Party At The Lake

On Saturday we celebrated my mom’s 91st birthday at my sister’s lake house.     I know how fortunate I am she is in such good health and sound mind.     She’s slowed down a little bit but hey, at 91, if that’s her biggest problem, we’re lucky!

We’re all about food whenever we all get together and there was no shortage of anything.     I had planned to make my favorite cake (recipe found here) but when we got to the lake,  my sister had bought a cake so I didn’t bother.    Then everyone fussed because they said they wished I would make the cake but I just thought it would be too much.    So I’ll make it next time….

 

fresh tomatoes and cantelope

 

fruit “bowl” made by my sister

 

she used her antique dough bowl

 

Son manning the grill.    My sister’s husband wasn’t at the party because he had to check his mom out of the hospital and take her back to her assisted living home.    (When he called the assisted living home, they told him they didn’t admit anyone on the weekends….he said “well, we pay ya’ll $7,000 a month for her care so you WILL take her….and they did!).    Yep, folks, assisted living is a great way to get care for your loved one but it ain’t cheap.    My mom is fortunate in that she receives VA assistance but she’s still short each month, thus the need to sell her house ASAP.

 

 

 

 

Barbeque chicken and baked beans…

 

Mac & cheese…

 

…tater salad and my marinated vegetable salad (recipe here)

 

My son and nephew have “twin” red nose pit bulls….both named Ruby!    I know pit bulls get a bad reputation but these dogs are so sweet and gentle…

 

After lunch I went with my son to get his boat out to bring back over to the cabin…

 

He rents a “garage” for his boat….and let me tell ya, it’s not easy getting that bad boy in OR out of that space.   

 

 

My son works hard and he plays hard.     He loves cars and boats and he was lucky enough to be able to recently buy his latest toy thanks to his hard work paying off.  I’m so proud of him!

Once we got over to the boat ramp and put the boat in the water, the boat wouldn’t crank.     After about an hour in the hot broiling sun, we finally had to pull it back out and take it back to storage.      I don’t think I’ve ever been so hot!     When we got back to the lake house, I was wringing wet and looked like a drowned rat!     He was so frustrated because he’s only had this boat about a month and it’s a 2011!    I’d hate to be on the receiving end of the phone call he’s going to be making to the place he bought it (thankfully it’s under warranty).    

 

Mama was ready to go back to her assisted living place by that time and all I wanted to do was gulp a huge glass of tea and get in the air condioned car.     She needed to stop at Wal Mart and pick up some “feminine items” and toilet paper.     Hubby was sweet enough to offer to go in and buy it for her because I was just about passed out in the car from being so hot.

 

 

I just had to take this picture of my mama and hubby as he walked her back to her room.        

 

 

Notice he’s holding her purse and all the “feminine” stuff in her bag!

 

My mama loves David and he is so good to her

 

What plans do you have for the 4th of July?   We will probably go to the lake and try to stay cool!

Happy Birthday & A Recipe

 

 

 

 

Last Wednesday June 22nd my mama turned 91 years young!   I can’t even imagine all the changes she’s seen in her lifetime.    We had to move her to an assisted living facility 18 months ago and she has adjusted beautifully.    She gets her nails done on Mondays and plays bingo 2-3 times a week….don’t dare try to go pick her up to go somewhere when it’s bingo day or manicure time!

So this weekend we will be celebrating her special day at the lake.    My sister and I are furnishing most of the food but everyone is bringing enough chicken to grill and drinks for their family.     The only downside is my daughter and her family will be on a pre-planned pre-paid vacation so they won’t be there.

One of the dishes I’m bringing is this tried and true marinated vegetable salad….so easy to make and so yummy in the tummy!    I got this recipe from a friend who caters dinners at my mom’s church.    Everyone always loves it so I thought I’d share it with ya’ll.

 

MARINATED VEGETABLE SALAD

• 1 – 11 oz. can white shoe peg corn
• 1 – 16 oz. can french green beans
• 1 - 16 oz. can green peas
• 1 med. onion finely chopped
• 1/4 c. celery finely chopped
• 1/4 c. bell pepper finely chopped
• 1/4 c. pimento – diced

Drain vegetables and mix all together

 

Marinade

• 3/4 cup sugar
• 1/3 cup vegetable oil
• 1/2 cup white vinegar
• 1/2 tsp. salt
• 1/2 tsp. pepper

Heat well until sugar dissolves.   Pour over vegetable mixture and keep in refrigerator overnight.

