Countryfolk Keepsakes

I LOVE Ingenuity...

2012-03-02T06:59:00.004-05:00

and repurposing!

Got old windows?
Why not make yourself a little greenhouse and get an early start on your seeds for your perennial or veggie garden.

Check these out.

Pip and Pipper

Apartment Therapy

Gardening In My Rubber Boots

Here's a step by step from Instructables.

These are so freakin' cool and I do have old windows!
I'd better break the news to my hubs gently.
((giggle))
Have a fantastic weekend, everyone.

Remember to get off the computer and go outside for some fresh air.
♥
You say you don't have the time? That's an easy fix... You make the time.
:> )

"If we all did the things we are capable of doing...

2012-03-01T09:32:00.003-05:00

we would literally astound ourselves." ~Thomas Edison

Whatever you do, be outstanding!
Never mediocre.

♥

Tonight on the Merc...

2012-02-29T07:17:00.005-05:00

Be sure to stop by TDIPT Mercantile and check out my new March offerings! Here's a peek:

Primitive Patriotic Hen

Lil' Vercie
Odessa's Dream pattern

While you're there, sign up for our 5th Birthday Celebration Giveaways! You could win my Holstein.

Moo

Finally, I have a few new dollies being offered on my Countryfolk Keepsakes site.

Burla

and Lerlene.

We'll see you tonight!!
:> )

Does Anyone Else Have A Love/Hate Relationship With...

2012-02-28T10:32:00.002-05:00

Curtains?! Man, I would have nothing on all the windows in this old farmhouse if it wasn't for my husband.

It's the whole privacy issue for him. Which I understand. Lord knows the last thing I want to do is traumatize someone who happened to see me with no makeup on as they drove by.
;> )

I've been struggling with what kind of curtains to have (if any) in my newly painted kitchen. It doesn't help the windows are extremely rectangular. They also look like there are two set of windows side by side. BUT I can only mount a rod across the whole length. Ugh.

Then it dawned on me... Why not have old shutters instead!

Or I could make my own panel shutters if I put my mind to it. Heck, how hard can that be??

P.S.
I still can't tell you about something I'm waiting on. I have to keep my trap shut until the middle of March. But I'll keep you posted.
:> )

Wow! Stan the Beaver Has A New Spread...

2012-02-27T16:21:00.003-05:00

His pad used to be behind our property but last year we noticed he wasn't around. I was worried someone trapped him.

Nope. H*ll, he's smarter than that!
As I walked along the path about a half mile from our home I saw evidence he's been quite busy.

It's tri-level!

Then I came upon his beaver Taj Mahal.
(If you look real close you can see the tennis courts.)

Remember to enjoy nature.

:> )

He's Baaaaaack...

2012-02-24T09:19:00.004-05:00

Steve the Chipmunk has awoke from his winter slumber! YaY!!

When I walked outside this morning to take out the trash, there he was. Sitting on the field stone looking at his watch and tapping his foot impatiently.

I immediately dropped what I was doing, filled up the feeder with birdseed and put on a pot of coffee. He loves his Dunkin Donuts and states, "Starbucks is for sissies!" (He said it, not me.)

I am looking forward to a new season of his Chipmunk antics!

Have a great weekend and enjoy nature.
:> )

"Open your arms...

2012-02-23T06:41:00.002-05:00

and welcome the joy of today!" ~Unknown

"I am not fully dressed until I adorn myself with a smile." ~Unknown

"Each day is a new canvas to paint upon. Make sure your picture is full of life and happiness, and at the end of the day you don't look at it and wish you had painted something different." ~Unknown

Happy Thursday!!
:> )

I Can't Believe It's Been A Year...

2012-02-22T06:35:00.005-05:00

Many of you know my stories about her crazy antics.
She kept me on my toes since the day we brought her home.
I wouldn't have wanted her any other way.
♥

She was smart as a whip and always got into trouble. We joked about how she was plotting to take over the world.

She was a wonderful big sister...

and was quite the busybody. She was our lil' furry Gladys Kravitz.

She was a cuddler.

She loved anything with a motor. I was convinced someday my keys would be missing and I would see her drive off in my Jeep.
:> )

She was a little quirky...

and had to be supervised with toys because she would destroy them in under 10 seconds.

Yet she managed to sneak them in her dog bed without my knowledge.

Then last February she got so very sick, so very fast with Autoimmune Memolytic Anemia.

We had to say goodbye to our Hannah.

I still miss her so.

Our four legged furbabies touch so many souls. They are God's wee creatures and are forever etched in our hearts.

♥

The Kitchen Is Painted...

2012-02-20T17:39:00.002-05:00

Yippee!! It covered perfectly with two coats. I just may completely switch to Valspar paint. I am very pleased!

Now the fun begins! I'm slowly redecorating. With this new color palette, I'm finding I don't want as much crap er I mean "collectibles" on my walls. (But I'm still going to hang my pitchfork.) ;> )

I'm also undecided about painting all the wood trim. I find it a nice contrast. I'll live with it for awhile and see.

More pictures to follow when I'm done.
I'll keep you posted.

:> )

Happy Presidents Day...

2012-02-20T09:44:00.002-05:00

"I hope I shall always possess firmness and virtue enough to maintain what I consider the most enviable of all titles, the character of an honest man." ~George Washington

"All my life I have tried to pluck a thistle and plant a flower wherever the flower would grow in thought and mind." ~Abraham Lincoln

:> )

Perfect Timing...

2012-02-18T11:11:00.003-05:00

As I'm painting my kitchen walls I'm looking at how hideous all the trim looks. Hmmm. What to do, what to do...

My first thought was to go lighter. Like the color I painted the vaulted wood ceiling. But I wasn't loving that idea.
Then the mailman came by this morning.

As I reached into my mailbox, there it was. The latest issue of Early American Life. How I LOVE this magazine.

On the cover was the answer!! The colors in this photo are almost identical to the colors I'm using in my kitchen.

So all I need to do is paint the trim to match my kitchen cupboards. Heck, I'm pretty sure I have enough left over in my Rustoleum Cabinet Transformations kit to do it! Of course, it's going to be yet another big job to tackle but you know me. I LOVE these kinds of projects. I'm a glutton for punishment. ;> )

I also have some exciting news but don't want to jinx myself by talking about it just yet! But I'll give you a hint. It has something to do with a Colonial fan back Windsor chair like in this photo.

I'll keep you posted.

Happy Saturday! Remember to get outside and enjoy nature.
:> )

I've Been A Painting Maniac...

2012-02-17T23:33:00.005-05:00

After mixing acrylic paints, I narrowed my kitchen wall color down to two shades. I decided to let my hubs pick the one he liked more.

Now we are complete opposites when it comes to just about everything so I knew what shade he was going to pick. But I still crossed my fingers, toes, legs and eyes hoping by some miracle he would pick the one I really wanted. Sure enough... he didn't.
But I kept my word and went to Lowes to match up the color. I told him if it didn't look good, HE was repainting the kitchen. ((giggle))

After putting the first coat on, I must say he was right in picking the lighter shade! WOWIE!! My kitchen looks so light, airy and huge! As much as I love darker wall colors, this is a wonderful change! Besides, all the things I love to hang on my walls like my old pitchfork (yes, I did type the word pitchfork) will look fantastic!

So as much as I hate to admit it... He was right. But you didn't hear that from me.
;> )

I'll keep you posted.

"The real"Best In Show" Dog...

2012-02-16T15:22:00.002-05:00

is the dog that's sittin' there on the couch next to you."
David Frei - Communications Director of Westminster Dog Show

Absolutely.
♥ ♥

:> )

What Do You Do When...

2012-02-15T18:39:00.011-05:00

you can't find the exact wall color you want after searching for hours through hundreds of colors in the paint department?

