

Scrubbed the floors with Murphy Oil Soap
then applied Liquid Gold, all on my
hands and knees
of course.

Rearranged furniture.

Brought things up from the basement
to freshen up my look.
I've been in the mood to do some major redecorating
but don't have the time or the funds
with holiday coming on.

Next best thing...rearrange!
Notice the door in the background.
If you look close you can see the blue painter's
tape on the chair below.

I had an inspiration and we had
chalk board paint in the basement.

Now all I need is a cutesy saying to write on it.
But I'm just too darn tired now,
I'm crawling into bed.

ONE FALL DAY

2011-10-25T17:26:00.001-04:00

The neighborhood is all ablaze with
Fall colors!

Many trees are already bare
while others are just starting to turn.

The Virginia Creeper is
on fire with red
on the back fences.

Our porch here at
Buttermilk Cottage
is dressed for the season

as are many of our neighbors.

One of my favorites is this graveyard scene
one street over.

Yesterday Susan and I drove over the mountain
into North Carolina.
It was a perfect day for leaf peeping.

The weather was marvelous!
We took our time
stopping here and there for
a few pictures.

This NC Welcome Center
was a delight.

You have to make time to get out
and enjoy the colors of Fall.
It always seems like you blink your eye
and they're gone.

Once over the mountain our destination
was the Tobacco Barn Antiques in Ashville.
We had heard so much about this place
but had never experienced it for
ourselves...

now that we have, well lets just say,
WE'LL BE BACK!

It was so much fun browsing through the
countless treasures.
It was almost overwhelming.

We ended our trip at a sweet little
French restaurant in downtown Ashville
that had been recommended
by a good friend.

Without a doubt the owner and chef
loves what he does.
He made a point to visit every table

What a wonderful day!

MACK'S FIVE AND DIME...GOING STRONG

2011-10-15T18:36:00.019-04:00

A few weeks ago my sister and I took a trip to Hilton Head.
One morning we drove over to
Savannah and spent the day.
We couldn't visit Savannah and not have a meal at
Lady and Sons.

While we were waiting for out appointed time to eat,
we had time to browse the shops nearby and ran
across this gem.
Mack's Five and Dime.

As soon as I walked in
I felt like I had walked back in time.

Do you recall the scene in Breakfast At Tiffany's
at the Five and Dime?

It immediately came to my mind
as I walked the isles and fingered the
variety of goods...

...right down to the Halloween masks
on the center table.

My sister spied these goblets on a window shelf.
When we were growing up my Mom had a set
just like these.
They were our special glasses.

I found embroidered handkerchiefs.

hair nets

and everything in between.

Back on the street
I noticed other signs of a bygone time.
I saw an old Kress down the way housing, no doubt,
a Baby Gap or Gift shop.
This great old Silvers building now an upscale
furniture store.

It got me thinking...
when I was growing up we had Five & Dime just down from
where my Mom did her grocery shopping.
I spent many a day browsing there and wishing I had more
money in my pocket.

I think it was a Woolworth.

As a young woman working in downtown
Birmingham Alabama,
I remember there was a
Newberry Five and Dime.
My co-workers and I would
sometimes go down to the lunch counter
and have a bite to eat.
Seems like ages ago.

Ben Franklin is the only
Five and Dime big chain I can think of
that still going strong...
or is it???

I think they
have changed with the times.

TOOTSIE ROLL POPS

2011-10-11T17:12:00.000-04:00

Oh how I love Tootsie Pops!

The Halloween candy is out
and I just can't resist !

My favorite, with out a doubt, Cherry.

Banana and Green Apple...
not so much.

The great art print is by an artist named
Mary Hughes

OLD WOOL SWEATERS...NEW FELTED WREATHS

2011-10-04T19:30:00.005-04:00

Talk about refurbishing!

Last winter I read several blog posts about turning
old wool sweaters into
new felted wreaths.

I jotted the idea down in my
inspiration notebook and
was determined to give it a try
this year.

All you need is a washer and dryer
(It works better if you have a top loader).

