Junk to Gems - A Valentine Surprise

Thanks for stopping by today! Welcome to the my very first "Junk to Gems". I am really excited about making "J to G" a weekly segment. Many of my new friends in "Bloggyville" will agree that one of the greatest pleasures is when you can find something ugly, broken and dirty and pick it up, clean it up, repair the brokenness and restore its original beauty. That's kind of what God does for us! :) Last week I was walking between a couple of houses in my neighborhood and suddenly spied an object of interest laying on top of a pile of brush and yard clippings. I had been out taking photos for a future blog so I had my "blog-cam" handy. What I found was a poor, dirty, tired and worn Cherub who had seen much better days.

Upon a closer inspection I found that it was a garden planter. It had been weathered to say the least. It was covered in dirt and mildew. The rim around the planter was chipped and pitted. Hey, other than that, it didn't look to bad. LOL!

So I quickly shot a couple of pictures thinking, "This might make a Junk to Gem project in the New Year". So trying to pick it up without touching anything to slimy - Ooo yuck - I carried it inside and went to work. The first order of business was to kill that mildew! So out comes my trusted friend - CLOROX - after spraying down the planter (thanks, honey) with a solution of bleach and water, I let it set overnight to give the solution time to kill whatever was lurking on the surface.

The next morning, I was ready to wash and clean it up with laundry soap and warm water. After allowing the planter to air dry for several hours, I was set to try my hand at restoring it's beauty. At first I thought about spray painting the entire planter gold but after some consideration I decided to use a pewter paint instead. It took roughly three coats of paint for adequate coverage but 1 can of spray paint was more than enough.

After the pewter paint dried, I went back with a small hobby-sized paint brush and painted the hair and drape metallic gold. I wanted just enough gold accent so that where ever I decided to use it, it would blend with other accents.

My next task was deciding what to do with the planter. At first I thought about using it as a candle holder, but because the planter had been weathered and pitted, a candle would not sit level. So my next option was to fill the recess with textured orbs as a decorative touch. Didn't like that either. There just wasn't enough color. So finally I pulled out materials to design a floral arrangement with in the planter. Since it's still winter, I wasn't ready for a spring floral mix so I opted for English Ivy and Red Roses with a few green and white pepper-berry floral picks. To finish the look, I used some twigs I had spray painted white last year at Christmas and just tucked a few in randomly.

I am pretty happy with the way this project turned out. Once I had completed the arrangement I began to think of what possibilities were available to use this little guy in my winter decor. It suddenly hit me that he would be the perfect centerpiece for my Valentine's table. Without wasting a minute, I began pulling dishes and linens out of storage and contemplating a Valentine Dinner Tablescape. I'll share just a peek today but if you want to see the final table, you will have to visit again next Tuesday!

Other than a can of spray paint and my time, this project cost virtually nothing and the result is a beautiful centerpiece that can be used many times over. Tomorrow I plan to post some tips and tricks for Magnificent Mantles. I hope you will stop by.

The Cook's Corner

Welcome to my kitchen! It's rainy and windy here in my part of

North Carolina today. Just perfect weather to put something hearty and delicious in the crockpot and let it simmer all day.

My mother-in-law, Ann, is a WONDERFUL cook!!!!

I was so fortunate many years back when she assembled ALL of her

personal recipes and favorites and entrusted them to me in a family cookbook.

Today I want to share a SIMPLE SUPPER.

With her permission, here is her recipe for quick and easy

CLASSIC CHILI.

I like to use my crockpot for this recipe but if you are in a hurry

you can prepare this recipe in a Dutch Oven on the stove top.

I will give instructions for both.

Let's take a look at the recipe and ingredients:

CLASSIC CHILI

Makes 8 Servings

1/2 cup Green pepper, chopped

2 medium Onions, about 1 cup, chopped

1 stalk Celery, about 1/2 cup, chopped

1 1/2 pounds, Lean Ground Beef

1 teaspoon Fresh Garlic, finely chopped or minced

3 cans Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, undrained

2 cans Kidney Beans, 15-oz., undrained

2 tablespoons Chili Powder

1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 1/2 teaspoon dried Oregano

1 1/2 teaspoons ground Cumin

1 teaspoon Seasoned Salt

1 teaspoon Sugar

1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper

1/4 teaspoon ground Cayenne Pepper

Step 1. Cook green pepper, onions, celery, garlic and ground beef

in a Dutch Oven or skillet over medium heat,

stirring occasionally, until meat is browned. About 10-12 minutes.

Drain off fat.

At this point I transfer the beef mixture to my crockpot.

If you are using the stove top method

you will leave the mixture in your Dutch Oven.

Step 2. Next, add in all remaining ingredients. For your crockpot, mix well

and cook on high for 5 hours or cook on low for 8 hours.

