Love warms the Heart!

Even in the middle of winter, love warms the heart!  We recently celebrated the engagement of our daughter.  We had a little get together with the couples families.  A chance to get acquainted and toast the soon to be married couple.  This little party was sooo much fun that I wanted to share it with you.

This is the happy couple!  Aren't they just the cutest couple ever!!!

The party favors were heart cookies inside a decorated bag.  The tag had a note of congratulations on it.

A basket full of the cookies set by the door for all the guests to take as they left the party.  Such fun!!

The table had an assortment of fun little nibblers.  The cookies were made by a friend and they were yum!

The cupcakes were made and decorated by daughter #3.  She sprinkled them generously with edible glitter which made them sparkled like snow or better yet diamonds!  A (non-edible) diamond ring  was on the top of each one.

Here is another fun appetizer made again by daughter #3.  She is very talented and this little snow man was not only cute but very tasty.  Notice the little chalkboard sign beside it.  These were used to label the food.

This is the centerpiece which is fresh greens and flowers in real skates converted into a vase.  A little fake snow and some votive candles really set the mood.

We lined the sidewalk and steps with fruit jars which had a votive candle in them and more fake snow.  As you can see from the ground, we needed some snow.  After dark the candles looked so cool.

  It was a perfect party for a perfect (pear).

Warmth and Love from our Home to Yours!
Bev

Merry Christmas!

Oh What a beautiful Morning!

I absolutely love fall!  It is my very favorite time of the year!  The colors, smell and taste of the season, the crisp cool air are just a few things I love about fall.

This is a tree right outside my kitchen window.  It is a gift from God!  A show of beautiful colors every fall just.  As I stand at the sink, doing dishes or preparing food, I can't help but praise the Lord!

If you know me you know that I love to blog!  I am always amazed at the talented women and there generousity to share there talents with others.  Today I wanted to share with you one of those blogs.  This is a blog I just fell in love with and if you haven't visitied it yet I highly recommend you do!  http://www.sewnwithgrace.com/  One thing I love about this blog is that every Sunday she has a scripture.  What can be more uplifting and encouraging then that!  The following is a preview from her blog last week.  So sweet! 

"There is a time for everything,

and a season for every activity

under heaven."

"I know that everything God does

will endure forever; nothing can

be added to it and nothing taken

from it.  God does it so that men

will revere him."

Eccl. 3:1&14

 

Enjoy this beautiful fall day!  It is a wonderful show, with free admission, compliments of our glorious God!  Get out there and soak in the beauty!  And don't forget to thank the one who created it all!

Cozy Fall Blessing!

Bev 

Warmth of Home Wednesday-Paper Roses!

Don't you just love these paper roses?  This was a kit that I purchased at Achiever's this summer.  The directions, paper, ribbon etc. were all in the kit. These cards were soooo much fun to make and I love the paper roses.

The peach and teal paper combination looks so good together.

These two cards are 3X3 and have a tiny little envelope to go with them.

Here you can see all the different cards that I made from the kit.  Each card was adorable!

The little box is made from cardboard and decorated with cream roses.  It holds all the cards.  Sweet!!
I am ready to send these to friends and family, second thought I will just let them be on display in the craft room for awhile so that I can enjoy them for just a little longer

From my cozy craft room to your!
Bev  
   

Warmth of Home Wednesday- "Making Special Days Special!"

Today I wanted to share with you a Graduation Party for a dear friend's daughter, Tori.  We had so much fun making the decorations and most importantly Tori loved it.

After graduation Tori is preparing to go to Australia to study music.  She wants to be a worship leader!  Because of her love for the Lord and wanting to glorify Him with her voice, we used old sheet music as part of our decorations.

The suitcase was for cards and gifts.  It sat on a table as you came into the room.  The banner was made from old sheet music.

The tables were decorated with red roses in bud vases, with sheet music under them.

Around the bud vase were little Thank You boxes and candy kisses.

Each guest received a little box with a Thank You note inside.  How sweet are these!!!

We made a banner for the front of the food table.  

I just love the way this banner turned out.  The scripture and little bird were perfect for Tori's party.

Hope you enjoyed the pictures.  It is so much fun to make special memories for the people we love.

Cozy and Creative Blessings!
Bev

 

My good friend, Lee Ann, brought me a basket of goodies from her garden.  Don't you just love all the fresh produce this time of the year??  I have been nibbling on the little tomatoes and the flavor is amazing. 

This is a pot of basil which is out on my patio.  It is green and lush and so good added to summer meals.  Both tomatoes and basil were used to make the following.

Lee Ann is an amazing cook and she readily shares her ideas and recipes.  Her recipes are easy to make, very nutritious and have incredible flavor combinations.  I have learned a lot from her!   This week she made the above "Tomato Bread/Bruschetta"  It was delicious!  With her permission, I am passing the recipe on to you. 

