A Little More Fall Y'All

 A Little More.... Fall Decor

Hi everyone! Today on the blog I'm sharing a few more Fall items that I have added around the house. My favorite "Welcome Autumn" pillow is back along with a new Autumn leaf throw that I purchased recently. I found this throw at, of all places, CVS drugstore for a very reasonable price! It is so soft and cozy and the leaves are very pretty. We already have some color starting to appear around our house and leaves are fluttering to the ground at times. I really love this time of year!

I also created an Autumn flower arrangement for the foyer table using the Fall flowers that I showed you in an earlier post. My blue vase worked well for this arrangement.

And on the bottom shelf of the Foyer table I added this woven rattan pumpkin. It's a great mix with the floral arrangement. 

And finally, a few Fall items have been added to the knick-knack shelf in the dining room. I enjoy changing out items in this shelf with each season. 

I know some folks enjoy having the same decor in their homes all year round, but I guess I am not one of them. While certain items stay out year round, other items come and go seasonally which makes for a little more variety throughout the year. It's a fun hobby that I enjoy to change out my little items as each season rolls around. I do think more about storage these days, however, and try to choose items that don't take up a lot of space and can be stored away easily. And each year, I think about what items I am no longer using as each season rolls around. 

Are you adding any Fall touches to your home yet?

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

Welcome September

 Saying Hello To September

Good morning, friends!  Today, I am welcoming September, that loveliest of months, when we begin to turn our thoughts to beautiful Fall colors and (hopefully) cooler temperatures than we have been experiencing all summer. And, of course, I am turning my thoughts to changing over some home decor to reflect entering early Fall. 

I plan to move slowly in adding touches of Fall decor around our home. First, with the metal pumpkin you saw in the first photo. And second, with this bowl of miniature pillows. The bowl is a handmade gift created and sewn by my dear friend, Sharon. She does amazing artistry! The two plaid miniature pillows are ones created and sewn by me. I got the idea for sewing these little pillows over the summer when we took our niece and her friend to our local antique tobacco barn. I saw some that had been sewn and were for sale and I thought it looked like something I could use my own sewing skills to create. It was fun and easy to sew these. I added a couple other little pillows that I had to create filler in the bowl until I sew more pillows. The heavier fabric and color of these plaid pillows lend themselves to a Fall theme. 

I think the side table in our living room looks so pretty with these small touches added to the other items on the table. I'm pleased with the result. 

I'm looking forward to seeing pretty Fall flowers. I snapped this photo when I was at Lowe's the other day. So many pretty chrysanthemums and these flowers in the front that look like little peppers. Alas, I can't have mums around our pets but I surely enjoy looking at them in other places!

Cassie has been watching me this morning as I snapped photos and prepared to start a blog post. She seems to be telling me to "Get busy already!" She is definitely my blog buddy and my encouragement in many ways! Such a sweet girl. 

How are you greeting September this year?

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

My Diary of Days

 My Diary of What I've Been Doing

Hi everyone!  You may recognize the flowers above and the pitcher. I think I wrote about them in my last post. They are still looking good going on three weeks later! I have pulled out any blooms that were spent and moved the flowers into my smaller Longaberger pitcher. They are still gracing the foyer table and I enjoy them so much! I really got my money's worth out of these flowers!

I've been on a banana nut bread baking kick lately. We always have a couple bananas that are past their time and they work well to make banana nut bread. I have adapted a Betty Crocker Cookbook recipe to my liking by replacing sugar with honey and using applesauce rather than any oil. I also sometimes use part whole wheat flour mixed with white flour. The resulting bread is moist and flavorful and The Mr. especially enjoys the bread. 

I love that I have my Mom's original bread baking pans and I use them to bake this bread. It's a connection to my Mom that I treasure. 

 

And, of course, I've been doing some sewing for Barbie! Since we are getting close to Fall, I wanted an Autumn dress for my Spring Petals Barbie. I bought this fabric awhile back knowing that I would use it for a Fall dress for one of my dolls. It turned out pretty well and she looks pretty wearing it. Luckily, a friend gifted me with several pairs of Barbie shoes and these brown/gold shoes look great with the dress! A girl needs her accessories, right?!

What has been happening in your diary of days?