You go home and start mixing your own acrylic paints until you come up with the color you want!

I can't believe I didn't think of this sooner! Heck, that is how I came up with the perfect shade of red for my Americana flags I've painted throughout my home.

I did try the Cottage White, but oh my it was too bright. It needed to be warmer.
Man I've wasted so much time and money on paint samples I could kick myself. But if I did, I wouldn't be able to climb the ladder to paint this weekend. So I'm not going to do it.
:> )

I'm still tweaking the color, but I've got it down to a mixture of two colors. (It looks rather yellow in the photo, but it's more of a parchment color.

Once I come up with the exact color, I'll scoot on over to Lowes or Home Depot and have it duplicated into wall paint.

Then I won't have to hear my hubs say, "You're crazy!" every time he walks into the kitchen.

But then again I'm sure I'll continue to hear that whatever room he walks into. ((giggle))

I can't help it if I'm cuckoo for Cocoa Puffs.

:> )

And the winning paint color is...

2012-02-14T17:42:00.003-05:00

"Cottage White" by Behr. **and the crowd cheers wildly**

Well, that's the winning color for today. Tomorrow is another day. ((giggle)) I'll know for sure when I go yet again to pick up another sample.
I swear my eyes are permanently crossed from looking at so many color chips. Who would have thought there could be so many shades of white?!

So far from what I can see, Cottage White has a teeny hint of yellow which will look nice with my "English Cream" cabinets.

Man, they are going to be so sick of seeing me at Home Depot. Heck, if I could find me an orange smock I'd hop behind the paint counter and help myself.
Extra wood paint sticks for everyone!
:> )

I'm Stumped...

2012-02-13T18:23:00.005-05:00

and quite frankly that doesn't happen very often.

I'm in the process of trying to find a new light kitchen wall color and can't find a color I'm happy with.

I'll find a paint chip that I think looks fantastic, but when I buy a sample of the color it's like, "What the heck was I thinking?!"

I'm convinced it should be mandatory that all paint chip samples are no smaller than a 12" square. A lil' dinky two inch paint chip sample is ridiculous! Unless you're Tom Thumb and I'll bet dollars to donuts even he would pooh-pooh their microscopic size.

Here's what I've tried so far. Let me add, the color on the far right is the wall color I have now.

L-R: Ripe Wheat, (too khaki), Delightful Moon (matches my cabinets), Sesame (too orange) and Fudge Truffle. I also made the mistake of ordering a sample online through Home Depot. I won't even show you that one! Don't ever order paint samples online unless you have the actual chip color! Lordy, I went with what I saw on my computer screen. All I can say is, "YIKES!"

Now the Delightful Moon looks kind of nice. But its monochromatic and rather bright. (to me it is) I loved all the photos of other kitchens with this same look, but I'm not really diggin' it in my kitchen. Maybe it's too much the same color and I need to go lighter since my kitchen doesn't have a lot of natural light. Who knows??

I do know that I'm frustrated. Man I've never had a problem with picking out wall color... until now.

Hmmmm.... Maybe I should just wallpaper.
:> )

"A house divided against itself cannot stand."

2012-02-12T13:18:00.003-05:00

~Abraham Lincoln

Happy Birthday, Mr. President.
♥

"Peace...

2012-02-12T11:17:00.004-05:00

- that was the other name for home." ~Kathleen Norris

The Countryfolk Homestead circa 1927.

"Home is a shelter from storms - all sorts of storms." ~William J. Bennett

"I had rather be on my farm than be emperor of the world." ~George Washington

Me too, Mr. President. Me too.
♥

"Do not regret growing older...

2012-02-10T06:41:00.001-05:00

It is a privilege denied to many." ~Unknown

"It’s important to have a twinkle in your wrinkle." ~Unknown

"Nobody grows old merely by living a number of years. We grow old by deserting our ideals. Years may wrinkle the skin, but to give up enthusiasm wrinkles the soul." ~Samuel Ullman

"Those who love deeply never grow old, they may die of old age, but they die young." ~Dorothy Canfield Fisher

"The other day a man asked me what I thought was the best time of life. “Why,” I answered without a thought, “now.” ~David Grayson

♥ Remember... Life is good! ♥
Have a fantastic weekend!!
:> )

Put On Your Party Hat...

2012-02-08T08:47:00.006-05:00

And celebrate our 5th birthday with us!

YaY!!

What a terrific excuse er I mean "special reason" to eat cake!!

So please join us on
FEBRUARY 28th @10:00 pm edt - March 20th
for our
TDIPT Mercantile Birthday Giveaway!

We'll have fabulous handmade prizes galore from many of our artists!!

Here's a peek at my donated offering.

Meow...

Just making sure you're paying attention. ((giggle))

So mark that date down on your calendar and be sure to sign up to win!

Good luck!!
:> )

"Kids Spell Love...

2012-02-07T06:37:00.008-05:00

T-I-M-E."
John Crudele

"When you put faith, hope and love together, you can raise positive kids in a negative world."
Zig Ziglar

"The best inheritance a parent can give his children is a few minutes of his time each day."
O. A. Battista

"All great change in America begins at the dinner table."
Ronald Reagan

"Don’t worry that children never listen to you; worry that they are always watching you."
Robert Fulghum

"If you are too busy to spend time with your children then you are busier than God intended you to be."
Rabbi Mendel Epstein

♥ Always make time for family.♥

:> )

YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2012-02-06T00:18:00.001-05:00

Congratulations to my home team!!
I must admit this was the best way I've ever seen a touch down made...
I tried that bacon recipe I posted below. It was okay. Heck, for how bad it was for me, I would have preferred more flavor.(I'm glad I only made six slices) But I did like the texture. So if I ever make it again I will add more brown sugar and pepper. That way I'll be able to hear my arteries harden with every bite.
:> )

Enjoy The Game Everyone...

2012-02-05T14:20:00.000-05:00

Ray will.
So will I.
:> )

Are You Ready For Some Football??!!

2012-02-04T09:39:00.000-05:00

Well, tomorrow is Super Bowl Sunday. I'd be lying if I said I was a football fan but I do watch the Super Bowl every year. Not just for the commercials either.
Of course I'll be squeezin' for my home team, the New York Giants! Go G-Men. That is what my niece calls them. I am clueless.
Boy! Two teams from the northeast playing?! You know it's gonna be good.
Super Bowl Sunday is not only about football, it's also about eating foods that are really bad for you and not feeling the least bit guilty about it. "Hey, it's Super Bowl Sunday!" Right?? We all think that as we shovel cheesy, gooey heart cloggin' dip into our traps.
So what's my excuse for eating really bad foods - say on the 8th of April? "Hey it's National No Housework Day! So to heck with the dishes!! Let me eat my Fritos and M&M's in peace!"
I found this recipe the other day. I know it's heart attack food, but hey it's Super Bowl Sunday! **giggle**
FEASTY BREADED BACON
Ever get tired of the same ol' hum-drum, brittle, pan-fried bacon?? Well folks, try this recipe out!! Chances are you won't catch this recipe in any A.M.A. publications; however, it's super simple, oh so good and would make any pig proud!!
1 lb. Sliced Bacon
1 cup Flour
1 cup Brown Sugar
1 tsp. Black Pepper
Preheat oven to 350 degrees... Remove bacon from the package and separate into individual pieces. Place flour, brown sugar and pepper in a large plastic bag and mix thoroughly. Now, drop each individual bacon slice into the bag and shake...That's it!! Now, simply place each dredged piece of bacon on a cookie sheet, making sure they're flat. A pound of bacon should fit snuggly on your average cookie sheet... Slip the tray into the oven and wait approximately 10-15 minutes, depending on how crispy you like your swine!! Remove from oven, let cool and start a munchin'!!!
Enjoy the game tomorrow, folks! Ooooh!! Don't forget to mark April 8th on your calendar and stock up on Doritos!
P.S.
I still love Hank Jr.
:> )

"Slow down and enjoy life...

