~A Few Of My Favorite Things~

~my new year's resolution~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 04 Jan 2012 23:28:00 +0000

okay, i will be the first to admit, making new year's resolutions are usually not something i stick to past the 3rd week of January. It never has worked for me. I have great intentions when i think of "fresh new beginnings", and "starting a whole new year" and start off with a bang and slowly the enthusiasm just fizzles. This year something was different i had already made some mental changes ~~out of frustration~~, changes that would actually make my life a little better. Organization is a quality i revere.

Piles of receipts, warranties, files, appointments, bills & clutter.... Has made my life much more complicated and frustrating. I am pretty fanantical about keeping things clean & orderly.... but, PAPER... hmmmm not so much. I just stick them in a basket, or ontop of my desk and before i know it i have stuffed them into drawers or loosely tossed them into the file cabinet, vowing to go thru them. It hasn't happened. :(

This little gem of a book has totally won me over. It is inspirational, motivating & helpful. Next project "minimalism", yeah right... I love my "stuff" to much for that. However, I am working on "only keeping what i love" and "use" and "wear". Gosh, my garage currently looks like I am a "hoarder" with all the totes stacked, unused paint, furniture that needs painted, left over wood planks from the new floor... I really need to start "purging" . But, for now I am starting with page 1 and working my way thru the book.... wish me luck... I can't wait for the new "organized" me.

Have a super week.

Sandy

Christmas at our house

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 05:44:00 +0000

Celebrating Christ

My sweet girls were home for Christmas break, and with them is an energy that only comes from the 20 somethings... the excitment, the friends dropping by unexpectedly to wish you the best of Christmases. Rushing to finish last minute baking, wrapping gifts we had made for family & friends. Joy filled the air & our hearts.

Early Christmas Eve we drove to visit Aunts & cousins, and family came to our house in the evening...

my precious Aunt Margie.... with my daughters...

family dinner Christmas Eve....

my sister (Cheryll) & my brother (Wes), and his sweet wife Robyn.

my daughter "Cori"

Erin, my youngest daughter........

Loren, Cori & Erin... Christmas morning... don't you just love Loren's penguin pj's. :)

Christmas - that magic blanket that wraps itself about us, that something so intangible that it is like a fragrance. It may weave a spell of nostalgia. Christmas may be a day of feasting, or of prayer, but always it will be a day of remembrance - a day in which we think of everything we have ever loved. ~Augusta E. Rundel

I hope your heart & home was filled with peace & joy this Christmas and all through the new year!

Blessings,
Sandy

It's beginning to look alot like Christmas

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 23:39:00 +0000

We have been Super busy around our house the last couple of weeks. My daughters are taking their finals this week.. & yours truly has been turning our house into a winter wonderland.

The kitchen window.......

Our family room.... the yellow isn't really that bright.. i think it is my point & shoot :(

I just love this rudolph & Santa, they were my mom's.

This week we finally made our Christmas Card... getting these 3 girls together is almost impossible...with school, work, finals it was a challenge.......

I am really hoping to start making our candy this weekend! and start addressing the Christmas cards... busy, busy, busy.

I have had so much fun in blogland this week..looking at all the beautiful decorations, & admiring the most creative, talented people. It is a little intimidating to see so much talent, not to mention the photography...(sighing,really loudly) ...

I think I am going to try my hand at some edible gifts this year, I'm loving all the great ideas.... now just to find the time.

Till next time

xoxo

Sandy

~the love of soaps~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 30 Nov 2011 21:30:00 +0000

while i have been turning our home into a "winter wonderland" for Christmas... I go upstairs each night totally exhausted, to get ready for bed. First, I love to soak in a warm bubble bath...it relaxes me internally & externally... It gives me a chance to lay my head on my little inflatable pillow and just soak in the day... It has become my favorite part of the evening.. a time to compose my thoughts, check off my lists, (i am a big list maker)...and relax. I have so many scented soaps in my little bath....Yep, I'll admit it...another addiction, collecting soaps!!!... Trader Joe's lemon verbena is amazing, yardley, oatmeal & almond is scrumptous.. i have to say those 2 are my favorites... & very inexpensive. So, I stock up when i am shopping for my home supplies....

