Silent Sunday Enjoying the Sunshine

 

 

 

 

I hope it's sunny for you today!

 

;-)  -Marci

{Part 1} Spring Plaques Inspired by Song of Solomon 2:12

It's so wonderful to see the harbingers of Spring!  Did you see my post about  The First Bloom of 2016?  The first one always makes me think of Song of Solomon 2:12.  (I prefer the Authorized King James Version.)

"the flowers appear on the earth;
the time of the singing of birds is come,
and the voice of the turtle is heard in our land"

This year,  that beautiful verse inspired a series of three plaques.  I hope you can visit often and see all three!  Here is the first one!

 
Please let me tell you about the *FREE* materials I am using for PART 1 of this project!

We are currently re-modeling our kitchen.  WHEW! 

First comes DE-struction, then comes CON-struction.
 

 

The destruction phase included ripping out a pantry and these boards were part of the shelving.  They each measure 11.25 inches by 14.5 inches.

 

JACKPOT,  right?  Totally free, right?  ;-)

 

I didn't even have to salvage them from anywhere but my own kitchen!

 

I gave three of them a quick coat of off white paint.  (only two made it into the photograph)

 



When phone books were left in our driveway this year, I almost tossed them immediately into the recycle bin.  Does anyone use those anymore?  'So glad my hoarding habits kicked in and made me keep them in my craft room!  ;-)  The pages look like newsprint to me. 

 

Jackpot, right?  Totally free, right?  ;-)



 A couple of pages were ripped out of their books and glued onto each of the shelving boards using children's regular ol' white glue.

 

 

Next, I played with some scraps of paper and cardstock. Using a leaf and snowflake punch along with a stencil and pair of scissors, leaf and flower shapes were punched and snipped.  There really wasn't a plan, just cutting whatever leaves or flowers seemed pretty at the moment.  Then I scattered them across the board.

Next, I created this FREE PRINTABLE for Song of Solomon 2:12a.  It's printed on wide rule notebook paper.  I wanted the look to be kind of raw, so I cut each word separately.

White glue holds everything in place.
 

 

I love that it appears a bit haphazard, like the first buds of Spring.  Some here, a few over there, scattered among the winter debris.

Spring will be arriving very soon!  I'll be ready for it!  ;-)  What is your favorite thing about Spring?

Please come back in a couple of days to see

Part 2 of Spring Plaques Inspired by Song of Solomon 2:12!

 

;-)  -Marci

Party Time! Tuesdays with a Twist

It's time to par-tay!  

I get so excited on Tuesdays!  'Can't wait to see all the clever links!  We're your co-hosts.

 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Joyce @ Heavenly Bodies

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being chosen.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

Choosing features is so very difficult!   I love seeing all the creative posts!  Thank you for joining the party!
 
If you're ready for Spring, like I am, gardening might be on your mind!  My feature this week is How to Choose the Best Spot for Your Garden



from Susan at  Learning and Yearning!  Check it out!


If you have been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci






Wild West Woolaroc Museum

Woolaroc Museum and Wildlife Preserve

We spent a gloriously sunshiny February day at Woolaroc this week. 





It's not every day you get to pet a zebra!

No photography is allowed inside the museum, which is surprisingly diverse!  Don't be fooled by the front of the building.  It's not very wide, but is quite long with two stories.  They have lots of Native American artifacts along with an amazing Western art collection. 

 

For me, the display that was most fascinating was titled The Pioneer Woman.  Please forgive me for not remembering all the details, but the premise for this collection was that a town in Oklahoma wanted a sculpture, The Pioneer Woman, I think in their square.  Multiple artists submitted their ideas for the topic.  The submissions are now in a collection at Woolaroc.  I was absolutely fascinated by the different interpretations.  Some were sensual.  Others were quite modest.  For me the most powerful sculpture showed a woman with a baby on her left hip, a rifle in her right hand, and a man laying at her feet with an arrow in his side.

 

I would have loved to share some of the artwork with you, but obeyed the "No Photo" rule.  We did get several nice shots of the of the beautiful herd animals

and sculptures on the grounds.

  

It's about a three hour drive for us from Northwest Arkansas to Bartlesville, Oklahoma, and well worth the trip. 

We had a wonderful time!

 

 

On the way home, we ate at Thunder Grill in Nowata, Oklahoma and, OH MY, it was yummy!  We were in a bit of a hurry to meet friends for dinner that night.  When we finished our meals, the sweet waitress asked if we wanted pie.   Handsome Husband and I simultaneously said "NO" (him) and "YES" (me)!  She got me apple pie and ice cream to go and WOW did  she hook me up!  The little styrofoam containers were packed with pie and ice cream.

