Tuesday, November 10, 2009

Garage Sale treasure!


Found this little junky piece at a garage sale Saturday for $30 I tried to remain calm.. I loved it and I had the perfect place for it in the blue cottage! Check out the before....




AND the after... after a paint job with Ralph Lauren black paint. This little junky find is sitting very proud in my dining area, with my favorite rooster lamp on top, few little roses that LOML gave me last week, an old clock on a cake pedestal, and the junky find holding my dishes....    Think I got a deal??
Till the next junky find... happy trails!
Valarie

Monday, November 9, 2009

Banana Banana Bread!



Good evening all,  

Tonight I made Banana Banana Bread for a little thank you gift for the teachers that teach my grandson. These women are saints.. so I thought I would make 'em a little snack for the morning break!   

Ingredients
  • 2 cups all-purpose flour
  • 1 teaspoon baking soda
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 cup butter
  • 3/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 eggs, beaten
  • 2 1/3 cups mashed overripe bananas

Directions

  1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees F (175 degrees C). Lightly grease a 9x5 inch loaf pan.
  2. In a large bowl, combine flour, baking soda and salt. In a separate bowl, cream together butter and brown sugar. Stir in eggs and mashed bananas until well blended. Stir banana mixture into flour mixture; stir just to moisten. Pour batter into prepared loaf pan.
  3. Bake in preheated oven for 60 to 65 minutes, until a toothpick inserted into center of the loaf comes out clean. Let bread cool in pan for 10 minutes, then turn out onto a wire rack.



While the bread was cooling- I decorated these little cellophane bags- added a few teacher stickers- tied them up with my favorite ribbon and homemade tag!  Show some kindness to our educators! (A bit partial to teachers.... my baby girl teaches special ed for DISD!)  
Have a great evening!
Valarie  









Sunday, November 8, 2009

Sunday- a day of rest...


Just relaxed today! How did you spend your Sunday afternoon? Hugs, Valarie

Friday, November 6, 2009

I screamed "FOR ME?"


LOML KNOWS WHEN I GET STRESSED THE COOKING IS SERIOUS HERE AT THE BLUE COTTAGE!! SO... FOR A LITTLE PICKER UPPER... HE BROUGHT HOME A SURPRISE! THE PIONEER WOMAN COOKS - COOKBOOK!! RED ROSES EARLIER THIS WEEK, COOKBOOK TODAY.... (THIS COULD ALL BE WORKING OUT WELL TO MY ADVANTAGE! SPOILED ROTTEN... and i love it! RUN DOWN AND PICK UP A COPY OF REE'S BOOK! I will see you all DEC 1 AT THE SIGNING! HUGS AND LOVE TO ALL OF YOU.. and MOSTLY THANKS FOR YOUR SWEET COMMENTS! Valarie

Thursday, November 5, 2009

Back in the swing of things!!

Can't keep a good girl down for long! One of the ways I deal with stress is baking! I so wish all of you were my neighbor and could enjoy the fruits of my labor!
You will need these ingredients
PUMPKIN PIE CAKE
1-15 oz can pumpkin
3 eggs, beaten
1 1/2 cup sugar
1- 14 oz can sweetened condensed milk
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 tsp pumpkin pie spice OR 1/2 tsp cinnamon & 1/2 tsp nutmeg
1 yellow cake mix
1 1/2 cups chopped pecans
2 sticks margarine (melted)
Grease and flour a 9x13 inch pan. Mix pumpkin, eggs, salt,milk, spices, and sugar. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix over pumpkin mixture, press with a spoon. Add chopped pecans. Pour melted margarine over pecans. Bake for one hour at 350 degrees. The cake will set up once it cools. *** Serve with a scoop of vanilla ice cream OR cool whip*** Bon Appétit! Valarie

Wednesday, November 4, 2009

On a personal note......

Hey y'all..
Sorry for the no postings.. This past Friday, I received notice that my position with AT&T has been put at risk. What does that mean?? It means I have 60 days to find another position within the company or hit the exit door on 12.29! (Merry Christmas!) There are a flood of emotions as you can imagine - I have been an employee 19 years, marketing, events, and managing the executive briefing centers across the AT&T footprint. I am optimistic of any new opportunity within the company or external. So .. if you could all give me a second to take a breath, keep me in your thoughts .. I will back to myself in a few days..
Hugs to all..
Valarie

Sunday, November 1, 2009

Happy Blog-aversary to ME!!