2012-02-03T08:59:00.000-05:00

It's not only the scenery you miss by going too fast-you also miss the sense of where you're going and why."
~Eddie Cantor
Have a fantastic weekend, folks!
Get outside and enjoy nature!
:> )

"Most of the important things in the world...

2012-02-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

have been accomplished by people who have kept on trying when there seemed to be no help at all."
~Dale Carnegie
Remember... With hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish anything!!
Have a terrific Thursday, everyone!!
:> )

Still On The Hunt...

2012-02-01T09:32:00.001-05:00

for a colonial fan back style dining room set that is reasonably priced.
I remember back in the 60's and 70's "Early American" style furniture was the rage. Ethan Allen had wonderful lines of reproductions. Heck, as a kid I remember sitting on some!
So until I find exactly what I'm looking for I will continue to "Oooh and Ahhh" over these inspirations!
Look at this GORGEOUS floorcloth too!! ♥
Happy Wednesday!!
:> )

Feeling Patriotic?

2012-01-30T11:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a few of my TDIPT Mercantile offerings that will be available Tuesday night, January 31st.
President George Washington Firewood Folk.
Niniveh and Hannelore the Holstein.
Click on the button below to go directly to my selling page.

Gwendolyn is available on my website.
Wishin' everyone a terrific and productive week.
:> )

A Sneak Peek...

2012-01-28T11:37:00.002-05:00

At my February 1st offerings for TDIPT Mercantile.
Seeing February is the month we celebrate a very special someone's birthday, I thought it appropriate to make my first Firewood Folk for 2012 in honor of him.
Contrary to popular belief, he did not have wooden teeth nor did he ever chop down a cherry tree.
Hmmm... I wonder who it could be??
I'll keep you posted...
:> )

It's Almost February? Really??

2012-01-27T17:07:00.000-05:00

You'd never know it by walking outside.
WTHeck!! This is Central New York for cripes sake! We're used to measuring snow by feet not inches. But there is none to be found.
Wait a minute... I stand corrected. Jeepers, I should have worn my snowshoes.
Man, last February Punxsutawney Phil was on my Sh*t List.
We had close to three feet.
Ground Hog Day isn't until Feb. 2nd but if he plays his cards right, I will remove him off "the list."
Have a great weekend everyone.
Get outside and enjoy nature!
:> )

"I once had a...

2012-01-26T10:00:00.000-05:00

sweet little doll, dears, the prettiest doll in the world."
~Charles Kingsley
You're never too old to play with dollies.
♥

♥ She Shined Up Like A New Penny ♥...

2012-01-25T08:49:00.000-05:00

Man, she was parched!!! But after rubbing her down twice with mineral oil, her true oak beauty shined through. I even heard her happily sigh with relief. "Ahhh..."
Whew! With hard work and some old dental tools, I was able to clean out most (but not all) of that green paint.
See! What a difference!
I'm a happy camper and she is too.
:> )

Tuesday Critter Giggles...

2012-01-24T08:39:00.002-05:00

:> )

This Is Why I Love My Husband AND Craigslist...

2012-01-23T09:30:00.001-05:00

I love my husband because he is my soul mate, my best friend and my knight in shining armor. I love Craigslist because you can find anything on there.
I have been searching for a butcher block for a few months now and finally found one that was reasonably priced. Woo-hoo! The only problem... it was almost three hours away from us.
We planned on driving out yesterday to get it. But I woke up not feeling all that great. So my sweet hubs brought our dear friend and took the trek to pick her up.
They finally pulled into the driveway around 6pm with her.
She's about 20+ years old and is originally from Lancaster, PA. She has the worn look that I love and she's in great shape! She just needs some TLC.
Unfortunately, someone took the liberty of painting her carved leaf design a shade of green. Yikes. I am going to try my best to remove it and restore her back to the way she was.
So the next time you're looking for that certain something, check out Craiglist. I know it's reputation isn't the best. But if you use your noggin and weed through the crazies, you can find exactly what you're looking for. (Use common sense.)
Now I'm off to clean her up and rub her down with some mineral oil. I think she'll like that.
Happy Monday, everyone!!!
:> )

The American Windsor Chair...

2012-01-21T19:48:00.000-05:00

I am totally smitten and have been for as long as I can remember! I love all the styles but my favorite is the comb back style. It just oozes Americana!

Below are just a few of some wonderful sites I've been drooling over.
Fisher's Quality Furniture.
Thomas Wetzel Windsor Chairs.
Our American Heritage.
But from what I'm seeing to own a dining room set, I will have to save my pennies for some time. Unless of course they will except Monopoly money or belly button lint.
;> )

I've Always Wondered...

2012-01-20T06:43:00.000-05:00

what they did in there to pass the time.
I figured they played Solitaire.
:> )
Have a great weekend all!!

You Can Find The Coolest Stuff On Etsy...

2012-01-19T06:40:00.001-05:00

For about a month now, I've been online looking for an old butcher block. I want to use it as an island in my kitchen. Since I don't have much room, it can't be too big. But just the right size to be in the way and annoy my sweet hubs when he opens the refrigerator. **giggle** Sure the new ones are nice, but I want one that is old(er), has been "loved" with lots of character.
After searching and searching I finally found one on Craigslist. Yippee!! (Have I mentioned how much I love Craigslist?!) Lordy, you can find anything on there.We'll have to travel about 2.5 hours to get it, but (I think) it's worth it. I'll tell you more about it in a later post.
Anyway, as I was hoppin' around on the internet, I came across this awesome artist on Etsy. He takes old, vintage wooden boxes/crates (another one of my passions) and re-purposes them into amazing little tables like this!!
How freakin' awesome is that?! His business name is Modern Arks. Be sure to check 'em out. In the meantime, I'm going to stand in my kitchen and impatiently wait for my butcher block.

:> )

A good laugh and a long sleep are the best cures in the doctor's book...

2012-01-18T06:38:00.000-05:00

Happy Wednesday.

:> )

"You cannot be thankful...

2012-01-17T06:49:00.000-05:00

and unhappy at the same time." ~Unknown
"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." ~Melody Beattie
"It takes a lot of work from the face to let out a smile, but just think what good smiling can bring to the most important muscle of the body... the heart." ~Unknown
Happy Tuesday!
:> )

I Love Doing Dishes...

2012-01-16T07:14:00.000-05:00

I know, crazy huh?! I never thought I would utter such words but I do.Mind you, I don't wear an apron and heels. Jeans and slippers for me. Heck who am I kidding, it's more like sweat pants and slippers with a bad case of pillow head.
I'm convinced it's because of my new single bowl sink and super tall faucet.
No more wrestling with trying to scrub down a cookie sheet and a bucket fits under it like a dream! All my years I've never had a single bowl sink so I never knew the awesomeness of having one. I was worried about splashing. Not a problem at all! I'm telling you if I could cram myself in there, it would be me and Mr. Bubble.
Now if they could come up with a product that would make scrubbin' the sh*tter more exciting... Nah.
Happy Monday all!!
Remember to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.
:> )

Feeling the urge to whine and complain about your life...

2012-01-14T13:01:00.000-05:00

This sweet and amazing gal will snap you right out of it!
Talk about an inspiration!!
We could all learn a lesson from Diane.
Enjoy.
♥

:> )

Who'd A Thunk...

