Finally, my new washer and dryer!

Exactly one month ago today, I purchased a new washer and dryer. The Samsung 5.0 cap. powerwash steam washer and the 7.3 cap. steam dryer (don't ask me what all that means because I don't really know!)

This morning they finally delievered and installed them in my laundry room. They take up the whole room practically. I seriously had to read the instruction book before I could wash a load of laundry. We got a really good deal at Best Buy. Both appliances were on sale and they gave us the pedestals for free! Yay!

Happy Thanksgiving!

Happy Thanksgiving!

I am both Thankful and Grateful.

Tablescape Thursday - Simple Thanksgiving

I have to admit that I have been a bit confused as to what kind of tablescape I wanted to do for Thanksgiving. I love the all white/rustic look and the glamourous/bling look always wows me. But of course, my traditional, I do the same thing every year look is what I know and what feels comfortable to my family.

I was shopping and I was inspired by these flowers, so I thought I would try my hand at making my own centerpieces. I chose these silver sugar, creamer and something else pieces to use as vases. I thought the tarnished silver gave it a rustic look.

I bought a piece of florist foam. I cannot make an arrangement without it.

The foam cuts easily and I put some in each silver piece. This silver is one of the few things I have that belonged to my mother. I know that two of the pieces are a sugar and creamer, but I don't know what the two handled piece is.

I began to break up the bouquet and fill up the florist foam. I came up short and needed a little filler. I went into the backyard and cut some lavender and SUCCULENTS!!! Brainstorm! I couldn't believe I thought of using succulents. I feel so hip, chic and trendy! :)

Even though they look a little sad here, they looked great in the arrangement.

I made three bouquets. I have to say that I love the way they turned out. I surprised myself!

I then began to set my table. I used some burlap placemats I made earlier in the month when I was considering an all white, rustic theme. Super easy, just cut the fabric to size, sew a stay stitch all the way around (so the whole thing does not unravel) and unravel to stitching. I added my Towle silver, gold chargers, Crate and Barrel Tuscan plates and a green napkin with beaded gold napkin ring. I used the Anthropologie etched glasses and some yellow etched wine glasses that were also my mothers.

Here is my simple Thanksgiving table.

Finally, my thoughts had come together.

Worshipping God

Yellowstone 2005

Philippians 4:12 (New International Version)

¹² I know what it is to be in need, and I know what it is to have plenty. I have learned the secret of being content in any and every situation, whether well fed or hungry, whether living in plenty or in want.

Halloween recap and fall decorations

The Handsome Husband felt like carving a pumpkin this year. He was a bit disappointed when I produced this fake white pumpkin for him to carve. But he did a great job and it fit in with my theme.

I didn't go overboard with decorations this year, I think i was just enough to give the porch a neglected, scary feeling. I went to my sister in laws birthday party the night before Halloween and she had done the same thing with the branches and crows only on a bigger scale. We hadn't even discussed it. Great minds think alike!

Of course the girls had many parties to go to. Katie was a Saloon Girl and Delaney was Mother Earth. I made Delaney's costume. Sewed every leaf on that bra by hand.

This was not one of Delaney's costumes, but out of fun she dressed up in her friends duck hunting stuff and I can't stop laughing every time I see it.

Katie: Saloon Girl, Tommy: Cowboy

Delaney: Pirate, Katie Dalmatian. I made her dress.

Tommy: Fireman, Katie: Dalmatian

Katie and Tommy going to the Theta Chi Date Party: Monster Mash.

You've probably seen these same scenarios from me, but I do try to mix up a little every year. The lighted pumpkins were purchased at Target.

Stacking the pumpkins seem to be big this year. I saw a lot of it in the magazines and on the home tour in Corona Del Mar. I bought the different kinds of pumpkins at my local grocery store and they were not expensive.

Happy Fall!

Leeds Castle

Since we had a few extra days in London due to cancellation of our France trip, HH and I decided to go somewhere neither of us had been before. We decided on Leeds Castle.

Handsome Husband at Victoria Train Station

Using the ipad we looked up directions and train schedules. It was about an hour or so from Victoria Station. Perfect. We took the tube 4 stops down to Victoria Station and caught the next train out. By the way, Victoria Train Station is gigantic with shops and restaurants.

Upon arrival at Bearsted station we caught the shuttle to Leeds. Peacocks were everywhere. Beautiful colorful ones and brillant white ones.

White and Black Swans are everywhere

Leeds Castle is surrounded by 500 acres of scenic land. Once the shuttle drops you off, it is at least a half mile to the castle. Wear your walking shoes because you are going to need them. There were lakes and streams, trees and wide open meadows. So picturesque! Picnicking and traipsing over the hills and grass is allowed.

This was the gate used by Henry the VIII upon arrival. The castle was given away by Henry's son, passed through many hands and finally bought by Lady Bailey, an heiress. She lived in the castle until the 70's.

Finally, we reach the castle. We took the tour. It is furnished as it was in the 70's. It is very cozy and very livable.

We walked through many gardens and large green areas. They even have a maze that was filled with teenage school children that sounded as though they were having a blast.

So scenic and peaceful.