Kitchen - Final Reveal

Last week I introduced you to our "beautiful" kitchen.

If you missed that post you can find it here - My New Kitchen - Part 1

As a quick review this was the kitchen when I looked at it almost two years ago.  Mountain Man and I were full time RVer's and we loved it.  In May, 2010 I flew home to see my youngest daughter leaving Mountain Man in Alaska for a week.    We had talked and thought it would be a good time to buy a house due to the low prices of houses and low interests rates.  So, while visiting Lake Placid, I found this house.  It was a foreclosure and in pretty bad shape BUT the bones were good.  It was on the second canal off the largest lake in town which Mountain Man LOVED.  I took many pictures of the house and sent them to MM in Juneau.  After long talks on the phone we decided to make an offer on the house, which the bank accepted just three days later.  We knew that there was going to be a lot of work that would need to be done - but we thought we would do one project at a time while we "wintered" in Lake Placid for three months of the year and travel the rest of the year.

Well, it is amazing how things work and how the good Lord has different plans for you.  Right after the bank accepted our offer my daughter and I drove to Atlanta to visit my mom (her grandmother). I was going to fly "home" from Atlanta instead of Ft. Myers.  

As some of you know, my mom lived on the main level of a HUGE house in Atlanta while my brother and his wife lived in the walk out basement.  Well, to make a long story somewhat short, while we were visiting my brother passed away unexpectedly.  That changed everything!

Mountain Man and I had to come off the road and we settled my mom here in Lake Placid.  So, instead of taking our time with the remodeling project,  we decided to tackle the whole project all at once!

Now that you have a little (okay, you have a lot) of the background of how we got to this point - let's move on to the project.  I will warn you now -  there are a TON of pictures in this entry - (even more than I usually do) - so if you aren't into looking at all these maybe you could just jump to the end of the post.  

If you are not scared off let's get started.

Last week I showed you how we gutted the entire interior of the house - down to the studs and then started to rebuild.

 Some people have asked how we got everything done so quickly.  Well, I will confess that we did not do it all ourselves (remember Mountain Man is not a spring chicken anymore ha! Ha!).  After talking seriously about the project - we decided that we would hire outside help to do the actual demo.  We also hired someone to do the electrical work and the plumbing.  (Mountain Man did not want to climb up into the attic to do the electrical work - and he HATES to work on plumbing!)   However - after the shell was put back together he did the rest of the installation of the kitchen.

The picture above shows where the new pantry will go.  To the right is the laundry room.

To save on money we did not change the footprint of the kitchen - the stove, refrigerator, dishwasher, and sink all stayed in the same location as before -

Week 8 - Mountain Man working on the installation of the cabinets

The electrical work is being done - see all the wires hanging down under the cabinets.

Week 9

Granite counter tops are installed, floor is installed,  and the kitchen is FINALLY operable!

My kitchen today - 

This was actually a mistake that we made work.  When we bought the cabinetry for the pantry the wall was extended during the construction phase by 18 inches to accommodate the pantry cabinets.  However, we didn't think about that when we bought the drawer cabinetry - until we started to install the cabinets and had an eighteen inch hole between the last cabinet and the wall.   OPPS! 


What to do, what to do?

Well, I had this brilliant idea to add a wine rack above and cook book shelves below - perfect!    While these units were not the right size -Mountain Man trimmed the cabinets to fit the space - So, the mistake turned into a golden opportunity to add a little extra storage.  (See my Gooseberry Patch Cookbooks?   Love them!)  Once again - if you think out of the box beautiful things can happen.

One of the things that I REALLY wanted in our new kitchen (other than my pantry and some pull out drawers that you'll see later) was a farm sink.  Ta-daaa!  I "heart" this sink - it is -

 Perfection!

Yes, that is Pass Christian hand soap and lotion on the sink - thank you for noticing.

Our new island - lots of storage and where MM and I sit for every meal when we don't have company - another GREAT addition to our new kitchen!

When constructing the island we connected a base cabinet and a drawer cabinet, put them on a base to make them tall enough to accommodate the bar stools, backed them with beadboard and extended the granite counter top for the overhang.  They are also attached to the half wall for stability.  