2012-01-13T06:40:00.005-05:00

Truth be told, I am not a big "fan" of ceiling fans. *giggle** Sure they keep a room cool in the summer and help circulate the warm air in the winter. We have one in our living room. It's okay, I guess. But they just aren't the most attractive looking things, you know what I mean?
Well... Not until I came across this one!

Now unless you like old, beat up looking stuff you probably gasped at the sight of this fan.
Nope, not me. I oooh'd and ahhh'd over it. Although I am not really diggin' the light fixture.

I'm kicking around the idea of having one in the kitchen. I thought this one would look nice with my 1776 American flag peninsula.

I really don't want one in there but unfortunately, the vaulted ceiling traps all the toasty warm air from our wood stove. I know heat rises, but it is amazing the change in temperature up there!
We tried those wee (loud and annoying) corner fans, but I could have literally stood in the corner and blown more hot air out of my trap better than those things.

So... Here are my choices. We could either be practical and get a ceiling fan. (b-o-r-i-n-g) Or keep my impractical, rustic chandelier (that I love and really don't want to part with) and stand on ladders. OR... Maybe make an indoor rock climbing wall?? Stilts? How about Jet-Packs??

Have a terrific weekend, all!!
:> )

My Rust-Oleum Cabinet and Countertop Transformations are complete! You've Come A Long Way, Baby...

2012-01-12T08:53:00.008-05:00

With a lot of elbow grease and I mean A LOT, you can change the look of your kitchen for about 500 bucks.

Here's a "Before" photo:

Here's the "After":
Ta-dah!

I used Rust-Oleum Cabinet Transformations in English Cream and Rust-Oleum Countertop Transformations in Charcoal.

The rustic 1776 American flag peninsula was my own creative doing. ♥

With all the hard work I did, we decided to install a new kitchen sink and faucet. She won't be hooked up until later today, but isn't she a beauty?
Got it all for under 200 smackaroos. It really pays to shop around online.

As you can see the counter top does have some slight texture to it. As I mentioned in a previous post, I would have preferred a smoother finish. In fact at my own risk, I would have taken an orbital sander to it. But hey, you live and learn. We are happy with the outcome and no longer have our outdated 1980's laminate counter top! **doing a jig**

So if you have the desire to work hard, you can inexpensively change the look of your kitchen and do a jig too!

PHASE ONE:

Well, I must have snickered one too many times at my hubs being sick this past week. I woke up this mornin' feelin' like crap. But there was no way I was putting off doing my counter top. Come h*ll or high water (or hospital visit)... It was getting done this weekend!!!
All day I've been poppin' Zicam like Tic Tacs.

So last night hubs removed the sink and lifted the cook top insert. He was about to disconnect and remove the whole thing when I asked him if it was possible to prop it up so we could still use it? That he did. What a blessing! I was able to make my coffee this morning. YaY!!

The next step was to use a two part epoxy and fill in any nicks or seams. Unfortunately for me, the back splash and counter top are two separate pieces so I had to fill that all in. What a pain in the dupa.
(dupa = @ss in Polish)

Okay, that's done. Now the next step is to sand down the counter top with their diamond embedded sanding block. This step removes the sheen and roughs up the counter top to make the base coat paint adhere.

For the record, that thing is freakin' awesome!! Man, I wish they would sell it individually. If you accidentally drag it across your skin, you will get a boo-boo like I did on my thumb. (Please excuse my Seinfeld "man hands.")

Dress appropriately. Put on something you would see on "What Not To Wear." Ooooh, I bet Stacy London would like to get her scrawny lil' mitts on me.

All sanded and wiped down with a damp cloth.

Next, wrap everything up tight! Have I mentioned I have a love affair with blue painter's tape? I use it for absolutely everything! So this step was right up my alley.

Now the fun begins... But first, set up an area where you have everything at your fingertips.

The next step is to apply the base coat paint, wetting agent and chips. The problem is I have no photos of this because there is only a 20 minute window to do it all. So there was no time to frog around with a camera. But I will give you the lowdown.

First, their description for applying the paint is "like frosting a cake." This is not true. You all know I'm a baker and it is not like frosting a cake. Nope. Not even close. I can equate it to paint that's been sitting in a can in your basement for awhile. Not as smooth as fresh paint but a little thicker.
Truth be told, I expected it to be much thicker. When I started to apply it, it streaked showing the cream counter top through. I went into full panic mode! I'm thinking (no actually I was yelling) "OMG, this small can won't cover everything!" Hubs grabbed the roller and tried his hand at it. Then it kind of turned into a Laurel and Hardy skit. But after all the running around and bumping into each other, I did have enough to do the counter top with a little (but not much) left over. Best of all, we didn't want to kill each other during the process! Dare I say... we even had fun!!

The color I used is "Charcoal." Chips are light, medium and dark gray and black. The kit states it covers 50 square feet. I covered 39 square feet.
Here is how it looked after all the chips were applied. (Very rough)

We then took a bright Halogen light and carefully inspected the counter top for any areas that didn't have proper coverage. I did find a few spots along the edge. I used a piece of dampened sponge, dipped into the paint then lightly reapplied, tossing chips at the area by hand.

Here's a close up... (It was really hard for me to get a good pic of the color)

After 12 hours but no more than 24 hours, we will start the sanded process. This is where I'll be sweating bullets worrying the paint didn't cover correctly.

Overall, I am pleased with how it looks so far and how easy it was to apply. I'll give it a (dirty) thumbs up for now.

The DVD that comes with the kit explains everything to a tee. I watched it quite a few times just to be sure. Bottom line is this project is time consuming and you can't be in a hurry.

There is a low to medium odor and when applying the chips, I suggest wearing a mask. (Dust flies when applying the chips) Also, the chips go all over the place. So if you're a Type A personality, take a Valium, relax and let the chips fall where they may. **giggle** Nothing a broom and dust pan can't fix.

Tomorrow is Phase II. Sanding, sanding and more sanding. Then applying the top coat. Yippee!

I'll keep you posted...

PHASE TWO:
Well I sanded for seven hours straight yesterday, then applied the top coat to my counter top last night. But I will wait to take photos since I want to lightly sand and add another top coat.
A few months ago I contacted Rustoleum regarding the textured look I saw on everyone's counter top (submitted photos to their site). They graciously sent me additional top coat to use, stating this should make for a smoother finish. Their customer service is top notch!

Here's a few comments I have about the whole process.
Doing the counter top is very labor intensive. You need some arm strength to sand everything down. For a chick, I've got some "guns" and it was a little hard for me. Especially sanding in tight areas and the back splash. I literally laid across my counter top to get good leverage to sand the back splash and it wasn't as smooth as I wanted. If I had an orbital sander I may have tried it (they don't recommend it). But after sanding by hand for seven hours I would have tried just about anything.

I had read some comments on forums where people were complaining about the difficulty in removing the blue tape around the counter top. This is absolutely true. I have a few areas where the tape actually removed my wall paint. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper.
Also, I would recommend removing your sink and cook top insert if you have one. Sure it's a pain in the butt but I would think it to be more of a pain in the butt to try and sand around them. Besides, do what I did. Treat yourself to a new kitchen sink! Hopefully it will arrive today! YaY!!

After applying the top coat, my counter top is darker than I expected. I can't imagine what the "onyx" looks like if "charcoal" is this dark. Don't get me wrong, it looks really nice. It's just darker than I expected. Also the top coat is a gloss. So if you prefer a matte finish this isn't for you. Truthfully, I wish it was offered in a matte finish. I'm not one for shiny. But in a kitchen, it's hip and cool. Unlike me, who is lame and boring.

Bottom line is it's hard work and it's messy. BUT if you're looking for an inexpensive way to update your old and dated counter tops, it is definitely worth it and best of all, you'll be proud of your accomplishment!

:> )

I Must Say, My Kitchen Is Coming Along Swimmingly...

