The Ole Quaker Homestead

Relaxing in the Pink

2011-08-25T19:55:00.000-07:00

I walked into my favorite second hand store and my eye caught this lovely chaise lounge! I debated, but not too long. Huge cabbage roses in my favorite pink colors. I just couldn't resist. It is a great place to relax with a cup of tea, in of course one of my fav tea cups.

I am linking this post to Romantic homes and Pink Saturday!

The summer Garden

2011-08-19T21:25:00.000-07:00

I love my flowers! It has been a challenge this summer to keep them from burning in the heat. I have lost some, but others have flourished. My goal is to eventually cover much of the yard in flowers and shrubs!

Making the Old New once again

2011-08-19T20:10:00.000-07:00

I enjoy a challenge. I don't think one ever gets too old to learn something new or try something new. My challenge this summer has been to make my swing set a new outfit. Unfortunately I don't have any pictures to show what the swing canopy looked like before the transformation. I wanted a fabric to blend in with the patio and flowers and found this Waverly Black outdoor print with the companion green fabric.

I actually started the project 4th of July week-end and was able to complete the canopy. The swing cushions had been placed on the back burner until I had time to work on it. This last week I decided "This was IT! I was getting it done."

Here are some pics of the finished product. It was a first attempt at anything like this, and it suits me, so I guess that is OK.

Thanks for taking a peek at my summer project! Blessings.

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

Vintage Summer

2011-08-18T20:02:00.000-07:00

What does April Cornell, Vintage hand painted glass wear, and a Vintage table cloth have in common? They all go together! I have been waiting for the perfect time to use the stem wear. The April Cornell napkins go well with the colors. The sweet dishes came from Jeffery Alan. It has been a LONG HOT summer here in Indiana, but the last few days have been a blessed relief! Not much rain, but certainly more pleasant temperatures. I have set the table in our kitchen area and it brings a smile to my face when I walk into the room.

I have also started a new project of writing our menus on a vintage blackboard. It has been great to see what I have planned for our evening meal at a glance!

Please join me for a look at Tablescape Thursday

On the Menu Monday-The week of August 15, 2011

2011-08-15T13:32:00.000-07:00

This is my first post to Menu Monday. I agree with so many others who have written that having a written menu for the week makes me feel so much more organized.

For this week:

Monday: Taco Potatoes, salad (fresh from the garden,) and Cherry crisp.

Tuesday: Bacon and tomato sandwiches and sliced green peppers

Wednesday: Chicken Stir Fry: Use veggies from the garden

Thursday: Hamburgers, Oven fried Potatoes, and sliced tomatoes.

Friday: Spaghetti, Salad, and homemade bread sticks

Saturday: Italian Chicken Salad

Sunday: Pepper steak (put in the oven while at church,) Baked Potatoes, and Chocolate Cake with Strawberries.

Taco Potatoes: This is GREAT for left over Taco meat

Slice 2 or 3 potatoes very thin.

Add enough oil of your choice. I use a cast iron skilled to cook mine. I love the way cast iron browns. The heat does NOT have to be turned up as high either. Place in a pre-heated oven of 425 degrees. Let cook until golden brown.

Place the taco meat over the top of the potatoes and then cover with cheddar cheese. Approximately 1 cup.

Bake until cheese has melted and bubbly: approximately 10-15 minutes

Serve immediately. I serve a fresh garden salad along side.

Thanks for stopping by. I am linking to Stonegable's Menu Monday.

The Tea Hat and Friends

2011-05-09T19:03:00.000-07:00

In my last post I described the blessing I had when a good friend allowed me to make a pattern from a 100 year old apron. The apron just called for a tea Hat and this is how it turned out. It is poised and ready to great guests for an afternoon Mother's day tea. Please join me!

I made a cinnamon strudel cake for Mother's day, and it certainly goes well when sipping a piping hot cup of tea.

My mother has passed, but I have great friends who are there for me! Have a blessed week!

Happy Mother's day gals! Aunt Jessie's Tea Hat and apron were on display at Church for Mother's day.

I am the one in the pink sweater.

Please join me for Tea With Sandi! Thanks for joining me for tea!

I am also linking to a Stroll Thru Life with this post. http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

~Aunt Jessie's Apron~

2011-05-07T20:23:00.000-07:00

The Lord so very often blesses us at the most unexpected times! We have been practicing a special for Mother's day at Church. A good friend is going to sing "My Mother's Checkered Apron." She happened to bring an apron to practice the other day to wear when she sings, and I just about fell over. The pattern was very similar to one I have been looking at on-line for a VERY long time. The story of this apron is so neat! It belonged to her Aunt Jessie. She believes the apron is probably about 100 years old. She had NO idea I had been looking at one made very similarly. Bless her heart, she allowed me to make a pattern from this dear apron. I immediately went to work to depict the song we will be singing for Mother's day. The apron just needed a great big garden hat. I found a white sun hat at Wal-mart. I removed the beads and added my own touch.

My friend just does NOT know how much she has been used in my life as a blessing! A few years ago, I had been praying about a dress form. I had wanted one for a very long time. And wouldn't you know this same friend asked me one day if I would like to have an old dress form! What surprises and blessings the Lord brings into our lives! Trust you have enjoyed the story of Aunt Jessie's Apron. Have a very Happy Mother's day!

