My Favorite Yard Sale Find

DH and I absolutely love yard sales.  One day I will tell you the story of our yard sale adventures but today I want to share the one thing I found that has become my favorite of all time.  I love a Tuscan feeling in our home.  I have touches everywhere.  That love began with this find.

I was coming home from work one day and spotted a Yard Sale sign.  Of course couldn't resist.  The site was a little hard to find and wound up to be in an old chicken house complete with sawdust on the floor.  There was a (slightly creepy) man there and I was only going to give things a brief look around then leave. 

Then I spotted this painting leaning against a table filled with random dishes.  The bottom was covered in sawdust and the painting itself was dusty.  There was a price tag of $10 on it.  I offered $7 and he took it.
 

(Wall is actually brown not pink)

 I brought it home and very carefully used my lint brush to clean it up.  The more I looked at it the better I liked it.  I wanted to frame it.  So I left it leaning against the wall for a while till I could find just the right frame.  I searched, I search and I searched and nothing felt right.  One day, several months later, I just said "Forget it.  I'll hang it without a frame."  And so it found it's home over the entertainment center.

Every day when I look at it it gives me a feeling of calm.  Like I could walk right up to the arches and stroll down the path.  The muted golds and shadows transport me to Tuscany.  And so, my love for all things Tuscan was born.  Even now as I look at it I get the same feeling. 

Best $7 I ever spent. 

Later...

Saying Goodbye

Greetings from The (sad) Hill,

Today we say a final goodbye to a giant of a man, my Uncle Darwin.  Uncle Darwin was the most faithful man I ever met.  Not only in a religious way though he was certainly a Godly man.  The kind of faithful I'm talking about is caring for others.  Before his Mom passed away, Uncle Darwin visited her every single morning.  After she passed he made it his job to visit my Grandmother every day until she passed.  He had a friend who is disabled and then he began visiting him on a regular basis.  Every day of Uncle Darwin's life was spent checking on others to make sure their needs were met.

The other awesome thing about Uncle Darwin was how much he loved to garden.  Even when his health wasn't so good he had the usual big garden, with help from my Aunt Wanda and his children.  While he and Aunt Wanda put away pounds and pounds of vegetables every year it wasn't as if they really needed them.  Matter of fact they gave away as much as they put up.  No, Uncle Darwin just loved to plant and watch things grow.

When I was little Uncle Darwin and Aunt Wanda and my three cousins lived in Marietta, GA.  Sometimes I'd go stay with them.  One vivid memory from when I was about four years old was eating cereal at the table and Uncle Darwin sitting beside me.  I only ate the cereal out of the milk and left the milk in the bowl.  He taught me that I should always drink the milk or my breakfast wasn't done.  Isn't it funny how little things like that stay with you.

Uncle Darwin was a gruff teddy bear.  He'd greet us with a bear hug and a kiss and leave the same way.  You always knew he loved you.  And of course we all loved him. I'm glad I told him every time I saw him.  Because we never know what will happen minute to minute.

Who knew that one morning while he was burning trash he would throw gasoline on it like he's probably done a hundred times.  Who knew that this time he would catch on fire and suffer severe burns.  Who knew that after three skin graphs, a feeding tube, tracheotomy, respirator, and three months of being unconscious he would have to leave us.

Lives change in a breath.  It was no ones fault.  Uncle Darwin fought hard to stay here but his body just wasn't strong enough in the end.

When my Daddy died it took me so long to make sense of it.  I was angry, lost and felt like the person on this earth who loved me the most left me.  I know, silly emotions for an adult but you can't help grief.  It is a strange bedfellow.

After a while I realized that it was just Daddy's time to go.  The work he had to do on this earth was done.  If it wasn't he'd still be here.  I believe that with my whole heart.  This is what gives me comfort when I lose someone.  Especially someone as special as Uncle Darwin.  Whatever he was sent to to, he did, did it well and finished it.

The Hill won't be the same without him.  I'll drive by expecting to see him out in the garden.  Just like I expect to see Grandmother on her front porch or Daddy on his tractor.  Those spots are empty now.  But you know, that's ok.  They lived a long wonderful life.  And the best that can be said about them is that whoever they touched knew they were loved.

I loved Uncle Darwin and I know he loved me.  That will be my comfort today as I say my final goodbye.

Rest in wonderful peace Uncle Darwin - November 17, 1930 - June 18, 2011

Later ...