I also love little pink roses.... i have little white vases & white pitchers full of pink roses in my bedroom & bath... soft & simple ..... love them.

Enjoy the rest of your week, & find joy in the little things!!
& Be Blessed

Sandy

~My sweet Erin baking me cupcakes~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 00:26:00 +0000

Today was my last day of Thanksgiving vacation...My youngest daughter "Erin" decided cupcakes for dessert might snap me out of my "oh no work tomorrow" blues. Her older sister Cori came over for dinner... she was in a "oh no!, class tomorrow,break is over" blues ... so little sister to the rescue... a few eggs, whisk, batter.....

and tada.... Erin's famous spiced cupcakes with cream cheese frosting......

and a little more sugar sprinkles...
Cupcakes must be a little medicinal.... we instantly felt better. :) ... Erin you are such a sweetie....
Enjoy your week.
Blessings to you and your family.

Sandy

~unpacking our Christmas Decorations~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 28 Nov 2011 21:50:00 +0000

my mom & dad.....

Every year around Thanksgiving, I start separating the red & green totes. Some of the totes are ornaments, others are outside decorations & beautiful pinecone garlands.
This year was a little different, I looked over my totes and started looking inside some of the cardboard boxes labeled with a very familiar handwriting. The boxes were sealed with packing tape and had not been opened in 7 years. They belonged to my mom. When my passed away my brother & sister gifted me my mom's Christmas treasures.

my mom's Santa ornament.....

one of my mom's toyland music boxes......

I love this Nativity ornament.....

My brother (Wes) & my sister (Cheryll) and all the nieces & nephews come over to our house on Christmas Eve.. It is a time we all treasure... homemade cookies, candies & lots of delicious finger foods...I wasn't sure how Cheryll & Wes would feel, if I brought out my mom's beautiful decorations... but, I did it anyway.. I was ready. I wanted it proudly displayed with all the whimsical toyland, bright colors & lots of Santa's... The Santa & Rudolph below were ALWAYS beside my mom's Christmas Tree.. As I slowly unwrapped this prized keepsake, I smiled...as I could see my mom's face as we helped her place them under her tree....and I proudly placed it beside our tree.......

aren't they beautiful.... I think I will bring them out every year!!!

This is my Beautiful Santa & Rudolph in our Picture Window, in the Kitchen...I love that big window with all the bright sunlight & it was the perfect place to put Mr. Claus... well, back to decorating.... "Tis the Season"...

xoxo

Me & my handsome Brother (Wes) Thanksgiving... at the traditional lighting of the tree.

Have a blessed week...

Sandy

~Happy Thanksgiving~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 27 Nov 2011 15:27:00 +0000

Bless us, Oh Lord,

and these thy gifts which

we are about to receive from thy bounty,

through Christ, Our Lord.

Amen.

From my family to yours, wishing you a happy, healthy, and blessed Thanksgiving and holiday season.

God Bless,

Be Back Soon

Sandy

~Cori the Nanny~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 12 Nov 2011 11:05:00 +0000

Since starting college (she is in her junior year), Cori has been a "Nanny" to an amazing family in Norcross.
She really love them, especially Miss Tullulah.

I honestly think Cori would work for "free".......she adores this little girl.

and Miss Tullulah loves her......:)
Isn't she adorable...

Till next time,

~Lisa Leonard~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 11 Nov 2011 01:09:00 +0000

There are some people who have a gift, you know the sort of people that everyone wants to be friends with, or you feel better about yourself just because they are around. The kind of people that even with their humility and honesty you can't help but admire, & aspire to be more like them, (or at least try to have a more positive influence on your surroundings). One of those special people is Lisa Leonard.

