Have a Wonderful Labor Day Weekend

Knitting Away

I spent Wednesday afternoon in my favorite LYS (local yarn store), DAILY FIBER YARN CO, just hanging out, knitting and catching up with old and new friends.

God is In the Details

Isn't God creative? These beautiful grapes are from my friend and neighbor, Sheryl's, back yard. They are very yummy and beautiful.

Silhouette of the Statue of Liberty

Silhouette of the Statue of Liberty, originally uploaded by Mikkel Elbech.

Next week DH and I leave for a business trip to New York City! I'm excited and a little overwhelmed. Because it is a business trip there will be hardly any time for shopping or sightseeing. I have never REALLY been to New York City. Years ago when we lived in Boston we drove through it a couple of times on our way to visit our families in Kansas City. Yep, that was a long drive with little kids. Once we hopped onto a bus that took us into the City to see Beauty and the Beast. We had a little time to go into FAO Schwartz as I remember. After the production, we hopped back onto the bus and returned to Massachusetts, all in the same day. Whew. There is so much to see and do there that it is seriously intimidating. I would like to see ABC Carpet and Home and Tinsel Trading, if possible. If I thought about it long enough, I'd have a very long list, but no time. Bummer. By the way, isn't Mikkel's photo breathtaking? Thanks for letting me use it.

Wonderful Evening

Last night we met some business associates for dinner at Maestro's Ocean Club in Newport Beach. They serve meat and seafood with side dishes served family style. My absolutely favorite and entirely not low-fat is Gorgonzola Mac and Cheese! OH MY GOODNESS! Now, mac and cheese was my favorite dinner growing up. But, it was certainly not as fancy as this was. My Mom used velveeta and we even cut up hot dogs in it. I do love it that way, Mom. I'm going to have to try and make this new version someday. Then we went by limo to the
Pageant of the Masters in Laguna Beach. This is the most incredible event and is beyond description. Different types of artwork are depicted with real people; sculpture, paintings, fountains, friezes. It's incredibly amazing and has been a yearly event since the 1930's or even earlier. It is definitely a Southern California must-see. Sorry, pictures taking was not allowed, but the website is better anyway.

Chicago's Magnificent Mile

I just came upon this wonderful dress made for the Gardens of the Magnificent Mile, aka Michigan Avenue in downtown Chicago. We lived outside of Chicago for 7 years and I always looked forward to the gardens along Michigan Avenue. The beautiful art displays began with the famous cows a few years ago. (I think, anyway) These "dresses" are being auctioned off on ebay at The Gardens of Magnificent Mile ebay store. Have a look, the auctions are almost over! This one above is my favorite.

Farmer's Market Flowers

I thought I'd show you the bouquet of flowers that I bought at our farmer's market last week. They were so exotic and only $5 so I had to bring them home. I was told that the big flowers are called Protea. These are a little different than the beautiful sunflowers that Pig-Town Designs bought at her farmer's market. Being from the Midwest, the sunflowers are more what I'm used to. I thought I'd show you what we have out here in SoCal.

Time for a Change

I have always wanted to have a BIG clock on this wall. Then they were EVERYWHERE, even Target. I bought this one at Kirklands as a smaller "make-do" version till I found the right thing.Leave it to Martha to come up with my next project. I LOVE this stenciled clock that is in her September issue of Martha Stewart Living. How do you think this will work?

Baking Powder Biscuits

My mother made these for me all the time for breakfast. They were my favorites. I think when I was really little I called them bisics. These are from the Better Homes and Garden New Cookbook, page 105, in mine at least. Mine is the 1976 copyright.

A pizza stone works really well. My Mom always made them in a round cake pan.

They're especially good with butter & jam or honey. I bought my blackcurrant jam at Harrods in London. That's about all I could afford at Harrods.

Baking Powder Biscuits

2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

3 tsp baking powder

1/2 tsp salt

1/3 cup shortening

3/4 cup milk

Sift dry ingredients into a bowl, cut in shortening till like coarse crumbs. Make a well, add milk all at once. Stir with fork just until dough follows fork around the bowl. Turn onto lightly floured surface. Knead gently 10 to 12 strokes. Roll dough 1/2 inch thick. Cut with round cutter. Bake on ungreased baking sheet at 450 about 12 minutes. Makes 10.