I have taken the dress form and the apron with Garden Hat for Mother's day at Church. Our pastor's wife suggested that maybe mothers and daughters might want to have their picture taken with A replica of Aunt Jessie's apron!

I am linking to Pink Saturday and Romantic Homes with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

Home Pink Home~Happy Mother's Day

2011-05-04T19:34:00.000-07:00

Easter Sunday was a great day at our "Home Pink Home." All eight of our grandchildren were there and our boys and their wives.

The little ones had such a good time hunting Easter eggs-just adorable. Our little princess was running in the green grass with her sweet pink dress her little tiara and a wand-plus HUGE earrings. A priceless memory.

Gram was pretty tired by the end of the day, but it was worth it. From our almost 17 year old grandson to our 4 month old granddaughter, family is truly a blessing. Our home is pretty quiet once again, but the memories still bring great pleasure and smiles! Relaxing now with a cup of tea, pound cake, and fresh fruit.

Have a happy Mother's day!

Please join me for a look at Tablescape Thursday

The center of Attention

2011-04-03T19:16:00.000-07:00

The bunnies are center stage for our Spring Table. A creamy white Lace cloth was first added to the table. Layers of bunnies, flowers, napkin rings, candles and egg salt and pepper shakers complete the vignette. They are gracefully awaiting dining on carrotts and lettuce.

Thanks for taking a peek at my Spring table top. I am joining a Stoll thru Life with this post!

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

A Honey Bunny Spring Tea

2011-04-03T13:23:00.000-07:00

Bunnies, spring, and Tea. They all seem to go together! I love the whimsical bunnies. I trust they will bring a smile to your face. I don't believe it is any accident there are so many new little lives that are born in the spring. Bunnies, kitties, puppies, baby chickens, and children all so sweet, cuddly, and innocent. Celebrating spring with tea, strawberries, and animal crackers (Fitting for a bunny tea) for a little refreshment are an afternoon delight! Please join me in this celebration of new life.

Tea would not be complete without a teapot. I have had this bunny teapot for many years, and it fits right in with this celebration. I read something the other day that each day of our lives we should make it a celebration.

I found the sweet little cross stitch napkins at my favorite thrift store, the only dissapointment was there were not more of them. The backdrop for the tea party is a hand painted vintage suitcase. I have also had it now for several years.

The teacup I have chosen goes with a set of dishes, which also remind me of spring and newness of life! Happy Celebrating!!

I am linking to Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi as the sweet hostess. Have a great week!

Pink Spring Memory Makers

2011-04-01T11:14:00.000-07:00

I have been thinking a lot about the memories I am leaving for my children and grandchildren. I want to create memory makers for them as often as I can.

1. I want to leave the legacy of a praying mother and grandmother.

2. Tea Parties, especially for the little girls, although I have found out little boys like them also.

3. Live out my faith every day.

4. Journal-A blog is a great way to journal, but there is also nothing like the written word.

5. Use my gifts and talents for my family and friends.

6. Whatever my gifts are, use them and JUST DO IT!

7. Just Simply BE THERE for my friends and family when they need me.

8. Preserve my own family story in words and pictures.

9. Record my life story, include hopes, aspirations, and dreams for myself and my family.

10. Nurture a family tradition or start a new one!

Blessings to you as you start your own Family memories!

I am linking this post to Romantic homes show and tell and Beverly's Pink Saturday. Thanks to both for hosting these great sites!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

Dreamy Springy Mantel re-do

2011-03-25T18:40:00.000-07:00

I have been doing some spring cleaning this week and wanted to update our Fireplace mantle. Keeping in mind to use what is in my hand, I moved a few things around and brought out spring items. The backdrop for the mantel is an old window which I have painted in pinks of course. The wood trim is a pretty spring green color. Old windows are a great source to use in decorating with a vintage look. One can even find them discarded at times.

During a recent trip to one of my favorite thrift stores, I found the sweet-pea flowers in a shabby creamy white container for next to nothing! It makes a great focal point for the center of the window. Next was added spring flowers on both ends. A strand of silicone lights was added and then a strand of Ivy. My sweet bunny found a place on top of an old make-do cabinet.

I also found this sweet little quilt for the grand childrens red rocker. Spring is coming, at least to the inside of our home.

Hope your are enjoying renewing your home for Spring and using what is in your hand!

I am linking this post to Romantic homes show and tell and Beverly's Pink Saturday. Thanks to both for hosting these great sites!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

Tea with Victoria

2011-03-22T21:00:00.000-07:00

Victoria has always been one of my favorite magazines. It was a sad day at my home when I leanred it was no longer going to be available-but a happy day when once again it was in publication. Words are hard to describe why it is such a lovely magazine. It speaks to my heart. I have saved several issues over the years and have read them many times over.

I am sharing tea today while re-reading this issue from 1983. Seems so timeless and so beautiful. I have found this little stand up Victorian girl to go with my tea time. She looks as if she might have stepped out of the pages of the magazine.

I have had the rose tea cup and sweet little teapot for many years. Thanks so much for sharing tea with Victoria and me this week.

I am linking to Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi as the sweet hostess. Have a great week!

