Oh, Just for the Fun of It!!

For those of you who are older, you'll remember this. Those of you who are not. . . Just skip this post :)

A while ago while browsing through the antique stores near our cottage, I came across the above little "gem." Remember the joke, (before caller ID), when someone would call you and ask, "Do you have Prince Albert in a can?" If you responded "Yes," they would say, "Well, let him out!" Listen people, I'm not actually old enough to remember cigarettes in a can, but I remember my parents (and grandparents) telling me about this. Kind of along the lines of "Is your Westinghouse (refrigerator) running?" "Well go catch it!" Oh, never mind.

I thought this cute little antique conversation piece would be just a perfect addition to our basement game room area. And it is. It was only $5. Even if no one gets the joke (like our kids looked at me like I was crazy - but hey, they always thought popcorn was made in the microwave, that we always had microwaves and that remotes always changed the TV channel). . . well at least my Dad enjoyed seeing this treasure. He "got it!" *sigh* I think this aging thing may actually be starting to get to me!!

Blessings. . . until next time friends,

Valentine's Swap Goodies

Janae, from Object of Maya*ffection was my partner from Dolly's Valentine's Swap. This was my first swap and very fun. . . I must say!

What a surprise to have my package arrive early. I did run to the computer to make sure I didn't misunderstand the "send by date." I didn't. Janae is one of the "early" gals.

Even the box was decorated with Valentine's greetings. I opened the box and found this lovely bundle of goodies.

A lovely hand painted and decorated vintagey box, which contained everything. Some heart candles; homemade heart suckers; a little notebook all heartish; a special vintage Valentine with a mink accent and antique jewelry piece secured to the hat; a little pewter "listen to your heart" ornament; chocolate kisses in Valentine's cupcake papers; a little bag of Valentine's confetti secured with a heart surrounded with pearl beads and some chocolate! What a lovely surprise and thank you Janae! This was so fun to play along. I hope Janae's package arrives within the next day or so. Thank you Dolly for hosting this Valentine's Swap too!

Blessings. . . until next time,

CAN YOU SAY AAAHHH?!?!

Well, I finally did it. I did something very unusual for ME. I never go out and spend an unusually large amount of money on myself. Purchase something expensive for my hubs, oh yes. Purchase something expensive for our daughters, oh yes. . . but purchase something extravagant for me? NEVER. Well this time I did! I purchased myself a pair of Ugg's. Pure delight I tell ya, pure delight! Australian sheepskin leather with that shearling lining ~ ~ H E A V E N ~ ~. Susan, from Blackeyed Susan's Kitchen inspired me to get myself a pair. . . and I'm so happy I did. Susan already had a few pair of Ugg's then received another pair for Christmas. She blogged about how wonderful they were. I started thinking I needed a pair of those myself.

The only problem I am having? Keeping my girls out of them!! Guess someday, I'll have to buy them their own pair.

Oh, yes, and the hub's reaction? "It's about time you did that for yourself!"

Blessings. . . until next time,

*Sigh* A True Thing of Beauty!!

My collection is now complete! . . . That is until Mary Carol Garrity releases another decorating book.

My decorating buddies out there certainly know about Nell Hill's, Mary Carol Garrity Decorating books. *Bliss* I tell you, pure *Bliss*. I could look at them over and over again. And I do. They are about the only books I own that I will absolutely. . . not. . . loan. . . out. . . they are that precious to me! Someday I hope to be able to visit Mary's brick and mortar shops.


Stylish Weddings was recently released earlier this month and I received my copy a few weeks ago. I pre-ordered my copy on Amazon. I am not planning a wedding any time in the near future, but with having two daughters, I know this will come in handy "someday!"

Then, one day while surfing on Amazon for something (that I can't even remember now). . . I always check for any copies of Mary Carol Garrity's Christmas at Home book. This book is now out of print. Oh yes, you can still purchase this book used from individuals on the Amazon approved list. . . but the book is now going from $60 and up. A little too pricey for my budget. While surfing . . . And what to my wondering eyes do appear? A copy of Nell Hill's Mary Carol Garrity's Christmas at Home book. What caught my eye about this copy? There was a seller - selling a "Like New" condition book for $8.54 with S & H an additional $3.99. Making the grand total for this absolutely fabulous, drool over book, $12.53!!! $12.53!!! The seller was
http://www.bookcloseouts.com/ When my book arrived, it was even better than I thought it would be. The only, only thing I noticed was that the back cover had a tiny crease in it at the top. It doesn't even appear to have been read prior to me devouring it.

For me it was like Christmas Day. . . all. . . over. . .again (and my birthday thrown in there too)! What a find this was and I couldn't be happier.

And, now my little collection is complete and I am one happy decorating fool.