Next -

My wonderful, beautiful pantry!

Oh, and my "little grocery list" project.

I absolutely adore all the storage that this pantry gives me - the drawers pull all the way out - it is fabulous - I would have to say it is one of the best things we have ever done in any of our many remodeling projects. 

(and there have been MANY!)

 The drawers are a fabulous feature also.

(See my great Kitchen Aid Mixer - my Christmas Present from Mountain Man - isn't he the best!)

I have so much pull out storage - pantry, 

drawers for the pots and pans

and

this.

  You know how you always lose stuff when you have one of those things in the corner - your stuff falls off in the back and you can't reach it.  Well, that will never happen with this little jewel.

  Why?  

Well, take a look

It pulls all the way out!

GENIUS!

 Now,  while we have done a LOT of work on the kitchen - and I love what we have done, I have a confession to make -


Gasp----

It's not finished! 

Nope, we have not installed the back splash yet or the trim work on the cabinets.

We were ready to do the back splash when Mountain Man had his heart cath - and that put everything on hold.  We are hoping to finish it  in the next month or so, trying to save up the money for the tile.  We are planning on using white subway tile.  I know that some people do not like white kitchens, but I love it!  It always looks so clean ( maybe because I clean it more often?) and to change it for the seasons/holidays - all I have to do is use different dish towels and change the curtain.  
Done!

Now that I have overloaded you with pictures I'll leave you with a couple more.

 Remember 


we went from this:

to this :

and while we still have things to do 


I love what we have done so far.

What do you think?

Hugs -

Carol

I was featured at:

Linking Up to:
  
http://onechattychic.com/2012/04/03/your-turn-wild-wednesday-5/
http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2012/04/show-and-tell-linking-fun.html

http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-60.html
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/swing-into-spring-its-party-59.html
http://thebrambleberrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/time-travel-thursday-91-talented-time.html
http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/vintage-birthday-cards-share-love.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-68.html
http://thediydreamer.blogspot.com/2012/04/from-dream-to-reality-linky-party-10.html
http://thenymelrosefamily.blogspot.com/2012/04/whimsy-wednesdays-5.html
http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/201http://www.impartinggrace.com/2012/04/grace-at-home-no-3.html2/04/transformation-thursday.html#more
http://acreativeprincess.blogspot.com/2012/04/its-party-48.html
http://www.the36thavenue.com/2012/04/show-me-extraordinary-49.html
http://kristenscreationsonline.blogspot.com/2012/04/share-your-creations-party-32sharing.html
http://katherinescorner.com/2012/04/05/thursday-favorite-things-blog-hop-linky-party-30/
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/lemon-raspberry-coffeecakea-spring.html
http://theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/cowgirl-up-link-party-9.html
http://thriftydecorating-nikkiw.blogspot.com/2012/04/thrifty-thursday-54.html
http://chiconashoestringdecorating.blogspot.com/2012/04/flaunt-it-friday-98.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/inspiration-friday-no-59-and-giveaway.html
http://commonground-debrasvintagedesigns.blogspot.com/2012/04/vintage-inspiration-82-easter-party.html
http://www.frenchcountrycottage.blogspot.com/2012/04/feathered-nest-friday.html
http://www.redouxinteriors.com/2012/04/friday-feature-party-50-and-mes-preferes/
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/04/fridays-unfolded-60.html
http://www.stuff-and-nonsense.net/2012/04/fridays-unfolded-60.html
http://romantichome.blogspot.com/2012/04/show-and-tell-friday.html
http://www.fivedaysfiveways.com/2012/04/feature-friday-free-for-all-14.html
http://www.addicted2decorating.com/addicts
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/04/sat-nite-special-127-party-ideas.html-not-so-anonymous-link-party-12.html
http://www.simplyklassichome.com/2012/04/simply-klassic-sunday-and-few-features.html
http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/2012/04/home-sweet-home.html
http://www.houseofhepworths.com/2012/04/04/hookin-up-with-hoh-94/#more-11126
http://www.theroosterandthehen.com/eclectics-the-key-rrr-transformation-party/
http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/04/overflowing-with-creativity-16.html
http://www.uncommondesignsonline.com/2012/04/uncommonly-yours-link-party-22.html
http://www.arosiesweethome.com/2012/04/sunday-round-up-4.html
http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/04/weekend-warrior-47-features.html
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-creative-party-time-32.html
http://www.thegunnysack.com/2012/04/whats-in-gunny-sack-link-party-32.html#more
http://diyhshp.blogspot.com/2012/04/more-merrier-57.html
http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/2012/04/waking-up-porch-and-decks-for-spring.html
http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2012/04/motivated-monday-april-9th.html
http://etcetorize.blogspot.com/2012/04/make-it-great-monday_08.html
http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-me-monday_08.html
http://www.threemangoseeds.blogspot.com/2012/04/features-do-it-ya-self-monday-link_09.html
http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/destination-inspiration-linky-party-10.html
http://blackberryvine.blogspot.com/2012/04/tuesday-to-do-57.html
http://www.homestoriesatoz.com/2012/04/april-showers-brings-guest-bloggers.html
http://www.tipjunkie.com/homemade-projects-410/
http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/2012/04/your-cozy-home-party-14.html
http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/04/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-100-awesome-crafty-prize-pack.html
http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2012/04/pinteresting-link-party-week-34.html
http://verymerryvintagestyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/share-love-wednesday-link-party.html
http://www.notjustahousewife.net/2012/04/show-me-what-ya-got-69.html
http://alderberryhill.blogspot.com/