Tuscan Wall Grouping - $5

Greetings from The (touch of Tuscany) Hill,

I must have lived a former life in Tuscany because I absolutely love anything Tuscan.  I found this shelf at a thrift store recently for $5.  It is a plate and cup holder normally used in dining rooms but I saw a different use.

Nice stained wood

Metal detail

Before

I liked that it was solid stained wood and had just a touch of detail on the ends. This is what it looked like before.

Finished grouping

The touch of metal and the chalk cherub give it a touch of Tuscany.  And because I already had these no money was involved. 

Five dollars to fabulous!!!!!

Later...

6 Tips for Picking Blackberries

 Greetings from The (surprisingly ripe) Hill

Nothing heralds Summer in more than walking to the berry patch and finding plump ripe blackberries.  The berries I pick grow wild (and I mean wild) along the woods line behind our house.  They normally ripen the first week in July however my berries are already black and juicy.  Blackberry picking is about 2 things - 1. Getting the biggest, sweetest berries while receiving a minimum of scratches and 2. Fighting chiggers.  That's it, real simple.   In order to accomplish these two things country girls go through a lot of trouble year after year.  It is a tough and sometimes dangerous job but well worth the reward.  These are my blackberry picking tips to make the job easier.

1.  Clothes:  Daddy taught me how to dress for berry picking.  Even in the Southern July heat we wore long sleeve shirts, blue jeans, socks and thick boots.  Each element was for a purpose.  Long sleeves so the chiggers could only go so far.  Somethings we even put rubber bands around our wrists. Wearing blue jeans was an attempt to repel the briars.  It gave them something to hang onto besides your skin.  Wearing socks is the same principle as the shirt, cover as much skin as possible.  And thick boots in case you accidentally walk near a snake and upset it.

2.  Tools:  Daddy and I cut a hole in a gallon milk jug and looped our belt through the handle.  Instant berry holder that left both hands free.  And believe me you need both while picking berries.   We also took a hoe.  These days I take an old sickle to knock down briars and brush, pound on the ground to scare the snakes away and pull the limb with the fattest berries to me then I drop them into a plastic bowl sitting on the ground.

3.  Freeze the berries:  When you are finished picking, pour the berries either on a plate or cookie sheet depending on how many you picked and pop them in the freezer unwashed.  If you are not going to use them immediately you want to freeze them as soon as possible.  Let them sit in the freezer while you follow the next steps.

4.  Vinegar: As soon as the berries are in the fridge or freezer pour a good amount of vinegar into a bowl (about 2 cups or more depending on your size).  Hop into the shower without water running and with a wash clothe wash all over with the straight vinegar.  Remember to get all those crevices chiggers like to hide in.  Be cautious around your face.  It's OK to get around the neck, the ears and carefully on the cheeks but please do not get straight vinegar near your eyes.  Voice of wisdom speaking, vinegar stings.  It will also sting every little briar scratch so get ready.  Once you have soaked yourself really well with the vinegar wash it off with luke warm water then turn to cool for a final rinse.

5.  Calamine Lotion:  Now that you are clean get a bottle of calamine lotion, shake well and apply to any and all places chiggers might have already bitten.  For example, underarms, wrists, between the toes, all crevices etc.  I know you are getting dirty just after you got clean but trust me it will keep you from itching.  Anytime you think you feel a chigger tickle, reach for the bottle and add more.  Don't wash off until in the morning then bathe as usual.

6.  Bag the berries:  Once you are covered with the calamine sit down and rest a few minutes then get the berries out of the freezer, put them in a freezer bag and then back into the freezer.  When you get ready to use them you can easily pour out as much as you need, wash to help them thaw and put them in whatever wonderful dish you have decided to make.

I hope you can find some blackberries near you. When you do, tell me all about it.

Later...

Dragonfly

This little guy visited our yard so I snapped a pic.

I'm a big fan of Dragonflys.

Later...

Yard Sale Finds

Greetings from The Hill,

After a very hectic Friday I'm ready for a relaxing Saturday.  And what better way to start a "do as I want to" day than visit a few yard sales.

After stopping at one roadside sale where I didn't find anything I moved on to the charity sale at our local historic gym.  Proceeds are put right back into their remodel/upkeep fund. 

Tate Gym, Tate, GA

Inside the gym

Believe it or not I had P.E. in this very gym when I was in 7th grade.  This is where I learned to hate leg lifts.  Anyway today I found a sectioned condiment holder that will be just right for our "Do".  I also found 2 large coasters. 

