~My new colour love is White~

I have always loved white, but there have been times when I thought I loved color more. I am going back to white, more and more.  I have been painting things white here and there and everywhere lately.
And yet for all my love of white, I will never have one of those ‘all white’ houses, – I love color too much for that.......But I am lovin the "white" additions!.......

The beautiful pumpkins were a gift from my sweet friend Kim...aren't they pretty...and the little sister plate is from my sweet sister "Cheryll"   enjoy the weekend.
Till Next Time,
Sandy

~Follow your heart~

I heard a quote once "Making the decision to have a child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have your heart go walking around outside your body.” and my heart has been worn proudly and vulnerably outside my body since the day they were born. I have been their teacher, their authority and most of all their biggest fan. I have had sleepless nights awaiting the visit from the tooth fairy, helped santa build doll houses, held them when the mean boy they had a crush on didn't feel the same.  I have been a requested spectatur in their personal lives as they grew into young women, and I wouldn't have changed a thing. I learned as they learned, I grew as they grew and I found me as they were finding themselves.
Till next time,
Sandy

~We don't see things as they are, We see things as We are.~

10 things I have learned about myself....
1. I am a morning person.
2. I love biographies, and movies with happy endings. Never ever scary, thriller movies.
3. I'm a bigger control freak than I realized or perhaps have been willing to admit
4. I long to simplify my life....
5. I am NOT a fan of overhead lighting..
6. I have an inexplicable desire to make homemade preserves...
7. When life feels chaotic I have a significant need to retreat, in solitude ...
8. I adore the lingering smell of all laundry that has been hung outside....
9. I'm changing...my interests and goals are shifting- ...I welcome the new...
10. You can't go back and expect it to be the same, I'm not even sure you can really ever go back.....

I think I am taking the time for self-discovery, and as Martha would say "that is a good thing".

Till Next Time,
Sandy

~Nice Surprises~

Someday's are just special, the days that make you just stop for a moment and look around and really see the beauty in someone. Two of my sweet girls (Cori & Erin) ..really hit a homerun with me today. Cori called me today just to let me know she was thinking about me, and what she had learned in philosophy class and wanted my thoughts, because she respected my opinion.. woah! It didn't matter what she said after that....I was one proud mama. :) then Miss Erin, surprised me and painted an old wicker loveseat that I have wanted to put in our kitchen...she said " I knew you didn't have time, so I thought I would do it for you"... is that sweet or what? Yep! I am one lucky mom..

Sandy

Wood plank floors

The Frugal Farmhouse Designs. I just Love this floor...visit her website for the DIY instructions. Have a wonderful evening... http://thefrugalfarmhousedesigns@blogspot.com





can you believe that this is inexpensive plywood?

~You Are What You Love~

We create our lives by our thoughts and aspirations. Aspire for greatness !!!

Who you are isn't passive or unchanging. It is a vital sign that needs to unfold and express itself, through your entire life and so that unique pattern of talents and gifts that lie hidden in the things you love is also the map to your life path.

The beautiful life collage above is fromhttp://outofhandart.blogspot.com/ I absolutely love her work.

~Beautiful Candles~

Don't you just love these re-dipped candles? Such an easy project too. You can also add your favorite essence oil to make scented candles....

Embed flowers onto a candle by affixing dried flowers to the surface, then over-dipping in clear wax. This technique works especially well with interestingly shaped leaves and flat blooms.

Use a dab of Stick-um to affix the dried flowers or leaves to the candle. Do this to each flower until the arrangement is complete, making sure the flowers remain flat against the candle.

In a 9-inch dipping can, set in the bottom of a double boiler over medium heat, melt the wax. Heat to 205 degrees Fahrenheit. (Be extra vigilant at these temperatures.)Holding the candle by the wick, carefully dip it in the wax. Hold for 5 seconds. Remove and make sure the flowers are flat.

Dip again for 5 seconds. Remove and leave to dry for 2 hours. Trim the wick to 1/4 inch and you are ready to light your candle.

~Beautiful Weekend~

I hope everyone had a wonderful weekend !!
Did you try the yummy potato soup? I hope so, it was so warm and delicious.
I put the final touches on the trim paint, I just love fresh painted woodwork, in a bright white gloss, everything just looks so fresh and bright.
I also found the time to catch up with some friends this weekend too, which is always the sunshine of my week. A little girl talk, soothes the soul. You ladies are definitely my sunshine.


Till Next Time,
Sandy

~Loaded Potato Soup~

The weekend is here!!! What a wonderful day for "Soup" this is soooo good. I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm off to the market to get my potato's to make this scrumptious soup and salad. BonAppetit

Ingredients:

1 lb. baking potatoes (about 2), cubed

1 can (14-1/2 oz.) fat-free reduced-sodium chicken broth

1 cup milk

3 slices OSCAR MAYER Bacon, cooked, crumbled and divided

1 cup KRAFT Shredded Cheddar Cheese, divided

1 green onion sliced, divided

1/4 cup BREAKSTONE'S or KNUDSEN Sour Cream

Directions:

MICROWAVE potatoes in large microwaveable bowl on HIGH 5 min., stirring after 2-1/2 min. Stir in broth and milk. Microwave 10 min., stirring after 5 min. Carefully crush potatoes with potato masher.

RESERVE 2 Tbsp. each bacon and cheese and 1 Tbsp. onions for topping. Stir remaining bacon, cheese and onions into soup.

SERVE topped with reserved bacon, cheese, onions and sour cream.

Enjoy,
Sandy

Change your thoughts, Change your life!

~Have a Great Day~
Sandy