JBigg's Little Pieces

Spring Decor Parties

2012-03-05T17:04:00.000-06:00

I have been working on my Spring decor. I added a few pieces to my China hutch.

I'm turning on the lights, I may have to stay up late to get every thing ready for the blog parties.

I'm getting ready for the Egg-xellent Spring Party hosted by the lovely ladies in the image below.

Hope to see you there - Judy.

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Newbie Party at Debbie Doo's Blogging and Blabbing
The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
Cozy Home Scenes for Your Cozy Home Scene Party on Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday
A Bowl Full of Lemons

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
French Cupboard
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Blue on Blue - Part 4

2012-03-04T16:01:00.000-06:00

First I would like to say "thanks" to all of you who have been following my Blue On Blue series. Today is my final post in this series so here it is:

If you have been following my series you will know instantly that my new piece in this vignette is the blue flowered vase.

I rearranged my vignette a little from my last post and placed the bowl on a stand in the middle of the vignette. Moved the blue bowl to the right side and the bunny plate to the left side.

I moved the three birds that I featured in Part 2 in front of the vase. The birds are from Michaels.

This gorgeous blue bowl started my series. I went in TJ Maxx just to look around and I saw the bowl and instantly fell in love with it since it is my favorite color. I didn't know how bloggers would react to a series on my blue vignette. But everyone seems to really enjoy looking at my blue.

For Week 2, I featured a cloche with a bird's nest and blue eggs. I did remove the cloche for this post (I am getting it ready for a cloche party at A Stroll Thru Life. Here's a picture from that post with the cloche.

In Part 3, I featured the bunny plate that I am still using in today's post.

Here's the final shot of the vignette.

Again, thanks so much for visiting my blog and letting me share my Blue on Blue series with you. In case you missed any of the prior parts of this series, here are the links for them - Judy.

Part 1, Part 2, Part 3

P. S. - Try to stop back later, I will be using a couple of my blue pieces on my mantel for Spring plus some bunnies. On to more decorating!!

I am joining the following parties:

My 1929 Charmer for Sunday Bests
The Delectable Home

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Our Delightful Home
Making the World Cuter
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Grits and Glamour
Sweet Little Gals for Turquoise Lovin'

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Bowl Full of Lemons

Creatively Living

Type A Decorating for Anything Goes

Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday

Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Cozy Home Scenes for Your Cozy Home Party

It's Overflowing

A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday

DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday

Twin Dragonfly Designs

French Cupboard

The Polohouse - Favorites On the First

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday

House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful

Look What I Won!!

2012-03-02T17:23:00.000-06:00

Wow, look what I won from Laurie over at Bargain Hunting and Chatting With Laurie!

Recently I received an email from Laurie to be sure and watch her Digital Slideshow from her Valentine Party entries. So I watched the cute show designed with Smilebox software and was so impressed with the movie and then came the drum roll announcing the winners and there was my blog being selected by the random generator. I had won a cake stand that converts to a punch bowl. I felt so special and excited!

Then one day this week, I came home and there sitting on my porch was this box. I told my husband "that must be the cake stand I won."

I could hardly wait to get it inside the door and start opening the box.

It was just like opening gifts at Christmas. Now there was another box inside the original box.

Wow here it is, a fabulous cake stand from Laurie!!

Taped to the second box was this lovely note from Laurie.

My mind immediately began to race, how could I feature the cake stand this weekend. I didn't think I had time to bake something to show but I knew I was going to work on my Spring decorating. Now I had a plan for the cake stand!

I placed it on my server in the dining room and added my silver candlesticks and aqua pillar candles.

Then I added some grass, eggs and tied a raffia bow and Wala, look how gorgeous my cake stand from Laurie looks, and just in time for Spring.

I thought a rabbit should be pleased to sit beside such a lovely cake stand.

I am truly honored to have won such a terrific prize from Laurie at Bargain Hunting & Chatting With Laurie. See if you can follow my story in the mosaic. Start in the upper left corner.

Thanks so much Laurie. Here is a link to Laurie's blog. Who cares if it was a random generator, I am so excited - Judy

Linked to:

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Newbie Party at Debbie Doo's Blogging and Blabbing
The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
Cozy Home Scenes for Your Cozy Home Scene Party on Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm
A Bowl Full of Lemons

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
French Cupboard
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Is it Aqua or Turquoise?

2012-02-29T10:37:00.003-06:00

As much as I love aqua and turquoise, it gets very confusing as to which color is which. Take a look at my tablescape and see what you think.

I found this image on Flickr and it gives you pictures for Teal, Turquoise and Aqua. Now does that help me any? Not sure, I was thinking that aqua was lighter than turquoise but I guess I am wrong.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/theborers/6125049328/

After looking at that image, do you think my plates, glasses and tablecloth are more of the aqua shade or the turquoise?