Mmmmm...  Is there anything better than homemade apple pie?!  I can't think of a thing.  ;-)



If you are anywhere near Oklahoma, we definitely recommend visiting Thunder Grill in Nowata and Woolaroc in Bartlesville!  If you've ever been to either, I'd love to hear about your experience!

Where are your favorite places to visit?

;-)  -Marci

Wordless Wednesday: First Bloom of 2016

 

;-)  -Marci

Link Party Feature!

Oh, my goodness!  My post
 

 

 

 

about LAYERING MONOGRAMS  being featured today at this amazing party!

 

Happily Homemade and Handcrafted

 

 

 

 

 

 

from Redo It Yourself Inspirations!

 

What a lovely surprise!

 

;-)  -Marci

LINKY PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist

It's time to link up!  I get super excited on Tuesdays!  'Can't wait to see all the clever clicks!

We're your co-hosts.

 

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Joyce @ Heavenly Bodies

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being chosen.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

Choosing features is so very difficult!   I love seeing all the creative posts!  Thank you for joining the party!
 
This week's feature is special for me!  Not only is this one post seriously cool, it comes from one of my favorite bloggers.  If you enjoy sewing, even just a little, you want to visit her blog! 

Here we go!

Retro Reticule - New Bag Pattern from Pam at Threading My Way


 
I *love* the design of the handle!



AND it has lots of organizer pockets!  I need to make some fabric decisions and get one sewn for myself.  Check it out!


If you have been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci




 

My beloved is mine, and I am his...

 

Song of Solomon 2:16a

Happy Valentine's Day!

 

;-)  -Marci

Silent Sunday, Matching Toss Pillows

 

...with your cat!

 

;-)  -Marci

Overnight Oatmeal Disguised as Carrot Cake

 On cold mornings, hot cereal can really hit the spot! 

Here are a couple of oatmeal recipes I shared last winter:

Maple Pecan Oatmeal
White Chocolate, Cranberry Almond Oatmeal

 

 This year, I've been experimenting with the overnight oatmeal recipes that are all the rage. It isn't my intention to be unkind, but I have to say most of them are just not for me.  Protein powder seems to be a popular ingredient in these super foods and while there is protein powder in my cupboard, it has to be pretty slim pickings around here for me to actually eat that stuff.  I have tried a few different brands as well as flavors, but can't tell much difference in taste or texture.  I don't care for it.

After lots of overnight oatmeal taste testing, here is a recipe I created that we actually do enjoy.

PHOTO SOURCE


Overnight Oatmeal Disguised as Carrot Cake

 

1 cup old fashioned oatmeal

1 container plain Greek yogurt, 5.3 ounces

3/4 cup vanilla soy milk

1 cup grated carrots

1/2 cup pecans

1/2 cup raisins

1/2 cup sweetened coconut

1/2 teaspoon cinnamon

1/4 teaspoon nutmeg

Stir all ingredients together and leave in fridge overnight, covered.  The oatmeal and raisins will absorb all that moisture.  I am using sweetened soy milk and sweetened coconut.  The carrots, raisins and spices add quite a bit of naturally occurring sweetness, too, so no additional sugar or honey was needed for our tastes.

 

For me, about half a cup warmed for 1 minute in my microwave along with a glass of milk is a perfect little breakfast.  Handsome Husband is a big guy, so he prefers a larger portion.  Whatever amount suits you, this is a nice, hot breakfast to take the edge off cold mornings!

 

 What do you like for breakfast?  I am also very curious about your thoughts on protein powder.  Have you found one that you like?

 

 ;-)  -Marci

Book Review: Trowel and Error

by:  Sharon Lovejoy

 

 

PHOTO SOURCE

 

Partial Synopsis from Barnes and Noble:   Ever since she was old enough to help her grandmother in the garden, Sharon Lovejoy has spent her life working with plants--and along the way, through "trowel and error," she's accumulated hundreds and hundreds of remedies, tips, short-cuts, and cure-alls. Now Ms. Lovejoy--author of Roots, Shoots, Buckets & Boots and the award-winning Sunflower Houses--does for the garden what Heloise or the Queen of Clean does for the household. Trowel and Error collects all of her homespun garden advice into an inviting, environmentally friendly, whimsically illustrated yet dead-on helpful book that will benefit every gardener, beginner or experienced.

My Thoughts:  What a delightful little read!  This was a gift for Christmas from my son and I loved it!  Not only are there lots of helpful tips, there are also humorous quotes and charming illustrations.  A lovely book for any gardener! 

What are you reading?

;-)  -Marci

LINKY PARTY!! Tuesdays with a Twist

Are you ready for a party?

We are your co-hosts!

