whitexb's Profile

I often buy tablecloths at Target and use cafe clips or fold over one end for a rod pocket. You can sew it or use hem tape. Tablecloths are sturdy and come in some very pretty patterns.

We need mood lighting on our back deck. The spotlight we currently use blinds people looking toward the door. Will try stapling white Christmas lights under the deep eave of the roof hangover, running them back and forth several times. There is a low section where we built on that will be reachable. Am hoping it will be a fun, easy fix for our lighting issue.

i have had open shelves in my small, non-vented kitchen for over 15 years. I have not had any issues with the dreaded "greasy film" on my dishes, etc. However, I do have 16 foot ceilings in my great room, so that might help with the film. I have very few appliances. A toaster, egg cooker, rice cooker, hand mixer, and mini chopper. Thinking about buying an immersion blender. I do have a microwave which I use rarely. My lower cabinet to the right of my stove was custom built by my husband with cubbies for cutting boards, baking sheets, pie plates, cake pans, muffin tins and bundt pans. Very very efficient use of the space available.

Electric egg cooker. I have very few appliances and this is one I would never give up. We have a friend with chickens, so get fresh eggs. Fresh eggs are difficult for me to peel, but when steamed in the cooker they peel so easily. Makes tuna salad, deviled eggs, etc so much more enjoyable to make.

Love the choice of dog!! Bostons are my favorite, so I had to love this apt. The pale pink works. Love the green in the kitchen too.

I find taking photos of areas in my house really helps me get a new perspective. Love the other ideas, too!

Just back to work today after two snow days in a row! I read a book, watched "Storm of the Century" (while it was snowing) and made fudge. Friends came over yesterday and we visited and snacked (on fudge) thru the afternoon. I love snow days!!!

As a child growing up we traveled hours on Christmas Eve and celebrated with grandparents. As an adult my husband's mother expected us at her house no later than noon on Christmas day. She lived very close, however, I resented having to rush around to get everyone ready. Now I have a grandson and we will be going to his house to see him Christmas day. Because I hated to always be gone on Christmas I want him to have the time to really enjoy his toys, stay in pj's and eat when he wants.

I often buy the boxed sets of liquors that come out this time of year for gifts. They are a good value and someone just starting out enjoys the shakers, glasses, etc that are in the set.

My mother passed away when my children were 4 and 6. Thanksgiving pot luck moved to an aunt's house. As a way of having a reason to leave early (traditionally the meals went on for hours) we would take the girls to the movies. Now it is a family tradition we all love!! This year my oldest daughter will be going to her in-laws for Thanksgiving dinner, so we will have lunch and go to the movies without her!! I find the older I get the more adaptable I need to be for holidays.