Until Next Time,

Debbie, This and That

Flowers and More

 A Little Bit of This and That

Hello there, everyone!  Today's post is just a whole lot of this and that around the house. Nothing earth shattering-just a few pics I have taken recently and some random thoughts. I moved the tiered tray with 4th of July items off the foyer table and replaced it with my pretty large Longaberger pitcher filled with flowers I bought myself at the grocery store. The colors of these flowers were so pretty and I hadn't bought live flowers for inside the house in forever so I splurged. I'm so glad I did! I stop and "smell the roses" literally every time I go down the stairs to the basement. The flowers seem to be lasting a long time which is nice. This happens to be a great spot for live flowers because it's in a place that "Little Missy," AKA Cassie, can't climb to get to! 

Speaking of flowers, here are my back porch Impatiens. You may recall that, last summer, my Impatiens were huge and mounding and popping up everywhere on our driveway and even between the porch steps! This summer they haven't done that great at all. It's a bit disappointing. I don't pretend to be an expert Gardener but it just seems like one year plants grow well and the next year they don't. Who knows?

We started the summer in a drought and then had days of heavy rain. The zinnias look just terrible. Last summer they were gorgeous. The one plant that has truly excelled this summer is the New Guinea Impatiens you see in this picture. They are a bigger variety of Impatiens and they seem to love this spot on the porch! Go figure! Petunias always look spindly this time of year and I think mine are about finished for the season. But, I hate to get rid of any flower when it still has blooms on it. Never give up hope, right?!

Dollar Tree has already put out their Fall faux flowers and I picked out some stems the last time I was in the store. I'm thinking ahead to Fall decor coming up soon! It always seems exciting to anticipate a new season, doesn't it?

And in "Barbie news" I have been experimenting with sewing some items from patterns I fashioned from a purchased skirt that I took apart and used to trace my own pattern. I'm using fabrics that my friend, Sharon, gave me. I love this skirt fabric with the black turtleneck and heels. I would totally wear this combination myself! And, yes, I know the skirt isn't hemmed yet. 

And, I sewed this dress and belt using two different materials that I thought would coordinate well. Again, I would love to wear this dress myself! I'm still experimenting with how to handle necklines and sleeve areas. Doll clothing is on such a small scale that it's hard to know how to handle these areas. I have tried "Fray away" and spray starch and it does help but I need to figure out a better solution. As a relatively new sewer, who never sewed her own clothing, I still have a lot to learn. 

I've also done some creative journaling lately using a scripture and hearts that I received at a gathering at a friend's house recently. We were each given a scripture to read and share with the group and pretty paper hearts were scattered on the ground. We were invited to "collect" as many hearts as we wanted to take home with us. I added those hearts around the scripture and then added in some other stickers that I liked. What a pretty journal page and so meaningful! We surely have had some "mighty downpours" of rain this summer!

I'll end this post with a silly picture of River sticking his tongue out at the world! This is actually his way of smiling and he was very happy on this day because his "Auntie Elizabeth" had come to visit him! I laugh each time I see this picture! Hope you do too. 

Until Next Time,

Debbie, This and That

Red, White and Blue For A Tiered Tray, Barbie Outfits and Me

 Decor For The 4th of July And More!

Hello everyone! It's been a minute or two since I last posted. I went on a trip and have been busy with other things but I wanted to pop on and share some fun ideas as the 4th of July approaches. 

I found some cute smaller items for the 4th at Aldi recently and I'm using them on the Foyer table. The top tier of my tiered tray shows a candle draped in colorful beads and a flag themed little hat. The bottom tier shows the little garden figurines I bought last summer. So, the tiered tray is a combo of 4th of July and summer type figurines. 

The bottom shelf of the Foyer table holds a vase with flags, a little flag dish and the Red, White and Blue sign. This is a simple nod to the 4th of July this year. 

And just look at how festive these Barbies look! They are definitely dressed for the 4th of July! I used a star bandana that I had on hand to create the dresses and skirts except for the one Barbie who is all dressed in blue with a red plaid tie at her neck. I personally sewed everything you see here except for the white top on the last Barbie which was a purchased piece. And, of course, I didn't make the shoes.  By the way, the last Barbie on the right is my most recent find and she had not been out of her original Spring Petals Barbie outfit for 30 years! So, she is definitely ready to kick up her heels and have a new outfit to wear! 

