Where Do I Blog?

Centsational Girl is hosting a get together this week to answer the simple question: Where do you blog? I know you are curious, as I am, about where your favorite bloggers create their poignant, fun, creative, and inspiring posts. Hop on over to the party and peek in on your favorite blogger(s).






As for me, I can tell you that I do the majority of my brainstorming during my morning and afternoon commute. Then, while dinner is cooking, I get comfortable and sit down at the computer desk in the dining room and compose the next day's post.

On weekends, I may not even get dressed before plopping down at the computer with a cup of coffee. I can't waste time with personal hygiene when I have blogs to read and write!

I could write on and on describing how and where I blog. But as they say, A picture is worth a thousand words.





I KNOW! Some things are best left a mystery. Have a fun day! La

Tablescaped Simply

Hello friends!

I pulled out some of the linens I bought at the Wopat Auction last weekend to set the dining room table for a fall feast. I know it is still summer, but my heart is longing for fall. The tablescape is very simple with earthenware place settings and a small centerpiece featuring sunflowers.

I will be linking to A Stroll Thru Life's Table Top Tuesday.

Harding Memorial

Marion's claim-to-fame is that it was home to the 29th President of the United States, Warren G. Harding. Arguably one of the most scandalous presidencies in our country's history, his presidency was plagued with controversy involving bootlegging, bribery, and extra-marital affairs.

Even his sudden death was shrouded in mystery. Some theorized his death was the result of a plot spearheaded by the first lady. These theories were, in part, due to her refusal to authorize an autopsy. Years later this theory was discredited.

Still, we Marionites celebrate our President. Harding High School was named for this plagued president. The Harding Memorial and Tomb is a beautiful and popular tourist attraction in Marion. It serves as a marble back drop for pre-prom pictures, weddings, and sledding in the winter time. I'd love to share some views with you.

President Harding is on the left and Florence Kling Harding is on the right.

I will be linking to Outdoor Wednesdays.

The Patriarch

My father sits at the head of the family table, both literally and figuratively, our mother made sure of that. We grew up during a much different time in America. In the 60's, families always sat at the table for dinner. No TV, no reading, no phone calls.... we had something called family discussion. Dinner was always ready when Dad got home at 5:00.

Although times have changed, our family's view of my father has not. He still sits at the head of the table, he still is revered as the HEAD HONCHO, and everyone strives to please him.

A World War II Naval veteran, he has had the honor of speaking to school children about life on a ship during the Great War. He later worked for the Erie Lakawana and Conrail Railroads and the United Transportation Union.

Dad and Jordan at the helm of the USS North Carolina

He has always been a devoted family man. He oversees a family of three sons, a daughter, ten grandchildren, and nine great-grandchildren. He is a phenomenal grandpa.

Dad and Jordan at The Big House (University of Michigan)
My father is a die-hard Ohio State fan and
Jordan is a Michigan Wolverine fan.

Meeting his newest great grandson, Jaxon.

I'm linking to A Southern Belle with Northern Roots' Story Tellers.

Italian Sausage Pasta Toss

Who doesn't love pasta? Unfortunately, it can be laden with high calories and fat grams. This recipe is loaded with flavor from fresh herbs and veggies instead of heavy oils and red meat.

Your family will love it and they'll never know it is healthy. A recipe that is healthy but tastes decadent? Now that is MY kind of recipe.


Italian Sausage Pasta Toss
1 Pound Hot Turkey Italian Sausage
1/2 Large Onion
2 Cloves Garlic, chopped
1 Small Bell Pepper, sliced into strips
1 Cubanelle Pepper, sliced into strips
8 Ounces Mushrooms, sliced
1 - 15.5 Ounce Can Diced Tomatoes (Do not drain)
5-6 Leaves Basil or 1/2 Teaspoon Dried
1/2 Teaspoon Dried Oregano
1/4 Cup Italian Parsley, chopped
3 Tablespoons Olive Oil, divided
Salt and Pepper to taste
1/2 Pound Whole Wheat Penne Pasta

Preheat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons olive oil to pan. Remove the sausage from the casings and break up into the preheated pan. Cook thoroughly. Meanwhile, cook 1/2 pound of pasta according to package(Remember to salt the pasta water).

Once meat is browned, push it to the sides of the pan and add the onion, garlic, pepper strips, and mushrooms to the middle of the pan. Salt and pepper the vegetables. Stir the veggies frequently and cook for about 10 minutes. Add diced tomatoes and herbs, stir all the ingredients together.

Before draining the pasta, reserve a cup of the water. Add the drained pasta to the meat and vegetable mixture. Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil over the pasta and add just enough pasta water to make it all come together. Taste to see if it needs additional salt and pepper. Serve in bowls and sprinkle with shredded cheese and fresh parsley.

I will linking to Foodie Friday. Grab a fork and come on over. La

Accueillir a ma Roseraie

Welcome to my Rose Garden!

After months of planning and shopping and hunting and cleaning and scraping and painting and moving furniture in and out, my unloved bedroom is finally complete. Whew!