Finds today

Then I stopped by another sale on the way home.  It was in the location where Sauter's store was when I was  kid.  Mrs. Sauter's granddaughter kept the building and was there today holding the sale.  It was so great to run into her.  We chatted for a long time about old times then I found a silicone cake pan and muffin pan.  I'd been wanting a new muffin pan and for $2.00 this one was a steal.

If you are yard sale shopping today let me know what you find.

Later....

My Favorite Things Friday

Greetings from The (TGIF) Hill,

I am joining my friend at Milk and Cuddles in posting My Favorite Things Friday.

I have started a new collection - Perfume bottles.  I absolutely love the colors and sometimes the stoppers are the best part.  I get them at a little antique store up the road from where I work.  I sneak over at lunchtime and browse.  Here is the beginning of my collection which is currently My Favorite Thing.

Later ...

July 4th Party Planning

Greetings from The (planning) Hill,

We are having a "Do" at our house for the July 4th weekend.  New to a Do?  At our house it begins by getting the word out.  Save the date's are gone and I'm beginning to hear back.  Then I plan like crazy.  The day before I spend cooking, cleaning, decorating,etc.  The day of begins early with a calming cup of coffee, last minute cooking then the guests begin to arrive around 11:00am.  From that moment on the house is open all day into the evening.  Because it is Independence Day we will have fireworks (legal in our county) to end the evening.


So what do you do at a Lindsey Do?  Spend time with folks you haven't seen in a while, eat, sit outside under the canopy and eat, get the gang together and go do something somewhere else then come back and eat, play with the kids and eat.  See the pattern here?

Most of the time I do a pot luck but this Do will be different.  I will make pulled pork for sandwiches instead of burgers.  Then we will grill brats and dogs and have a Hot Dog and Salad Bar.  I'll get different kinds of buns and a huge bowl of mixed greens and let guests select from the following toppings:

Dill pickles
Dill pickle relish
Chopped Onions
Onion rings
Corn & potatoes cooked in Old Bay
Shredded cheddar
Salsa
Diced tomatoes
Cold slaw
Sauerkraut
Scallions
Cilantro
Bacon
Cucumbers
Onion cooked in vege oil, ketchup & wine
Cherry tomatoes
Dried cranberries
Diced apples

Crumbled Gorgonzola

In addition to the above there will be appetizers, sides, dessert and massive quantities of stuff to drink.

While planning the menu I've also been scouring the Dollar Stores and thrift stores for items I can use to decorate with.  I already have a red, white and blue bunting for the porch.  Here are the additional items I've found so far:

Believe it or not I found these plates and napkins discount priced at my local grocery store. 

Watermelon S&P Shakers

I have a pretty good collection of salt & pepper shakers.  This is one of my summertime sets. I bought this little Aloe plant because it's great for cuts, bug bites and burns.  

Thrift store flower vases

I found these containers at the thrift store for 25 cents each.  I'll take the tops off the cookie containers and plant white petunias.  I will put red ones in the clay pots.  I am still looking for a blue container or two.

Thrift store bowls

In addition to red, white and blue flower vases I am also looking for small red, white and blue containers to put all the many toppings in.  Above are the ones I found today.

Dollar Store finds

I bought 2 holiday tablecloths and 2 of these really great rag rug mats.  The mat is twice the size you see in the picture.  We have a church pew on our front porch that will get one of the mats and a wicker love seat that will get the other one to cover up the pad it has now.


I'm getting really excited about our Do.  If I can pause in my hostess duties I'm take a few pictures to post.


Hope you are having fun planning whatever you plan to do over the holiday weekend.


Later...

5 Dollar Store Decorating Ideas for Summer

Greetings from The (spruced up) Hill,

When the seasons change I love to add a few things around the house to welcome the warm of Spring/Summer. Because these are seasonal items I don’t want to spend a lot of money so I visit the Dollar Stores.  They put seasonal items out early so I can get a jump start. Dollar store items are inexpensive so I can make several changes for not a lot of money and it is just plain fun to poke around and find items that fit in with my house décor.  Below are my favorite ways to spruce up a kitchen or screened porch.


1.  Front Door Mat:  Because dollar store rugs and mats are so inexpensive you can treat them like disposable items.  I recently paid $5.00 for a mat that will get me through the whole year if I want.  That is less than 50 cents a month.

