Just a little advice. . .

Here is a picture of my kitchen. When our house was moved to this location in about 1985, the owner had a custom kitchen put in. Granted, it's not a kitchen for 2009, but it functions well. I am debating whether I should paint the cupboards. You know, that gorgeous french white cottage look. I think they would look so clean and make the space look bigger. I want to put beadboard on the sides of the island too. I found a gorgeous backsplash--and for now, I could only do the backsplash, not the countertops. I am having trouble uploading the pic--but if you google American Olean Cache Tile, you will see the gorgeous blue/smoky mink harlequin tile. As many of you know, I work at a furniture/floor covering store and I get a FABULOUS discount--and even at my price, the tiles are OUTRAGEOUS! (Oh and as much as I would LOVE to adopt you so you can have the discount, I really can't. You really don't know how many times I am asked that--or if they can be my husband. Well, uh sorry--I've had the discount since I married him--I'm the one who lucked out.)

Anyway, I love to paint, decorate, etc.--but painting these cupboards is a HUGE leap for me--WHAT IF I MESS UP! Any advice will be appreciated.

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!!