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thanks, bj

Wednesday, September 7, 2011

Fluffing and getting FLUFFED...

I am trying to get ready for FALL. The days and nights are so much cooler, I just want to KISS 'EM.
I bought two little wall vases from POTTERY BARN (why do I feel the need to CAPITALIZE) a few years ago and I've really enjoyed them. I keep fresh flowers in them all thru the summer ...well, when I HAVE fresh flowers. Of course, with the drought and heat all summer, we didn't have one single fresh flower to cut.
In the winter, I sometimes use cuttings of Burford Holly...especially at Christmas time. The bushes are usually just loaded with the red berries they are so famous for. I almost lost 5 Burford Holly bushes this summer but I think they are surviving.
I just love going out during the Christmas holiday and cutting some little limbs, full of the berries and making little tiny arrangements to scatter throughout the house. They look great in these little vases with a red and white polka dot ribbon...  ♥♥
MOST of the time, however,  I use fabulous fauxs. There's some amazing ones out there. I put these in the little vases this morning.
This little fall arrangement is light and airy and has NO ORANGE.
Orange is just about my least favorite color. I tend to use the darker reds and golds..and browns throughout FALL. 

Now, I DO love the orange pumpkins. Is there anyone that doesn't
love Pumpkin Orange during Autumn.? I also love the whites, blacks and polka dot pumpkins. I am in love with all GLASS pumpkins and now I'm getting hungry for a PUMPKIN PIE, covered in the best, sweetest whipped cream. !!
HURRY UP, THANKSGIVING. 
******
Isn't it so fun to change things up in our homes? It seems like just ONE single thing added or moved can make a difference in a room.
I added this colorful bouquet to my living room, in the frenchy vase and it brought FALL right into the room.
A few years ago, I was active on RATE MY SPACE. Everyone started saying "get rid of all those fauxs..the flowers..the plants..they are ugly and we don't want 'em anymore!"
Well, I still LIKED my fauxs..especially the nicer ones...like these above from Pier 1. So, I didn't get *rid* of mine and I am sooo glad. It pays to listen to your heart on some of the things others are so quick to say, "these aren't IN anymore...throw 'em out."  We gotta do what we gotta do, ya know. :)


THEN, I took my coffee sack down for awhile. I enjoyed it there all summer but while cleaning my breakfast room, I decided I wanted something alive on that wall....a pretty plant..one that would have to survive on LOW light.

This is one of the first walls you see when you come in my house.
I change it up really often...and it is a great place to put seasonal things on for holidays.

I don't really "decorate" for the different holidays other than CHRISTMAS. But, on this rooster chest, I can change it up so easily with wreaths above it, and seasonal decos on top.


 








I added back the chippy white, metal shelf that Mr. Sweet gave me one Christmas and added an IVY that I HOPE will get enuf light in that spot.
I actually want to buy some boards, have Mr. Sweet route them, paint them a creamy white and use some of those awesome black wrought iron brackets like Cote de Texas uses.(drooling all over myself)
Make shelves from the ceiling down to the cabinet..     Then I would fill the shelves with WHITE ironstone....any stone.  I would be looking hi and lo for great WHITE pieces.
"OOOooooo.....Mr. Sweeeet.......got time to route??
I added a couple books to the mix. What is it about BOOKS that just seems to ground everything, I wonder.?
Look, there's that amazing GONE WITH A HANDSOMER MAN by our very own,


Well, by the time I did all this fluffing, it was breakfast time..

DUNKIN DONUTS coffee....in my vintage corning ware pot. 

I started drinking coffee at an early age..my mom and dad and all my aunts, uncles and cousins were HUGE coffee drinkers.
I remember Mother making a cup of coffee for me with sugar and milk in it. Much more milk than coffee...but I was happy.

I FINALLY quit putting milk or cream in my coffee but never could give up the sugar. And, I do love all the coffee creamers they have now that aren't dairy products. LOVE THOSE.



