A Pink Saturday and a Valentine Swap

In celebration of Pink Saturday, I am sharing with you my Vintage Valentine Swap that I received from Jessica at http://jessicarodarte.blogspot.com/. She was my partner this year and I just received the most wonderful package of delightful treasures. I believe she must have spent many hours fashioning this gift for me. All of it came wrapped in pink be-ribboned boxes. Carefully wrapped and presented in a wonderful box.

This is the most wonderful thing I have ever seen. it is a handmade photo album she made from vintage papers, trimmed in lace and posies. The pearl paperclip held our wedding photo in place.

Inside are two handmade tags and places to display more of my special pictures.

Two vintage sheer lace hankies !

Two delightful books to read, including a vintage cookbook!

A wonderful Valentine card with a silver heart!

Vintage postcards tied up in pink.
Candles and chocolates in a vintage tin.

And a glorious assortment of lace, ribbons, vintage buttons and charms, all tied up with ribbons and vintage papers. Too pretty to open!

How lucky I was to have such a dear partner! I love it all!

Have a wonderful Pink Saturday! Head over to visit all of the wonderful pink posts hosted by Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound. http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Hugs and have a wonderful week,

Lorri

Some of My Favorite Places

If you have read my blog for very long. You know that I absolutely love Eureka Springs, Arkansas. We have made so many trips there over the years and it really holds a very special place in our hearts. Here are a few pictures of some of the trips we have made this year.

Ermilio's is an Italian restaurant that serves authentic food. It is located in the historic district in an old 2 story house. The food is very good, and it is very crowded. We arrived at 5pm and the wait was already an hour long.

All of the streets are lined with exquisite flower gardens, and decorated for every occasion. It is just like a wonderland.

This is my favorite place to eat of all time. We discovered this quite by accident one day. We were downtown and stopped in for a quick bite. Don't let the word "cafe" fool you. This is a 5 star restaurant. I have never ate food this wonderful in my life. We have been here many times since. Once we ate there twice in a day. The menus are different for lunch and for dinner. This food is to die for!

Here is an example of the historic downtown. It is on a hill and very steep. We usually park and walk or ride the motorcycle slow stopping here and there to visit all of the quaint shops.

This is the front of the historic Crecsent Hotel. We were married here in October. We have made many trips here just to visit the grounds and the inside of the hotel. It is the oldest hotel in the area and some say the most haunted!

When you are standing on the back balcony of the hotel you see this wonderful old chapel. The stained glass windows are wonderful. I love this picture.

This is the crescent moon in front of the hotel. Sorry it is blurry.

The night we were married, we took a moonlight ride on this carriage. It took us all around the historic city and back to the hotel. It was cold that night and not a cloud in the sky. I loved it, the moon was bright and the stars shining. The horses hoofs were clip clopping on the brick pavement. Such a wonderful memory.

I hope that if you are every in Arkansas, you will take time to visit this charming little town. There are over 100 bed and breakfast inns as well as hotels to stay in. Beaver Lake has some wonderful log cabins you can rent by the day or week. Eureka Springs is also home of the Great Passion Play and the Christ of the Ozarks. You are only another hour away from Branson Missouri and lots of entertainment and sites.

Hope everyone has a wonderful week.

Hugs,

Lorri

Vintage Valentine Cards

Wow, another work week is over. Thank goodness! My work days are very long, but am so happy when they are over and I have 4 days to recover. Lots to do this week and weekend. I have some great new things to show you this week.

I participated in the Valentine Swap over at Heidi's and received my Valentine box yesterday. So many beautiful things to share with you. I cant wait to photograph them and post them here for you to enjoy.

I have my checkup tomorrow,yuck! But it is a necessary evil women must do each year. I had my last injection in my knee today. We are really hoping all of this will help and I wont be limping much longer! I worked all day after I had it done and it wasn't bad.

We didn't get the snow that was forecast here. A little bit of ice and rain. Just enough to make things really messy. I will try to post all of my goodies tomorrow. I had a lovely partner and she really is a very talented lady! Hope you enjoy the postcards.

See you tomorrow!

Hugs,

Lorri

Cross Stitch Samplers

I have always had a love for old cross stitch samplers. Back in the 1980's I tried to buy as many as I could find. That was before Ebay and I had limited funds. I was never able to afford the REAL samplers. You know the one's that were made by schoolgirls in the 1800"s that command such high prices. So, I just picked up a few here and there and framed them. I have several from the 1920"s and 30"s. Right now I have them hanging in the laundry room.

