Design to Shine

Picture My Life via InstaFriday

2012-01-27T07:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another week in my life via Instagram photos.

Kinda like a sneak peek into my world via photos I snap throughout the week. Simple things; that really don't make a blog post by themselves. A way to share a bit more of me with you, my wonderful readers.

Days and days of rain, fog and gloomy weather lately here in Georgia. One afternoon riding home I stopped to snap this photo at the lake down the road. It ain't no 'street' ...it's barely paved. It once was dirt. This is the country.

Friday, during my lunch hour at work; I got a much needed haircut. I said this on my 'What I Wore' post on Wednesday; but dang I look thinner after a haircut!

Saturday night, we treated ourselves to dinner out. Nothing fancy, but at least I didn't cook it! Shane's Rib Shack. LOVE the bbq sandwiches on Texas toast. On the way home we stopped at a newly opened place to pick up Sunday breakfast....

I prefer Krispy Kreme; the nearest one of those is about 45 minutes...so a girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do. These were SUPER gooey Fresh Yummy.
I make a menu plan every week for several reasons. I've shared those before in my posts. One of the reasons I do it is to hopefully save money while grocery shopping. I had a small list Sunday, when I headed out to buy what we needed to eat for the week. The only non-food items I purchased was razors and dish washing detergent. This was my buggy (or as some call it, shopping cart).

$75! I can still see the floor through the wire. Ugh.

I love this little boy. My Bear. He wasn't smiling the night he lost his cartoon time, due to really bad behavior at 'school' (day care) one day this week. Can you tell this photo was made BEFORE the 'incident' occurred? ha!

Over the hill, there is an old dairy. I love it's weathered silos.

I started rearranging the mantel. Touches of red for Valentine's.

Although it ended up totally different. You can see it here.

This painting hangs in our living room. We purchased it at a festival by a local artist.

One of my loves is barns. Guess it's a good thing I'm a country girl!

The little Turkey chick is growing and getting feathers. Why yes that IS a mirror in there with him.
He likes looking at himself and it keeps him from being lonely. No we don't know if it's a girl or boy yet, we just tend to refer to it as a him.

How was your week? What filled it?

Linking up at:

Farm Valentine's Mantel

2012-01-25T20:39:00.000-05:00

Read with a Southern accent

Hi Ladies! (and maybe even a few Gents) Lemme pour you up a tall glass of sweet iced tea. We can rest a bit in the 'Sitting' room. Why YES I did re-do my mantel! It's kinda like that show on the TV; Extreme Makeover. I just pulled everything down, dusted it off like my Momma taught me, gathered up all the old country farm items I could put my hands on and stuck 'em up there. Honey, all that loveliness didn't cost me a dime! I kid you not!

I'm just pea green with envy over all those ladies crisp white mantels that you see all over blogland. So I decided I had to do something about it. Now painting that rock just isn't an option. I'd find myself sleeping in the hen house. Then I remembered I'd stolen some white shutters a few years ago from this junk store at a little over two bucks each. That would give me the white brightness I desired.

Since Valentine's is coming up, there had to be a few touches of red.

To hide the fact that the roses are fake as them nails those gals get put on down at the 'Toe-n-Go', I stuffed that mason jar with paper shreds. If you promise not to tell my secret I'll share where I got them. Lean in real close now. I bought them last year at the Dollar Tree; 2 bunches of 'em. I did! I swear. And those books, well I snagged them at the Goodwill for nearly nothing. Uh huh, I shop religiously at the Goodwill. Don't you dare tell the Jr. Women's League. Cause they think I paid megga bucks for those fancy name brand duds I wear to the meetings. The heart shaped rug beater is a bone-afide antique that I found in a small store several years ago. My little chubby bird was on clearance after Christmas a couple of seasons ago.

On the other side, I did that fancy technique of layering with that saying board. It used to hang on the wall. Might have to put it back up there one day. The butter mold? It's another for real antique. My grandmother actually made butter in it. Sure enough! I bet that takes a long time.

Don't tell the Farmer, but I pulled that lantern off the back porch. Sure did! Had to spit shine her though. It was mighty dirty. For some reason, my mantel isn't complete without my old bottles. They seem to sneak in every time I redo the thing.

You need that sweet tea topped off? Sure thing Sugah! It really is the simple things in life, ain't it? I've found I don't have to spend a fortune to fancy things up a bit here and there around this old Farm place. Besides it sure makes me smile.

I've enjoyed our little visit. Hunny, I sure do hope you will drop back by the farm. We might even bake up something deLish next time. Cause I know you've got to run along down the road to those fun parties:

Link to Valentine's Day Mantel Party

Goodwill is What I Wore

2012-01-25T07:30:00.000-05:00

Due to torrential downpours in Georgia, it feels like monsoon season!

Tons of wet stuff. No snow...just rain. Deary, yucky, more than enough already rain.
On with the clothes!

Wednesday - Work

One of the few days with a bit of sunshine. Plus this crazy weather is warm, cold, warm again. Strange stuff. Army green blouse, Khols - still had new tags on it via Goodwill

Skirt, Donna Ricco NY (probably Belks) - Goodwill

Belt - Target, via Goodwill

Staple Black boots - gifted

Beautiful necklace - gifted this Christmas

Drop earrings - gifted also

Thursday - Work, lost my photographer.

Such a cute outfit too. Guess I will be wearing it again, just to show off. ;-)

So we are back to the not so great restroom photos. Do you know how awkward it feels making photos of yourself in the restroom at work thinking ANY moment someone might walk in and wonder who the crazy lady is? Yeah, thought so. Thanks for understanding the total stress of the situation. ;-)

Friday - Work, Casual Day & a much needed haircut

Trying black and brown together.

Inspired by this outfit found on Pinterest.

Black long sleeve T, Eddie Bauer - via Goodwill

Brown sweater vest by Ellen Tracy - Sam's club, gifted

Jeans - Goodwill

Beautiful Orange scarf, PASHMINA, which is oh so soft! - Christmas gift

Before and After Haircut. Ahh, much better; I look THINNER!

Saturday and Sunday went by way too fast.

Monday - Work. Rain, rain and more rain.

Yellow sweater, Madison - Goodwill

Navy skirt with tiny dots, Hearts of Palm - Goodwill

Belt - Salvation Army

Scarf - Christmas gift via Target

Bracelets - Christmas 2010 gift

Navy tights - Target

Another Pinterest inspired outfit.

Tuesday - Work and Sunshine!

Sweater top, 9 West - gifted for birthday
Black polka dot skirt, Sangria - Goodwill
Bracelet - Dawn @ Creative Cain Cabin

Because you couldn't see them at the above angle.
Tights (which do match the top) and socks - Target
YES Ladies, I listened and 'showed' my socks today. ;-)
I'm linking up with other inspiring fashionable ladies at these parties:

Menu Plan 1.22.12

2012-01-22T11:47:00.003-05:00

Last week's menu offered up more leftovers than expected, so I was able to roll some unused meals into this week's plan. The purpose of menu planning is to have something in the pantry or freezer READY to cook and avoid extra trips to the grocery store (I shop once a week). You can read my easy tips on how I plan HERE. I usually menu plan on Saturday morning and shop Saturday or Sunday; cause I hate going to the grocery store after working all day. With having to work next Sunday, I am planning a bit further than usual.

Last week's Easy Chicken-n-dumpling noodles

Sunday - Chicken Cordon Bleu Casserole (new recipe) with English peas ***Edited to add: This was easy and was OH SO delicious! It will be placed on our Master Menu List.

Monday - Lasagna with Garlic bread (rolled over from last weeks menu)

Tuesday - Leftovers (if not, then Breakfast - because we didn't have it last week, thanks to plenty of leftovers)

Wednesday - Sloppy Joes with sweet tater fries and slaw

Thursday - Leftovers or fend for yourself

Friday - Pizza

Saturday - Field peas with Hashbrown Casserole

Sunday - Leftover peas and casserole (I have to work)

Need more menu ideas and inspiration? Check out the Organizing Junkie's Monday Menu link up.

What's cooking up in your kitchen this week?

Week in Review via Pics

2012-01-19T21:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to InstaFriday! Where many of us link up to share our week in photos from our phones. These are a sample of pictures posted via the App InstaGram.

We hatched one little turkey chick earlier this week. Isn't it CUTE?!

Happy to report, he/she is doing great.

We actually have chickens hatching as I am typing!

A late Christmas gift that was JUST in time for a cold rainy weekend.

Two of our cats - Max in the box, our old man

Bella on the box, a rescued kitten.

My favorite ice cream.

A little Goodwill shopping find. I styled it twice this week! See it Here.

Rain, rain and more rain this week. (drops on my car windshield)

Cozy comfort food on this week's menu plan - Easy Chicken-n-Dumplings

Rainy day pool. Winter.

I'm missing Summer, are you?

Linking up with:

Goodwill Glamorous Fashions 3 (WIWW)

2012-01-18T07:30:00.000-05:00

My third 'What I Wore Wednesday' for 2012; along with another edition of Goodwill Fashions. If you haven't figured it out yet, I am a thrift junkie. Plus I enjoy sharing how I put together cheap clothes into a work wardrobe. Because if I can do it; anyone can! Outside photos at work are MUCH better this week, even if it's cloudy. I also feel I improved on styling the outfits. You can judge, or not. ;-)

Wednesday - Work, long and late day

This skirt was a recent Goodwill find and I knew instantly I would pair it with my red cardigan.

Animal print skirt, Alfred dunner - via Goodwill

Black button up, Christopher Banks - via Goodwill

Red sweater, Emma James (Liz Claiborne Co) - via Goodwill

Red slim belt - Salvation Army

Black boots, Belks - Gifted Christmas 2010 (they were a Black Friday Deal)

Necklace - Cato's on clearance

Thursday - Work, walked all over campus

Can you tell my black boots are a winter staple for work?

Tweed skirt, Norton McNaughton - Goodwill

Beige shirt, Kim Rogers - Belk's on sale this year

My black 'shirt jacket' is very lightweight, buttons up the front and has a tie at the waist. It's a unique article in my wardrobe and great for different seasons to layer. Made by Covington, purchased at Goodwill

Looking at the pic, I should have swapped out the belt that came with it for a cream one...ah, there is always next time.

Cream tights - Target $5.00

Scarf - Christmas gift

I love this skirt, it is lined with no waist band and very comfy. So are my flat boots!
Friday - Casual day at work - but missed a picture
Sunday afternoon - Quick run to town and a drop by my local Goodwill

Yep, snapped a shot in the dressing room!
Very casual me.
Green long sleeve T - Target
Beige vest - borrowed from my daughter; I wear it more than she does
Jeans - via Goodwill
Funky beaded necklace - Rue21 clearance buy $2.99
Monday - Holiday from work. Mom and Daughter time with Goodwill Shopping

Love my NEW green Christopher and Banks jacket.
I picked this up at the Goodwill yesterday for a mere $1.99 (color of the week at 50% off)!
White shirt (v neck with tiny ruffles you can't see) - Goodwill
Turquoise slim belt - Salvation Army
Scarf - Christmas gift (from Target)
Jeans - Walmart
Loafers - Goodwill (real Italian leather)

My beautiful daughter in the Goodwill dressing room.
She picked up this cute top.
Tuesday - Back to work, rainy day - Green jacket take 2

When searching for a lightweight jacket this morning; I realized the one from yesterday would match today's outfit. Rainy messy dark dreary day. Bright orange and green!
Orange sweater top - Goodwill
Multi-skirt - Goodwill
Green Jacket - Goodwill find over the weekend and worn yesterday
Army green belt, Target - via Goodwill (new with tag still on it)
Scarf - Christmas gift (Target)

Brown boots - Belk's (Black Friday purchase 2011 for $19.99)
Tights and boot socks (which I HAVE to wear with these boots or they rub my leg, no worries they were under the skirt as you can see in the full pic) - Target
Funny chipmunk smile with squished eyes?? - FREE

There you have it. Another bunch of thrifted clothes that I wore to work and weekend play. Last week several comments were made about NOT knowing that January is one of the BEST months to go thrifting. I hope you have found something wonderful!

Linking fun:

Enough - My one word for 2012

2012-01-17T21:10:00.000-05:00

I AM 'enough'.
I rarely ask much of you my wonderful readers. However, if you would like to know why I picked this word, as my one little word for this year. I wrote a heartfelt post on my other blog, Southern Sunflower Seeds, that is still a very fresh, young blog to me. You may read about it there. If you like.
Because it matters. Because YOU matter. Because we are ALL 'enough'.

Potato Soup Recipe

2012-01-16T07:30:00.000-05:00

I tried several Potato Soup recipes before I found one that all the family loves, even Bear. As far as recipes go, this one is easy with simple ingredients. My recipe is based on one I found at A Crafty Cook.

Potato Soup

You will need the following:

4-5 potatoes, peeled and cut into small pieces
1 1/2 tablespoon of butter
1 can of Chicken Broth
1 1/4 cup of milk
salt/pepper to taste

Melt butter in a stew pot, pour in broth, cut potatoes and milk. The original recipe calls for onions, of which I am not a big fan. But I do sprinkle minced onions in mine.
Cover the pot, heat to a simmer, then keep on a low-medium heat. Stir constantly. You do NOT want this to stick!