Whatever shade of blue they are, I love them all and especially my tablecloth. I have had it a few years, it is by April Cornell. I do have green cloth napkins by April that go very well with the cloth but they are at my daughter's house. She wanted to use them on her Easter tablescape. I hope to feature her table on another post.

The plates are not the same ones I used in my recent post "Soup for the Soul" They are a lighter shade of blue than these. You can see those here.

I just purchased these plates at the Dollar Store for $1 each. I was thrilled to find them who cares if they were cheap. Oops, I mean inexpensive or should I say, I got them for such a bargain!

They only had four of the plates so I may try to stop by another Dollar Store to see if I can find anymore.

When I first decorated my table, I didn't include the vase and flowers. I think I liked the tablecloth so much that I didn't want to take away from it.

Then I remembered one of the comments left on my Blue on Blue series about how much a viewer liked pink roses in an aqua vase.

I didn't have any pink roses for my vase but I did have pink and white peonies. Love the table now with the vase and flowers. The vase is from TJ Maxx; the candles are from Bed, Bath and Beyond and the birds are from Michaels.

I really do appreciate your comments and suggestions and I am so glad I remembered her comment about the pink flowers in the aqua vase.

I do want to thank Cindy over at Beau R'eves for her tip on the glasses. I am keeping her secret about the glasses.

Thanks so much for stopping by - Judy.

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
French Cupboard
The Thrifty Groove for Thrifty Tablescape Party
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold
Katherines Corner for Thursday Favorite Things

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Bacon Time With the Hungry Hypo for Anything Goes Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays
Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sweet Little Gals for Turquoise Lovin' Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Linda at Coastal Charm
Twin Dragonfly Designs for Tuesday Link Party

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Southern Lovely: Show and Share Wednesday
Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop
It's Overflowing

Skiing Breckenridge

2012-02-28T15:26:00.001-06:00

You can have a GREAT time skiing in Breckenridge, CO. This trip was in early February 2012. My daughter, son-in-law and their two young sons made the drive to Breckenridge. Check out this view:

I wasn't on the trip so she took lots of pictures so I could share them with you.

Take note of the trees on this day, you don't see any snow on the branches but wait till you look further down the page.

These are skiers by the ski lift. If you aren't familiar with skiing, You can ride the lift up the mountain and ski down. Then keep doing this repeatedly until you are tired.

Their four year old went to ski school while their and he was skiing the first day. By afternoon, he was on the mountain. We are talking the bunny slopes.

Now the pictures are going to change. It snowed! These are shots while it was snowing so visibility wasn't great but still gorgeous.

Look at the snow on the trees then compare it to images 3, 4, and 5 above. Isn't this a beautiful image with trees covered in snow. What a change a snowfall can make.

Do you see the skier on the lift below? He's in the center of this image in a red jacket. It's easy to overlook him.

Do you want to go skiing after looking at these pictures or maybe just read a book in the lodge by the fire and look out at the skiers occasionally. The view is still awesome whether you are skiing or just looking. Thanks for stopping by - Judy.

Linking to:

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

Denise at ABC Wednesday

Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Scenic Sunday

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Need A Little More Light Blue?

2012-02-26T21:11:00.000-06:00

I recently posted about light blue and seems there is a huge interest in the color. I found out I am not alone; there are many of us who are loving these shades of blue. Well, in my so-little-of spare time, I still continue to pin colors of light blue. Take a look, see what you think.

Did you see any shades of blue that you like? I am attracted to the three pots which seem to have a crackle paint of blue. Which image is your favorite?

You can check out my Light Blue/Aqua Board on Pinterest at: http://pinterest.com/judybigg/light-blue-aqua-my-favorite-color/ or you can Follow Me On Pinterest.

I am joining the following parties:

My 1929 Charmer for Sunday Bests
Shabby Cottage Collectibles
The Delectable Home
Our Delightful Home
Making the World Cuter
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses

Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Sweet Little Gals for Turquoise Lovin

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
It's Overflowing
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Twin Dragonfly Designs
French Cupboard

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday
Shabby Cottage Collectibles for Friday Pins Sunday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful

Blue on Blue - Part 3

2012-02-26T17:17:00.000-06:00

What do I have to show you for my Blue on Blue Part 3? Here it is:

The light blue plate features two rabbits with lots of detail. I see grass, flowers and leaves with the two bunnies. I am definitely adding it to my vignette even though it's a little lighter shade of blue. It seems to be more the color of my runner and gives a little contrast to the blue bowl.

I am going to move different pieces around in my vignette and see which ones look the best with the new plate. You can tell me which ones you like in your comments.

The picture below is the largest bird in the collection. I think it over powers the plate so I'll try one of the smaller birds.

Here's one of the smaller birds and one of the eggs from my collection. It doesn't seem to take away from the plate. What do you think?

I'll add in the cloche.

How about a picture through the glass of the cloche.

That turned out pretty good. I'll go for the full plate through the glass.

Enough playing through the cloche. Here are two birds by the plate.

Ok, I'm done, here is the final view of my vignette with the new bunny plate. I am very happy with the new plate. Let me know what you think.