2012-01-10T12:48:00.009-05:00

I put a second coat of top coat on last night and am pleased with the outcome. (But it still has a slightly textured look) Now we do have to wait 48 hours before we can insert the sink and cook top.
Hubs is getting anxious. He is a very orderly man. Doesn't like when things are in disarray. Heck, I've been so sick, I haven't given a rat's *ss. ;> )
But I do think the Zicam has worked seeing I woke up feeling a little better than yesterday. YaY!

The new kitchen sink arrived and can't wait to install it. With the new faucet, it will look fantastic. Although that faucet is very tall. So I do have concerns about splashing. But on a positive note, I could always take a shower under it. **giggle**
We bought the sink online and want to give them a plug. The company is Mr. Direct and you can't beat their prices for their quality products. I'm convinced if you know what you want, it's cheaper to buy online. (You all know how I love a good bargain!!)

I'm chompin' at the bit to get my kitchen put back together so I can start redecorating it. Truth be told, I've already started. I'm even thinking about painting the kitchen. But I do love the color, so maybe I'll just take a deep breath and calm down. Man, I am like a little kid when it comes to this stuff!

Well, that's it for now. Still no pics yet. I want to keep you in suspense. ((hee-hee))

I'll keep you posted.
:> )

Phase II ~ Countertop Transformations...

2012-01-09T09:39:00.004-05:00

Well I sanded for seven hours straight yesterday, then applied the top coat to my counter top last night. But I will wait to take photos since I want to lightly sand and add another top coat.
A few months ago I contacted Rustoleum regarding the textured look I saw on everyone's counter top (submitted photos to their site). They graciously sent me additional top coat to use, stating this should make for a smoother finish. Their customer service is top notch!

Here's a few comments I have about the whole process.
Doing the counter top is very labor intensive. You need some arm strength to sand everything down. For a chick, I've got some "guns" and it was a little hard for me. Especially sanding in tight areas and the back splash. I literally laid across my counter top to get good leverage to sand the back splash and it wasn't as smooth as I wanted. If I had an orbital sander I may have tried it (they don't recommend it). But after sanding by hand for seven hours I would have tried just about anything.

I had read some comments on forums where people were complaining about the difficulty in removing the blue tape around the counter top. This is absolutely true. I have a few areas where the tape actually removed my wall paint. Needless to say, I am not a happy camper.
Also, I would recommend removing your sink and cook top insert if you have one. Sure it's a pain in the butt but I would think it to be more of a pain in the butt to try and sand around them. Besides, do what I did. Treat yourself to a new kitchen sink! Hopefully it will arrive today! YaY!!

After applying the top coat, my counter top is darker than I expected. I can't imagine what the "onyx" looks like if "charcoal" is this dark. Don't get me wrong, it looks really nice. It's just darker than I expected. Also the top coat is a gloss. So if you prefer a matte finish this isn't for you. Truthfully, I wish it was offered in a matte finish. I'm not one for shiny. But in a kitchen, it's hip and cool. Unlike me, who is lame and boring.

Bottom line is it's hard work and it's messy. BUT if you're looking for an inexpensive way to update your old and dated counter tops, it is definitely worth it and best of all, you'll be proud of your accomplishment!

When I am done with everything, I'll post photos. But for now, I'm going to plant myself on the couch with my quilt, a bottle of Dayquil and 10 boxes of tissues and try to get some much needed rest.

:> )

Man, Mr. Miyagi's Advice Is Coming In Handy...

2012-01-08T09:32:00.005-05:00

"Sand the floor. Sand the Floor. Wax on. Wax off."

These techniques are workin' great for sanding my counter top.
(But dust is everywhere!)

I'll really impress myself if I can catch a fly with chopsticks.

Okay, back to work.

"Wax on... Wax off..." "Wax on... "Wax off..." "Wax on... Wax off..." "Wax on... "Wax off..." "Sand the floor... Sand the floor..." "Wax on... "Wax off..."

I'll keep you posted.

Phase I Of Countertop Transformations...

2012-01-07T16:37:00.018-05:00

Well, I must have snickered one too many times at my hubs being sick this past week. I woke up this mornin' feelin' like crap. But there was no way I was putting off doing my counter top. Come h*ll or high water (or hospital visit)... It was getting done this weekend!!!
All day I've been poppin' Zicam like Tic Tacs.

So last night hubs removed the sink and lifted the cook top insert. He was about to disconnect and remove the whole thing when I asked him if it was possible to prop it up so we could still use it? That he did. What a blessing! I was able to make my coffee this morning. YaY!!

The next step was to use a two part epoxy and fill in any nicks or seams. Unfortunately for me, the back splash and counter top are two separate pieces so I had to fill that all in. What a pain in the dupa.
(dupa = @ss in Polish)

Okay, that's done. Now the next step is to sand down the counter top with their diamond embedded sanding block. This step removes the sheen and roughs up the counter top to make the base coat paint adhere.

For the record, that thing is freakin' awesome!! Man, I wish they would sell it individually. Who needs a Pedi Egg for you feet when you could use one of these! **giggle** I'm just pullin' your leg.
If you accidentally drag it across your skin, you will get a boo-boo like I did on my thumb. (Please excuse my Seinfeld "man hands.")

Yes I know, I am quite the fashionista. I'm wearin' my hubs sweatpants and sweatshirt, white socks and my brown Mary Jane slippers.
Ooooh, I bet Stacy London would like to get her scrawny lil' mitts on me.

All sanded and wiped down with a damp cloth.

Next, wrap everything up tight! Have I mentioned I have a love affair with blue painter's tape? I use it for absolutely everything! So this step was right up my alley.

Now the fun begins... But first, set up an area where you have everything at your fingertips.

The next step is to apply the base coat paint, wetting agent and chips. The problem is I have no photos of this because there is only a 20 minute window to do it all. So there was no time to frog around with a camera. But I will give you the lowdown.

First, their description for applying the paint is "like frosting a cake." This is not true. You all know I'm a baker and it is not like frosting a cake. Nope. Not even close. I can equate it to paint that's been sitting in a can in your basement for awhile. Not as smooth as fresh paint but a little thicker.
Truth be told, I expected it to be much thicker. When I started to apply it, it streaked showing the cream counter top through. I went into full panic mode! I'm thinking (no actually I was yelling) "OMG, this small can won't cover everything!" Hubs grabbed the roller and tried his hand at it. Then it kind of turned into a Laurel and Hardy skit. But after all the running around and bumping into each other, I did have enough to do the counter top with a little (but not much) left over. Best of all, we didn't want to kill each other during the process! Dare I say... we even had fun!!

The color I used is "Charcoal." Chips are light, medium and dark gray and black. The kit states it covers 50 square feet. I covered 39 square feet.
Here is how it looked after all the chips were applied. (Very rough)

We then took a bright Halogen light and carefully inspected the counter top for any areas that didn't have proper coverage. I did find a few spots along the edge. I used a piece of dampened sponge, dipped into the paint then lightly reapplied, tossing chips at the area by hand.

Here's a close up... (It was really hard for me to get a good pic of the color)

After 12 hours but no more than 24 hours, we will start the sanded process. This is where I'll be sweating bullets worrying the paint didn't cover correctly.

Overall, I am pleased with how it looks so far and how easy it was to apply. I'll give it a (dirty) thumbs up for now.

The DVD that comes with the kit explains everything to a tee. I watched it quite a few times just to be sure. Bottom line is this project is time consuming and you can't be in a hurry.

There is a low to medium odor and when applying the chips, I suggest wearing a mask. (Dust flies when applying the chips) Also, the chips go all over the place. So if you're a Type A personality, take a Valium, relax and let the chips fall where they may. **giggle** Nothing a broom and dust pan can't fix.