Once the potatoes are cooked soft, you can mash about half the pot. Remember to stir, we don't want it to stick. I usually pull my pot off the heat to do the mashing. ;-)
We usually add toppings to our individual servings:

Take your pick. It's really yummy with bacon bits and cheese.

The BEST potato soup recipe I have found and great on a cold winter's night. It's made several repeats into our weekly menu plan. Plus I love that the ingredients are things I usually have 'on hand' and easy on the budget.

Do you have a favorite simple soup recipe?

Also linked to Melt in Your Mouth Monday,

Weekly Menu Plan 01.15.12

2012-01-15T18:51:00.000-05:00

Enjoying a three day weekend after a long busy work week. Bitter cold came barreling into Georgia on Friday and hung around for Saturday. I wanted a lazy day, so I skipped heading out on Saturday for my weekly shopping. Will have to go by Monday to stay on the plan. Thankfully, this menu plan keeps me with a short grocery list! Plus I planned for leftovers on Tuesday, when I head back into the office.

Saturday - Roast beef gravy over loaf bread (used up the last of the leftover roast beef)

Sunday - Potato Soup and grilled cheese

Monday - Easy Chicken-n-dumplings (using pasta noodles)

Tuesday - Leftovers

Wednesday - Crock pot Pork Chops with Gravy This was a HIT the first time around.

Thursday - Breakfast for dinner

Friday - Lasagna, garlic bread, salad
Need more ideas? Check out the Organized Junkie's Monday Menu Plan link up party.

My Week in Photos

2012-01-13T07:00:00.000-05:00

I'm loving Instagram! The little photo sharing app on my iPhone. It's fun. Plus some of the ladies I follow are really amazing with just a cell phone camera. Here's a glimpse into my week via ~~better than last week~~ photos from Instagram:

Saturday morning breakfast. Blueberry pancakes at iHop. Yummy!

Weekly Menu Planning. Wanna know how I do it? Read Easy Menu Planning.

Errands around town with Bear.

Lazy rainy Sunday.

Sunday's dinner - My Easy Chicken Pot Pie.

Eggs! Compliments of our farm chickens.

Brown bagging lunch this week. Have you ever tried to find parking at a University?

View off the balcony outside my office at the U...winter in Georgia.

I've worn my favorite boots four days this week to work. Flat and comfy!
Plus a sneak peek at my Thursday outfit (skirt via Goodwill).
Linking up with InstaFriday. Check out all the other great pics from the week.
Plus if you like, follow me on InstaGram sherri9

Goodwill Glamorous Fashions (WIWW)

2012-01-11T07:30:00.000-05:00

Welcome to another addition of Goodwill Glamorous Fashions!

About 2 years ago, I discovered that I could purchase name brand work clothes for mere pennies (compared to the big stores) at my local Goodwill and Salvation Army. Since I've always had to be mindful of my budget, buying clothes at Goodwill stores allows me to add more to my wardrobe for a lot less money. I post my outfits to prove you can look 'glamorous' (decent, professional) in ~~cheap~~ thrifted clothes. I also join in some blog linky fun with What I Wore Wednesday at the Pleated Poppy, along with hundreds of other 'just like me' ladies sharing their weekly fashions.

Friday - Work, presentation to a crowd of 700 students and parents at Spring Semester Orientation

At the end of a very long day in bad lighting. (This outfit was inspired by Pinterest).

Long sleeve striped top - Express Tricot, via Goodwill

Print scarf - Goodwill

Red skirt - Hasper & Company via Goodwill

Red slim belt - Salvation Army 99 cents
Wool Liz Claiborne black jacket (not shown due to either old lady hot flashes or just the fact it is unseasonably warm in Georgia right now!) - Goodwill

Black Boots - gifted from Belk's Christmas 2010

On stage in front of a huge crowd.

Saturday - Errands all over town and an evening with friends

Gray striped top - Target

Infinity scarf - Rue 21, recently $7.99

Lime green puffy vest - SJB Active via Goodwill

Jeans by a.n.a. via Goodwill

Gray flower pin - I made it! Thanks to Creative Cain Cabin's tutorial.
You can't see my tennis shoes. Yep, I wore 'em! My feet were tired.

Sunday - t-shirt and lounging pants (Be glad I spared you!)
Monday - 1st day of classes at the U (work)

So I was informed last week by a co-worker that it's not purple, the proper color term is 'Eggplant'.
So here's my new to me, oh so comfy Eggplant skirt - Coldwater Creek via Goodwill
Funky shirt - Apt 9 via Goodwill
Black Boots - gifted
While I may be styling the correct color; I'm not really thrilled with the way this looks on me. Maybe it was just a bad choice of walls to stand in front of for a photo op. I'm not THAT washed out (please see above photo...Ack!) However, the skirt is soft and was a great choice of comfort for a busy Monday!
Tuesday - work

Rainy day in Georgia Glam. My favorite outfit from the work photos.
New Direction slinky feeling top - Goodwill
Black dress pants - Goodwill
Black boots again (my winter go to shoes, can ya tell?)
Necklace - gifted from my daughter
Black drop earrings - Cato's

That's it for this week folks! 3 work outfits and one weekend wear compliments of my local thrift stores.

Did you know that January is one of the BEST month's for thrifting?

Easy Menu Planning How 2

2012-01-10T07:30:00.000-05:00

Was one of your resolutions to save time? Save money? or to be more organized? Well, meal planning is for you! It will help you with all three. Once you get in a routine of planning your meals, it really is easy. Are you a list maker? Then you would LOVE meal planning! I'm a listee (def: person that makes a ton of lists).
Planning can be as easy or as complicated as YOU want it to be. Being a mom that works an 8-5 outside the home; I prefer easy, simple and quick! Which means doing the prep work, making out the menu and grocery list usually takes me 20-30 minutes. Do you think you could plan for 30 minutes once a week to save yourself 30 minutes every evening just trying to come up with 'what's for dinner'? And what if you are missing an ingredient? Oh you have to run to the grocery store to pick it up? Add 30-60 additional minutes, because of traffic, lines at the store and running into that old school friend you haven't seen in years. Tired yet? You still have starving children at home. ;-)
Not to mention, you just blew your budget because you picked up the ONE ingredient you needed, plus that ice cream you were craving, the cereal the kids were begging for and a couple of other things.
Let's try to make this EASY mmmm k?
Here is how I do it. By no means am I some expert! However, I can tell you it saves me time, it saves me money, and it saves my sanity after a long day at the office.

Think about your week: I plan on Friday evening or Saturday morning; so I can grocery shop on Saturday for the next week. Our menu plan typically runs from Sunday to Friday night. Check out your schedule to see if you need a quick meal. Example: I'm working late one night this week and letting my crockpot do the work for me. Start your plan on whatever day is most convenient for you (the morning or day before you plan to go grocery shopping).
Check last week's menu plan: Did you skip making a meal last week due to something unexpected? You can pull that meal into this week because you still have all the ingredients! Remember menu planning is giving yourself flexibility. Forgot to lay the meat out to thaw, pick another meal for that night and rotate things around.
Find recipes or check your Master List: You can pull out your cookbooks, search the web or just do what I do: Have a Master List of meals our family likes and rotate those into our plans. Want a master list? Just sit down with a pen and paper, begin writing down meals you usually cook. I also keep bookmarks of favorite recipes found around the web on my computer. Remember to check your cupboard and freezer for meal ideas using what you have on hand.
Fill in your Menu Plan: It can be as simple as a list on a notebook or use something that keeps you a bit more organized. Want a nifty printable plan with a grocery list? HERE is one by via Eat at Home blog. My mom gave me a neat 2012 weekly calendar for Christmas that has magnets on it. Sticks right to the frig. Perfect for planning the next night's meal and the family can see what we are eating for dinner.

5. Grocery Shop: Now that you have a plan, you can make a list of everything that is needed for your meals. Remember to add anything else you need around the house, like toilet paper so you can avoid those unexpected mid-week trips back to the grocery store.

If you want to plan every meal, go for it! Generally I only plan our dinners, because Bear eats breakfast and lunch at daycare. On the weekend we usually have a simple breakfast of cereal, pancakes, toast/scrambled eggs, oatmeal or even a store bought poptart. Lunches for me are either brown bag, leftovers or something quick a the U (love that we have a Subway).
Now sit back and actually ENJOY dinner time this week! You can be proud of yourself too. Because you:

Stuck to your budget by buying only things you need (via your grocery list)
Saved time in the grocery store by having your list and not staring blindly at the shelves trying to think up ideas in the middle of the isle.
Less stress in the evenings, because you have a plan! No more dinner time panics.
And my favorite: The kids KNOW what is for supper because the list is posted. No more "What's for dinner Mom?"

Are you with me? Share your menu planning ideas!

Linked up with others sharing menu planning ideas at: Crystal and Company

Busy Week Menu Plan

2012-01-08T20:00:00.000-05:00

It will be a busy, very tiring, long week for me as spring semester classes begin Monday at the U. Our office is always swamped and I don't always clear the door at quittin time. Add in one night scheduled late and we need easy meals this week, with help from my beloved crock pot.

Tuesday, I would like to share with you how I actually plan out our menu - from choosing meals to grocery shopping. So if you are interested in a menu planning routine for the New Year, but are unsure of how to get started; I have a 5 simple tips.
Sunday - Chicken Pot Pie
Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Loaded Baked Potatoes and Broccoli
Wednesday - Crock Pot Roast and au jus with potatoes and rolls (use the recipe for a tender roast!)
Thursday - Roast Beef Sandwiches with sweet tater fries
Friday - Taco's and refried beans

That's what we are eating this week. What about you? Need ideas? Check out over 400 menu plan links, with recipes at The Organizing Junkie every Monday.

SnapShots of Life via InstaGram

2012-01-06T05:00:00.000-05:00

I recently joined the ranks of iPhone users. Yep, I was a bit late to the party. In the same fashion, I am slowly discovering Apps. One of my newest favs is InstaGram, a photography app that documents snippets of life through your phone pics. If there is an app for it, then usually there is a party too! So I'm joining in for InstaFriday at Life Rearranged. Besides, who doesn't love looking at photos? And I get to share with you a bit my life you might not see otherwise.

Beautiful sunset on the farm.

Cozy, Simple New Year's Eve Party

One of the hen house chicks laid her first egg. It's the little one on the right. ;-)

We about froze this week in Georgia! This is our waterfall aka frog pond. See all the ICE?

No frogs this time of year or they would be hard as the rocks.

Waiting for Hay ~ Dan, Dakota 'Cody', Bug and the legs of Sassy.
More pictures next Friday, pinky promise; I'm just getting the hang of it!

If you have the InstaGram app; I'd love you to follow you! Leave me your profile name.
You can find me there @sherri9
Linking up with other InstraGram users at

Stuck with an Awful Holiday Gift?

2012-01-05T15:30:00.000-05:00

You are NOT alone! 49 million people admit to receiving some crummy unwanted gift during the holidays. So what the heck do you do with that pitiful present from old Aunt Em? Well, I can tell you what most people do with it (per Consumer Reports). Most of ya,do like your Momma taught ya by smiling real big, hugging Aunt Em and make the best of it. Or you just stuff that ugly sweater, goofy gadget or hideous nick-nack in some out of sight, out of mind spot. Why not do something different this year, other than re-gifting it to your least favorite co-worker next Christmas?

Ya'll already know I LOVE my thifting. Plus there's that saying we all know - "One woman's trash is another woman's treasure." So grab that forgotten trinket in the back corner of your closet and drop it off at your nearest Goodwill or Salvation Army donation center! Then you can drive away with that warm and fuzzy feeling knowing Aunt Em blessed someone else with a perfect-for-them treasure. Besides, I know you all went and made a New Year's resolution to 'de-clutter'. ;-)

What's the WORST gift you've ever received?

My thoughts on Thrift Clothes (WIWW)

2012-01-04T08:00:00.000-05:00

I could probably wager a bet to myself that I would wear at least one thrifted item each day for a solid year. Seriously, about 90% of my wardrobe is a find from either Goodwill or Salvation Army. Some people can't fathom wearing 'used' clothing. What's the difference if my sister passes along clothing she can't wear or doesn't like anymore? Nadda. Speaking of my sister. You may remember the Liz Claiborne dress she is styling in the below photo.

She wore it to her daughter's High School Graduation last summer.

Do you just have a deep desire to spend more money? Not me! It's the thrill of the hunt to find name brands and designer fashions in a thrift store.

LL Bean vest - $2.49 (weekend wear)

Equally as thrilling is mimicking an outfit I see on a fashion blog, in a magazine or pinterest. Here is what I wore to work on Monday -

The left is from a blog that links up with What I Wore Wednesday and is in my Pinterest Closet Clothes file.