Some old wool sweaters you don't mind shrinking.
I hit the Goodwill and Salvation Army shops
at the beginning of summer
and picked up several.

Scissors, wire and some time.

Wash your sweaters in hot water
and then dry them.
The more times you run them through
the denser they will become.
That's a good thing.

When they are all done, they look like
baby sweaters, very cute.
Cut them up in squares, I did mine
in approximately two inch squares.
Then you are ready to string them on your wire.

Alternate your colors and create
any pattern you like.

This is a close up of a green one I did

and this is my red and blue one.

It was a fun project and I'm glad I did it.
They are great wreaths for the Winter
months when Christmas is all
packed away.
Happy Felting!

I will be linking with some super parties:
Savvy Southern Style's
Wow Us Wednesday

My Romantic Home's
Show and Tell Friday

FLAVORS OF FALL

2011-10-03T20:50:00.002-04:00

When October rolls around...
Fall is officially here.

Juicy crisp apples start appearing
at road side stands and
Farmers Markets.

Scents of cinnamon and cider are in the air
everywhere.

Your mouth waters for that
first slice of pumpkin pie.

Oh, and the hardy soups that
warm the soul.

But my absolute favorite
is a dreamy slice of my sister's
carrot cake!

Happy Fall!

IT'S ALIVE...IT'S ALIVE!!!

2011-10-02T12:38:00.000-04:00

Yes, he's real!

My sister and I just returned from
a wonderful, relaxing week in
Hilton Head SC.
The condo we stayed in came with a bonus...
two free bikes.

The grounds on the
Shipyard Plantation was rich in
biking trails.
I hadn't been on a bike in over twenty years
but thought it was time
to get reacquainted.

I rode every day and it was marvelous!
I never knew who or what I'd run into.

I literally ran into a tree one day...
how embarrassing!

We stayed at the Coral Reef which was located
on the Shipyard Plantation.
The Plantation is home to several resorts
and they boast of three golf courses.
Sue and I don't golf, but we enjoyed
all the green.

Friday afternoon on my ride
I stopped by this lake hoping to
capture a few pictures of the
abundant water fowl.

This bad boy is who I ran into.
At first sight, I said to myself "he's not real".

When he started moving
so did I!!!

HAPPY BIRTHDAY JIM!

2011-09-23T19:57:00.000-04:00

Today would have been Jim Henson's
Seventy Fifth Birthday!
Happy Birthday Jim,
what a legacy you have left behind.

Sesame Street

The Muppet Show

Muppet Babies

Fraggle Rock

Labyrinth

Three movies

and my favorite
Yoda
who's your?

Happy Birthday
we will always remember you.

SEPTEMBER BLOOMS

2011-09-19T14:09:00.003-04:00

We bought our Fall Mums last week
and got them in the ground.
When I planted them the blooms were
barely peeking out...
this week full force.

We prefer the sunny yellow ones,
they seem to go better with our decor
and are a bit hardier.

Here is one I put in the ground last year.
It's coming along nicely.

Purple Asters are out and about,

as are the yellow ones.
Both were planted as seeds a couple of years ago.

The guy at the local nursery said to dead head and
fertilize your Knockout Roses now and
they will bloom until
November.

I still have Lantana and my Monkey Grass is blooming.

Next door at my neighbors,
Hydrangea is still showing off.

Lastly, my Hardy Begonia is
pretty in pink.

Happy Gardening.

I will be linking with
Fishtail Cottage's
Cottage Flora Thursday
and
Flaunt Your Flowers!
Fertilizer Friday!

LEIGH ANNE & HER MAN

2011-09-18T10:43:00.001-04:00

One of my good buddies and co-worker,
Leigh Anne
is marring her sweetheart,
Jess
next month.

The gang from work are all meeting at
Olive Garden tonight
for a little shower.

I purchased the couple some towels
they picked out at
BED BATH & BEYOND
but wanted to give Leigh Anne
a little something that
was more personal.

