Just blame it on JPC!

Ever experience symptoms of Justifiable Purchase Condition or JPC?

~While shopping you are overcome with these thoughts... "Must have it, need it, can't even live without it!",   -or-  "Well, it was on sale...so, I had to get it!",   -or-  "It was the only one left!",  -or-   "If you don't get it you know you will be mad at yourself later!",  -or-  "It goes perfectly with (blank)",  -or-  "It was meant to be!",  -or- [last but not least, and one of my favorites] "OK, I'll just put it in my shopping cart for now, just in case, but I may not get it!"...*biting lip*, as you envision this newly found and totally unexpected find in your home, and how well it will look there?   Plus there are the times when you find an item and then you have to get a few more to go with it, as in pair or a set.  Maybe a theme?! ...and of course you want it all to look good together ...right?  You do this too?   

I'm saying "Oh good!", if your answer is Yes! ...I was feeling hopeful that I was not alone! ;)

Well this happens to me, uh, too often to mention or more than I care to admit when I am shopping.  Especially if it's home decor, and there are times when I become so caught up in the moment (I meant "condition"), that I forget what I was there for!  

_________..._________

Let me further explain and give you a good example:  Not long ago I set out to get picture frames for a project I was planning to do, so off I went to one of my favorite craft and home goods stores, Hobby Lobby.  I decided once there, I'd look around and get ideas to prepare a gift for my daughter since she had a birthday coming up.  And there I was ...lost in the floral department because that 50% off sign was there teasing and taunting me as all the pretty stuff was calling out to me!  You know, as if they were saying..."Hey look at me!" and ..."Check me out!", and well, that is all it took for me to be swept into the out-of-control frenzy that would become a shopping haul of a day.  I found pretties not only to put something together for her, but also some pretties for myself as well.  With Fall approaching at that time too, I knew I would be wanting to do some Fall decorating and there was a lot of inspiration before me, lots!  

_________..._________

There it was...that justification and OK-to-purchase mindset that sets in with convincing myself that "I really needed this, or that" and then I was in full-on mode let me tell ya!  I love myself some bargains and there were plenty to be had!  So pleased with myself, and also with realizing the extra 40% off coupon would be good for a non-sale item, and I was even more elated!  I was completely overcome by all of the symptoms of justifiable purchase, my self diagnosis of this condition,  justifiable purchase condition!    Without any room for quilt, and feeling assured that I was totally justified, I was still grinning when I later unloaded the car of my newly purchased goodies!  Then I thought to myself with question "Wait a minute...Did I forget to get frames?"...*sigh*  See, I'll have to blame this forgetfulness on my condition!  My justifiable "Must have it, need it, can't even live without it!" condition!  That "Justifiable Purchase Condition!"...the "JP-Condition or JPC!"  Whatever you might decide to call it.  I am pretty sure I am not really looking for a cure for it anytime soon!  Oh well, seems I will be needing another trip to get those frames real soon!  Justifiably so!   

Here's a sneak peek at a some of those goodies...

This little beauty practically jumped into my shopping cart, knowing how well it would go with my decor, and that I loved it the second I laid eyes on it!

Plus I had that coupon!

I can't wait to use this for ...something I have in mind.

This screamed "I'm half-off, you want me and you know it!" and I knew we needed to be together!

I have plans for this to be ...something out of the ordinary!

These...

...and also these caught my eye.  

They will fit in nicely for Fall, and will most likely be on display ...somewhere real soon.

  

Feeling oh so very pleased with myself!  

Uh, Justified!...

Easy Handmade Pumpkin

Like many others, I enjoy changing up my decor for holidays, and the change of seasons.  But, I prefer to not purchase a lot of seasonal or holiday items in the pursuit of said decorating.  I tend to challenge myself to spending only a minimal amount of money and to use items I either already have on hand, or something I have made.

With the Fall season, we also have the two holidays Halloween and Thanksgiving, and pumpkins are certainly represented for all of those.
I wasn't wanting to purchase more pumpkins for now that,
a) I wouldn't use long, or might not last long if they were fresh.
and...
b) If artificial, I didn't want more stuff or bulk to store away when the season was over, either.  

I like recyclable, reusable, or even disposable, if at all possible.  I know fresh pumpkins fall into that category and all, but I also wanted to keep to a more neutral, or lighter style.  I have noticed a change with more cream, and white pumpkins available, which is a welcome change for me, since it goes well with my decor.  And, dare I say I am not really in love with the color orange.  

Well, often I'll be doing one thing and an idea comes to mind.  Case in point, I was gathering up my plastic shopping bags to put away after a trip to the store, when it came to me.  The bag of bags was familiar in shape.  Kind of like ...a pumpkin!  It took me only a matter of a few minutes to gather up a couple other items, and I then had myself a new pumpkin.  I think it's adorable, too.

~ Easy Handmade Pumpkin ~

These are so easy to make:

I began by putting several of the plastic bags inside one bag.  I placed it on a square cloth napkin, then gathered the corners up together and tied on a piece of jute/twine.  I carefully tucked in the sections below the gathered area.