I was always fascinated with the intricate embroidery work and time that went into each one. I love the fact that most of mine are dated and signed by the artist. I have made a few of them in my day. But just cant compare to the older ones I find. Early 1900's can still be bought for under $20.00 and I think they are a wonderful addition to a country or primitive home decor. What do you think???
Have a great day!

Lorri

My New Best Friend

I bought a Kitchen Aid mixer last May after wanting one for many many years. I just cant believe how much easier it has made my life! This weekend ,I made cookies, pecan pie, cherry cheesecake and homemade rolls with it. It saves so much time and makes a world of difference in how things turn out compared to a hand mixer. Everything is creamier and fluffier. I am so in love with this mixer!!! My husband likes the results too!

Have a great week. I just got home from work and have two more days to go! 12 hour shifts can be tough. We are expecting some snow showers on Wednesday! WOO HOO! We haven't had snow in a couple of years.

Hugs,
Lorri

A Wonderful Gift

Over the Christmas holiday's, I had ask my new mother in law if she would teach me to crochet doilies. I had never learned to do anything more than a simple crochet stitch with yarn and have always wanted to learn. I bought some thread and a book and have practiced a bit, I turned out a very sad looking piece that I promptly threw away. Today, my MIL came over and brought me a sack of 21 doilies that she has crocheted since Christmas and gave them to me! I was so excited. There are doilies of every shape and size. I have spent the afternoon, starching and ironing them to display all over the house. She worked with me and we started on one. I am just not very good at it. But, I will continue to practice and hopefully be able to make one. In the meantime I have lots of new ones to decorate with. I just love them.
Have a wonderful week and happy decorating!
Hugs,
Lorri

New Bedroom photos

Here are a few pictures of the bedroom. I have not ordered the red toile ensemble yet, but I had a dinner party tonight with friends over and needed something for right now. I stopped by TJMaxx and found this white quilt and pillow shams for $50.00 for the set! I took the shams over to my favorite quilt shop and had them monogrammed for $20.00. The red and white checked quilt is from Jc Penny For $90.00. I have some red and white toile material that I plan to cover the stool at the foot of the bed with, just did not have enough time today to accomplish it. I think I may use this as my summer look and use the toile set for the winter months.

I am very happy with the way it turned out. Just a week ago this room was awful!

I love the monograms on the shams. I think it added alot to the whole look and you cant beat it for the price.

Here is another view of the bedroom. Now, I used to live in an old Victorian and all of my furniture is very large and substantial. I am trying to fit all of it in a 1980 ranch style home and make it work.

I also found this old picture of me tucked away in a box, so Donnie went down to Wal-mart today and bought a new frame for it.

The room is still a work in progress. I shopped all day yesterday for things. But finally decided to wait. When I run upon something I love I will add it to the room. I just hate to buy things to fill up a room, that have no meaning for me. It will take awhile to get it together, but for tonight, I was happy with the way it turned out. My friends loved the change and I am happy, so all is well.

Today is my 3 month anniversary! WOO! HOO! Wow , it seems longer than 3 months. I haven't washed and cleaned and cooked this much in years. Donnie has gained 20lbs since we married, and I haven't lost any weight either. Summer is coming on and I have to get back into my biker chic apparel!!! I have to stop baking!! I have to stop making pies, cakes, cookies and homemade breads. And I have to stop eating them.

Hope you like the new changes in the room. I am open for suggestions. Please let me know what you think. Sometimes, a new perspective is all it takes to add the final touches.

Have a great weekend.

Hugs,

Lorri

It's Pink Saturday!

Hello everyone! I am so happy you joined me for Pink Saturday! Beverly over at How Sweet the Sound http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/ is hosting this event for us. Hop on over and visit the other participants this week.

This cute little vase came from my daughters flower shop. It was a floral promotion one year for Mother's Day. I love it because it matches my china pattern Old Country Roses. Of course I was thrilled with the roses that came it in for Mother's Day that year. Don't you just love getting flowers???

I found these at Ross dept store. I fell in love with the little cottages. There were four small bowls and one serving bowl. I think I paid $2.00 each for them. I have found them on Ebay and may replace my old pottery with them in the future. I thought they would be nice during the holidays.