If you will recall, all this started with the purchase of a pretty little pink table. Pink was my mother's favorite color and she was, and still is, the rose of our family. With this purchase, a dream of what I wanted this room to look like was born.

This time, I got it right. I won't be asked to do a magazine shoot any time soon, but that's ok. This room turned out warm, and romantic, and girlie....and Mom-like. Bliss.

Let's take a look.

The wall color is Bermuda Sand. It is such an improvement, don't you think?

I bought this bedding on eBay from the sweetest seller, Merrie. Check her out next time you are in the neighborhood. I am so happy with this bedspread; it is coupled with a bed skirt I found at a thrift store early on.


A word about hanging plates. I took Rhoda's advice and ordered Disc Hangers. They are inexpensive, easy to use, arrive quickly, and Stanley gives excellent customer service with a personal touch.
If you have been reading for a while, you probably recognize many of these items from earlier posts. Everything, except the box, were previously loved.

This hankie was part of a miscellaneous box I found at auction for $3.00. It has some French words along the border. I pinned it with this sweet rose pin I found at the Carousel Antique Mall, in Mansfield, Ohio, when I went to pick up the chair. It's coming, don't you worry.
Why do televisions have to be so ugly? It sticks out like a sore thumb. OUCH! I tried to divert your attention with fresh roses. Remember the picture of the rose from this post? It was one of these. I took the picture with my phone using only the light from my ugly television. I guess since it acts as mood lighting for pictures, I'll let it stay in the room.

More fresh roses on my bedside table.
Aren't they pretty?

No, I'm not going to buy two
dozen roses every week or two.

Vintage post cards I purchased
at the Carousel Antique Mall.

Now, my favorite part of the room.

Let's break it down.

When I saw Tracey's bedroom, I knew an old window would find a home in my room. I found this one at a flea market in Mansfield, Ohio for $5.00.

BEFORE
AFTER

This post is entered in the

CSI Project: Before & After Challenge

I will be linking this post to the following parties:

Blue Cricket Design's Show & Tell
The Shabby Chic Cottage's Transformation Thursdays.
My Romantic Home's Show & Tell Friday

A Room in Need of Love

I don't mean to get too philosophical, but I guess it stands to reason that every after has to have a before.

This certainly holds true for my bedroom makeover. I have never liked the way my last bedroom makeover turned out and frankly hated the paint color so much that I never even put anything on the walls. I wish I had all of you back then to inspire and encourage me.

Here are a few pictures of my unloved bedroom. Please don't think badly of me. :o)

I was shooting for a deep lilac color. I found this oops paint at Lowes for dirt cheap and thought it was close to what I wanted. I was WRONG!

A quick note to any of you who think it would be wonderful to have textured walls...JUST SAY NO!

Here are a few items that were transformed during the makeover. I will show you what they looked like in their original state and then you can look for them in the reveal. Remember Highlights Magazine? The back page always had a Find the Hidden Items Puzzle. I loved that magazine, but I digressed.

Remember this little table that I bought at
the Centerberg Auction?

You remember this gentleman, don't you?
This was my grandfather's dresser. I gave it
a facelift, but I don't think he would mind.

Are you ready to see the new room? (Dramatic pause)

Lesson of the Palm Tree

It is the nature of the strong heart,

that like the palm tree it strives ever
upwards when it is most burdened.
Sir Phillip Stanley

I will be linking to Outdoor Wednesdays.

Wopat Auction: Day 2

As promised, here are a few of the other things I found this weekend at the Wopat Auction and Goodwill.

First, I found this pitcher and bowl at Goodwill for $3.00. I think it will come in handy this fall…

Goodwill also had this wooden tray for $2.00. Maybe I’ll actually organize my kitchen table, which currently serves as a dropping off point for everyone. I think I'm expecting a lot for only $2.00!

Finally, I found this sweet set of vintage china. There are only a few pieces, but I thought it was pretty and I was mainly interested in the small platter.

The entire set was $5.00.

On to the auction for Day 2 (read about Day 1 HERE):

A note about auctions: sometimes the auctioneer throws a couple of items together to sweeten the pot. More times than not, I’m only interested in one of the items. Other times, it works out nicely.

This French pitcher, pink (yes, it is actually pink) candy dish, and marble bowl went for only $5.00 for all three. I seem to have a new found love for pitchers, especially French ones. Not sure what I will do with the bowl, but I do like the candy dish.

I fell for this hand-painted German teacup and saucer. It is so dainty and artist was very talented.

The auctioneer added this unique Japanese teacup and saucer and I was able to get both for $10.00.

I like the little feet on the teacup.

I bought this serving set for $5.00. I think it will be perfect for serving shrimp and cocktail sauce during the holidays. The base is silver. I used silver polishing cream twice and it is still quite tarnished. I think I’m going to have to work on it a while.

I liked this floor lamp for my bedroom.

The auctioneer included this second
one in for one money: $5.00!

I promised Debbie I would spotlight the table linens, but I don't want to wear you our. I will show those to you in a day or two when it is sunny and I can get some good shots.

I’m linking this post to Linda’s Nifty Thrifty Tuesday’s. Stop over and see what everyone is up to.