Life on an artistic shoestring at Highland Hill::: 2008

Got a Craigslist freebie!

Can you believe that someone threw this away? It was listed as "Free" on Craigslist and I was the lucky one to get to it the fastest. The poster just gave the address and said it was out by the curb. I really didn't think it would be there because it took me 1/2 hour to get ready and drive there. Lucky!! I wrote and thanked the lady for it and she replied that she was glad someone could use it as she was getting rid of everything that was in her and her ex's household. LOL! Throw out the ex - but not the good stuff!!!

Christmas party at SIL

My SIL had her Christmas party and as always, it was beautiful. She had probably a hundred candles burning throughout her lovely home. Her stunning tree was simply decorated with a full gold bow on top.

Ham/pickle/cream cheese rollups

These are yummy and I made 2 batches for Holiday munchin'! (I got to feast on the "mistakes")

Bargain storage containers

I'm always on the watch for a bargain and Craigslist provides a lot of them. I got 3 of these 3 drawer storage containers for $15 total! At Wal-Mart, they go for $20 each. These are like new and I will put one in each closet to contain the small items in which we're always searching, but don't have a special place for. I get a little giddy when I create organization. (Isn't that just plain weird?)

Neverwas movie

A Yale graduate gets a job at the mental institution where his novelist father spent the last years of his life. Once there, he meets a schizophrenic man who proves a mysterious link to his father's material.

Good movie - this is a psychological drama, portraying our humanity and our reality vs. fantasy. On a dark side, but with an uplifting ending.

Choc dipped pretzel rods for Christmas treats

My homemade gift to family members this year will be chocolate dipped pretzel rods with an additional coating of other goodies. Some will have toasted coconut or mini Reeses pieces or chopped nuts.....all yummy and gourmet! I will post a pic of the packaging of these tasty treats later this week.

A woman's guide to beauty............

I couldn't resist this. The pic says it all.

My warm, furry purry, Red

Breakfast room organizer

Took an old trunk and pulled off the somewhat silly wood embellishments. Positioned it by the kitchen/garage door to collect clutter and shoes. Works perfectly! When Shan comes home everyday, she puts her bag in there and Den has been instructed on how to use the trunk for his shoes ie; open the lid, insert shoes. LOL! You know men and their clutter.

Pomegranates

Beautiful, luscious pomegranates. I have just recently tried these - and ooh baby, where have you been all my life?! Crunchy, sweet, tart and juicy. What more could you want from a fruit?

I love beadboard

We are planning on adding some tall beadboard to our hallway and I'm searching for inspiration. This is a pic of a Bed & Breakfast room found on the internet. I saved the pic because of the wonderful use of beadboard in this room. It is high enough to make the space clean and uncluttered and the top is decorated in a warm fashion. Nice to look at.

Decoupaged carousel horse

I admire this work of art from justlinda on GardenWeb. She decoupaged a discarded carousel horse with wallpaper flowers. Wouldn't this look wonderful on a back porch? Or in a nursery? Well, I guess it would look wonderful in just about any setting.

Free hamburger on your birthday

Join the birthday club for a free hamburger on your birthday! http://www.redrobin.com
Click on the join e-club banner. Enjoy.

Fireplace mantle with seasonal decor

Isn't this lovely? This pic came from Mary Ann, or annielinz at HGTV message boards. I think this works because of the simplicity in the use of the mercury ornaments and the frame surrounding the organic wreath. This looks homey to me. (click to enlarge)

Wedding dress

Look at how lovely this bride's gown is! Her MIL made the sash and stiched in the lace. A very nice touch.

My very lovely Sugar Bear

Beauty on 4 paws.

More senior discounts

Check out the very useful site: seniordiscounts .

Here are just some of the discounts they list for the "just turning senior" people, like me. (Heck, I'm ready for seniordom! I think I've earned it.)

Hancock Fabrics:
Guests 55 and older receive a 10% discount on the first Wednesday of each month at most locations.

Goodwill Industries:
Customers 55 and older receive a 10% to 20% discount at most store locations. Discount may be valid only on certain days of the week, most commonly on Wednesdays. The age requirement, discount amount and participation will vary by location, so it’s a good idea to call your local Goodwill for details.

Salvation Army:
Most locations provide discounts from 15% to 50% off to people 55 years of age and older. Discounts may only be available on certain days of the week, Wednesdays being the most popular discount day. Participation, age requirement and discount amount will vary by store location so call ahead or ask when you get there.

Another cup of the most dangerous cake in the world

Made the 5 minute start-to-finish chocolate cake tonight. Added some glazed icing and my chocolate craving was fed! This plate shows how much a cup of cake is - actually enough for two people - but I don't share, so it's all mine. ;-)

My family's youngest and grandest

My youngest grandson, Ian, turned 8 months old...

and my dear grandmother turned 102 years young this month!

Baked Squash

Tried my hand at baking a dark, green squash. (What are they correctly called?)

Baked in my toaster oven for 80 minutes at 350 degrees.

Washed and dried the seeds for my bird friends.

I had put some butter in the cavity before baking.

When the squash is done, add some sugar and cinnamon and mash it up.

If you like pumpkin, you'll love this, too!

Faux Pumpkins - 75% off!

Got these babies at Schnucks today for 75% off ($1.74 each) and that's my kind of bargain! These are just in time for Thanksgiving centerpieces. Might even paint a few white.