I found this chair at an estate sale many years ago. It is a light sage green with pink rosettes in the little squares. It was in perfect condition when I found it and I snapped it right up. It has to be the most comfortable chair I own. I have always used it in the bedroom, but for now it is in the living room. I will never part with it!!

Here is my little Samsonite travel case that I bought at Round Top last year. I brought it home and used scrapbook paper, labels,stamps,chipboard initials and an old brooch to spruce it up. I think it turned out very nicely. I recently found another train case at the Salvation army for only $2.00!! I haven't played with it yet, but it is on my list of things to do.

Here is another find at TJ Maxx! You know how I love that store! Both pillows are feather filled and are the softest things you have ever felt. Of course they are pink and green striped, so they go perfectly in my pink guest room. I am going to post pictures of it next week.

I have some pictures of the bedroom makeover I will post tomorrow. I haven't bought the Red Toile set yet, but have the white quilt and shams that I had monogrammed and they are beautiful! Check back later to see how they turned out. I love them.

Thanks again to everyone who took the time to visit and leave me a comment. I love visiting new blogs and old friends as well, so please let me know you have been here. Don't forget to visit the other participants in Pink Saturday! I know you will see lots of great things. I cant wait to visit all of the blogs to see the other contributions this week.

Wishing you a wonderful weekend. I hope you enjoy every second of it.

Hugs,

Lorri

Comfort Food

Here in Texas, we love our comfort food. And nothing in the world is better than fried potatoes with chopped onion. Serve some crunchy home fries with cornbread and pinto beans, throw in a little chow chow or hot pepper sauce OH HONEY, you cant do any better than this. Yum! Of course, if you are on a low carb diet this meal will not be your friend. I have to limit cooking this to about once a month. It will pack the pounds on you in a hurry! In fact, I really cant think of any comfort food doesn't make me fat. What is your favorite comfort food?



I am off to the city to look for some more ideas for the bedroom. I left the pillow shams at the quilt shop yesterday to have them monogrammed. I really wanted to have the bedroom finished before tomorrow night, I am having friends over for dinner. But I am sure it will not be done. I have my lovely grandson this afternoon and a party to attend tonight. So, I have a busy day ahead of me. Enjoy the day!

Hugs,

Lorri

And The Winner IS!!!!!

Many thanks to everyone who entered my 1st blog giveaway! I am so excited to announce the winner.

But first, let me just tell you that I have discovered so many new and wonderful blogs through this process. It has been simply delightful! I look forward each day to reading your comments and visiting blogs. I usually stay up really late on Wednesday night, so that I can catch up on every one's post for the week. A huge thanks to all of you who follow my blog and has placed my link in their favorites. I am new at this and still learning the process, so bear with me as I discover the wonderful world of blogging.

I placed all of the comments that were left in my favorite pink transferware bowl! Some were entered 2 or 3 times. I mixed them up really well and took the bowl in to my sweet husband so that he could pick the winner. He closed his eyes and reached into the bowl and pulled out a slip of paper and the winner is!!...........................................

Betty at Simply Southern! Congratulations to you Betty. If you will email me your address I will ship out your package ASAP! I hope you will enjoy your gift box and have as much fun opening it as I did packing it.

Wishing everyone a wonderful week.

Hugs,

Lorri

Last Chance!

This is the last chance to enter my first ever giveaway! I will draw a name on Friday morning, hoping to ship out that afternoon. Please include your email address and if you have me in your blog favorites, let me know and I will enter you twice!! Thanks again for reading my blog. I appreciate each and every one of you ! Have a great day!
Hugs,
Lorri

Yum!

I am on a diet and this looks so GOOD right now!!! I imagine that the cake part is lemon with the white coconut icing on top! Yum!

Decisions!

I am thinking about decorating the bedroom in something like this.
You know how I love red and Toile

Or this. I really love this one, but it is quite a bit more expensive. Will it look ok with my dark finish furniture?? Tell me what you think!

Off to work today. Hope everyone has a wonderful day.

Hugs,

Lorri

Loss of a Landmark

We are saddened this morning to read in the paper that Coy's Steakhouse burned to the ground Friday morning.

