I got an award!!!

WOW! I just received my first BLOGGER AWARD!!! Yippee!!! I want to thank Erica over at http://www.myquaintcashmeredreams.blogspot.com/ She's got a cute blog. Y'all should stop by and see her. She also stated that if you receive this award you have to list 5 obsessions about yourself. So, here's my list.

1.) Handbags- I love them! I'm always eyeing up handbags and I'm constantly shopping for a new bag.

2.) Hair- I love hair products, changing my hair color, and trying new cuts and styles.

3.) Lipstick- I NEVER leave the house without lipstick (even to the gym).

4.) Nail polish- I love OPI and love to change my nail color.

5.) Magazines- I can't live without my magazines. I love to read about decorating ideas, fashion trends, and new recipes.

After you receive your award you are suppose to list your five obsessions and pass the award onto five of your favorite bloggers with the links to their blogs.

I pass this award to:

http://loaganranch.blogspot.com/

http://coffeeonthetable.blogspot.com/

http://farmhousecountrystyle.blogspot.com/

http://sweetnothingsbj.blogspot.com/

THE HOUSEWIFE IS BACK!!!

Dust off those pie plates and start those ovens. The housewife is back!!!

Y'all I refuse to watch the news these days. It's just downright depressing with all the talk of a struggling economy, political cat fights, the housing crisis, and the crushing anxiety of unemployment. I don't intend to stick my head in the sand but I need a break. I'm trying to concentrate on good things and take care of my family. Lately I've been watching retro shows on TV Land, Bewitched, I Dream of Jeannie, and Leave It to Beaver. It's been truly a nice change from all those disgusting reality shows. And to tell you the truth, watching these old programs encourages me to be a better housewife. And I must not be the only one because I found a very interesting article this afternoon.

The article stated that a large percentage of women are going back to the basics. They have been quitting their jobs and going back to the traditional housewife status. More and more housewives are appearing as the financial crisis is spreading across the globe. Many have decided to trade corporate life for housewife. They are raising children as they are reaching for their cookbooks. And that's not all, craft supplies, cooking essentials, gardening, and sewing machine sales are increasing by the minute. I guess the old-fashioned frugal lifestyle is becoming more of the mindset of American women.

Sweet Peaches

I'm trying to take full advantage of all the fresh produce. I love peaches and I'm trying to cook as much as I can before the end of the season. One of my favorite things to snack on is grilled peaches. If you haven't had grilled peaches before; you are missing out. These are fantastic. They are even better with vanilla ice cream, LOL! I also love peach tea....Love me some peaches!!! What's your favorite seasonal fruit during the summer months?

Life is a pile of Laundry

This morning I finally worked up enough courage to enter the laundry room. I was hoping (maybe wishing) that a little fairy had come over night and emptied my hamper and started a few loads for me. No such luck!

As I began separating the darks/whites it occurred to me how life is a lot like laundry. Everyone has it, we don't like talking about it, we usually hide it behind a closed door, and eventually we have to deal with it. I'm at the point in my life where I'm dealing with my pile of laundry and separating the darks (mistakes) from the whites (good decisions). I've had to wear a lot of stained and wrinkled clothes (my struggles)in my life. Looking at my discolored garments I think; what on earth was I thinking!!! Usually that was the case, I wasn't thinking at all. It's amazing how one small red sock (poor decision) can ruin a load of whites (good decisions). Have you ever tried to fix a pink shirt that was white? Impossible!

As I get older I realize how important it is to take my time doing my laundry and read the tags (scripture) before tossing a garment so carefree (jumping into things) into my machine. I use the appropriate detergent (prayer) for my garments now. When drying I sometimes put them in the dryer with a scented fabric softener (faith) and wait for them to dry (answered prayer). Afterwards I use a iron (press on) and work on getting the creases out of my garment (my life). No matter how white and crisp my outfit is; it doesn't take long for a small wrinkle to appear (reminds me that I'm not perfect). So, I'm not going to be judgmental towards those who have wrinkled and stained clothes. But I will give them the name of a good dry cleaner (Jesus).