Next, I wrapped the twine around in a criss-cross pattern several times, slightly moving over each time to form the pumpkin sections, then ending at the top.  Next to form the stem, I started wrapping the jute twine neatly around at the top of the pumpkin, firmly and close together each time I made a wrap around it.

The stem looked as if it would be a bit too long, so I folded the extra napkin-tips in half before I started wrapping with twine.  I continued wrapping the twine around, until I liked the look of the stem.

I finished it off with a little bow around the base of the stem.  I adjusted the sections as I pulled and squished-(technical term) the pumpkin into shape, trying not to be too fussy with it.

Ta-da ...a Pumpkin!  

And, I like that this pumpkin is also recyclable.  I won't have to store it away either, but, if I do, it is soft and can flatten to take up less space!   And, it was basically free, since I already had all of the materials at hand.  I have more napkins, bags, and jute twine ...hmm, there just may be more of these Easy Handmade Pumpkins making an appearance around here real soon!  

Sure enough!

Happy Crafting!...

Suwanee Wine Fest

We attended the 2nd Annual Suwanee Wine Fest, presented by Chateau Elan Winery & Resort, at Town Center Park in Suwanee, GA on Saturday.  My Hubby and I, and our youngest daughter along with her very significant other, all met there to attend the wine fest together.  An event not only for the love of wine and tasting wine, but for a good cause since part of the proceeds will benefit Annadale Village, *further explanation on that below.  

With hundreds of wines to try, from several different tents, we sipped on samples of many of them but, I must admit I didn't try them all!  Some good eats were also available via a few food vendors, along with a few games out on the lawn, as live music was performed on the stage by a bluegrass/country band called Pullin' Strings.  There were also some t-shirts, and wine goods on sale too.  

It was a beautiful sunny day, but a bit chilly with some wind gusts that made it feel even cooler at times to me!  But it was all good.  We discovered a few new wine favorites to look for, and look forward to.  We later finished up the day by having dinner at Ippolito's Italian Restaurant which is right there at the Town Center.  I'll be looking forward to attending next year's event!  

- Photo of event pamphlet cover -

...__________________...

*Inside the cover of the pamphlet had the following note:

"[Thank you for drinking wine today to support a good cause!  A portion of Suwanee Wine Fest proceeds will benefit Annandale Village.  Annandale is an award-winning nonprofit organization dedicated to providing life assistance to adults with developmental disabilities and traumatic brain injuries.  Proceeds from the Suwanee Wine Fest will go towards their Fee Assistance Program, which allows them to provide a comprehensive range of programs and services to individuals with financial need.  Keith Fenton, Chief Development & Marketing Officer of Annandale Village, loves calling the City of Suwanee home because, "The citizens believe in our mission and the impact we have on the lives of those with developmental disabilities.  To have the number one rated skilled nursing center in the state of Georgia, right here in Suwanee, speaks volumes to the quality of life for those of us that live, work and play here."]"

- A Birthday Message -

 Happy Birthday to my Father-in-law today!

Burlap Floral Arrangement / Something Surprising reveal

You may have seen my recent post on 'Something Surprising' where I gave a little sneak-peek-of-a-hint at something I had in the works ...and this is it!

...__________________...

I waited to reveal this Burlap Floral Arrangement because it was to be a birthday gift I made for my daughter.  I had plans to visit her after her birthday, so I had to keep it under wraps so to speak.  She is all about the burlap, so when I saw the beautiful burlap flowers at Hobby Lobby my creative and crafty {not to mention sneaky} mind, was making plans!

My hopes were high of her liking this special gift, made with love from me.  I was certainly pleased with it to the point of wanting it myself!  Her delight at the sight of it said it all, just before she spoke the words "I love it!"   And the smile to go along with it was all it took to convince me that she really did!

...__________________...

A view minus the burlap and lace bow.  I figured she could decide with or without the bow to her liking, since I had another choice option with some jute twine.

...__________________...

Here it is looking like it belongs there on her dining room table.  We tried the simple wrap of jute twine then tied into a bow and it was the favorite look, especially since the vase was so pretty on it's own.  Plans were made to do something else with the other bows.

I'm very glad she loved the gift arrangement, and that it looks so nice there with the other burlap accessories and fall touches.

I love it when one of my creations, creates a smile!...

Show and Tell it! - A little trip to Greenville

I had a little trip to Greenville, SC for a few days during this past week, it was a fun time spent with the girls (my daughter and granddaughters) doing some shopping, eating, and more shopping, along with simply sharing moments together in conversation.  The grands are always entertaining, not to mention full of energy, and let me tell ya they seem hungry all of the time.  Shopping does work up an appetite though, as it did for all of us!  True the saying goes, "Girls just wanna have fun!"

We were very amused by some of the signs for sale on display at one of the stores we visited.


I especially liked this one!

...

October

OK, so it's October now and the weather has been absolutely gorgeous with temps in the mid-eighties.  Although, we are getting some cooler temps over this weekend.  For now I'm all too happy to have this type of fall weather that we've been having!

Hopes of it staying around a while are plenty.  The evenings are getting a bit chilly though, so I'm sporting extra layers if outside and for when I find I'm freezing in places with the AC still cranking out cool air!...even my own home, the Hubby loves cool!  It's all good for now, I really can't complain or shouldn't.  