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

Joyce @ Heavenly Bodies

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being chosen.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

Choosing features is so very difficult!   I love seeing all the clever and creative posts!  Thank you for joining the party!
 
This week's feature is so beautiful! 



Pink Glam Dessert Vignette from Sandra at Sweet Sensations!

If you have been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci




 

Brightening a Drab Cubicle

Today's post is brought to you by the letter "M"!

 

My "office" is a very generic cubicle in a building filled with them.  Fabric walls, a filing cabinet, a couple of shelves overhead,

 

B O R I N G !

 

There is a small amount of space though for a bit of customization!  A bold punch of color is just what my cubicle world needs!  ;-)  And so, another project begins!

A couple of wooden letters were found for 50 cents each at a yard sale.  Total score!  Of course I couldn't decide which I liked better so both were purchased!  My fabulous Aunt Margie encouraged me to layer to two of them together.

 

 They each received a zap of spray paint.  Next were some doodles with my paint pens on the orange "M".  It's hard to tell in the photo, but the dots are green and the inner lines are purple.  I think you can see the outer lines are yellow.

 

 

 

 My cubicle is definitely a little brighter!

How about you?  What's making your days brighter?

;-)  -Marci

Scrumptious Layers Party Dessert

We attended a party at my sister's house recently and had a wonderful time!  One of the guests brought the most decadent dessert with lots of layers.  She gave us a quick run down on how she did it.  I think I remember most of what she said.  ;-) When I got home, of course, I tweaked it a bit to our tastes.




A favorite photo of our aunt, me and my sister enjoying a flea market.

Crust:

 

1 cup butter

2 cups flour

1/2 half cup powdered sugar

1 cup pecans

 

Mix all ingredients.  Press into a 9 X 13 pan.  Bake at 350 until the edges are brown.  In my oven, that's about 25 minutes using a glass baking dish.

 

Let cool before beginning the layers.

 

Layer 1:

 

1 box softened cream cheese, 8 ounces

1 can sweetened condensed milk

 

Mix.  Pour over cooled crust.

 

Layer 2:

 

Vanilla Pudding - If you want to use a box you can, but here is how to do it yourself.

 

1/3 cup sugar

dash of salt

5 tablespoons flour

2 cups milk  (I used 1% fat)

1 teaspoon vanilla

 

Over medium heat, stir dry ingredients and half the milk in a medium size sauce pan until all the lumps are gone.  Add the rest of the milk and continue to stir until it thickens.  Cook about 3 minutes longer.  Let cool about 15 minutes before pouring over the cream cheese layer.

 

Layer 3:

 

Chocolate Pudding - If you prefer a box, or...

 

1/2 cup sugar

dash of salt

1/3 cup cocoa

6 tablespoons flour

2 1/2 cups milk

 

Over medium heat, stir dry ingredients and half the milk in a medium size sauce pan until all the lumps are gone.  Add the rest of the milk and continue to stir until it thickens.  Cook about 3 minutes longer.  Let cool about 15 minutes before pouring over the vanilla pudding layer.

 

Our friend topped hers with cool whip, but we don't really care for it, so our top was just the chocolate pudding.  The next time I make it though, I think I will sprinkle pecans and chocolate chips on top and maybe even between the cream cheese and vanilla layers.

Whatever you choose for the topping, watch out!  This is delicious!

;-)  -Marci

Link Party Feature!

What a wonderful surprise!  My post,

 

 

 

 

Framing up some L O V E, is being featured today at this amazing party!

 

Happily Homemade and Handcrafted

 

 

 

 

 

 

from Redo It Yourself Inspirations!

 

What an honor!

 

;-)  -Marci

LINKY PARTY! Tuesdays with a Twist

I love Tuesdays!

We are your co-hosts!

Mary @ Back to the Basics

 Marci @ Stone Cottage Adventures

Angie @ God's Growing Garden

 

Each co-host will be sharing her own picks for Features. This gives everyone a better chance of being chosen.  Be sure to check all of our blogs!

Choosing features is so very difficult!   I love seeing all the clever and creative posts!  Thank you for joining the party!
 
Our weather this weekend was lovely!  It has me dreaming of Spring! 



I was especially excited about this post, 10 Things You Should Never Throw Away  from Tracy at Our Simple Homestead because she has a GREAT idea about how to catch butterflies!

If you have been featured we'd love for you to grab a button.

We all love comments!  Please hop around and show some love!

The party starts every Tuesday at 7am EST and will continue until Friday at 11:59pm.  Feel free to stop back any time and "like" your favorites.  Please visit other blogs if you have a moment. 

Share older posts as well as new ones.  No limit on links!

*Pictures should be your own* 

By linking up you give us permission to use these photos

 (with proper link backs) in our features. 

And now for the party!

;-)  -Marci