Coy's Steakhouse was an icon in Hot Spring's Arkansas. It had been in business since 1945. This restaurant has won numerous awards for serving the best steaks in Arkansas and had received many wonderful reviews. It was a very interesting old building filled with antiques and catered to the Oaklawn racing crowds. We always ate there on our trips to the HOG bike rally in the fall and usually a few other visits throughout the year. My sister and I took our sons this past July and enjoyed a wonderful steak Oscar! They were famous for a special salad dressing they served. When you were seated, the waitress would bring out a warmed sleeve of saltine crackers in a metal container with a cruet of the homemade dressing. YUM!

Our trips to the area will never be the same. Hopefully they will rebuild and come back stronger than ever.

Cornbread Sandwich

Have you ever heard of a Cornbread sandwich? I had never ate one in my life until recently. We had taken another motorcycle ride to Jefferson one weekend and the usual biker bar we eat at was packed out. We decided to walk up the street and try out another little shop we had seen before. I believe the name of the cafe is called 'The Pie Shop'. Their claim to fame is the original Cornbread Sandwich. We stepped in to try it out. Basically, a cornbread sandwich is a large square of cornbread, cut in half , mayo on both sides, your choice of meat,cheese, tomato slices and red onion. Served with chips. We chose a sandwich called 'The Redneck'. It was very tasty! I was a little apprehensive about trying it, but we were starving that day!

Of course I cannot eat something new without having to go home and experiment with my own version.

So last night. I made a pan of cornbread, added shredded cheese, and chopped jalapenos, baked to a crispy brown and cut into four pieces. I used dental floss to slice the cornbread into. Spread on some mayo , fried some bologna for the sandwiches and added some sliced cheese.

Here is my version of a Redneck Sandwich! I know it sounds strange and if you are not from the south. It may sound terrible! I am from the south and I had second thoughts about it myself! This is a pretty good sandwich! I cannot eat an entire one, They make large sandwiches. I cut them in half to a more manageable size. Try one out, if you dare! It might just become one of your favorites.

Have a Happy Sunday!

Hugs,

Lorri

My Best Pecan Pie Recipe

I discovered this Pecan Pie recipe many years ago, and I have modified it a little to suit my own tastes. Here is of copy of the original and also my version of it.

I use a Pillsbury pie crust and place into a deep dish glass container.

One of my secret ingredients is pancake syrup! Don't tell anyone!

Mix well in my favorite Kitchen Aid appliance. I really do not know how I lived so long without one. If you do not own one of these it is a must have item. Put it on your list right now!!!

OK, this started out to be a pecan pie. I went to get the pecans out of the freezer and they were almost gone. Someone ( I wont name to protect the innocent), but someone has been snacking on my pecans!!! I didn't have but 1/4 cup of them to put in this pie. Soooooo what is a southern Texan woman to do?? I had to improvise. I renamed this pie Butternut pie and it was a huge hit! In fact the kids liked it better than pecan pie. Hope you try this easy recipe, it really is pretty tasty!

This is the original recipe:

1/2 cup corn syrup

1/2 cup pancake syrup

1 cup dark brown sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 cup margarine

1 tsp vanilla

3 eggs slightly beaten

2 tablespoons of flour

1 heaping cup of pecans

combine syrups, sugar,salt, and vanilla. Beat in eggs,flour and melted margarine. Add pecans stir together and pour into deep dish pie shell. Bake at 350 degrees for about 45 minutes or until set.

My version:

1/2 cup Karo syrup

1/2 cup pancake syrup

1 cup white sugar

1/4 tsp salt

1 stick real butter

1 teaspoon vanilla

3 eggs beaten

2 tablespoon flour

1 heaping cup of pecans or not

1/4 cup Crown Royal or good bourbon of any kind

Mix together as directed above and bake at 350 degrees until set.

My version is richer, because of the stick of butter and it also bakes lighter than the original version. The alcohol content cooks out and it leaves a slight taste of it, but just enough. No one can figure out what it is!!!..LOL This is a really good recipe. This year for Christmas, this was the only pie requested. Which is very unusual for my kids. I normally bake at least 4 different pies to please everyone. Try this out and let me know what you think.

Thank you for all of the lovely comments on Pink Saturday. Don't forget to scroll down and sign up for my first giveaway! I will pick a winner on Friday!

Have a great weekend!

Hugs,

Lorri