White Wednesday

Welcome to White Wednesday...
Today I am sharing a little of my Holiday decorating.

Notice the pedestal the candles are sitting on? It was a garage sale find. I didn't know what to do with it. It started out in my garden but then I say over at
Faded Charm Cottage the home of White Wednesday what to do with it.
I love visiting there.
I have one more white photo to share. Here it is . . .

I thought it was appropriate because my desire is to make my Home a Sanctuary. I think there are many ways to do that one is to make it homey through decorating so I love White Wednesday. A place to share and get ideas.

If you look really close behind the wagon are 3 chairs from Good Will that will become white soon. Didn't realize when I dumped them there we were in for snow! Come back soon to see thier transformation!

I love to visit Faded Charm Cottage each week for all the White Wenesday posts. Go on over there for a visit for some really white, chippy items. And come back here next week. I have some really great to show you.

Until then I'll be doing the daily Small Thing Challenges that Rachel suggests at Home Sanctuary. So come back often and watch me log points for Rachel's next give a way.

Small Things Matter this weekend I started working on some ideas for my other blog. How I wanted it to look, what I wanted it to say, and how it is used. I really want it to be an encouragement to those that visit. I love having two blogs because here I can join all the fun places that suggest different things to post about like 2nd time around on Tuesday and White Wednesday and many others. I work much better when I am organized and so I am working on organizing my thoughts and posts. And structure helps me. That is why I enjoy Rachel Anne and her Simple Thing suggestions. I call them challenges because they challenge me to make my Home a Sanctuary and they remind a lot of times of things/places in my home that get neglected.
My challenge to myself this year along with Rachel Anne’s Simple Things are to post everyday. I’ll be posting here all the Simple Things but also joining some of my favorite meme’s. So come back often. And visit me over at My Journey Back for encouragement and inspiration.
Wishing a Simple and Blessed New YearLogging 40 points today

Believe . . .

Believe in the Reason for the season.
Photo compliments of Renae at My Little Raggedy Blessings.

Merry Christmas

Once upon a time . . .

Here's Rachel Anne's Small Thing suggestion for today:
"Today's Small Thing is to tell a story. You might not think you are a good storyteller, but don't let that stop you. I'll make this easy by giving you a simple subject: a favorite Christmas memory from your past."

Hmm....Rachel Anne's suggested telling a story about a favorite Christmas memory.
As I stop and ponder the first memory that pops into my head is . . . Once upon a time my Cowboy gave me a lovely total 1 carat ring. It was actually a bunch of little diamonds but they totaled a carat. We have this photo of me opening the little box. It really isn't that particular gift that is the special part of the memory. In the photo I am wearing blue sweats. That year I purchased new sweats for all of us. Each one a different color. The kids were left on the beds with a note telling them to put them on before leaving their rooms.
That began a tradition of purchasing something to wear each Christmas day. Sometimes it was sweat shirts or sweaters all matching. Sometimes it was different colors. Sometimes it was p.j.'s.
I have some wonderful photo's of that Christmas morning but I would have to dig them out. Luckily Rachel Anne didn't require photo's. Maybe one day I will dig them out and post them with a link back here.

Holiday Stratigies for Working Mom's

Making Work At Home Work: Holiday Strategies by: Mary Byers
As you may remember, I recently partnered up with Making Work at Home Work as a blogger.

As I look ahead to the approaching holiday season, I thought I’d share a few suggestions for you to consider for your business.
• Give yourself a break. Most employees get time off for Christmas. Sometimes I give myself time off, too. But I'm not always intentional about it. This year, I'm going to actually mark off a couple of days that I'm gifting to myself. I'll turn on my auto reply and get myself out of the office. I know it will feel good and will be rejuvenating for me.
• Make a list of office supply and equipment needs. I know it is difficult to spend money on work when you need to spend money on holiday gifts. But there are two great reasons to make work related purchases this month and next. One, there are great sales. Two, if you've had a successful year in 2009, you can reduce your taxable income by purchasing things you need (and want) for your business.
• Consider developing a one-page plan for next year. I spend one morning each December writing a one-page business plan for myself. I simply identify four or five initiatives that would help my business. I capture them on paper, jot down my action plans, and post it on my wall. This helps keep me focused throughout the year.
• Set a financial goal (unless it will make you a slave to your business). I set financial goals for myself early in my business. But I abandoned them when they became the be-all and end-all for me even though I had two preschool aged children. Instead, I focused on taking the work that came my way. No more, no less. Now, however, I've started setting goals again. And I'm pleased to report that I had my best year ever in 2009! Don't be a slave to a goal. But consider setting one if it will motivate and encourage you or if you have something special you're saving for.
• Take time to be thankful. I am grateful I get to work from home. Sometimes I forget my gratitude when I'm overwhelmed or behind in my work. But I don't want to lose sight of what a privilege it is to run my own business. I plan to keep this in the forefront of my mind as I approach this holiday season.