Don't forget to leave a message, thanks - Judy.

I have one more idea for the vignette so be sure and stop by next week. Here are the links to Part 1 and Part 2 if you missed them.

I am joining the following parties:

My 1929 Charmer for Sunday Bests
The Delectable Home

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Our Delightful Home
Making the World Cuter
Show Off Your Cottage Monday @ The House in the Roses

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Grits and Glamour
Sweet Little Gals for Turquoise Lovin'

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Bowl Full of Lemons

Creatively Living

Type A Decorating for Anything Goes

Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
Cozy Home Scenes for Your Cozy Home Party
It's Overflowing
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Twin Dragonfly Designs
French Cupboard
The Polohouse - Favorites On the First

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday

House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful

Soup for the Soul

2012-02-22T19:03:00.003-06:00

Thinking of soup for the soul, how about a little chicken gumbo?

I think chicken gumbo has become my favorite soup this winter. My husband and I enjoy soup at lunch time and it seems like we eat gumbo most days.

Soup always seems to warm the body and the soul on a cold day. I am enjoying this soup at my dining room table and using some of my new aqua colored dishes.

Gumbo is a stew or soup that probably originated the Louisiana in the 18th century. The dish likely derived its name from either the Bantu word for okra (ki ngombo) or the Choctaw word for filé (kombo).

My husband and I first started eating gumbo on our many trips to New Orleans. Gumbo is always on our list of cajun goods to eat. I prefer the chicken gumbo in the south where my husband likes shellfish in his gumbo.

Below is a picture of my table before the chicken gumbo soup was served. I started a little series on my blue (aqua) bowl centerpiece last week and am adding to it each week for a short series. I'll give you a link below to Blue on Blue - Part 1 and Part 2.

How do you like my birds on the table? I think she has her head up to smell the soup. :)

Thanks for stopping by for my Soup for the Soul - Judy

Here is the link for my Blue on Blue - Part 1 and Part 2 - enjoy!

Linking to:

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
French Cupboard
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Katherines Corner for Thursday Favorite Things

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday
Bacon Time With the Hungry Hypo for Anything Goes Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Sweet Little Gals for Turquoise Lovin'

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Twin Dragonfly Designs for Tuesday Link Party

A Bowl Full of Lemons

Creatively Living

Bunny Jean for Wednesday's Bunny Hop

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Southern Lovely: Show and Share Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
It's Overflowing

What Is It About Light Blue?

2012-02-21T15:34:00.000-06:00

I don't know what is happening but I am loving everything I see in light blue. I find myself pinning everything I see on Pinterest with this color. Whether it is food on a light blue plate, draperies, painted walls, painted chests, or tablescapes, I love them all. I thought I would share some of the images I have been pinning with this obsessive color. I made two mosaics of my pins.

I don't really think it is a new obsessive color for me but is a rekindled love of this color. I have been thinking about when I was a senior in high school (many moons ago), I loved aqua and wanted my Christmas dance dress to be aqua. Of course, I couldn't find a dress in this color so my sweet mother made one for me. I was so proud in my aqua knee-length dress. I had matching shoes and a purse in aqua too; and my date was the same guy I have now been married to for 41 years.

Then for my Spring dance, I wanted an aqua formal and once again my mom found aqua fabric (satin) for the bottom and white lace for the bodice. The dress was "A-line" and again, I was so happy in my aqua formal. I'm going to look for pictures and share them if I can find them.

I think these eggs from the Pinterest picture of the blue and green eggs are a good example of the shades of light blue and aqua that are so stunning.

Here is a link to my Blue/Aqua Pinterest Board (not sure the link will work unless you are following me on Pinterest). I do have a Follow Me On Pinterest button on my sidebar.

I am joining the following parties:

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday
It's Overflowing
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Twin Dragonfly Designs
French Cupboard

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday
Shabby Cottage Collectibles for Friday Pins Sunday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful
Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Blue on Blue - Part 2

2012-02-20T13:35:00.002-06:00

I am continuing my series of Blue on Blue. It started last week with my blue (aqua) bowl and pale blue table runner. This week, I have added a few pieces to the table vignette and I hope you like it.

Here is an image from Part 1 of Blue on Blue.

Now we can talk about what's new for Part 2 of Blue on Blue. I'm so excited to show you my cloche that I purchased last Fall while visiting in southern Illinois. My sister-in-law and I were shopping and stopped at a little shop in the country that was new to the area.

Sitting on a crowded shelf behind the front door of the shop was this perfect cloche with beautiful speckled blue eggs in a nest. I knew this cloche was waiting for me, or else someone would have already purchased it. Right? It has some itching on the glass so I turned it to the back so you could get the best view of the eggs.

I really wanted some birds to go with the nest and eggs and got lucky and found some white ones to add to the vignette.

I added the large bird in the middle in front of the blue bowl and added a small bird at each end of the setting.

