Flea Market Treasures and Blueberry Delight

On my way to a hair appointment Wednesday afternoon, I had a little extra time so I decided to pop into one of my favorite flea markets. While I was not in the market to buy anything else, I could not possibly pass up my three treasures that I found and brought home. See if you agree!

I have a weakness for cherubs and/or angels. This little sweetness was only $5.00! I wish the pictures were not so dark and I hope you can see how pretty she is. I don't plan on painting this little girl but leaving it as is. It's kind of a washed gray color which will go great with my new cottage white look.

Here is the motherload! I saw these two little angels sitting in a corner and figured they would be pretty expensive. You could have knocked me over with a feather when I saw the price was only $20! I picked this up and put it in my buggy so fast before anyone else could get to it! Again, the color is perfect. I may try and put them on a pedestal somewhere but with my big burly man running around, that might not be a good idea!

And here is my favorite find....a white chandy for $19! I had two chandeliers in storage and sprayed one white the other day but left it outside. When I went to bring it in, it had started to rain, the chandy was on the ground and I was going to have to sand it off and start over so when I saw this one, I decided that it was worth $19 not to have to mess with the other one for now. This baby will be hung in my newly painted office very soon!

I put all three treasures together so maybe you can see them a little better here (please ignore the ugly orange seat cover on the dining chair - that's another project for this spring)

It's been a while since I posted a receipe so here's one that I call blueberry delight. When my hubby and I were dating, we met quite often at a little restaurant that served a meat and three. For dessert they had this blueberry congealed salad that he loved. No matter when we went there, the waitresses always held a piece back for him because he loved it so much (I have to admit, that made me a little jealous at times!). Recently I decided I would try and recreate my own blueberry delight for my sweetie. Believe me, it was and is a hit with him....in fact, I made this big ole pan of it the other night and it was gone by the 2nd day!

Blueberry Delight

1 (3) oz. pckg. blackberry gelatin

2 cups boiling water

1 (15 oz.) can blueberries

1 (8 oz.) can crushed pineapple, drained

1 (8 oz.) pckg. creme cheese, softened

1/2 cup sugar

1 cup sour cream

1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract

1 1/2 - 2 cups chopped pecans

In large bowl, dissolve gelatin in boiling water. Drain liquid from blueberries and pineapple and stir into the gelatin. Pour into 2 quart mold (or large pyrex dish) and refrigerate until firm.

Mix together softened creme cheese, sugar, sour cream and vanilla and spread over the congealed gelatin mixture. Sprinkle creme cheese layer with chopped pecans and chill for approximately 30 minutes. Invert (or cut into serving size pieces) and serve.

*NOTE: I add the creme cheese mixture AFTER the gelatin has set up and become firm. It makes it much easier to spread. I also add the pecans in with the creme cheese mix and then add MORE pecans on the top.

Y U M M Y!!!!

Den at Christmas 2008

This year you might say that I "KISS-ED" my Christmas decorating - or Kept It Simple (I won't use the other "S" word). We have had so much going on, I've had a cold for almost 3 weeks now, and I just have not been up to doing my usual all around the house decorating (which I think suits my hubby), plus we are not entertaining this year so no one will see that I "under-decorated" - at least compared to most years!



I always dress the mantle and sideboard in the den plus our tree. You'll see the tree later this week cause it had a little accident earlier and it's topper is crooked so we'll have to fix that!



Here we go.....

I think a lot of us have been smitten by the mercury glass bug. I've picked up several candlesticks here and there during the year

A simple lighted garland with extra ornaments left over from the tree, the mercury glass candlesticks and Santa - that's all!

Now let's move to the sideboard on the opposite end of the room...

I used a big wrought iron and glass hurricane thingy, filled it with more ornaments, another garland across the back, candy cane candles and another Santa

There are lots of uses for those extra ornaments - just look around and fill in where needed

Candy cane candles for the grandbabies

I will post pictures of the tree later this week - it's so pretty. We always put it in an urn on top of a mahogany chest. I have vaulted ceilings and this gives it the height it needs as it is only a 6 foot tree. Next year I want to have a big, big tree next to the fireplace as all the grandchildren will be old enough to not knock it over.

Dining Room Decked Out For Christmas

Let's take a look at what I did in the dining room this year. I usually decorate this room "over the top" (according to my husband) but this year I just could not get a "handle" on what I wanted to do so I just dressed up the sideboard with my Christopher Radko dishes and some candlesticks....everything looks so pretty by candlelight.

I saw these Christopher Radko dishes last year at Target and thought they were so pretty....I got service for 8

A few years ago I picked up this pretty platter at Steinmart and I've used it every year since

The only thing I added on the dining room table was the wreath circling my collection of crystal candlesticks and big chunky fat candles

I hope you enjoyed seeing the dining room all dressed up for Christmas. This year we will be going to my sister's lake house so we won't be entertaining at home. Still, I love to use my Christmas dishes and set up the sideboard for a Christmas buffet.

Later this week you'll see my den and maybe if ya'll are good I'll show you a room that most people don't think about decorating for Christmas....come back and you'll see what I mean!

Christmas on the Coosa and Dance Recital

What a weekend so far! Friday night Taylor had a little Christmas recital and Saturday she was on a float at the annual Christmas on the Coosa parade. The parade is held in Wetumpka, a small town just outside of Montgomery. I can't believe this is the first time I've ever been! Wetumpka is such a charming small town. It seems the whole town shows up to support the parade and participants and you really get the sense of a united community. That's what I love about smaller towns....you don't feel lost in the crowd....someone is always calling out to you and you know just about everyone you see.

These first three pictures are courtesy of my wonderful friend Melissa at A Little Loveliness. Melissa's daughter Mary Ashley is in the dance class after Taylor's and Melissa took these photos and e-mailed them to me. Thanks Melissa! And if you haven't been to her blog, you don't know what you are missing. In addition to lovely pictures of her family, she is one of the most inspiring women I know.

Look at her tummy hanging out (she insisted on wearing her tu-tu this low)


When Ms. Gi Gi (the dance teacher) went around asking everyone to tell their name, Taylor said "Mary Ashley"! She loves Mary Ashley

Mary Ashley is 5th from left (sorry it is so blurry)

Here she is 3rd from left

After all that dancing we went for mexican and Taylor had to try on the sombrero (she is a real drama queen)

Gorgeous curls (while they lasted)

Look at this little angel I found under the tree - as always, she is my heart

There is a park here on the river

Can you see the arched bridge in the background?

I love the pretty church here in the background

Here comes the parade!

Jackson talking to Santa

If this dog could talk he'd be saying "Roll Tide" (I can't believe I took this cause ya'll know we are Auburn fans)

Here's Ms. Taylor waving to the crowd (she has on the pink gloves)

And last but not least - my sweet grandbabies - TWIN LOVE!


Be sure to check back on Monday when I'll be posting my dining room all decked out for Christmas