Wow!! One year in the blogging world.. 290 posts, 21,802 visitors and lots of comments. I have shared junky & funky finds, my kid's, my grandson's, our crazy hectic baseball season, decorating tips, party favors, my career, MY LOML (love of my life) and random daily thoughts that I hope will touch a life or two! You have allowed me to be me and that I treasure most. The friendships have been amazing, and overwhelming! I love you all... From my house to yours... Thank you for an amazing year!
Giggles!

Valarie

Thursday, October 29, 2009

Happy Halloween ALL!


I wanted to take a second to wish each of you a fun & festive Halloween this week-end! Mama had her surgery today @Baylor Dallas so I will be away a few days taking care of her. Thanks for all your prayers, and emails. Hugs to all! Valarie

Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Now, I love me a MOON PIE!!!


Had to share what I along with the angel grandson are making tonight! This recipe I found on the Pioneer Woman- Ree Drummond...love that gal! AND SHHHHH... SHE IS COMING TO DALLAS, December 1 for her recipe book signing!! Will you be there???

12 whole Moon Pies Banana And/or Vanilla
1 pound White Chocolate Almond Bark
24 pieces Oreo Cookies
1 package Brach's Candy Corn
1 package M&M Candy Pieces Or Resee's Pieces
1 container Fall Sprinkles
Small Flower Pots Filled With Candy Corn
Preparation Instructions
Unwrap large moon mies and place them on a large piece of waxed paper. (I found large moon pies at Wal-Green’s.)
Melt white chocolate almond bark according to package directions.
Remove tops to 24 Oreo cookies. Set aside the halves without cream. Keep the halves with cream for owl eyes.
To create owl wings:
Use a knife to spread melted almond bark on the lower half of the moon pie, in the outer segments. Shake fall sprinkles over almond bark and remove excess product.
To create owl eyes:
Use a knife to spread some almond bark on the dark side of an Oreo half. Press Oreo onto the moon pie in the top left side of the circle. Repeat, pressing another Oreo half onto the right side, cream sides up, creating the eyes. Place a small amount of almond bark on one side of an M&M or Reese’s Piece and press into the center of the Oreo cream to make the “pupil.” Repeat the process to create the other pupil.
Beak:
Spread some almond bark on one of the flat sides of a piece of candy corn and press into the lower center of the moon pie to create the beak.
Eyebrows:
Spread some almond bark on one of the flat sides of 2 pieces of candy corn and place each above the “eyes” with the tips facing outward.
Allow all the almond bark to harden by placing the finished owl on a piece of waxed paper.
Insert a popsicle stick in the lower center of the owl, about halfway into the moon pie. Put owls in flower pots filled with candy corn for decoration.
Let me know how yours turn out!!
Valarie

***** Edited to add**** For those of you that do not know what a moon pie is- you must rush out to try one!
A moon pie or MoonPie is a pastry which consists of two round graham cracker cookies, with marshmallow filling in the center, dipped in chocolate or other flavors. The traditional pie is about the diameter of a hockey puck; a smaller version exists (mini MoonPie) that is about half the size. The four main flavors are chocolate, vanilla, strawberry, and banana. Three newer flavors, lemon, orange, and peanut butter are also available.

Tuesday, October 27, 2009

new lamp! OMG- I love goodwill!!


Check out - the Hobnail Milk Glass lamp and the crocheted piece I snagged @ Goodwill for $3 total. The lamp shade is one of two I found at an estate sale and planned on making chandeliers with them... however tonight I thought I would give it a try on the goodwill find... Yes, Yes, I know it's a bit large but I still heart it! Tell me whatcha' think!! Honestly - I LOVE YOUR COMMENTS!
Valarie

Monday, October 26, 2009

Dinner is served~


I made dinner tonight for LOML ~ Rosemary Chicken & Red Potatoes! Glass of Merlot! Yummy! I have plenty of left overs -- won't you come join us? What was on your dinner plate tonight?
bon appetit!
Valarie

Saturday, October 24, 2009

Dallas Conservancy's Open Garden Tour








LOML and I had "date" day today. It was a beautiful, sunny, 74 degree day here. We had an amazing time walking our way through fabulous gardens and driving by beautiful homes in the Dallas area. I snapped a few of my favorite. I hope you enjoy the walk... we did!
Hugs & Blessings- Valarie

Oh how I love Saturday!