Fig Preserves

Well, everyone - I am cheating (maybe that's a strong word) a little today - on Tuesday's  I've decided to post different recipes that I have cooked the week prior.  Well, IF you read my post yesterday you know that I was just a little busy at the hospital all last week and really didn't have time to cook something and take pictures of it - so, I decided to re-post something that I did a LONG  half a lifetime ago - I hope you enjoy!








Hello, Blogging world - it's me again and have I been busy!!! So many things have happened to me in the past month or so, it's a problem to think about where to begin. However, I have decided to let you in on my latest adventure from this past week -after this adventure I have been told that I am turning in to "little Miss Susie-Ann homemaker". Now, folks, I can't be just a simple Susie homemaker - after all I AM southern and everyone knows that all southern girls have two names (ex. Mary Beth, Samantha Ann, Jessica Lee, etc.). So it just goes to reason that my new name is going to be Miss Susie-Ann Homemaker. Why? Well, I thought you would never ask.





These, my friends are - homemade, fig preserves!! Made by - yours truly!! Now, this part is really important - I have never made preserves before, much less picked the figs, cut them up , cooked them, and yes, put them in jars and preserved them (yes, there is more to it than just putting the cooked fruit into a jar).

So, how did this not so country girl get to the place that she is actually making preserves. Well, some of that will be covered in future posts, BUT the short of it is - money!!!!! Mountain Man wanted preserves and they are darned expensive in the store - and a friend of mine in the "village" said - "Well, Carol, there is a fig tree back behind 'Joe and Sarah's' house (not their real name to protect the innocent - ME!) and you could go and pick your own and make some preserves." Now, this friend does not realize that I am kitchen challenged - if you don't believe me, just ask my kids - they will tell you. I have even bragged in the past that "the only reason we have a kitchen is because it came with the house". I will be the first to tell anyone that I am no cook, chef, or any other word you could invent if it has to do with doing something in the kitchen. Seriously, I really don't know how I managed to raise two children and do so little in the kitchen. I can do a little more than "Hamburger Helper", but let's not push it too far. My belief has always been - why cook, that's the reason God invented restaurants. But I get too far off topic - back to my preserves.

In recent days I have decided that one of the things I am going to have to do to save some money - since other measures I have tried in the last few weeks have not worked - is to become more familiar with things in the kitchen, so, when this friend tells me about the fig tree - I say to myself "okay, self, you can do this" - I mean after all I do have a Master's degree. (Never mind that it is in Educational Leadership! It is a Master's for Pete's sake!)