The birds were an inexpensive find at Michael's but seem to add so much to the vignette.

I do really like the white birds with the aqua blue pieces. It looks so fresh and spring like to me. Notice the aqua and white egg sitting to the left of the large bird. It is part of a set of 6 eggs that was a gift from a couple of friends of mine last year on my birthday. It's the perfect color to go with the aqua bowl.

Thanks for stopping by to see Part 2 of Blue on Blue. If you missed Part 1, here is a link - Judy

P.S. - I am working on a plan for Part 3. So please stop back by next week.

I am joining the following parties:

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

A Bowl Full of Lemons

Creatively Living

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful
Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Living Room Design - Part 5

2012-02-19T19:06:00.000-06:00

My daughter's living room has once again been through a few changes and added a few new pieces. You may have seen some of my posts of this Living Room Design Project by Mary Carroll of Nell Hill's in Kansas City. In my last post, the ottoman had arrived and the room had to be rearranged for Christmas and her large tree.

Now the living room is back in order and some items have a new spot. Here's a look at the room for this post.

This side of the room has one of the changes I will show you in a minute. You may have already noticed if you remember the room decor before.

You guessed it, it is the white lacy jar. It has been moved close to the white couch now.

Here's the jar on the sideboard (not working). My daughter took pictures of the jar on her sideboard back to Nell Hill's and asked for their opinion.

She purchased the jar from Nell Hill's and loved it and thought it would work on the sideboard but just kept looking at it and feeling it wasn't in the right place.

I agree, the jar looks so much better close to the couch. It's not fighting with the colors of the large painting on the wall.

The lamp on the sideboard has also been changed. The rustic one (seen above) wasn't working and now has been moved to the family room in the basement. She hasn't found the perfect lamp so moved one of her Pottery Barn lamps until the perfect lamp can be found.

New decor has been added to the tray on the ottoman. A rabbit and a bird's nest are bringing a little spring to the room.

Here's a final shot of the room for this post.

Thanks for stopping by for an update on her living room - Judy.

Here is a link to my other posts on this Living Room Design.
Check out Nell Hill's here and Mary Carroll's blog.

I am joining the following parties:

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for theSunday Showcase Party
Newbie Party at Debbie Doo's Blogging and Blabbing
The House in the Roses for Show Off Your Cottage Monday

Mary at BoogieboardCottage for Masterpiece Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porchfor Metamorphosis Monday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday
Cozy Home Scenes for Your Cozy Home Scene Party on Monday

Marty at AStroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
A Bowl Full of Lemons

Kim at SavvySouthern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY byDesign for Winter Blues Wednesday
Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s ItWednesday

Danette at TheShady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for WhiteWednesday

TheStyle Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
French Cupboard
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
House of Hepworths for Hookin Up With House of Hepworths Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porchfor Tablescape Thursday

Gina at TheShabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at NoMinimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’sCreations for Share Your Creations on Thursday

Cindy at MyRomantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage forFeathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Stuff and Nonsense for Friday's Unfold

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for InspirationFriday

Debra at Common Groundfor Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at TheCharm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridgefor Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly HowSweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertotsand Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Skiing in Breckenridge

2012-02-18T09:26:00.000-06:00

Do you think skiers are fearless? The images I am sharing today are from a ski trip to Breckenridge, Colorado.

Breckenridge is located in Summit County Colorado and has world class skiing and snowboarding. Breck has the highest chairlift in North America and also has Gondolas (seen below).

Peak 7 - Breckenridge

Thinking of a trip to Breckenridge, here is a link to the Breckenridge webcam.

Thanks for stopping by to see Skiing in Breckenridge - Judy.

Linked to:

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

Denise at ABC Wednesday

Scenic Sunday

Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Waiting for the Hummers

2012-02-16T07:37:00.000-06:00

It's way too early for hummingbirds in western Missouri so I thought you might enjoy seeing my hummingbird plates used in my tablescape. I usually don't start with my evening photos but this time I will.

I keep hummingbird feeders right outside my kitchen window. My husband and I always enjoy watching them while we eat lunch or an early evening dinner.

This tablescape is on my round glass topped kitchen table. The tablecloth belonged to my Mom and was passed on to me from my Dad.

Now the daytime photos.

The vase and plate in the middle of the table are both Fiestaware. I really like the plate because it is flat, it is their pizza plate and comes in 13 and 15 inch(this is the 13 inch). The flowers are peonies, I like peonies even though I have never seen a hummer on one.

I'm using my white plates, pink cloth napkins, silver napkins rings and pink Fostoria glasses that I used on my pink tablescape for Valentine's Day. That tablescape was on my dining room table so I just moved those pieces from one table to another. You can see the small stitching on the tablecloth in this photo.

The humming birds are birds that comprise the family Trochilidae. They can hover in mid-air by rapidly flapping their wings 12-80 times per second. They are also the only group of birds able to fly backwards.