I hope you enjoy your day! This is my dining table arrangement for today!
Hugs & Praise to all...
Valarie

Friday, October 23, 2009

Casper has a winner......

This is a shadow box that overlooks the bar area of the serving area on the patio. Several Halloween goodies inside the box (supersize photo to see) The cardboard chandelier is a Martha Stewart.. bought last year at Michael's, and then of course I gave it glitter glam!

Thank you for entering my give-a-way! The winner is Cotton Pickin Cute! Pop over and tell her congrats - She is the winner of Halloween Paper Lanterns and a few more goodies!

Hugs to each of you!
Valarie

Tuesday, October 20, 2009

Casper has something for you....


Meet Casper... he is the emcee of the party! AND because I love all of you and so does Casper.... If you leave a comment and follow my blog .. - your name will go in a drawing on Thursday for 3 paper spider lanterns!! and a few other things!
Will you join me for the Monster Mash?
Valarie

Monday, October 19, 2009

Paper Lanterns anyone?


Mark off the list.. Paper lanterns are hung. Lanterns are a big bang for your buck. I use them often for all our parties.. they are inexpensive, colorful and easy to store. One of my favorite sources for paper laterns
Would love to hear your comments? Do you use paper lanterns?
Blessings to you today!
Valarie

Sunday, October 18, 2009

Sharing Halloween on the patio-- Come on over!

Hey all.. This is where I will serve my food and witches brew so I am working on this today. You can decorate for this festive holiday very frugal! SO .. here we go... come along.. I bought the large and small skull at the Dollar Tree, painted with metallic paint, then rolled them in silver glitter. Silver candlesticks- A Goodwill find wrapped ribbon around the base then ran spider rings through the ribbon. The spider web fabric that everything is sitting on are actually kitchen towels bought at Wal-Mart. The black leaves around the skull on the silver cake pedestal is a 6 ft string of garland and I just twined them around the silver cake pedestal, bought the garland at Michael's. The paper napkins are sitting in a silver tarnished bread basket -another Goodwill find. Just a tip.. I always put any type of napkin- paper or cloth in a silver serving bowl to glam it up a bit. Hope you are having fun preparing for a fun holiday.
I'll by on my broom today!
Valarie

Saturday, October 17, 2009

Spooky Halloween Drawing Here!!

Thanks to all for entering my give-a-way! Halloween is such a fun time of year with the cooler weather, the colors of the leaves changing and the entrance to the holiday season.
The winner of the drawing will win 1) a set of spider web placemats, 2) Bone Appetit cocktail napkins, 3) The Addams Family movie,4) 30 ft of Haunted House caution tape, 5) 30 ft of "Enter at your own Risk" caution tape, and of course your own bag of candy corn and maple nut goodies! AND THE WINNER IS... Gypsy Mermaid! "Web" your way over and tell her congrats!!
Please stop back by... more fun to come on this blog!!
Hugs to all..
Valarie

Friday, October 16, 2009

Something to CROW about!


I enjoy decorating with crows for Halloween. I put a few on the chandelier! AND I will share a secret with you.. There are alot of crows at the Dollar Tree! Don't forget to enter my drawing! Happiness to ya!
Valarie

Thursday, October 15, 2009

No Trick... Halloween give-a-way HERE!



Do you love candy corn and maple nut goodies as much as I do? If so - please leave me a comment!! It's no trick- I am going to give away a Halloween treat!! Drawing on Saturday! AND OH YOU WILL SO LOVE IT!!
Thanks for stopping by!
Valarie

a little Halloween glam...

I found this RIP at the dollar tree - glittered the edges for a bit of Halloween glam... The black cat.. he has been around for many Halloween celebrations- he needed a make-over, put a bow around his neck. Adding little touches here and there and getting ready for a little Halloween bash! Have a great Thursday!Valarie

Wednesday, October 14, 2009

Flag is out....

