August 27, 2009

That's Quite a Rack!

This "Pot Rack" had been sitting in my garage for several months as I contemplated hanging it up?
Once again, it was a garage sale bargain for only $10.00! I had always thought about adding one to my kitchen and I just couldn't pass up the great deal

When would I find one again", I thought!

Eventually, at one of our Sunday Family Dinners...I decided to ask the group's opinion.
I know it was a daring move...so many critics...but as my 6' 9" son and my 6' 4" husband held it up...we all took a gander at the possibilities!

"That is going to be a very difficult job", my brother said.

"You won't be able to see through it!", said my daughter.

"Hmmm", thought my husband. He was definitely unsure of the addition.

"Those always look cool & gourmet", said another daughter.

"It's hard to say", my niece added

Weeks went by. I thought and thought about it. I was fairly certain it would work and the added storage was a real plus in my mind. It couldn't possibly be that hard...would it block the view? Finally the day came...the decision was made...and with the help of my husband and daughter we took the plunge and erected the "Pot Rack".

And it wasn't hard to put up at all.
The studs were in the right place, on the ceiling, and "my stud" is very handy!

Success...everybody loves it.


My pots & pans are so handy for cooking.

It adds spice and interest to the kitchen!


And I am sure they knew all along...."Mama Knows Best"!

If you don't have an island in your kitchen and you have thought about having a pot rack...here is the one my sister, Diane has up in her kitchen over her window!





August 21, 2009

Friday Finds...

Garage Sales, Yard Sales, Tag Sales...call them what you will...but they will be coming to an end soon here in Portland, Oregon...boo-hoo...
But today there were quite a few in my area, and in fact tomorrow there will be even more!
I am taking advantage before I have to bid them all adieu!
Here are just a few of my newly acquired treasures!


This watering can fountain was FREE...the lady wasn't sure how to make it work so she just gave it to us! Isn't it cute?


I got three of these faux grass plants...and this tin apple bucket too. The plants were 3/$2.00 and the bucket was actually overflowing with hazelnuts for only $1!


This "ancient" bread box was 25 cents!


I thought this old wooden shoe shine box would make some kind of neat holder...
how about my remotes?


This awesome metal basket actually rocks...no I mean like it swings back and forth $1.
Even the little spoon rest is new...well at least to me only 10 cents!



My picture doesn't really do this small stained glass window justice...you are looking through it to my atrium! Once again $1.00!


This small rod iron lamp is the perfect size for my kitchen counter...hello $1.00!

Well there are a few of my "Friday Finds"...Tomorrow I am going to check out my sister Diane's blog. After all...it is called "Saturday Finds"...hmmmm



August 19, 2009

Carrie Carrie Quite Contrary...

...See how my garden grows...


Just look at what I pulled from our garden today! It is only a small space, taking up just two raised beds...amazing what some TLC, water and sunshine will produce...and that does not include the peppers, winter squash and various herbs that are growing!

Yum yum!


August 18, 2009

A Crafty Wonderland!

There is a very unique place in Portland called Doug Fir... Restaurant, Bar & Lounge.
It is usually a spot for trendy music, offbeat shows, delicious dining and luscious libations...
but once a month...on the second Sunday afternoon... the Supercrafty girls of Portland host an art & craft extravaganza called "Crafty Wonderland".

I found my way to this fabulous venue August 9th to have a peek for myself...

It was just lovely.
The room was filled with wonderful artisans... their booths overflowing with their unique creations!
This fun Bubble Gum Machine was at the entrance. The capsules had been emptied of their original goodies and filled with fun crafty surprises!

Isn't that adorable? It was called the Crafty Surprise Machine!

My little dome held an "Orange Marshmallow Candy", an Ice Cream Sundae sticker and
a fabric covered pin!

And then look who I ran into at the show...

It was none other than Chelsea Ann from IttyBittyBirdy.
It was simply sweet meeting her and chatting about our blogs and about the show!
We are looking forward to meeting for a coffee klatch when my sister Diane from
Saturday Finds makes her way up north from southern California soon!

In the meantime...



Late for the Party!


My "gift" is ready...but I am afraid I am arriving somewhat "fashionably late" to the soiree!