I am also linking to a Stroll Thru Life with this post. http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Romantic Pink Spring Renewal

2011-03-18T14:10:00.000-07:00

I had this grapevine wreath with a few of the flowers on it for quite awhile. I had found it at the Goodwill for about $2.00. Wanting a new look for the window, I started looking around my home to see what I had in my hand that I could re-purpose.

The hydrangeas and some of the fill flowers were already on the wreath, as well as the pretty pink ribbon. I then started to tuck smaller flowers around the hydrangeas. The first hydrangea was placed at the 3:00 position.

Next the ivy was placed at the 12:00 position. I let the Ivy cascade down over the wreath. Tucking tulips at various positions (2:00, 7:00, and 8:00) around the wreath was next on the agenda.

Wire your little bunny, or whatever you might choose, so that she is sitting on top of the lower bed of flowers. Encircle your wreath with pretty lights. It is now ready to display where ever you would choose. I like to have a focal point in my dining area and have chosen an old wash tub with lids as the backdrop to create vignettes. I am starting to think spring, so have added a few of my treasures to the grouping.

Supplies:

1. grapevine wreath

2. Cascade of silk green IVY

3. Bunch of Silk tulips

4. Hydrangea flowers

5. Other fill in flowers of your choice to match your project

6. Silk ribbon-pink of course

7. Florist wire

8. Pretty little white lights, or the new silicone covered lights (That is what is pictured here.)

It is so much fun to re-purpose what you already have in your hand! Happy creating....

I am linking this post to Romantic homes show and tell and Beverly's Pink Saturday. Thanks to both for hosting these great sites!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

Green and Spring

2011-03-16T20:30:00.000-07:00

Green and Spring. St. Patrick's day reminds me of the soon coming pretty green grass and the turning from winter to Spring. The landscape will change very shortly. This winter with all of it's white is finally turning the last corner. In setting the table I found these cute green depression sherberts and plates. They look very pretty with vanilla ice cream and a shamrock cookie.

Plain white plates are a nice contrast with the gold charger and light green depression glass.

The table will be set for just the two of us.

A little pot-o-gold sack of candy is ready to eat for a sweet treat. The gold rim glasses and green goblets were also a find on a recent outing to my favorite shop "Nancy's downtown mall" in Terre Haute, IN. Great place to visit and find great things. I want this time to be cozy and relaxing.

I actually found the cute little green candles at the grocery. They are very festive with the table setting.

It really does not take much to make a pretty table. I like to try and use what I have available and adding a few creative touches can mean so much to those you love.

Happy St. Patrick's day! Keep wearing the Green!

I am linking to Tablescape Thursday! Take a peek at some of the cute tablescapes which have been together.

Please join me for a look at Tablescape Thursday

A Wee little Irish Tea

2011-03-14T21:00:00.000-07:00

The hope of good fortune and friendship, are often expressed in an Irish blessing. The blessing I want to share: "May your neighbors respect you, Trouble neglect you, the angels protect you, and heaven accent you...Author unknown."

There is something very captivating about Ireland. All of the folklore and beautiful green. Trust this will be a blessed St. Patrick's day for all.....Have a wee bit of tea with me! We have taken the old copper kettle and brewed Irish tea. Along side please have a shamrock cookie and great tasting vanilla ice-cream.

I am linking to Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi as the sweet hostess. Have a great week!

The Vanilla Project

2011-03-11T10:45:00.000-08:00

Can't you just smell the wonderful aroma of vanilla. Reminds me of sugar cookies, warm pound cake and baking days. Our grandmothers would place a touch of vanilla behind their ears as a perfume. It is a very soft feminine touch to do so. I found several different recipes for making your own vanilla. I made this a couple of weeks ago, and as you can tell it is starting to turn a very pretty amber color. It takes approximately four to six months for the full strength, but it will be well worth the wait. The following is the beginning stages of the bottle of vanilla.

I knew I had to try this since I love to bake. Pure vanilla extract can be very costly, even at Aldi's.

The recipe I used consists of the following:

1. 3 vanilla beans-Can be found in the spice isle of the grocery or online, such as Amazon.com

2. 1 and 1/2 cups of a good quality vodka

3. Pretty bottle with a secure lid [I purchased a bottle at Walmart and then had a secure cap from another bottle, which I added.]

4. Split the vanilla beans lengthwise. One recipe I viewed explained to split the beans, scrape out the seeds and then chop up the beans. The recipe I chose simply split the pods and then they were dropped into the vodka.

5. Another recipe indicated to keep the bottle stored in a dark place but shake it daily to help distribute the seeds. [I have used this suggestion]

6. It takes approximately four to six months for the vanilla to become full strength. I am already beginning to notice the liquid is becoming darker. It really smells delicious already.

I am placing a couple of links to other sites I have found the recipe. One is a favorite blog site: Stonegable. Please view here

Another is at Tammy recipes please find the link here

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post as well as Beverly's pink Saturday! Have a blessed week-end. Enjoy your own Vanilla Project.

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

Also Linking to Frugalicious Fridayhttp://www.findingfabulousblog.com/2011/03/frugalicious-friday-giveawaythe-rusted.html

Come on MOM we GOT to Get those Geraniums planted

2011-03-08T17:50:00.000-08:00

We rescued two baby kittens after their mother was killed. They really do think we are their mom and dad. This little one is quite the little investigator. They love to help me garden.

Thanks for peeking at our little sweethearts!