My outfit:

Long sleeve green T (Target clearance, last year)

Light weight tan sweater vest (Christmas gift from my Mom from Belk's clearance)

Scarf via Target (Christmas gift)

Brown slacks, New York and Company - Goodwill $2.50

What I wore to work on Tuesday -

Sorry I'm a bit wrinkled, I'd been working! ;-)

Blouse, New York and Company via Goodwill

Black v-neck sweater, Old Navy via Goodwill

Thin Belt - Salvation Army, 99 cents

Gray slacks - Briggs New York via Goodwill

Infinity Scarf, Rue 21 - recent, $7.99

It was SO cold here in Georgia, I'm also wearing a v-neck black T that you can't see, American Eagle from Goodwill also

Yeah I know iPhone photos aren't the best (I will try to do better next week, but no promises!). And let's get this outta the way up front ladies; I'm NO fashion model. I know it's a shock. But it's true. Just an average country gal that enjoys clothes, but can't afford to spend a gold mint on them. About two years ago I fell in LOVE with thrifting. It's my guilty pleasure.

I hope that my guilty please of clothes and thrifting will continue to bring you Goodwill Glamorous Fashions as inspiration how you can also dress for less.

What about you? Thrifty clothes? Yes or no

Want to see more of what the average blogger is wearing these days? Check out What I Wore Wednesday at The Pleated Poppy for tons of fashionable moms.

Winter Mantel - A bit flakey

2012-01-03T07:30:00.000-05:00

After taking down the Christmas decorations, our mantel looked so bleak...depressing actually.

So I started gathering items I already had, the books, chubby bird, old bottles, white pitcher and candles.

I added a few of the leftover items from my New Year's Table centerpiece;

blue and silver snowflakes along with the star garland which I simply laid on top of the pitcher.

Oh how I love snow! Our living room has rich brown leather, cream walls and what I call country blue curtains. So adding blue to the mantel is too easy of a choice. Who said decor has to be difficult?

The huge snowflake came from Dollar Tree after Christmas sales (50 cents), as did the blue and white snowflake picks in the pitcher and bottle.

I guess it might be a bit strange to use a charger on the mantel, but I liked the added splash of silver; so it stays. Also left was the wooden frame that adds another layer and pulls all the surrounding wood together.

My Goodwill books and chubby clearance find birdie are more cream than white, but I kinda think it helps balance out the look and feel. With all the wood and dark rock I like the little bit of shine with the added touch of natural. But hey, I just go with what I like and makes me smile.

I'm all ready IF it snows in Georgia this winter...

with a snowman blankie on my recliner near the fireplace.
I probably spent $2 out of the clearance items to put a dash of winter shine on our mantel.
Who said pretties have to be expensive?
Do you have snow? (the real stuff) Or are you waiting on that 1st flake to fall?
I stood in a chair for about half the photos, but no; this flake didn't fall. ;-)
Made ya smile.
Linked to:

Add a Pinch - Mingle Monday

Our first Menu Plan of 2012

2012-01-02T08:30:00.000-05:00

Although I haven't shared my menu planning each week; I kept at it. I know I've said it before, several times; but it really helps. I save time shopping (grocery store - once a week), I save money by having a grocery list and I keep my sanity by not frying brain cells that are exhausted when I clock out at 5pm trying to think up something to feed the family.

I did share my New Year's Eve Menu. Everything happened as planned; tasty, simple and fun.

I tried a new easy peasy recipe for appetizer meatballs...oh they were Yummy! Plus there were fancy decorated box cupcakes. Ok so I cheated, I admit it. ;-)

Now that your mouth is watering, let's get to this week's menu plan.

It's turning off FRIGID this week after temps in the low 60's during the day.

Cold weather, crazy work week = Soup meals!

Monday - Field peas, cornbread, Mac-n-cheese

Tuesday - Tater soup and grilled cheese sandwiches

Wednesday - Leftovers

Thursday - Veggie Soup with cornbread

Friday - Leftover soup with sandwiches

Saturday - Open, maybe a night out?
For other great ideas on menu planning and lists of menu's check out Organizing Junkie's Menu Plan Monday link party.

What are you having for dinner?

A Plan to Write for 2012

2012-01-01T22:20:00.000-05:00

For the last two weeks, I've had a holiday break from my job at a local University.

More time to blog, read your blogs, check out the weekly linky parties for inspiration and pin a ton of ideas. I also had time to actually plan fun activities with Bear, hang out with family and friends. All of this made me think I just need to DO IT. MAKE the time, TAKE the time to do more this year of what I enjoy.

Then while browsing Facebook, I saw where a blogger had advance written several posts. It gave me an idea. I plan to set aside time each weekend to write at least 3 blog posts for the next week. I already have two written and scheduled to post for this week. Yeah me! I'm not limiting myself to the three. However, I am going to write three each week. Hopefully this will allow me to share what is near and dear to me; along with time during the week to browse your blogs, read and comment.

Here's what you can expect this year on Design to Shine:

Monday - Menu planning and/or recipes to share

Tuesday - Thrifty Thoughts - craft projects, tablescapes, decor, tips and more

Wednesday - more Goodwill Glamorous (fashions and finds)

Friday - InstaGram Friday - a look into my life, my world, my week; via photos from my new iPhone

There will still be posts about Bear, farm life and other stuff tossed in.

I hope you will join me as I write on a fresh blank page for the New Year and for my blog.

New Year's Eve Menu

2011-12-31T00:03:00.000-05:00

Anyone that knows me, knows I like to keep things simple, easy, fun and inexpensive.
The same goes for our little celebration tonight to ring in 2012.
We will have a couple of friends down on the farm along with keeping things kid friendly.
Of course, the table is shiny

Photo compliments of my iPhone via InstaGram.

My friends like to pick on me about being all fancy and such.

Not really, I just thought this was so pretty and if you read the post about it, you find it's really ~~cheap~~ frugal.

But this is about the MENU Sherri! Yeah, Yeah, I'm getting to the food really I am.

Finger foods, so we can munch, play and enjoy the evening.

Source

Apple Toffee Dip

A co-worker brings this for our work parties and it is DELISH!

Source

Sweet and Sour Meatballs

3 ingredients and pop it all in the crock pot. My kinda recipe.

Source

Ham and Cheese sandwiches on Hawaiian Sweet Rolls

Based on the above roast beef party sandwich recipe.

Source

Little Pigs

Smokies and crescent rolls. Kinda fittin' down on the farm. ;-)

Source

Lemon cupcakes with sprinkles

During the after Christmas sales, I picked up some of the sugar pearl sprinkles to use. I'm using silver liners to match the table decor and keeping it simple, a store bought mix. Shhhh, don't spill the beans.

Chips and dip

That's it folks!

I have silly party hats, noise horns and will be making a few of these for kicks and giggles:

Source - Pinterest

Mine won't be as fancy, but Bear will think they are cute.

What's a night down on the farm without one of these?

Good friend, family, fun foods and a fire. All the best F words. ;-)
I will share a few photos of all the fixin's on my Blog Facebook Fan page later this evening.
Whatever you and your family are enjoying tonight, at home or out...I want to wish each one of you
the HAPPIEST of New Year's in 2012!

We will see you from down on the farm, next year! ;-)

2011 in Review

2011-12-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

What a difference a year makes!

Not to sound like a cliche. There have been some MAJOR changes this year round the farm.

Enough to crow about.
January

A major and rare snow storm for rural Gawga, resulted in an extended 'snow-cation' from work for a week.
No worries, down on the farm we always have a way of gettin to and fro.

My daughter on the 4-wheeler.
February

With the month of LOVE came a thrifty Goodwill styled Valentine's mantel on the farm;
and additions of my Goodwill Glamorous Fashions for work and play.

March
The month that started one of the biggest changes in our empty nesting down on the farm.
The addition of a 3 year old boy (my nephew) via a temporary custody order.

We call him, Booger Bear ~~don't ask my how that nickname, wasn't my idea~~...I usually refer to him as Bear here.
To celebrate CHANGE ~~and to try NOT to look like Bear's Grandma~~, I went BOLD with my Goodwill Glamorous fashion statement this month.

April
Warmer temps brought out the Spring colors in my thrifty fashions.

From head to toes - Goodwill purchased.
A spring mantel was tossed together for zero dollars, using what I had on hand.

Love my birdies and old things.

Bear hunted eggs and

held bunnies at a local farm.

We were blessed as my sister had her 3rd successful brain surgery.
May

We played.

And we opened the pool, Memorial Day weekend to celebrate the arrival of Summer!
June

Had me putting together a little boy's room with a thrifty makeover.

In addition to our vegetable garden, we put together our own mini Fairy Garden.

Which is still thriving in our office during the winter.

And a fun visit to the Zoo.
July
Found us frolicking on vacation at the beach...

Bear's very first trip to see the ocean!

Starting a new ~~daycare~~ "school".

August

We enjoyed the small things down on the farm.

Once again, August found us back in the courtroom regarding custody of Bear.

The case was continued.

September

Had me turning another year older...along with a shift in job duties;

becoming our Social Media Marketing Coordinator at work...

and attending a Social Media Training Conference in Atlanta.

Bear adopted a Grandfather.

October

My very simple Fall mantel.

We went back to court, yes yet again...only to cancel the hearing and reschedule for December.

October had us celebrating Bear's 4th Birthday in a BIG way....

A huge Cowboy Up party in our Barn (yep, with the chickens...there are photos to prove it)

Over 30 family, friends and community members came out to support one precious little boy.

Of course, we ...

went Trunk-r-Treating.

November

We remembered all that we are grateful for in our lives.

Our very own Tall Tom, who was NOT on our Thanksgiving table. ;-)

December

We decorated...

Our Tree, our mantel and our table.

We toured a Historic Home and visited Santa.

We crafted...

and we had a visit from a silly Elf, named Mister Sam....

Then Santa came...

However, the BEST gift we received for Christmas this year wasn't delivered under the tree or wrapped in pretty paper. It came in the mail. After a December 8th court visit, permanent custody of Bear was awarded to us...the final papers arrived in the mail on Christmas Eve.

New Year's Eve Table Centerpiece

2011-12-28T00:20:00.001-05:00

Do you ever have this idea and just hope it all comes together the way you see it in your mind?

That was me yesterday.

Knowing I would be putting away all the Christmas decor, I still wanted some fun shiny snow inspired winter decorations around the house. Usually I am standing at the door of Target the day after Christmas waiting for them to open. Not this year. Chasing a 4 year old and staying up late ~~playing an elf~~ watching for Santa, wore this mid-forties momma out! I did however manage to get everyone out mid-afternoon to scout what was left.

Lucky for me, I found just what I needed for my New Year's Eve centerpiece vision!

My assortment of Goodwill candle holders, along with the white crocheted runner (another Goodwill find last year) and stash of white candles were my base.

The blue trim on the white runner had me thinking blue, white, silver and glass.

The 1st item I found was at Hobby Lobby - the tiny silver star garland ($2). I almost picked up silver bead garland, but snagged the last strand of stars instead. So glad I did! I {heart} them.

Next stop, Target.

Target gave me my hint of blue, with the blue tiny star burst tinsel garland ($1).

I also picked up blue and silver snowflakes at Target (50 cents each color for a pack of four)

The silver tray is another Target deal marked down 50% off for $7. I've been looking for a silver tray for a while and was tickled pink (or would it be blue?) to find this one at a steal!

Next stop was the much loved by us thrifty decor and crafty types...the Dollar Tree.

Look closely, closer...do you see the white felt snowflakes lining the silver tray? Dollar Tree HALF off!

A whopping 50 cents. Along with all the blue and silver bells (8 to a pack), same price.

My fellow shopper con'ed me into a Walmart stop.

At least I found another item while battling my way through the buggies and crowd - the small silver Mirror Ball ornaments in the center candle globe for $1.50. Mirror Balls just scream New Year's right?!?

A few of the details:

A wine goblet tuned upside down for a candle holder. To add interest, I stuffed a white snowflake ~~wrestled that sucker under there~~ from my old Christmas stash under the glass; along with bells and one of the tiny silver ornaments.

The ornaments and bells are in a wide mouth candle holder sitting atop another Goodwill candle holder (nope I didn't even glue it ...cause I'm daring like that).

The cute tiny fingertip towels say it all...

We don't see much of the fluffy white stuff in Georgia.

I think we are ready for a little late night New Year's Eve celebrating....

by candle light. I love it.

How are you celebrating New Year's Eve?

There is still time to toss together something shiny and fun on a thrifty budget.

Total spent for my centerpiece ... $14
I'm playing with Blue Cricket Design for Show and Tell and Between Naps on the Porch Tablescape Thursday.

I hope to share my winter mantel this week too. Yep, there will be more snow flakes. :-)

Homemade Christmas Gifts Review

2011-12-27T10:59:00.000-05:00

Since the gifts have been unwrapped, I can share what I've been working on the last several weeks.

The HIT of this Christmas were these:

Photo blocks for family. I selected photos specific to the person along with other family photos. They were simply painted black with craft paint, then Mod Podge for attaching the photos and sealing the blocks.

A note about these if you decide you want to make them. We did NOT use 4x4 posts because that wood is pressure treated and could eventually ruin the photos. Mine are made with 1x4's wood glued together and then cut to size.