For the stove top method, continue

cooking until the mixture comes to a full boil. About 5-8 minutes. Reduce

heat to low and simmer until flavors are well blended, about 40 minutes.

I really like to cook this chili for the full 8 hours in my crockpot.

It just releases all the flavor in the spices and vegetables and makes

for a very tasty and satisfying meal.

I usually serve steaming hot bowls of Chili with

Creamy Peanut Butter sandwiches (that's a hit with the boys) or thick slices of

warm 12-Grain Bread. Of course Iced Tea completes

my simple supper.

I hope you enjoy this quick and easy recipe. It's nice to put

supper in the crockpot after the kids leave for school and not have to think

about it all day. My friend Marsha does not eat red meat, so I have made

this with Ground Turkey and it turns out equally delicious.

I have also used this recipe and omitted the Ground Meat for

a fully vegetarian dish.

Tomorrow I hope to post a new feature called

"From Junk to Gems".

I found an adorable Cherub on the trash heap that just needed to be rescued.

Come back to see the transformation.

Until then,

Happy Cooking!

~Alisa

Rise 'n Shine Tablescape

Welcome to another TABLESCAPE TUESDAY! While this is only my 2nd time participating, this is the 20th Anniversary of Tablescape Tuesday. To see more wonderful inspiration and lovely tables go on over to Between Naps on the Porch at http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com The table I want to share with you today is my breakfast room.

I am calling this table Rise 'n Shine.
This table would greet my family and guests on a sunny Saturday morning.
I started by laying down a 52" crocheted table topper.
Then added woven wicker table trays. I love the texture they added.
Next, I layered my Better Homes and Gardens IVORY dishes.
I love to work with white or ivory dishes. It opens up endless possibilities for
color schemes and accents. Today I have incorporated soft green, yellow, brown, white and
plum pulling inspiration from the colors in the napkins.


Below is a closer look at the wicker trays and dishes.
I wanted to use green as my primary accent for this table.
So I mixed in my green glass goblets taking my que
from the pretty floral napkins.


I love the pattern details along the edge and center of the plates.
In this photo you can see raised embossing.

Many years ago I began collecting ROOSTERS. This is the

first rooster that I purchased. I loved the rustic, shabby chic look

of the whitewashed finish. He looks a little mean, I think.

Maybe he's hungry! (LOL)

In keeping with the breakfast theme, I decided to

incorporated a selection of fruits - Bartlett Pears, and Red and Green

Grapes. I liked the way those colors are pulled from the napkins.
In the photo below, I turned one of the wicker table trays on end

so you can see the size and detail. These trays will come in handy

on Super Bowl Sunday!

Here is just another look at the placesetting.

I like to decorate with plates and so I keep on hand several sizes

of plate stands and racks. To make a quick change in your kitchen or dinning

room, try changing out pretty, seasonal plates and display them on your counter tops, cabinet tops if they are open and not closed in with a soffit, or hang them on the wall.

You can also add panache to living rooms, sunrooms, bedrooms and even BATHROOMS by displaying collector plates that play off the colors and accents in your space.

I would love to hear about ways you use plates in your decor.

Here is a close up of the coffee cup and saucer.

The embossed designs is carried over to these pieces as well.

You may have noticed in an early picture, the pitcher nestled behind

the rooster and grapes. This is an old copper pitcher that I've had for eons.

I actually have two exactly alike. I really liked the way this one odd

piece added its rustic charm to the table.

Hope you've enjoyed the tour.

Don't forget to visit all the other participants today.

For the complete list visit Between Naps on the Porch.

As always,

Happy Decorating!

~Alisa

Winter-time Warm-Up

Well, for most of us, Christmas has been packed

away and we are all settling down

for a long Winter.

I actually like winter time. Living in North Carolina our winters aren't that severe, just cold enough to lite the fireplace, throw on a cozy sweater, scarf and warm boots. But with the colder temperatures and the bare branches outside my window,

I find myself longing to warm-up my rooms with layers of beauty.

After packing away the holidays, I usually live with the "bareness"

for a few days as I figure out what I am going to re-arrange.

In my family room, things were looking a little sparse so I felt the need

to warm up the space a little today. My family room is done in shades of green, gold and black.

If some of you visited my Colors of CHRISTmas blog,

then you have already seen my color scheme.

The coffee table is a large, solid-wood rectangular piece with a slight

scallop to the edge. As much as I like the table,

it really needs a few accents and accessories.

So, off I go searching through the house for just the right thing.

I started by using a green silk table runner with a embroidered scallop vine.

Some of you may know that I have just started collecting Mercury Glass.
I've used it mostly at Christmastime. But this year instead of packing it away,
I decided to keep out the candle holders and
display them throughout the winter months.
At first, I thought I would just group the pieces along the table runner.
But it still looked a little bare and sterile.