I am joining Outdoor Wednesday once again this week! Thanks for taking a peek at everyone's great pics.

Please view this site here

A green Tea~~TEA

2011-03-06T20:48:00.000-08:00

There is much information of the benefits of green Tea. Look HERE to read about its history and benefits. I enjoy drinking this type of tea. It seems fitting to drink this given St. Patrick's day is not far off. I have some loose leaf tea, which was placed in a cute shamrock pitcher. The green cup and saucer is from a find on one of my thrift days.

Recently I placed an order to Victorian Papers for the sweet bread holder. It looks so feminine. I plan on creating a St. Patrick's day dinner and found these cute green candles.

I trust you will enjoy you week, and maybe find some time to try green tea. I am linking to Tea Time Tuesday with Sandi as the sweet hostess. Have a great week!

Use it up, make it do, or Wear it out and the Little pink Chair

2011-03-04T09:07:00.000-08:00

I love the saying "Use it up-Wear it out-Make it do!" This is the story of the little pink chair. Once upon a time it was a beautiful new little chair. It had a home where little girls and boys used it to sit and color and pretend with their dollies and toys. It was a brown little chair. Then those children grew to young men and women, and the little chair felt pretty lost. It ended up in someone else's possession, who saw the potential that maybe someday once again a little girl would call it her very own. It was painted a pretty soft pink. Once again it was used by little girls to hold their dollies and play. Now it holds a special place in my home. I am sure my little granddaughters will once again enjoy the little pink chair.

It is a great display for some other Make it do, wear it out, use it up items. The pretty wreath sits atop a pillow made from old shirts. I have loved to sew all of my life. I had made my dad many shirts even as a young girl. As a gift after my father no longer could wear the shirts, my mother surprised me with this pillow. She had lovingly cut up the fabric into squares and made the pillow. It is one of my prized possessions. I always need to look beyond the intended use of an item to see if can be re-purposed. Blessings to you and I trust you might have a little pink chair in your life.

I am linking this post to Romantic homes show and tell and Beverly's Pink Saturday. Thanks to both for hosting these great sites!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

From Snow to Snow

2011-03-02T20:47:00.000-08:00

Leaving Indiana for Sunny Florida

It seems oddly surreal, but OH so beautiful

The colors of Naples

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Blue Diamonds of Sanibel Island.

The sea Monster of Sanibel

The Natural Beauty of Fiddler's Creek, Near Marco Island

A feast for the eye.

My Heart is sinking........

Back to Indiana

Oh Spring come soon!

I am linking my first post with Outdoor Wednesday!

http://asoutherndaydreamer.blogspot.com/

Finding a time for Beauty, Solace, and refreshment

2011-02-27T21:45:00.000-08:00

Thanks to our oldest son and his wife, my husband and I had a great opportunity for a time of rest and relaxation. We were afforded a beautiful place to stay and enjoy the beauty of Florida. We were able to escape some of the winter's harsh weather. It was fun to plan our days over a cup of pink lemonade and pound cake. (My husband is not a tea drinker)

We visited some beautiful areas in Marco Island, Naples, and Sanibel Island. Even away from home I found that creating a time of beauty for my husband and myself was important, and what inspiration there is in this beautiful area.

It is so hard to believe it is February.

Our sweet daughter in-law had found the cute mugs and a beautiful lime green pitcher was peeking out of a shelf in the kitchen. Filled with pink lemonade, it seemed to fit right in with the natural beauty of the area. During a quick trip to a nearby grocery, I found some sweet white daisies. A cute flamingo glass held them very nicely. Pretty napkins by Waverly seemed to tie everything together. One day we just spent the entire day at home-just resting. I remembered a great pound cake recipe my good friend had given me and made that for a treat. Even on vacation beauty can be found and created to satisfy! Trust you also will be able to find that place of solace!

The last pics are two of the most beautiful sunsets! We hated to leave this beautiful place, but will take many great memories home with us!

I am linking this post to Tea Time Tuesday and A stoll thru life! Thanks for taking a peek....

http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

Day dreaming of Spring :)

2011-02-18T19:48:00.000-08:00

Every season has its beauty, but I can hardly wait for spring! Roses, Lilacs, tulips all mean the season of spring is upon us. Fresh air, blue skies, and the wonderful scent of new flowers, and sweet birds chirpping. Oh, Spring come soon!

I am linking to Romantic homes and Pink Saturday with this post.

http://romantichome.blogspot.com/

http://howsweetthesound.typepad.com/my_weblog/

Dining with Folk Art

2011-02-16T21:38:00.000-08:00

Ma Hadley pottery is so whimsical. It is fun to experiment with differnt ways in using this pottery along with pieces my son has made over the years. The large blue dinner plates are his handmade pottery. The large bowls are a nice contrast. They have that hand painted look.

The sweet candle holder has a handmade pottery shade with cut out tulips. Thanks for joining me for a bit of a look of setting the table with folk art pottery. Have a great week!

Please join me for a look at Tablescape Thursday

Passionate Pursuit~Planning the Garden

2011-02-14T19:33:00.000-08:00

I love to garden! Whether it be flowers or vegetables it is a joy to plan and then see the fruit of the labor. There is a great satisfaction in seeing the results. However, a garden of any type does NOT just happen. Planning on paper and in your mind is half the battle. For Tea today, I gathered some of my favorite gardening books and magazines and dreamed a little bit over tea.