We’re  having BBQ chicken, baked beans, potato salad, marinated vegetable salad, assorted fresh fruits, fresh tomatoes, and rolls.     AND I’m making this cake when I get to the lake!

After lunch I’ll be sitting on the dock, sipping a strawberry daiquiri, then taking out the boat for a nice long cruise around the lake!

What are YOU doing?

Wanted–Grain Sacks

I’m hoping someone can help me find a grain sack to use on the back of a chair.    I’ve found a few on etsy but they are quite expensive.    Here’s what I need:   a grain sack with black writing, preferably in French.    The dimensions I need at a minimum are:   26” in width x 27” in length.   I want to use it to recover the back of a chair and will cover the seat in a drop cloth (or black denim – thus the need for black writing).    The back of the chair (which is not seen) will be covered in the drop cloth.    I’d really like to keep the cost of the grain sack UNDER $50.00.

I’ve even thought about making my own out of drop cloths and ironing on an image, but I can’t find a source for that.       I’m very open to this idea if you know of a source that sells these downloadable images.   

Put your thinking caps on and help a girl out!

Happy Father’s Day!

 

My daddy passed away on January 4, 1980.    I think about him often and still miss him.  

I was the first child of my parents for five years.    There might have been a little spoiling going on!     I always thought I was his favorite child, although he loved all 4 of us.    He called me “monkey” or “monk”….not sure why, maybe because I loved to climb up on his shoulders and comb and roll his hair (in pink rollers no less) while he was watching tv.     I was the first daughter to get married and had the first grandchildren.     He thought the sun rose and set in my son.      

He was a child of the Great Depression.    His mother died in a house fire when he was 3 years old.    He says it must have been around Christmas time because he remembered getting a toy drum she had hid  for his present that year.      He and his two brothers, along with their father, farmed.    He told me his daddy went to the bank and borrowed $100 to see them through the winter!       He joined the Air Force at a young age and rose to the highest rank of a non-commissioned officer.      He became a very successful businessman after he retired from the military.

If you are lucky enough that you still have your daddy, don’t forget to tell him you love him and give him a big hug on Father’s Day.    I wish I could do the same.

Fajita Caesar Salad

I don’t know about where ya’ll live but it’s so hot here in Alabama you could fry an egg on the sidewalk…..it’s like 103 heat index!     So I’m not really interested in turning on the oven or doing much cooking.     This evening I wanted something light and tasty so I fixed this simple salad.

 

Here’s all you’ll need….

 

Tyson Grilled & Ready Fajita Chicken Strips

Romaine Salad

Ramen Noodles

Strawberries

Caesar Salad dressing

I normally don’t use the Ramen noodles and strawberries but I wanted something crunchy and sweet so I added the noodles and strawberries.     Several years ago when I was on Weight Watchers (for the first time !) I would toast the ramen noodles instead of eating potato chips.    Just spread the noodles on a cookie sheet, give them a squirt of I Can’t Believe It’s Butter, and broil them for just a minute or two, until they are slightly brown.   (I don’t use the flavor seasoning that come with the noodles when I’m toasting them).   They make a great snack when you’re in the mood for some crunch & munch!      I also added the strawberries since we had some that needed to be used.

 

This is such a quick and simple meal that I think I’ll be eating it a lot this summer.

 

 

Bon Appetit’! 

My Pottery Barn Look Alike Lamp & Moss Monogram

A few days ago I posted about my Pottery Barn look alike lamp I bought while out of town.    I couldn’t wait to get home and place it “just so”.    I  couldn’t wait to take pictures so I  didn’t style these photos at all.….so without further ado, here “she” is in her new home in the den…

 

 

OMG, I’m in L-O-V-E!!!!

 

 

The lamp reminds me of an Aidan Gray lamp.    Here’s one I found on line similar to mine:

 

 

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Theirs:   $371.25 (!) and it’s out of stock!

 

Mine:  $39.99!!!   Yippee Skippee!

 

Now with the lamp off..