Sprinkle olive oil over toasted multi grain bread.  Thinly slice tomatoes, and sprinkle with salt, garlic powder, oregano and fresh basil.  Layer 2% mozzarella cheese, and grind some fresh black pepper on top.  Broil or bake at 350, until cheese melts and browns lightly.   Enjoy!

Thanks Lee Ann for sharing.  It was delicious!

Take advantage of the garden bounty and remember to keep it simple . 

Cozy Blessings!
Bev  

Warmth of Home Wednesday!- Cool cooking on a Hot Day!

Hi everyone!  Hope you are all staying cool!  My thermometer is reading 105!  This might be a little hotter than it actually is because it is in the sun, but anyway I think we can safely say that it is a cooker outside!  It is just too hot to even want to eat!  Well not really, it hasn't stopped me yet, however maybe its been too hot to want to cook.

After eating out a couple nights I decided it was time to get with it!!  I pulled out my receipe folders and some old cooking magazines to look for a little help.  These magazines, two of my favorites are certainly appetizing. 

          Cooking with all the seasons fresh fruits and vegetables is a must.  I always plant some herbs in amongst my flowers in the summer.  They are easy to grow and so nice to use in garnishing and flavoring foods.   Summer is all about grilling, salads and lots of cool foods.  Foods that can be prepared fast.  "Fast and fresh"!!  Kinda like "Keep it simple Sweetie".

Above is a picture of a notebook in which I have photo copyed the index of old cooking magazines.  I highlight the receipes I have tried or that I want to try.  This helps me locate recipes easily.  Another thing that I do is put menues in the folder.  As you know it takes a lot of time to plan a meal, so when I have a good menu I save it in the notebook, listing where each recipe was found and also adding any comments. (example: meat a little too dry next time add more liquid).

How many times have you made something that you really like and then can't remember where you got the recipe?? Here is an idea that I hope will be helpful.  I have a folder for each season.  I will list my favorite seasonal receipes and where they are found.  Notebook, old magazine, cookbook, internet or file box.  By the time summer rolls around next year I will remember all my favorites and where to find them.   

Doesn't this pie look heavenly!!  I have tasted this receipe and it is as good as it looks.  Don't forget that most of us are visual and taste first with our eyes.  Keep this in mind when preparing foods.  In the summer we have so many herbs, fruits, seeds etc. available to garnish our food with.  Use them and take your food preparation to the next level just by doing something as simple as adding a mint leaf or a lime slice.  Be creative, casual, and cook with love.  Make your family and friends feel like the most important people in the world, because guess what???  They are!!!

Cool Cookin from my Home to Yours!
Bev

Trash to Treasure-Keep your eyes open!

Hi Everyone!  My apologizes for being away sooo long. 

This week I was driving down the street and saw this table out by the curb next to the trash can!  You have got to be kidding, right!!!  Next thing I know my car came to a screeching hault!  The lady, who was in the garage assured me that she was dumping it.  She was so nice and even helped me get it home.

Just look at the detail!  I just love the style and can see it painted white and antiqued to accentuate the applique work. The table is in pretty good over all condition.  Just what I need, another project, but this beauty was just too good to pass up!  Free is always good, right???? 

A couple good blogs for furniture makeover inspiration are:

http://redhenhome.blogspot.com

http://missmustardseed.blogspot.com// 

Check them out, you will be inspired and they are very informative too.  

Keep your eyes open for unexpected treasures!  You just never know where or when they will pop up!

Cozy Makeovers from my Home to Yours!

Bev

   

     

Monday in the Making - Vacation Time!

             On vacation for the week!  Out exploring in the great USA.  Will be back next week!

Special Cards for a Special Father!

Hi Everyone!  Are you ready for Father's Day?  You know it is this Sunday!  If you are fortunate to have a Father who is still living and an active part of your life, be sure to remember him and thank him for all that he has done to bless your life.

 A card made especially for him would be pretty special!  Here are four cards which we will be making at Card Class tonight.  The cards can be used as Father's Day cards or for a birthday. 

All the cards are made using Stampin Up supplies.  This card is made with the stamp set "Sail Away".  This card was cased from Stampin Pretty.  It uses a paper piecing technique which really looks sharp.

The next two cards use the stamp set, "The Open Sea"  A new technique for my card class gals is the use of eyelets.  It is a fun little detail which adds character to the card.

The last card is my favorite!  If your Father likes to fish, he would love this card!  You could even tuck a gift card inside for some new fishing equipment.  This fun card is made using eyelets again, embossing folder and a tag punch.  How do you like the fishing hooks that are tucked in the pockets?  Pretty cute!!
Remember don't let Sunday pass without saying "thank you" or "I love you" to your Father.    

Gotta Run!

Blessings from my Home to Yours!
Bev 

Finished Friday- Fear Not!