For the women I made felt flowers from this awesome tutorial at Creative Cain Cabin.

Plus I made a braided fabric necklace for my college age niece. Here is a tutorial on the fabric necklaces, however I didn't sew mine together. I knotted the ribbon ties to the ends.

I plan to make a ton more of felt flowers for myself! I LOVE them and they are adorable in all colors with outfits.

Along with the above, I also made 4 teacup candles.

Unfortunately due to the fact I was finishing these up at the last minute, I only took a photo while waiting on the wax to dry. Bummer! They had adorable matching saucer plates that I glued the cups atop to complete the gift. This was my VERY FIRST time with candle making and it was fun. I scented them with sugar cookie smell so they will be perfect in the kitchen. I'm sure I will be making more of these in the future.

I personally LOVE homemade useful items and were thrilled that these were appreciated.

Did you gift Homemade this year? I'd love to see!

Leave me a link and I will check it out. Of course, Pinterest inspired several of mine and you can find my favorite pins HERE.

Merry Country Christmas!

2011-12-25T08:00:00.000-05:00

As we simply celebrate today with family and loved ones; I want to wish each and everyone of you far and wide a magical Merry Country Christmas from our Farm to your Home.

(my three - my daughter, my oldest son and our new addition, my nephew, who I have permanent custody and is now our 'youngest' babe).
It has been a very magical and exciting season for us all, as we have enjoyed having Bear as a new addition to our family. He is a delightful child, amazed by all the wonders he hasn't had the opportunity to experience in such a manner before this year.
There has been a whirlwind of activities building up to the big day:

Our 'Elf on the Shelf' arrived December 1st to Bear's delight and kept us on our toes all month
with frolics and play. You can read about 'Sam' and his adventures in my two previous posts of Elf on the Shelf Fun part 1 and part 2.
We attended the local Christmas Parade where we saw Santa!

and enjoyed rides to see the lights.

Bear had a fun play date making his own gingerbread house.

We made Christmas crafts:

Snow globes with 'magic' no melt snow.

Ornament, made at 'school' ~~which is really daycare, but don't tell Bear.~~

and tiny trees.
We've read Christmas stories, attended family gatherings, sang carols and even received a special video from Santa himself!
Today we enjoy staying home wrapped up in the love of family.
Again,

Elf on the Shelf Fun - take 2

2011-12-23T09:13:00.002-05:00

Bear has really enjoyed our Elf on the Shelf's visit!

Sam has produced delighted mornings to a little 4 year old and even brought a few treats. However, it's almost time for him to head back to the North Pole until next year when the Holiday Season rolls around.

Here are a few things that have been happening with an Elf in the house:
He brought cookies back from Santa's Workshop (Thanks Ms.Carolyn!).

He even brought Bear a little Santa hat!

Sam showed off his wild trapeze skills.

He played with my craft gift project blocks, which thrilled Bear.

He did a little hanging out.

He played.

Sam showed off his inner decorator by candy caning the tree.

Sam delighted Bear with tiny gifts, first an Elf coloring book...

and tiny Christmas puzzles. (Sam always left a gift for Bear's BIG sis too...who is 20 but lives at home).

Since it's Christmas Eve, Sam left a note to remind Bear that he will be going home to the North Pole with Santa tonight; but he will be back next year for all the holiday fun! We are really worried Bear will be upset that Sam is gone. So our little Elf was thoughtful to explain. ;-) Plus he left a little special early gift...

the book - Twas the Night Before Christmas.
Merry Christmas Eve!!!!

If you have an Elf on the Shelf...how do you announce his/her exit?

Christmas Week Menu Planning

2011-12-19T11:24:00.000-05:00

I'm off work for the next 2 weeks. Yippee!

There are still crafty gifts to finish, then tons of wrapping and the last minute counting of the stocking stuffers.

Plus three family gatherings this week. So, I'm keeping it pretty simple.

Sunday - Potato Soup (yes, I know it's Monday, but I usually plan Sunday through Saturday)

Monday - Family Christmas Gathering - I'm baking my 'Famous' Christmas Cake

Tuesday - Lasagna with Garlic Bread

Wednesday - Salmon patties, creamed potatoes, biscuits and english peas

Thursday - Poppy Seed Chicken with steamed broccoli

Friday - My great-niece's 1st Birthday Celebration (eat there or pick up something in town)

Saturday - Christmas Eve Family Gathering - I'm taking Broccoli Casserole

Sunday - Christmas Day - We will be doing easy here too! Breakfast will be biscuits, eggs, sausage and oatmeal. Later in the day we will have pinto beans and cornbread. A lazy day enjoying family and the magical excitement of having a 4 year old in the house this year.

Breakfast this week will be raisin toast, cereal or pancakes

Lunches will be leftover soup or sandwiches

What's on your menu this week? What about Christmas morning? Anything fancy?

Christmas Cake

2011-12-17T22:39:00.000-05:00

It's time to bake my 'famous' Christmas cake.

I've shared this recipe before in 2008 on my blog. However, I thought it might be time to bring it back.

My family INSISTS that I don't show up for our family Christmas gathering without this cake.

I think I could forget their gifts, but not this cake. Ha!

Here is my original post:

Several years ago while working on a company employee newsletter I came upon a cake recipe. I made it that year for Christmas. The actual recipe is called It Won't Last Cake. However, I renamed it the Christmas Cake because my dear sister has asked that it be her 'gift' every year since! My brother in law loves it too. I am posting the photo of the cake, which I will be making again this week to take to sis's house for our Christmas get together. It is easy and is like a spice cake or banana bread. Very moist and even goes great with coffee in the mornings.

Ingredients:

1 1/3 cups vegetable oil

3 cups white sugar (regular sugar)

1 cup crushed pineapples (with juice)

2 cups mashed bananas

1 cup chopped pecans (I usually use about 1/2 cup)

3 cups all-purpose flour

1 1/2 teaspoons vanilla extract

2 teaspoons baking soda

1 teaspoon ground cinnamon

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup maraschino cherries (OPTIONAL)

Directions:

Grease and flour a 9 or 10 inch bundt pan. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Mix together. (optional: adding one cup maraschino cherries to mixture makes a nice fruit cake.) Pour into prepared bundt pan. Bake for about 1 1/2 hours at 350 degrees. Do not over bake.This cake is VERY moist and easy to make. I have never added the cherries. Not a big fan of fruit cake. It does bake up 'brown' due to the cinnamon and bananas. Hope you enjoy it! It's a FAV of my family.

Christmas Tree Tour

2011-12-14T22:00:00.000-05:00

I love the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree.

Welcome to my modest little tree tour.

This is our tree. Simple, natural (if you don't count that the tree is fake!) and rustic.

Perfect for our little country farm.

I actually made all the trim and ornaments a few years ago for $20.

You can read how I went pine cone picking in a tractor bucket to make the ornaments, plus all the other details in THIS post. The only change is the tree skirt, which is extra burlap wrapped under the tree and fluffed.

The only brand new item this year were fresh twigs for the topper gathered from the yard.

Real pine cones and burlap cut into strips for the garland with touches of red birds and berries.

We've also seen beautiful trees other places:

Lots of red and gold in the tree at the Roop House tour.
Isn't Bear just adorable?

An outdoor tree for real birds with hand dipped pine cones in peanut butter and bird seed.

A rotating tree at my University Bookstore; adorned with the school colors.

Plus a cute little tree any little girl would be thrilled to have in her room -

seen at a small town parade with craft booths.

I remember when white lights were first seen on trees. Growing up we always had strands of blinking colorful lights. Now I am thrilled to have NON blinking white lights.
Linking up:

Are you a blinking or non-blinking light person?

Book Wreath

2011-12-13T00:27:00.002-05:00

Have you seen the book Christmas trees?

How about a book wreath?

Here it is! A simple adorable book wreath spotted on the door of a re-sale Bookstore.

I stop for books.

Pulled right over and snapped this photo to share.....

last year.

Yep, I've held on to it this long!

Just in case a school teacher, librarian or bookstore owner would like to whip one of these little babies up!
You could easily make one with extra books around the house or pick up a few at your local Goodwill to recycle into this unique wreath.
For an Elementary school door - use children's books!
What is the most unique wreath you've ever seen or perhaps made?

Elf on the Shelf FUN ideas

2011-12-11T22:42:00.001-05:00

Our 'Elf on the Shelf' arrived December 1st.

Booger Bear was excited to hear the story of our elf; then promptly named him Sam.

After a couple of days, we noticed he now calls him Mister Sam.

Bear's been learning about 'manners' at school. ;-)

Here are a few photos of what Mr. Sam has been up to each morning.

Mr. Sam high-jacked one of Booger Bear's truck to haul a load of 'fake' snow.

Since Booger Bear heads to the kitchen every morning, Mr. Sam did a bit of rolling on the kitchen curtain.

Mr. Sam crash landed into the ~~tacky we need to replace it~~ light.

Santa and Mr. Sam went fishing together. Sam's pole is a stick and twine. (Someone was running around after this idea came to mind with a flashlight in the backyard trying to find a twig IN the rain! I'm sure that person gets extra points right?) His 'seat' is my real cut wood homemade candles from last Christmas season.

Mr. Sam likes the cold, so he hung out in the frig to give Bear his morning juice box.

Booger Bear was thrilled to wake up Saturday morning and find Mr. Sam had brought him a special treat.

Mr. Sam even brought my 'grown' 20 year old daughter a HUGE coloring book.

Both books had elves on the front of them too! (I spotted them in our local Dollar Tree, if anyone might be in need of one *wink*).

We've had so much fun with Mr. Sam. He has been a welcome joy during a nerve wracking few weeks.

(We had to attend a custody hearing again on Dec 8th for Booger Bear. It was a stressful extremely long day of 14 hours in a courtroom - fact. Maybe I will blog about it one day. Suffice to say, I was awarded permanent custody.)

Friday afternoon, Bear came home from 'school' (daycare) to find a 7 ft Santa in the yard.

He was excited and the first thing he said? Mr. Sam brought me a Santa!
That elf gets credit for everything. Ugh! ;-)

An alum from high school commented on my Facebook page that she wished Elf on the Shelf was around when her girls were little. I responded that I get to have this fun a second time around with Bear!

Does your family have an Elf on the Shelf?

I would LOVE to hear your ideas for Mr. Sam.
I will share more photos of Mr. Sam and would love to mention your idea in my post!
For tons of Elf on the Shelf ideas visit Come Together Kids Elf Linky party.

Christmas Open House Tour 2011

2011-12-06T17:14:00.001-05:00

Welcome to the Roop House 2011 Christmas Tour

On December 3rd, the historic Roop House once again opened it's doors to the public for their 3rd Annual Open House all decked out in Holiday style.

If you followed my little ole blog last year, you know my first visit was for the Historical Society's 2nd Annual Open House Tour. You can read and see photos from last year HERE and HERE.

I didn't take as many photos this year, but be prepared, this is still photo overload!

So I won't say much, just pour yourself a mug of hot apple cider and enjoy.
Get ready because this is MUCH more exciting than what little bit of decorating I've done this year. ;-)

They always have a Santa and Mrs. Claus available for photos.

Of course, Booger Bear talked to Santa. In fact, he told him about our 'elf on the shelf'.

Cute huh?

He will smile big for photos!

The kitchen. Grab yourself a cookie!

Check out the ceiling! Love.

The Magnolia leaves are from a tree on the grounds.

My favorite room in the house is this sun porch sitting room.

The Dining room.

The long back porch.

The tree on the back porch showcased local photos framed behind twig frames.

I should really think about these for my country theme tree for next year.

Maybe all barn photos. Whatcha think?

There are several fireplaces in the Roop House; this one is in what I call the office.

Let's go upstairs.

Love this shot at the top of the stairs.

Top floor landing, another tiny tree.

This upstairs bedroom is used by brides, when weddings are held at the Roop House.

Full length mirror, lace valances ...all girly. Check out the gorgeous floor!

The attendants have plenty of social space in the adjacent upstairs room.

Since the tour last year, the Roop House has expanded the area behind the house.

This year they had a craft for kids to add to this amazing live tree.

Dipping pine cones in peanut butter then rolling them in birdseed for ornaments.

The birds sure will be happy!

I hope you have enjoyed a look inside this historic local home in a sleepy little southern town.

I'm not using an old saying about a sleepy town either. This was around 7pm on a Saturday night.

The open house tour was the happening spot.

I love the stillness of it. Like stepping back in time.

With the house all dressed up for the holidays, it was an event I didn't want to miss!

To see more of the Roop House, along with bridal photos visit their Facebook fan page:

the Roop House.

Do you tour Open Homes?

Linking to:

Rustic Country Christmas Mantel

2011-12-05T23:02:00.001-05:00

Those that know me well, know I'm a simple gal.

Several years ago, I had a beautiful glass and gold shiny tree with all the glitter and glam.

I like to dress up...sometimes.

As I've gotten older (and hopefully wiser), it isn't about all the shiny things in life.

Maybe it's just back to my core. Simple, country girl.

You may remember last year's mantel --

I do love my pine cone theme. Natural elements.