Beginning to look like Halloween here... Will share more Halloween decor tomorrow.
sMIlEs!
Valarie

Tuesday, October 13, 2009

A Moment of Silence~

Please pray for my brother-in-law and my dear sister "Fannie" as we go through this day together to remember the joy and love Mitch shared with all of us. Thank you for your prayers... Funeral services for Mr. Louie Mitchell "Mitch" Praytor, age 74, of Lindale, are scheduled for 11 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 13, 2009, in the Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Home chapel with Bro. Buddy Hicks and the Rev. Gary Chalk officiating. Burial with Masonic graveside rites will follow in the Hopewell Cemetery with services under the direction of Caudle-Rutledge Funeral Directors in Lindale.
Mitch died Saturday, Oct. 10, 2009, at his residence in Lindale. He was born on Jan. 13, 1935, in Lindale, the son of the late Weldon Mitchell and Mildred Louise Gibson Praytor. Mitch served in the United States Naval Reserves and worked for Nabisco, retiring in 1996 after 42 years. He served as president for the Tyler Lone Star Chapter of Football Officials and officiated at football and baseball games for 37 years, during which time he officiated two State Championship Football games and six State Baseball Tournaments. Mitch was a 33rd Degree Mason of the Lindale Masonic Lodge No. 848, member of the Dallas Valley Scottish Rite, York Rite, Lindale Eastern Star, Sharon Shrine Temple in Tyler, past District Deputy of the Grand Lodge of Texas and member of the Lindale First Baptist Church. Mitch was very service oriented and dedicated a lot of his life to football and baseball. He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann L. Praytor on June 2, 1990, and son, John Keith Praytor on Sept. 14, 1981.
Mitch is survived by his son and daughter-in-law, Dwayne Mitchell and Pam Praytor of Lindale; brother and sister-in-law, Bud and Beth Praytor of Lindale; sisters and brothers-in-law, Pat Streetman of Mississippi, Nell Cox and husband Jim of Livermore, Calif., Sue and David Wortham of Nolanville, Shirley and Bill Abbott of Lindale and Laura and Gean Alvey of Lindale; sisters-in-law, Sharlotte Wilkerson and husband Ed of Edom and Shirley McHam of Lindale; two grandchildren, Cody Mitchell Praytor and wife Amanda of Forney and Haley Jayne Praytor of Rockwall; two great-grandsons, Layten Mitchell and Landon Jax Praytor, both of Forney; numerous nieces and nephews.
Serving as pallbearers will be the Lindale Masonic Lodge No. 848. Honorary pallbearers are Charles Battee, Gary Chalk, Monty Florence, Kyle Rutherford and other members of the Tyler Lone Star Chapter of Football Officials and Masons, Chuck Allard, Larry Blanchard, Ben Brown, Gene Conley and Leslie Tew.
Memorials may be made to the Hospice of East Texas, 4111 University Blvd., Tyler, 75701.
Published in the Tyler Morning Telegraph on 10/12/2009

Monday, October 12, 2009

Recap of Parent Weekend at University of Arkansas!!

The drive up to Arkansas was beautiful! Fog on the mountain~
Streams and trees changing colors~
We strolled through the Farmers Market on the town square of Fayetteville.

Saturday am- we headed out to the Parent Tailgate Party!! then on to the game to "CALL THE HOG'S."
Finally~ Bedtime... we stayed here..Charming, Restored, 1904 Bungalow-style home conveniently located in Downtown Fayetteville near the University of Arkansas! and I have to tell you Sharon makes a amazing breakfast!! We loved it! We said our good-bye and headed back to North Texas!
The engineering student and LOML! Hope you enjoyed Arkansas!! Glad to be back! I missed you all! Valarie

Friday, October 9, 2009

WOO PIG SOOIE!!!


Hey girlfriends!!
Heading out to Arkansas for parent weekend!! Can not wait to find a few thrift stores along the way! Will share finds with all of you. Hugs to each of you and happy weekend!
Valarie

Wednesday, October 7, 2009

Why does rain make us so sleepy??


Good evening to all~~
Raining, raining and raining here in North Texas! Think I may crawl in bed and call it a day!!
Sweet Dreams!
Valarie

Tuesday, October 6, 2009

LOVE HAPPENS~


Tonight LOML had clients... so I treated myself to a movie, LOVE HAPPENS! and ... a jr size popcorn (unbuttered!) and a diet coke! I really liked this movie.. Carve out a few minutes for you and pop over and see it! You will be glad you did! I am thankful for each of you! Smiles and Happiness to you! Valarie

Monday, October 5, 2009

BABY CHICKS~



Wanted to share the little baby chicks I ordered from Karla! I spotted the roosters on Daisy Cottage blog...and then I spotted more little chicks here. I emailed Karla to question if she had any more and she had these!! Today when I checked the mail~ I could hardly wait to open the package... they were preciously wrapped with love, and Karla sent me a vintage scarf! Karla, thank you... I will make them a good home here in Texas! Stop by and see Karla's finds on ETSY! Smiles.. Valarie

Saturday, October 3, 2009

House divided!!