So, down to 'Joe and Sarah's' house to the infamous fig tree. I take Mountain Man with me, because my friend had told me that she and I weren't the only ones who knew about this fig tree and to be able to reach the ripe figs I was going to need a ladder. Mountain Man and I load the ten foot step ladder on to the top of the golf cart and head off to the fig tree - where I proceed to climb the ladder while M.M. "spots" me. (Good thing he is there to 'spot' me - I almost fall off the ladder twice as I am trying to reach "that perfect fig" - not that I know what a "perfect fig" is - have I told you that I have never even eaten a fig, except in a Fig Newton cookie? No, well, that is just another little element in this little adventure.) I am finally able to pick two plastic containers full of figs without falling off the ladder and breaking any bones. I tell my dear husband that I think this will be enough and back home we go after loading the ladder BACK on top of the golf cart. (I have NO idea if I have enough figs to make preserves, but it sounded good!)


Now, back home I come face to face with the kitchen and come to the quick realization that I don't have a recipe for fig preserves. I might not have a recipe, but I do have the Internet - off to the office I go and type 'fig preserves' in Goggle. Now, I'm not sure what I thought would happen, maybe a couple of recipes would come up, but no, not for me. Instead out pops not one, not two, not even three, but 257 recipes. Oh, great - 257 different ways to make fig preserves- who knew? For heaven's sake, I just need ONE - two hours later, after reading about half of the 257 different recipes, I say to heck with this - let's just take a couple of these, combine them and see what happens.

First things first - wash the figs - cut the figs- measure the figs. This isn't so hard. Okay, two quarts of water, three cups of sugar, six cups of figs, 1/4 cup of lemon juice - OH NO!!!!! The recipe didn't say two quarts it said two cups!!! Pour everything through the colander (have to save the figs) and start again - Two cups of water, three cups of sugar, six cups of figs, and 1/4 cup of lemon juice - bring to a boil and cook.




This is what fig preserves look like after about 2 hours cooking on the stove. About another hour later I had the most beautiful preserves you have ever seen!  Mountain Man loves my preserves! Now, I won't bore you with the process of sterilizing the jars, lids and seals, nor the part of 'setting' the preserves in a boiling water bath for ten minutes. The point is - I did this all on my own - with no help from anyone, (well you can't count the Internet - it doesn't stand over you to make sure you don't use 2 quarts of water instead of 2 cups!).

And, guess what, the roof didn't fall in and I didn't kill anyone or even make them sick - maybe there is a place for me in the kitchen - I might not be Emeril, or even Paula Deen, but I am this household's "Susie-Ann" homemaker - and I think I even like it. 


Did I hear Food Network calling??? No, well, maybe next week.





Well, this was my first adventure into making preserves - but not my last.  I'll share other adventures soon!

Hugs -

Carol

I'm Linking up to:


http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/swing-into-spring-its-party-59.html
http://savvysouthernstyle.blogspot.com/2012/04/wow-us-wednesdays-60.html
http://www.atthepicketfence.com/2012/04/lemon-raspberry-coffeecakea-spring.html
http://www.bluecricketdesign.net/2012/04/show-and-tell-linking-fun.html
http://onechattychic.com/2012/04/03/your-turn-wild-wednesday-5/
http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/2012/04/destination-inspiration-linky-party-9.html








http://herestohandyandy.blogspot.com/2012/03/pinteresting-link-party-week-33.html
http://theivycottageblog.blogspot.com/2012/04/cowgirl-up-link-party-9.html
http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/04/sat-nite-special-127-party-ideas.html
http://tatertotsandjello.com/2012/04/weekend-wrap-up-party-and-kristens-custom-creations-giveaway.html

Monday Menu

I really did NOT stay on the menu this week at all!  Monday I had taken the steak out for our Monday night dinner when I got a call from my mom. To make a long story short (and I won't bore you with all the details) I made an emergency trip to Lakeland and my mom ended up in the hospital for the week. After driving back and forth every other day (staying with a friend one night and coming home the next) and too many tests to count, I was able to bring her home Saturday afternoon.  To say that I was not on the "menu train" would be a major understatement!  

I spent Sunday trying to recoup from the that two hour drive one way I made six times last week and the long hours of sitting in a hospital room - I don't think anything will wear you out more than sitting in a hospital waiting to find out results of tests!  Anyway, I am back home now and will do my best to get caught up with all the housekeeping that was put on hold all last week.

