Wednesday, December 5, 2012

Simple Christmas Table

 
For my first Christmas tablescape of the season
I thought I would go with something simple.
 
 
The white floral centerpiece
is accompanied by white bird candles.
 
 
The quilted tablerunner and matching placemats
were a thrift store find.
 
 
I love the burgundy and green color in them
and pulled those colors in with the dishes and accents.
 
 
No tablecloth to keep the look simple.
 
 
A quick and easy table to put together
for a busy time of year.
 
 
~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...
Cuisine Kathleen for Let's Dish
Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday
The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home
At The Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Tuesday, December 4, 2012

Back Door Christmas Welcome

 
Since our winter weather is usually undpredictable
and consists of everything from snow, to freezing rain,
to rain, to warm and sunny weather and wind
any outdoor decor has to be able to withstand everything.
 
 
So I kept it fairly simple this year
with a bow on the chair,
a few lanterns and small trees
and the old pump from my parents farm.
 
 
The other side of the door
greets you with Season Greetings.
 
 
Some gold cone trees
which I fell in love with last year
and convinced hubby that we needed lol.
 
 
In all the lanterns I put in some solar lamps
so in the evening they give off a warm, welcoming glow.
 
 
~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...
Be Different...Act Normal for Show and Tell Saturday
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Our Delightful Home for Show Me What You Got Tuesdays

Monday, December 3, 2012

Ham Sandwich Mix

 
I love leftover ham because it can be used in so many different ways.
One of the family favorites is this ham sandwich mix.
It is super easy and quick to make and is delicious.
I especially like to make this for sandwiches when we travel.
The original recipes is from Company's Coming Soups and Sandwiches Cookbook.
 
 
Ham Sandwich Mix
2 cups ground ham
(I grind mine up but you can also use 2-6.5 oz cans of ham)
2 Tbsp. sweet pickle relish
1/2 tsp onion powder
3 Tbsp mayonnaise (adjust to your taste)
 
 
Mix all together.
 
 
And that's all there is too it and its so delicious.
 
 
It's good on sandwiches, rolls or even by itself.
Top off your sandwich with some lettuce or spinach.
 
 
Add a few fresh veggies and enjoy!
 
 
~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...
Blessed with Grace for Tempt My Tummy Tuesday
Miz Helen's Country Cottage for Full Plate Thursday
Rattlebridge Farm for Foodie Friday
Just us Four for Pinworthy Projects Party
Flour Me With Love for Mix It Up Monday

Sunday, December 2, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook



For today... Sunday, December 2, 2012

Outside my window... It is still dark and the stars are shining.

I am thinking... How good it is to be home after a week of staying in hotels and eating out.

I am thankful for... Safe travels in winter conditions.

From the kitchen...
~Today: Roast Chicken, Mashed Potatoes, Gravy, Mixed Veggies, Corn, Salad, Buns, Hot Chocolate Mini Cupcakes
~Monday: Ginger Sesame Fish, Rice, Carrots, Salad, Chocolate Mint Cheesecake
~Tuesday: Beefy Itchiban, Herbed Oatmeal Buns, Salad, Chocolate Cake
~Wednesday: Chicken & Sweet Pepper Stir-Fry, Rice, Asian Salad, Hot Chocolate Mini Cupcakes
~Thursday: Baked Pork Chops, Italian Parmesean Potatoes, Green Beans, Tossed Salad, Chocolate Mint Cheesecake
~Friday: Chili (Crockpot), Buns, Salad, Chocolate Cake
~Saturday: Leftover Smorg

I am wearing... Sweat pants and a sweat shirt - ready to head out for a bike ride before church.

I am creating... Christmas creations.

I am reading... Anna Karenina by Leo Tolstoy

I am praying for... My daughter as she is heading into final exams.

Pondering these words...  There has really only been one Christmas - the rest are anniversaries. ~W. J. Cameron

I am still hoping... A trip to the mountains.

I am hearing... Hubby's massage chair and soft christmas music in the background.

Around the house... Christmas decorating and baking.

One of my favorite things... Christmas music.

A few plans for the rest of the week...
~Monday: Finish unpacking and try to get caught up.
~Tuesday:  Christmas Decorating
~Wednesday:  Going out for Christmas tea with my mom.
~Thursday:  Finish decorating, if needed,  and do some baking.
~Friday:  Shopping & Appointments.
~Saturday:  Housework
~Sunday:  Rest

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...

 

~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thank you Peggy for the The Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.



Sunday, November 25, 2012

The Simple Woman's Daybook



For today... Sunday, November 25, 2012

Outside my window... It is still dark.

I am thinking... How I wish I was feeling better.

I am thankful for... A warm, cozy home.

From the kitchen... Nothing this week as we will be away.

I am wearing... Sweat pants and a sweat shirt - ready to head out for a morning walk before church.

I am creating... Embroidered Pillowcases.

I am reading... How Then Shall We Live by Francis A. Schaeffer

I am praying for... Safe travels this week.

Pondering these words... Joy can be real only if people look on their life as a service, and have a definite object in life outside themselves and their personal happines. ~Leo Nikolaevich Tolstoy~

I am still hoping... For a trip to the moutains.

I am hearing... The furnace running.

Around the house... Trying to finish the Christmas decorating before we go away.

One of my favorite things... Christmas decor :)

A few plans for the rest of the week... Travelling, Resting & Relaxing

Here is a picture thought I am sharing...




~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!

Thank you Peggy for the The Simple Woman's Daybook {follow links to read more}.



Saturday, November 24, 2012

I Love My Snowglobes

 
I love my snowglobes
and I am so excited this year
because I get to enjoy them even more.
 
 
This summer we added an electric fireplace set into a bookshelf
which gives me a long, low surface to work with.
 
 
It is the perfect spot to display my favorites Christmas snowglobes.
 
 
In previous years my snowglobes were displayed
on top of the old upright piano.
 
 
 
While they looked quite lovely up there
I couldn't enjoy them as much as I can now
since they are on display at a lower height.
 
  
 
But it's not all snowglobes!
 
 
This little village scene lights up and plays music.
 
 
And these little ponds are adorable.
When you wind them up the skaters glide around the pond to music.
 
 
So, these Christmas evenings I get to sit by my fireplace
with my stitching while I enjoy the Christmas
lights reflecting off of my snowglobes
which brings me such delight!
 
 
~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...
Be Different...Act Normal for Show and Tell Saturday
A Stroll Through Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Kathe With An E for You're Gonna Love It
52 Mantels for Thursdays Are Your Days
Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson for Share Your Cup Thursday

Friday, November 23, 2012

Christmas Cardinal

 
I love cardinals.
There's just something about them
that I am inexplicably drawn too.
 
 
In fact, if I see something with a cardinal on it
I am very hard pressed to pass it by.
 
 
So, when I saw this little Cardinal
cross-stitch picture I knew I needed to stitch it.
 
 
I am so pleased with how it turned out
and can't wait to display it for Christmas!
 
 
~Finding the amazing in the simple~
Thanks so much for stopping by!



I am joining...
Cheerios & Lattes for Saturday Show & Tell
The Dedicated House for Make It Pretty Monday
Our Delightful Home for Show Me What You Got Tuesdays
Rosewood Cottage for Heart and Home
My Romantic Home for Show & Tell Friday