When I saw the colors of the towels,
my mind started working.
We had just received that
iconic blue catalogue
from Tiffany's.

I picked up a small bag of diamond rings,
went home and got to work.

Origami birds to the rescue!
Tore out some pages and started folding.

I love the little ring as the anchor.

I loved it so much...I made more.

I hope to sell them at our upcoming
Holiday Fiber Art Show.

Congratulations
Leigh Anne
and
Jess

Linking with Kim at
Southern Savvy Style
Wow Us Wednesday

FALL FIXINGS

2011-09-12T14:30:00.000-04:00

When you can start to feel the coolness
in the air I always like to change things up
a bit. It is amazing what a few small
changes can do for a room.
I've replaced my white spread
with my darker
floral one...

...then got the bright idea to use
some of the burlap I have for a new
dust ruffle.
I didn't bother doing any sewing, just tucked
it in. I figured for the amount of time it will be up
this will work well enough.

Just added a small pot of yellow mums
for a touch of color.

Finally I wanted to replace a picture I had hanging
next to my desk area.
I've been creating some memory boards/inspiration boards
to sell at our Holiday Show & Sale.
I decided to snag one for myself.

I covered a wooden frame with cream canvas
and wrapped different types of twine
around it.

It looks great on the wall
and is neutral enough to change
with the seasons.

CASTER BEAN PLANT

2011-09-06T07:00:00.002-04:00

My window boxes are soaking up all the much
needed rain...yes Tropical Storm Lee
has reached East Tennessee.

Looking out my window, this small spider catches my eye,
he brings to mind that old song, The Isty Bitsy Spider.
He's holding on for dear life.

I wanted to share with you one of my favorite plants
in my garden...the Caster Bean Plant.

I've gotten a small plant from a fellow gardener the past few years.
They tell me I'm not supposed to have it in my garden here
in Tennessee. The Caster Bean Plant is poisonous
and can be used to make Ricin.
I'm a rebel,
if I got rid of everything that is considered
poisonous I wouldn't have much of a garden.

I did a little research and there is not much chance it will
do any harm...and it does make a statement.

Happy Gardening

Linking with Fishtail Cottage's
Flora Thursday

MORNING GLORY

2011-09-05T12:03:00.000-04:00

Every year I plant some blue Morning Glory seeds and hope
for an explosion of blue in my garden...
it doesn't happen.
I planted four packs of seeds this year and this is the only
bloom I've seen of them.

I do, how ever, have morning glories that I didn't plant.

They just spring up in various places and wrap themselves
around what ever is handy.

I'm not complaining...just saying.

Happy Gardening
and
Happy Labor Day.

FALL IS IN THE AIR

2011-08-28T12:57:00.002-04:00

It's been seventeen days since my last post.
I feel like I should do penitence but I'm not Catholic.
I always tend to get a bit melancholy when Fall is in the air.
I don't know why, it just is.

Even though things in the garden are starting to fade,
there is still a lot going on and
coming on.

Yellow Asters are starting to peek out.

Rose of Sharon spring up everywhere.

Clematis having another go.

Knock Out Roses still going strong.

This Mandevilla, I in doored all last Winter, has finally
decided to bloom.

One of my favorite things about this time of year.
Autumn Clematis

Lots of buds on my Mums.

Happy Gardening.

EARLY START

2011-08-10T15:20:00.001-04:00

I can't believe I haven't posted since last Tuesday!
After the garden tour, I kind of ran out of steam.
Now I'm thinking ahead to Christmas...
I know, go ahead and shoot me.

We do a Holiday Sale in November
and I have to
start thinking about what I'm going to
make and sell.
I usually do some kind of wreaths.
Last year I was very inspired
with all the burlap wreaths I saw
out there in blogland.
I'm starting to work
on a few ideas.

At the end of the season last year I bought up a bunch of
silver balls that I will incorporate into
this years wares.

I thought myself very clever when I purchase this bolt of
burlap at the local garden and feed shop.
It was a fraction of what I would have paid at
the fabric shop.
$16.99 for a 3' X 48' roll.

