Monday, January 12, 2009

Two for One ~ Blue Monday & Trash To Treasures....

Long story short,
Monday's Blue Monday post is
combined with Tuesday's Trash to Treasure post.
Now I can't separate them without losing pictures.
Sorry!
So, if you're still with me, you might want to get comfortable for the long post! {smiles}

For my Blue Monday contribution,
I'm traveling back in my archives to October,
and the NC State Fair,
which had the following display of a BLUE horse....

....and a BLUE cow!

With a notable Cow Tail.

A few more pics of our day at the fair.

David never meets a stranger.
He would talk to the wall, if he thought it was listening.
5 seconds on the ride, and he made a friend.


Ashley and David rode a few together....


I had to sneak this picture.
Ashley expressing some brotherly love.
These moments really make me smile! :)


And MY favorite part of the fair....

Funnel Cakes....

I can't wait until Spring and the flowers it brings...
{...sigh...}

For more BLUE on this MONDAY,
visit Sally, at Smiling Sally!

...........................


Trash to Treasures Tuesday
is hosted by Diane, at A Picture is Worth a 1,ooo Words.

My mantle has been cleared of Christmas.....


...only the wreath remains.


The white vase in the middle was found at a thrift store for $4.00.
I wanted to fill it with fresh flowers, but the local "affordable" places were nearly out.
Boxwoods were used instead.



Yard sale plate. Can't remember the price, but I'm sure that it was under a dollar.



Silver ice bucket, an eBay find. Such a versatile and useful piece, making it's third appearance on my blog in some capacity.

I encourage you to visit both of these ladies, for more great contributions!

~Rhonda :)

68 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda! I'm getting a jump on blue Monday :0)
What fun blue you have and I just L-O-V-E that Ebay Bucket you found. It's gorgeous...

Amelia said...

Loved the complete mantle...especially the white piece in the middle...so unique!

Missy Wertz said...

Hi Rhonda, I have my jump into Blue Monday as well! Cool posts!!! Love the plate. Great post.

Anonymous said...

I love the fair photos! It makes me long for the Stawberry Festival that we have around here.
Thanks for sharing and you have a beautiful family!
-Kim

onlymehere said...

Can you believe I've never had a funnel cake? I've been tempted to but for some reason have never ordered one at a fair? I'll have to remedy that soon! LOL! I love the blue cow and horse. We went to Ogden around July 24th (Pioneer Day in Utah) and they had set out a ton of painted horses in the city that were life size. It was pretty interesting! I really like your Trash to Treasure posts and how you repurpose everything. I do envy your eye for beauty. Are the boxwoods growing in your yard that you put in the vase? They add such a nice element to the mantle! Talk to you soon. Cindy

onlymehere said...

P.S. I don't remember if I said it but thanks for the recipe! It sounds so incredibly good, I'm hungry just thinking about it!! Cindy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rhonda, I love your post. I couldn't get here through the link on Sally's for some reason. Don't know why. I got here through the link on my blog. But I got here! :-)

I'm going to comment on the Blue stuff today, and I'll catch you again on the T to T. That fair... those funnel cakes! Oh man! Yum!

Love the shots of your kids on the rides, and also all of those animals. They are neat! I loved the fair so much at that age. I couldn't wait for it to come around each year. Looks like y'all feel the same.

Happy Blue Monday!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda
Happy Blue Monday
Grandma Faith would love those cows and those funnel cakes!! YUM
Love your double post, great idea.
Claudie from Canada
P.S. I have to tell you again that your fur baby looks just like our Rusty, same breed. He's no longer with us
He's at Rainbow Bridge

Melissa Miller said...

Hi Rhonda,
Your Blue Monday POst is so unique! How gorgeous are they painted? ~WOW~

Love your mantle! You have done a wonderful display. So elegant. LOVE the wreath on the mirror.
I must do that ASAP....
~Melissa :)

Baba said...

Hi Rhonda, your post for today is great!!! I love how you decorate your fireplace mantle!!! The pictures from the fair have plenty of blue skies and other blue items.Thanks for sharing.. Baba

Pearl said...

Hi Rhonda... Such a FUN post! I always love seeing photos of your beautiful children... what a blessing! I had to laugh at the Cow Tail... so clever! Funnel Cakes are very popular here, too... my husband even makes them at home! How is that for devotion to some dough?! LOL ... The mantle looks wonderful... I really enjoy seeing how you use your thrifted treasures in your home... Hope all is well, and that your week is off to a great start... God bless...

~hugs, love ♥ 'n prayers~

Pearl

Sweetie said...

What a fun day at the fair! It's even better because your nephews are with you. I really like your fireplace mantel. It is gorgeous. Happy Blue Monday!
Sweetie

Susan said...

You take and show us the greatest pictures. The blue animals were special.
Susan

Kitty Scraps said...

Hi Miz Rhonda,
Your mantel is lovely! And it was fun seeing the blue cow and blue horse *smiles*
Hope you have a wonderfully blessed week!

Unknown said...

