vickie

I like to have pretty matching candles for all of my table settings. I also like to make something useful out of a Dollar Tree find. I was able to do both for this table setting in my dining room. I have done this project before with a smaller candleholder here . I found a great tablecloth with 8 matching napkins on sale at World Market. It has a beautiful, brightly colored print on it. I happened to have different shades of tissue paper that matched the colors in my tablecloth. I bought 5 of... Read Full Story

This is a very quick and easy candy recipe that Amby told me about. Different versions of it can be found all over Pinterest. You will need pretzels, Rolos, and M&M's. Cover a cookie sheet with parchment. Lay out the pretzels and place a Rolo on top of each one. Bake at 350 for 1-2 minutes. This is just to get the Rolos slightly melted. Lightly press an M&M into each one. I used peanut M&M's but you can use your favorite. Chill until hardened. These are very tasty and really cute for a party... Read Full Story

The vocal ensemble that I am a part of is performing on Tuesday, November 29. The music is beautiful and the concert is free. If you live near the Birmingham area, it would be a great way to start your Christmas season! Read Full Story

I love to decorate for Autumn. It is such a pleasant transition into cooler weather, chili, pumpkins, and Alabama Football (RTR!!). This is how I decorated my kitchen table this year. The tablecloth is a twin size comforter. The post about it, and more decorating ideas can be found here . I got the owl at Hobby Lobby 50% off and I found the lanterns at a yard sale. The soft glow is courtesy of World Market's new battery candles. It is a simple table, yet it makes a strong autumnal statement... Read Full Story

We had a Halloween lunch at work the other day, and I wanted to make some special treats for my friends. I decided to make personalized Halloween crackers filled with candy. The full tutorial with measurements, etc, can be found here . I realized that I didn't have any Halloween scrapbook paper, so I searched online and found a great website from the UK called Activity Village . They had some very fun patterns. I printed the paper onto 8 1/2 x 11 white card stock. You can cut two from each... Read Full Story

This year, it became a requirement to become ACLS certified at the hospital where I work. The prospect of having to accomplish this was very stressful. Fortunately I found Brant Bice, a firefighter and paramedic, who has been teaching CPR for several years. He can come to your home, church, or workplace and teach CPR and ACLS. He provides a comfortable and enjoyable atmosphere, which is very conducive to learning. He uses the American Heart Association 2010 guidelines and combines it with his... Read Full Story

(Sorry I have been away from here for so long! I've been busy with work, family, and other various doodads. I have several ideas just waiting in the wings, and I should be able to get them posted over the next several days.) Autumn is such cozy time of year and I love to decorate for it. I wanted to do a wreath for my back porch door and I found a picture of a beautiful one on Pinterest. There was no tutorial for it, so I had to improvise. It turned out to be really fun, although it was a bit... Read Full Story

This i s a recipe that I found in the Food Network Magazine, the October 2010 issue. I followed it fairly closely, but did a slightly reduced version with 5 instead of 8 eggs. I also used onion instead of shallots, I didn't use parsley, and I added fresh rosemary. It was delicious. Perfect for a weekend breakfast. Western Skillet Eggs 1/2 cup half-and-half or whole milk Pinch of cayenne pepper Kosher salt and black pepper 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil 2 shallots, sliced 2... Read Full Story

It's that time again! Melinda is hosting another pumpkin party! She has the best, most beautiful pumpkins I have ever seen. Her party this year is Saturday, September 24 from 11-2. Come for a relaxing day with beautiful scenery. 477 Lake Road (Chandler Mountain) Steele, Al Directions : From Bham, take I-59 N to the Steele Exit. At the exit, turn left. Go 1/4 mile to Hwy 11. Turn left and go 1/4 mile to County Road 42 (Chandler Mountain Road). Turn right. This will take you up... Read Full Story

My sweet little grandson, Roman, is one year old today. He is adorable and hilarious. He has a delightful smile that will warm your heart and light up your life. We are so glad he is here! Amby made this sweet video of his first year. Happy Birthday Ro! Read Full Story