Crisp White on White Rooms - Or is it White?

Nothing says  fresh and clean like a white on white room.  Even though I am a HUGE color person I always let out a sigh when I encounter a lovely white on white room.  However, if you will look closely, it is almost NEVER really just white on white.  It is almost always layers of pale neutrals; cream, pearl, flax, linen, oyster and on and on.  (Notice I did NOT say beige, remember I don't DO beige!!)
Examine a white room and see what shades are there.  Sometimes there will only be the color of the wood in the room, or just the green of plants in the room,  while others will usse a very pale blue or green with the whites.   Layering  antique linens will give you subtle shades of whites and creams. Some people actually use a weak tea solution to stain white linens into aged colors.  To get this look you can start with a pretty ivory or cream color on the walls and a bright white on the trim.  You can  use the same trim paint on odd pieces in the room .  It is amazing what white paint will do to an old cruddy table or picture frame.( I love getting them from the Salvation Army store)  Shiny white paint will also add another dimension.  Always think layers; layers of color, layers of texture, layers of soft and hard, layers of old with new, layers of finishes, some matte and some shiny.   When you have a room with this basic white pallette you can always throw in an accent color with pillows or accessories,  Or you can just walk in and sigh as you sink down into the fresh , restful atmosphere of this color way.  If you would like to try this color combination, here are two that I would recommend:
 Benjamin Moore colors   Trim color: Linen White  with Wall color: elmira white HC-84
Examine these pictures from the publication Summer Cottage 2011 by Hoffman Media. and see if you can pcik up on the subtle colors in these rooms.   It is a lovely issue, you should pick one up. Enjoy!!!  ele

Good Friday Favorite Thing - "The Old Rugged Cross"

Good Friday is a very special day for Christians.  It is the day that commemorates when our Savior died on the Old Rugged Cross for my sins and yours.   I like to keep crosses of all kinds around me to remind of His ultimate sacrifice for me.  Today my favorite things are all crosses.  Most of mine didn’t cost very much but each is special to me.  I look for them on trips and in gift shops and craft fairs.  I pray that this Easter you too have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

Have a Blessed Easter,  ele

'The Old Rugged Cross'       by George Bennard

On a hill far away, Stood an old rugged cross,

The emblem of suffering and shame.

Well I love that old cross, Where the dearest and best

 For a world of lost sinners was slain.

So I’ll cherish the old rugged cross

Till my trophies at last I lay down

I will cling to the old rugged cross

And exchange it someday for a crown.

Fresh Idea

I love my sister!!  She is my best friend and soul mate.  She also is an awesome decorator.  Fact is, that she is the one who got me into the decorating business.  She was in the business (long time ago) and would call me to consult about yardages and details because I sewed a lot.  She would always say, you need to hang out your shingle.  Soooo I did!!!  Now I have been in the business for 25 years and she has been out for about that long,  but she will always be MY personal decorator.  You see, even those of us in the business need an objective eye every now and then,  and who better to tell you the truth than your sister?!!  ( more truth than you may always ask for ....:).  She is way more creative than I am and I love her ideas.  The picture today shows a decorating idea of hers that I have always loved.  She used a flea market find, an old tapestry bag to make a spring arrangement in!  So unique!  It is always more  interesting to think outside the box and do something unusual.  Many times those bargain buys add the most interest.   Look around your house and see what you can put to an unexpected use!  Go out and create!!  This is me and my pretty sister Jana ( in blue)  and my beautiful mom.  Love em!!  ele

Fridays Favorite - The Android G2

I was drug kicking and screaming into the smart phone age. ( not really, I DO love gadgets!) That being said, I was a little late.  When a client showed me how much time I could save by using it I was sold.  I am a long time T-Mobile (4 name changes) customer.  Always been happy with them (talking to Nigeria and Hawaii was just like they were next door) so I didn't want to change.  That's why I first landed on the Android  G2 by HTC.  I absolutely love it and don't know how I lived with out it.Here are some of the reasons I like it.