Just a few little things to brighten the laundry in your life....

Summer Movies

I can't wait for this weekend. I'm planning on a 50's movie marathon. I'm going to rent some of my favorite oldies. I love eating popcorn with peanut M&M's and cherry coke. I keep thinking of crawling up on my sofa and relaxing with a movie weekend.

These are the movies I'm going to rent:

Gidget ~ I grew up in California and I use to love to surf with my friend in Huntington Beach. We use to spend our summers (preteens) watching old Gidget reruns. We both had crushes on Moon Doggie, LOL!

American Graffiti ~ I remember watching this movie at my aunt's house. She use to live in Modesto, California. She took us by the old Mel's drive-in. That's where American Graffiti was filmed. We use to drive the strip in the summer. Modesto was just a little town back then. Now it's totally changed.

Blue Hawaii ~ Who doesn't love a movie starring Elvis? I think it's sort of cheesy but it still reminds me of summer.

Share with me some of your summer movie favorite's from your childhood. I'd love to hear them....

The Fabulous 50's

We were discussing the 1950's era with our family and friends. The retro feel is definitely back and not only do I love it but it seems everyone is enjoying it too. I believe the 1950's represents something very special in American history. This was a time when we would get together as families around the dinner tables (not live separate lives), a time when mothers/housewives worked in the home (weren't looked down on for not having a career), when dad's didn't kill themselves by working 60 hours a week (didn't have to worry about downsizing or global corporate take overs), you could help a stranger (not worry about getting sued), kids could play on their bikes (without getting kidnapped), and you didn't have to apologize for believing in Jesus (no such thing as Politically Correct).

Life was definitely easy going compared to today. However, just because we live in a time when things are a bit crazy doesn't mean we have to participate in it. It's nice to take charge of my life and schedule and say, "No thank you, I'm going the other way." I'm not interested in running the race with the Joneses. I don't care if the Joneses have the bigger house, I don't feel bad if the Joneses have the nicer car, I really could care less if the Joneses have the newest high tech gadget, and I'm really not impressed with the Joneses who put value into stuff over integrity. No, I think my "uncool" life suits me just fine. I'm feeling the need to live a more simple life without the hustle and bustle. Therefore, I'll just watch the Joneses run their little hearts out in this race called life; I'll be sipping my cold ice lemonade from the stress free sidelines.

My favorite things about the 1950's.....

Bobby Darin is one of my favorite singers from the 50's. My hubby and I had a retro 50's style wedding. We played all 50's/New Orleans music during our reception. It was a lot of fun. Every age group was out on the dance floor. Bobby Darin was one of the artist we played.



I grew up watching Doris Day movies. I loved, "Please don't eat the Daisies." I thought Doris Day was beautiful.



My dream car since I was about 9 years old. My dad use to restore cars and when I was younger he restored a 1956 T-Bird. I fell in love at first sight and I've wanted one ever since.




Who doesn't love Perry Mason? I thought Perry Mason was one cool dude. He always figured it out, caught the bad guy, and saved the innocent from going to jail, all within the hour. My hubby and I have been watching the old series on our dvd sets. They are so much fun. I love to look at all the retro clothing. The men looked so classy in then with their suits and hats.



What do y'all like about the 1950's. I would love for you to share with me.

Relaxation

Girls, I'm exhausted and running on fumes. I'm really looking forward to this weekend. July has been super busy for hubby and I. I have to run over to San Antonio for a baby shower this weekend. But I'm taking full advantage of my hotel suite. I'm packing my favorite pj's, bubble bath, cd, and journal. Sometimes when I feel things are starting to get a bit hectic I try to relax with a bubble bath and write in my journal. It keeps my thoughts organized and helps release stress. How do you deal with your stress?

I love my cotton pj's. They are super comfy and I love to lounge in them.

I started buying Philosophy bath products years ago. My favorite bubble bath is Strawberry Milkshake. It smells so yummy.



I like to listen to Michael Buble while taking a long relaxing bath. I love the sound of his voice.