I've been making origami cranes all Summer.
I'm planning on doing several things with them.

I'm all about mixing unexpected things together.

My sister said...interesting.
I like it!

The next two are simple
and easy.
The picture doesn't do it justice
but the bright pink poke a dot ribbon
just makes you smile.

So that's what I've been up to.

Have a great day and
Happy Crafting!

HERB GARDEN

2011-08-02T19:35:00.000-04:00

Is it hot or what?
The temperatures are reaching ninety
and above here in Tennessee,
it's just too darn hot to be outside in the garden.

I've been toying with the idea of an
herb garden,
today, I stopped off at
the local gardening center
and picked out
a few.

I haven't done any research yet so I just
selected the ones that intrigued me.

I love the silvery spikes of this Curry
and the Trailing Rosemary seemed like a good choice.
I also picked up Chamomile,
English Thyme and Sage.

Wish me luck.
If they do well I can see more
in my future.

Happy Gardening!

VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS FESTIVAL

2011-07-30T11:47:00.000-04:00

Susan and I took a little road trip yesterday to
Abingdon Virginia.
Abingdon,
in my opinion is a
near perfect
small town.

It's home to the "Barter Theater",
"Martha Washington Inn",

and countless Bed & Breakfasts.

Every year around this time they have their
"Virginia Highlands Festival".

It is quite an event around these parts.
Artist and craftsmen come from all over
the US to sell their treasures.

I purchased this colorful
pottery wren house from one of the vendors.
It has found a home between my upstairs
bathroom windows.

This hummingbird feeder pole
was made by "Hunt Country Iron"
The artist came all the way from
coastal Georgia.
Now I need to find (or make) the
perfect hummingbird feeder.

The last item I brought home
is this adorable cat birdbath.
I found it at one of the local antique shops
when we ducked in to cool off.

Hope you are having a great weekend.
Happy Gardening.

COMMUNITY GARDEN

2011-07-28T08:05:00.001-04:00

Three blocks from where I live
some folks got together
and created a community garden.

I drive by it from time to time,
but this Sunday I took a stroll
down the street for a closer look.

I'm not sure who owns the lot
or even how many people are involved,
but it is quite impressive.

There are all sorts of green things growing.

I don't know much about vegetable gardening,
but I do know I would like to
partake of its fruits.

This was one of my favorite plots.
Love the whimsey of the
gloves on the stakes.

I think this is dill...it smelled wonderful.

Some kind of squash, I think.

Happy Gardening.

SIMPLE PLEASURES

2011-07-27T10:54:00.000-04:00

What a relaxing morning!
How nice is it not to have to go into
work until one thirty?

A steaming cup of coffee.

Fresh tomatoes from the local
Farmers Market down the street.

A dog that only wants to be by
your side.

A bouquet of fresh flowers
you grew yourself.

Simple pleasures...it's a good life.

What makes your life special?

NEIGHBORHOOD GARDENS

2011-07-25T08:05:00.001-04:00

Now that the "Garden Tour" is history
I thought I would highlight a few of the other
gardens on the tour.

This one belongs to Wanda and George Buda.

Right outside Wanda's back door is a refreshing
water feature her son helped her build.

Whimsical accessories and lush foliage
along her back fence.

A couple of houses down, Don and Holly Johnson
show off their tiny backyard.
The watering can is very appropriate,
Don is a big advocate for rain barrels.
In fact he made me one.
You can read about it here.

Don's shed/garage/workroom.

I'm thinking this handmade leaf accessory was
a gift to Don and Holly from
Wanda because she has given me one.
I love it!

Another small space that packs
a big punch is
John Gardner's front yard garden.
I did a post on it last year.
Read it here.
He's the King of whimsy!

TREASURES, TREASURES,TREASURES!

2011-07-24T10:26:00.002-04:00

I had an amazing day yesterday.
It was a perfect ending to my week of vacation.
The "Garden Tour" went off without a hitch.
Got some wonderful responses.