This year I wanted to change it up a bit, but still have that rustic country charm.

The empty wood frame has been used several ways in our mantel decor over the last year. When I pulled out my Christmas decorations I had 3 pine cones from 2009 that were used in my kitchen on the chandelier.

Since I baked the cones back in 2009, they are still in amazing condition! So I tied them around my empty frame for this year's mantelscape (new word, like it?). You can barely see the Santa head from my photo angle (it's what I get for being so short! and no daylight left to snap another picture). Secret: He is a Dollar Tree Santa sitting on a small glass to give him a bit more height, behind the fake greenery.

My white lantern was a gift several years ago at work.

On the other side I re-used red candles from my Christmas box.

All of the greenery and berries are floral picks from years past.

A few various sized pine cones are strategically ~~stuffed in there hoping they don't fall off~~ placed.

There is only one new item on my mantel this year (meaning recently purchased and not from my stash).

The Santa and reindeer:

We picked this up to add for Booger Bear, because it is our first Christmas with him in our family.

There you have my simple rustic country Christmas mantel.

I just pulled out my decorations, with no 'plan' in mind...cause that's how I roll having an excited 4 year old running around talking about elves and Santa.

I will be linking to a few Christmas blog parties. So be sure to check them all out for inspiration and ideas.

Have you decked out your mantel? Leave me a link,

I would love to see it!

Happy Halloween!

2011-10-31T21:40:00.000-04:00

We enjoyed trunk-n-treating.

Booger Bear went as "Cowboy" Wild Will.

There were games...

to show off his mighty 'shooting' skills.

Plus a bit of kid lassoing.

Then a bit of neighbor door knocking...

for a full bag of Halloween treats!

We hope you had a wonderful Halloween.

Menu Planning (Halloween week)

2011-10-30T10:19:00.000-04:00

I haven't published a menu plan lately, but that doesn't mean I have been planning out our menus. My menu plans consist of our supper meals, which really helps this working mom! Keeps the guess work out of 'what's for dinner?' and makes sure I only shop once for the week. No hurried stops into a busy grocery store on the dash home in five o'clock traffic. Usually my plan for the week begins on Saturday. I plan out the menu then head off to the grocery store with my shopping list. This saves me time in the store and money at the checkout line. Here is what we will be eating around the family dinner table this week:
Saturday - Bacon Potato Soup with grilled cheese sandwiches; applesauce for 'dessert'

***This soup recipe is Yummy! Great for the chilly temps we are having in Georgia

Sunday - Hobo Supper & Trunk-n-Treat at the church, with this little Cowboy

Monday - Crock pot Pinto beans with corn bread

Pintos and corn bread

Tuesday - leftover pintos with Mac-n-cheese
Wednesday - Easy Chicken and dumplings (made with dumpling noodles)
Thursday - leftovers
Friday - Crock pot Pork Chops with gravy, creamed taters and steamed broccoli
***New recipe that sounds like a winner!

With Booger Bear in the house, I feel like I'm back to my 'young' Mommy years instead of the almost empty nester that should be with my age. Although he is such a joy and keeps us young (or makes me feel older! still deciding. Ha!). So menu planning really helps manage our nightly routines. Plus I love using my crock pot to assist with the nightly kitchen duties as much as possible.

Are you a crock pot cooker?

Cowboy UP in the Barn Birthday Party

2011-10-24T22:18:00.000-04:00

Warning: Photo over load!

A special little boy turns 4 tomorrow! This weekend Booger Bear rounded up his buckaroos for a Cowboy Birthday party out in our barn.

Everyone was welcomed 'Down on the Farm' by our friendly scarecrow guarding the gate.

Outside the barn, all the tiny girls and boys were invited to 'Cowboy UP' with hats, bandannas and sheriff badges. ('cow' balloons are from Hobby Lobby)

I kept the theme red and blue throughout. With big plastic $1 bowls from Wal-mart, clearance plastic table clothes, red napkins, spoons/forks in mason jars and barn animal bowls from the Dollar General.

Kid friendly 'Chuck Wagon' food was served: hot dogs, chili, tater salad, slaw, chips with Sweet Tea and Lemonade. The Wild West sign is from Hobby Lobby (set of 2 for 5 bucks).

Here is the only full shot of the tables. Oops!

I used lanterns and mason jars for the table decorations and brought Booger Bears tiny picnic table out for his 'special' guest seating.

While waiting on everyone to arrive, the kids played a pumpkin bean bag toss game (Target), chased bubbles in the barn yard and fed treats to the horses. Treat bags for guests were paper lunch sacks filled with kid friendly 'trail mix' and miniature cowboys.

I had to include this because "Mr. Rooster" and Oreo, the farm dog were both guests along with the 33 other family, friends and neighbors! It's a REAL working barn ya'll. ;-)

My sister snapping a shot in the photo op saddle by the stalls.

Except for the young lady in pink, the other girls are Booger Bear's sisters, who attended his celebration. I call this the Ice Cream & Cake Crew. The BEST thing I did was serve individual ice cream cups. No mess!

Booger Bear was figuring out how to turn on the sword! He was blessed with toys and such a grateful little boy.

After lunch, birthday cake and opening gifts everyone hopped on an old fashion Hay ride around the country roads.

After everyone gave good bye hugs, we had one little tuckered out Cowboy (me too!).

A good time was had by all! He is loved MUCH. We are blessed to have a village surrounding us as we try to provide a home as guardians of this adorable loving child.

Booger Bear said the BEST part of the day were the presents (go figure!), Hay ride and COWBOYS!

Have you ever tossed a party in a barn?

Linking in these great blog parties:

Simple & Thrifty Fall Mantel

2011-10-19T21:04:00.000-04:00

A quick look at our simple and very thrifty (read cheap) fall mantel decor.

*** The painting on the wall is by a local artist purchased last year at a festival and yes you DO indeed see the blind string hanging over the curtain rod. Gotta love our kittens. ;-)

A few weekends ago, Booger Bear was invited on a play date with our neighbor's granddaughter. They attended a local Indian Pow Wow....

Then spent a little time in a garden patch....

Booger Bear picked and brought home the 3 mini pumpkins you see on our mantel (one for each of us, so said he).

I purchased our mini scarecrow at the local Dollar Tree, then used items from around the house and out of last year's fall decor.

Metal acorn and wood pumpkin are from the 'fall storage bin'.
So for one dollar and a fun afternoon play date; Booger Bear and I put together our simple and very thrifty fall mantel.

He loves it....and so do I.

Happy Fall Ya'll!

Linking in to: Strut Your Stuff @ Somewhat Simple,

I created a New Blog!

2011-10-16T23:57:00.000-04:00

For months my heart has ached over not having the time to share new projects (heck or even DO new projects), post my Goodwill Fashion finds (yes I'm still wearing clothes daily, most of them come from Thrifting), my meal planning/cooking (yep, still planning and cooking) or just some of our family adventures.

Because of this I started a new blog! Yep, call me crazy; you wouldn't be the first person and won't be the last. ;-)

I missed you all. I still have the desire to connect with each of the wonderful ladies (and a few gents) I've met in my blogging journey. I've still be reading and lurking around your blogs.

My life has changed dramatically: trying to get in the groove of being a 'mom' again to an almost 4 year old, changing up job responsibilities at work (I'm the new Social Media Marketing and Customer Relations uh, person for our department at the U), adding an additional room to the house (a home office. I'm typing from it now) and just busy life 'stuff'.

So to celebrate my shift in life, I'm starting a new blog without all the pressure of living up to the blog I created here. Make sense? I'm heading off in a new direction and hope to still share DIY projects (Booger Bear and I created a Fall mantle this week!), menu planning, Goodwill fashions and family adventures. However, something inside just kept begging for me to start fresh and in a different direction. Maybe it will satisfy this ache in my heart to 'do' something. And ....

What I really really want to do is plant seeds of happiness, inspiration and compassion over on my new blog:

Southern Sunflower Seeds

I hope you will join along in my new journey, because you've been so important to me in this one!

Summer Grab~n~Go Kid's Meal

2011-07-24T08:57:00.001-04:00

We spend as much time as possible poolside, during these HOT Summer days.

With temps near 100 in Georgia lately, it's a cool place to hang out.

Swimming makes us all hungry. But let's face it, wet swimsuits in the house create a drippy mess.

To make life a bit easier and allow Booger Bear to be independent, I pulled out our 'to go' lunch container and made a simple grab~n~go kid's meal.

I filled the inside with easy finger food for a 3 year old before we ever head out to the pool.

Pop it in the frig.

Fruit, crackers, cheese and bologna.

Now we he says "I hungee", I can wrap up in a towel, zip in, grab his meal and let him eat under the umbrella at the deck table. No waiting to dry out a drippy swimsuit.

No extra mopping for me! Plus he LOVED that it was made 'just for him'.

It's also an easy meal to pack in a cooler for long drives. Healthier than fast food.

Do you have ideas that make summer fun easy breezy?
Linking up with:

FREE Summer Reading on Kindle

2011-06-26T19:46:00.002-04:00

source

I love reading, but let's face it ...life is extremely busy, books are expensive and bulky. At a time when I am trying to live simply, de-clutter and enjoy the entire 'less is more' attitude; I rarely found time to read. As the weather warmed up and we were spending time by the pool, I missed diving into the world of escape while reading someone else's story. Trust me when I tell you...I need the escape in my life right now. I'd be happy to share the details, however I should probably write a book about it or you would think my extended family needs to apply for a Jerry Springer episode.

Did you know you do not have to OWN a Kindle in order to download ebooks from Amazon? Maybe some of you did, but I didn't until several weeks ago. I stumbled across the free Kindle for PC app at Amazon.

source

My ~~cheap~~ frugal self couldn't believe I hadn't read it on a blog or heard about this already. Have I been living in a cave?! I quickly downloaded a free Kindle to my laptop, then I went over to Amazon and found myself several free ebooks to read.

Some of these books may or may not still be listed as free! I have found out that Publishers list various books at different times as free ebooks. Since none of the above authors are familiar, I did read the reviews and/or book description before 'one clicking' them on Amazon. The great part about the free ebook listing...books from every genre. Above includes a historical, plus regular and Christian Romance novels that I have recently added to my collection. Yes, collection, as in more than these, as in... I need a month at the beach to finish what I have downloaded for free.

On the Amazon Kindle discussion board there is a wonderful lady who researches the free ebooks daily and posts them in the forum. Everyday I zip over and check for the free book posting by Happy Reader "Joyce". This week there was an entire series posted as free ebooks. Wasn't my thing, but several readers were thrilled at the offering. The daily freebies offer up everything from cookbooks, short stories, business, self help and tons more. Or if you are on Facebook, there is a Free Books for Kindle page that also posts free ebooks.

Lugging the laptop poolside isn't really as easy as a paperback, but downloading the Kindle for PC did give me the opportunity to try out kindle at no charge. Imagine my surprise and appreciation when I was given the gift of a REAL Kindle! What about all the books I had downloaded free to my pc kindle app? They transfered over to the real kindle. Easy Peasy!

The best part of discovering the free app? My summer reading list is long and all the books were totally FREE!

Am I the last one to know? Really?

***DISCLAIMER: I was not paid or compensated for this post in any shape, form or fashion. Just passing along information because I love sharing freebies! All photos belong to Amazon.com

My Fairy Garden

2011-06-14T20:26:00.007-04:00

Dance in a land of enchantment with fairies in your garden.

My newest addition to our backyard/walk/pool area. A miniature fairy garden.
What a fun family project! One from our summer list.

We shopped together for all the items to put together our mini garden.
3 succulents and the fake mushrooms at Home Depot.

Next was a stop in a local gardening greenhouse, where I picked up Scotch Moss and Doone Valley Creeping Thyme (which blooms with tiny pink flowers and the foliage turns red in the winter) and a 'Green Velvet' mini Boxwood to trim into a tree.

The 'pot' is an animal trough from Tractor Supply, with holes drilled into the bottom. I picked this because the price, size and depth suited the space and what I had in mind. You can transform almost anything into a miniature garden ~ the children's old wagon, a homemade raised bed, washtub, birdbath, basket, etc. Here are a few ideas I found on pinterest.com -

source - pinterest

I wanted our garden large enough to change up and low enough for tiny tots to enjoy.

We also made a stop in Hobby Lobby for miniatures (pots, bench and frog) and Tinkerbell is a garden pick that I picked up 50% off. The fairy 'house' is a bird house. The stones came from the Dollar Tree. Tinkerbell's bridge is really meant to be fish tank decor. The 'pond' is a plastic ice cream bowl with stones tossed in the bottom.

I loved playing outside as a child. Heck, back then that is all we had to do in the summer! However, I don't really have a rep for having a green thumb. Hopefully I picked out hearty foliage for my mini garden. At least there is only a little to replace and restyle. I have to admit I love rounding the corner to our back porch every afternoon and being greeted by such a cute sight in our lantana flower bed.

Booger Bear and I are watching for a garden full of butterflies and hopefully fairies. So use your imagination and build a little enchantment for your garden!

Do you have a green thumb? or a Fairy Garden?

