Spring!

Finally! A sign of Spring! I've been waiting to take photos of something, anything. Then my Forsythia blossomed and I was so excited!

Forsythias are deciduous shrubs (come back every year) that typically grow 3-9 feet in height. Their flowers are produced in the early spring before the leaves.  This shrub is tough and reliable. Forsythias will add beauty to any garden or flower bed.

Last Minute Christmas Gift Idea

I just wanted to share some simple last minute gifts. I made these for my neighbors.  Sparkling Cider for the non drinkers and wine for the party animals!

Popcorn buckets are so fun!  I put in a movie, candy, gum, popcorn, a drink, a beanie, and an itunes gift card. 

I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.  God Bless each and everyone of you!

Spaghetti Soup

The hardest part of my week is trying to plan a dinner menu.  This dish is definitely going to be on menu a lot from now on.  It's the perfect throw together crock pot meal for a cold or snowy day. I hope you love this recipe as much as I do!

Spaghetti Soup

• one can spaghetti sauce
• two cans diced or stewed tomatoes
• one can tomato soup
• one can of corn
• one lb. cooked ground beef
• four cans of water
• Mix all ingredients in a crockpot. Cook for a couple of hours and then add broken spaghetti noodles one hour before dinner time.

Best HOT CHOCOLATE recipe ever!

Lately I have been craving HOT CHOCOLATE! Maybe it's because I have the best recipe for this yummy homemade treat. 

Hot chocolate mix-
8 qt. box powdered milk
16 oz. coffee creamer
30 oz. chocolate flavored drink mix (Nesquik)
1 lb. powdered sugar

Mix one scoop with one cup of hot water or milk.

For a frozen treat try mixing one scoop hot chocolate mix, one cup milk, and ice cubes in a blender.
Frozen HOT CHOCOLATE!

Old Windows and Doors

This is a photo of my Great Grandparents' house.  It is going to be demolished soon. We recently gathered all the old windows and doors.  We have all been busy painting, scuffing, and restoring.  

This was the old pantry door.  I have a huge wall in my master bedroom that I have never decorated to my satisfaction.  I decided to make a mantle out of my old door. 

I bought some decorative wood pieces and spray paint from Lowe's.  I was going to leave the original white paint on the door because I love the vintage look.  When my sister did some investigating she learned the house was painted with lead base paint.  So, needless to say I had to paint the entire door.  But after gluing, nailing, and sanding my dad sprayed the entire piece black for me. 

I was so pleased with the final project.  It adds the perfect touch to my master bedroom!

This is one of the windows we recovered from the house.  I washed it up, added a wreath, a bow and some vinyl snowflakes for the holiday season.  I just love it!

Flowering Pear Tree

The flowering pear tree in my yard has the most magnificent colors today.  I love to look out my kitchen window to see such beautiful fall reminders.  

Flowering pear trees grow throughout much of North America.  These deciduous trees are highly resistant to sickness.  They produce very small fruit that is readily taken by birds.  

This photo was taken of the same tree this spring.  As you can see it has many blossoms. The flowers are fragrant and lovely!

Turn ordinary bottles into beautiful decorations!

Yesterday I started by peeling
 all the labels off these bottles.
I soaked them in a sink full of water
 until the labels were easily removed.
Then I took them outside and spray painted them with FROSTY GLASS SPRAY PAINT.

I filled the bottle with sparkly snow and for a special touch I hot glued cupboard knobs onto the cork.  

I added some ribbon and just a few
 things I found in my craft room.

Overall it was a pretty simple project.  It cost me around $15.00 for the spray paint and the knobs.  I really enjoyed it. Maybe because I had to finish off one bottle of wine to finish the project. Dang.