Not only does she create the most beautiful jewelry (lisa leonard designs), she has also created a beautiful family.
This lady has great talent, a great family, great blog, great hair & now she has been published in the new issue of cottages & bungalows magazine.
(btw, i am so making these cute cones for our mantel).
and she has the confidence to say "hey, i struggle too"..."It's not always easy".

I just wanted to do a quick post of people who "inspire me" (when I am having a little self-doubt or maybe just a little down in the dumps.) &....when i was reading her blog today, one of her posts was of pure honesty. She was questioning her own thoughts and choices . All the while i was thinking "no way" this lady does it all, and does it "perfectly"..the inspiration came from me knowing, we all have those doubts, we all question ourselves, & in the end we all are trying to be our best, not only for ourselves, but also for those who share our lives. Those are some of the things that inspire me!

Enjoy the rest of your week.

Sandy

~Cori & Gus~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 06 Nov 2011 00:19:00 +0000

Cori sent me a couple of pic's of her new fur baby.... Gus

But, I don't think "Miss Bella" likes him very much... a little jealousy between the babies.

XoXo

~for the love of everything ruffles~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 05 Nov 2011 16:26:00 +0000

My much needed bedroom re-do. "here's a little background".. I have a 3 bedroom house, there "were" 4 of us. Two of my daughters always had to share a bedroom, (so they got the master). Then there were 3, when Loren left Erin took Loren's room, Cori (still had the master) not sure how that happened.. I think because she always had friends sleeping over. Anyway. When Cori left for college, "I moved into the Master" twice the size, dressing room & double walk-in closet...
It really was overwhelming for me at first. It was sad to inherit the room as the girls were leaving home (now, when they come home to visit they have the smaller room).
Slowly, after a few months of adjusting... i gradually started transferring my things across the hall to the "big" room.

Now, I have moved in...The work began. I knew I wanted a "coastal cottage feel" to the room.

I knew i wanted ruffles... ruffle duvet, ruffle draperies & ruffle shower curtain..Thanks to Urban Outfitters & Tar-jay...

I think i will live happily ever after in my little space... now to finish the painting.......

Till Next Time

~Loren the Nanny~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 22:52:00 +0000

Loren & Cori are both in college, (hopefully Loren will be graduating next year).. She has changed her major a couple of times ~~3X.~~ She has now decided to major in education (history). Okay now that we have that settled... ~~she can't change her major again~~. Education it is. I hope she is reading this...
Since college both Loren & Cori have also become "Nannies".
I don't know who is the luckiest, the children or my daughters. Loren is a Nanny to twin girls (Sydney & Alexis) & their older sister Miss Maddie. The kids really love Loren & she is totally "in love" with them.

Aren't they the cutest little babies... When Loren is home she flashes her phone photo's and proudly brags of all the things that she has taught the girls.... She will be such a great teacher. (my bragging rights).......

Till next time,

Sandy

~Be Inspired~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Fri, 04 Nov 2011 02:46:00 +0000

I try never to compare myself or my life to other people.
To me life isn't a competition.
I am always inspired by others in their talents, accomplishments & their passion

& their commitment to that Passion

creating our lives through our hearts

& choices by our Character.

XOXO

Sandy

~coffee mugs~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Thu, 03 Nov 2011 02:14:00 +0000

I admit it... I have an obsession. I am not only a "coffee addict" but, yes I am also addicted to pretty coffee mugs & tumblers...

Every Christmas I buy my daughters a new mug to have with hot cocoa on Christmas morning.. It has become a tradition of sorts.. They expect it. I think I have passed my obsession onto my daughters.

There is no way to display and photograph these jewels but let me just say each one of them is a little work of art.

I love love love the rose mugs by housewares. When Cori is home she literally demands the housewares mugs. We also have monogrammed tumblers, & mugs.

I just think they make my morning coffee a little more special.