I don't think you will want to sit at the table with me till the hummers arrive, so we will check back in late spring for them. I'll be watching for them. My neighbor always calls me to tell me she saw the hummingbird scout. I am not sure if they really send out a scout but I did read that the males migrate first to set up a territory and then the females follow within a week to 10 days.

Thanks for stopping by - Judy.

I am joining the following parties:

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Rebecca at You're Talking too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Twin Dragonfly Designs for Tuesday Link Party

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Southern Lovely: Show and Share Wednesday
It's Overflowing

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tablescape Thursday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’s Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Katherines Corner for Thursday Favorite Things

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday
Bacon Time With the Hungry Hypo for Anything Goes Friday

How Sweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Blue on Blue - Part 1

2012-02-13T14:58:00.002-06:00

I wanted to share a new blue bowl and an idea I am thinking about. I need your thoughts about this idea.

As soon as I spied this blue (aqua) bowl, I loved it and knew I wanted to take it home with me. This color is really my favorite color of all. It is so peaceful and soothing to look at.

The table runner is really a pale blue color too. Some of my photos don't really do the color justice.

Now you can see the true color of the runner here and the beads at the end.

The tidbit bowls are a little different shade of color but I really like them with the bowl. The eggs were a gift from a friend and are shades of blue and green.

I purchased these tidbit bowls a few years ago from Southern Living at Home.

Here's my idea that I want your thoughts on. I am thinking about using this bowl as my base piece and adding new pieces to it each week for a few weeks (building my vignette around this blue bowl). So what do you think? Please share your thought with me.

Thanks for stopping by - Judy. Don't forget to leave me a message on what you think about my ideas.

P.S. - You won't hurt my feeling if you think it isn't a good ideas.

I am joining the following parties:

Marty at AStroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Kim at SavvySouthern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY byDesign for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s ItWednesday

Danette at TheShady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for WhiteWednesday

TheStyle Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
It's Overflowing
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Twin Dragonfly Designs
French Cupboard

Gina at TheShabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at NoMinimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’sCreations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Cindy at MyRomantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage forFeathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for InspirationFriday

Debra at Common Groundfor Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at TheCharm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridgefor Feature Yourself Friday

Beverly HowSweet the Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertotsand Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

The Tablescaperfor Seasonal Sundays

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party
Be Colorful
Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

My Valentine Tablescapes

2012-02-12T16:31:00.000-06:00

I wanted to create one mosaic of my two Valentine Tablescapes. One tablescape used red and white and the other used pink and white. I do enjoy creating mosaics and hope you enjoy it - Judy.

If you missed either of these posted, here are links to each of them:
Red Valentine Tablescapes
Two Hearts Burn as One (my pink tablescape)

Linking to:

Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday
Your Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Debbie at Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Jennifer at Dear Lillie for Valentine Party
DIY Design

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Be Colorful

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party

Avalanche Gorge - Glacier National Park

2012-02-11T20:51:00.002-06:00

E for for looking at the edges of the rocks of Avalanche Gorge.

The gorge is a must see for visitors to the West Glacier area of Glacier National Park in Montana. You can see the luscious green canopy of moss and brilliant red rock.

Although the gorge is small it is breathtaking. The falls height is 15 feet.

The bridge over Avalanche Gorge is a highlight of the Cedars Nature Trail. I'll post about this nature trail later. That's my son-in-law and one grandson in the picture. This trip was in the summer so the weather was warm.

Thanks for stopping by - Judy.

Linked to:

Scenic Sunday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Ruby Tuesday
Denise at ABC Wednesday

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Watery Wednesday
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Katherine at Katherine’s Corner for Favorite Things Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Two Hearts Burn As One

2012-02-08T15:30:00.000-06:00

My table is ready and my colors for my Valentine's Day table are pink and white. I chose my post title after looking at my centerpiece of the two pink candles.

My husband and I have been married for forty-one years and our hearts do burn as one (99% of the time).

As we know, February 14 is the date for exchanging love messages, I wanted each guest to receive a little love message. My first message is under the wine glasses. Don't we all love a sweet message even if it is just scribbled on a piece of scrap paper! It always touches my heart when I receive a sweet note.

The pink crystal is Fostoria Heritage water goblets and the wine glasses have been around my house for a while. Fostoria shut it doors more than 20 years ago so I was lucky and found these on e-bay. I think I am drawn to Fostoria because my Mom used it on our Sunday dinner table when I was growing up.

I tied the two candles with a sheer pink ribbon to represent the two hearts burning as one.

The pink dinner napkins were a find at Kohl's this week and were on sale. I think I am going back next week and see if I can get four more. I originally thought I was going to set the table for four and then changed my mind and didn't have enough of the pink. I filled in with cream colored ones. The silver napkin rings are Godinger Silver (ordered from Amazon.com).

For the second love message, I stamped Italian words of love on paper, inked it a little to give it an aged look and now each guest has a second love message plus a piece of chocolate. I am going to need to swim more laps if I don't leave the chocolate alone. I swam 30 laps today, and I may need to swim 40 tomorrow if the chocolate keeps calling my name.