2.  Kitchen Rugs: Buy 2 slice kitchen rugs, one for in front of the sink and one for in front of the dishwasher.  Ever notice how much water gets on the floor in front of the dishwasher?  If you are tired of constantly cleaning it up, let the rug absorb it for you.  Pick a rug you like and use the colors in the rug to set a new spring color theme for your kitchen.  When the season is over these rugs can get packed away and brought out another time.

3.  Cafe Curtains: There is always a wide selection in the curtain aisle of a dollar store.  You can separate the set and use the valance over the sink and the bottom set on a door using small inexpensive tension rods. 

4.  Tablecloth:  Dollar stores often sell tablecloths that match or coordinate with other kitchen items.  I used this vinyl, felt backed tablecloth on the porch.  Because this area gets a lot of use in warm weather the tablecloth will be a disposable item when fall comes.

5.  Sheers:  You can create the feel of an outside room on a screened porch .  Buy sheer panels in a complementing color and hang them in a corner using tension rods.  At end of season they can be packed away for later use.


Do you have any low cost dollar store decorating experiences to share?

Later….

Friday Night Thoughts

 Have you ever sat down to write and just jotted down everything that came to mind, letting one thought lead into another.  I have.  So tonight that will be my blog post.  Here goes.

Like "Coffee Talk" from Saturday Night Live we must begin with a topic to get the ball rolling.  Let's begin with my daughter.  She very rarely sings in front of people.  Tonight she is up in her room just singing away.  I'm eavesdropping I know but I love to hear her.  And of course when I start writing about her she stops.  Leo the cat is having a wild night.  Running to and fro in front of me chasing some imagined pray.  Then he stops quickly and jumps up into the air, spinning around to run the other way.  Silly cat.  DH started watching this show called Whale Wars.  While I believe in stopping folks from killing whales these guys take it a step further and do stuff like shoot red paint at the illegal poacher's ship.  Last night they rammed into a ship causing damage to their hull.  Crazy people.  I gotta watch something else.  Oh yeah, reruns of The Next Food Network Star.  Do you remember Hans Rueffert from Season 1?   The reason he didn't win is that they could not nail down his point of view and that is critical for this show.  His restaurant is up the road from where I work.  He's a great guy who is one of the strongest people I know.  It is because of his talent in the kitchen that I fell in love with Bavarian Red Cabbage.  This rerun is of last season.  Remember Aarti of Aarti Party?  While she won the competition it was Tom Pizzica who made a big splash on Food Network.  DD is going to the grocery store.  Wonder who she will see?  Can't go without running into someone.  I had a really uncomfortable experience recently.  Ran into an old acquaintance who has been diagnosed with a fatal disease.  How do you respond when someone you barely know stands in front of you and says the Dr. told him he was dying?  He had such a hard time this winter that his brother had to buy his groceries and help with other things.  I heard that song I love today on the radio on the way to work, Tim McGraw's "Live Like You Are Dying".  So all day I've been thinking about that.  How would my life be different if I knew my time was limited?  I think little things wouldn't worry me so.  I'd be happy for every minute of every day.  I'd be sure to tell the special people in my life how much they have meant to me.  And I would quickly do the things I could from my Bucket List.  Enough of that.  Truth is every day could be my last so I just need to live like I was dying each day. 

I switched over to a taped episode of Extreme Makeover.  This show makes me cry almost every time.   I've changed my focus in trying to find a footstool.  Because they are so hard to find I'm beginning to think outside the box.  My Twitter friends have given me a couple of really good ideas.  One idea is to find a small table the right wood, scale and shape.  Cut down the legs, pad the top and there ya go, footstool.  Another idea is to find a chair that would do, cut the back off and mount the back two legs like the front two.    The other idea I'm brewing is to ask one of the guys at work to build one using found wood.  I can probably go to the local upholstery store and get scraps of foam and fabric.   I sure could use a footstool right about now.  Just went to take my PM meds and remembered it is Friday night.  Saturday is going to be busy.  Our family reunion is Sunday so there is lots of prep.  Roll Mom's hair, help her make a chicken casserole to take, do the banking and pay bills.  Clean house (especially the bedroom), get ingredients for my dish and make it because it gets better the longer it sits in the fridge.  I'm making a broccoli salad with raisins, sunflower seeds and a delicious dressing made with sugar, mayo and apple cider vinegar.  It's almost summer, time for cookouts and company.  I love when the house is full of folks but stress over what to fix.  Last night I pulled out the recipes of some of my favorite things, appetizers, main dishes, sides and desserts.  Then I grouped them together into meals.  That way when we expect company all I have to do is pull out the prepared menu, buy the ingredients and put it all together.  You don't have to cook a lot of items, just cook a lot of what you plan.

