2011

Well, I must say...it has been a bit of a bumpy start to this new year. But here I am...finally posting after nearly a month. I have a few resolutions, probably not much different than most people's...like getting healthier, eating right, spending our hard-earned money wisely, and making time for family. Mostly, though, I just want my little girls to know I love them...2011 is going to be good. :)

Holiday Feast

Well, I've decided on the Christmas Menu and have assembled my shopping list. I'm excited to make Roasted Beef Tenderloin this year...check out Rachel Ray's easy recipe here. I've made the Roasted Pepper sauce, but will skip it this time...very time consuming and not terrific. The tenderloin...to die for.


I'll serve Scalloped Potato Gratin (made with lots of fresh grated Parmean and heavy cream) as a side dish.

Other tasty items on the menu:Strawberry Spinach Salad, Glazed Baby Carrots, Home-made dinner rolls (courtesy of Brother Ben), Cranberry Chutney, Kringla (perfected by my Mom). The best part, though, is knowing that the people I really love will be sharing this meal with me in my home. Makes me feel all filled-up. :)

Big Plans

So much to do...so much to do. I have big plans this weekend. Last night I finished washing all of the vintage dishes. Get this...the plates cost me 35 cents (that's right, I said cents!) each. Wait until you see the table all done up! Friday night is dinner and Wii-night with Grandma + Grandpa at their house.

Saturday's Magic List:

1. Pick up the vintage sofa (pictured below)...under $150.00! What a find. Since moving the furniture into the home theater, we have an empty room. I think this will do. I'd like to update it by adding some great geometric-patterned pillows.

2. Clean out that room (you know, the one with all the stuff). Organize all the scrapbook supplies and re-arrange the books in the bookcases. File away all that paper!

3. Remove the tile backsplash in the kitchen...so I can take delivery of the granite countertops on Tuesday (did I tell you I'm lucky?). Thanks, nice bosses!

Granite City

I am feeling very lucky...I work for a company that fabricates granite. In fact, they make all the stone table tops for Room&Board. So, anyway...I am getting granite counters in my kitchen!!! I've selected my slabs (that's the way you do it). My color is Venetian Ice.

Here's a stock photo of the color:

So, what I'll be posting...hopefully very soon, is the project from beginning to end.

Tablescape

Oh, I spent last evening re-covering my dining chairs in a brown diamond-pattern fabric...and then dug out all the dishes and vintage goodies I have collected over the past months. Now it's time to assemble a stunning Christmas tablescape. Here's some clever ideas for yours:
I for sure want to use lots of candles and white roses...

And I'd love to use gold and silver...but maybe mix in some natural elements like greens and branches...or those pretty golden pears.

Can't wait to share what I come up with!

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Oooh...what a little masking tape, a level and patient planning can get you! Check out these stunning striped rooms:

Deck the Halls!

We just love decorating around here...and it has only just begun. There is still time to hang wreaths...and pine garland on the banister. We took a lovely drive this afternoon in the country...what a gorgeous day to enjoy what is now left of the snow, quaint farmhouses, horses...we tried to imagine what it would be like to ride in a sleigh.