Simple Fireplace Mantel

Our fireplace was built with nothing but a wood frame around it, and was sadly lacking a mantel! So, my father came up with a great idea of using a wide piece of molding for one. I stained it to match the existing wood frame, and polyurethaned it for long lasting durability and a slight shine.

The wide molding - stained and polyurethaned, then secured into place as a mantel.

A head on view that shows the mantel looking like a perfect fit!

We added some teacup hooks at evenly spaced intervals under the mantle for displaying holiday decorations, stockings, etc.

I removed the two end leaf plate decorations since they were clashing with the tall wall pictures. That made a nice difference. I just love the coziness the fireplace adds to our living room now!

~ Many thanks to my father for his expert help with this project ~

Cutout Cookie Craving

I finally gave in and made a batch this past week when I had been craving them! I didn't roll the dough out too thin, and actually loved the thicker, softer cookies I ended up with. ☺

Harvest themed cutters - P.S. I love my Pampered Chef rolling pin! Thanks, Mom!!

Perfectly baked cookies cooling!

Now on to decorating them with a simple confectionery sugar frosting.

A November Day

As is sometimes the case here in the Northeast, our weather can be wacky. (Especially the last few years worth of weather!) On Saturday, we had a gorgeously mild, sunny day. And generally on those unusually mild days, we always have a ladybug sighting....

Like this one
Yep, right on the inside of our screen. ☺

It's a sign; always a good sign for me. On the winter day my daughter was born, we spotted a handful of ladybugs that, somehow, were still thriving inside! The midwife told me that ladybugs are a sign of good luck. Well, they certain brought me a bundle of good luck on that cold January day! *Grin*

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As beautiful as Saturday was, I just had to open the windows one more time for that fabulous smell of the warm Autumn air. My animal children thanked me. They just couldn't resist this wonderful treat! Within moments, I saw animal faces peering out through the screens of the open windows.

Checkers immediately spotted some birds, and one can only imagine what he wishing at that moment

Some swirling leaves captured Melissa's attention

Romeo instantly staked his claim at the look out on the front porch

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Overall, it was such a great, productive day! My entire afternoon was spent outdoors getting the very last of all the yard work and winterizing done before old man winter officially arrives. I went to bed feeling quite happily exhausted, and finally content that all I needed to do, I have done. ☺

SO, LET THE SNOWY DAYS BEGIN!

No, not really. Just kidding!

A Mild, Sunny Saturday

Blue sky, bright sunshine, a fresh, crisp smell to the air.....Yep - today is a perfect day to head outside and finish up any lingering yard work that needs to be done.


With the forecast of mild temperatures in store for the next 2 days, I'm going to enjoy the beauty of Autumn while I still can! ☺


~ Have a wonderful day everyone ~

Mmmm, Mmmm, Good!

Wonderfully delicious cinnamon rolls. 
Anyone can do these!

You can make your own dough, or buy it at the store.

Then follow these very simple steps:

Gently knead the dough. Turn out onto floured surface.

Roll dough out into a long oval.

Brush melted butter over entire dough's surface.

Sprinkle on a generous amount of cinnamon.

Cover with a generous amount of brown sugar.

Begin to roll dough (tightly) toward you from the top to the bottom.

Pinch dough together at seam, then turn seam to underside of the roll.

Slice into rolls with a very sharp knife. Place on greased cookie sheet.

Let rise in a warm place for 45 minutes.

Bake at 375 for approximately 20 minutes, or until golden brown. Frost with confectionery sugar frosting.

Serve and enjoy!

Happiness Is....

A glowing Harvest wreath


My favorite holiday mug


Game nights when my folks come to visit

 
Nutella.....on ANYTHING!


Mmmmm! Limited edition holiday ice cream!


Hot and bubbly, double cheese layered goulash!

~ What makes your happy? ~

The Grace of God


Makes me think of one of my favorite worship songs!
The words are so beautiful.....
I'm so thankful for the grace of God in my life!