1. 4G speed ( eat your hearts out ATT  iPhone users, and yes I do know they have bought T-Mobile... groannnnnnnnnnnn)

2. It sinks with my Google calendar and contacts

3. It sinks with my Gmail.

4. It takes great pictures (5 MP)

5. Thousands of free apps to choose from.  (weather, calculator, calorie counter, notes, . you name it)

6.  The Google Maps and Navigation is by far more reliable than my Garmin.

7.  Most important... I can show grandbaby pics to everyone I see!!

I would go on but you get the picture. And, NO I do not get paid for any of this stuff, I just like to share good news!!  Have a great weekend!!

Family Favorite Pork Tenderloin Recipe

Today I'm bringing you my most special recipe. ( because I have been away with Grand kids for a week and haven't written  I am doing something extra special)   This is the one that ALWAYS pleases my family and is the 'go to' recipe for company anytime.  Funny, I had just finished taking pics of putting this recipe together when one of my cousins emailed and said that she was making my tenderloin recipe and that I should post it!!!  Great minds thinking alike!! I have to confess that I got this recipe about 30 years ago. (did I REALLY SAY 30????). I remember a dinner party at my friend, Diana's house, when she served this and I loved it so much and just had to have the recipe.  I love it when people share their recipes (I am always suspect of those who won't.... just sayin'). Thanks Diana. Recipe is at the bottom of the page.

Put soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce into oil in a large container or large plastic bag.

Add dry mustard , other dry ingredients and chopped garlic.

Add red wine vinegar.

Add really fresh lemon juice. ( however I do cheat and use dried parsley)

Whisk everything together well!  ( I love to whisk!!!)

Put pork tenderloins in marinade.  They aren't very pretty but they sure taste great! ( they come 2 to a package, this is two packages)

Yummmm!  Time to eat!!!  This is great hot or served cold on little rolls ( like Sister Schubert's) ENJOY!!

MARINATED PORK TENDERLOIN

1 CUP VEG. OIL

3/4 CUP SOY SAUCE

1/4 CUP Worcestershire Sauce

2 Tbs. Dry mustard

1 tsp salt

1 Tbs. Pepper

½ c. red wine vinegar

2 Tbs. Chopped parsley

2 cloves minced garlic

1/3 cup fresh lemon juice (really do NOT use bottled)

Mix all ingredients and put 2-3 lbs. of pork tenderloin in marinade.  Marinate 4-5 hours or overnight.  Grill each tenderloin whole about 15 minutes on each side.  Let rest a few minutes then slice and enjoy!!!

Celebrate Easter with Spring Decor!



A stone of remembrance by a pot at the front door reminds us that our Hope is in Jesus.



As a Christian  I love to decorate for Easter.  I use lots of bunnies as I collect them.  But anything that reminds us of 'New Life' to commemorate the New Life we have in Christ our Savior.  I think it is important to explain to children that Easter Eggs remind us that a new life pops out of them and that Jesus died to give us a new life. You can also use crosses, crown of thorns on an open Bible, a lamb, and of course spring flowers. Use whatever you already have and just add to it.  It doesn't have to be expensive.  Hope some of these ideas spur you on!!  Hugs,  ele



Mr. Bunny holds pretty fresh tulips.



Just put a few pretty eggs in an exissting arrangement to make it for Easter!



A basket of fresh plants with some bunnies nestled around it say SPRING!



A lamb to remind of of Jesus, our sacrificial lamb.





green split peas and pastel eggs nestle candes



Fridays Favorite Will Blow You Away!!

Today's favorite is my Revlon Ion Select Travel Dyer.  I love this little dryer for several reasons:
1. It has 3 ion setting. The more ions you use the smoother your hair.
2. Very fast drying time as the ions breaks the water molecules smaller so they can dry faster.
3. Powerful  1875 watts
4. Small and folds to pack.
5. Dual voltage for foreign travel  110/250.

All this for the very small price of about $23.00!!!  Who says you have to pay more for good value.  I purchased mine at Ulta but I am sure you can find it online.  This has revolutionized my hair doing time.

It takes a fraction of the time it used to before using this dryer.