Kitchen Corners

I thought I'd show you my kitchen counters. Woo hoo, you say? Well, I'll have you know I like my kitchen counters! Some people need to have empty counters to feel okay. NOT ME! I don't want any appliances on my counters, thank you very much. My counters need to be utilitarian, but pretty at the same time. By the way, I do cook. My youngest may not agree with that since I don't cook much on the weekends and that's when she comes around. But, when DH is home, I cook. Here is part of my ironstone collection doing it's job. The little can is a reproduction label on an empty can, purchased at the Kane County Flea Market in St. Charles, Illinois. That's a great flea market, by the way. The little salt cellar is from Sur La Table.

These jars are from Target. I can't spell it like I say it, but you know what I mean. Buddy especially loves the one in the front. The biggest one is full of cookie cutters, some old, some new. And yes, that's a stirrup holding napkins. My Mom had one for years so, of course, I needed one. Doesn't everyone? I really do hate those obnoxious outlets, though.

Here is a flower frog holding an old family recipe. Also, herbs are being stored on a stamp caddy. Dishsoap, balsamic vinegar and olive oil sit on a silver tray by the sink.

I found this silverplate wine cooler at the thrift store. It's perfect for utensils. I especially love old rolling pins. This one came from the Rose Bowl Flea Market, which is also very awesome. In the background is a plate by Emma Bridgewater. I LOVE her pottery. I bought a sugar and creamer when we went to London last Fall. Oh, by the way, she's British. The paper towels are being held by an old paper cutter I bought on ebay. A fun use for an old gadget. There is actually a little more, but it's a mess at the moment so I'm not showing pictures. How do you like your counters?

Fun Project

I saw this big blank spot next to my desk. What an opportunity! So, off I went to Lowe's. I couldn't buy the exact product I wanted so "Mr. Lowes" suggested I use ceiling tiles. He sold some extras to me for practically nothing, something like $1. This is up and finished, but I wouldn't recommend ceiling tiles. Staples don't stay in very well. I used fabric and ribbons that I had. Some of the ribbon is from my grandmother's sewing box, some I bought YEARS ago for coats for my girls, some are from current shopping trips. Basically, I think it turned out lovely. For the next two pictures, I want you to guess what these items were originally used for. If you are friends and family that already know, NO FAIR TELLING. This may be easy for you. We'll see.

I really enjoy taking something and giving it a new purpose, or Repurposing.

Oh, here's a hint at another one of my collections. The plate on the left is a Nebraska State plate. I have a few. ;-)

BLOGS UNITE!

Did you know I have another blog? Yep. Originally, I meant for my blogs to have separate identities. I have yet to define that very well, so for the time being, I'm going to combine them and only post on Elderberry Street. If you'd like to read my previous posts click on this link, Heliumhand. These kids are getting married in 5 weeks! The final preparations are being finished. It's going to be beautiful. You can see a few posts about the preparations on my other blog. From now on, Elderberry Street will be a little more personal.

I WON!

Wowie, Zowie! I've never been a favorite before. This is my first time! Thank you to Tina from The Artful Life for naming me one of her favorite blogs. I'm truly amazed. Now, let's see if I can follow directions: First, add the logo. . .

Got it.
Second, link to The Artful Life. Did that, hopefully it works.
Third: nominate at least 7 other blogs. Uh Oh. That's hard.

1. Romantic Home

2. Homespun Living

3. Snippet and Ink

4. The Inspired Room

5. Raised In Cotton

6. Simple Sparrow

7. the adventures of bluegirlxo

8. The Yarn Harlot
These are a range of blogs on decor, crafts, weddings and knitting. Enjoy.

Thank you to two nice ladies who helped me get these links right!!!!! YEAH!

Girlie Guest Room

This is my guest room and the askew collection of rose paintings. Two of them aren't roses and are from Home Goods (black frames). The rest are from antique and thrift stores. There's obviously a spot for one more. Even the sconces were from a thrift store, they are gilt and have roses on them too.