Your mantle looks great!
What a couple of wonderful whimsical animals you have posted for your blue Monday...looks like you & your family had a great time!

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Cool animals! It reminds me of a nearby city that has painted cows along one of the main thoroughfares.

Your mantle is gorgeous.

Happy Blue Monday :-)

SmilingSally said...

The trip to the fair looks like such a good family time. I enjoyed the blue horse? and cow? I don't understand WHY, but I enjoyed seeing it.

Your woodwork/mantle is gorgeous. You really have a good touch at decorating. Would you please come to my house?

Happy Blue Monday.

Dixie said...

so much to see today! I love the horse and cow (i am a country girl after all)... My oldest daughter collects the minature versions of these pieces of art.

love the fair pics... and I'll be havin' one of those funnel cakes next month at the San Antonio Rodeo!

Your mantel is beautiful. I love the white vase with the shrub sprigs... I have a vase like that... think I'll steal that idea for my farmhouse!

have a blissful blue monday. Dixie

Sherrie said...

Hi!
Great Blues today!! Never saw a blue horse or cow before! Their cute! Have a great day!!

Sherrie

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Love the look on the mantle. Of course, black and white....can't go wrong there! Very pretty!

Anonymous said...

What unique blues! I've never seen a horse and cow or any creature like that. They're cute.

Belinda said...

This was such a fun blue post! Being a cowgirl, I'm enthralled with the blue horse. I love it!

Rechelle ~Walnuthaven Cottage~ said...

That horse and cow were too cool! What a fun day at the fair that must have been. I'm with ya' on the funnel cake...mmmmm!
Love the look of your mantle :0)
I hope you have a fantastic day!

mysteryhistorymom said...

I love the new little "me" you created in the slinky animal print by the fireplace! Aren't you cute!!:)

Your decorating is amazing- as usual! Love everything! Boxwoods! Who would have thought it would look so classic and elegant? You, my dear friend!

Funnel cakes... Just the scent sends me! Mmmm... Lori

Cami @ Creating Myself said...

Your mantel looks marvelous! So fresh & crisp. I ahve a whole set of those plates....I love them. And I love that vase...boxwoods are perfect in it.

Anonymous said...

Loved the fair pictures..and that plate is just beautiful. I love the ice bucket also. Happy Blue Monday..have a lovely day..

The Raggedy Girl said...

The blue animals are amazing and your family is lovely!
Roberta Anne

Bo said...

Hi Rhonda... you had some great blue photos! Your home is decorated so beautifully...I love the wreath over your mantel...I'd be tempted to leave it up all winter for sure...if not longer.
Have a great week, ;-) Bo

Darlene said...

The horse and cow are perfect blue Monday photos! What fun and I agree you have to have a funnel cake at the fair!

Your mantle looks BEAUTIFUL! I always have a hard time with my mantle. LOVE that wreath!

nikkicrumpet said...

The mantle looks gorgeous and that wreath is perfect for the winter months! I wish I could figure out how to make my mantle look this good!

akawest said...

Fairs are so much fun. Your photos bring it alive quite well. Thanks for sharing.

Anonymous said...

I love how your mantel looks, especially the ice bucket!

Hugs,
LeAnn:)

LADY JANE said...

Oh...nothing better than a funnel cake...
Love your posts...both of them so Happy EARLY WEEK to you!

Carlotta said...

My how I love the NC State Fair. Those blue animals are a hoot.
~Carlotta~

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda! What a great post! I love your Blueness and the children! Your mantle is gorgeous and love how you've decked it all out!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

LADY JANE said...

Rhonda,I already have posted about your post...but I had to come back and tell you...I LOVE YOUR LITTLE PUPS FACE...everywhere I go in blogland there he is smiling at me....Give a doggie treat and tell him its from me please!

Patti said...

Hi Rhonda~ Your mantel looks like a million bucks!! Love the wreath and plates and the ice bucket. Don't you just love discarded, re-used stuff? Your fair pictures have me longing for sunny spring days....ahhhh- not here anytime soon!

Patti

The Bliss Journey said...

The pictures at the fair are great, nice bright colors. The mantle looks great.
Kathleen

Unknown said...

Your decorations look really nice! I need to attempt to do something around my house.

Those funnel cakes were making me drool! :)

Anonymous said...

Hi Rhonda
I love the painted horse and the painted cow. Great detail. Everyone looks to be having great fun at the fair...and I love funnel cakes too. yum!!
I really love your mantle and the way you have everything displayed..the boxwoods look so attractive...great buy on that plate. Don't you just loving thrifting..
have a lovely day
Judi

Picket said...

Hey Scooter...great post...two for one! lol I can't wait for Spring either to see some color back in the yard...loved that pick of your daughter with her arm around her brother like that...the mantel looks fantastic Scooter...I love how you put the twigs in that pretty silver vase..that sounds like somthing I would do! lol Hope you have had a great day girl!

Justabeachkat said...

Love, love, love the wreath!!

Hugs!
Kat

Deb said...