When it was all over Susan and I headed across the
ally for an estate auction that was going on
in the neighborhood.
Check out my treasures.

I'm loving these vintage garden trowels.

My mind is just whirling with what I might do
with these dove decoys.
I picked up the saw horses too.

I've already found a home for my
small, metal, child's chair.

I spent a little over $50.
Not bad for an afternoon of
sheer delight.

IT'S SHOW TIME!

2011-07-23T05:42:00.004-04:00

Pour yourself a cup of coffee and
step into my world.
Please enter.

*
Linking with
Fertilizer Friday @
Tootsie Time.

A COOL CAT PARTY!

2011-07-22T19:17:00.000-04:00

There's a cool cat party going on over at
Confessions of a Plate Addict.
They're celebrating Baby Kitty's
Birthday.

This is what I'll be wearing around my neck...
I am the ultimate "Cat Freak".

When do you have too much
of something you love?

I have cats on my bed.

Cats on my couch.

Cats where I blog.

Cats on the walls.

More cats on the walls.

And yes, even more cats on the walls.

Cat plates.

Cats in front of the door.

Cats on the porch.

Cats in the garden.

Cats for Christmas.

I had so many cat ornaments, I had to make
wreaths out of them and sell them at
our Holiday Show.

I can't help myself I love
cool cats
that's why I'm heading over to
the "cool cat party"
at Confessions of a Plate Addict.

My "cool cat" Dixie will be my date.
*
1st. image found on Google
Party Pooper
by
Shelly Wilkerson

WHAT'S THIS GROWING IN MY GARDEN?

2011-07-21T15:25:00.000-04:00

Have you ever had something pop up in your garden
you never planted?

Ever since I started composting
it seems to happen more and more.

"Miss Scarlett, I don't know nothin about
growin no vegetables".
What is it???
A melon, a gourd, what?

I never planted these tomatoes,
but here they are.

And what is this?
Friend or foe,
weed or plant?

These little purple flowers are everywhere,
again I never planted them
but I like them.
Do you know what they are?

The magic of gardening.

MULCH MADNESS!

2011-07-20T11:12:00.002-04:00

This weekend is the Bi-Annual Garden Tour
in my neighborhood.
I've been working all Spring and Summer
on my yard to make it
"show ready".

My big dilemma this year was...
...to mulch or not to mulch.
For the past four or five years I have ordered
a truck load of mulch
for my beds.
This year they have filled in and I wasn't sure
how much I needed or if
I could get away with not mulching
at all.

Oh, how I would love to have a little truck
of my own!
The gardening life would be so much simpler.
I could haul mulch,
buy bigger plants.
Yes, that is a dream of mine.

Well, back to mulch.
How much mulch can you pack into a
Ford Focus?

Exactly twelve bags full.

I told the guy at Lowes,
pack it as full as you can
and then I'll pay.

Going the bag route instead of the
truck load route was a good decision,
I ended up only doing the front yard,
you know, curve appeal and all that.
With my back giving me problems this Summer,
it was a good choice.
Johnny, my lawn mowing guy, help me spread it,
another good decision.

Front yard...
check
Now, on to the backyard.

*
I'll be linking with
Cottage Flora @
Fishtail Cottage.

Show and Tell@
My Romantic Home

THERE'S A MOUSE IN THE HOUSE

2011-07-18T00:00:00.000-04:00

Just kidding.

They're just so darn
cute!

Sweet dreams

and a very good night.

I'm linking with Angela's
Show and Tail
at
West Virginia Treasures

EIGHT AT EIGHT

2011-07-16T20:15:00.010-04:00

It's a little past eight and I just strolled through
the garden with my camera.
I wanted to see what kind of pictures
I could get at dusk.

My four o'clock are blooming and
they smell Divine!

They lived here before I did
so I can't take any credit.
They are one of my favorite things
in the garden.

At three o'clock today
I was officially on vacation.

I took this week off to play in the garden.
Next Saturday is our neighborhood garden tour.

I will proudly, be showing The Catbird Garden.

