Burlap, Lace & Birds Holiday Table

Holiday tables can range from your everyday china to pieces decorated with Santas, Snowmen, and Christmas trees. When I was a child, my mother always used a lace tablecloth, her good china, and silverware for holidays and special occasions. I like to vary what I use but honestly, who has room for dozens of china patterns? I certainly don’t. When I downsized for retirement a few years ago, I gave my nephew my mother’s china and her silverware.  I have three sets of  four for everyday china and a few pieces of other patterns from thrift stores.    My tables are simple with a centerpiece or flowers and either a tablecloth, runner,  or place mats. Your home can be warm and festive without owning a department store full of china or spending a lot of money. You can’t beat a good set of white china or a burlap runner for any occasion. Read More

Roasted Eggplant & White Bean Hummus

 

I love hummus and eat it often with vegetables and bean chips.  I’ve had regular hummus, black bean hummus, and white bean hummus.  I recently discovered Roasted Eggplant & White Bean Hummus which gives it a new spin on the classic recipe. My favorite grower at the local farmer’s market is producing a bumper eggplant crop right now and brought Roasted Eggplant & White Bean Hummus to sell.  I tried it and I was hooked.

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Book Review: Winter Blues: Everything You Need To Know About Seasonal Affective Disorder

I first read Winter Blues by Dr. Norman E. Rosenthal back in the 1980’s when the first edition was printed. It quickly became a bestseller as people were hungry for information about this newly discovered diagnosis, Seasonal Affective Disorder. Some of us have trouble in the fall as the days shorten and the days become grayer. My mother used to phone me periodically with “the blues”. She’d say, “I don’t know why I’m so blue. There’s no reason.” We’d talk for a while but I felt helpless to help her.

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Purple and Gold Table For Autumn

Years ago I bought an antique tea set with beautiful colors and gold accents.   The brown background, pastel and deep colors go well with both jewel tone flowers as well as soft pastels. It is the inspiration for my purple and gold table.

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Autumn Is A Second Spring, Free Printable

Despite the date shown on the calendar, I feel autumn begins after Labor Day. I start looking forward to the change in temperature and the cooler days. Here in Florida, it’s still really hot, but up north, leaves turn and make a colorful display. I miss that.

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Going Red, White & Blue With Dollar Store Bandanas

I hope you had a wonderful Memorial Day. Company came to visit me for a long weekend which I thoroughly enjoyed.

Prior to the visit, I wanted to try adding red, white and blue for the holiday. I like to do things sweet and simple. I usually get into trouble when I complicate things. Have you ever heard of the KISS principle? I discovered it early in life.

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Original Art by Peter Cocuzza

My home is my haven and reflects who I am. Home decor to me is not just what is fashionable or in style; I love to surround myself with things that speak of home, family, and faith. My style is eclectic as I find beauty in many styles.

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Lemon Honey Ginger Morning Drink To Support The Immune System

There are many internet posts about a tea from lemon, honey, and ginger to fight colds and flues. Most recipes start with fresh ginger (root) which is sliced, boiled and steeped to make tea. The tea is strained and added to lemon juice and honey. My morning drink has developed over many years.

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