I have lots more to say but think I'm gonna call it quits.  Be bedtime soon.  Hope you have a wonderful weekend.

Later...

P.S. I'm looking for a simplified version of this footstool.  I'll be sure to post a picture of what I wind up with.

Lazy Weekend

Greetings from The (Holiday Weekend) Hill,

I have not missed the purpose of this weekend.  My Daddy was a Navy vet and remembering those who are gone, in the line of service or not, is why we have this holiday.

The weekend began spending time with my Mom.  I love hanging out with her.  I took her to the beauty shop to get a perm.  While there I happened to meet the daughter of a friend of mine.  She and I had never met before and it was a delight getting to know her.  She talked about her "Poppy" tattoo and told me all about him and how special he was to her.  She told me how awesome her Mom and Daddy are.  Turns out her Mom and I have some things in common.  She is a thrift store shopper.

Saturday evening the photographer brought over the proofs of our photo shoot.  There was not a bad pic in the bunch.  Here are a few of my favs.

My beloved better half.

DD and I

DS and Ran behind the home place chicken coop

The two of us

Sunday after church I was so lazy.  All I did was take a nap and visit with DS who came over to do laundry.

Today Ran and I plan to go thrift store shopping (if they are open).  Once the living room began to take shape I realized I need a foot stool.  I want one that is fabric so the cat can't harm it.  It would be nice if it had dark wooden legs.  I don't care about the shape but it needs to be fairly small.  And so the adventure begins.

Hope you have a wonderful holiday.  Be safe and if you know and love a vet tell them you love them and you are glad they are here and say Thank you for all they went through.

Later...

Thrift Store Treasure

Greetings from The (thrifty) Hill,

The day we brought our new living room set home I knew the table in the kitchen (behind the love seat) had to go.  Suddenly it took up too much room and was the place everything was dropped on so it was always cluttered.  The solution was to get rid of the table and find a sideboard.  And so, the search began.

First stop was to search Google images to find out what my preference was.  Found out I wanted simple lines with a touch of architectural detail, light wood and plenty of storage. 

 

So with this information in hand the foot (and finger) work began.  Craig's list and EBay were first.   There was some sweet stuff out there but not at a price I was willing to pay.  Then I began my search at every local store in Jasper.  Antique stores, flea markets, thrift stores, and yard sales.  Jasper is blessed with several thrift stores and I began visiting literally every day.  I knew that one day the right piece would be just around a corner.  I had also opened the search to include bedroom dressers that might fill the bill.

Yesterday I was back at the thrift store looking once again.  Stuff arrives daily and the right piece could show up at any time.  And then, there it was.

 It met my criteria perfectly.  It was indeed a dresser that was the exact size and shape I needed.  The best part????  Only $25.00.  Don't we love thrift stores???

Yep, dresser turned sideboard.  Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.  The table was moved to the back porch.  I will show you that project later.  The table that WAS on the porch is getting taken to the thrift store and the cycle continues.

Looking forward to reading about your thrift store, yard sale finds.

Later...

Unwelcome visitor

Greetings from The (bear infested) Hill,

Every Spring and Fall we are visited by the local bears who are either waking up and hungry or getting ready to bed down and hungry. 

Our poor screens can't stand up to a curious visitor.  Looks like we need to put metal grid all around, not just on the bottom of the door.

Later.....

Family Photo Shoot

Greetings from The (photogenic) Hill,

We celebrated my sister's birthday yesterday.  I gave her a photo shoot and included the whole family.  We had a party at Mom's then the photographer arrived and the fun began.  Kyle, the photographer, had to sing Amazing Grace to get folks to laugh.  It was a hoot.  Mom did great but got tired of smiling after being in group photos with all of us. 

Randy followed Kyle and took pics on his own. 

This is a shot of our kids.  Kyle actually shot them doing some fake ninja moves.  Ben hung upside down from a tree and "fought" Birdie.  It was great.  Those two took some great shots together. 

This is a shot of Ran shooting Kyle shooting Ben.  We took our family pics at Grandmother's & Grandad's old homeplace.  It had so much character and was a great place to shoot.  The building you see here was Grandad's wood working shop. 