What better way to plan than with a cup of tea. Surrounding myself with seed packets, magazines and books, I am ready to plan for the season ahead. I am so looking forward to a beautiful season of flowers and vegetables. I found this sweet little English cottage teapot in one of my favorite thrift stores. I have had the little blue chintz tea cup and the dish was another sweet find.

I trust as spring approaches, you also will have a refreshing time over tea, planning and reflecting for what is to come.
Thanks once again to Sandi for allowing me to participate in her wonderful Tea Time Tuesday!

The week in PINK review

2011-02-11T20:19:00.000-08:00

A fun week of pink. The week of romance. The following are a few peeks at the pink in my world of blogging this week! Happy Valentine's day...

I am linking to Pink Saturday with this post. Please join me in seeing these great pink posts!

Romancing the heart

2011-02-11T19:50:00.000-08:00

Stay stay at home my heart and rest...

A romantic place to share or that is all your own. A blissful place for a weary body, a peacful night of sleep, or a restful moment with your favorite magazine. A retreat where you and your loved one are refreshed and ready to face the next day. A place where I can truly be me! The most relaxing and beautiful spot in your world....wherever that might be.

Rest my heart, rest.....

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post. .

An Old Fashioned Kind of Love

2011-02-09T21:20:00.000-08:00

For our special day and Valentine date night, I decided to use vintage dishes. The snack trays with the sweet little cups have been in hiding for years. They are so sweet and dainty. They really make the red and white pop. The sherbert dishes were given to me by my mother. They were her wedding gifts. I am making a chocolate cake for the bright cake stand. I love to sew and decided this fabric matched the cake stand. So, I fashioned a sweet little half apron to wear when I serve my husband. Little Tussie Mussies have been made to hold chocolate candy. As they say, "life is short eat chocolate first!"

Have a very happy Valentines day.

I am linking this post to Tablescape Thursday! It is a beautiful site!

A Breakfast in Bed Tea for the One I Love~Happy Valentines Day

2011-02-07T19:54:00.000-08:00

I plan to treat my husband to a special Breakfast Tea (rather coffee) this week-end. What a special way to say "I Love You!" I don't think you can ever say it too often. He is the most important person in my life, so why should I reserve my pampering for guests only.

My husband is a coffee drinker. I haven't convinced him of the fine art of Tea. No matter, coffee does really smell wonderful! I found these beautiful roses at Aldi's on my way home from work this eve. They really compliment the colors. The menu will include fresh warm banana bread, slathered with butter and fresh fruit. I want to awaken him, fluff his pillows and tell him how much he means to me.

Since one of my goal's this year is to "use what is in my hand," I looked through my lace and found this pretty lace doily. There were pieces of fabric left from my valentine's sewing. It seemed there was enough to make a tea (Or in this case coffee) cozy. There was just enough fabric for a matching napkin.

My mother-in-law had given me the tea set a few years ago as a birthday gift. She knows I love red! This set seemed to fit the occasion.

The plan will be to awaken my husband with a beautiful breakfast tray to say how much he really means to me. I tell him, but I also need to show him just how much! Happy Valentine's day!

Our song is Cherished. We have now been married almost 43 years and this song still holds precious memories of first love.

I am linking this post with Tea TimeTuesday and Table Top Tuesday http://astrollthrulife.blogspot.com/

A walk Thru Charleston

2011-02-06T13:54:00.000-08:00

Please take a peek as we walk through that Grand old City of Charleston, South Carolina.

Keep your eye on the red buoy. It shines like a beacon in the gray sea.

This City is such a beautiful place to visit. If you have never made the trip it is well worth the effort. To finish our walk we are going to Magnolia Plantation. Filled with history and beauty, it certainly is awesome. Big oak trees just drip with Spanish moss. So beautiful. We will just let the pictures speak for themselves.

Have a beautiful day!

~Pink At night~

2011-02-04T17:32:00.000-08:00

Pink in the morning, pink at noon, and pink in the evening all have such pretty hues. Pink looks so different each time of the day, but pink never looks more romantic than at night. A soft pretty glow radiates in the room at night and every change, no matter what the time of day is a delight to the eye.

The lamp shade and lamp were both thrift shop finds. The lamp shade has a rich patina on the underside. I reverse painted rosy pink roses. It makes our guest bedroom so warm and inviting. It sits along side the childs tea set. The dolly is Miss Emily. She was one of the first dolls I ever made. Enjoy a pink Saturday no matter what time of the day it is. Sweet dreams and be sure to dream in pink!

I am linking with Pink Saturday with this post.

The Farmhouse Garden Gate

2011-02-04T11:04:00.000-08:00

Our Guest bedroom is home to the garden gate which was at the home where I was raised. It reminds me of beautiful flowers, chickens, and my mother working in the garden. It now greets guests in our guest bedroom. Hospitality a word that conjures many ideas. Since we have an empty nest, our extra bedroom has been designed as a place of retreat for family and guests. I want my family and friends to feel very special when they come to our home-with a pretty and comfortable place to spend the night.

The bedroom is small but adequate. Simple lace curtains hang at the window. The full size bed is one my husband bought us when we were first married. It served us well for many years until we decided a queen size bed would be better. I painted the bed white then hand painted roses on the headboard and footboard.

