Spring Grilling....

Sharing with Tutorial Tuesday

Some checks for outdoors....

I bought this lantern at the Christmas Tree Shop a few months ago.  I put a Luminaria candle inside and each night it comes on and looks like a real candle flickering on the dining table....BUT....

...it needed a makeover.  So I "checked it up" for the front porch:

...and it matches my new mailbox:

My husband is nervous that I am going to "check-up" my new white car!

That's where I draw the line!!

Sharing with Met Monday and Hope Studios

The Prettiest of Cookbooks ....

I have always loved cookbooks.  

I still have my very first cookbook:

...given to me when I was 12....

(I know you are doing the math!!)

...it had photos and clear directions.  This was one of my favorite side dishes to make:

(You can buy the 2003 version HERE)

There are two things that attracts me to cookbooks - the photos or the art work!  

The art work is what attracted me to Susan Branch's books:

(You can buy some HERE)

And the art work is what attracted me to these cookbooks:

 Goodness Gracious 

(You can buy it HERE)

Keeping Good Company 

(you can buy it hereHERE)

Shelly Reeves Smith is the illustrator for these two cookbooks, as well as greeting cards.  Sadly,  she has not written in her blog in a few years.  You can read about her HERE

The art work is colorful....

...soft and pretty....

...with a touch of whimsy...

...and so inviting!

The books also have a few cute stories and entertaining ideas!

The recipes are also delicious and these are my two favorites...

...especially this one:

I just love banana bread, especially with chocolate chips!

 You can purchase Goodness Gracious HERE and Keeping Good Company HERE

I used to have so many cookbooks, but I got rid of many of them.  My Pinterest file  is now filled with my favorites as well as recipes to try.

Do you have any favorite cookbooks?

Busy painting.....

I have been painting like a banshee lately....

....but it keeps me busy and out of Macy's!!

I have had a few pieces of furniture in the basement since last fall and decided to clear out that area and paint them.  Here is one of my favorites:

This was a rustic sofa table, that was hand made by a local guy.  I painted a harlequin design on top.  This sold quickly to a woman who will use it in her office!

To update this unique cupboard, I just painted the top in checks.  It sold in a few hours!!

This table is still available - I always have trouble selling anything grey!!

I struggled with finding inspiration for these stacking end tables - one is painted in checks and the other in leopard pattern.    They sold in about 20 minutes!

This piece still  has me undecided - should I paint it white?  I just can't decide.  I made the cushion and think it is the cutest bench - can't you picture it in a mudroom, the perfect piece to sit in while putting on your boots!!

So, as you can see, I have been busy.  I have 3 more pieces to work on, so.....

I was at my ....Wit's End!

Once a month I spend a few days working in Albany, NY and I pass this building on the Northway:

Last week I discovered that it was a gift shop...

...the Wit's End Giftique...



The clothing and accessory boutique was filled with unique items...



...and above the room were fun displays of mannequins...



...and highlights of major cities...



...eye candy for the fashionista!

There was a room filled with gifts for babies and children...

...another room with items for the outdoor adventurer...

...a another filled with gifts for the gardener...

... and a few rooms with lovely home decor...

...an area loaded with kitchen serving pieces for the wine lover...

...and lots of china for the afternoon tea lovers...

...a few rooms were filled with jewelry for all ages...

...and Mary Francis purses caught my eye...

...this section was loaded with gifts for the foodies...

...and there was a large are filled with candles for every occasion...

...and more displays above:

They wrap in lovely gift boxes....

...and the choices of wrapping papers and ribbons was endless!

If you are ever in Clifton Park, Rt 9, you must stop - but be prepared to spend and hour or two browsing - and don't forget your credit card!!!