It was a fun day for everyone and Sis said it was a great present for her. 

Later...

Last Day on Earth. Let's Go!!!!!

Inspired by others I decided to think about what I wouldn't do if the world were to end tomorrow.  Here is my list.

1.  I wouldn't have to tell folks close to me I love them, they know.  I tell them every time I see them.

2.  I wouldn't go to work.  Did I even need to say that one???

3.  I wouldn't have to watch Weight Watchers points.  YAY - I'd start with Dutch Monkey Doughnuts, eat massive quantities of pasta and end with 5 kinds of dessert - lemon bars, ice cream, cobbler (any flavor except cherry), that green jello, whipped topping stuff we have at Thanksgiving and since it will be my last day on earth and migraines are not an issue, tons and tons of chocolate!!!

4.  I wouldn't spend time on the computer.  I doubt others would either.

5.  I wouldn't be afraid of heights anymore.  If I fall, it's just a day early.  So I'd go zip lining through the treetops.

6.  I wouldn't wash dishes or do housework.

7.  I wouldn't pick the car up from the shop.  What's the point of wasting that money.  I'd take the money and go shopping.  Of course I wouldn't be able to use anything I bought but it'll be fun to buy whatever I want!!

8.  I wouldn't keep the cat inside.  If it's his last day too he needs to spend it outside in the grass and exploring the woods.

9.  I wouldn't spend one minute away from my husband.  He would make my last day fun.

10.  Oops I wouldn't be able to do #3, #5 or #7.  I'm sure folks who run restaurants, stores and entertainment would be taking the day off too.  They'll have their own "What I'll do on my last day" list as well.

So what WILL I do?  Get together with my family and spend all day talking, laughing and eating.  What a better way to spend my last day?  And when Jesus comes we'll all be together to meet Daddy, brother, sister and grandparents.  Looking forward to it, are you ready?????  LET'S GO!!!!!!!

Spring/Summer On The Hill

Greetings from The (Spring/Summer) Hill,

Dog pen is behind that tree straight ahead

Just as seasons change on The Hill my background needs to change on the Blog.  Right now The Hill is green, green, green.  There are not a lot of flowers yet but the trees are in full leaf.  We are still in that place where the weather is hot one day and cool the next.  Today is cold and windy.

I have planted sunflowers on two sides of the (unused) dog pen.  When (if) they grow they will camouflage the pen.

Miss Biscuit

The pen was intended for Biscuit who is such a sweet dog that she stays on the porch unless one of us goes walking.









I also planted some shade wildflowers all around the property.  Some in the dog pen, some beside the driveway and some randomly around the woods.  I thought about Daddy the whole time.  He was always busy planting in the spring, just like my brother does. 

With spring also comes visits from the newly awake bears.  One has already visited to see if he/she can find food.  DH poured Clorox in the trash can.  Bears have a keen sense of smell and Clorox doesn't smell good so they pass by.

Touches of Spring

 Greetings from The Hill,

When I read the book written about Dave Thomas of Wendy's there was one concept that has stayed with me ever since.  Dave wanted his restaurants to look clean and was a firm believer in a coat of paint to spruce things up.

I typically do a little redecorating every Spring and Fall just to spruce things up.  Sometimes it's something small like adding new pillows or place mats and sometimes it's big involving repainting and purchasing additional pieces of furniture and accessories.

This spring I've done everything but paint.  We purchased new living room furniture so that meant we had to rearrange our room entirely.  I like the new arrangement.  I've always heard decorators say that a small room can carry big pieces.  The furniture we chose proves that true.  It is so much bigger than our other couches yet it feels we have more space than before.




Then today I visited our local discount (read "dollar") store for a box of Swiffer sheets and came home with tons of new things that make the house more welcoming for spring.  I bought a new welcome mat for the front door and a scatter rug for the living room but most of the items I purchased were for the kitchen.

This season I am drawn to a green, pear and orange theme.  This little shot glass was my inspiration.

(Yes, I know these are lemons)

So while I was at the store I found this kitchen towel.  Pear, green and orange.  Something about that color combination just grabbed me.  So I went looking further.

Then I found this rug.

Next was a new table cloth for the snack table.

And finally I changed out the place mats on the table.




















It's a little matchy, matchy than I usually do but I like it and that's all that matters.  And there you have it.  My new color scheme for spring.

Later...