There is a sweet welcome wreath on the garden gate. It sets below a dreamy painted arbor and home scene. A bed tray with tea set is ready to be filled at a moments notice. The dresser is home to a reverse painted lamp shade, which I painted.

Then comes the quilts! I love old quilts or new ones for that matter. They are displayed in the corner of the room on top of an old trunk. Two of the dollies I have made have a special soft seat.

On the opposite wall sits the old amoire that came from my mother's home. It also holds special memories for me. I try to fill my home with the things I love and have special meaning and trust those that come under our roof will feel welcome! Have a beautiful and romantic day!

I am linking to Romantic homes show and tell with this post.

Finding beauty in my day!

2011-02-02T12:12:00.000-08:00

Finding beauty in everyday life. It is a neccesity for our souls. Beauty can be found in many places. A hand stitched quilt, shelves lined with pretty scrapbook paper, and even jars of jam or canned fruit and vegetables from our garden. Setting a pretty table can make our spirits soar. A graceful and beautifully set table can be warmly beautiful, even if is only for yourself. This year I want to use what is in my hand and find beauty in each day. I have had these rosey red chintz dishes in my hutch for awhile and decided this would be a great way to perk up my day. I have had sugar cookie dough left since Sunday and wanted to try my hand at decorating the little sugar cookie teapots. A one of a kind sherbert dish makes a great holder for a pretty candle. Our home can remind us of who we are and what we love. This is a small tablescape for my afternoon tea, but hopefully it reflects who I am and the beauty that speaks to me.

I am linking to my first post with Tablescape Thursday. Let's enjoy the beauty of the day together!

Sweet and Simple

2011-01-31T18:08:00.000-08:00

As we prepare for perhaps the winter's largest storm, I couldn't help but reflect on the beauty of something so simple as a cup of tea and cookies. This helps to quiet my spirit as the winter strom rages. I have quite a collection of the Gooseberry Patch cookbooks and the Sweet and Simple book has some really great recipes. Valentines day is a great time to treat your loved ones to special beauty. Home should be the most beautiful place we can make it, and looking for pretty treats to surprise our husbands and families helps to create beauty that they can't wait to come home to. I am really hoping I can snuggle tomorrow and not have to trudge off to work so some planning for the beauty I want to create can be accomplished. I am joining Rose Chintz cottage and Tea Time Tuesday again today. Have a great week!

The art of writing a grateful Thank you

2011-01-29T16:14:00.000-08:00

Being grateful. The art of teaching our children and grandchildren to be thankful and grateful for what is given to us is almost a lost art in this day and age. What an opportunity to use the gift of art as an inspiration for writing a beautiful thank you note. It is a blessing not only to the one that receives the thank you note, but it reaches into our soul and helps us to receive a blessing also. I love to sit down and write what is on my heart to the person I need to thank. Finding beautiful stationary is such a treat and the stationary from Carol's Rose garden is just beautiful. I also treasure the Christie Repasy art which I have. I found the tea light and the stationary box at the thrift store I love to haunt. I trust you will enjoy a little peak at art and the thank you note! I am linking this post with Pink Saturday. Have a beautful and thankful day!

I can't wait to teach our newest little granddaughter this art!

The Old family Dresser

2011-01-28T09:14:00.000-08:00

Hello once again! Thanks for taking time to view my post. I am linking to Romantic homes again today. I have entitled this "The Old family Dresser." Every time I enter our bath I have pleasant memories of my family. The dresser belonged to a favorite uncle. His family did not want the dresser, so I purchased it from his estate sale. I love the curves and the detail. It seemed to say that it would make a beautiful bathroom vanity. I had a good friend plumb it for me and we installed it in our main bathroom. It reminds me of a passage of scripture...."Thus saith the Lord, stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein and ye shall find rest for your souls..." Jeremiah 6:16. Even though my Uncle has long since passed on a little reminder of his kindness and his love for the Lord stay with me each day when I walk into the bath.

Tea and Handmade pottery

2011-01-24T19:51:00.000-08:00

This is my first post regarding tea. Taking tea is probably one of my favorite things to do. In brings back many precious memories of tea parties with my mom and her friends. As a young girl there was a great bond of friendship that developed and now has lasted well beyond the years of my mother's life.

I was so pleasantly surprised when our youngest son became a potter. He has made some beautiful pieces. My favorites are the cobalt blue sponge. The chunky tea pot and cup are among some of my very special pieces he has made for me. He also made the crock sitting in the pic.

Apple dumplings just seem to go with tea. One of my "Tea" friends is a great cook. She has shared her recipe for the dumplings and they are just wonderful! Won't you join me for a cup of tea and cinnamon apple dumplings. Just smell that great aroma!

I am sure my friend would not mind me sharing her wonderful recipe for the Dumplings:

Dough:

2 cups white Flour

1 cup of Crisco or shortening of choice

1/2 cup milk

Mix and roll out. Cut into 6 squares.

Dumplings:

Peel core and slice 6 apples.

Sauce:

2 cups Water

1 cup Sugar

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

Boil this mixture for 3 minutes.

Place sliced apples in the middle of the dough squares and sprinkle with cinnamon and sugar (Use 1/2 cup sugar and 1 and 1/2 teaspoons of cinnamon to sprinkle) Put a pat of butter on top of the apples and cinnamon sugar mixture.