Mary Byers is the author of Making Work at Home Work: Successfully Growing a Business and a Family Under One Roof. Sign up for her work at home blog at http://www.makingworkathomework.com/.

Merry Christmas . . . I found a giveway

I found the neatest give a way and the rules say I have to share it. I really hate to do this 'cuz I want to win this so bad but in the spirit of the holidays and Jesus birthday I just have to share.
Over at Sarah's you can enter to win a Spode cup. If you collect Spode Christmas tree dishes you can enter. Oh heck I guess even if you don't you can enter too. Hop on over there and check it out. She has oodles of ways to enter. Like following her blog, becoming her pal on facebook leaving a comment.
If I have time later I'll try to post a photo of her cup and some of my Spode. Until then
I hate to send you over but I wrote a post on Monday about how I ended up collecting Spode.
It is a bit of a whinney post so just ignore all that part. I was Dr. Pepper deficiant yesterday!
Have a Blesssed Day and good luck in the giveway.

Simple Thing Challenge

I am really going to log some points today. Rachel Anne has out done herself in offering the points today.
Here's what she has to say . . .

"Girls, The Eagle has Landed.

We got our Christmas tree up this weekend!

And the house is decorated. It was a one-day wonder...whatever didn't get done on Saturday, is not going to be done this year. I'm good with that.

Time to move on to baking and shopping, both of which I have not started.

Then why has my kitchen already taken such a hit? I think Thanksgiving came before I had a chance to give it a good cleaning, and then the past couple of weeks got a little crazy."

Do you ever get the feeling someone is peeking into your life? I think our dear Rachel has been sneaking over here and checking me out! And, noticing all the chaos she has decided to take drastic measures to get me busy!

Here's the points for today . . .
So let's have some fun with multiplying some points in the kitchen today!
Sweep Floor: 30 Check cha ching
Mop Floor: 30
Wipe Down Stove Top: 40 half a check here soaking up the goop! Done! Cha ching
Wipe Down Counters: 30
Wash all dishes (so that at least ONCE today there is nothing in the sink): 40 more soaking!
Unload dishwasher: 20Wipe out microwave: 20 Check cha ching

I have a handicap today because the grandbaby is here but I am determined. I mean doesn't Santa only visit good little girls?

 

 

The calm before the storm . . .

. . . or what the kitchen looks like before

all the Thanksgiving cooking.

Todays Small Thing

Sharing Rachel Anne's Small Thing today...

Are you ready for the holidays?
Me, neither. Not yet, anyway.
But with a little head start, we'll be on our way...with a festive spirit!
Even though Thanksgiving is only a few days away, there are things we can do now to insure that the day will be a peaceful celebration, instead of a frantic rush at the last minute.
Today's Small Thing do one thing ahead of time. Start by making a checklist of things to pack, things to purchase, and/or things to bake so you won't be running around like a headless chicken.
Ideas:
Check your pantry supply for baking items. I'm out of shortening and low on flour.
Purchase "extra" things like butter, eggs and milk for the extra pie or dessert you forgot to make.
Wash sheets and towels so they are ready to go before company arrives.
Wash sheets and towels so you have something clean to come home to from your trip.
Bake and store what you can, if you can keep from eating goodies ahead of time.
Clear out space in your freezer for leftovers.
Purchase storage containers so they are ready for duty after the Big Meal.
Assess tablecloth/centerpiece/serving dish situations: do you have what you need? Last year, I realized I didn't have enough glasses because I counted them up beforehand.
Polish silverware (or buy plastic ware)
Start a Christmas Planner
Ticking even one item off your list will help you relax and enjoy the next few weeks. I want to be joyful and grateful, in spite of our tight budget and time constraints, and being proactive will get me going in the right direction.
POINTS: 60 for giving yourself a head start by DOING one thing that you're tempted to procrastinate
Share your ideas! What can you do NOW that will make a difference later?

