Poolside Picnic

With the construction of a new pool this summer I have been so starry eyed about setting a beautiful outdoor tablescape, along with the encouragement of a few friends. Since we are still waiting to complete the concrete decking around the pool tablescaping has been on hold, until....

...now!  But, I see no reason why I can't have a poolside picnic, can you?

The weather is just fine tonight and the water is quite inviting so...

maybe we'll have a few drinks.

And something to eat before we go for a dip.

Speaking of dips, here's one of my newest serving pieces.  I think it's perfect for pool side dipping.

When your ready to eat, I'll pull out the dishes.

I found these melamine salad cuties on clearance at Walmart.  I need one more to complete a set of four and thought that I would find it at another Walmart, but have yet to come across one.  Isn't that how it goes?

I chose these napkins because they remind me of tiles in the pool and the blue glass napkin rings remind me of the water.

A few utensils and we are almost ready.

 I  even have a safe place for the food, if we decide to swim first.

If it get's too late we can light up the lanterns.

That wonderful aroma you smell is from the centerpiece.  I just had to work a gardenia in here somewhere.

These pebbles represent everything about our wait to have a pool someday, so I thought they would be appropiate for our very first poolside tablescape.

Would you rather go for a swim first?

What?  Okay, I guess dinner can wait a bit.

and wait...

and wait.

Should I light the candles now?

Well yes, it is just a tad bit late now.

Maybe, I should just serve breakfast instead?

LOL!

Thanks for stopping by for my very first poolside tablescape.  Please be sure and visit the following link for the more wonderful visions of tablescaping inspirations at

BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday.

Have a wonderful day and weekend!

Mary

The Joys of Summer Reading

Last night we finally had a few more wonderful evening showers.  We have been completely dry almost all summer with the exception of last weeks evening showers.  I am soooo thankful for this rain!  I certainly hope there is more to come because we have all really needed it.

The crepe myrtles are finally starting to get heavy with blooms.

Do you like to read?  I certainly do, especially when it's a great book.  I have been so slack over the years about making the time to enjoy a good book.  I guess that's what happens when you become a busy  Mom and wife.  Somehow, the simple pleasure of enjoying a good book always takes a back seat to everything else with me, even though I think it's one of the healthiest things you can do.

Maybe it's because when I read a good book, I usually just cannot put it down until it's finished.  That's probably why I've so many magazine subscriptions.  They are so much easier to pick up and put down and thumb through at leisure.  But, this summer I've been enjoying getting back to reading again. 

It all started with this book.  I got this signed copy from my Mother when she was cleaning out some of her bookshelves.  One of her clients gave this to her.   My mother absolutely loves to read and is a regular at the local library every week.  I was quite surprised that she was going to give me this signed book of one of our popular SC authors and didn't hesitate to question her about that too.  She assured me it was fine after stating that this book was not really her taste. 

 I love this author and was very excited to get it, though this is where it sat all spring until I decided to read it this summer. 

 OMG what a story! Since this is an older book, and has been around for quite awhile some of you avid readers may recall what I'm talking about. It's not what I would call a comforting read, in fact it's quite disturbing at times.  I'm not going to give it all away here so you'll just have to read it yourself if your interested, though I will say I was quite envious of the friendships described in this book.  

All in all, I could not put it down  and I think this book is what reawakened that long overdue desire for snuggling down with a good book.

Before it got too hot outside, I enjoyed spending time out here during the day to read.  My front porch has late evening sun so it's fairly shaded during most of the day.  It has ceiling fans as well and our hammock chair that sits low enough so it's quite a private and cozy spot to read.

I just read this book last week, but I've been on this author for several weeks now.  I found this book to be quite enjoyable.  The red hat club ladies were a popular group around here a few years back in our town too, though I've never really understood the significance of it all until now. I remember several red hat customers and thinking it had to do only with old age, but it's more about women, divorce and sisterhood.  I read this book in a matter of a few days quite easily!  It was a smooth read for me. 

 I've also read all the other titles from this author that our "smaller" local branch library carries, which was only a few.  I started with "Ladies of the Lake" (I'm sure you get why) and then "Waking up in Dixie", both were very enjoyable.  She has many more books that I plan to order transfers from another branch.  I really have enjoyed her easy reading style. You can visit her official website for a complete listing of all her books.

Another great spot I like to read is on my screened porch out back.  I used to have my lounging hammock out here for years and loved it, but am trying out a few chairs this year.  We have a ceiling fan out here as well and it helps a lot but it's still too hot for reading outside.  I really do hope we cool down soon!

This is my current read at the moment.  I just started reading it yesterday and am already two thirds of the way through.  I've enjoyed looking at this authors blog, Designs by Gollum, quite a bit already.  After hearing many other blogger reviews of her books I knew I wanted to read these.  Since I've been so very slack about keeping up with current reads over the years I'm excited that I will have plenty of her books to enjoy.  Check out

her official website for more titles.