I'm hoping for a big crowd,
the funds we raise go to some
great community projects.

I will be posting throughout the week
on my progress
Wish me luck.

Happy gardening!

GARDEN SHED REDO

2011-07-11T12:31:00.006-04:00

Say hello to my new and improved
garden shed.

Last time I told you I was always looking for ways
to camouflage my
old, ugly, beige
shed.

Well this week I
went to town on it...

...and I'm liking the results.

Now I didn't do the whole thing, just the front.
The rest is another project,
maybe in the Fall.
First thing I did was
prime and paint it
sunny yellow,
the doors I painted cream.

What got me going was finding this
louver door panel for 12.99.
Painted that bad boy bright blue.

Decided to spray paint
my baby bed springs black
so it would pop a bit more on the cream doors.

Attached the shutters with a little eye screw
and some clear fishing line.

Can you see the little birds on top?

I found these on my latest outing to the
antique/junk shop.
Fifteen dollars.

Just drilled a little whole and slid them in.
Love it!

So there it is...what do you think?

Happy Gardening
everyone.

*
I'll be linking with...
Kim's Wow Us Wednesday @
Southern Savvy Style

Fishtail Cottage's
Flora Thursdays

My Romantic Home's
Show and Tell

stuff and nonsense's
fridays unfold

Homemaker on a Dime's
Creative Bloggers'
Party & Hop

Between Naps on the Porch's
Metamorphosis Monday

OH MY ACHING BACK!

2011-07-04T21:17:00.001-04:00

My 4Th. of July weekend was not a walk in the park!
I've done something to my lower back and
it hurts like HELL (pardon my french).

I seem to be popping Ibuprofen
like they were M&Ms.

I was able to spend a little time in the garden,
but wasn't able to do all I had hoped to.

I did manage to finish a little project I've been thinking
about since the beginning of Summer.
My gardening shed is so ugly, I'm always
trying to camouflage it the best I can.

I decided to make a little black board to hang on
one of the doors. Just a little novelty, mostly
just for looks.
I covered an old frame from the basement
with some crafting moss.

One coat of chalkboard paint.

Six coats of chalkboard paint.

I think it turned out okay,
but I wish it was a little bigger.

Oh well, I can live with it.

I bought this little wind chime...
the first time I put it outside the
graphic washed off.
I decided I could still make it work
and stenciled the number three on it.

Do you remember me telling you about the
geraniums I wintered in my basement?

Here they are today.

Happy Gardening!

Linking with Kim's
Wow Us Wednesday @
Southern Savvy Style

THE WEDDING BELLS ARE RINGING

2011-07-03T08:03:00.000-04:00

This has certainly been the year for
engagements,
showers,
and weddings.

Meet Mrs. Miller.
Formerly Yolanda Hernandez.
Yoyo and I work together
and have for many years.
What treat to see her marry.

I was so excited to find "fancyprints" on Etsy.
They will customize their prints with the
bride and groom's initials.
Perfect for Yolanda and Billy.

She loved it!

Bride number two weds today.
Summer is marring her long time boyfriend, Kyle
in Charleston SC.

Summer's name speaks to her personality. She is always
sunny and happy.
She loves bright colors and
animal prints.
For her I chose this picnic tote
and a trio frame for some
wedding pictures.

Leigh Anne, the gal in the middle
says I DO
in September.

Congratulations to all my girls!

WHITE IS RIGHT!

2011-06-30T21:45:00.000-04:00

I was watching "House Hunters"
on HGTV the other night
and a couple walk into a great kitchen and gasp...
"too much white".

This girl just doesn't get that!
How can you have too much white.
White cabinets would always be
my first choice.

But then again,
I love all things white.
Who can resist crisp, cool, white linens
on their bed?

I'm crazy for a white bathroom.

Even white towels make me smile.

I'm a goner for white flowers

heck, I even love a good pair of
white socks.

I'm a believer in white dishes all the way.

One good set of white dishes and your
good for life.

Even a collection of old mismatched
ones will serve you well.