Fold dough over the apple slices and round with your hands. Place in pan and then pour the sauce around the dumplings.

Bake @ 425 degrees for 40 minutes. Great with a dollop of ice cream! Enjoy...

I am linking to Tea Time Tuesday. Thank you for hosting this beautiful site.

Romantic Doors and walls

2011-01-21T17:49:00.001-08:00

I would like to share some photos of two of the doors in my home and a wall mural in our guest bedroom. I love to paint. I decided to paint a mural on our door which leads outside our home and the front entry closet door. I call it the "Blessing Door" As you leave our home at the top of the door it states "May the Lord Bless thee and keep thee." One wall in our guest bedroom also received a mural. I will take more pics of this mural in a few days. I find I like many eclectic ideas, but really want my home to reflect me and my bent towards the romantic side. I am linking again with Show and tell Friday. Have a great week-end.

Pretty Pink Homemade Laundry Soap

2011-01-15T14:02:00.000-08:00

I have been making my own laundry soap for awhile now. I love how clean, white, and fresh things smell after using this recipe. The total cost, depending where you live is between $10.00 and $12.00. I purchased the washing soda and Borax from Rural king and the Zote soap from a ethnic grocery store. The Zote soap is such a pretty pink color. It costs $1.19, which is a real buy! The cost is approximately 8 and 1/2 cents per load with an average of 150 loads. It takes approximately 2 tablespoons/load and works well in hard water. Please enjoy the photos of my "Pretty in Pink Laundry soap! Happy pink Saturday...I am linking to How Sweet the sound again this Saturday..."

Directions:

1. Gather your supplies.

2. 1 Bar of Zotes Soap, 1 box of 20 Mule Team Borax, and 1 box of Washing Soda.

3. Grate 1 bar of the zote soap into a mixing bowl. Add the borax and the washing soda. MIx well and store in a container with a tight fitting lid. For a really natural rinse add 1 cup of white vinegar to your final rinse water.

Stained Glass

2011-01-14T10:30:00.000-08:00

I love stained glass! Especially from old churches. A few years ago I made curtains for my son's home. In return he gave me a piece of stained glass which he and his wife had purchased. As I understand its history, it did come from an old church. There was a piece which was broken, so I found a maker of stained glass close to where we live and he was able to repair this beauty for me. He really did a beautiful job with the repair and now you can't even see it. It has lovely pink and green tones and that old half moon shape with the chippy white paint is so neat. Every time I look at this it brings a smile and sense of peace. In the last pic is an old watering can which belonged to my grandfather. I gave it a new look and it is placed near the stained glass! I am linking to Romantic Homes beautiful site for this post! Happy day

Creating for Valentine's Day

2011-01-09T11:50:00.000-08:00

I have been able to have a bit more time at home. After looking at many blogs, I decided to try and create some new things for Valentine's day. A triple heart adorned with flowers and a pink boa were among the first. While shopping at Goodwill I found this neat heart basket and cute little picture frame. The picture inside is a copy of an old valentine my Grandmother had sent to my Aunt in the early 1900's Hobby Lobby was having a 30% off on all their calicos, so the inspiration started coming together. Drawing a couple of different sizes of random hearts then using the pretty new fabrics a collage of hearts were formed. I will let the pictures speak for themselves. Have a great winter day....Blessings!

Beautiful Christmas day

2010-12-28T20:41:00.000-08:00

Indiana is known for it's changeable weather. This has been one of the coldest on record, but Christmas eve and day were absolutely beautiful. Snow fell and the trees were covered with a beautiful heavy snow. Here are a few pics of the area surrounding our home and some Christmas memories.

Trust you had a wonderful Christ centered Christmas!

More Decorating at our Quaker Homestead

2010-12-18T20:17:00.000-08:00

A few of my favorite things.

Christmas on the Ole Quaker Homestead

2010-12-18T15:57:00.000-08:00

I love Christmas! Welcome to Christmas at the Ole Quaker homestead. We are anticipating a great time with family and friends. Snow has been abundant this last week so I am sure we will have a white Christmas.

I love the traditional reds and greens that Christmas time offers. Have a Merry Christmas!

new Item on Ebay

2009-03-15T11:45:00.001-07:00

We have added another prim painting to ebay. A prim little village with flower shoppe, barn, sheep, and chapel represent life as it used to be in the country. Have a great day!!!

Dirty Ole Prim Penny bunny Now on Ebay

2009-03-09T20:59:00.000-07:00

A new "Dirty Ole Penny/Penelope bunny has been added to Ebay....such fun to create....Have a great week...

2009-02-28T18:32:00.000-08:00

This is the second little dollie I have placed on Ebay. She looks more prim than Polly. This little gal's name is Mary Jane. She is made the same way,with fabric face and body. She carries a little rabbitt roly poly, which has been had made from paper clay...Have a great eve...Lynn

Ebay offering Polly put the Kettle on

2009-02-16T18:14:00.000-08:00

I had SOO much fun creating this sweet little dolly. It has been a looong time, but now that I have created once again, I am so excited. I placed her on ebay and hopefully others will find her as charming as I do....

Thoughts of summer...

