The Most Gorgeously Perfect Romantic Home

*******************

I've finally found my dream home, and I am in love.

Decorated in the shabby-chic style, this cottage oozes romantic charm.

The fact that it's located in New Zealand might seem to be a problem for me. However, it is not the biggest obstacle to my moving in.

My dream home is actually the amazing workmanship of Mercedes at Liberty Biberty. She is a talented miniaturist who created this dollhouse and most of its contents.

I urge you to visit the Liberty Biberty blog to check out the many photos. This dollhouse, which Mercedes calls the Shabby House, is truly a work of art. Make sure to scroll down and click on older posts to view the gorgeous bedroom.

***************************

Pork Posole and Corn Bread Stew

My hubby and I recently cooked a fantastic slow-cooker recipe from Family Circle magazine. A posole is a Southwestern hominy-based stew. Hominy...in case you're a Northerner like me, ... is hulled corn with the germ removed. If you're looking for an easy, filling, and delicious recipe for your Crockpot, you must try this: Pork Posole and Corn Bread Stew Recipe

HGTV Green Home Giveaway

Have you entered to win this amazing home yet?

The 2010 HGTV Green Home is located in Plymouth, MA ...which is not very far from me.

I can just picture our boys hanging out in this room...


As if a new home isn't enough, the prize also includes a 2010 GMC Terrain

and $100,000!

Just visit HGTV.com to enter.

...or not, because I do plan on winning! ;)

Vintage Luggage

A couple of weeks ago, I came across the sweetest 70's canvas suitcase in a thrift shop. I just loved the groovy colorful flower design.


When I unzipped it, I saw that there was a matching, slightly smaller case inside. (Bonus!!) Needless to say, I was thrilled with my find, and plopped it into my shopping cart.

When I got home, I inspected the suitcase more closely and, to my surprise (and delight), I realized that inside the second one, there was a third matching suitcase! Also, each suitcase had a string with its key tied inside.

All together now...

The littlest suitcase just makes me want to plan a little weekend getaway...

For more Thrifty Treasures, please click on over to Rhoda's Southern Hospitality Blog.

Come Monday Night (the video)

As I've been enjoying this lazy afternoon...
I keep hearing this gorgeous song playing over and over in my head.
I thought I'd share...

God Help The Girl

For the Love of Candy

I finally solved the mystery of who's been stealing the 'prop' candy. I placed a small glass vase into a larger one, and filled the space in between with conversation hearts. Slowly, I've noticed the candy level has been going down. I spoke to the boys about it. (I even went so far as to threaten to sprinkle hot pepper on the candy.) As it turns out, the kids aren't the only ones who've been picking...

"If I just play it cool... maybe she won't notice me."

"Okay, the coast is clear... this may be my only chance."

"OMG! I think I'm actually gonna get some candy."

" Wait! Is she looking? I'll pretend I'm just smelling the flowers."

"That's it... I can't wait any longer!"

Mail's Here... Woot! Woot!

I love getting mail! Of course, I'm not talking about bills and junk mail... nobody likes those. I'm talking about the absolute best kind of mail there is: Packages!

First, I was the lucky winner of the sweetest giveaway from Elizabeth over at Creative Breathing. Elizabeth is amazingly talented and her blog is so fun and whimsical.


She had a Gnome Party and she very generously held a giveaway for this adorable gnome girl...

And, now she's all mine. Don't you just adore her tiny bunny friend?

Well, my pup, Murphy sure was interested...

Thanks again, Elizabeth. They are lovingly displayed atop my bookcase. (...and out of Murphy's reach)


Next, I received a much larger package that I'd been excitedly awaiting. I took a chance and purchased a lot of vintage shoes on eBay. They are all designer leather shoes with stacked heels.

To say that I'm thrilled with my purchase is not an exaggeration. These shoes rock!

I cannot decide which pair is my favorite...



There are two pair of white spectator shoes... one with black trim, the other with brown.


These cool shoes have a goldtone chain across the front and a matching one on the back of the heel.

With these new additions, it seems I've amassed quite the shoe collection...

**I realize that nobody needs that many pairs of shoes. Being such a bargain shopper, though, I have paid so little $$ for them. In fact, this shoe shopping excursion averages out to about $3 per pair. (Yeah, that's how I'm gonna justify my sickness.)