After shopping the house again, I found a floral arrangement that I put
away in the early fall to make room for autumn accents.
After adding this to the mix, I decided to rearrange my clusters.
I started off with the pillar and taper candle holders toward the center.
(See above)
But it just didn't have the right movement for me. So...

The next step was to move the Mercury Glass hurricanes to the center
next to the floral arrangement. But as you can see that didn't look right either. So...

I brought the hurricanes to the front, repositioned the taper candles to the
rear and fanned the pillar candles out to the side is a lose triangle.
Ahh....that suits me much better.
The Mercury Glass Hurricane holders were an after-Christmas
sale find. They were 75% OFF at my local Target! What originally started out
at $30 each, ended up at $7.50 each! What a bargain!

Nothing adds warmth to cold winter nights more than the soft glow of candles.
In this grouping I am using Vanilla Creme scented candles. The fragrance is
very soft - not too sweet. Just enough to make my kids think
I'm baking sugar cookies! - LOL :)
As an update, the Powder Room project is underway. I hope to have
some pictures to share with you later this week.

Tomorrow is TABLESCAPE TUESDAY hosted by Susan from http://betweennapsontheporch.blogspot.com/
I'll be participating again. Last week was so much fun.
I loved seeing every one's ideas and talent.
Be sure to stop by again tomorrow and join the party!

I Believe!

Happy Sunday! This is the day that the Lord has made, I will rejoice and be glad in it! What a great day to be alive! I wanted to share a book with you today. This book was a present from my best friend, Melanie. I turned 40 in November and also decided to launch a new business. Being the woman of God that she is, Melanie wanted to speak encouragement and life into my dream. WOW! Was this book right on target! The book is called "Believe That You Can" by Jentezen Franklin. Some of you may be familiar with him. He pastors a church called FREE CHAPEL in Gainsville, GA and recently expanded his ministry into Orange County, California. His services are broadcast on the Inspiration Network. Sometimes we carry within us a dream, a desire, a longing to do something that we are passionate about. A lot of times that is all that happens - we just carry it around inside of us, and we never act upon it, tell anyone about it, or pursue the dream! In this book, Jentezen Franklin, clearly outlines how we can "pursue" God in order to pursue the dream.

Each one of us has a purpose for our lives, we were placed here for a reason. It is up to us to pursue God's vision for our life. He says one way to know that the dream is from God is that the dream is always bigger than you.

If you are carrying a dream in your heart today, maybe you haven't ever told anyone about it, or maybe you've discussed it with close friends or family but it seems so out of reach that you dismiss it as unachievable, I recommend that you buy this book. Read and then re-read it! Buy a bright yellow, or pink, or orange highlighter and highlight the pages that speak to you. Then re-read those pages again and again! If you let this book speak to your heart, you will step out in faith to accomplish your God given dream!

I finished this book on New Year's Day. What a great way to start off! Believing that I can!

I hope this book is life changing for you as it has been for me.

Happy Reading!

~Alisa

An Apple A Day... A color story

I'm sure you've all heard that "an apple a day, keeps the Doctor away...". Well, one of my goals for 2009 is to eat more natural foods so I decided that after the holidays were over, I would clear out the refined sugars and replace them with delicious fresh fruits. After my trip to the local grocery store's produce department, I had a dilemma - what am I going to do with all of this fruit? A pretty footed glass bowl became home to my Red Delicious Apples! Don't these look yummy? I love the deep saturated color of the apple skins and the touch of gold seen a the top and bottom of the apple. I thought this would be a perfect accent in my living room. All the Christmas decor has come down and things were looking a little bare so my bowl of apples found a home on the coffee table. I'm not sure how long they will last though ; ) I have had a love affair with RED for many years! Once I even purchased a RED sofa, club chair and ottoman! Red as a primary color is HOT, eye-stopping and a little risky. Because its so visually demanding, intense red should be used with care. Subtle variations of primary red works much better in interior spaces. For a traditional color scheme apple red or cherry red works wonders with navy or Cadet blue. For a modern and contemporary space try adding lipstick red to pink or even hot pink tones such as fuchsia.
In my living room I use liberal doses of deep dark red. My living room walls are painted a warm golden hue so the red accent adds an element of depth and authority to the color story. Here is a picture of a table scape in my living room. A table runner from Pottery Barn - Spice Trade - covers the table, a black and gold wrought-iron tray holds two palm tree candle holders, an antique clock and a red pottery vase of deep purple, red and orange blooms.