Till next time

Sandy

~re-identify-ing~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 01 Nov 2011 23:50:00 +0000

Identity; the state or fact of remaining the same one or ones, as under varying aspects or conditions

I have spent the last 2 decades being mom to 3 very beautiful, outgoing young ladies, & I must say this empty nest thing can put you on a rollercoaster of emotions. (to say the least).

Discovering a lot about myself has been a definite eye opener. Focusing on myself has been quite an adjustment. (a little detour or hiatus). I am still a mom, but I am now a FULL time me!

Till next time,

Sandy

~Happy Halloween~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Mon, 31 Oct 2011 21:31:00 +0000

Have a safe & happy halloween

BOO!

Sandy

Grayson Step Your Game Up (OFFICIAL BHS Response)

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 23:33:00 +0000

Okay, after all the video wars between our two high schools, Brookwood vs. Grayson. Grayson High School won on a very cold rainy friday night in Grayson. Our Brookwood Bronco's were last years Georgia State Champs & my daughters are all 3 Brookwood alumni. but, we are good sports and we congratulate you Grayson. It was a GREAT game.

Sandy

~Pottery Barn~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 22:53:00 +0000

If imitation is the sincerest form of flattery.... I just "flatter-ized" Pottery Barn... The minute I saw this pic, my brain & heart took off.. Isn't the absolute cutest way to display those chunky necklaces & those hard to hang long pearls...

Love me some Pottery Barn!

Just had to share this really cute idea.

Sandy

~ If I ~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sun, 30 Oct 2011 18:34:00 +0000

I can't remember when or where, but a while ago I saw this on a blog and I thought it was fun....

..If I could live anywhere in the US ... It definitely would be Savannah, Georgia… the best of both worlds, living in Georgia and “the beach”… not to mention Savannah’s historic scenic beauty, and southern hospitality.

...If I could have more children ...My children are grown… ~~almost~~. It is much to exhausting to think of more children. :)

... If I could have any talent in the world ... photography… I would love to see the world thru their eyes… they just seem to see the beauty in the most simple things.

...If money were not an object ... I would have a house on a beach , Go back to Europe… with my daughters & payoff all their college expenses. 

... If I could meet one celebrity ... it would probably be Diane Keaton since my daughters CONSTANTLY tell me I act just like her. 

...If I had to choose an animal/pet ... since I have a Dog (Rocky) & a Cat (Jacob) I can’t choose.. they are part of the family.

...If I could go on a trip right now… Italy & Paris…. Love them!

... If I had to choose between a housekeeper and a personal chef ... definitely a housekeeper…. I enjoy cooking.. but cleaning takes way to much of my free time..

speaking of house cleaning, off to finish the laundry.... work tomorrow.

Sandy

~My "Love" of baggy boyfriend Jeans~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 17:49:00 +0000

I think I am one of those people that just refuse to change with the times. If I find something I love I stick with it. Baggy hip, baggy leg, short jackets with fitted shirts are one of those things. I love the chic-ness of the jeans. They look adorable with flats & wedges.... weekend wardrobe staple..i think yes.. 50ish women can still have a

fun wardrobe.

I finally found the perfect pair while shopping with Cheryll... However, she doesn't share my appreciation for the "baggy jeans', she likes hers fitted. We are such opposites in most everything except our hearts. :)

XOXO

Sandy

~Fall in Atlanta & The Varsity~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Sat, 29 Oct 2011 01:05:00 +0000

It's finally Friday...
One trip my sister & I make everytime she is ~~home~~ (in Atlanta), is our chili dog/ chili burgers & the famous onion rings from the "Varsity"... we then stock up on their private label chili.

There is nothing better than "Varsity" chili dogs except of course the onion rings!!! oh my gosh! wicked. I try to eat healthy... but, what can I say! .... I have no will power when I see that mile high stack of the worlds best onion rings....
It started raining while we were on our way, but I snapped a few pic's of the orange & red colors of Fall that are lining the road....

even while raining, it is beautiful...

Enjoy your weekend.