Tomorrow is Phase II. Sanding, sanding and more sanding. Then applying the top coat. Yippee!

I'll keep you posted...

Guess I'm Not The Only One Ready...

2012-01-06T12:18:00.003-05:00

to get crackin' on transforming these 1980's counter tops.
Side note: Have I mentioned I no longer like the word "transform," "transformed," "transforming" or "transformation?" Yep, it's true. But it has nothing to do with this product or the toys.

Anyway... The neked dollies I've been workin' on got wind of what my plans are for this weekend. When I walked into the kitchen they were ready.

I tried to explain to them the importance of being fully clothed when doing home improvement projects and that ankle socks and Mary Janes' don't qualify as "fully clothed." So they agreed to sit by the wood stove and watch.

Have a terrific weekend!!
Wish me luck!
:> )

Only One More Day!!!

2012-01-05T06:42:00.002-05:00

Then I'll get crackin' on tackling the kitchen counter tops!! YaY!! I am beyond excited! If I could do a cartwheel, I'd do one right now!

Sure, we'll be without running water and a cook top for three days but who the heck cares?!

Man, I am really looking forward to this! My hubs, not so much. But I promised him no arguing. 'Course I had my fingers crossed when I said that. **giggle**

I'll keep you posted!!
:> )

Brrrr!!! Frigid Temps This Mornin'...

2012-01-04T08:41:00.004-05:00

Nope, it isn't a figure of speech. You really can freeze "it" off.

Stay warm!!
:> )

Snow And Sniffles...

2012-01-03T07:35:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year!!

Or is it? We rang in the new year with my sweet hubs getting a sore throat and cold. Poor thing. So when the clock struck midnight instead of a kiss, I gave him a friendly wave from across the living room. Sorry sweetheart, I love you with all my heart but your germs, not so much. Stay the heck over there.

As many of you know, men don't handle getting a cold very well. The moaning, the groaning, the whining the carrying on. By Saturday evening I handed him an Academy Award for Best Actor in a Drama for his role in, "OMG I Have The Sniffles And I'm Going To Die." (Trust me, he was well deserving of it.)

I couldn't help but giggle when he said to me yesterday, "See, I wasn't as bad as I usually get when I'm sick." I thought, "Really?? Then who was I with these past 48 hours??"

Needless to say he is on the mend and so is my sanity. YaY!

Happy Tuesday all!
:> )

Counting Down...

2011-12-30T17:26:00.004-05:00

I remember back in my glory days getting all gussied up to head out for a fun night on New Year's Eve. A sparkly dress, big hair and high heels.
Now it's sweat pants, pillow head and big wool socks. Honestly, I'm not even sure I'll be able to keep my peepers open 'til midnight. Heck, the time I now get all drowsy is about the time I used to head out! My how times change.

Man 2011 flew by, didn't it? They say the older you get the faster the time goes by. I can vouch for that.

I've never been one to say "good riddance" to any year no matter how bad it was. Every day the good Lord above allows me to wake up, is always a good day no matter what. I am grateful and happy.

I'm also not one for New Year's resolutions. Too much pressure. But I have decided to make some changes in my life. Like simplifying more and getting even more back to basics.

"The ability to simplify means to eliminate the unnecessary so that the necessary may speak." Hans Hofman
That's good advice.

Happy New Year, Folks!! I look forward to 2012 with more creating, more stories and antics from Steve the Chipmunk and life at the Countryfolk Homestead with my sweet hubs and furbabies!! I hope you'll stop by often and enjoy them with me.

God bless and I'll see ya next year!! **wink**wink**
(Ah man, that joke never gets old!)
:> )

And she brought forth her first born son...

2011-12-23T18:37:00.004-05:00

Nativity at Night

wrapped in swaddling clothes, and laid him in a manger; because there was no room at the inn.

And there were in the same country shepherds abiding in the field, keeping watch over their flock at night.

And, lo, the angel of the Lord came upon them, and the glory of the Lord shone round about them; and they were sore afraid.

And the angel said unto them, Fear not; for, behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy, which shall be to all people.

For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Saviour, which is Christ the Lord.

And this shall be a sign unto you; Ye shall find the babe wrapped in swaddling clothes, lying in the manger.

And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God, and saying,

Glory to God in the highest and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Luke 2:7-14

Wishin' you all a blessed Christmas.
♥

♥

2011-12-20T13:48:00.004-05:00

Want Some Great Advice?

2011-12-16T16:24:00.002-05:00

Have a great weekend, folks.
Remember to enjoy nature too.
:> )

I've Been Deckin' The Halls...

2011-12-13T12:51:00.004-05:00

Which is why I haven't been posting much. But I'll share some photos of what I've been deckin'!

There's still more deckin' to do so I'll post more when I'm done.

:> )

"People are often unreasonable and self-centered...

2011-12-08T10:24:00.002-05:00

Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are honest, people may cheat you. Be honest anyway.
If you find happiness, people may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today may be forgotten tomorrow. Do good anyway.
Give the world the best you have and it may never be enough. Give your best anyway.
For you see, in the end, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway."
~Mother Teresa

♥

I'm Goin' For It...

2011-12-04T23:05:00.004-05:00

Yes, I finally decided to jump in head first and try Rustoleum's Countertop Transformations in my kitchen.
After using their wonderful Cabinet Transformations kit on our cabinets, our 1980's laminate counter tops look hideous.
But in this horrible economy, I certainly don't have 6 grand in change I can dig out of our couch cushions nor am I willing to sell an organ to pay for new counter tops. So this is right up my alley. Besides, I am always up for a fun, home improvement challenge!

Here is pic of how it's supposed to look when completed. Kind of has the look of Corian. It will look perfect in my country kitchen.

I also ordered a new kitchen faucet. No more leaks! YaY!! This was my only Black Friday online purchase I made. Oh how I love me a good bargain!

After watching the Countertop Transformations video and seeing what's involved, I don't plan on doing it until after the holidays.

I broke the news to my hubs and he was "thrilled." Even though I love the man with all my heart, we don't work well together when it comes to home improvement projects. You see, I know everything about it and he knows nothing. That's never the case, but it's what I believe. **giggle** The problem is I need another set of hands so I roped him into helping me. Hopefully we won't want to kill each other in the process. But there's no telling.

I know many are interested in this product so I plan on taking lots of photos and sharing my experience with everyone here on my blog. I even thought about video taping but if it doesn't go well, curse words will most likely fly out of my mouth. So I wouldn't want to video tape that.

I'll keep you posted.
:> )

They'd Love To Sit Under Your Christmas Tree...

2011-11-30T08:03:00.003-05:00

and rummage through all your gifts.

See you tonight on TDIPT Mercantile.

:> )

Have You Been Naughty Or Nice...

2011-11-28T08:05:00.004-05:00

Uh-oh. Looks like we know the answer to that question.

Ummm... Enjoy your coal.

Santa Claus and Hermie the Elf Firewood Folks© are my December offerings on TDIPT Mercantile and will be available Wednesday night.

:> )

Get Your eBay Biddin' Finger Ready...

2011-11-27T11:36:00.005-05:00

Tonight starts our TDIPT Winter Wonderland group launch!!!YaY!!!

Here's a peek at what I'm offerin'!

Gingerbelle and her Gingerbread Man Cookie...

Sherla and Baby Freeze...

Hope to see you tonight!!

:> )

"Thanksgiving is the holiday of peace...

2011-11-24T07:26:00.001-05:00

the celebration of work and the simple life... a true folk-festival that speaks the poetry of the turn of the seasons, the beauty of seedtime and harvest, the ripe product of the year - and the deep, deep connection of all these things with God." ~Ray Stannard Baker

Wishing you and your families a blessed and happy Thanksgiving!! Be thankful! Be grateful! Be happy! Enjoy your life!!