This is an accent chair that has recently been given a make-over. Before, this chair was a light, bleached wood and covered in a mauve fabric from the early 90's. We rescued it and put it through several makeovers before this one. Last month I decided I wanted to move this chair to the living room. In order to make the chair fit the color scheme, it had to undergo a little "surgery". (I am sorry I don't have a before shot of the chair :( ). As you can see the frame was painted glossy black, the upholstery was updated with a rich mustard yellow silk with a red, rust and teal blue floral pattern woven in a chenille thread. The black frame of the chair pairs well with the black and gold picture frames on the wall art above. I added a punch of color by using the red silk decorative pillow. I love how the black, gold and red come together for a classic trio of colors. True neutrals - black, gray, white - balance the vibrancy of reds and make them safer. Updated neutrals such as khaki, camel, cocoa, ecru, linen, charcoal, coffee bean, and chestnut pick up energy from reds such as cranberry and Bordeaux while calming the shades of ripe tomato and Chile pepper red.

In this shot you see a pair of framed prints with a full-bodied deep RED background.

These two prints were the inspiration for the color scheme in the living room and dinning room - gold, RED and black with just enough touches of white in the trim and woodwork to add balance. Here I've featured a mosaic plate in shades of rust, orange, red, gold and ruby.

Warm colors - and RED is the warmest of all - appear to advance, and pull in the space.

Rooms where red is used in liberal doses seem more intimate and cozy.

My dinning room and living room are open to each other and somewhat large, only separated by two white columns. When choosing a color story for these two rooms, I knew I wanted them to be warm and inviting. Using the framed prints as my guide, I chose a cheery complementary gold color for the walls and let the red accents take center stage.

Do you have a love affair with red too? I'd love to hear about how and where you use RED in your home. No matter what shade of RED you choose, let it warm up the interiors of your home this winter! Even small accents can add warmth and cheer!

Happy Decorating!

~ Alisa

Decorating With Mirrors

Today I wanted us to chat about MIRRORS. I have loved decorating with mirrors for what seems like my entire married life. My parents gave me a large rectangular mirror the first Christmas after I married and it has proudly hung in my living room or dinning room ever since. The mirror can hang either horizontally or vertically. For many years I hung it horizontally. At the time I lived in a small bungalow with standard 8 foot ceilings. I assumed that since my ceilings were rather low, I would have to always use the mirror in this way. One day after I had repainted the living room and dining room and had new flooring installed, I decided to try some tricks I had learned about decorating small spaces.

Here's lesson #1:

If you want your space to live large, don't be afraid to decorate to the ceiling.

What I mean is, don't be timid about using all the wall space, all the way up to the crown molding or ceiling. So I turned my big, ornate mirror vertically for the first time! In order for it to clear the buffet I had to hang it so high it almost touched the ceiling. Wow! What a difference that made. Instantly this simple change seemed to add volume to my room
and draw the eye upward!

Here's lesson #2:

Use mirrors to double the impact of your home's beauty and elongate views.

When you carefully consider the reflection seen in the mirror, you can create an expanded sense of openness, maximize the availability of natural light, and add dimension and interest to a flat wall.

Here's lesson #3:

When decorating with mirrors make sure the reflection is one of beauty.

Mirrors can give your room added sparkle, twinkle and pizazz and create the loveliest type of double vision. However, when placing mirrors, be careful that the reflection is one you want to see twice. I visited a potential client one day and upon entering her Foyer I noticed that she had hung a mirror in the hall. Directly across the hall was the Powder Room and when the door was open you saw the reflection of the toilet. Definitely not what you want to reflect.

In the photo above, a classic gold round mirror is hung over a rather ornate, white mantle. Drawing the eye instantly to this focal point, thus allowing the eye to roam freely over the accessories placed in a symmetrical arrangement on the mantle. The reflection you see is more of the lovely, warm ambiance of the room.
In this photo, a large vertical mirror is used over the buffet table in the dinning room. While the photo doesn't show this detail, the placement is directly behind the dinning table. I believe that the full reflection will be one of the beautiful table and it's guests when occupied.

Have you noticed how it has become the "thing to do" to hang wreaths, framed art, and other mirrors on top of mirrors? In this photo, a framed art piece is hung from cord over the expanse of mirrored wall space.

I love how a collage of mirrors is used to decorate this Master Bedroom. Keeping with black, round frames in various sizes, this designer has created a focal wall that naturally draws the eye to the bed while reflecting ambient light and adding "sparkle" to the calm and restful decor. I will feature a Master Bedroom Redo in a future post. You will see how I used a grouping of various shaped gold mirrors to recreate this affect in my house.

In this last example, an unadorned mirror is hung above a low chest.

An abstract art piece is then set on top of the chest and "leaned" back on the mirror.

The reflection that is seen is of the windows across the room doubling the natural light.

Another great use for mirrors is to disguise an unattractive area in a room, or enhance a prominent architectural feature. So whatever your goal may be for decorating in 2009, consider doubling the beauty with a beautiful mirror!

(Photos - Traditional Home - http://www.traditionalhome.com)

Happy Decorating!

~ Alisa