Time for pumpkin and pumpkin-spice this and that.  I thought I didn't like pumpkin, but I realize over the years the only pumpkin I ever really had was pumpkin pie.  There is so much more to enjoy with that big ole round, orange, bumpy, squash like thing-of-a-pumpkin.

And, although orange just may not be one of my favorite colors, it has it's place, and certainly now that it's Fall, it's everywhere.  I've been planning on a bit of Fall decorating, and I've had to show restraint when I see cutesy little Pumpkin and Fall items everywhere too.  

I had a fit over this cute little pumpkin when I saw it sitting atop a bottle of Pumpkin Juice.  It's just too cute! 

My youngest daughter brought this back as a gift to give to her older sister, from The Wizarding World of Harry Potter at Universal Orlando.  If you're a Harry Potter fan, as both of my girls are, you know all about it.

Anyway, there I was telling her how much I loved that cute little pumpkin lid, and she pulls it off the top.  My eyes wide with more excitement over it and I did say something like "oh how cute, can I have the little pumpkin top?"

Well, I was told swiftly that I should ask her sister, after I give it to her.  Then she said "I'm going to ask her if the top was on it when you gave it to her!"  Uh...(Gasp!)  I would never!  Or would I?   Naaa!  Maybe?  Uh uh!

Well I asked! ...and there it is!  Sittin' on one of the shelves of my Baker's Rack.  No, I really did ask.  She really gave it to me.  She did!  Promise!  Pinkie promise even!  :)    

It will fit in nicely with a few other things I plan to use for my Fall display.

I do often say..."It's the little things!"  

Happy October!

More to come real soon...

Monday Message

~ My Monday Message ~

Sometimes we all need a little extra love and care, and well wishes.  And just knowing that we are in someone's thoughts or that they are especially "thinking of you" can make all the difference while on the mend, recovering, healing, or just trying to overall feel better.  And a hug never hurts either, it's like icing on the cake!    So, whether suffering mentally, physically or both, and either from disappointment, heartache, illness, sadness or loss, along with so many other reasons.  Don't forget to let someone you know that you are thinking of them, whether they are near or far, and give or send them a hug too! 

    

   

 Source

I'm especially thinking of: 

My Mother-in-law as I hope for her speedy, and complete recovery.

-And- 

My Dear Friends' grieving the loss of their beloved Brother.

I send them all many Well Wishes, with Love, Hugs, and Kisses

Thinking of you!...

Bruschetta - Tomato, Basil and Garlic

Bruschetta

However you choose to say it...

bru·schet·ta [broo-sket-uh,  -shet-uh;  Italian broo-sket-tah] = an Italian appetizer consisting of toasted bread slices drizzled with olive oil and usually topped with tomatoes and basil.

...is an Italian favorite of mine.

It's very easy to prepare and tastes delicious.  I make Bruschetta with fresh tomatoes, basil, and garlic, along with some good extra virgin olive oil, finished off with a dusting of freshly grated parmigiana reggiano cheese, because I think it's the best and it is a preferred favorite!...but you can use other freshly grated parmesan cheese if you prefer.

I happen to love anything garlic, and this is one food where I do like to taste the garlic.  I also love tomatoes, especially fresh, ripe and juicy tomatoes!  It's great having fresh tomatoes during the warmer months.  If you have some fresh, or home grown tomatoes this is a great way to make use of them.

What I really enjoy about this dish is the fresh ingredients.  I have made Bruschetta using fresh tomatoes and I've also made it using canned tomatoes.  I do prefer making Bruschetta using fresh tomatoes, but it's not always possible to get really fresh or home grown tomatoes, so if you use good canned tomatoes that will work well, just drain most of the liquid.  Bruschetta can be served as an appetizer or a side dish, and it will compliment most dishes, and goes very well with Italian foods.

Bruschetta - Tomato, Basil and Garlic

Ingredients:
3 medium or 2 large tomatoes-diced (or 1 - 14 oz can diced tomatoes, drained
2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil leaves
extra-virgin olive oil
1 fresh head of garlic, separated into cloves, peeled
1 bread baguette to make 8-10 1/2 inch slices
Fresh grated parmesan cheese or parmigiana reggiano cheese


Directions:
Start by slicing baguette into 1/2 inch thick slices, then toast lightly on both sides.  Cut two garlic cloves in half, then rub cut side of garlic onto one surface of the toasted baguette slices, this will be the top side(this step can be omitted if preferred).  Chop 1-2 garlic cloves finely-(use garlic more-or-less to your liking).  In medium bowl mix tomatoes, garlic, a drizzle of olive oil, and fresh basil(and/or fresh basil can be sprinkled on top as a garnish at the end).  Using a pastry brush, lightly brush a little olive oil on the top side of each slice(this step can be omitted if preferred). Spoon mixture onto toasted bread slices.  (Olive oil can be drizzled over the tops at this point if desired).  Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh grated, or thin slices of parmigiana reggiano cheese/parmesan cheese.  Serve immediately.

Enjoy!...