God bless...
♥

Tom Tried Being Inconspicuous...

2011-11-23T09:40:00.002-05:00

as they waited for the first Thanksgiving dinner.

:> )

Who Can It Be Now...

2011-11-18T14:43:00.003-05:00

Here's a sneak peek at what I've been workin' on...

I'll keep ya posted.
Have a terrific weekend!!
:> )

Happily Waiting For Bodies...

2011-11-15T22:13:00.002-05:00

Hmmmm... Pointy ears? Could that one on the right be Leonard Nimoy? Wonder if I can make him do the Vulcan salute? ((giggle))

I'll keep you posted.
Until then... "Live long and prosper."
:> )

It's Veterans Day...

2011-11-11T06:44:00.001-05:00

But remember, you can thank a vet every day of the week.
♥
Thank you to those who are serving, have served and to those who are no longer with us.
You are truly the bravest and have my utmost respect.
God bless you and your families.
♥

This Is How You Do It In The Country...

2011-11-10T09:42:00.006-05:00

My hubs pumpkin pie etiquette is something to be desired. He prefers shovelfuls to slices.

I baked it yesterday and this is how I found it in the refrigerator this mornin'.

He's lucky he's such a good man and I love him so, otherwise I'd kill him.
;> )

That's Right! You Tell Him, Tom!

2011-11-06T18:08:00.006-05:00

I love Thanksgiving.

Besides, it's much too early to have "Grandma Got Run Over By A Reindeer" blaring in my ears as I grocery shop.
:> )

"HEY GRANDMA...

2011-11-03T19:41:00.003-04:00

I'VE GOT A NICE LITTLE FIREWOOD FOLK FOR YA, TA HAVE!!"

My Little Red Riding Hood is spoken for, but I wanted to share her with you.

I am a H-U-G-E Bugs Bunny fan and one of my all time favorites is "Little Red Riding Rabbit."
Enjoy!

:> )

October 31st Is Tomorrow...

2011-10-30T22:49:00.003-04:00

and besides it being Halloween, it's also update night on the Merc!!

I'll be offerin' Aversa the Maple Leaf. She's in the latest issue of "PRIMS" magazine.

So tomorrow night why not grab yourself a handful of Halloween candy and visit us on TDIPT Mercantile!
You can chomp on a Snickers bar and see all the wonderful offerings we have.
Chocolate and Primitives. It's doesn't get any better than that! Well... chocolate, primitives and Hugh Jackman feeding you that Snickers bar.
Yep, that would be better.
See you then!
:> )

What the?! Snow Is In The Forecast For Tomorrow..

2011-10-26T14:30:00.004-04:00

As Darla cozies up to the wood stove,

Steve is racking his brain wondering,
"Where the #@*$ did I put my long johns?!"

Stay warm everyone and enjoy nature.
:> )

I Know I've Shared This...

2011-10-23T22:45:00.003-04:00

cookie recipe with you in the past but they are just so daggum delicious I thought I should post it again.

I just made a batch on Saturday for our neighbor who had surgery. I managed to stash a few away for myself but you didn't hear that from me. *wink*wink*

Man, I have a serious addiction to these cookies. Well, truth be told I have a serious addiction to most cookies but these in particular.

Iced Pumpkin Cookies
(they are more cake-like)

2 1/2 C - all-purpose flour
1 tps - baking powder
1 tsp - baking soda
2 tsp - ground cinnamon
1/2 tsp - ground nutmeg
1/2 tsp - ground cloves
1/2 tsp - salt
1/2 C - butter, softened
1 1/2 C - white sugar
1 C - canned pumpkin puree
1 egg
1 tsp - vanilla extract

Cream Cheese Frosting:

8 oz - softened cream cheese
1/2 C - softened butter
1 tsp - vanilla2-3 C - confectioners' sugar

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Combine flour, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, nutmeg, ground cloves, and salt; set aside.

In a medium bowl, cream together the butter and white sugar. Add pumpkin, egg, and vanilla to butter mixture, and beat until creamy. Mix in dry ingredients. Drop on cookie sheet by tablespoonfuls; flatten slightly.

Bake for 15 minutes. Let cool, then frost.

Note:
I really like to load up my cookies with the cream cheese frosting. If you prefer a lightly iced cookie, you can cut the frosting recipe in half. (But personally, I think you'd be nuts to do so!)

Enjoy!
As you can see, I sure did.
Shhh...

These are a perfect treat for Thanksgiving and Christmas.
Or for Polar Bear Day, No Socks Day, Squirrel Appreciation Day, Left Hander's Day, Race Your Mouse Day, Marooned without a Compass Day, Clean Your Refrigerator Day, Wear Brown Shoes Day...

:> )

Get Your Bidding Finger Ready...

2011-10-16T22:39:00.004-04:00

I listed the last of my 2011 Halloween Firewood Folks on eBay!!

Just click on the "My eBay" button to go directly to my page.

:> )

"People See God Everyday...

2011-10-11T08:18:00.002-04:00

they just don't recognize Him."
~Pearl Bailey

♥

It Was A Picture Perfect Autumn Day...

2011-10-09T18:40:00.007-04:00

Great to do some leaf peepin' along the trail behind the ol' Countryfolk homestead.

I can't tell you how thrilled I was to see these girls just riding horses and not talking on their cell phones too! Yippee!!!

This lil' fella greeted us but then had no interest in us whatsoever. Maybe if I had a pocket full of Whiskas Temptations he'd be whistlin' a different tune.

The Canada geese were flying high... and North. Uh-oh. Looks like someone could use a TomTom.

What Would Jesus Do? Well, I know He wouldn't deface someone's private property like this.

Finally, a perfect photo to end a perfect day.

I'll be back with more photos during the week. Remember to enjoy nature.
:> )

I've Been Doing A Lil' Decorating...

2011-10-05T07:19:00.005-04:00

(I made a band for the witch hat that appropriately reads,
"The Witch Is In." ((giggle))

And doing a lil' leaf peepin'...

But I'll be back in another few days with more photos to share.
:> )

An October Sneak Peek...

2011-09-30T06:53:00.002-04:00

Here's my latest offering on TDIPT Mercantile.

He will be available tonight!
(Rebekah H. Design Studio pattern was used.)

:> )

When You Grab The Latest Issue Of PRIMS Magazine...

2011-09-29T16:04:00.002-04:00

Be sure to check out my maple leaf dollie.

:> )

Happy Monday...

2011-09-26T07:48:00.002-04:00

This weekend I celebrated being on this planet another year. I won't tell you how old I am, but let's just say if I had to buy an anniversary gift for the same number of years, it would be "Optical Goods." Which really works out well because I can't see anything up close anymore. Either my readers need readers or I need 9 foot arms. At this point in my life, I'd take either or.

So being another year older, I "look forward" to more crows feet and more wrinkles in my knees. Where I used to have bags under my eyes, I now have luggage. Try as I might, I can no longer suck in my stomach and at times when stepping out of the shower and looking in the mirror, I swear it smiles back at me.

But all in all, I am extremely happy and grateful. I may be wrinklier, chubbier and blinder but I feel truly blessed with my life. ♥

Yesterday I had one piece of birthday cake left with a candle in it. But when I went to eat it, it was gone. Hubs said he didn't eat it and I sure as heck didn't.
Then it dawned on me. Steve was MIA all day...

:> )

"Delicious Autumn...

2011-09-23T07:00:00.002-04:00

My very soul is wedded to it, and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns."
~George Eliot

Smile.
It's autumn.

Enjoy nature.
:> )

"Happiness is...

2011-09-19T07:43:00.002-04:00

not the absence of problems but the ability to deal with them."
~ H. Jackson Brown Jr.