Blessings. . . until next time,

Second Post - I've Been Tagged 2 Times!!

Lib, from Lib's Private Paradise has tagged me to play this game. I've played this game before so I'll try to think of different things to list about me. Here are the rules: Link to the person who tagged you. Post rules. Share 7 random or weird things about you.

Here goes:

1. I'm the baby of the family (but have always, and still do, act like the oldest!)

2. I married a first born. (almost 27 years ago.)

3. My husband and I met at church. (. . . and we still attend together, but a different church now).

4. My oldest daughter was my birthday gift 20 years ago. She was born one day before my birthday (best "gift" a mom could ever receive).

5. I LOVE to get pedicures!! (*sigh - don't get them as much as I would like to - budget ya know?)

6. I love old jazz. (I play it when no one is home so I don't get made fun of).

7. I'm scared to death of gerbils, hamsters, Guinea pigs, mice and the likes. (Don't understand how people could actually keep these rodents for pets! Yuck!)


Then Rhoda, from Southern Hospitality tagged me for this - 4 Things About Me Post. Honestly people, I tell ya, I'm not all that exciting. I am a very non-exciting, basically boring person. But. . . here goes anyways. . .

4 jobs I've had:
Newspaper Library - Morgue they called it (my first job at 15)
Administrative Assistant
Buyer for an automotive manufacturer
Decorator for a Fabric Manufacturer

4 movies I watch over and over:
Funny Farm
White Christmas
That's about it people.

4 places I've lived:
Michigan
Texas
Michigan
Michigan (gee I think I should move!)

4 TV shows I watch:
I don't really watch much TV, I think it's a thief of my "time." If I do happen to turn it on it is ALWAYS HGTV or DIY, but I NEVER turn it on to catch a certain program, NEVER!

Places I've been:
St. Thomas/St. Johns
Aruba
Hawaii/Maui
Venezuela

4 people who email me regularly:
Husband (he travels. . . remember?)
Kathy
Teri
Father-in-law

4 favorite things to eat:
Reuben sandwich
Shrimp
Cold Stone Creamery
Peach Pie

4 places I'd rather be:
Traveling with my husband
Florida
Arizona
Hawaii

4 things I look forward to this year:
Being successful at Weight Watchers/Eating Healthier
Going to Barbados with my husband in April
Taking a "family" get-a-way weekend next month - not the cottage but a hotel with maids, pool and restaurants! So mom here gets a break!
Organizing my basement work room.

4 people I will tag for both games:
PattiJ from Crafty Obsessions
Cherry from Tales From Pixie Wood
Linda from Reminisce. . . and this and that
Karla/Grace from Rose Cottage Lane

OK, girls....you're it!

To Have a Good Day!!

Really, don't you think so much of how our day will turn out is just a mind-set? So, with that said, I'm off to accomplish that goal for today. . . and to finish a few waiting projects.

Blessings. . . until next time,

A Lovely, Unexpected, Surprise!!

In addition to my new microwave/convection oven combo unit. . . my hubs surprised me with this wonderful, new, delightful appliance. A Kitchen Aid Deluxe Heavy Duty Mixer. I have a dying Sunbeam Mixmaster that I received as a shower gift . . . way back when. . . and I've had it serviced a few times. After having it serviced the last time I told my husband that I would love to "some-day" own a Kitchen Aid Heavy Duty Stand Mixer. Well, I guess that "some-day" came for me.

The time to receive this unexpected gift is great because here in Michigan it's been cold and snowy. Might as well stay indoors and "nest" away. Baking for my family has never been more enjoyable for me. . . and . . . I . . . absolutely. . .love it!! I've been making recipes I haven't made in a while and having so much fun in the process. Am I one blessed lady, or what?

Well, I have to go and give away some baked good now so they are not sitting around our house tempting me. You know. . . "Outta sight, out of mind. . . or in my mouth and on my behind!!" I think perhaps the elderly couple who recently moved in across the street may enjoy some homemade banana bread :)

Blessings. . . until next time,

Suggestions, Advice. . . Anyone?????

Due to the fact my oven/microwave combination unit was recalled. . . we were forced to upgrade. Well, actually G.E. offered either a repair or money towards a new combo oven. We had a few problems in the past with our old oven/combo so we decided to just take the money and get a new one. So, this time I went for the microwave/convection oven combo. Supposedly, it is supposed to save energy costs and cook food faster. I adore how it looks with the sleek black and stainless steel design. This oven has the capability of turning off the convection and just using the oven the conventional way. It also has an feature which will automatically adjust a conventional oven recipe to convection temperature. How cool is that? I guess I'll have to read the manual. There are buttons for things I have never even heard of before. . . like. . . a Reminder button, a Probe button, a Warm/Proof button.