This is the outfit she had been wearing for 30 years. She is an absolutely beautiful doll. The Spring Petals Barbie was designed by Mattel for Avon in 1996. I am enjoying my Barbies and not leaving them in boxes or wearing the same outfits they arrived in. I am enjoying my hobby and sewing and dressing the dolls in different outfits. I must say, however, that this doll arrived in pristine condition with everything original in the box. This beautiful spring outfit is very high quality. Much different from the cheaper materials used for Barbie clothing today in my opinion. 

Here are some close-ups of the outfits. I'm using a red earring to hold the navy blue scarf in place on the doll to the right. 

It's so much fun to be creative and to try to design and sew outfits. I created my own pattern from another Barbie dress to use for the all blue top on the doll to the right. In my opinion it would be too short for a dress so I am using it as a tunic top instead. Mix and match, right?! And you have seen the all blue skirt that I sewed already on a different doll. 

And speaking of sewing, here's the skirt I sewed from a lounging robe that belonged to my Mom. I wore it today to go shopping paired with a navy blue top and navy shoes. No white in the outfit (except on the shoes) but definitely red and blue! I wore a white sweater inside the stores because I'm always cool in the AC and, to be honest, I kinda felt like this outfit made me look too much like a little old lady. Different shoes and not wearing the sweater would have helped but these were comfortable. Sometimes I struggle between wanting to be comfortable and wanting to be stylish. Do you ever feel like this?

How about you? Are you displaying any red, white and blue around your home? How is your summer going? Hope you will chime in and share in the comments. I'll try to post again, soon! I have some fun new books I've been reading to share with you!

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

Butterflies and Blooms on the Foyer Table

 Welcoming May with Butterflies

Hello everyone! Happy May Day! I'm welcoming May with butterflies and blooms on the Foyer table. How many butterflies can you count on this lovely display?

The blooms are located on the pretty faux light candle. The candle gives off a lovely soft yellow and flickers. It's so pretty in the evenings. 

Nothing points to Spring like butterflies, in my opinion. I love watching them fluttering on plants and observing their brilliant colors. I was so very pleased to find this butterfly cloth on a recent thrifting adventure. I just knew it would be the perfect addition to my butterfly foyer table display. The butterfly bag and bottle were serendipitous finds at another store as was the deep purple ceramic butterfly. And how about that colorful fan? This whole display allows me to bring pretty butterflies and blooms indoors!

And speaking of blooms, we have some beautiful rhododendron blooms on our property right now. 

I'm so grateful that these shrubs are blooming once more and coming back after being beaten down during the hurricane 1 1/2 years ago. Last summer they didn't do well but this year they are growing and blooming much better. 

We also have some lovely honeysuckle blooming in several locations on our property. I snapped this photo from our dining room window. 

And The Mr. snapped this photo of my stone walled cottage garden in our backyard. As you can see, the coreopsis, impatiens and coral bells are thriving as is the ivy on the stone wall. We have to regularly trim the ivy as it will rapidly take over if left to its own devices! I really enjoy my little garden all Spring and Summer. 

And before I go, let me share this little black dress and lace cape that I sewed for one of my Barbies. The dress is sleeveless underneath the cape. I need to find some black heels for Barbie but, for now, the gold heels will have to do. A girl's shopping is never done, right?!

Hope you are enjoying butterflies and blooms in your own yard (or home) and that some fun fashion is on your horizon as well. Be sure to share in the comments! 

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

Happy Easter and Spring Blooms

 A Blessed Easter To All!

Hello everyone! I want to wish each of you a very Happy and Blessed Easter this Sunday! Our Sunday looks to be a bit rainy which isn't the sunny forecast I always hope for, however, since we are in a drought situation any rain is welcome right now. 

I took a walk around our property the other day and captured a few pics of some lovely Spring blooms. Thought I would share them with you. We had several daffodils in bloom here and there. These yellow blooms are always the first signs of Spring that pop up in our yard.

I am so pleased to see these azaleas coming into bloom, as well. They were beaten down pretty hard during the storm but they are coming back which is wonderful!

We have red azaleas popping into bloom as well. 

And I call these "bluets" although I'm not sure that's their official name. I love their tiny little blue blooms, though, whatever they may be called!