Kick all your troubles in the shin and have a terrific week!

:> )

Can you Guess What Today Is...

2011-09-17T08:28:00.002-04:00

It's Constitution Day!! YaY!!

So if you don't have one of these...

Get one of these.
Your very own pocket Constitution.

We're never too old to learn.
♥

As Steve frolicked and played in the tree...

2011-09-15T08:02:00.002-04:00

far away from his home, he became paralyzed with the dreaded thought:

"Did I leave the iron on?!"

Enjoy nature.
But remember to shut off all small appliances before you do.
:> )

"Things which matter most...

2011-09-12T12:05:00.002-04:00

must never be at the mercy of things which matter least." Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe

Simplify.
Enjoy nature too.
:> )

They were...

2011-09-10T23:02:00.005-04:00

husbands, wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons,

sisters, brothers, grandmas, grandpas, aunts & uncles.

They were...

someone's family.

Never forget them.
♥

Still Looking For Noah...

2011-09-08T12:58:00.007-04:00

Man, we are waterlogged here in Central New York!

These hurricane and tropical storms have dumped unbelievable amounts of rain on us. Heck, we live on a hill but we still had water in our basement. Our county is now in a state of emergency. Some folks had 5' of water in their basement.
Wish there was a way I could pipe it to everyone in Texas!

It was so bad last night, I saw Steve the Chipmunk in a scuba wetsuit and flippers.

But this morning I was so happy Bob the Woodchuck (who lives under our old brooder house) make a brief and soggy appearance.

You can't tell from this angle, but he's wearing nose plugs. He plans on practicing his cannonball dives.
He mentioned something about being on the Marmot Olympics dive team...

Steve was finally able to put away the scuba wetsuit and flippers. But is now being considered for a role in the new "Sea Hunt" movie. He would replace Lloyd Bridges in the role of Mike Nelson, the ex-navy frogman.
Ummm... make that ex-navy "frogmunk."

I heard about it on TMZ.

Enjoy nature.
But bring an umbrella and your own ark.

:> )

Uh-oh...

2011-09-06T13:28:00.002-04:00

Steve got wind I made an apple pie yesterday.

He's plotting how to break in and open the refrigerator with those tiny chipmunk paws.

It may be too late to get an ADT system...

Enjoy nature.
:> )

Be Sure To Look For Our Ad...

2011-09-03T12:46:00.003-04:00

In the debut issue of Folk magazine!!

♥

They Were Mothers, Fathers, Sisters and Brothers...

2011-08-29T06:52:00.005-04:00

Aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas and grandpas.

It will be 10 years.

They are gone but never forgotten...

Somber Liberty is my very special TDIPT Mercantile offering for September 1st.

♥

"After Every Storm...

2011-08-25T18:45:00.002-04:00

the sun will smile; for every problem there is a solution, and the soul's indefeasible duty is to be of good cheer." ~William R. Alger

To all my friends who may be in Hurricane Irene's path, it's better to be safe than sorry.
Please be prepared and be safe.

♥

Breaking News...

2011-08-23T19:22:00.005-04:00

News agencies are now reporting it was not an earthquake near our nation's capital, but our Founding Fathers collectively rolling over in their graves.
News at 11...

I didn't feel a thing but everyone else around here did.
:> )

Sorry I've Been MIA...

2011-08-22T07:46:00.004-04:00

But I've been enjoying all the beauty around me.
Heck, can you blame me??

Apples are always so happy...

Remember to enjoy nature.
:> )

Who Needs A Hug...

2011-08-17T09:24:00.003-04:00

Sweet Niniveh is the perfect hug giver!

She's now available on my Countryfolk Keepsakes website.
Scoot on over. She's waiting for you...
:> )

LOOK!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-08-14T15:50:00.004-04:00

Quick!!! Somebody grab some smelling salts 'cause I'm gonna pass ou...
**THUD**

I can't believe it!!! I actually have a legit red tomato!!!

Steve the Chipmunk better not even THINK of messing with it.
He may be tiny, but I won't hesitate to use a Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu move on him if I have to!

When it's ready, I shall have a huge "Plucking of the Tomato" ceremony!
I wonder if I can get a marching band on such short notice???
:> )

My Veggie Garden Is A Complete Freak Show...

2011-08-11T20:49:00.004-04:00

I don't know if it's the dang heat and humidity, or GM crops or an invasion of corn obsessed garden gnomes, but you wouldn't believe what's been growing in my garden!

I've got zucchini and squash the size of watermelons and bitter curly-Q cukes. Giant sunflowers that barely grew knee cap high and lots of green, unripe tomatoes.

Then out of 12 stalks of corn, only one, puny stalk survived.
But I was happy to see two lovely ears on it. So I plucked 'em off, pulled down their husks and found this.

YIKES!!! Looks like this corn is for folks with what we call "sommer teeth." Some 'er here... Some 'er there...

My green tomatoes have been green for a month! Sure I can have fried green tomatoes but I want me a BLT with a red tomato.
I can't begin to tell you how frustrated this has made me!!

So frustrated that I took matters into my own hands...

THERE! Now I have a red tomato!!!
So what if I painted it. At least it's red.

Remember to enjoy nature. Even if it occasionally ticks you off.
:> )

What If The Mayans Were Just Pullin' Our Leg...

2011-08-11T07:44:00.003-04:00

:> )

Sherry's Cabin Is Having A Give-Away...

2011-08-09T19:47:00.002-04:00
YAY!!!
Not only is she an extremely talented artist, she is one of the sweetest, God-lovin' gals I'm blessed to know. ♥

So be sure to stop by her blog and enter to win!

She also has awesome critters like Ima Jean and Gus McBray who even have their own Facebook pages! Man, the stories those two tell!!
Someday me and Steve the Chipmunk hope to visit them in Texas.
I wonder if they make wee chaps and spurs??
:> )

New Skin Is My Friend...

2011-08-06T17:35:00.004-04:00
After getting my glue gun back from Steve I was able to do a project I've been dyin' to try.

I love my rustic chandeliers but thought they were rather boring. I really love the dripped candle wax look, but when I looked around on the internet I couldn't find any sleeves I liked.
Enter my glue gun...

I was so pleased with the outcome, that I will actually admit it was worth all the burns I got on my fingers from that d*mn thing!

Who cares if I have permanently removed all my finger prints.
:> )

I'm On To Him Now...

2011-08-05T08:01:00.002-04:00
The other day, I searched high and low for my glue gun.

Then it dawned on me where it could be...

Sure enough, "Sticky Fingers" Steve the Chipmunk struck again.

I think he needs an intervention.

Enjoy nature.
:> )

I'm Alright...

2011-08-01T08:09:00.014-04:00
Really, I'm fine. I'm just a lil' nutty.

I've been kickin' around the idea of painting our vaulted wood ceiling in the kitchen for years and I finally did it!

Believe me, I'm not one to paint over any wood. But after all the hard work I put into my kitchen cabinets, the early 80's wood ceiling was looking tired, dated and quite frankly, orange.

So off to the paint store I did go.

The biggest obstacle for me was dealing with my acrophobia.
But after clingin' to the step ladder for dear life and prayin' to the good Lord above not to take me just yet, I finished it in a few days.

A big "Thank You" to my dear, sweet hubs who cringes when I tackle projects like this and swears he won't help me but always does. ♥ He painted the tippy top after seeing my knees knock in fear after being on the third rung.

Now I have a fantastic "new" farmhouse kitchen for just the cost of paint. Best of all, I didn't fall off the ladder. The only casualty was I stubbed my big toe on it.

Next... Resurfacing the counter tops.
Electric power tools + Me = Yikes!!!
I'll keep you posted.
:> )