You see, Elizabeth at Creative Breathing, has been hosting a...
301st Post Celebration Block Party!


She had the wonderful idea of having a swap of 5" blocks...you make her one...and she will send you one. No two blocks are the same, Elizabeth is making each guest their own personally created treasure!
Her goal is to create a banner made out of all the blocks she receives and string it up in her craft room so she can be reminded of her many blogging friends as she works! A fabulous idea!

The party is ending so unfortunately there is no more room for new guests...but you must top by her blog to see some of the darling squares!

I hope you will enjoy my addition, Elizabeth.
I can't wait to get my "party favor" in the mail!


August 5, 2009

29 years and still counting...

A successful marriage requires falling in love many times...with the same person!
Today we celebrate our 29th Wedding Anniversary!

The years have been filled with ups and downs, highs and lows...but we both made a choice to get married and we make the choice to stay married! It is a decision , each day, to put the needs of our spouse above our own...and to love each other unconditionally.
We are still "in training"...

Here are some Words Of Wisdom for marriage...from children:
HOW DO YOU DECIDE WHO TO MARRY?

1. You got to find somebody who likes the same stuff. Like, if you like sports, she should like it that you like sports, and she should keep the chips and dip coming.
Alan,aged 10
2. No person really decides before they grow up who they're going to marry. God decides it all way before,and you get to find out later who you're stuck with.
Kirsten, age 10

WHAT IS THE RIGHT AGE TO GET MARRIED?

1. Twenty-three is the best age because you know the person FOREVER by then.
Camille, age 10
2. No age is good to get married at. You got to be a fool to get married.
Freddie, age 6

HOW CAN A STRANGER TELL IF TWO PEOPLE ARE MARRIED?

1. You might have to guess, based on whether they seem to be yelling at the same kids.
Derrick, age 8

WHAT DO YOU THINK YOUR MOM AND DAD
HAVE IN COMMON?
1. Both don't want any more kids.
Lori, age 8

WHAT DO MOST PEOPLE DO ON A DATE?

1. Dates are for having fun, and people should use them to get to know each other. Even boys have something to say if you listen long enough.
Lynnette, age 8 (isn't she a treasure)
2. On the first date, they just tell
each other lies and that usually gets them interested enough to go for a second date.
Martin, age 10

WHEN IS IT OKAY TO KISS SOMEONE?

2. The law says you have to be eighteen, so I wouldn't want to mess with that.
Curt, age 7
3. The rule goes like this: If you kiss someone, then you should marry them and have kids with them. It's the right thing to do.
Howard, age 8

IS IT BETTER TO BE SINGLE OR MARRIED?

1. I don't know which is better, but I'll tell you one thing; I'm never going to have sex with my wife. I don't want to be all grossed out.
Theodore, age 8
2. It's better for girls to be single but not for boys. Boys need someone to clean up after them.
Anita, age 9 (bless you child)

HOW WOULD THE WORLD BE DIFFERENT
IF PEOPLE DIDN'T GET MARRIED?

1. There sure would be a lot of kids to explain, wouldn't there
Kelvin, age 8

And the Favorite is........
HOW WOULD YOU MAKE A MARRIAGE WORK?

1. Tell your wife that she looks pretty, even if she looks like a truck.
Ricky, age 10


We are off for three days of "Wedded Bliss"...that means all alone!


August 3, 2009

A blank wall...now adorned in love!

I knew I wanted to put something special up above my kitchen window, a special saying or a Bible verse. A meaningful thought to capture the heart of my kitchen...and armed with my 40% off Joanne's coupon in hand I found it...right there on the scrapbooking aisle. You have probably all see these by now. Removable Vinyl Lettering! Just perfect...it says:

"The Fondest Memories Are Made When...Gathered Around the Table"

I love it...and it was a snap to put up too.

We have "Family Dinners" around that table every Sunday night...our three older kids that have moved out come home to eat, my brother, niece and her boyfriend come, my husband and I and our two daughters still living at home are there...and there are always a few other unexpected friends too. There are opportunities for fond memories every time you dine together, whether it be a meal for two or a banquet for 20!

So take the time to sit and have a meal with those you love...it is time well invested!



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