I have a million journals around the house. I use them for practically everything, favorite websites, boutiques, restaurants, but I also like to jot down my thoughts. It makes a huge difference just writing your thoughts down. It helps to clear my head and get my emmotions out. Over the years I can look back and see how God has truly blessed me and how every situation has brought me to where I am today. It's really awesome to see God working in my life and it really brings me comfort knowing that He's there.

Life is a Bowl of Cherries

so have fun with it

Peach Cobbler

Peach Cobbler is probably my all time favorite dessert ever created. No joke, I could eat Peach Cobbler every day of my life and die a happy clam. Here's one of my favorite cobbler recipes.

PEACH COBBLER

1 c. white sugar

1/2 c. butter, room temp.
1 c. self-rising flour

1 c. milk

1 (15 ounce) can peaches

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

2. In a one-quart baking dish or 9 inch square pan, cream together sugar and butter. Mix in flour and milk until smooth. Pour peaches and their juices over the top.

3. Bake 25 to 30 minutes in the preheated oven, until golden brown. Let cobbler cool about 5 minutes before serving. I like to put vanilla ice cream on mine. Yum!

Party theme

This post is for Shabby Tammie. She's going to be hosting a 60th B-Day party for her mother. Tammie I have an idea that I came across not long ago that would look great for her 60th Birthday bash. Take a look and let me know what you think?




I love the pink colors they use in this setting. However, this could also be very pricey if you were to use dinner settings. These are my suggestions to keep the cost low but to get the same effect:

1.) Paper plates- I would buy dark pink paper plates from your local party supply store.



2.) Tablecloth- I would also purchase a light pink disposable tablecloth from the party supply store as well. I would get a light pink to show the contrast between the colors; as shown in the original picture.



3.) White napkins & utensils- I would tie the utensils inside the white napkin and wrap it around with a green ribbon. This would give the same effect as the greenery shown above.

4.) I would buy pink carnations as my centerpiece. They are cheap and any local florist will have them. You might want to check with Sams Club. You can buy an entire arrangement for under $8.00.


5.) Plastic cups- To serve pink lemonade or cherry 7up. And scatter pink Jelly Beans to get the petal effect.



6.) Also, I would put together a gift table in the same light pink tablecloth. I would buy dark pink balloons as my centerpiece. It will look so festive when the guests arrive with Birthday gifts.

How many guests will be attending? I have several menu's that I've used for work functions, holidays, and dinner parties. I'd be happy to share.....

VAVOOM!!!

Hey girls, take a look before you throw out that dated wicker set. I came across these chairs while surfing a Shabby Chic website. Wow, didn't they do a beautiful job! I love both designs so much that I would want one of each. However, these are a bit out of my price range. They retail over $1200/each, ouch!!! But these days you can run down to any craft store and pick up a template. I was taking painting lessons back in Austin and I realized all those adorable patterns can be purchased at Micheal's, Hobby Lobby, or any craft/art store. And if you have nifty artist in your circle of friends, VAVOOM!!! You got yourself a $2400.00 set for practically nothing. I love to get great ideas and make my own for the fraction of the price. I just thought I would share with y'all this fabulous idea. I think that set would look great with the April Cornell "Primavera" linen. What do you think?

Country Entertaining

I came across these photos for a Country Garden theme. I love the idea of using flower seed packages as part of the place setting. You could glue a tiny label with your guest's name on them. They have tiny silk floral stickers that you can stick on the name tag as well (pick them up at any craft store). That would definitely be a conversational piece.

I have a ton of table linens (an entire closet full). I found that the best price for a country or Shabby Chic type of table cloth can be purchased at Target. They usually have a sale every so often and I've picked up a few beautiful floral table linens at a low cost.

My Apron Lust

I'm sure y'all have figured out by now that I have a passion for linens, recipe cards, stationary, and aprons. I came across a website this morning and found my next "must have." This is the most beautiful apron and dish towel set I've come across. I must add it to my apron collection. What y'all think?






Look at the adorable casserole dish I found. I think anything you bake would look cute in this polka dot dish. Wouldn't that be cute for a pot luck?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY AMERICA!!!