{memories displayed...}

Each Wednesday, Barb, at Grits and Glamour, hosts a fun Blog sharing event,

"What's On Your Wall."

I would like to share some very special

Memories,

that are displayed on my walls.

David and Ashley's Baby Dedication outfits.

Both are framed in shadow boxes that I purchased at Micheals.

The gold piece at the top of the black ribbon was a thrifty find, but it has been so long, can't remember exactly where from.

David's precious white linen suit. It has hard to believe they were ever this small!

Ashley's Gown...
My mom made the gown for Ashley from a beautiful bridal fabric and lace. It is about 6" longer than it appears in the box. (pinned up) I tried to incorporate her bonnet, which my MIL smocked, and her little shoes, but it looked jumbled. I settled for a simpler display of the dress alone.
I've read the rules on decorating that shuns using too many personal photos, especially in the main living spaces, such as the living room. I tried that route, but my spaces seemed cold and generic. Photos of my kids make me smile, and have come to be great conversation starters when we have guest. Now I have pictures of the kids everywhere, ...they always brighten my day. Kevin loves them, also.
Each time I go up the stairway, I am greeted by sweet, smiling faces,
and a flood of memories.....

On the first landing, the wall is lined with 6 - 5x7 black and white photos. 8x10 photos make the descent up the stairs, where 9 more 5x7 photos are displayed on the second stairway landing.

The photos range from all ages of the kids.

Memories of summer holidays at the lake...

Sweet, baby personalities...

Past vacations, etc., etc., etc.

{smiles}

And one of my very favorites...

This picture is on the bottom corner of the display on the second set.

Just in the right place to really catch your eye.

I can hear Ashley saying, "ta dah...my bumbles!"

And I want to cry, because it seems like only yesterday, but instead I smile...every time I pass it! :)

So what's on your wall???

~Rhonda

{no sew porch project & makeover}

Below, is a picture of my porch as it has appeared since early spring. I [heart] the giraffe pillows like crazy! But they were a little drab for Summer, and after a heavy dose of seasonal pollen, everything was looking very tired!

The purple berry wreaths were purchased during an After-Christmas Sale at Kmart a couple of years ago...

Getting pretty dusty, huh?

Time for a Porch Makeover!

My theme: black & summertime cheery yellow!

I removed everything from the porch, ...cleaned and touched up with paint whatever needed it.

(like the pot below)

Pulled these planters out of storage, spraying them black.....
I didn't want to ruin the giraffe pillows and am planning on using them again in the fall, but didn't want to buy more pillow forms, so I decided to cover them with black and yellow polka dotted fabric cases that could be removed later.

I can sew!

Not well enough to be considered a professional,

but I can. {"smiles"}

But I was in hurry!

And being just a little too lazy to pull out the sewing machine

I improvised,

like any crafty, creative person would

....with a glue gun!

Yep, you read that right...a glue gun!

You would be amazed at all I can do with a can of spray paint and a glue gun.

I'm a regular ol' Ms. MacGyver.

I cut my fabric to fit the pillow, and with the wrong sides out, glued the seams together.

After turning the fabric right side out, stuffed the pillow inside, and hot-glued the remaining seam.

This was the first time I tried this super quick project, and it worked like a charm. The seam couldn't look any better or straighter, with any machine stitching!

Reassembling The Porch...

I found the yellow stems below, at Dollar Tree, filling the black planters with them.

The two black and yellow polka dot pillows are complete and resting on my black iron settee, a THRIFTY TREASURE, my dad bought an auction.

The pansies in the black pot, have been replaced with yellow gerbera daisies and ornamental sweet potato vines.

The yellow will tie in much better, once the daisies fill out and start blooming.

I liked the new assembly, but felt it needed a little more "metting."

So I added a few more stems of yellow flowers, and black, yellow, & white bows to the planters. This is one time being thrifty didn't quite pay off. The yellow stems were pretty, but not very full, therefore I had to keep adding more, which added in cost also.

The tweaking is never done, but I think it is off to a good start! I may add a yellow pillow to the bunch later.

....made with a glue gun, of course! ;]

For more Metamorphosis Projects & Thrifty Treasures, please visit the following very creative and talented ladies....

Susan, at Between Naps on the Porch,

...and, Rhoda, at Southern Hospitality.