Do any of you have a convection oven? If so, do you like it? Do you find it really cooks foods faster and heats more evenly? Are there any tips or suggestions you could pass this way to me? I would appreciate any and all input.

Of course, my all so handy, do everything himself hubby (for which I am truly blessed!) decided to remove the old oven/microwave combo and replace with my new oven/microwave combo during the time the 11 cheerleaders were arriving at our house for the sleepover on Saturday night. Sure, we always have a mess like this going on while parents are coming in and out and cheerleaders are cartwheeling all around :) Why not?

Blessings. . . until next time,

Oh Winston, What Have They Done to YOU????

Saturday our 13 year old (almost 14 aauugghh) had her school's first of three scheduled Competitive Cheer meets of the season. It was fun, exciting and I lost most of my voice screaming for our team. Afterwards the team celebrated by going out to lunch then going to the mall. Anyways, in a weak moment, I consented to allowing the Cheer Team (11 screaming, hyper, cartwheeling girls) to have a sleep over in our basement that night, Saturday.

Actually, it wasn't too bad. I made brownies, ordered pizza, the parents all brought a snack or pop for the girls to share. But what I didn't know was while at the mall the girls bought hair dye. It's the kind that is supposed to wash out when the hair is shampooed. They were in the bathroom cutting their bangs, dying their hair and my dog's hair. "Look" they said to me. I see my poor little Yorkshire Terrier, Winston Churchill with spiked hair pieces now dyed pink and blue. Poor Winston. I can't blame him if he bites the next cheerleader he sees now can I?

Blessings. . . until next time,

OK, Party's OVER!!

Yes, I sure had fun while it lasted!! All that Holiday Hoopla, eating foods I don't normally have available, holiday baking, cooking and candy making! Oh, those were the days my friend. . . but the Party's OVER!! I committed to doing something about this growing body of mine long before the holidays. I gave myself permission to enjoy whatever I wanted during the holidays. . .for the end was near for me!!


This was the week to get serious again. I'm getting older and need to take off about 30 lbs I figure. Oh, I've taken it off before. . . yes, the same 30 lbs! Wouldn't you think that I would "get smart" and keep it off? Oh, well, never stop trying is my motto. What is done, is done, but I can control from here on out what I "do." So, on Monday a buddy and I were back at Weight Watchers. We've knick-named ourselves, "The Chub Club!!" It amazes me how this happened. Did this weight just sneek up? A few pounds here, a few pounds there?


Weight Watcher's . . . it's such common sense actually. Eat less, weigh less. Make healthy choices. Natural foods, fruits, vegetables, etc. I never used to be in my younger days, but I am certainly a stress eater now. I think it's called "children??" I've said lately that maybe I should have been born a cow because I like to graze all day.


Anyways, this is the year for "ME!" Take care of myself. The year for "Sher." I've been very good this week and feel wonderful. I've been exercising and eating properly. Mostly being aware of what I stuff in my mouth without giving it a second thought is so important for me.


The above picture is actually a Weight Watcher friendly cookie. I made them this afternoon for my family and they are great with a cup of coffee. Here's the recipe if you are interested. 2 WW points for those of you who are counting.


Oatmeal-Raisin Cookies = 2 pts. each



1 cup all-purpose flour
1 cup old-fashioned rolled oats
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp. baking soda
1/4 tsp. salt
1/2 cup Splenda
1/2 cup packed light brown sugar
2 egg whites
2 Tbsp. canola oil
1 tsp. vanilla extract
1/2 cup raisins*


Preheat oven to 350*F. Coat 2 baking sheets with cooking spray. Combine first five ingredients. At medium speed beat sugars, egg whites, oil and vanilla until blended and thick. Reduce speed to low; gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in raisins. Drop tablespoonfuls of dough onto baking sheets 2" apart. Bake 12-15 minutes or until golden. Cool 2 minutes. Transfer in racks; cool.

*I soak my raisins in warm water before adding. They are softer and more plump this way.

Makes 24 cookies. Per cookie: 85 cals.; 1 g. protein; 1 g. fat (0 g. saturated); 0 mg. chol.; 17 g. carbs.; 57 mg. sodium; 1 g. fiber; 10 g. sugar


Blessings. . . until next time,

. . . Like Vitamins?. . . Or Coffee?

Thanks Lib, from Lib's Private Paradise for passing on this award to me. It is an award for Blogs you visit daily to get your daily fix of Sunshine. I love the little "conversation heart pills" How cute is that? And so appropriate with Valentine's Day around the corner. Yeah, I know it's not until next month, but here in the cloudy, cold, snowy, rainy, windy - never know what's happening weather-wise north here in Michigan. . . we need something to look forward to. . . because we sure don't get much Sunshine.