 I went to our library in hopes of getting her book called "Gone With A Handsomer Man" but had to order a transfer on it as well.  Much to my surprise they did have this one and I was thrilled because I remember someone else saying how enjoyable this book was.  So far I am loving it!  I can just smell the Alabama coast from the way it is described in this book though I've never actually been there.  LOL!  I'm hustling through this story much faster then I thought I would.  Though much to my relief because they have already called to tell me my other book is in.  

 I have such a hard time with remembering names and titles that I find I often can't be if sure I've read a book until I start reading it again.  I'm considering putting together a book list here on my blog to help keep up with that.  So, don't be surprised if you see one pop up in my pages.

In case you missed it from yesterday's post, I am keeping this blog comment free for awhile.

I believe reading is one of the healthiest things you can do for yourself .  It is quite relaxing, but also mentally stimulates the brain as well.   That is why I'm putting this out here today for my own

Wellness Wednesday post.

Hope you have a great day and thank you so much for visiting!

Mary

Fleeing the Coop!

Do you do Roos's? I didn't!  That is until I started decor blogging last year, and saw how warm and friendly they made all of your spaces.  Then suddenly they had wonderful new appeal.  However, too much of anything is never a good thing, and so it goes with me and blogging in general.

  Last year, I added quite a few Roo's to my home and posted about them here if you would like to see all of those.  I still find myself wistfully looking at them in the stores but I have decided to reign them in this year.  I am feeling much the same about blogging lately too.  But, more on that in just a bit, first I want to share a few new pretties who are joining the hen party this year.

This sturdy male took up roost by the door.

Isn't he quite the gentry?

The kitchen cupboard has a few hanging around.

Here's one who refuses to stay inside!

I must say, he is quite a colorful character!

But... this little sweetie from Cracker Barrel stole my heart!

Oh, why oh why, didn't I catch more of these when I had the chance!

Thank you Sheila for hosting another Heart of the Home party, Roosters and Chickens

 again this year.  Please go to 

Sheila's at Note Songs

to see more hens in the pen!

I have made a big decision regarding my blogging style.  I have decided for the time being to turn off all comments.  I have decided to do this so that you and I can enjoy blogging more "without" all the strings attached as far as I am concerned.  

It has been a pleasure getting to know many of you and I have always appreciated your comments.  But... I often find myself making too much of it all!

  I've been up and down so many times this past year, judged and misjudged and have nearly quit blogging all together many times for this very reason.  I enjoy blogging and visiting others, though I do not comment on many that I peep at often, no pun intended.  LOL!

  I find myself  really needing to move on with my time online these days.  I feel quite guilty and have been so misjudged when I don't find the time to respond to my commentors or visit and comment on all those I like to follow.  Not to mention a few of you who have even misjudged my comments to you.

  My statistics show me that I have quite a few who visit my blog regularly who are not even followers and never comment.  I am sure many of you have those as well.  Quite frankly, this style of "no comment" blogging is quite appealing to me!  I find the thought of it very freeing at this time in my life. 

 My plate is quite full these days and I am done stressing over this blog and all the real or perceived issues and attitudes that come with it due to the commenting factor.  Hopefully, this will be the last time I will ever have to cluck about this issue again.      

I do hope you will continue to enjoy following along with me when your so inclined but if you don't that's okay too, because the reality is, it's just a blog online.  Inspiration and designs come and go, but lost time can never be retrieved.  So my gift to all of you when you visit me is, you get to take a peep and move on giving you more time for all the other important things in life.

Time is precious Y'all, make the most of it! 

I'm certainly going too!   

  

Lady Bug, Lady Bug...

...fly away home!  And, that is exactly what they have done, only to my home!  Before I show you my newest tablescape creation, I have a little secret to share with you.  I have not always been such a big fan of ladybugs!  Now, I do remember finding quite a bit of delight in them as a child when you push their bottoms and they up and fly away.  Though as an adult, they have caused me more suffering then joy.  What in the world, you say?

When we lived across town in our old house I had french doors in our dining room that led out to a sunny back deck.  Unfortunately, the ladybugs were very attracted to the southern exposure of our back deck with it's double doors that lead inside.  A couple of times every year these bugs would swarm to get inside from fall through spring.  Much to my dismay they were quite successful at it as well.

I used to have to get the shop vac out regularly to get them all sucked up, because they arrived in masses!

  Okay, before you go getting all sentimental on me let me further explain why.  Apparently, I suffer from ladybug allergies.  It took me quite a few years to discover what was going on, but by process of elimination I figured out these little creatures were the culprit of my discomfort.  Without fail when they arrived I would feel really bad.  My symptoms included headaches, sinus troubles and eventually breathing difficulties, often making me think I just had a chest cold.  But after suspecting they were the trigger and doing quite a bit of research online I found out I am not alone.  I also found it quite amazing because I have very few allergies in general such as sulphites and those curly, hairy thingys from oak trees.  So, as I hope you can understand now why I said I was not a big ladybug fan...until recently that is!