I have a couple of bottles of wine out, one is Martini & Rossi Asti Sparking Wine and the other is Von Stiehl Dry Apple Wine. I don't have my favorite yet, I need to make a trip out to get Marco Negri Moscato. If you like wine, you should try a moscato wine, although Macro Negri is my favorite, there are other moscato wines that are good too. It is an Italian wine and has a sweet flavor.

Lighting was a big issue for me today. It is very cloudy and rainy here. I took all of my pictures on manual even though the bar indicated I didn't have enough light. Next, I had to take each picture into Photoshop and adjust the brightness and contrast. I have used Photoshop for a number of years and did teach Photoshop when I taught high school business classes but am still not an expert in it. I try to learn something new each time I use the program. I don't teach Photoshop now that I am at the university but use it all the time for my blog images. I also added the JBigg's Little Pieces on each photo corner in Photoshop and make my mosaics with it. I am working on a Mosaic for all of my Valentine post.

My husband added a little gift to the table for me. If you like Brighton Jewelry, you will recognize the box. It's the small white box with the heart shape on top and tied with a small ribbon.

I am very happy with my pink tablescape. Pink always seems so feminine to me. Thanks for stopping by to see my Two Hearts Burn As One, and hope you can enjoy Valentine's Day with your sweetie, friends or family - Judy.

I am joining the following parties:

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for theSunday Showcase Party

Mary at BoogieboardCottage for Masterpiece Monday
Your Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday
Debbie at Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Jennifer at Dear Lillie for Valentine Party
Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Be Colorful

Kristin at My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Marty at AStroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Kim at SavvySouthern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY byDesign for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s ItWednesday

Danette at TheShady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for WhiteWednesday

TheStyle Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday
Southern Lovely: Show and Share Wednesday
It's Overflowing
Twin Dragonfly Designs

Susan at Between Naps on the Porchfor Tablescape Thursday

Gina at TheShabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at NoMinimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Kristen’sCreations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
Becca at Homeis Where My Story Begins for Home and FamilyFriday

Cindy at MyRomantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage forFeathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for InspirationFriday

Debra at Common Groundfor Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at TheCharm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridgefor Feature Yourself Friday
Thrifty Things Friday
Bargain Hunting with Laurie

Beverly at How Sweetthe Sound for Pink Saturday

Jen at Tatertotsand Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

TheTablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Pink and Silver Mantel

2012-02-06T14:53:00.000-06:00

My Valentine mantel gets my full attention today. I have one tablescape done, a couple of vignettes done, and now I wanted to devote my time to concentrating my mantel. Pink and silver are the colors I want to emphasize on it.

Wish I had read Susan at BTOP's blog post before I took my first 45 pictures but did not. Her post was 9 Tips for Better Blog Pictures and after I read the post, I decided to retake my pictures and follow her suggestions in #3 Never Use the Build-In Flash on Your Camera, #6 Go For A Surprise View and #7 Use the Cheater Bar.

I am fortunate that I have a lot of natural light in my living room with full length windows across the room so lighting isn't a big issue for me.

My walls are very light so I new working with pink could be a problem. The large wreath on the wall has several pastel colors of flowers so I thought it would work with my pink and silver colors.

I used the small wreath behind the silver candlesticks simply to give it a little more color and keep the silver and pink from fading into the wall.

In Susan's tip #7 Use The Cheater Bar, she suggested setting your camera on manual and using the cheater bar so I switched my camera setting to manual then moved the camera around so that the cheater bar was balanced in the middle. WA la, I think my pictures do look much better and lots more detail in them.

Thanks Susan for your camera tips just in time for my Valentine's Day Mantel.

Thanks for stopping by to see my pink and silver Valentine's Day mantel - Judy.

Linked to:

Stephanie Lynn at Under the Table and Dreaming for the Sunday Showcase Party

Three Mango Seeds for Do It Ya Self Monday

Your Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Be Colorful

Kristinat My Uncommon Slice ofSuburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures

Angie for Knick of Time Tuesday

Your're Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday

Debbie at Debbiedoo's Newbie Party

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for WhiteWednesday

Michele at at Michele Raven Designs for PrimpYour Stuff Wednesday

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays
D at The Shady Porch for Rock N Share
Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch
It's Overflowing
Twin Dragonfly Designs
Gina at the Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Sherry at No Minimalist Here for Open House Party Thursdays
Kristen at Kristin's Creations for Share Your Creations on Thursday
Liz at The Brambleberry Cottage for Time Travel Thursday
A Delightful Life for A Return to Loveliness on Thursday
DaNita at Delightful Order for Delightfully Inspiring Thursday
Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party
Bargain Hunting with Laurie
Counting Your Blessings
The Tablescaper for Seasonal Sundays

Glacier National Park - Rocky Point Nature Trail

2012-02-04T19:51:00.001-06:00

Today's post is from Glacier National Park in Montana. You are seeing Lake McDonald which is the largest lake in Glacier, it is approximately 10 miles long and over a mile wide and 472 feet deep. It lies at an elevation of 3153 feet and is on the west side of the Continental Divide.