Linking in to these fun parties! Check out my PARTIES tab at the top for more listings.

Outdoors Wednesday , Feature Yourself Friday, Simply Sweet Home's Friday Favorites , Tatertots and Jello Weekend Wrap up Party

Transportation Theme Boy's Room - part 1

2011-06-06T21:59:00.006-04:00

Finally! After the clearing out of the ~~junk room~~ guest room and initial toddler bed purchase; I have been on the hunt for items to create an inexpensive, fun and functional 3 year old boy's room. Transportation became the theme because Booger Bear loves trains, airplanes and trucks. I've been able to find some great pieces to pull this room together via yard sales and thrift stores. A few weeks ago I scored a small solid wood bookcase at my local Goodwill store.

Since I am trying to work on my tan and enjoy our pool, I hauled the bookcase poolside in a swimsuit to sand it down.

The before just wasn't doing it for me. Exactly what you would have said about me in my swimsuit. Thankfully I saved your eyes from the shock featuring the bookcase today. This is a family friendly blog after all. Plus I don't want my photo circulated around the net as examples of what NOT to wear. You'll just have to trust me or better yet thank me.

I used Rust-oleum Chinese Red spray paint. Kinda reminds me to apply sunscreen.

Yep, it's hanging over the pool's retaining wall. I didn't want to spray it on the concrete plus this kept me close enough for a lightening fast rescue of said 3 year old. Along with the fact it was HOT, so a quick dip in the pool between sanding and painting, made this project bearable.

After the paint and my swimsuit dried, it was time to place my paint project back in Booger Bear's room.

Perfect size for little hands to reach his books. Above the bookcase I added two adorable wooden plaques found at a local yard sale for $5 each. They remind me of something from Pottery Barn. Anyone recognize them????

A is for Airplane and B is for Boat! Both modes of transportation and facination for Booger Bear.

The two tiny 'bins' were picked up from the Dollar Spot at Target. I worried if they would fit inside the shelf. They did! These also match the color theme and help little hands with quick clean up of his room. Most of the books on the shelf were finds at different Goodwill stores.

The other side of the room holds his toy 'corner'. I hope to snap a few photos and share that in an upcoming post. I still need to hang a few yard sale finds on the wall to complete it. So stay tuned!

Sharing my thrifty scores at the following linky parties: Southern Hospitality - Thrifty Treasures; Coastal Charm - Nifty Thrifty Tuesday; Domestically Speaking - Power of Paint;

You can find their charming blog buttons on my Parties tab at the top of my blog.

Kids Summer Fun on a Budget?

2011-05-29T23:48:00.001-04:00

Well it's 'official'. Memorial Day weekend kicks off the Summer season. So I've been trying to think up fun activities that we can enjoy during the Summer with Booger Bear without blowing the family budget. It can't be too terribly hard to entertain a 3 year old. Right?!? However, I'd like to enjoy the time too. Let's face it, I haven't had a toddler around in oh what 16 years?! My children are now 19 and 24. They spent recent summers doing teen activities or working, while I enjoyed the serenity of quiet, ME time. Gone are the quiet days of sitting poolside without having to look up from my summer reads to check no one is drowning, to reapply SPF 50 on a really pale kid or pull up wet swim trunks after a pee break.

Pool Time - easy one, since we have a pool and enough floatation devices to keep the Titanic afloat. Plus it wears the little tike out! Early bed time. ;-)
Build a fort - great for a rainy day indoors or a sunny day outside, just need a huge cardboard box, or pillows, chairs, sheets, a flashlight...something like that, best I remember.
Visit a local play park. Our city has several ran by the county recreation department.

Allows for running off TONS of toddler energy. Plus it's ~~cheap~~ free! Toss in a picnic and a good book for me. Ahh, it's 'almost' quiet time.

Make homemade ice cream. Always a favorite! Make it 'awesome' (Booger Bear's new word) and have a sundae bar.
Camping out. Most of the state parks and many others are fairly inexpensive for a few nights stay. Even a backyard camp'out' is fun. Don't forget to roast marshmallows!

Library story time. Check your local library for children's story times. Ours has special summer reading programs. These are usually weekdays, which doesn't help me out much. However, I found a great way to have them at home with a bit of flair. Check out Oopsey Daisy every Friday for themes using children's books. I've already picked out a book of Booger Bear's to make into some fun. Of course, I will share the book and ideas on a future post!

Nature Walk - Visit a local state park (for those in Georgia, check out this listing). Purchase a bug box at the Dollar Tree or make a scavenger hunt list of things to find. There is a small parking fee.
Movie Night/Day - The days of $1 movies are a fond memory. However, Redbox has brought them back in the form of rentals. Pick up a couple of kid movies and make your own concession stand complete with sweet treats and popcorn. Of course, I may have to result to drinking something stronger than Sweet Tea because those cartoon sing alongs ~~drive me batty~~ require a bit of spirit.
Go Fishing - Booger Bear has already asked to do this one! The adults need a fishing license, which is good for one year, unless you have a friend with a lake nearby. Find your own worms (oh the joy of boys) and it's free!

Plant a garden - We have a small garden this year. He is having fun going out to see if we have any veggies. Doesn't have to be a vegetable garden, try a flower garden and have fresh picked flowers for the house. Booger Bear LOVES picking flowers! Or with a few Lanatas you can have a beautiful butterfly garden. I also have plans for a frugal Fairy Garden near the pool. I love the idea and I think he will have fun helping me put it together. We made it so, Check out our Fairy Garden Post!

This is my go to and repeat often list for this summer. Like I said, it's been YEARS since I've had a toddler to entertain.

What are some of YOUR families summer frugal fun activities?

I would LOVE to hear your ideas! Hope you and your family are enjoying the holiday weekend to kick off your summer fun.

Not the Kool Aid Mom

2011-04-26T22:05:00.000-04:00

Do you know a Kool Aid Mom? You know the type. She has it together for birthdays, holidays, play groups; She's the team mom, room mom, prom decor mom. Never looks frazzled. Giggles along with the kids at 2am on sleepovers and has the patience of Job. That isn't me. In our family, that gene was passed to my sister.

Sis (being silly) and me, Thanksgiving 2010

Always in charge of the children's crafts at Vacation Bible School (and the refreshments). Sis opened her house to teens to build their Homecoming float not just once, but for many years, under her carport. She is the assistant Cheer Coach and even a Band Mom at the same time. She is THE Kool Aid Mom and then some.

Sonya has raised two beautiful girls and has a three month old grand daughter. I tease her because I am the oldest and she is the first grandma. She is kind, compassionate, thoughtful and a beautiful soul.

In 2007 my sister underwent two brain surgery's. One to remove a blood mass tumor and then six months later for Trigeminal neuralgia. Two weeks after the second surgery, she returned to her job at the local high school. She is simply amazing.

Tomorrow my beautiful sister will yet again undergo surgery for the Trigeminal neuralgia. The pad used to wrap the nerve in 2007 has either moved or something else has happened. They are trying a different procedure this time. Please send prayers, positive thoughts, smoke signals or whatever you feel in these situations for my sister, her husband, Jeff and their precious family.

Because the world can use as many wonderful Kool Aid Mom's as we can keep.

Happy Easter!

2011-04-24T09:07:00.001-04:00

Our Easter Activities this past week included a visit yesterday to a small local farm with this season's babies.

Booger Bear loved feeding the goats.

Wednesday night we attended a church hot dog supper....

with egg hunt.

Luckily this excited youngen found a few eggs.

I hope each of you and your families enjoy a beautiful Easter filled with love, family and a bit of chocolate.

Working Girl's Goodwill style

2011-04-19T23:07:00.000-04:00

Another week of sharing my 'Goodwill Glamorous' clothes. I link up to a few blog parties of everyday ladies and mom's wearing every day clothes. It's fun and I'm gaining new ideas on ways to make these 'cheap' clothes into glamorous outfits, mostly for work. Plus a few 'new to me' outfits is about all I've been thrifting lately as I am purging, merging 2 homes and we are just starting on makeover projects down on the Farm. (We have been remodeling the office and I am decorating a little boy's room on a budget. Hopefully I will be posting photos of that soon!).

We've enjoyed really warm temps, so I'm wearing more skirts! Here's what I wore this past week ~

Wednesday - Work (featuring my 'new' Italian leather shoes!)

Me and the barn kitty.

Ruffled blouse, The Limited via Goodwill - $1.99

Animal print skirt, Briggs NY; Goodwill - $1.99

Mudd cloth belt, Goodwill - $2

Pratesi Italian leather shoes I found last week at Goodwill - $4

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

I think this is my new Favorite outfit!

Thursday - Work

I love this skirt! You can't see the beaded detail in it, but it rocks.

Turquoise blouse, NY&Co, Goodwill - $3.99

Peach cami tank, Old Navy via Goodwill - 99 cents

Maxi multi skirt, Soft Surroundings; Goodwill - $3.99

My standby black leather belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Multi bead necklace & bracelet, Kohls

No Friday photo - Worked a bit, then off early. Did find a couple of adorable wood decor items for Booger Bear's room at a huge church yard sale. It's a work in progress, coming up soon.

Monday - back to work

Sag Harbor dress, Goodwill - $5.49

Taupe T (under dress), Target - old

Tan NY&Co blouse, Goodwill - $2.19

Tan/leather belt, Salvation Army - $1.00

Comfy Italian leather shoes again, Goodwill - $4.00

Same necklace as last Wednesday, Goodwill

Tuesday - Work

My outfit to 'feature' a bracelet I WON from an AWESOME fashion gal, Dawn over at Creative Cain Cabin. Excuse the wrinkles and tired looking me. My office help is off enjoying a conference this week and this photo was made after work, after dinner, almost dark-thirty tonight.

GAP blue blouse, Goodwill - $2.20

Tan Slacks, George brand, Goodwill - $4.59

Jazzed up with a silk scarf, worn as a 'belt', Salvation Army - $1.00

Deep purple loafers, Salvation Army - $2.99

A closer look at my new bracelet, which I love.

Bracelet - WON from Creative Cain Cabin

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Need a giggle?

I have to share this little 'out take' photo of the week from tonight.

Yep, that is Booger Bear in a t, undies and monkey water boots after dinner, cause that's how we roll down on the farm! He was bringing me a leaf (aka 'flower') from the tree. No worries, it was 86 degrees this evening!

I'm linking in to these FUN fashion parties:

Color Brigade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday and Making Us Cuter Fashion

Check them all out for some great ideas on styling what you have in your closet or just drop in your local Goodwill or Salvation Army for mine. ;-)

Our Weekly Dinner Menu

2011-04-17T23:09:00.000-04:00

Well most of it!

I admit I'm still planning it. We had a crazy busy weekend with a family birthday party on Friday. Working on our home office project Saturday (finished up the flooring. Yeah!) I'm looking for a few things to add in there, plus we are organizing the mess. Then hopefully a few pictures.

I am also, slowly working on Booger Bear's room. Hung curtains in there today, so hope to also share some of that frugal project. (Transforming the extra room into a 3 yo boys room!)

I haven't had a chance to go grocery shopping, so I've planned meals around items on hand.

Sunday - Lasagna and Garlic Bread

Monday - Poppy Seed Chicken served with Broccoli (minus the poppy seeds for us)

Tuesday - Meatballs with creamed potatoes and gravy

Wednesday - Church Egg Hunt with Hot Dog supper

Thursday - Crockpot Chicken and Rice

Still not sure about Friday and Saturday yet! Hoping to get to the grocery store.

And because I rarely post without a photo. And he is just too adorable for words.

One of Booger Bear at the party Friday night.

So help me out! Kid friendly menu ideas?

For more menu ideas, Check out Menu Plan Monday.

Warm Spring Fashions

2011-04-11T22:59:00.001-04:00

Gawga (that's Southern for Georgia), has had beautiful warm days.

We've taken advantage of getting out to play (read: burn off some 3 year old energy) in the evenings.

Which has seriously cut into my blogging and photography time.

So this week there are 3 outfits and a couple of cool thrifty finds to share with you.

Friday - Casual day at work

I love this outfit! and had to hunt a thrifty red belt to put it all together.

GAP shirt via Salvation Army - $2.49

Gray skirt, Bugle Boy - purchased at least 10 years ago!

Red belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Laura Ashley red purse, Goodwill - $2.99

American Eagle red slippers, brand new from Goodwill - $4.00 still had the $19.99 sticker on them!

Clear beaded necklace, Cato's clearance - $3.99

And my brand new SHINE necklace! I purchased from Ashley at The Shine Project. - $11

Ashley is really making the world SHINE, through this project and others. Be sure to stop by her blog.

" />

Is it odd that my jewelry cost more than my clothes? ;-)

Saturday - Wore mostly grubbies, as we were cleaning out the office and putting in a new floor!

I hope to be sharing that project soon.

Sunday - Work (Preview Day at the University)

Bright and Sassy. It was 86 degrees today!

Mustard blouse, NY & Company via Ross - $6.99

Stripe skirt, David Warren NY, Salvation Army - $2.49

Mustard Wet Seal flats, Salvation Army - $2.99

Monday - Black to work

So I tried the stripes and dot mix it up thing. Maybe I shoulda wore a belt? and painted my toe nails.