ANOTHER LOVE.....LEMON CURD...OMGosh, I do love it.
I always have a hard time finding something to eat it with.  What do you eat with Lemon Curd?
cookies...
toast...
biscuits...
What else? I bought some plain, vanilla wafers the other day and they are delicious with a little Lemon Curd spread over the top.
I think you can cook with it, too, but I'll have to GOOGLE recipes.
Seems to me that there's a BREAD PUDDING that uses Lemon Curd...and next to
Lemon Curd....I love Bread Pudding.
I searched thru my freezer and came up with these CRUMPETS I made a few months back.
That recipe made a TON of tiny little crumpets so a few bags went into the freezer.

They were sooo good with the smooth, velvety lemon spread on them.

Mr. Sweet isn't crazy about the curd....
more for me 'cause I can eat it with a spoon...
all by itself.   ♥♥ 
THIS could be why my hips are getting a little
FLUFFY.....ya think? 
And, boy, was it all good when I added some thick slices of BROWN SUGAR HAM...
I need another cup of coffee....may I get one for YOU?
Joining with
FULL PLATE THURSDAY
OPEN HOUSE THURSDAY
VINTAGE THINGY THURSDAY
TREASURE HUNT THURSDAY
Thanks, ladies, for hosting .

46 comments:

Blondie's Journal said...

I think the fauxs are a go, BJ! Every 6 months it's yay or nay. I like them when the price of flowers is up or if I have nothing blooming. I like your wall vases and you don't have to worry about changing the water.

I love the shelf with the plant above your cabinet...it looks so pretty with the light coming in. And yes, books everywhere (except I forget where they are).

I read a blog today about a layer cake with a filling of raspberry curd. It looks pretty easy to make...I didn't know you could buy it. Is it by the jams?

I'm so glad you are cooling off. Our prayers are being answered!

XO,
Jane

Sandy said...

you know, the white shelving with the black wrought iron brackets really makes me smile.. I'm trying to get up the energy to remove some of my kitchen cabinets and do just that.. then the vintage corning coffee pot, well that always made such good coffee.
Nice post!
Sandy

Brenda Pruitt said...

I have never had lemon curd! Am I backward or something? I was going to suggest a pothos ivy plant, and that's just what you used. Looks great!
Brenda

Donnie said...

You have such a beautiful, comfy home and I always feel welcome there. Big Don doesn't like lemon but I sure do. I'll have to get me some lemon curd (I've never tried it) and get my lemon fix that way. Take care.

Lynn said...

Everything looks great BJ! I've been bringing out a few fall touches too! I still haven't tried lemon curd but it sure sounds good:@)

Julie Harward said...

Well, for me it has to be fauxs, I just kill plants! I love those shelves..your home is so full of cute things! ;D

Kathleen Grace said...

Your house looks beautiful. I still haven't changed anything around. I hate orange too, (except for pumpkins!) and this time of year when all the fall decor is in the stores it's like one big wall of orange and brown. Bleh.
Your faux flowers look lovely, if there's one thing we have learned it's to do as you please. Some will like it, some may not, but the only thing that matters in your home is if you like it!
I love lemon curd too. What do I eat it with? A spoon:>)

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Loving your fall fluffing! I am with you...not an orange person. I use reds, golds, coppers and browns in the fall.

Kris said...

All lovely things!!!

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

The shelf and plant are perfect on that wall and your idea of the shelves will be stunning too. Now that I see your breakfast, I am so hungry. It's almost time for dinner. I can't wait. Hugs, Marty

Stacey said...

So pretty and so yummy! We have a tearoom here in town that serves little heart shaped scones with lemon curd. Mmmmm.

Always Nesting said...

I always love your posts. It's like I'm sitting in your kitchen at the table wanting to be offered something soooo good to eat :) I pinned the white dish shelves to my inspirations on Pinterest because it's so pretty.

So funny the Rate My Space mention. I posted once and didn't have the strength to ever, ever post again.

On Crooked Creek said...