Now, on to this month's menu - can you believe that it is already April???  Where is this year going??  It just seems to be flying by whether we are ready or not - in a little over two short months I'll be a first time grandmother (or, as I would like/hope to be called "Nana").  The kids (my sweet daughter and sil) are still working on getting the nursery ready and the baby shower will be in two weeks.  Can't wait to show you all the craft projects that I have been working on  and the shower - but that will be another post in the future.

  I seem to be straying off topic today - maybe that is my SOT syndrome (Straying Off Topic) kicking in -

Focus Carol, Focus!

This Weeks Menu:

Monday, April 2 - Pork Chops w/Rice; Green Beans

Tuesday, April 3 - Chicken Alfredo; Pasta; Salad

Wednesday, April 4 - Skillet Macaroni & Beef

Thursday, April 5 - Steak & Pepper Fajitas; Black Beans

Friday, April 6 - MOVIE NIGHT - Homemade Pizza

Saturday, April 7 - Chef's Choice

Sunday, April 8 - Chicken & Yellow Rice; Salad

Now, I will give you a spoiler alert - I'm not on "menu" already.  Mountain Man decided yesterday that he wanted smoked Bar-B-Que chicken tonight - so that is what we are having.  After all, sometimes you just have to go with what the hubby wants (and IF he is cooking it - who's to argue, right?).

So, how did you do last week?  Where you able to stay with the plan or did you get off schedule too?  If you did, why?  What is on your plan for the week- leave me a note or a link to your blog - I would love to see what's cooking at your house!

Well, I hope that you all have a good week - and remember that the name of the game is flexibility!

Spring Wreath

I've been looking at posts and Pinterest of beautiful Spring and Easter decorations and I figured it was about time that I did something to welcome the new season.

Now, it really does not feel like Spring here in South Florida - more like the middle of summer but the calendar says Spring - so let's pretend the temperatures are in the 70's and not pushing 90 - okay???

I put this wreath together one night a couple of weeks ago and did not take the first picture, but it really was not hard to do.  

I took a standard grapevine wreath from Walmart and a couple of sprigs of faux forsythia and about ten minutes later I had the wreath.  

I didn't use my glue gun at all - just cut the sprigs off the main stalk and stuck them in the wreath.

Easy!

Last fall Mountain Man installed a hook on our metal front door to hang my fall wreath from - so, to get a wreath to hang in the correct place, I have to add ribbon and then the ribbon has to hang on the front of the door - thus the bow to cover the hook.

So, that is the extent of our Spring decorating.  

I apologize that this is not a very extensive post - actually I have been at the hospital with my mom all week - two days and one night in Lakeland and then I come home for one night - then back  for another two days and one night.  (For some of you that don't know  - that is a two hour drive one way.)  The doctors still have not determined what is wrong but they are running some more tests tomorrow.  Hopefully we will know more after they are completed. If not, I'll continue this crazy schedule next week.

Before I sign off for the weekend I did want to show you my new look.  Two weeks ago I went to the beautician and went from 

this

to this -

.

Can we say short?!?

So, what do you think????

Do you like the new "do" or do you think I really messed up?

I can say that, so far, it has been much easier to take care of and with my schedule this past week I'm really glad it's short!  

(Please forgive the quality of the photo - Mountain Man is a lot of things but  photographer is not one of them!)

Well, that's it for today - leave a comment and let me know what you think of the haircut.

In the meantime, I hope that you all have a fantastic weekend and I will "see" you Monday with the Monday Menu.