Not thrilled with it, but I stepped out of my comfort zone and mixed patterns! LOL

Jones NY Signature top, Goodwill - $1.99

Black poka dot skirt by Sangria, Goodwill - $1.99

Kim Rogers, Black sandals, Goodwill (brand new) - $4.00

Black beaded necklace - gifted from my daughter

Guess it's not too horrible for an $8 outfit. Still think it needs a belt or shorter top, something?

Just not feeling it, nor think it is too flattering on me. :/ or it could be my snow white legs. Glare!

I picked these shoes up at Goodwill. SUPER comfy!

The name in them is Pratesi. The only thing I can find on that name is Italian leather.

Looks expensive, feels amazing! Paid $4.00 Whatcha think, good deal?

The other item in the photo is a Mudd belt. Picked it up at Goodwill for $2.00. It is so unique. Can't wait to style it with something. It is part belt, part scarf, with gypsy jewels on the edges.

Want to see more fashions that YOU can put together outta your closet?

Check out these fashion link parties:

Color Brigrade, Real Momma Real Style, What I Wore Wednesday & Making Us Cuter Fashion

Ok, what did YOU wear this week? I wanna know! Leave me a comment with a link to photos or just give me the 411.

What's for Dinner?

2011-04-10T12:11:00.001-04:00

Yep, heard that a lot last week due to lack of menu planning on my part. So this week's dinner menu has leftovers and old stand-bys, because we've been living a frenzied life. Work is busy, life is busy. Keeping up with a 3 year old is busy! However, the smiles, hugs and kisses are so worth having your quiet life turned topsy turvy. Knowing you are making a difference in the life of a child.

KISS this week ladies. Keep it Simple, Sistah! Not to mention, kid friendly meals.

Saturday -

Cooking out, burgers, baked beans, chips and fruit 'dessert'.

Thanks to Jen at Balancing Beauty and Bedlam I have a new EASY healthy 'dessert'.

Mix of whatever fruit with strawberry yogurt. I bought the 2 lb container of Yoplait Creamy Strawberry and Booger Bear LOVES it. We happen to like it too. It's a win, win. Booger Bear thinks he is getting a treat. I'm happy it's tasty and healthy. My above photo has grapes, strawberries and bananas. I've also added chunks of apples to the mix.

Sunday - Roast in crockpot with carrots and potatoes, rolls

Monday - Leftovers

Tuesday - Orange-apricot Pork Chops, baked sweet pototoes and broccoli

Wednesday - Spaghetti with garlic bread

Thursday - Leftovers, with fruit salad

Friday - Family birthday cookout

As you can see, I need KID friendly meals. Please feel free to share links in my comments!

Linking in to Menu Planning Monday @ Organizing Junkie; Ask Ms Recipe,

Thrifty Spring Mantel

2011-04-07T19:59:00.001-04:00

Recycle, ReUse and RePurpose! Is exactly how I put together a spring mantel for ZERO dollars.

Of course, originally I paid something for the items on my mantel! But this season, instead of purchasing anything new, I 'shopped' the house.

Many of these same items were featured on my Valentine's mantel.

I left the empty frame with the white heart, white books (found at Goodwill) and old glass bottles.

Added the finial (picked up 2 years ago on clearance from Hobby Lobby) and my little birdie (purchased at Real Deal's last year).

On the left, I used my TJMaxx, clearance find, twig birdhouse along with a Dollar Tree birdie (from a year ago). The vase of flowers is a Dollar Tree glass vase wrapped in burlap, tied with a ribbon from my stash and stuffed with fake Dollar Tree flowers for a bit of color.

The kicker here is putting something together around the mantel clock, which stays.

So I choose to do mini vignettes on each side of it.

Nothing fancy, but I love all the natural elements. PERFECT for us at the Farm House.
And because I purchased these items over the last year or so, total new look, without spending a dime.

Beth over at The Stories of A to Z is hosting a Spring Mantel Party. So I am linking up!

Head on over and see how all the ladies have celebrated the arrival of Spring with pretty decor.

For other great decor and thrifty parties, check out my PARTIES tab at the top of my blog.

Do you reuse items from around the house in your decor?

Marvelous Darlin, for less

2011-04-05T20:41:00.002-04:00

I am so not a 'fashion' expert or even what most would describe as 'fashionable'. By far, I am NOT a model either. Just a country gal that loves a deal and thrifting a decent work wardrobe; while adding in some fun weekend wear along the way.

I hope that by sharing what I am wearing each week, it will inspire someone that can't afford the ritzy department store prices to put together a Goodwill Glamorous outfit allowing their inner light to SHINE! Cause I believe you can look Marvelous Darlin, for less. It's all in attitude and how you 'work it'!

Thursday - Work and a Retirement reception

Talbots blouse, Goodwill - $3.99

Sag Harbor, floral skirt, Goodwill - $1.99 (half off, color of the week!)

Belt, Ross - last year

Necklace and earrings, Kohl's - last year

Slide in shoes, Aerosoles - couple of years old

Missed getting Friday's photo (but all Goodwill and another 'new' skirt!) & a haircut

Saturday - Family Reunion and a Co-workers Wedding

Not sure if this was a hit or miss. The dress would probably look better with my fancy black heels and hose. However, my feet wouldn't have been happy chasing a 3 year old all day in heels!

Being practical won today.

Sag Harbor dress, Salvation Army - $2.99

Tights, Target - $3.00

Boots, Belk's - gifted

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

Bracelet - gifted

Monday - Work

Hey, it was either me and the mirror or a 3 year old photographer today.

The mirror won.

Plain v-neck t, Target - years ago (I love 'dressing' these up!)

Animal print cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Black slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

Necklace, Kohl's (last year on clearance)

Bracelet - Mudd @ Kohl's, brown, black version

Black leather belt (same one I always wear!), Goodwill - $2

Tuesday - Work day, after a restless horrible storm night

No power last night to pre-plan my outfit. Here's what was quickly tossed together this morning.

Striped Merona blouse (isn't that a Target brand?), Goodwill - $1.99

Coldwater Creek lightweight sweater vest, Goodwill - $1.99

Madison slacks, Goodwill - $2.30

Belt - can you guess? Same fav Goodwill leather

Necklace, bracelet - Kohls

The blouse has a pale green stripe in it, that doesn't show up well in the photos.

Booger Bear walked a bride down the isle Saturday! He's a bit young for marrying yet.

He would be the handsome boy on the left.

While getting my Saturday shot, he wanted to be a 'model' too.

Wearing an Old Navy button up shirt with navy OshKosh pants - Goodwill.
Linking my Booger Bear into Small Style (check out these stylish little ones!).

For Real women, wearing everyday fashions - check out the following inspiring link ups:

What I Wore Wednesday, Real Momma Real Style, Making the World Cuter and the Color Brigade.

Are you a frugal fashionista?

Rural Roadside - Country Church

2011-04-03T18:07:00.000-04:00

One of my co-workers was married yesterday in this beautiful country church.

I took the opportunity to snap this photo before leaving.

The inside was amazing, solid wood from floor to ceiling.

She let the little ones walk her down the isle.

The ceremony was the sweetest I've ever heard.

That cute little blonde boy on the right is Booger Bear.

He did his 'part' like a pro!

Goodwill Glamorous - Be Bold Color Edition

2011-03-29T20:20:00.003-04:00

I decided I really needed some color in my wardrobe!

Not that I don't buy colors, guess I was a scaredy cat about mixing them.

My 'go to' outfits for work are my black and gray; easy, classic.

So this week is a bit different with styles that are stepping out of my comfort zone.

Since stalking, What I Wore Wednesday and the Color Brigade; I'm styling color!

As always, most of my outfits are thrifted from Goodwill.

Thursday - Work day

Yep, dirty mirror and all. Hey, I'm chasing a 3 year old now.

Greenish Blouse (not blue), Ann Taylor LOFT, Goodwill - $2.19

Pale yellow lace trim tank, AT LOFT, Goodwill - 99 cents

Kasper Khaki slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

100% Silk scarf (used as belt), Salvation Army - $1.00

Multi color bead necklace, Kohls (on sale) - $5.99

Earrings - ??? Old

I didn't like this blouse when I wore it several months ago, but LOVED it with the scarf as a belt.

I also tossed on a Purple cardi with this because I was cool at the office. See Sunday's outfit for cardi.

Friday - Casual day at work

My most daring color outfit yet!

Since Friday's are jeans day for most of the office, I figured my boss might not pass out when the always Miss Professional 'Proper' donned a wild array of colors. I felt SASSY in this outfit and it received several compliments. On my lunch hour, I was in Target picking up a birthday present and was stopped by a total stranger about this get'up.

Shirt from Ross, several years ago - $ ???

Orange Skirt, Aventura (neat company, had to look it up! original price $49), Goodwill, - $1.99

Blue tights, Target clearance - $3.00

Boots, Belks - gifted

Navy Belt, Goodwill - $1.01

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73 (so are the earrings)

Bracelet - gift from Mom

Casual Corner pale green Cardigan, Goodwill - $2.24

Scarf - no idea, old

Saturday - errands, then Family Birthday Cookout for my niece

One of Brandy's(niece) friend's blue Bug.

Blue button up blouse, GAP from Goodwill - $2.20

White J Crew top, Goodwill - $3.99

Love the details on this top! Flowers

Ann Taylor LOFT jeans, Goodwill - $5.49

Same Navy belt from Friday

Necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

Sunday - Grocery shopping, visit from family, chasing Booger Bear
This casual weekend outfit came together because I wanted to wear the necklace.

GAP gray stripe T, Salvation Army - $2.49

Worthington Purple Cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Lee bootcut jeans - at least 5 years old

Bracelet, seen Thurs, Sat and today, by Mudd @ Kohls on Sale - $7.99

Neat purple necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Earrings, Belks - gifted

Monday - Rainy Back to Work day

Lands End blue blouse, Goodwill - $4.39

Gray slacks, Ross (recently) - $12.99 (I think!)

Requirements blazer - gifted a few years ago

Black leather, Tony Lama belt, Goodwill - $2.00

Necklace, Kohl's - $8.70

Backslid with my gray slacks into the familiar, but I kept a pop of color with the blazer. ;-)

Tuesday - A chilly misty Work day

The weatherman said 65 for the high today; no where near it! But I burst of Spring color.

Or maybe just resemble a Gypsy.

Turquoise blouse, Apostrophe via Goodwill - $1.99

Red Liz Clairborne cardi, Goodwill - $2.24

Bila floral skirt, Goodwill - $3.99

Lime scarf, Ross - $5

Black boots, Belks - gifted

Because he is just too adorable! Here is one of Booger Bear's outfits of the week.

Carter's T, Salvation Army - 99 cents

Wrangler jeans (all the farm boys wear them right?), Goodwill - $1.99

Want ideas on how to style the clothes you already have in your closet?

Check out What I Wore Wednesday, where over 100 women link up weekly to inspire! and if you are feeling BOLD, then hop over to the Color Brigade and put some color in your wardrobe. And for some Real Momma styles visit a new link up for me:

I was invited over to Making the World Cuter for a link up. Not only is this an adorable 'crafty' blog, she also does a link up for Making US cuter - just us regular gals style. Great ideas for a bit of everything going on with Tiffany!

Menu Testing by a 3 year old

2011-03-27T01:09:00.000-04:00

The last 2 weeks have been like a tornado.

Spinning, huge...life changing. At least for a little while.

I had a sketch of a menu last week, in my head, not on paper.

Tossed in a tried goodie and a new recipe.

Homemade meatballs over mashed potatoes with white gravy.

I based my meatball recipe on this one, with a few variations. Like leaving out the onions.

This is a quick, easy meal; great to toss together after work.

Plus it is KID APPROVED! Wil loved it, even asked for seconds.

I also tried a new crockpot recipe.

Crockpot Orange-Apricot Pork Chops

Source - A Year of Slow Cooking

This recipe is a breeze to dump in the crockpot on the run out the door to work.

I omitted the cloves, as I didn't have any in the pantry.

My chops cooked to pieces, hence her photo! However, this is now in our meal rotation.

Wil's response on his first bite - YUMMMMmmmmm. Kid approval stamp.

Served with baked sweet potatoes and steamed broccoli.

Great taste and the pork would melt in your mouth!

I decided this week needed more structure. So here's my plan:

Sunday - My Easy Chicken Pot Pie

Monday - BBQ Sandwiches (pork roast cooked in crockpot)

Ranch potato wedges & slaw

Tuesday - Brunswick Stew (from leftover bbq)

Wednesday - Chicken Enchiladas with Mexican rice

Thursday - Broccoli Chicken Alfredo

Friday - Clean out the Frig

Saturday - Family Reunion (probably taking a chicken dish and dessert)

Need ideas on meal planning for your busy schedule?

Check out Organizing Junkie on Monday for tons of weekly menu plan links.

Plus I have a master list of meals HERE.

So what's for dinner?????

It's a Boy!

2011-03-21T22:25:00.001-04:00

He arrived Tuesday, March 15th...late in the evening.

