Ta-da! My first Met Monday!

Susan over at Between Naps on the Porch not only hosts Tablescape Thursdays, she also hosts Metamorphosis Mondays, where participants show before and after pictures of projects they've been working on. I've wanted to participate for a while, but as you probably know from reading my good intentions, I have lots more "before" photos than "afters". However, I spent MY spring break repurposing the laundry room. These before photos are actually about mid-way through the project-no way in this world am I showing you the REAL befores...you'd call the health department or DHS or someone to take the children out of that mess. Let's just say it was crammed full of 10 years of treasures and leave it at that, shall we?

After I emptied the room, my painter (who I happen to be married to) graciously painted the oak cabinets and shelves a shiny black.

Then he painted the walls Sherwin Williams "Totally Tan" and I put everything into a clear plastic box with a white lid. If it didn't fit in a box with a lid, it had to find a new home. There were lots of homeless items there for a while...but this is the final result!

This is the shelf that you see when you first come in the back door....

These shelves are above the one pictured above. See how nice and orderly everything is?

This is the end of the room...we even swapped the washer and dryer's position...now it's much easier to do the laundry, which, after all, IS the purpose of this room.

Just a little vignette on top of the dryer...

That's the Prayer of Jabez that I've framed...

And here's the overall view, with the lamp on..

I should tell you that I have pictures to go on that big blank wall on the left, but I still need to finish painting the frames. I'll get it done soon!!

Be sure you check out all of the projects that Susan has to show!

Thanks for stopping by!!

Later!

Cathy

If you have it, I want it back!

Has anyone seen my camera? I seem to have mislaid it...and I can't make a cool post without cool pictures!

Back later, hopefully!
Cathy

Profound words from Miss Priss

No, I haven't dropped off the face of the earth again. I've just been busy. And to quote Miss Priss, also known as my niece Sarah, working for a living is way over rated, and I'm not a fan. Well said, Sissy!

I'm on spring break next week. I'll be back!

Later!
Cathy

Easter Brunch

Although it's still 6 weeks minus 3 days until Easter, it's never too early to plan. I am really excited about the brunch we're planning. I am still brain-storming, but here's some early ideas.

As I've mentioned, we're planning on hosting the brunch on the Saturday before Easter. This should make the logistics easier and give us more time to visit.

I'm planning to have it out on the back porch, much like we do the Halloween party, except in the day time. I've got some ideas and I'll be sharing them with you later.

The menu is a blend of traditional Easter lunch and breakfast. We'll have some kind of eggs-I have a couple of new recipes that sound interesting. We'll have ham and bacon, some potatoes, a tossed salad, fruit trays, croissants, biscuits and popovers. And a signature drink, juice, milk and coffee. I'm hungry just thinking about it.

Of course, we'll have a theme and decorations to match. I'm fleshing out these ideas and I'll share details as they occur to me.

Do you have any favorite Easter recipes that you'd like to share with me? I'm always interested in new ideas. What do you expect to always be on the Easter table...something that it just wouldn't be Easter without? Please share!

How are you doing on YOUR Easter planning?

Later!
Cathy

Home Spruce Up

As part of the Easter countdown that Ginger has organized over at Magical Holiday Home, today I thought I'd share my Home Spruce Up List.

So, here goes:

Outside:
*Paint-front porch, shutters, front door and mailbox post
*Plant front flower beds-this will be my herb garden this year. I may not have it completely planted (depends on the weather) but I'd like to get it ready
*Paint back porch

Inside:
*Paint boys' bathroom and redecorate (details later...)

Now that's not too bad, is it? Notice how much painting is on the list. Do you remember that I live with a painter. Sigh.

Although this is a fairly short list, it should make a big difference in how the place looks.

Tomorrow I'll share a few details about the brunch itself.

Are you counting down until Easter? How are you getting along with your plans?

Later!
Cathy

Easter Countdown-Week One

What a weekend! It snowed Saturday night. We only got the lightest dusting, but it was a lot of fun watching it fall. Now Melinda the weather lady says it's going to be 80 degrees by Friday. And, with it being March and all, I'm actually ready for some warm weather. Not heat and humidity, just warm and breezy and all spring like.

Did you know that Easter is six weeks from yesterday? Well, my buddy Ginger knows it and has prepared a nifty little Easter countdown for us. Although I probably won't be as faithful to it as I should be, I'm going to try to stay with it and get this place ready for guests. So, here's Ginger's assignments for week one and my responses to it!

To Do This Week:
[ ] Make the promise! Spend 15 minutes each day this week to get organized for Easter.
This is easier said than done. It's doesn't seem like much time to devote, but sometimes 15 minutes is a lot around here. However, I will make the effort!

[ ] Set up your Easter section in your holiday planner. Add blank lined pages for any notes and records.
Already done.

[ ] Create and add a master “to do” list for Easter.
I'm working on this. There's a lot "to do"!

[ ] Make or designate a planning calendar. Pencil in items to accomplish or list Lent services/activities.
Done. Not a big deal...we have an Easter program at church and brunch here. Done!

[ ] Begin at the beginning: review your family’s holiday values. Print and record your findings on the values page. What messages do you want conveyed about this holiday? What activities are most meaningful?
Interesting food for thought. It's so easy to get caught up in bunnies and baskets and to lose sight of the real meaning for the holiday, which is celebrating the death, burial and resurrection of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ. We'll work on keeping a clear focus on this this year.

[ ] Baskets await!! Start a list. Don’t forget to record purchases and plan accordingly.
All three boys will get a basket, and I'm debating on whether or not I want to do small favor baskets for my brunch guest. Keep in mind that there's about 30 invited, so I'll have to give this some thought.

[ ] Make a list of people you want to send Easter cards to. Locate addresses, and consider making a computerized address list for maximum time savings.
I don't do cards.

[ ] Making cards? Don’t forget to create a supply list.
See above

[ ] Print a home spruce-up worksheet and complete the home spruce-up exercise. Plan and schedule any pre-holiday home improvement projects. Think: Spring cleaning!
This is a lengthy list. I'll expound on this tomorrow.

[ ] Will your family travel this holiday? Or will you have guests? Plan your trip or plan guest accommodations this week.
We're not traveling..we're hosting.

[ ] Think family photos: stock up on camera batteries, pick up Easter scrapping supplies or other photo related chores.
I need to pick up ink and paper for my photo printer.

[ ] Schedule carpet cleaning now! Think Spring and seasonal cleaning chores.
No carpet cleaning on the agenda here, but lots of other cleaning. I'll work on this list and post it later this week.

So, there's the first week of Ginger's assignments. Here's hoping that I can stay on track. This is a busy week, so I hope I can accomplish some things.

What are you up to this week?

Later!
Cathy