This inspired me to post here about being ready. If you have time please stop in for a visit.

Have a wonderful day

White Wednesday

Welcome to White Wednesday today I am sharing a few imagines of some dreamy white bedrooms, tables, gardens,vignette's and something unexpected.

I would someday love to set a table like this one. Have a fun potting shed with implements hanging on the wall. A dreamy white bedroom....dreaming of the white linens (my dog is black)
and I just think this little desk is fun. The flowers were from my bedroom I do have some white just not on the bed.

And lastly the unexpected. I loved this photo of Paint mama and baby when it was emailed to me by a friend. I love decorating and making my home a fun place to be. Years and years and years ago there was a decorating show I always watched every morning. It was way back before Home and Garden was so popular they always included something "unexpected" in the design of the room they were doing. So today I added some "unexpected" to the white images.
Have a Blessed day and visit Faded Charm Cottage for more white photo's.

And for I also posted the horse photo here.

2nd Time Around treasures

Small Thing

Rachel Anne has the coolest Small Thing today. Here's a little of what she said . . .

"Today's Small Thing is really simple, but might not be easy to pull off in one day. You'll get through Sunday to work on this one.

It's this: Have fun with your man. BE fun with him."

Here's why I think this is so cool.

This is going on at my other blog. If you Company Girl's come here and leave a link to your post or go over to my Friday Date Night at my other blog and leave a link I will include you in my weekly drawing. The concept behind Friday Date Night is for you guys to help me and the others that are having difficulty coming up with or finding time to have fun with our men.

So join me and Rachel Anne and have some fun with your man then link with us and share your stories.

2nd Time Tuesday .50 garage sale find . . .

Today I am joining Diane again for 2nd Time Around Tuesday.
Today I am sharing a garage sale find.
When I saw this galvanised tub I knew exactly what I was going to do with it. But someone else had other ideas . . .




My grandson had the best time playing with it. Everything now days becomes something to climb into!

Stay tuned to see what I did with it once I finally got it back.

Oh you can visit Diane to see more fun 2nd Time Around posts.

Small Thing...logging points this month

This one was pretty easy. . .

Today Rachel Anne suggested cleaning up our toaster. This one was pretty simple for me because I don't leave mine out. Each time we use it which isn't daily I dump it over the trash and put away. I don't like stuff on my counters. Don't get me wrong. I have a problem with that right now. Still trying to get my kitchen organized and find a place for everything. But this big boy has his own place. And today he is sparkly shiny!

Thirty more points....yea. I so see myself with that beauty wrapped around my neck! No girls stop gritting your teeth and envision wrapping it around my neck just because I won! LOL.

I really will still be friends with you IF you win. Ya'll have a nice day. If I have time I will be adding a Thrifty Tuesday post too.

Mosaic Monday and somethin else....

Today I joining Mosaic Monday over at at Litte Red House.
Here's my mosaic of some of my favorite things and some things that I wish I had...

Left to right upper left. I love this photo of this mud room. I miss my mudroom I found this in Country Living I think.

Left middle is a photo from my last house. This is actually our bedroom dresser but here it was used in the den because there wasn't room in the bedroom. It made a great sofa table too. I loved the way it looked here.

Right middle is a dream photo. This is what I want the old couch I am redoing to look like. It is dreamy.

Next I just love this red screen door. I want this on the door going from my living into my kitchen.

Bottom Just a dreamy fall photo. In the middle is the house where we live now. This was taken before we moved in.

Right middle is a photo of the fireplace in our old house. I miss the fireplace. I love the old mirror. And last is a photo I found on someones blog along time ago. If it is yours I give you credit now. I am very carefully not to copy photo's from blogs that ask you not to. But if I copy I usually forget where I got. I need to be more organized.

And for somethin else.....Ha you Company Girls thought I forgot. No way I am going after....

And I think Rachel Anne wants me to win because this is going to be so easy. Here's what we are supposed to do.

Today's Small Thing is to get rid of a pesky annoyance. While we try and figure out how to rid ourselves of our deranged, feathered stalker, you can tackle something infinitely more fun. How about: applying WD-40 to a squeaky hinge that's been bugging you for months now? Or removing tags from pillows you've had for a year? You could pull the blue painter's tape from July's paint project, or finally put on the drawer pulls that have been sitting there forever. Hang the picture that's leaning up against the wall, tighten a leaky faucet, super glue that plate back together.