We call him Booger Bear, Handsome and a few other sweet nicknames that will be sheer torment if he was a teenager.

He is 3 years old.

Blue eyes and a bright smile that can melt your heart.

We became the legal guardians of this precious child.

Life can change in an instant.

To say the last week has been a whirlwind, would be putting it mildly.

I'm 'grandmother' age keeping up with a energetic toodler!

There is a novel to this story, but I wanted to let everyone know what's been going on down on the farm.

Also, I am working on a little boy's room on a very skinny budget, thanks to huge lawyer's fees.

He loves Thomas Train and airplanes. So any thrifty ideas ya'll can toss my way would be awesome!

My own son is 24 and while he might be into trains and planes, it would be for traveling.

I did head out to the local Goodwill to outfit Booger Bear with some shorts after an 80 degree Saturday.

So guess I can make photos of what he is wearing, since I am lucky to have on enough clothes as to not scare my co-workers these days.

Polka Dots & Stripes

2011-03-07T22:00:00.006-05:00

Shaking up the Goodwill Glamour this week, brought to you by the color BLUE apparently.

I'm joining in on my very first Everybody, Every Wear, where this month the ladies are rocking Polka Dots. Here is my attempt with dots and mixing some flashy colors.

I actually wore this get up last week to the office.

I've worn the scarf and sweater (draped over my arm above) before HERE, with jeans.

I was terrified leaving the house. For real, this is out of my comfort zone.

Mixed patterns. Bright bold color.

My mom would have told me this does NOT 'match'. Ha!

It's hard to see in the photos but the scarf has a bit of green in it too.

Surpisingly, I received several compliments regarding the color combination.

Teal, navy and pale (lime?) green.

The outfit 411:

Green Polka dot 100% silk, Coldwater Creek blouse, Goodwill - $2.19

This blouse feels like jammies. Don't hate, it's not Southern Lady like. Wink!

Scarf, Dancing Gecko (found new with tags), Goodwill - $2.02

Cardigan, Sag Harbor, Goodwill - $2.24

Black slacks, Goodwill - $4.59

Black Tony Lama, real leather, belt - Goodwill - $2.00

Not shown, my black boots, Belks, gifted.

Linking this outfit on the Color Brigade. Stop by and see how the experts heat up sassy color combos.

Monday - Work, Spring Break week at the U and brrrr!

The weather took a dip from our recent temps in Georgia.

So I layered up today in stripes.

I couldn't even like this picture of myself today, but it's the only full shot.

It is what it is, end of the day wringled slacks and all. Maybe it's the stripes?

Maybe it's drab. Maybe I will mark it up to Monday.

Our pear trees are in bloom and winter isn't over.

Smiling big to make the outfit appear happier.

The horses aren't impressed.

Clothes details:

Black oh-so-fake leather jacket, Goodwill - $6.96

Black Christopher & Banks blouse, Goodwill - $1.99

Striped Croft & Barrow top, Goodwill - $4.49

Dark Grey slacks, Ross - $12.99

Black boots, Belks - gifted at Christmas

Turquoise earrings and braclet trio - Gifted at Christmas

Turqouise necklace, Cato's - $4.99 (on sale, recently)

Tuesday - Work ***edited to add

This outfit feels more like me. Ever feel that way about your style?

My first attempt at photos in the mirror.

Wow, I appear thinner in the mirror, this might not be so bad afterall.

Need a full length, as I am standing on a step stool!

This skirt comes all the way to my ankles and it's a favorite.

Blue blouse, Lands End, Goodwill - $4.39

Black sweater, Old Navy, Goodwill - $2.24

Blue-ish LL Bean (100% Cotton & oh so soft/comfy), Goodwill - $3.99

Same black Tony Lama leather belt, Goodwill

Blue Polka Dot bead necklace, Goodwill - $3.73

Bracelet, by Mudd from Kohl's - $7.99 (sale price)

Don't mind my wrinkles, you are suppose to see the earrings.

Blue square drop earrings, Goodwill - $3.53

The diamond studs I wear everyday and they were gifted.

That's all folks! Due to tons of rain and limited time, the outfits are a simple trio this week.

I am linking in with the Pleated Poppy for my 3rd What I Wore Wednesday.

Lindsey hosts a weekly link party to inspire women to get out of their sweats.

Although she started this to assist SAHM's, it has grown to over 100 women sharing everyday and work wear by us ~ The average amazing beautiful Women of blog world.

Join in any of these parties for wardrobe inspiration.

I share because I am trying to become a bit more fashionable on a teeny tiny budget.

What have you thrifted lately?

Goodwill Glamorous Fashion - Winter take 2

2011-02-22T18:53:00.004-05:00

A 2nd edition of Winter Goodwill Glamorous Fashion finds;

Where I put together work and casual outfits from clothing I purchase at Goodwill Stores.
It's been Spring-like weather, so the clothing is lighter.

Last week we left off with what I wore to work on Valentine's Day.

So here is Tuesday:

This outfit is very comfortable, totally thrifted and great for the busy day I had at work.

Blouse is slinky material, Apt 9 - Goodwill, $4.39

Dress slacks by George - Goodwill, $4.59

Casual Corner Purple Vest - Goodwill, $2.55

Cream belt with leather - Salvation Army, 99cents

Purple-ish Loafers - Salvation Army, $2.99. The picture does not do them justice.

Most of my shoes are black or brown, so I can't wait to mix these in with other outfits.

Same necklace as last week, it's the only creamy one I own.
Earrings were gifted at Christmas

Wednesday - Work (Mixing shades of green, teal and brown)

So why is it I look a lot chunkier with the jacket on?

Dark Green Corduroy Jacket (Target brand) - Goodwill, $8.09

Ruffled Teal top - Goodwill, $4.39

Light Green Casual Corner Cardigan - Goodwill, $2.24 (half off deal)

Paisley skirt by AGB - Goodwill, $4.49 (it has 2 shades of green and the same blue in it as the top)

Black Tony Lama leather belt - Goodwill, $2.00

Black Boots - Belks, gift

Chunky bracelet - Christmas gift from my mom

Necklace - Kohls on sale, it's actually long and tucked in my shirt. ;-)

Earrings, were also a Christmas gift

Thursday, I went to work, got home after dark and no photo. Hopefully I can snap a pic
when I wear it again, because it was also totally thrifted.

Friday is casual day at the office; so I choose a casual skirt. paired with a denim jacket.

So this skirt has to be really 'vintage,' it had a matching shirt, same printed material. I passed on a totally sensory overload outfit and mixed it up with some other great thrifty finds.

This is my favorite outfit of the week and yes that is one of our horses.

The western print skirt feels like a soft suede - Goodwill, $4.39

Cream tank with lace at top - Walmart, several years ago

Brown long sleeve T, GAP - Goodwill, $4.39

Lightweight Denim Jacket (which I LOVE), Liz Claiborne - Goodwill - $3.99

Navy woven belt - Goodwill - $1.01

Wore my very old riding/barn short boots (not shown)

Necklace and earrings - Kohls, a few years ago.

Saturday - Roadtrip to Alabama with my Sweetie

We had dinner at Cracker Barrel and snagged these photos.

Green lightweight corduroy jacket - Goodwill, $5.79

Top by Vanilla Sugar - Goodwill, $1.99

Jeans are Liz Cliborne and a tad big for me, but comfy for riding hours in a car - Goodwill, $4.59

Same Tony Lama leather belt seen above.

Black necklace - Christmas gift from my wonderful daughter!

Same chunky bracelet as seen above

Black drop earrings - Catos (recently) $3.99

Not shown - black Puma tennis shoes from about 4 years ago.

Sunday - Grilled out at home with family

Pink and brown Taylor Marco blouse - Goodwill, $1.99

Brown tank - had for years ???

Old Lee jeans

Brown BareTrap clogs - Goodwill, $4

Tan cloth belt with design - Goodwill - $1

My very subtle attempt at mixing stripes with a pattern. Baby steps!
I am linking in again this week with What I Wore Wednesday ,
The Color Brigade @ Cute and Little and adding - Jewelscapes Bejeweled (for stunning jewelry)
Check out both for ways to mix up YOUR closet into fresh outfit ideas.
Do you mix stripes and patterns? I wanna see!
Check out ALL of my Goodwill 'style' HERE.

Roast Beef Sliders

2011-02-20T08:35:00.000-05:00

Got Beef?

Yeah, I went there.

I love this recipe to use up leftover roast beef.

Here's what you will need ~

Small Rolls - I used Walmart Deli brand Potato Rolls this time. King’s Hawaiian Hawaiian Sweet Rolls work well too.
Roast Beef (use leftovers or Deli sliced Roast Beef)
Peach Preserves (2/3 cups for entire package of rolls)
Mayo and Honey Mustard (1/4 cup of each, if using 12 rolls package)
Cheese slices **Optional

1.Preheat oven to 325F.

2.Remove rolls and cut in half horizontally, creating 1 top and 1 bottom. Spread preserves on bottom side of rolls. Top with cheese slices (if you are using cheese) then roast beef. If you use Hawaiian Sweet Rolls, you can leave the entire package of rolls together unseparated and then slice after baking into individual sandwiches.

3.Mix together the mustard and mayo. Spread mixture on top side of roll. Sprinkle with salt and pepper, if desired. Place the top of rolls on the other halves with the beef, and wrap sandwiches in aluminum foil.

4.Bake for 15-20 minutes or until cheese is melted. Serve immediately.

Note: These can be made ahead of time and refrigerated, may require 5 more minutes of baking. Also can be prepared ahead and frozen. Defrost in refrigerator overnight and bake as directed.

These are super yummy with a sweet and a tangy flavor from the preserves and mayo/mustard. Great way to use up leftovers or pick up deli slices for a super party sandwich.

What are you cooking up?

We are grilling out today and taking advantage of the Spring-like temps we are having here in Georgia this week!

Goodwill Glamorous - Winter Edition #1

2011-02-13T20:04:00.002-05:00

Welcome to the first Winter edition of Goodwill Glamorous.

Yeah, what took me so long? I know, right!

I'm also jumping in a link party over at The Pleated Poppy called "What I wore" Wednesday.

These ladies do this every week and it's an AMAZING spot for ideas to mix up the items you already have in your closet OR to jot down on your Goodwill hunt list.

Ok Sherri, we hear ya, just get to the clothes!

Thursday's outfit - Work

Not sure I really 'love' this outfit, but I tried to mix up some items and step out of my 'norm'.

Brown turtleneck - Old Navy, Goodwill, $2

Khaki slacks - Goodwill, $4.59

Multicolored Summer top - Ross?

BareTrap Leather Clogs - Goodwill, $4 (tons of GW shoes on the link)

Necklace - Khols

Be honest - OK or Girl, don't eva wear that again! ;-)

Friday - Casual day at work

I don't normally wear jeans, even though we can, because I am an office Supervisor.

So I've really searched for something comfie, as well as casual.

Ann Taylor LOFT Corduroys - Goodwill, $4.59

Sweater - Ross, few years ago

Coldwater Creek purse - Goodwill, $2.99 (click the link for more purse finds)

Same BareTrap clogs

Bracelet - Khols by Mudd - $7.99 (on sale)

Love the cords, but I rarely wear this sweater because it is ITCHY!

Although I really like the color on me.

Saturday - A day out with my Sweetie

So I tried the belt thing over the cardi. Hmmmm.

Then without the belt.

I think the belt helps accent my non-existent waist in this bulky sweater? Dunno! Ha!

I felt a tad Sassy dressed 'up' in jeans.

Cardigan, Sag Harbor - Goodwill, $2.24

Long sleeve T - Target

Old Navy Boot cut Jeans - Goodwill, $4.89

Scarf - Goodwill (new with tag still on it), $2.02

Belt - Ross

Bracelet trio and matching earrings - Christmas gift

Weekend wear take 2

from several weekends ago.

Same Old Navy Jeans, Goodwill

Old Navy Jacket - Goodwill, $6.96

Brown longsleeve T - Goodwill, $1.99

Scarf - gift

I just LOVE this jacket, lightweight but warm.

What I actually wore today....

American Eagle Black T - Goodwill, 99 cents!

Plaid flannel lounge pants (new), Goodwill, $3.39

Monday - Work, Valentine's Day

This is what I am wearing tomorrow, I totally cheated and got outside for sunny pics today.

Wish it was warm enough to swim today. Ha!

Rafaella Blazer - Goodwill, $4.89

Black slacks - Goodwill, $4.59

Red Banana Republic Blouse - Goodwill, $4.49

Black boots - Belk's, Christmas Gift

Happy Valentine's Day!

There you have it! You can ALSO be Goodwill Glamorous for mere pennies.

I scored more great Goodwill finds Saturday. So I will be back soon with more!

Do you thrift shop for clothes?

What have you found lately?

My sister is going on a Cruise in May. She wants me to Goodwill her wardrobe!

We are going to start the hunt in a couple of weeks.

Any excuse! My current 'to find' list is shorts and accessories (belts, scarfts, jewelry).

I'm linking in at the Pleated Poppy on Wednesday.