 Your Grace Finds Me
Matt Redman

It's there in the newborn cry
It's there in the light of every sunrise
It's there in the shadows of this light
Your great grace

It's there on the mountaintop
It's there in the everyday and the mundane
There in the sorrow and the dancing
Your great grace

Oh, such grace

From the creation to the cross
Then from the cross into eternity
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

It's there on a wedding day
There in the weeping by the graveside
There in the very breath we breathe
Your great grace

Same for the rich and poor
Same for the saint and for the sinner
Enough for this whole wide world
Your great grace

Oh, such grace

From the creation to the cross
Then from the cross into eternity
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

There in the darkest night of the soul
There in the sweetest songs of victory
Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

Your great grace
Oh, such grace
Your great grace
Oh, such grace

So I'm breathing in Your grace
And I'm breathing out Your praise
I'm breathing in Your grace
Forever I'll be
Breathing in Your grace
And I'm breathing out Your praise
I'm breathing in Your grace
Forever I'll be
Breathing in Your grace
And I'm breathing out Your praise
Breathing in Your grace
For our God, for our God

Yes, Your grace finds me
Yes, Your grace finds me

Harvest Decorations

Such a beautiful collection of harvest decorations!

source

Snowy Day

The snow just keeps on coming!



Even in spite of a clearing in the sky....



And some sunshine trying to push through!


It sure has made for an interesting day. ☺

The First Snowfall

I awoke to see that we've had our first snowfall, yet the Autumn leaves are still covering the ground.

source

I hope this doesn't mean that winter weather will want to start hanging around now, 'cause I'm still enjoying the beauty of Autumn!

Tucked Away Cottage

Doesn't this quaint cottage make you want to climb the steps and settle yourself down inside?

Lone Leaf

Imagine my delight to discover this ONE, nearly perfect leaf had drifted quite purposefully into my back patio area. Since I have no trees in the courtyard behind my townhouse, this leaf traveled quite a distance from the wooded area of a nearby housing track. How did it know that yellow is one of my favorite Autumn tree colors? It looked so pretty resting against the deep green grass.

© K.M.C 2013

Lady Bug Timer

Sometimes you just need something cute like this to make you smile. My daughter, Becca, and I have a special affinity for lady bugs. So when I saw this timer at Bed, Bath & Beyond, I just knew I had to have it for my kitchen!

I think this is just so adorable!

Mozzarella Sticks Appetizer

Crispy, crunchy oven baked mozzarella sticks


           


  


Delicious, zingy cocktail sauce
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            =   a fabulous, tasty appetizer for any occasion!


My daughter thought of this idea, and I must say it tastes incredible. If you love those crispy, delicious restaurant fried shrimp bites with cocktail sauce, these mozzarella sticks make an excellent substitution. And you don't loose a bit of that great flavor combination! 
Maybe there are some of you that have already discovered this?
~ ♥ ~ 
(We've purchased mozzarella sticks from many stores, and have finally found a brand that we think tastes the best, hands down - Market Pantry. No lie. Even better than T.G.I Friday's, in our humble opinion!)

Cornucopia

Also known as the Horn of Plenty, did you know that the Cornucopia represents abundance and nourishment? What a beautiful addition to the already very meaningful celebration of Thanksgiving!


Crisp Autumn Sunset

There's just something about the crisp atmosphere of an Autumn day.....especially at sunset!


Rice Krispie Treats Anyone?

I don't think I've EVER asked this question and gotten a "No, thank you!"


Always the perfect, versatile stand by favorite treat!


Recipe:

1/2 stick of butter
1 10 oz. bag of large or mini marshmallows
6 c. of Rice Krispies
1 bag of peanut/regular M&M's, gummy bears, or other candy of choice

Butter/grease a 13x9 baking dish. In a large pot, melt butter. Add marshmallows and melt over medium heat, stirring constantly. Shut off heat. Add Rice Krispies and stir until coated completely with melted marshmallows. Turn into the buttered baking dish. Using a small piece of buttered wax paper, press the rice krispie mixture evenly down into the dish, making a flat top over all. Press candies into top, if desired. Let cool. Slice into squares and enjoy!

Full Of Cuteness

Ziva ~ displaying her usual, adorable inquisitiveness