 

 

I’ve been making several sets of these books….just tear off the book covers and tie up with twine, ribbon or whatever you like.    I always buy my books that I’m going to tear up from the thrift store for around 50 cents to $1.00 each….I think PB sells theirs in sets of 3 for $39.99!

 

 

 

 

Don’t you just love it?   

The clock on the dresser is an old family clock that is over 100 years old!   It was used in my grandparents home when they first set up “housekeeping” as my grandmother used to say.    I was so lucky to inherit it when my moved out of her home.    I plan on taking it to a clock repair shop and get it in working condition.

 

You might say that I’ve been in a DIY mood lately.    I  made a moss covered monogram last weekend that I’ve moved around the house.    Hubby says it reminds him of Elf on the Shelf….you never know where you’ll see it!    (He’s a real joker)…….

There are so many how-to’s on making the moss covered monograms.   It’s really very simple.    I found my letter at Joanne’s and bought the sheets of moss at Hobby Lobby.    The only thing is this project took LOTS of hot glue and I may or may not have uttered some bad words!   

 

 

 

How do you like my fancy-schmancy work table?

 

On the sideboard in the den….

 

On the baker’s rack on the deck….

 

On a tray on top of the refrigerator….

 

On the baker’s rack in the kitchen

 

….and one more time.     (The silver shells were another little project I’ll share another time.)

 

I’ve got a couple more projects I’m working on….a large basket from my mom’s house that holds our firewood in the winter that’s getting a makeover

 

 

I sprayed it this gray color but I’m going to white wash it and  then stencil two sets of numbers on each side….39 & 14 which was her house number on her street (3914).     When I finish the basket I will be sure to share it with ya’ll….

 

…..and I have a vintage crate from her house that will get stained and stenciled (do you see a pattern here?) to hold magazines.     It’s pretty big and I might even add wheels to it so it’s movable….I have tons of magazines!

 

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That about wraps it up for this weekend….hope everyone has a good Monday.   I’m planning on finishing the basket and crate….wish me luck!

Lazy Daze!

Hubby and I headed toward the gulf area this afternoon for a few days.    I snapped this from our room on the 5th floor…

 

 

When we arrived this afternoon I took off for some retail therapy.     I found (and bought) a Pottery Barn look-alike lamp at T.J. Maxx.    I’ve been lusting  loving this one ever since I saw it (the one on the far right with the chunky base):

 

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The Pottery Barn lamp is $200.00….mine was $39.99!!!   Whoo to the hoo!    I think I might go back and get another one so I’ll have a pair.      Mine has a grain sack type shade with writing on it….it’s in the trunk of my car or I’d show you a picture….you’ll have to wait to see it (sorry!)

Tomorrow I’m heading out for more shopping at some one of my favorite stores that we don’t have back home:   Marshall’s.        And the other day at the when I was at the beauty shop a lady came in with the prettiest purse from Coach…guess what?    There’s a Coach outlet here too!

Guess I’ll get some rest so I can shop till I drop tomorrow!

One Hot Mess–Part 2

Remember my post on Sunday about my Adirondack chairs?    If not, just scroll down below this post or click here. 

I really appreciate all your helpful comments.   It seems the consensus is to paint instead of stain, even though staining was my first choice.     Monday evening I got outside around 7:00 p.m. (about the only time you can be outside for any period of time without melting!) and pressure washed the other ottoman, table and one of the chairs.    The hubs was sitting on the deck watching me pressure wash (what’s wrong with this picture?!) and finally said “ You know you’re going to have to paint those, they’ll never take stain.”    Well, duh!    Why didn’t you say so before?

At least I won’t have to take off all that paint, just get as much off as I can and then sand, sand, sand.    

Now that I know I’ll have to paint them, I want a color that looks like my inspiration picture….like this…

….or I even thought if I could find a color that looks kinda like a piece of driftwood that would look good too.    I even found a picture of an Adirondack chair that had been painted white and sanded down somewhat to bare wood, looked all chippy.    But I really, really want the wood stain look, if possible.

You know what I’m getting at, I need color suggestions people!    Is there a good color I can get to mimic the stained chair in my inspiration picture or a driftwood gray-ish color?     I just know you talented ladies will give me lots of good color suggestions.

 

One Hot Mess!