Hugs -

Carol

I'm Linking up to:

http://www.theshabbycreekcottage.com/2012/03/spring-linky-party-free-spring.html#more

http://funkyjunkinteriors.blogspot.com/2012/03/sat-nite-special-127-full-room-reveals.html

http://www.finecraftguild.com/party/

http://oneartmama.blogspot.com/2012/03/shine-on-fridays-21-plus-features-and.html

http://www.itsoverflowing.com/2012/03/overflowing-with-creativity-15.html

http://asimplyklassichome.blogspot.com/2012/03/simply-klassic-sunday-link-party-and_31.html

http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2012/03/motivated-monday-april-2nd.html

http://youaretalkingtoomuch.blogspot.com/2012/04/meet-me-monday.html
http://cozyhomescenes.blogspot.com/2012/04/your-cozy-home-party-13.html
http://becolorful.typepad.com/becolorful/2012/03/motivated-monday-april-2nd.html
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/bunny-blog-hop.html
http://www.askannamoseley.com/2012/04/weekend-warrior-link-party-46.html
http://www.thegunnysack.com/2012/04/whats-in-gunny-sack-link-party-31.html
http://soverycreative.blogspot.com/2012/04/so-creative-party-time-31.html
http://www.getouttamyheadplease.com/2012/04/show-it-off-link-party/
http://diybydesign.blogspot.com/2012/04/swing-into-spring-its-party-59.html

I'm also joining a blog hop - wanna hop with me?
http://www.arosiesweethome.com/2012/03/this-is-blog-hop.html
http://www.blissfulanddomestic.com/2012/03/sunday-blog-hop-6.html
http://www.hopesanddreamsstudio.blogspot.com/2012/03/flowers-chicks-and-bunniesits-easter.html

Oh My - Another Award!

Wow !  I can't believe I've received another award in two days!  If this keeps up I'm going to get a big head - NOT!  I am honored that two lovely ladies have given me two different awards in the past couple of days.  It has been a tough week for me, so this has really made my day.


Now, on to the Liebster Blog Award -

I would like to thank 

Evelyn at My Turn (For Us)
(http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/)

for giving me this award.

If you haven't checked out her blog - please do so.  She and her husband are working on becoming full time RVer's.  I sure do wish them the best as they take that journey - Mountain Man and I sure did enjoy our time on the road.

Here are the rules for giving the Liebster Blog Award:

1.)  Choose 5 up and coming blogs that have less than 200 followers.

2.)  Show your appreciation to the blogger who nominates you by linking back to their blog.

3.) Post the award on your blog.

4.) Link back to the blogs you are awarding so everyone can visit them.

Okay, here are my nominations for the Liebster!

1. Kassi and Kayli of http://www.trulylovelyblog.com/

are two sweet sister who share their blog.  Currently they are part of 10 weeks of giving thanks - you should check them out and maybe join the challenge.

2. Claire at Bless My Nest (http://rosegirls3.blogspot.com/) is a girl after my own heart - thrifty crafting!  Right now she is featuring beautiful wreaths that she has made as well as a beautiful one that is a guest post.

3.  If you love photography you really need to check out this next blog!

Madge at http://www.theviewfromrighthere.com/blog/ takes the most amazing photographs of the Northwest - I love her pictures of Pikes Market in Seattle - but all her pictures are beautiful!

4. Michelle of http://teaganstravels.blogspot.com/  has some great crafting and DIY entries as well as advice on homeschooling.

5. Finally, Christi at http://christicrazylife.blogspot.com/ has some fabulous recipes and menu plans.  If you're looking for some great food check out Christi's blog.

Well, there you have it - these are my nominations for the Liebster Blog Award.  I really hope that you will pay them a visit and let them know that I sent you!  (That would be a hoot!)

Once again, Thanks to Evelyn at My Turn (for Us)

http://myturn-evelyn.blogspot.com/

for thinking about me for this award.

Now, be sure to check back in later for a Spring project that I've done.

Hugs -

Carol

Oh my - winning an award is HARD work!

Woot! Woot!  I was awarded this fabulous award today by Priscilla at Thrifty Crafty Girl today!  I'm so excited -- I have never received an award like this before and it couldn't come at a better time for me.  You need to check Priscilla out - she has some great projects and recipes!

So, here are the rules -

1. Add the award to your blog.

2.  Thank the blogger that gave it to you.

3. Mention seven random things about yourself. (see below)

4.  List the rules.

5.  Award to 15 bloggers.

6.  Notify the 15 of the award by leaving a comment on their blog.

Okay - so let's begin.