Thank you Lib, your blog gives me my daily Sunshine too. Lib lives in the beautiful state of Tennessee and practices the Simple Life. Always a pleasure to visit Lib. Check out her blog for some added daily Sunshine.

Now, I'm passing this award onto EVERYONE who clicks onto my blog. Well, consider yourselves AWARDED!!

Blessings. . . until next time,

. . . Valentine's Day? Yeah!!

As I shared in my "7 Random Things About Sher" post. . . I tend to be wwwwaaaayyy too organized at times and can annoy my family. Organizing, planning, etc. Well, my mindset is "why not. . . plan. . . be organized?" For me, it just makes life easier. I can't function well in chaos or confusion. . . so that's just my problem. Some people function fine in chaos and confusion, and that's just fine too.

So, with that said. . . the Christmas decor is down and I thought "why not" go ahead and put up the Valentines decor? I don't have a lot, but some. Why not make special days. . . special? I like to make memories for my girls and make small things special in life. Memories don't always just happen. . . sometimes you have to make them happen. My 20 year old has assured me that I did indeed make her childhood special. That makes me happy.

With winter in Michigan dragging, gray, cold, cloudy and damp, it's nice to have something to look forward to. So, that's why I put up a small amount of Valentine's decor, followed by a small amount of St. Patrick's Day decor, and then Easter. Did you all know that Easter comes WAY early again this year? In March? On March 23? I was surprised. I like it when Easter is in April. At least in Michigan, Spring will be around the corner. March is iffy. We can still have snow. You have never seen anything as funny as a bunch of Michiganders in their Spring Easter clothing, going to church with their winter coats, hats, gloves, boots and scarves. . . with their new Easter clothing underneath!

Dolly, from My CHERRY Heart is hosting a Valentine's Swap. If you're interested, check it out. I'm participating in my first ever swap. . . because. . . it's winter and Michigan. . . and I need something to look forward to :)


Blessings. . . until next time,

7 Random Things About Me

One of my blogging friends, Lib from Lib's Private Paradise tagged me for this "game" on Sunday night. . . but we had just gotten back from the cottage. . . after digging out from the snow we had when we arrived at the cottage. . . then from the snow that fell while we were at the cottage - 8". . . and then. . . we had more snow at our home-home fall on Monday night. . . um, like 12" of snow. So, I guess you could say, "I've been a little snowed under! " or maybe "I've been a little under the weather!" And, let's not even talk about the hours I spent taking down all the Christmas decorations!

. . . so, this is the first chance I've really had to think about this post.

So, here I go. This is how I understand it works . . . drum roll please. . . the RULES:

Link to the person that tagged you, I did, Lib.
Post the rules on your blog. (doing this now)
Share 7 random and/or weird facts about yourself on your blog. (see below)
Tag 7 random people at the end of your post and include links to their blogs. (to follow)
Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog. (will do)

7 random and/or weird facts about Sher

1. I don't like to wake to an alarm clock. . . I prefer to wake. . . when I wake. . . whenever that may be (ha-ha, like I actually get to do this . . . but when I do, oh it's absolute "heaven.")
2. I tend to be wwwaaaayyy too organized (to the point of being annoying to my family :)
3. I have always wished for a sister. . . my whole. . . entire. . . life. I have a brother - but that doesn't count! Sisters just have this bond that brothers and sisters don't.
4. Actually, I enjoy the 4 seasons of Michigan. You sure don't get bored with the weather at least! You never know when it will change either. We can have winter and spring in one day, or summer and fall in another day! It can be that drastic of a change.
5. My dream vacations are actually "vacations" - sitting on a beach in a cabana (can't be in the sun, I have Lupus) , doing absolutely nothing but reading a book, and having someone bring me tall. . . cool. . . drinks. . . all. . . . day. . . long (without having to ask for them, of course!) :)
6. I love being home alone. Yes, totally and completely. . . by. . . myself. . . with the house quiet *sigh*
7. I love to do random acts of kindness for people . . . because it blesses that person. . . but the funny thing is. . . I'm the one who ends up being blessed, by seeing that person's reaction!!


OK, now to pass this on to 7 fellow AMAZING bloggers. (It's always so hard for me to choose because I enjoy so many blogs - so I just try to spread the love <3 around when I give out these awards. To me, everyone who blogs is AMAZING :)


1. Susan from Black Eyed Susan's Kitchen
2. Tina from Cherry Hill Cottage
3. Dolly from My Cherry Heart
4. Allison from My Cozy Home
5. Cindy from My Romantic Home
6. Dawn from The Feathered Nest
7. Susan from Not Quite June Cleaver


Blessings. . . until next time.

God's Richest Blessings to You and Yours in 2008!!

To all of my wonderful friends, family and blogging buddies:

Wishing you good health, happiness and the love of family and friends in 2008!!

Blessings. . . until next time,