BJ,
Reds, golds and browns...now you're talking my language!!! Your glass wall pockets are stunning! Coffee and lemon curd...I'll be right there!
Fondly,
Pat

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am about ready to bring out some fall decor now that we have cooler temps! I love coming to visit you but I always get so hungry after looking at your yummy photos!

Bev said...

Run, do not walk, to your grocery store and get Lemon Poppyseed Muffin Mix (not the cheap kind in the bag). YUM with lemon curd!

Francie...The Scented Cottage Studio said...

Love what you've done, it is the little things that make a home extra special. AND I LOVE my faux as well.
They make them look so real these days and I do not care one whit what some faux designer says about them LOL. To me it is my home and I surround myself with what makes me happy...so good to see someone else has her own mind too. (())

Korrie@RedHenHome said...

Your treats look so delicious...I love lemon ANYTHING! Love your little wall vases, too!

Vee said...

Don't listen to any advice about faux flowers. I'm with Mary and you...they work for me.

You sure have quite a thunderstorm going. Molly the Poodle went to hide. ☺

It doesn't matter what we do with our homes as long as we're having fun and changing things up a little bit here and there, which is what you do so very well.

LV said...

As you know by now, you do not buy things you need, just what you think you need. I like the little vases and the way you are using them. I love the Pottery Barn.

Debby said...

Love the addition of the new plant. I have such a brown thumb and would have to use faux.
SO glad it is cooling off for you. We had our highest heat over the week-end and now it is really nice.....60's. I love it.

Never had lemon curd.

NanaDiana said...

Love your Fall "stuff"...and I have to say that I usually come away from your blog feeling like I should EAT SOMETHING!

I have loved lemon curd for years and used to eat it on English muffins that were buttered first~oh yum!

I am glad it is cooling off in Texas...you have certainly had your share of heat! xo Diana

Love Of Quilts said...

Never had lemon curd. Well actually I have never heard of it. It does look good so I'd like that cup of coffee and I'll try your lemon curl if thats ok. I would love to have thoses shelfs IN MY KITCHEN. SO MUCH STORAGE. I like your chippy white, metal shelf to. You picked the right flower for a little light...they are pretty to. Trish

Natasha in Oz said...

Wow, what a newsy and informative post! I can't wait to see how you decorate at Christmas this year BJ, you know it's my favourite time of year!

I hope that weather stays mild for you. I've been watching the news about the terrible weather that you all have been having over there. I hope that things settle down soon.

Best wishes,
Natasha.

Anonymous said...

Beautiful flowers and decoration!
While living at sea and at night we were cold, it's easier to sleep, finally:)
Cak looks very nice and taste!

Have a nice day, kisses:)

www.thewhitefarmhouse2.blogspot.com said...

I just love visiting here. Everything in your home looks so warm and inviting! I wouldn't of thrown out your fauxs either. You have some great ones there! Lemon curd! I think the sun rises and sets on lemon curd! I just love that stuff! I make it and freeze some for later. My deep freeze definitely gets a work out! Love lemon curd on scones and angel cake! Yvonne @ SG posted a recipe for a lemon poppyseed angel cake. Mmmmm.... Love those vases!

Rettabug said...

Wonderful fluffing, BJ! You have a real knack for keeping things fresh & new around your house.

I hope your sweet Mr. Sweet will be able to do some shelves like that for you...he is so talented. They look awesome!

So does that lemon curd...I LOVE ANYTHING LEMON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Holly said...

Everything looks just adorable! Love your decorating style. I've never had lemon curd but I do love lemon. I'll have to find some and try it out.

Lisa~A Cottage To Me said...

Wait a minute....you did all that "fluffin'" BEFORE breakfast?! Wow, I'm impressed! I too don't mind a good faux. They are getting so realistic these days. I think the lemon curd sounds very tasty too. Would be great on just about anything I would think. Have a great day!

c. Joy said...

Your blog looks great. You've inspired me to dust - or maybe just keep looking at your blog and drinking coffee. Decisions, decisions. Thanks for the rain, even if it's only background music it sounds wonderful.