Spring is such a time of renewal and it always makes me feel happy when it arrives. Easter is also a time to reflect and remember about the amazing sacrifice that Jesus made on the cross for all mankind. I pray that you know how much you are loved by God in sending His son to die for you and for me. 

And on Sunday, we will remember that:

He is risen! He is risen indeed! 

Thanks be to God!

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

Early Spring/Easter Decor

 Table Vignettes for Spring

Hello friends! Are you as happy as I am that March is finally here? I'm not so naive that I think that winter is well and truly over with yet, 

however, when March arrives I know that it isn't too far away! At least, not as far away as it was back in December or January. 

I have begun doing a little Easter/Spring decorating starting with some cute table vignettes. These vignettes are all quite simple and took mere minutes to pull together. My favorite kind of vignettes! The Mr. brought me home the pretty plate you see above when he was out thrifting the other day. I love the colors and the hearts along the edges. This plate will work for multiple seasons and occasions and I'm so glad he bought it for me! I used my ceramic Easter rabbit figurine and some small wooden bunny figurines to simply sit on the plate for a pretty vignette displayed on the middle of the kitchen table. 

The foyer table is also decorated. I found some cute Easter egg picks at Dollar Tree and they look festive in a bud vase surrounded by colorful eggs and bunnies. 

Underneath, on the bottom shelf, is my wooden tulip bunny I purchased last Easter. I still think this bunnie's expression is just so happy and joyful. 

It is less than one month now until Easter Sunday so it's time to get out your Easter decor and enjoy your displays! I hope you will share your decorating in the comments below. Have a wonderful week!

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That

Daily Life and A Little New Decor

 Just A Few Things Here Lately

Hi friends! I'm just popping on today to share a little bit of daily life and a little bit of new decor around the house. Really, just a little bit of this and that. Hope you enjoy! I wanted to add a little something to the guest bathroom shelf and I found this cute cat wearing eyeglasses at Hobby Lobby. 

So this is what the shelf looks like now. Just a little simple vignette for a pre-Spring look. I love anything with cats and this adds a little whimsy to the bathroom shelf. 

I also added this cute hanger to the front door. Three important words to live by....Faith, Hope and Love! I found this at Dollar Tree and it's also perfect for the pre-Spring and Easter front door style. 

I pulled out a few carnations and some baby's breath from my Valentine's flower arrangement and created a bud vase arrangement for the living room mantel.

The miniature battery operated white lights add a cheerful glow to the mantel in the evenings. So pretty. 

I've also been creating more doll clothes for Barbie. I sewed this paper bag skirt for her. 

The pink cold shoulder top and pink shoes were ones I ordered. 

I sewed this V-neck dress for Barbie and styled it with white boots and a purse that I ordered online. 

I tried lining this dress and fashioned a tie belt to cinch the waist. It turned out pretty well. 

I picked up some Fat Squares fabric and some colorful buttons at Hobby Lobby and have plans for more Barbie outfits and possibly some other items. I love these fabrics, especially the blue! I have been doing some online research, also, and am finding other folks who also enjoy creating and sewing doll clothes and that has been fun to discover!

In other news, I'm currently reading, "An Unlikely Lent," by Rachel Billups and will be leading a study of this book at my church. Our first class got cancelled this week due to bad weather so, hopefully, next week will bring blue skies and warmer temps so we can meet! This book looks at people who were on the periphery of the Easter story and yet played an important role in the events of Holy Week. It's very interesting and thought provoking. 

I also had the opportunity to bring the message at our church last Sunday while our pastor is on a mission trip to Africa. It's always a blessing to be able to share a sermon and lead worship. This particular sermon was written from the text about the walk to Emmaus. I emphasized that Jesus is walking with each of us in our daily travels through life even when we don't recognize that He is there. I hope that each of us can experience an Emmaus walk as we go through the Lenten season. 

And, finally, The Mr. participated in a brass concert on Sunday afternoon that I attended. The music was really spectacular and was a relaxing way to spend a Sunday afternoon after a busy Sunday morning! All in all, a very nice day. 

So, this is how I've been styling life lately. How about you? What has daily life, for you, been like? Hope you will take a moment to share in the comments. I enjoy hearing from you!

Until Next Time,

Debbie This and That