Sandy

~Pumpkin Crunch Cake~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 23:35:00 +0000

Now that "FALL" has officially arrived, ~~I have the fallen leaves all over my yard as~~ ~~evidence~~, pumpkins are everywhere! We have already carved ours... (thank you girls). I have been ready for baking (I am always ready to bake)... so, I thought I would share a melt in your mouth receipe. This is SoO good & easy.

1 package yellow cake mix
1 large can (30 oz) pumpkin pie mix (Not 100% pumpkin)
1 can (12 oz) evaporated milk
3 eggs
1 ½ cups sugar
½ t salt
1 cup chopped pecans (optional)
1 cup melted butter
Whipped topping (optional)

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Grease bottom of 9x 13 pan.

Combine pumpkin, eggs, sugar, evaporated milk and salt in large bowl. Pour into pan. Sprinkle dry cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Top with pecans. Drizzle with melted butter. Bake for 50 to 55 minutes or until knife inserted comes out clean. Cool completely. Serve with whipped topping. Refrigerate left overs

Enjoy,

Sandy

~Music, Scent & Color~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 20:34:00 +0000

Music is one of my daily requirements~ Truth. it really is... Pandora is definitely a reflex action... Frank Sinatra ooh yeah! I can accomplish any task in half the time it would normally require if I am crooning along with "Ol Blue Eyes"...

Another affecting stimulus... scent. Like music, scent & color is so incredibly personal. I love most citrus-sy floral scents, on me (perfumes) or in the home. It's a light fresh smell that radiates an energy in me.....Jo Malone's "Orange Blossom" is definitely on my "Christmas wish list" (hint..hint. :)

For years I was a neutral color person. My daughters were constantly giving me advice on colors... (and hairstyles) (and shoes) and (make-up) lol..... but, this time they were right... colors, especially pinks, chartreuse & blues....oh, and yellow... love them. That started my love affair with Lilly. I live on a budget with 2 girls in college. But, I do stock up at the end of the season. :) I bought 2 really cute dresses for next spring,

The cute dress above my "very thoughtful" sister...picked up for me in Virginia..

I love the beautiful pattern and "COLORS"... This is a drastic change from my black & white solid wardrobe... It is a lot more fun. Enjoy the rest of your week.

Till next time,

XOXO

Sandy

~Cori & the Pumpkin Patch~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 23:31:00 +0000

My daughters love to celebrate. It really doesn't matter... if it is Halloween, Fourth of July, Valentines Day they plan for weeks.... they are probably concocting a celebration for Columbus Day... :)
Their birthdays, my birthday & Mother's Day are celebrated with hand made cards, home-made cakes & and lot's & lot's of love.
Christmas is a huge celebration at our house, with family, friends & food.... I am truly blessed to have these girl's as daughters.... They make every occasion an event.
Cori and her sweet friend Melissa went to the pumpkin patch... (girls will be girls, never forget the camera) ... I hope she doesn't mind but i ~~snooped~~ grabbed some of her snapshots from her facebook...

Aren't they the cutest little "pumpkin patch kids" ever...

XOXO

Sandy

~What a weekend!~

noreply@blogger.com (Sandy) — Tue, 25 Oct 2011 00:03:00 +0000

I had a super busy, super fun, super exhausting weekend. Cheryll is in town visiting from Virginia, and I love our special catch up time. We had Erin's birthday celebration Saturday evening.... lot's of food, friends & family.

It was great having everyone over... We celebrated Erin & Wes's birthday. The girls even had a pumpkin carving contest...they all won! no competition in a house with these girls~

Sunday, Cheryll & I shopped till we dropped.... literally. :)

I scored big-time. New shoes, new handbag, cute nautical sweater ... :) I definitely crushed my budget for the month.

Cheryll was much more ~~disciplined~~ conservative than me..but it was great fun.

It was sOo hard going to work today, Cheryll and Erin went out for lunch and had a special aunt and niece day, while I was working.... I really love having her here, I only wished we had more time.

XOXO

Sandy