White dishes go with any holiday.
Who needs golds and greens for
Thanksgiving?

Whites work well with pastels
at Easter.

You can even make Halloween chic
with your whites.

Now tell me...who isn't always on the
search for that
perfect
white shirt?

This girl is a believer.
White Is Right!

GARDEN OF LOVE

2011-06-26T18:25:00.001-04:00

Have I told you lately how much I love
my garden?

I've spent the last two evenings
and most of this morning
weeding my shared bed.
Even that gives me great satisfaction.

Now with most of the weeds gone the roses
can flaunt their stuff.

My Astilbe is blooming,

as is my Garden Phlox.

I just love these Strawberry Candy lilies
a friend shared with me.

Could there possibly be a more perfect flower than
the simple orange Day Lilly?

One of my all time favorites,
my Cone Flowers are in their glory!

Every year they seem to get taller and taller.

Happy Gardening
everyone.

KILLER WINDOW BOXES

2011-06-23T11:31:00.001-04:00

It has been almost two months since I started my
window box project.
Now as I sit on my couch and enjoy my first cup of coffee,
I can say yes...I like it.

For a while there I wasn't sure.
I didn't think it would take so long for
the plants to take off
and get a bit showy.

I started putting together my project right before
Mother's Day,
but it really started much earlier,
last Fall in fact.
We had our favorite contractor
install window box platforms
on the front upper level.

I begin every planting project with my trusty
Miracle Grow potting mix.

I read somewhere when doing window boxes you always need a
"THRILLER"

"FILLER"

and a
"SPILLER"

Actually I just got what looked good at the nursery.

I was pleased to find the deep, brown pots
at Big Lots for less than ten each.

Four pots done...
now ready to haul them upstairs.

It doesn't look like much of an impact
from this shot but after a little growth...

...they are filling out nicely.

I am enjoying them from the upstairs
as much as anyone on the street.

Happy Gardening everyone.

*
I'm linking to a few fabulous parties this week.
Fishtail Cottage's Cottage Flora Thursday
My Romantic Home's Show and Tell

THE JUNE GARDEN

2011-06-10T13:22:00.014-04:00

I've had a wonderful morning. It's about one here and it's just too
hot to be outside any longer.

The shade garden is coming along nicely, the impatiens I planted
a few weeks ago are starting to fill out.

Reds and pinks are one of my favorite combinations.

My lavender is in bloom.

Found these zinnias on the discount rack at Lowe's and brought them home.
This morning I had time to get them into some pots.

My neighbors hydrangea is absolutely stunning right now.
I enjoy it as much as she does.

Opium Poppy

Love in the Mist

Mary Stokes Asters...
just beginning to bloom.

Gayfeather

Purple Coneflowers

Hope your morning was as great as mine.

Happy Gardening.

RAIN...COME ON DOWN!

2011-06-05T15:29:00.000-04:00

The Weather Channel says 40% chance of thunder storms tonight.
This is one gardener that is hoping they
"got it right" this time.

My rain barrels are neither
half empty or half full.
They're straight up
EMPTY!

We wouldn't mind a little
wet and wild
tonight.

Happy Gardening.

THE RED GERANIUM

2011-05-28T05:00:00.000-04:00

As long as I can remember,
I have loved the
geranium.

Is there anything more welcoming
than a big pot of
red geraniums?

No flower makes a bolder statement.

Who can resist a smile when they see a row
of red geraniums?

There is just something about
this old fashion flower.

It makes any space brighter.

Did you know you can save your geraniums over the winter
by taking them in before the last frost?
Just pull all their remaining blooms and leaves off,
put them in a cardboard box or brown grocery bag
and store in your basement until Spring.

Plant them in good potting soil and
water them well.
They will soon be back to be admired again.

Here are some I saved last year.
I replanted these around Easter.

This week they were ready to go into
a bigger decorative pot.

This is how they looked after three weeks
out of the dark basement.

This is how they will look by the middle of June.
I can't wait.

Happy Gardening!