I have a few pesky things I am off to work on and log 50 points! And a few mosaics to visit here

The killer scarf....

O.K. Company Girls step back because as Rachel Anne says this....


to kill for.
Or at least work extra hard and log those Company Girl points for.
So this month I am officially coming out of lurking and I am officially posting my points right here. Everyday so you girls eat your heart out when you see my points ticking away.
But, because I am actually starting a week late if someone;whom I so hate! LOL; wins it I am coveting this....


I just know that my hard work this month will grant me the random generator prize of this book by Lisa Welchel. Who I think is absolutely amazing. I heard her speak at a girls conference and she is just so much fun. So down to earth. She even told a story about her son being annoyed with her and setting her book on fire. Hello is that just not down to earth! They got over the book burning though as I see she has this wonderful offering for us.
So girls beware because I am working on those points. I am even going back to earlier simple things this week and gettin' those done. Off to clean that tub. And man what a job is that because I gave the dog a bath in it! Whew.
I so deserve those points!

Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home

I am joining Show and Tell @ My Romantic Home for the first time today. I love this Friday meme started at Kelli's. I haven't had a chance lately to post. So I figure all you guys haven't senn this photo that I posted a loooooooooong time ago. I wanted to share it again along with a current photo.
Here's my photo...

This little white table has usually been in my living room. It isn't expensive but I love it. And it was really special to use it in my daughters wedding.
This next photo shows it sitting in my office. It only sat there a couple of days I was in the process of moving furniture around in the house. You can see packing boxes in the background. Well...here's the photo.




I just thought this was too cute. This is my daughters son Zane. I keep him 2 or 3 or 4 or 5 days a week. I loved this shot so much that I did a photo album here's where I originally posted it.

Thank for visiting my first Romantic Home Show and Tell. Off to make my Home a Sanctuary after I visit all the other Show and Tell's.
If you have time I would love to invite you visit me here for Friday Date Night.

2nd Time Tuesday Treasures

Today I am joining Diane again to share treasures found at garage sales, antique shops or in my case my parents attic.

My parents used this little white table to display plants. Their living room was covered in overgrown ivy and other plants.
I rescued the little table to use in my kitchen. It fits perfectly between the refrigerator and the wall. I will be using it to display some of my dishes to make room in the cabinets for other dishes.
I love my little house but there isn't room for a china cabinet and so I am having to figure out creative ways to store and display.
I think this little shelf will work perfectly once it is painted and cleaned up.
Thanks for visiting. I also wrote a post here today please visit my other blog.
And stop over at Diane's to see other treasures!

Mosaic Monday

Welcome to Mosaic Monday today I am sharing photo's of my dog Daisy. Since she dressed for Halloween yesterday I thought it would
be fun to show some photo's of her today.
Thanks for visiting. And go over to My Journey for my post there.

Then Sings My Soul Saturday

Crossovers...
This is the first time I have posted a music video here. Most Saturdays I join Amy and post a song that has spoken to me during the week here. When I sarted My Home Sanctuary it was intended as an outlet to share homemaking, decorating etc. A place to funnel my creative and a place to dream.
A place hopefully to invite you into and hopefully open the door for you to visit
My Journey Back.

Just this week the term crossover came to mind.

You see last Sunday at the chapel service that we do in a juvenile prison unit we were talking about music and worship. One of the songs we sang was simple and we expected the boys to know it.

Only one boy had heard ever hear the song Jesus Loves Me.

We asked them about the music they listen to and one of the boys mentioned he would like to hear some songs by Kutless (I knew who he was talking about; my husband didn't). Amazingly today at Amy's the song she shared was by Kutless. It is brand new and I was amazed at how God brought me to hear it.

I haven't posted on Saturday in quite a few weeks.

Then as I was visiting the other blogs I found this.



These words spoke to me...
'nothing is impossible for you. You hold my world in your hands.'

These are words I know in my head. But these are words I needed to hear today in my heart.

And I really didn't want to forget them or this song. So today I crossover.

Today I bring to you peace,joy and maybe healing. And if your heart needs these words today I pray that you are healed.

Dreams of Tablescapes

Yesterday I was dreamin' in White and today as promised I am dreaming of tablescapes.