This was a summer trip to Glacier so the weather was wonderful. The Going-to-the-Sun Road parallels the lake along its southern shoreline. The lake is so beautiful and the blue water so tranquil.

The lake is home to cutthroat trout, rainbow trout and lake trout. My family enjoys trout fishing and although we didn't fish in Lake McDonald, we did some trout fishing in the area.

In 2003, a massive wildfire raged through the forests along the shore of lake McDonald, scorching nearly 40,000 acres. A transformation is now taking place among these skeletons of the forest. The Rocky Point Nature Trail leads you into the heart of this changing landscape.

The trail is a .5 mile trail from Fish Campground. Now you are seeing the skeletons of the burnt trees.

The total distance is 2.7 miles round trip and is an easy hike.

Linked to:

Scenic Sunday
Smiling Sally for Blue Monday

Mary at Little Red House for Mosaic Monday

Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphosis Monday
Linda at Coastal Charm
Grits and Glamour for Wild About Mother Nature
Denise at ABC Wednesday

Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
Watery Wednesday
Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Katherine at Katherine’s Corner for Favorite Things Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Red Valentine Tablescape

2012-02-01T17:36:00.001-06:00

I have been working on my red Valentine tablescape and now it is ready. It really didn't take long to set; taking the pictures seemed to take me a lot longer. You know how we worry about taking the right shots for our tablescapes.

I wanted to use doilies on the table so I bought red ones and white ones. My napkins are folded in a Rose fold, I'll give you a link below to a tutorial (easy). The trinket boxes were inexpensive and I thought they added a nice touch sitting in the bowls.

The red goblets were a gift from my Dad.

Those of you who often visit my blog know I love Peggy Karr plates so, of course, I wanted to add my Peggy Karr Hearts plate to the table. Peggy is an American artist who works with fused glass.

I added a little chocolate candy to the table and there is a special little gift box in the center with a gift for my husband.

My husband gave me the black candelabra for a Christmas gift. I really like it with my Valentine table.

I used a white floral arrangement in my red Fitz and Floyd vase and added it to my bread rack in the kitchen.

Now a few votive candles and the mood is set.

Here is a link for a tutorial on the Rose fold, it is pretty easy. Thanks for stopping by to see my Red Valentine Tablescape - Judy.

Linked to:

The Tablescaper for Season Sumday

Maryat Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday
Your Talking Too Much for Meet Me Monday
Debbie at Debbiedoo's Newbie Party
Martyat A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday

Linda at Coastal Charm for Nifty Thrifty Tuesday

Kimat Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judyat DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paulaand Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danetteat The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleenat Faded Charm for White Wednesday
The Style Sisters for Centerpiece Wednesday

Micheleat at Michele Raven Designsfor Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Tabletop Thursday

Ginaat The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday

Sherryat No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party onThursday
Katherine at Katherine’sCorner for Favorite Things Thursday
Kristen’s Creations forShare Your Creations on Thursday
Stuff and Nonsense
Decor Chick

Cindyat My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtneyat French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honeyat 2805 for Potpourri Friday
Becca at Home is Where My Story Begins for Home and Family Friday

Heatherand Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debraat Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherryat The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelleat Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Jenat Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party
Pink Saturday
A Holiday Haven
Pinning and Singing

Pink Roses Motif

2012-01-30T16:34:00.009-06:00

I have been working on a vignette trayscape for Valentine's Day and here it is.

I usually don't use pink in my decor until Valentine's Day and then again for Spring or Easter. The pitcher and sugar jar were pieces I have had for a long time. I filled the pitcher with some pink and white flowers.

The cup, saucer and votive holder are pieces from my Pfaltzgraff Trousseau pattern dishes.

How do you like this shot through the handle of the tray?

The tray is from Southern Living at Home a few years ago.

Thanks for stopping by to see my Pink Roses Motif - Judy.

Linking to:

Martyat A Stroll Thru Life for Tabletop Tuesday
Angie at Knick of Time Tuesday

Lindaat Coastal Charm forNifty Thrifty Tuesday

Tea Time Tuesday ~ with Sandi
Tea Time with Bernideen's

Tea Party Tuesday ~ with Trish

Kristinat My Uncommon Slice ofSuburbia for Tuesday’s Treasures
A Bowl Full of Lemons
Bunny Jean for Bunny Hop Wednesday

Kimat Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judyat DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

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Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite

2012-01-28T19:26:00.007-06:00

This week, I wanted to share some more pictures from our winter trip to Yosemite National Park in California. Last week I shared pictures of Yosemite Falls and now here are our pictures of Bridalveil Falls. The day was a spectacular clear day, there was no fog like the previous day; although it was still cold, we at least had lots of sunshine.