1.  Add the award to your blog  - did that (see above)

2.  Thanks the blogger that gave it to you - heh, Priscilla - thanks so much, I'm super excited!

3.  Mention seven random things about yourself.  Well, that is a little bit of a chore, but here we go -

 I'm cheap - I hate buying anything at full price - in fact, I won't buy clothes for myself if it isn't on sale!  (I will buy for Mountain Man - but then we don't find his size on sale very often - can we say BIG GUY!)

I don't like chocolate - I know, I'm really weird, but I have never been a sweet eater.  When I was a kid I didn't even want a birthday cake - made it rough when it came to parties. 

While I may not eat chocolate or even like sweets - that does NOT include doughnuts - I LOVE doughnuts - especially glazed from Publix.  I grew up on them and they are the "bestest" things in the whole wide world!

I'm a huge Trekie - I love me some Star Trek - I have every movie on DVD and even will watch reruns on TV.  Spock is just the best!  My favorite Star Trek movie is The Search for Spock. 

I have four daughters - two of my own and two step-daughters which are four years apart in age - Dana and Cara (step-daughters) and Crystal and Melissa (birth daughters). 

I love NCIS - the entire cast is GREAT!  I love Mark Harmon, and Abby - but the entire cast is wonderful!

I'm the sole caregiver for my mom - my dad passed away from colon cancer  about 20 years ago and my brother passed away almost 2 years ago.  So, I'm it.

Okay, that is seven random things - maybe that gives you a little more insight into "me" - but then again, maybe not.

4. List the rules.  Did that (see above).

5.  Award to 15 other bloggers.  Okay - here goes.

1.)  There is Ritajoy over at Harbour Breeze.  She does the most adorable signs.  You really need to check her out.

2.)  Kassi and Kayli at Truly Lovely are two sisters that are as "thrifty" as I am.  Really!

3.) Amanda at The Ivy Cottage did the most amazing craft room - I am so  jealous!

4.) Katie at  Little Things Brings Smiles just went on an amazing trip to Iceland with her husband.  I was blown away by the beautiful pictures, and you will be too!

5.)  Shelley at The House of Smiths does some amazing DIY projects with the help of her dad and hubby (look at the hall closet she transformed), but right now she is doing a little more personal DIY on herself.

6.) Whitney and her husband, over at The Rooster and Hen do awe inspiring work on their house.   Whitney is a wiz with paint and the peacock wall mural she did in the guest (kids) bathroom - well, you just won't believe it.

7.) Nicole at Thrify Decorating hooked me at the name of her blog - just gotta love someone who is "thrifty" while decorating!

8.)  Abbie at 5 Days 5 Ways has a very interesting blog - and the name says it all - check out her "thrifted or gifted" post today - can I just say I wish I had a Goodwill store in my town like she has!

9.)  Stephanie at Lovely Little Snippets makes the cutes little craft projects - just love her wreath that she posted - will bring spring to anyone's door!

10.)  Suzy at Joy is at Home is blogging about all the stages of her pregancy.  I guess I'm drawn to her blog because my youngest daughter is also pregnant.  You gotta check out her 4D ultra sound pictures she has posted.  Sweet baby!  Shhh - don't tell anyone, but I think she is having a sweet little girl (she hasn't announced the baby gender yet!).

11.) Anna at Ask Anna gives some great advice and comes up with things that I would never have thought of - Vinegar in the Garden,  really????

12.) Tonia at The Gunny Sack does some amazing Linky Parties.  I think this was the very first party I ever joined.  (She also does other amazing posts, but I really enjoy "linking" up at her parties!)

13.) Jen at At Home in the Northwest also had me hooked with her photography.  Mountain Man and I absolutely LOVE the Northwest and would love to live in that part of the country.  Please go over and check out her beautiful home and decorating touches.

14.)  Christie at Christie's Crazy Life does some great menu planning - if you are into saving money at the grocery store, you really need to check out Christie's blog.

AND FINALLY:

15.) Liz at Here's to Handy Andy is one "Handy Andy".  If you like DIY you need to check  her out!

WOW!!!  That was really hard to do!  These are really all great blogs and I hope you check all of them out!


6.  Notify all 15 bloggers of their award!  Well, I'm off to do that!  I hope that they will be as excited about this award as I was!




Hugs -


Carol