Before and After

I don't know if you recall my post of last January where I purchased a few things for re-purposing.  I finally had a mirror put in this one and want to show you how it turned out.  I really like it!

Little shabby-er now!

Out to the gardens~ Babs

The Joys of Blogging

I was very nervous at first.  Blogging.  What in the world would I say?  I've never been one that journals.  I've never really get my thoughts and feelings out there for the world to hear.  But I took the step and thought, what would I have to lose, plus I would gain some experience in the world of technology.  A new experience!  I had the time to explore!

Not only has blogging opened up a new world to me, it has provided me with new friendships.  It's amazing.  I had the opportunity to get to know Penny from At Home in English Valley.  She is the kindest, most gentle, giving person one could ever meet.  She's enthusiastic about creating things, she loves family, and has such a tender heart.  We share emails back and forth.  Penny so graciously made these adorable purses for me.  I had seen them on another blog, they are crocheted, which I do not know how to do.  Penny stepped right up and said, "I'll make you one."  Then off she went into her creative mode and did two.  They arrived in the mail yesterday and ta-da......here they are.

I so adore these.  One is already filled with my essentials....wallet, lipstick, and cheater glasses.  Thank you Penny.  You are wonderful.

I recently helped my friend Lynne create her blog, Irish Garden House.  Just a few sessions, and she is off and running and loves it.  She is very creative, loves gardening, and is very inspirational.  You will certainly enjoy her...please stop by and say hi to her.  Let her know I sent you....she would be thrilled.

I can say I really don't look at many magazines anymore.  My world of learning, reading, and creativity is in blogging.  I have so many favorites and am so inspired by others.  It has opened a whole new world and  I just enjoy it so much.  Now my husband.....well he gets tired at looking at the back of my head as I sit at my laptop or have my face into my iPad.  Oh well, he 'll get over it.

If you're not into the blogging world, you don't know what you are missing.  New friends, new ideas, wonderful inspiration - right at your fingertips.  I encourage you to give it a try.

Have a good week.
Babs

Table Runners

A few months ago, I discovered some great fabric at an estate sale.  A bolt of lined-burlap like fabric and a huge cut of linen.  It was easy for me to decide what to do with this fabric.  Last year, I had made a few table runners for my patio/deck table.  I left them outside all season and they got pretty dirty....to the point that I trashed them at the end of the season as they wouldn't come clean.  Natures elements were not kind to them.

So, this past week, my project was the table runners.  I am pleased to show them off.

I think they turned out pretty darn nice.  What do you think?  We just need to get the umbrella out and the rest of the chairs.....warmer temperatures and out there is where you will find us!
Have a good week!
Babs

Leah's Soccer Game

It was such a nice evening, I was able to take in one of Leah's soccer games before the season ends. Shame on me!  I'm not such a great supporter.  Cold weather sports don't quite cut it with me!

The Sailor's played Muskegon Catholic Central Friday night.  They won the game 4-0 (ouch!).  I was trying desperately to get a good shot of Leah but that was next to impossible.  They are always moving.  Right at halftime, the team runs across the field to where the fans are sitting.  I thought....oh here she comes, perfect time for a photo shoot.  Well, they no more ran our way then turned around and off they went.  I hollered to Leah, "I want your picture?"  She turned around with the smirky smile and I snapped.....never imagined I would get a clear shot....I thought for sure it would be blurred as they were running.  It turned out adorable.  That's my girl Number Four.  Go Sailors!

Spring Was Here!

Oh my, it was so gorgeous here along the lakeshore the past few days.  The sun was out, the temperatures were in the high 70's to low 80's.  The leaves are popping on the trees.  The magnolia's, fruit trees, and azalea bushes are in bloom.  Even my Lily of the Valley are just about ready to pop.

I now have my furnace on!  It is 56 outside and damp.!  What the heck??

I did get my pots by our garage planted.  I like how they turned out and now I will watch them fill out!  I purchased a few different things this year.  One being French Lavendar.  After the season I will transfer it to a special place around the gardens, as it is a perenial.

There is not an empty spot on the right, actually a hosta is coming up.

 

 

 

 

 

 And, last but not lease, this is my sweet Ikea pot that I wanted so desperately.  Isn't it adorable.!

Hope the weather bounces back soon!

Oatmeal Applesauce Muffins

I made these for the hubby to take up north fishing.  They are a great breakfast muffin.  Enjoy!
1/2 c. butter, softened
3/4 c. brown sugar, firmly packed
1 egg
1 cup flour
1/2 tsp. cinnamon
1 tsp. baking powder
1/4 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
3/4 c. applesauce
1/4 c. golden raisins
1/2 c. chopped dates
1/2 cup chopped nuts
1 cup quick oats

Cream butter and brown sugar together until fluffy.  Add egg and mix well. Sift together dry ingredients and add to creamed ingredients.  Fold in remaining ingredients.

Fill muffin liners.  Bake at 350 for 25 minutes.  Makes 14.

Another Prom Photog

My nephew Erik in Orlando went to the prom also last Saturday night.  Here's a shot of my good looking guy and his great friend,  Maggie.  How sweet!