Christmas 2012 was excellent. Mr. SP, his dad, Mama, and I enjoyed a meal at my house on Christmas Eve. Christmas morning was spent opening gifts and drinking coffee. You can see that I’m stocked up on garden gloves, socks, and Jelly Bellies! Mr. SP also spoiled me with bunches of outfits for tennis…
2012 is coming to a close and it’s time to take a look back at what was accomplished and to share a few popular posts from the year. The first house project started this year was a remodel of our tiny upstairs guest bath. Mr. SP worked on and off on this project all year…
How is it already Christmas Eve? I’m looking forward to a day in the kitchen preparing a meal for family: rib eye roast, scalloped potatoes, spinach salad, roasted brussels sprouts, pineapple casserole, and rolls. Christmas Day with family is always enjoyable. My niece and I are going to stay with my mom for a few…
Today is the first day in a long while that I’ve been home during the day. School is out for two weeks and I am so much enjoying having a day to myself. Today’s task is Christmas cards and I’m taking a break to share a few last Christmas decorations in my home. A chest…
Peanut Butter Bars….Mmmm…. My grandmother made this recipe for my family time and again when I was growing up. When I went off to college, my grandmother lived close by and would bring a container of this luscious treat to me on occasion. If you like a Reese’s Cup, you are sure to like this…
In August I discovered a new local magazine, Clutch, and immediately loved it. I contacted the owner of the magazine and asked if I could write a DIY article for a future issue. With Mr. SP’s help, I designed and constructed a glass votive candle holder centerpiece that can be customized for any holiday or…
Mr. SP’s sister recently visited from California. On Saturday we drove to Charlottesville to enjoy a visit to historic Michie Tavern in Charlottesville. If you’ve visited Monticello, then you most like drove past Michie Tavern on your way to Mr. Jefferson’s home. Michie Tavern was established in 1784 by Scotsman William Michie. In 1927,…
Have you decorated with Angel Hair in recent years? I remember my mom using it in the 1970’s under our nativity scene. Last Christmas a friend sent a package of it to me along with some other vintage goodies. When I unpacked my Christmas boxes this year and found the angel hair, I couldn’t wait…
A confession: We’ve had our tree up since the weekend before Thanksgiving and have been enjoying it every night. We put our tree in our family room where we watch TV in the evening. This placement also allows us enjoy it while we are in the dining area and in the kitchen. Our…
Christmas is a favorite time of year to make our home look appealing from the street. Candles in each window glow; wreaths on the front windows sparkle in the sun and candlelight; a lit garland guides guests to the front door; and a huge magnolia and sumac wreath adorns the door. I love making…
Mr. SP and I arrived home yesterday after spending six days at Marco Island Marriott Resort and Spa on beautiful Marco Island, Florida. Mr. SP had meetings to attend Tuesday through Thursday, so we headed to Florida on Saturday to make this trip a mini vacation. This is the first time that I’ve been able…
Today I’m sharing three favorite recipes, good any time of the year, but especially enjoyed at Christmas. A family favorite appetizer for Christmas is Hot Virginia Dip. My mom has made this for every Christmas party she’s hosted for as long as I can remember. If you take this to a party, plan on…