Spring Flowers

These just make me happy!

Just some pretty flowers from our back yard. I couldn't resist.
The colors are so vibrant.

I just couldn't decide where to put them....

This weekend is Easter Decorations! Clean the house and then play!

Happy Middle of the Week!

Remember.... Everyday is payday when you work on easy street!

Made in Occupied Japan and Pink Saturday

This Saturday I am participating in Pink Saturday.

So I thought that I would share my items that are "made in Occupied Japan"

I don't have a very large collection. In fact only 2 pieces. Both gifts are from my mom. I always remember her telling me that when you look at the bottom, one of the marks that you want is "made in Occupied Japan" . Items marked this way are more collectible. I think maybe because it signifies a precise time in history.

The stamp on this teacup was hard to get a clear picture of.
It says
Cherry China made in Occupied Japan.

She gave me this little angle years ago. It sat in my Grandmothers bathroom for years. I can still picture it. Pale blue tile half way up the wall. And of course pale blue shag carpeting with blue tub, toilet and sink. VERY 70's! : ) Oh well! It was chic back in the day.

I still always pick stuff up and look at the label. I know it's rude.
But I love the history of the things we decide to keep!

Definition: Occupied Japan

Mark stamped on items produced during the US occupation of Japan which lasted from the summer of 1945 through Spring 1952.

Following the end of World War II in 1945 and until 1952, items imported from Japan to the United States had to be marked in a fashion indicating they came from Occupied Japan. Although four different marks were used on cups and saucers during this time ("Japan," "Made in Japan," "Occupied Japan," and "Made in Occupied Japan"), only the last two marks guarantee the pieces were made in the Occupied Japan time frame. For serious Occupied Japan collectors, it is items with these two marks for which they search.

It seems like most everyone knows about
Pink Saturday Hosted by Beverly at How Sweet The Sound.

But if you don't... You need to zip on over and check it out. There is more pretty stuff and inspiration than you can absorb!

Have a beautiful weekend!

P.S. Check out my 100th Post Give Away... I will name a winner next Friday!

One Hundredth Give Away!

Yay! This little fun side bar in my life has lasted through 100 posts. I can't believe that it is the most fun thing I have ever done. I wish this were my job! :)
And truthfully the fun part is you!

Now, I know that there are so many lovely blogs out there for you to spend your time on. I so appreciate it that you take the time to come by and see what I have going on.

So, I just want to send a little gift to you, my wonderful blogging friends.
All you need to do is leave a comment on this post. If you would like to become a follower and aren't one already... I will count your name 2 times. If you are one of my awesome followers already...
I WILL COUNT YOUR NAME THREE TIMES!
Just ' cuz! That's how I roll! :)

Love you all! Have a wonderful weekend!

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

This will be on our table tonight.

This is the Gooseberries recipe. I love it because it is one of those super easy can't screw it up recipes.
We aren't Irish, but St. Patrick's Day is American! Thanks to all those wonderful immigrants who came here and helped us through the Industrial Age!

3:16 ~ March 16

"For God
so loved
the world that he gave his
only begotten SON, so that
whoever
believes
in HIM
should
not parish
but have
everlasting
life. "

John 3:16

I Made a Handbag!

Hey! Look what I could do!

Patterns were on sale at JoAnn Fabrics last week. $1.99! That is soooo cheap! So I was tempted and actually fell victim to my own impulses. I have not REALLY sewn anything (like with a pattern) in about a million years. But I used to really enjoy it. So I thought I would give it good try.

I determined that if I kept it on the cheap I wouldn't feel bad if it didn't turn out the way I invisioned it in my head.
Imagination and reality sometimes don't translate.
Ya know what I mean!?
So I got all of my trim, fabric and notions at the fabric by the lb. store. I think I spent a total of about $13 smack- a- rolies. Not bad!

It turned out pretty cute! It's no Vera Bradley, but hey I'm no Vera Bradley either! And I got to make something.

I have a couple of other patterns that I bought that same day! Maybe....Mom will want one? What about Daughter? Would she want one?

We're off to spend the TAX REFUND! That will be a post. I promise!


Have an Awesome Awesome Weekend!

Who doesn't love Elmo!

Blue Italian from Spode a.k.a. What I Want for Mother's Day!

Josiah Spode perfected many pioneering techniques during his lifetime, including in 1784, the process for blue underglaze printing on earthenware, from hand engraved copper plates. Spode's original blue and white designs have become some of the most collectible in the history of ceramics.
(click on the picture to go to the official website, where I was shopping and found this text and picture) ... :)

Now! On to the more important issue at hand! I believe that there is nothing wrong with a little planning and maybe even a subliminal message or two... just planting a little seed here. Because I happen to know that Big- Strong- Super- Genius- Husband and Super- Intelligent- Talented- Beautiful- Daughter both read all of my posts, I'm going to post about this so that no one in my family has the misguided thought that I'm not serious about this.

I really, really DO want this.

What is it, you ask....
Well, IT is a Spode Bread Bin. Isn't it gorgeous? Isn't it just perfect in every way? It will be beautiful in my little kitchen. I can just picture it...
That's the power of positive thinking right there!

Does anyone think that was too subtle?

Just a Perfect Rose

I just had to share these pictures with you. You can almost smell the fragrance. This is the first rose this year. Usually, in Phoenix, we would be cutting the bushes way back. But I didn't this year and they are already blooming. I may just see what happens....
Have a lovely weekend!

My own Mac and Cheese

I'm sure you guys have figured out that I am not a major cook. I enjoy making simple things that everyone likes. Mac and Cheese is one of those
recipes for our family.

My recipe is a combination from all of these
with a touch of Paula Deen thrown in.

4 cups of cooked (12oz pkge)
cooked elbow macaroni
4TBLS of Butter
1 egg
1 small onion (chopped)
1 cup sour cream
1 cup milk
one package of precooked chicken
Seasoned Croutons (stale is best)

One of the extras is sour cream.

The other is the combination of the pre-shredded Mexican blend cheeses.

Put a touch of olive oil in the pasta so that it doesn't stick

Combine all the ingredients while the pasta is still hot
and then here's the other extra that I add ...

The precooked oven roasted chicken.

Put it all in a casserole dish and cover the top with the croutons.
Bake until the croutons are golden brown.

(350 degrees for about 30-45 minutes)

That is a whole meal!