I love every Thursday to visit Sandra and all her followers. These people are so amazing they blow me away.

I get such wonderful ideas and I dream and dream of someday setting a beautiful table and posting it here.

And today I am still dreaming but I wanted to join the group anyway. Sandra I hope it is o.k.

I borrowed this photo from Sunset Magazine.

Kinda represents my lack of time to set a beautiful table. But I thought this one was sweet anyway.

Now just because I didn't do a real one please come on back and visit maybe someday I'll post my own real table scape. Patience girls. That is what I am learning over on My Journey.

Thanks Sandra for the inspiration.

White Wednesday

More dreams in White.....

I just love this porch. I just know that there are white rockers. There I can just imagine sitting there and rocking and looking out over the pasture. Of course there is a pasture filled with horses. (remember this is my dream) Aren't the white pumpkins dreamy?

Step inside.....

I just dream of decorating in white....

What a lovely centerpiece. I wonder what the rest of the tablescape looks like....my will take me here tomorrow for wonderful tablescape ideas.

But today for more wonderful White Wednesday posts go here

Happy White Wednesday.

White Wednesday

A simple white church. Looking for simple things. May your White day be simply beautiful.
For more beautifully white images visited White Wednesday

Mosaic Monday Charity Quilts

Welcome to Mosaic Monday hosted by Mary. Today I wanted to share some of the quilts that I have helped make for charities.
You can read more about this ministry at our ministry blog. Or please visit my other blog My Journey Back .

Small Things ala Rachel Anne at Home Sanctuary

It's a bad thing when your photo's are on your husbands computer and you need them...I wanted to invite you all to visit one of my favorite bloggers Rachel Anne. She is actually my inspiration for this blog.

The photo above isn't the one I wanted....remember I am on the wrong computer but it does show her small things banner. (In case your interested in any of the other meme's in this collage go to my other blog.)

Rachel Anne give us the most amazing suggestions to help us keep our home lovely, simple and make it a sanctuary. And she has an amazing sense of humor and makes mundane household chores fun. Her creativity is a hoot.


Today she suggested cleaning the oven which she called "the hottie". I told you she is just a hoot.

Earlier in the week she suggested tidying your closet and getting rid of things you don't wear because they don't fit your style anymore.

And she also offers prizes each month if you do the daily simple things and keep your points you can enter for her prize. I am horrible at doing it and logging and turning it. I wish I was more organized about it. But, since I am not it leaves you the chance to win!

Every Friday she hosts company girl coffee and all the girls that follow her write on their blogs about what they did or learned during the week from the simple suggestions.

So go by tomorrow and visit Home Sanctuary and enjoy meeting Rachel Anne and the other company girls. Maybe I'll get the chance to join the group tomorrow too.

Off to make my home a sanctuary by cooking an amazing dinner!

White Wednesday

White Wednesday cozy winter whites ready for the cooooooooooooold weather....



A dreamy pantry I wish I had I found this in Country Living.



For more dreamy white visit FadedcharmCottage.blogspot.com

2nd Time Around

I love my kitchen window. I am sorry this photo is so dark I really hope that you can see it. Here's a tour and why it is posted in Second Time Around.

The main focus is the grapevine star in the upper right. It has lights on it and was originally meant for a Christmas decoration. My daughter got it at Target for me. I love it and last year I put it in the window and decided 'why heck...why box it back and let it sit lonely in the closet for 10 months?' It stayed and I love it.

Hanging just in front is a hanging candle from a garage sale donation for our ministry. I kept it couldn't stand selling in for cents in a rummage sale. It has beads on it and the metal around it is kind or a rusty cooper color.

Which is the entire inspiration for my kitchen now. My kitchen is white and I love all things white, shabby and chippy. But I got to looking around and I started seeing all this rusy copper color.

I orginally intended to use stanless steel but all this coppery color started just jumping out at me so it is now the accent color with my white and blue and red.

I'll have to one day do a photo shoot when the kitchen is clean and it isn't dark and show you all my wonderful things!

Until then visit Diane diane1876.blogspot.com at for wonderful 2nd Time Treasures.
sorry no color in this post. I am glad I know how to bold and italic with out clicking on those options. I am on my husbands computer and nothing is working Oh the link didn't either that is why I typed it..

I'll be spending tomorrow getting all my photo's off this computer and getting back to mine.
Happy treasure hunting.