I love pumpkins, gourds, pine cones, and leaves. Yes, I truly adore it all! Now that fall has officially arrived in Phoenix (it's only 82 today) I am ready for some Pumpkin Pizzazz. Pumpkin Pizzazz For many of you, the cold has already begun to descend and your flowerbeds could use some jazzing up. One quick way to revive a tired flowerbed is to transform it into your own beautiful pumpkin patch. Place several pumpkins and gourds among your remaining flowers and plants. Add some ... View the Post
Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party
Sweet Boy turns seven today. It is not unusual for him to be dressed like this while watching Peter Pan. He loves the pirates. Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party Argh Matey Join Me For A Pirate Party When I found the following cards on clearance for $1 it shivered me timbers and a theme was born. We had a lunch of boiled pirate fingers (hot dogs) out on the patio. The table was laden with jewels, shells and pirate paraphernalia. A truly motley crew. Fellow buccaneers saying ... View the Post
A Party Fit For Marie Antoinette
I am turning 40. Let us celebrate with A Party Fit For Marie Antoinette. A Party Fit For Marie Antoinette The table is dressed with a matelasse cloth covered in roses, candy, confetti and images of the queen. Crystal candlesticks are dripping with jewels. At each setting is a collection of antique silver and China topped with a vintage handkerchief to be used as a napkin. In the center of the napkin is a ring fit for such regal guests. A favor was placed to the left of each place ... View the Post
You Are Cordially Invited
Today I am 40. You Are Cordially Invited. You Are Cordially Invited I had written this post a few days ago before learning of my dad's passing. A big celebration had been in the works by my children that I truly considered canceling. My sister in law Melody, who lives here in town, said, "Laura, don't cancel. Norm LOVED a party and I REALLY need a drink." (Who can argue with that?) As my husband is currently overseas and will not return for awhile, it is actually comforting to me that ... View the Post
Come With Me To The Sea
Yesterday I hosted a luncheon. The theme was "Come With Me to the Sea". It has been 110+ here in Phoenix so I thought that we could be transported to a cooler climate if only for an afternoon. Come With Me To The Sea. Here is my living room decked out in summer white slipcovers. (They will change to a Tuscan red in the fall.) Come With Me To The Sea To the left of the room, there is normally a small antique chest that my husband bought while living in England. It is currently being ... View the Post
Favorite Recipe’s and Cookbooks
Miss Sandy from Quill Cottage is hosting an "I Remember Laura" blog~a~thon. This week she is asking for Favorite Recipe's and Cookbooks. Of course one of the most famous recipes from LIW herself is a gingerbread recipe. Laura's Ingalls Wilder Gingerbread 1 cup brown sugar blended with 1/2 cup lard or other shortenings. Add 1 cup molasses mixed well with this.2 teaspoons baking soda in 1 cup boiling water (Be sure cup is full of water after the foam is run off into cake ... View the Post