Do you ever catch yourself fearing the future?  For all you Mom's out there, have  you every worried about your children?  I am sorry to say that I have and the sad thing about it is I didn't even realize how much my fear was displeasing to the Lord.  Yes, the state of the nation and the world is pretty scary and if one focuses on it, fear will be the end result.  This week I received a timely word from my dear sister.  It really hit me like a ton of bricks.  The word of God can really cut to the core, if you know what I mean!!

"Peace I leave with you; My (own) peace I now give and bequeath to you.  Do not let your heart's be troubled, neither let them be afraid (stop allowing yourselves to be agitated and disturbed; and do not permit yourselves to be fearful and intimidated and cowardly and unsettled.) " John 14:27


Wow, did I need an attitude and heart adjustment!    

My new confession is,  "God has not given me a spirit of fear but of power and love and of a sound mind."  I Timothy 1:7.   

"Perfect love casts out all fear." 1 John 4:18

"Thou will keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee; because he trusts in my name."  Isaiah 26:3   

Nothing is too big for my God and I will trust Him with my future and the future of my children.  Let my eyes be on Him and Him alone! 

Listen to this beautiful song by Kim Hill, "You Alone".  I know it will touch your heart.  (Click on the below video connection and enjoy).

http://www.bing.com/videos/watch/video/you-alone/bc686f440cb8f0bca2efbc686f440cb8f0bca2ef-989939238190?cpkey=bc686f440cb8f0bca2efbc686f440cb8f0bca2ef-989939238190%7Cyou%20alone%20by%20kim%20hill%7C%7C&q=you%20alone%20by%20kim%20hill

From my Peaceful Heart to Yours!
Bev

      

You Alone - Bing Videos

You Alone - Bing Videos

"Bless You"

I've had so much fun today getting my home ready for house guests.  I just love to set the stage for them to be blessed.  I thought it would be fun to share with you just what I've been up to.

I washed the bedding, set out some pretty towels in the bathroom, and cleaned everything, but lets not talk about the boring stuff.  So, going right to the fun stuff, here is what I did today!

The peony bush outside was in full bloom and so loaded that the blossoms were laying on the ground, so I cut most of the flowers and brought them inside.  The fragrance was amazing.  The house now smells like a garden.  I made a big bouquet for the diningroom table.  Such a pretty vignette!

As I have said before, I love old dishes.  They can be found at thrift store for little or nothing.  Today, I used some little old pitchers, a gravy boat and an old fruit jar for my arrangements.  It is also fun to put a saucer under them.  The saucers don't have to match, in fact mismatched adds to the charm. 

 Every bedroom has a little bouquet in it.  I hope my guests will enjoy them and feel welcomed in my home.

To this arrangement I added some fern leaves which are growing like weeds with all the rain we have had.  The purple balls are tops of chives which also were getting top heavy in the garden.  I think they add a fun touch to the arrangement.  Why not!!

Another thing I like to put in the bedroom for guests is a water bottle.  I took the label off the bottle and created my own.  Isn't it just soooo sweet!!

I made the band on the bottle from craft paper, you could also use a paper sack.  Cut the stripe to fit the bottle and glue in place.  "The Bless You", is an old, old stamp which I still love.  I stamped it on white card stock, cut around the wreath, added a pink ribbon and attached to the band.  So simple! 

 Remember, use what you have.  I bet there is something blooming in your yard right now that will look amazing in your home.  Be creative, I've used all kinds of things to make little arrangements.  Look around!

With a little creativity I pray that my guests will be blessed.

From My fragrant cozy cottage to yours!

Bless You!

Bev

   

.

And whatever you do (no matter what it is) in word or deed, do everything in the name of the Lord Jesus and in (dependence upon) His Person, giving praise to God the Father through Him.  Col. 3:17 
 

We Remember!

Thank you to all men and women serving in the armed forces.  To your loved ones  for they too have made sacrifices.  We honor all who have served to defend this great nation.  Those who have laid down there lives for our freedom!  We remember and we honor you today. 
God bless and protect our service men and women.
God Bless America!
Bev

Pillow, Prayers and Restoration!

Hi Everyone!  Here is the rest of the information about the pillow I shared with you Wednesday.

 This is pillow scene represents spring.  Looking at the pillow reminds me to pray for our friends in Joplin who lost so much this past week. Let us remember to keep them in our prayers as they rebuild their homes and their lives.

The muslin panel is tied on and has a scene of a house for each season.  There are two scenes on the front and two on the back.  This one is..you guessed it!  Summer!

Here is fall which is my favorite time of the year.  The tree with just a few leaves looks so cute!

The winter pillow scene is complete with a decorated tree and a snowman.  Did you notice the wreaths hanging on each house?  I really enjoy changing the pillow with the seasons.
The pattern is called "Changing Season's Pillow", and it is by Country Stitches.  It was just really so fun to make and I have enjoyed changing it every season. 

Thanks for stopping by!  Our prayers that God  will restore the Homes and Lives of the people of Joplin!

Blessings!
Bev