What a pretty mantle with your great vase & mercury glass candle sticks.

A Hint of Home said...

Looks like a fun day at the fair.
I love your mantle and wreath.

A Hint of Home said...

Looks like a fun day at the fair.
I love your mantle and wreath.

Ribbonwood Cottage said...

Hi Rhonda, beautiful post. I love your mantel and the sticks you put in the bucket...that looks amazing. Really like the look of everything. That wreath is beautiful over the mirror too. Girl you got it goin' on!
Blessings,
Debbie

Monogram Queen said...

So pretty I love the blue cow especially the tail - yum!!!

Your kids are beautiful!

Beth at Aunties said...

Your blue post made me smile. What fun and you have a beautiful family!

Your mantle looks so pretty and I love what you did with the boxwood.
Charming!

Anonymous said...

Wonderful Blue Monday/Trash to Treasure combo post, Rhonda!

Your mantel is absolutely gorgeous. I love it!!

Dawn said...

Oh I just love fried dough. Does it say something about me that this is the first comment I have about your post LOL!!!

The pictures of the fair are nice. Tim is the same way. He'll talk to anyone! (And he wonders why I won't leave him home alone...not only would he invite strangers in he'd tell them all of our secrets LOL!)

Your mantle looks so lovely. It's really crips and clean looking. I like that.

take care,
Dawn

philben5 said...

Love the Boxwoods in place of flowers. Now that's thinking outside the box.
Blessings
Roxanne

joyh82 said...

Wow I love the pretty mantle you decorated! What neat blue finds too!

Anonymous said...

Rhonda, your mantel looks gorgeous. I love it all.

And, I would love a funnel cake just about now.

Unknown said...

Hi Rhonda,
Your mantel looks so pretty! Love the ice bucket too.

Thanks for linking to Trash to Treasure!

Anonymous said...

So many pretties, Rhonda. I collect white pottery, too ... the sculptural quality of your vase changes from scallop-y (not a word, huh?) up close, to looking like a hand with spread fingers viewed from a few feet away. Both are very cool :o) And I love the beautiful white woodwork (I actually typed "wookword" but caught it and changed it, lol) around your fireplace.

Have a great week!

Victoria :o)

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

Your mantle looks beautiful, and I've never seen such a pretty champagne bucket! laurie

Theresa @ Take A Sentimental Journey said...

Wow Rhonda, The blue cow and horse are pretty Kool !

Nancy Rosalina said...

Rhonda, Great idea...2 posts in ! Those funelcakes are the best!!! The blue cow and horse are great too! Your mantel looks fab! Love the vase with the boxwoods! blessings, nancy

The Quintessential Magpie said...

Rhonda, I'm back today for T to T! I commented on the blue yesterday, but your treasure is just WONDERFUL. You find the neatest things! Good going, girlfriend! Love it!

XO,

Sheila :-)

Heather said...

Oh I LOVE that ice bucket!! It is gorgeous! I really like hoe you hung the wreath over the mirror. Gonna have to steal that idea!
I am so sorry I haven't been by recently. I am so far behind on posting and commenting I don't think I will ever catch up! What happened?!?! LOL!!
Hope you are doing well!!! Miss ya!
PS Your mouldings are amazing! Well worh all of the dust, eh?
Heather:)

Tristan said...

I can not remember if I thanked you for stopping by my blog and giving your prayers to me. I really feel everyone of them..and could use them if you continue praying for me. I am getting better each day!

Loving your blog..and have added you to my reader :)

Monica said...

Hello! Just stopped to say hello to you and your puppies!
And Looooove your mantel and wreath!
Monica.

LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE said...

Hi Rhonda! Thanks for visiting my blog! And I thoroughly enjoyed yours!!

I'm adding you to my list....you know us "NC" Carolina Girls gotta stick together!

Have a wonderful day today!
~Beth

Anonymous said...

Rhonda,

Thanks for coming to visit me on Tablescape Tuesday. :)

I love your Fireplace Mantle! Your white vase is awesome! (Especially since it was only $4.00) :) That Ice Bucket looks so rich! (Ebay is a wonderful place!)

I look forward to visiting you again!

xoxoxoxo
Donna Marie

Kitty Scraps said...

Good Morning Miz Rhonda,
I wanted to let you know that I've left you two awards on my blog *smiles* stop by when you get a chance to pick them up *smiles*

Tardevil said...

I love your mantel! Especially the moudling. (Sp?) That ice bucket is gorgeous too! How did you make the sticks stand up in it - sand? I have the exact same plate...but from a thrift store! I wonder if we went to the fair on the same day? That would be wild!

Kristen said...

I remeber seeing that horse and cow! I wonder if I saw you taking these photos :-)

You have found some great treasures! I'd love to go treasure hunting with you!

Anonymous said...

Hello there! This post couldn't be written any better! Reading this post reminds me of my previous room mate! He always kept talking about this. I will forward this page to him. Pretty sure he will have a good read. Many thanks for sharing!

my homepage: livingwithrheumatoidarthritis.org