This is what started the return of my ladybug love.  

When I found these cream and sugar pieces at Ross, I immediately fell in love.  

 I hope you can endure these photos, as I've set this table this morning and the sun is streaming in! I don't think I'll have more time to do this post this evening before dinner so please forgive.

I had no idea at the time I bought the cream and sugar pieces that I would also eventually find the dishes to match.  But I am sooo glad that I did!

I just love these plates!  They also had salad plates to go with the set but they were a bit different and I wasn't as crazy about them so I didn't get those.  

Besides, I remembered my Christmas salad plates and thought they would be a perfect compliment.

The only thing is, these plates have such raised details that I didn't want to set the salad plates on top.

So, I used them as part of the centerpiece instead.

I also knew immediately I would use my black checked napkins.

Do you remember this napkin ring idea?  I used it last year on my fall tablescape.

I love my new black bamboo flatware with this setting too.

It's give us a very outdoorsy feel even though we are inside because it continues to be over 100 degrees here in South Carolina.  Yes, I am soooo over this extreme heat, yall!

The green goblets remind me of the fresh green grass on my plates.

I brought my Oregano in from the screened porch to use as my centerpiece.  I think it's very fitting for this setting, but I also wanted to show you something I found in the dirt outside near the deck and pool construction area.

It is a ladybug pick to go in your pots.  I can't remember if this is mine or possibly the previous owners.  I think it is so wild that I just found this now.

Think you could stands a few bugs at the table too?  If so you better get on over to Ross soon, I'm sure these plates won't stick around long.

LOL!

I am joining BNOTP for Tablescape Thursday today.  Please enjoy many more tablescapes by clicking on the words above.  You will be glad you did!

The following is a list of my info on my setting;

Dinner Plates; Hausenware designed by Libby Wilke purchased from Ross

Salad Plates; Holiday Gatherings from Lenox purchased from Belks

Cream and Sugar; Hausenware purchased from Ross

Flatware; Bamboo purchased from Home Goods

Napkins; Black checked purchased from Old Time Pottery

Glasses; Better Homes and Garden purchased from Walmart

Thanks for visiting today and leave me a note if you did.

I love to hear from you!

Have a great day everyone!

Mary

A win-win for many!

Did you miss it?  I almost did, but I am so glad I didn't.  I've been hit and miss quite a bit on the blogging lately due to all the excitement going on around here.  So I was very glad I remembered to log on at the last minute.  Quite literally, I cast my bid on the evening of the very last day. 

 Last week our friend Susan from My Place to Yours hosted her very first online Auction.  I was quite amazed at what she had up for auction and her prices were fantastic!  It was quite a thrill for a table scaper wanna be like me.  She also has an online Etsy shop for those of you missed the auction.  She had everything set up with her auction so professionally that bidding and paying was a breeze.  Immediately after the auction was over I was notified by email of my win and with just a click of the attached Paypal button my prize was on the way!

Two days later my purchase arrived!

I was blown away by her beautiful packaging too.  Seriously, I just loved the details!  I love her stickers and that adorable ribbon she used to secure the paper.

As if  all that was not wonderful enough, she also included this little card.  I first thought that it was her own stationary with a thank you note, but it was so much more than that.

Because when I turned it over, I found instructions on how to care for Linens.  OMG!  How fantastic!

So what did I win?  Here it is!  It is vintage Irish linen in Red!  Unlike many of you, I have so few accents in Red, but I just fell in love with these.  I immediately knew I would use these around Christmas time but I am thinking they may be used more often too.  

This is called a traycloth and the set included two napkins as well.  I think it is just the right size for adding a wonderful splash of red to a beautiful tablescape or side table as well as a tray.   

But....what I really wanted to share is that for this auction Susan is donating part of her proceeds to one her favorite charities, Hope Unlimited. 

 How cool is that?  It certainly helped me decide to participate!  I am all for joining in when I know that something I am purchasing is also going to help another. 

 That is why I chose the home party business I am in, Initial Outfitters, which donates a portion of sales to Charlie's Lunch. 

 Many times people will not give to a charity or participate because they have a preconceived notion about either being duped or have a negative attitude about giving to charities in general.  This kinda makes me a little sad, especially when you are getting something in return.  I just don't understand why anyone would shy away from helping another when it also benefits you.  Seriously, I just don't get it! 

 I do believe that should NOT be ones only motivation to give, and you do have to be careful about whom you donate to.  But in my business, I have heard some say No, I only give to my church or certain charities.  I think this clean cut attitude across the board is just wrong.  If we all thought that way there would be so little help given to those who really need it. I want to encourage all of you not to shy away from those opportunities to help and give back especially when it is so easy and painless for you to do so!  The rewards of knowing your purchase has not only given you a delight but has also given someone else HOPE is the best feeling ever!  So please consider!  I have shared this with you today for my Meditating Monday.  Think about it!  Okay?

Thanks for visiting today!

Mary