WOO PIG SOOIE!!! Kids are home for the Texas A&M VS Arkansas game tonight at Cowboy stadium! You can only imagine what our house is like today! We are flying our flags high... however LOML and I are not placing bets on either team!! Hope you all have a great Saturday! GIG 'EM!! Valarie

Friday, October 2, 2009

playing with Tootsie today!


Please see the last two posts regarding my garden favorites this summer... as well please click on my label -Garden and Spring Garden for more! Please do stop by and see me again!!
Cheers!
Valarie

Thursday, October 1, 2009

or maybe this was my favorite....


Ferns in double metal tubs...
Did you have fun today??? If so, please share the highlight of your day! I want to hear all about it!
Happy~
Valarie

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

one of my favorite things....




For all of you that follow my blog... remember my post and the newly planted kitchen sink! At the end of the summer I take notes and keep a scrapbook of my yard for the season, plants that worked and did not work, new little junky finds I found here and there etc.... Well I think my favorite junky find for the side yard this summer was the kitchen sink!! The impatients and ferns are so pretty now. I hope you agree...
Smiles..
Valarie

Monday, September 28, 2009

Need a rocker for your porch?



HEY ALL...
Sharing bargain of the day! Wal-Mart has ROCKERS ON SALE!! 1/2 PRICE! END OF SEASON CLOSE OUT!
Grins~
Valarie

Sunday, September 27, 2009

TIME FOR FALL Y'ALL!






So with that thought in mind.. "TIME FOR FALL". For your tablescape you will need cake pedestal, cheese dome, cake cover, few pumpkins (for FALL) few of your favorite vintage clocks (for TIME). I had an old velvet runner so that is what the arrangement is sitting on. Then I added a few of my silver pieces - added the pumpkins on top.. Hope you like and if you want to use please do... We all like to share!
Hugs..
Valarie

Friday, September 25, 2009

FEW THINGS I AM WORKING ON~


Hope you all have a great Friday! Valarie

Thursday, September 24, 2009

fall is in the air...


The first fire tonight! Maybe a glass of Merlot for LOML and a Mojita for me! Enjoy your evening! Hugs.. Valarie

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

NO. 1110


Inspiration from Michelle. Of course my house numbers are not curvy, but I think they really give the front door a splash of fun! I want a new front door ~ However, the one I want is about $1200!! (The corporation I work for is about to have another round of lay-off's so I better not purchase anything now!!) Cost $10 bucks. I bought them at a local sign company - put them on myself in 5 minutes!
Hugs.... Smiles.... Happiness to each of you!

Monday, September 21, 2009

looking up!


Wesley and I took this photo this past week-end lying on the ground looking up and reflecting our day. Isn't it beautiful? I do miss the pine trees in East Texas!
Hope your Monday was great!
Valarie

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Re-charged, re-energized and home safely!!


I'm back.....
We had a blast at the retreat!! We even won a very prestigious hand carved cedar award! Yep, we did a bubble gum blowing contest. No, it really was not that easy! First of all, the grandson had to put his face in a bowl of flour, find the bubble gum, grab the gum with his teeth, then give me the gum - flour and all, then I had to blow a bubble with the gum in less than a few seconds.
We had a day of activities that were very fun for the kids.
Also, If you ever have a chance to attend a conference with Terry Ann Kelly, as the guest speaker - GO! Terry is an excellent speaker, speaks from the heart, has 5 boys! (God Bless her!) and she is a tiny package of DYNAMITE! Hope you had a fabulous week-end! Glad to be home... missed you all.. Valarie

Friday, September 18, 2009

A Retreat with the Grandson....


Hey gal's.. school is out early here today in North Texas.. The grandson and I are heading out for a little retreat @Pine Cove.
Be back on Sunday!
Hugs to all...
Valarie