This little print is one of my favorites. The doggie is catching the drips from the bottom of the ice cream cone. I bought it for $1 and had it rematted. They changed the glass, which I wasn't too happy about. The candle sticks are from ebay and really are the same color. I couldn't get a good picture of my vintage floral curtains with, YES, roses on them. I'll post them another day.

These little bookends are precious and I found them at an antique store in Massachusetts. They were used in my daughter's room growing up and I just can't part with them. Any male visitors to our home just have to "suffer" in the girlie guest room. There are worse things!

God is In the Details

The day before this picture the evening sky was filled with beautiful coral pink clouds in a deep blue background. This day the clouds were a subtle mix of gray and white. I still thought they were beautiful. I don't have big, puffy thunderstorm clouds to photograph, but we do have sunset pictures.

Lamps and Stewardship

Since I'm lamp shopping, I thought I'd show you my FAVORITE lamp. I bought this at Scentimental Gardens, http://www.scentimentalgardens.com/, which at the time was in St. Charles, Illinois. Now it is in Geneva, Illinois. I absolutely love crewel work. This is in our Master Bedroom where we have more of a beach vibe going on. It all has yet to be perfected. Since most of my lamps are from Pottery Barn or Restoration Hardware, this venture into beautiful lamps is kind of intimidating. I still use brass lamps from the 80's and 90's. Some of them are classic and I hate to stop using them. Any opinions out there about brass lamps?

Here's a philosophical question about decorating, if it can be philosophical. I try to spend my money wisely. So, I struggle with this dilemma. Is it better to buy something inexpensive at say, Home Goods, because SOMEDAY you can justify getting rid of it or buy something beautiful, but expensive and never feel okay about updating it? That's a long sentence. A friend of mine who dabbles in decorating feels like if you love it you won't ever want to get rid of it. But, don't tastes change to some degree? How much am I a victim of the everchanging fashion of the day? How about you? Is it better stewardship of my resources to buy quality or a cheaper trend? Just wondering.

Endless Possibilities

I have been picturing a red lamp in our office. I was looking for a chandelier for the Great Room and just happen to come upon this. Isn't it pretty? This Currey and Company catalog could be DANGEROUS! Here's another beautiful chandelier possibility. The only problem is this one could be too large for over the piano.

Light Possibility

This is the chandelier I'm considering for over the piano. It's Isabella by Currey & Company. Isn't it lovely?

Great Room

This is our great room. Originally it was designed to be a living/dining room. I don't really need a dining room, so I converted it to a Great Room. You can tell by the chandelier that is hung over the piano now. There are only a few things I would still like to do in here. One is replace this okay chandelier with something fancier. I had this huge mirror custom made to fit this wall. It just needed a big mirror that would bring light into the room and reflect the garden. It's big and heavy and we needed help to hang it.

These baskets are good, but it still needs some help. What are your opinions about fake plants? I prefer live ones, but in these kinds of situations, I'm thinking it needs some ivy or something. The speakers don't help. They are much better than the ones my husband had when we married 28 years ago. They were our end tables!

The other thing I want to do is have window treatments made. I've got a specific idea, linen drapes with blue toile scalloped valances. I'll scan a picture of them when my dead computer gets fixed. Lastly, this room needs crown molding. As I look at this picture the creme table cloth is standing out to me. Should this be gold too? I'm sick of gold.

Collections

I have a lot of collections, none of them are large. My husband was playing with our new camera and took this picture. It doesn't really show all of my frogs, plus some are in other locations. But, here are several of my flower frogs in a big wooden bowl on my kitchen table. As you can see there are other little things in here too. The little lady is keeping watch to make sure all the frogs are behaving. This is another small collection of vintage bottles that I love. These windows are the perfect display space for them. I have 3 southern exposure windows like this. Therefore, I need more bottles don't you think? Maybe even a little glass shelf for them to sit on. But, this is earthquake country, so maybe not.

Buddy's wondering. . .

Buddy's wondering where we've been lately. We've been out of blogging mode because of travel and internet problems. Hopefully the internet problems are resolved and travel has slowed for a little while. If you're considering flying anywhere, have a Plan B. We were just notified that Midwest Airlines cancelled our flights to our daughter's wedding NEXT MONTH! Fortunately, Southwest Airlines has come to our rescue.