{celebrate summer~making everyday special}

A couple of weeks ago, I was very pleased to find that I had won a drawing, hosted by the very gracious Suzanne, at Southern Inspiration, for a "Celebrate Summer" Magazine. (A production of the creative and talented Phyllis Hoffman)

THANK YOU Suzanne!!!

I can't find your autograph on the cover, as promised! Still looking....LOL!

But I am so enjoying the magazine!!!

The theme is to
"Make Everyday Special!"
I'd like to share a few ideas from the super cute and inspiring magazine, and then encourage you to pick up one for yourself!
You won't be disappointed!
And for more inspirational culinary ideas and recipes,
visit Gollum, at Designs by Gollum.

The magazine covers many "special occasions," including ideas for a beautiful blue Summer Wedding and a precious pink Baby Shower!
Summer Party Entertaining, including 4th of July and Labor Day Holidays...
Simple, yet beautiful and striking decorations to complete the celebration!
And even instructions for several napkin foldings!

Don't want to reveal all the magazine has to offer,
that would ruin the suspense and excitement for those who may buy it,
but just one more special feature and a recipe "borrowed"...

Many "YUMMY" recipes for ice cream and freeze pops!
................................................
~ Pina-Colada Pops ~
(makes 8-12 servings)
2 cups pineapple juice
2/3 cup cream of coconut
(such as Coco Lopez)

In a medium bowl, combine juice and cream of coconut, stirring well. Fill ice-pop molds with mixture. Freeze for at least 4 hours or overnight. To remove pops from molds, follow manufacturer's instructions.

Hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!
We will be hosting a very special CELEBRATION of our own Sunday afternoon,
a Graduation Cook-out at the lake for Josh!
~Rhonda ;]

{thrifty kitchen treasures}

Oh, How I Just LOVE a Bargain!!!

I'm repeating myself, I know!

But I never tire of saying it, or finding those one of kind inexpensive treasures that add a little pleasure to my life.

The white ironstone pitcher above, characterized with sweet, aged grazing, was a recent yard sale find for a couple of dollars.

It sits on my kitchen table, filled with fragrant gardenias from my yard that smell heavenly!

Also in my breakfast nook area,
the three plates below have looked kind of lonely for quite awhile.
But, I haven't been able to find just the right plates to add to the collection.

However, at a local thrift store last week, I stumbled across these two Bordallo/Portugal plates, for $1.99 each.

....just what I have been looking for!
Below, the old pitcher sits on the kitchen table.

Yep, love a bargain! It's those simple, thrifty treasures that make my heart sing! :)

For more thrifty treasures,

visit Diane, at A picture is worth a thousand words, ..... and Leigh on Thursday, at

Tales of Bloggeritaville.
~Rhonda :)

{life is a piece of cake}

~Life is a piece of Cake~

Wouldn't that be wonderful if it were true???

This past week has been crazy and busy around here. I've started several projects, but haven't completed any. So I have nothing to share in that respect.

But I did receive an email from a dear friend last night, that I would like to pass along...

I needed it, and maybe someone else does, too! "smiles"

{email}

This is about the best thing I've ever read as an explanation.

We all wonder many many many times over WHY?
Sometimes we wonder, "What did I do to deserve this?" or "Why did God have to do this to me?"

Here is a wonderful explanation!

A daughter is telling her Mother how everything is going wrong,

she's failing algebra, her boyfriend broke up with her and her best friend is moving away. Meanwhile, her Mother is baking a cake and asks her daughter if she would like a snack, and the daughter says, "Absolutely Mom, I love your cake."

"Here, have some cooking oil," her Mother offers.

"Yuck" says her daughter.

"How about a couple raw eggs?" "Gross, Mom!"

"Would you like some flour then? Or maybe baking soda?" "Mom, those are all yucky!"

To which the mother replies: "Yes, all those things seem bad all by themselves. But when they are put together in the right way, they make a wonderfully delicious cake! "

God works the same way.

Many times we wonder why He would let us go through such bad and difficult times. But God knows that when He puts these things all in His order, they always work for good!

We just have to trust Him and, eventually, they will all make something wonderful!

God is crazy about you!

He sends you flowers every spring and a sunrise every morning.

Whenever you want to talk, He'll listen. He can live anywhere in the universe, and He chose your heart.
Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we are here we might as well dance.

(Pictures borrowed from Google Images)