The French Hutch said...

bj I love those wall vases. What a great way to add a little seasonal touch of color, fresh or faux! I keep faux backup for my hutch. Decorating for fall with mums I choose the reds and golds and leave the orange for the trees. I love lemon curd on my gingerbread. I always make it on the first cool days of fall.
Have a great weekend

~Emily
The French Hutch

Rita said...

Sure looks good! You are so energetic to have accomplised all this I seem to be in a rut. Coming here today has ne thinking I have to get myself going; thanks for all thse great ideas.
Rita

Neabear said...

Enjoyed your post very much! I love the creamers too. But now I measure how much I put in my coffee since I am now counting calories. Have lost about 9 pounds so far doing it that way. I have faux flowers in my house too. The real thing would always be dying off anyway. I am trying to get up the energy to declutter my house and have some fun with fall decorating myself.

~Linnea

Cass @ That Old House said...

what a fun post! Loads to look at and read -- and I LOVE lemon curd, too, so now I am hungry. Hmm, this might be a problem.

As for coffee, my family comes from Norway, where coffee is identical to plasma, and we began drinking coffee as soon as we could hold delicate demitasse cups, filled with half coffee, half milk -- NO sugar!

I drink it black now, but sometimes plop in some cream for old time's sake.

The white shelving is FABULOUS. go for it.
Cass

deila taylor said...

I love lemon curd, that looks good.

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

I really like that shelf with the plant and books in it! SO pretty! Your home always looks SO inviting. I haven't had lemon curd BUT I love lemon so will have to get some! XO, Pinky

Sue said...

I never got rid of my faux flowers either. Living in Illinois, I need the color to brighten up the winter! I wish I could have fresh flowers all over the house, but unless I win the lottery...I can only have my once a week Walmart bouquets in the winter! I love lemon curd-I've made my own, it is easy! I buy those little puff pastry tiny frozen tart shells and fill them with lemon curd sometimes for a small dessert or for company.

Your 9/11 post is very moving. It is still such a fresh memory isn't it?

Kathleen said...

I think we should think of another name for lemon CURD. That sounds nasty! Lemon delight or yummy or something!
Went to PB/WS today. Bought nothing. Unless it is a good sale, they can keep it!
Come over to enter the 50 dollar gift card give away!
I am dreading 9/11. It makes me sick each anniversary, digs up all those memories of attending services, then funerals when they found the body.
I hear they think something is going to happen this year again. :(

Pamela said...

Loving all your goodies! I have some sconces like that as well. Have not brought them out since the move but I may have to now. Thanx for coming to the party! Oh and save some ham for me!:) Yummy!

'Auntie' said...

Thurs. 9/8 11:30PM

I know there was; "...something really funny going on..." with my blog, "BJ."

I was fiddling around and......

Poof........

Things got messy.

Anne Fannie said...

Hello BJ
Long time I haven't visited your blog!
I love your post, everything looks so pretty. I think I like the shelves the best!
Hugs, Ann

Ricki Treleaven said...

Nice job on fluffing your nest! You posted that photo from Cote de Texas again...I love the tiles and shelving. Very nice!!! *I want those shelves, too*

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said...

GM, my dear friend..Just stopping by to say hi and tell you I love ya sister friend..Hugs and smiles Gloria

LindyLouMac said...

Lovely post but I am not ready for Autumn, or the rain :)

Miz Helen said...

Hi BJ,
You have officially inspired me to get Fluffing for Fall! Your home is always so warm and inviting, you can feel the love. I just love a good lemon curd, it has so many great uses, mainly on goodies for tea time. Hope you are having a great week end and thanks so much for sharing with Full Plate Thursday.
Come back soon!
Miz Helen

Flavia Galasso said...

Even if it's not allowed to post a comment about your last post..I would like to hug you very very strong... ciao Flavia

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Just checkin' out a Sig. Line. Please and thank you. :-)

'Pix Muse' blog