My other job!

As some of you well know, my love for decorating has taken me on a couple different paths. I started with AtHome America in 2002--just wanting to make extra income and work around the boys' busy, busy schedules! This was just the ticket! I had applied at the local paint/wallpaper store but would have to work Saturday mornings. At the time, I was coaching soccer and this just wouldn't do with two boys. I went to my first party on a fluke. My friend was just inviting a few people over just to help her friend out. Yep, only two of us showed. I don't even thing the party was big enough for her to get any credit. But I knew this was something I could do.

It took Jan a few months to convince me to start, but when I learned I didn't have to invest anything and could start for FREE--I had nothing to lose. So I took the plunge. It was amazing! People were loving the products and I could work when I chose!! Yipee! It was the best of both worlds!

AtHome America is a very gracious company. I love everything they stand for and what they have contributed to my family as well as other families across the nation. My website is at the right. Head on over and take a look at what's new! If you are interested in a party, having a book party or just want to shop from the 'net, feel free!! You can also get free information from AHA to start for FREE in March.

Look what I made!

We had extension club last night and we try to do something fun each month. We went to do ceramics. I decided to make a Chocolate Easter Bunny! I have seen these online--very pricey. I thought I would try this and plus--I knew it would be easy!! He is so darn cute!!! Best of all, the bunny, paint & tax was only $5.89!! LOVE IT!! I want to go back! It is addicting! All he needs now is a cute basket, easter eggs & grass!!

Chocolate Billionaires!

The finished product!



Waiting for chocolate almond bark!



Pecans and crushed rice krispies!



It took longer to unwrap the caramels than it did to melt them!




Does the economy have you down? Well, try these AMAZING Chocolate Billionaires! I found these at Heritage School House blogspot. They are EASY & DELICIOUS! What a fabulous combination! (Okay, the pictures are BACKWARDS!! It's late and I'm not dealing with my wonky computer!)

Chocolate Billionaires
3 dozen

1 (14 ounce) package caramels
3 tablespoons water
1 ½ cups pecans, coarsely chopped
1 cup crushed crisp rice cereal
1 package chocolate bark

Melt caramels and water in microwave until you can stir easily; stir until smooth. Mix in pecans and cereal. Cover cookie sheets with wax paper. Drop candy by spoonfuls onto cookie sheets. Put cookie sheets in refrigerator until candy hardens (about 30 minutes). Melt chocolate bark in microwave. Using a fork, dip candy into chocolate bark, turning to coat all sides. Place candy on sheets of wax paper on the counter to harden. Enjoy!

He sees you when you're sleeping!

This Santa is supposed to grace a doorknob, but with a chocolate lab who's still a 'pup' there is NO WAY he is going to be her next chew toy! I put in on the door of my armoire in the bedroom.

AtHome America sold these about seven years ago and it's one of my Christmas favs!

Have a great weekend--the decorating and celebrating has just begun!!

Silent Night

Well, what's a girl to do when all the men in her family go out? DECORATE!!! It was so QUIET around here!! It looks like Christmas exploded at our house!

We don't have a fireplace, so the shabby chic hooks in our bedroom are the perfect place for a couple of stockings. The hooks are usually reserved for ball caps. (Yep, I have to make this feminine space man friendly, esp. with the TV--ick!)

The nativity was my grandma's. LOVE IT! When you wind it, "The Little Drummer Boy" plays and it turns. This is the PERFECT place for it!

Stay tuned for more pics--my bedroom's not done yet!!

Fun recipes!!

I love to surf the net! I have not been very active on my own blog since I am lurking the internet looking at all of the wonderful, creative blogs! I found a couple that just have the most scrumptious recipes! And since it's the Fall season, time to bake--I have to store these links somewhere!!

I cannot wait to make some the AWESOME recipe Lisa has a Warm Heart, Cozy Home. The have to be good, she's a Nebraska gal too!

And there is the awesome pie recipe that is on Bunnies' bungalow that I just have to try! And then she goes and adds Pumpkin Cobbler. OOOHHHH my waistline! Better get on that exercise routine to balance it out!!

Decorating Disasters

Yep, we've all had them! It's not easy to choose the right paint color. Trust me--I know.

I decided a few years ago to paint my bedroom yellow. I thought it would be so cool with a black and white toile bedspread. The minute we put the yellow paint on the walls, it looked green. It was just horrible. See the before pics. But I lived with it for awhile--thinking it was just me being picky. That I could turn this bad situation into a good one.

Well, the only way to do that is a different paint color. So last weekend, I decided I had enough of the lime/yellow walls and it was time to make it a relaxing haven.

Now don't get me wrong. I've had this Cocoa Bean paint swatch on the wall FOREVER waiting to see if I trusted myself again to do this. Well, it turned out to be so AWESOME! I love how warm our room looks and the little touches on the walls. It is so relaxing and calming--LOVE our room!