A few years ago I acquired these Adirondack chairs from the lady that did my mom’s estate sale.    She had painted them red and I knew I would eventually change out the color by either repainting or staining them.     After sitting outside for two brutally hot southern summers, here’s what they look like (warning:   train wreck ahead!)

I have two chairs, two ottomans and one table.





Saturday I had the hubs hook up the pressure washer and I went to town…..it took an hour for me to get ONE ottoman to this point!



No matter what I did, I could not get all of the paint off.    I will have to do some major sanding to get these ready to stain.

After seeing that the paint did not hold up, I decided to stain them.    This is my inspiratoin:


Love the stenciled number.    I’m hoping stain will hold up better than paint.

Now here’s where I need help from all you DIY ladies (and gentlemen)…..does anyone have any suggestions on getting all that paint off?    I know I’m still going to have to pressure wash some but at an hour for one small piece, this is going to take a long time!     I’ve always heard “you can paint over stain but you can’t stain over paint”.    Is that true?   If I could put an outdoor stain over the chairs without getting all that paint off, it would be so much easier.
Please help a girl out!   

Paula Deen and Savannah Style

Browsing in the bookstore recently I found Paula Deen’s  book “Savannah Style”.      

 

 

Paula co-wrote Savannah Style  with her styling assistant, Brandon Branch.     The book is wonderfully written in true “Paula” style….lots of “ya’ll’s” and she even talks about “peein’!

 

Here’s a good description of what you’ll find inside….

“With its lush gardens, stately town houses, and sprawling plantations, Savannah is the epitome of old Southern style, and who better to give you the grand tour than Paula Deen, the city's most famous resident and anointed Queen of Southern Cuisine?

In this gorgeous, richly illustrated book, Paula Deen shares a full year of Southern living. Whether it's time to put out your best china and make a real fuss, or you're just gathering for some sweet tea on the porch at dusk, Savannah style is about making folks feel welcome in your home. With the help of decorator and stylist Brandon Branch, you'll learn how to bring a bit of Southern charm into homes from Minnesota to Mississippi. For each season, there are tips on decorating and entertaining. In the spring, you'll learn how to make the most of your outdoor spaces, spruce up your porch, and make your garden inviting. In the summer, things get more casual with a dock party. Sleeping spaces, including, of course, the sleeping porch, are the focal point of this chapter. In the fall, cooler weather brings a return to more formal entertaining in the dining room, and in the winter, attention returns to the hearth, as Paula and her neighbors put out their best silver and show you how they celebrate the holidays.

Paula loves getting a peek at her neighbors' parlors, so she's included photographs of some of Savannah's grandest homes. From the vast grounds of Lebanon Plantation to the whimsically restored cottages on Tybee Island, you'll see the unique blend of old-world elegance and laid-back hospitality that charmed Paula the moment she arrived from Albany, Georgia, with nothing but two hundred dollars and a pair of mouths to feed. And she isn't shy about giving you a window into her own world, either. From her farmhouse kitchen to her luxurious powder room, you'll see how Paula lives when she's not in front of the camera.”

And here are just a few pictures from the book:

 

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Isn’t that porch to die for?   I think I could spend my whole summer hanging out on those chaise lounge chairs, with a ceiling fan turning overhead, and a big ol’ glass of sweet tea (with lemon, of course!)

 

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  Pretty house and another porch I wouldn’t mind spending time on, visiting with friends and family at the end of the day

 

I’ve been to Savannah twice and if I could live anywhere in the world, I think Savannah would be my first choice.    It’s got to be one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen.     I like what the reviewer said “Savannah is the epitome of old Southern style”!

 

Paula also has a furniture line.    Here are some of my favorite pieces:

 

I love the mixture of chairs.   

 

 

Pretty upholstered bench

 

Slipcovered chairs….my favorite!

 

I really, really NEED this day bed!

 

Gorgeous hutch and I love the detail of the bun feet on the bottom

 

Painted chest

 

What a serene bedroom

 

I was not paid or compensated for this review of Paula’s book.   I don’t recommend very many books but this one is worth every penny.

 

Well, you can tell it’s summer in the South.   When I got in my car at 3:00 this afternoon, it was 102 degrees!!!     Stay cool, ya’ll!!

Happy Memorial Day