2009-02-04T20:56:00.001-08:00

Memories of summer..the beauty of a single flower to a child is just precious! I so often take the simple things in life for granted, and usually they are the most profound. Thru a child's eyes we can learn much about life. Trust your life is good!

2009-01-01T11:10:00.000-08:00

Decided to go thru our home before the decorations came down. Just a little glimpse of some of our home.

The first few pics are a view of our entrance to our home. It was badly in need of a re-do. One wall a primitive look at our old barn, family homestead, and the Hopewell Friends church near our home. This is the way it might have looked in the late 1800's.

The sweet cake plate was a 50% off find at Hobby Lobby.

Hope you enjoy looking at a quick tour of some of our home.

A Merry little Christmas

2008-12-23T17:48:00.000-08:00

It sure seems as if Christmas came faster this year! Here it is two days before the BIG day and still so very much to do. I need to just stop. Take time to enjoy the Reason for the season! Jesus, Yes he is enough!!

Great finds this week

2008-07-31T20:25:00.000-07:00

I love to go to antique shops, the goodwill, and anything in-between! I found these sweet little handpainted glasses at the goodwill, and the little figurines also. Have a great week! Lynn

Quaker cottage flowers

2008-07-14T17:47:00.000-07:00

I guess the rain we have had this summer has helped my flowers, although at times they look very sad. I just love the hollyhocks, they have been so very pretty....have a great eve..Lynn

A change of scenery

2008-07-07T20:55:00.001-07:00

After visiting Cherry Hill cottage blogspot, http://cherryhillcottage.typepad.com/cherryhill_cottage/I loved the idea of adding something simple as scrapbook paper to a hutch, SOOO I thought why not use some of those old calenders I just love, and this is what I came up with. the camera shows a little glare, but I really like the way it shows off the handmade pottery. I need moments of creativity, and this certainly fit the bill for this day....

A first for me!!

2008-07-07T19:09:00.000-07:00

I am very excited. I plan on joining the swap at

Garb-oodles soup! I plan on doing something that Tasha Tudor would wear.

Here is the link to Mica's site...http://garboodles.blogspot.com/

Tulips in the dark...and possibilities

2008-05-01T17:40:00.000-07:00

Beauties aren't they! Spring is such a wonderful time of the year, and I always hate to see the flowers fade away. Kind of a hodge podge of pics, however the chair is full of possibilities for planting flowers. I bought this neat Ransburg pottery piece at an antique mall, and now I am hooked!

Pretties

2008-04-21T20:51:00.000-07:00

Lovely spring roses! The pictures speak for themselves! To God be the glory!

Trip to Marco Island, FL

2008-04-19T08:42:00.000-07:00

We had a lovely time on our trip to Florida's beautiful Marco Island with our family. Family time is so important and had been a very long time since we had been able to do this...we are very blessed to have such a great family! God Bless..Lynn

2007-12-27T19:25:00.000-08:00

I trust everyone had a wonderful Christmas with family and friends. I just discovered the slide show on photobucket, so am giving it a whirl....I painted this piece and placed it on ebay...we will see how it goes..

Feeling Creative

2007-10-24T19:50:00.000-07:00

I was feeling a bit creative last week, and decided to make a new kitchen curtain. I just love the new Waverley fabrics. Red is a favorite, and the plaid and the paisley went pretty well together. The other pic is of an old scale I found when going to one of my favorite bargain places. Makes a neat statement. I am hoping to make curtains for the other side of the kitchen area soon, but that remains to be seen. For now the plaid curtains will do. I did have enough fabric left over to make a table runner. I found the navy table cloth, which is actually a duvet, at Goodwill for only a couple of dollars. I love those sort of bargains. I feel very fortunate. Our youngest son is a potter, and he has made me some lovely pieces. If anyone else is having a creative moment, please feel free to share it with me. Have a wonderfully creative day....Lynn

Memories of Summer

2007-10-10T19:59:00.000-07:00

Summer will soon be gone, and all of those beautiful flowers! I have certainly enjoyed my flowers this summer. Just wanted to post a few pics of those....

Trying my hand at Blogging!

2007-08-03T20:24:00.000-07:00

I have enjoyed reading the posts of many bloggers, so thought I would give it a try! I live in the great state of Indiana, near covered bridge country. I love to paint, sew, and garden.

I have been a registered nurse for 36 years, but consider my first love, my Lord Jesus, husband, home, and family.

The best time of my life was staying home to raise our three sons.
What a privilege that was! My best advice to young women and mothers is STAY at Home. I know it seems like the world of work is more attractive, but believe me from experience, it is not!

Working outside of the home can be related to running a marathon, and NEVER EVER winning! You race of a morning to get the kids, your husband, and yourself ready for work. Hurry thru the day, and then come home to piles of laundry, nothing to eat on the table and a hungry husband and children! Oh my, then what do I do. Stop at the fast food restaurant and pick up something to eat, throw a load of clothes in the washer, and hurry the children to bed. When and where will it end! Then add to the mix, that dreaded word HOUSE Cleaning.

It is no wonder life is so very full of stress!

What is the answer to the dilemma of "thinking" we have to help provide for our family financially, while our families continue to deteriorate from the inside out?

What has happened to the old saying the mother is the "heartbeat" of the home?

Even the most organized of us still become very weary with all of the responsibilities.

Until next time..........Lynn