Bridalveil Falls is almost as famous at Yosemite Falls. It is easily seen by walking a few hundred yards from the parking lot. There are some giant Douglas firs you can see in the pictures.

The falls is 617 feet and flows year round.

Notice the sprays of water as they cascade down the rock.

I wanted to show you that Bridalveil can be seen from the Yosemite Lodge at the Fall. We stayed at this lodge and arrived after dark so we were in for a big shock the second morning when we were out and could see Bridalveil (the first morning was so foggy we could hardly see anything). Can you imagine stepping out your door to this sight?

This shot is the closest one I could get of the falls and it was magnificent.

They say you can swim in the pool at the base of the falls but it was certainly too cold for swimming.

Thanks for stopping by to see Bridalveil Falls in Yosemite National Park in California - Judy.

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Kim at Savvy Southern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday
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Debra at Common Groundfor Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at TheCharm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridgefor Feature Yourself Friday

Jen at Tatertotsand Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party

Animals in the Wild @ Yosemite

2012-01-28T18:15:00.002-06:00

While visiting Yosemite National Park in California, we had a chance to see some of the animals in the park. Look closely at the first image, look deep under the tree; it is very foggy. Can you see them?

Let me zoom in a little. There, now you can see them just a little better.

Do you think they smell me yet?

Oh, now I can see another deer to the left side of the tree.

Ok, let's move on and maybe the fog will lift and we might see more wildlife in Yosemite. Yes, we found another group of deer.

This is just awesome, even though I am cold just look at the young deer.

I think it's time for us to go. Thanks for stopping by to see the animals in the wild @ Yosemite - Judy.

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Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for Outdoor Wednesday

To Remember His Sweetheart

2012-01-25T18:15:00.003-06:00

While I was last visiting my Dad, I noticed he still has a little table vignette decorated to remember my Mom. Since Valentine's Day is approaching, I thought it was the perfect time to share these pinks and whites with you.

The vignette started with a pink floral arrangement and a cute lidded box with a pink bow sitting on a Battenburg lace cloth.

The clock was an anniversary gift to my parents. It's engraved with their names and wedding date, February 8, 1946.

The cherub was a gift from a family friend when Mom passed away.

Hope you can spend some time with your sweetheart on Valentine's Day - Judy.

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Mary at Boogieboard Cottage for Masterpiece Monday

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Judy at DIY by Design for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s It Wednesday

Danette at The Shady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for White Wednesday

Michele at at Michele Raven Designs for Primp Your Stuff Wednesday

Gina at The Shabby Creek Cottage for Transformation Thursday
Jill at the French Cupboard for French Inspiration on Thursdays

Sherry at No Minimalist Here for the Open House Party on Thursday

Cindy at My Romantic Home for Show and Tell Friday

Courtney at French Country Cottage for Feathered Nest Friday

Honey at 2805 for Potpourri Friday

Heather and Vanessa at At the Picket Fence for Inspiration Friday

Debra at Common Ground for Vintage Inspiration Friday

Sherry at The Charm of Home for Home Sweet Home Friday

Rachelle at Fingerprints on the Fridge for Feature Yourself Friday

Jen at Tatertots and Jello for the Weekend Wrap-up Party
Pink Saturday

Yosemite Valley Chapel

2012-01-24T22:26:00.005-06:00

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ABC Wednesday

Yosemite Falls in Winter

2012-01-22T13:10:00.003-06:00

I don't usually vacation in Winter, but a trip to Yosemite National Park proved to be just amazing. The views, the rock, the water, the snow, and the cold air were like nothing I had seen or felt.

Yosemite Falls is the highest measured water in North America and is located in the Sierra Nevada of California. It is also one of the world's tallest, and is made up of three separate falls: Upper Yosemite Fall (1430 feet), the Middle Cascades (675 feet), and Lower Yosemite Fall (320). In the picture below, you can see the upper fall and the lower fall.

We were able to hike to the lower fall. The path to the upper fall was closed for winter. My husband and I on the path leading to the lower fall. Do I look cold? I was freezing. I have four layers of clothing on under that red jacket.

The walk to the lower fall was fairy easy but very icy.

Even with the cold air and the icy path, seeing the water crashing down on the rocks was so rewarding. The rock is solid granite and looks very slick.

This shot is as close as we could get to the lower fall. That my husband, me, son-in-law, and grandson in the picture, our daughter is taking the picture.

Once last view of the lower fall in Yosemite.

The lower fall is located near the Yosemite Lodge in Yosemite Valley. Thanks for stopping by to see Yosemite Falls in Winter - Judy.

Linked to:

Scenic Sunday
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Kim at SavvySouthern Style for Wow Us Wednesdays

Judy at DIY byDesign for Winter Blues Wednesday

Paula and Patti at Ivy and Elephants for What’s ItWednesday

Danette at TheShady Porch for Rock and Share Wednesday

Kathleen at Faded Charm for WhiteWednesday

Susan at A Southern Daydreamer for OutdoorWednesday
Watery Wednesday