One Thing Leads To Another

It all started when . . . 

The Cowboy exclaimed in a slightly frustrated voice "My shoe is wet!"
My first sassy thought was "Well if your shoe had been in the closet it wouldn't be wet!"  Can I hear a 'Whoop' 'Whoop' or an 'Amen Sista'?  

But being the good wife that I am I bit my tongue.  And began thinking.
                And the Good Wife in me thought.  'Well the poor Cowboy needs more space so it's easier to put away his bajillion no exageration shoes.' 
                     The Bad Wife in me giggled and thought 'If I change closets with him then I won't have to look at clothes hanging on the door and shoes and etc. etc. etc.
                       And that is how it all started.  I decided(The Good me or Bad me) one of us did.  Maybe both because we agreed.  to switch closets.  And so a week plus ordeal began.  

Last Saturday I completely purged this . . . 
   
And this . . . 
 And this 

And my creative space became his  'En Suite' . . . 
                     
First Things first I went to the garage and dug out his coyote head.
I found a skull with antlers while I was there.  

He has a collection of wooden duck decoys so I grabbed a few.

And a photo of our grandson.   It's still a work in progress.  I have one shelf  left to purge.  You can barely see over on the left some of my stuff.
 
I moved his clothes in and the bjillion shoes.  At least part of them.
                      
You thought I was kidding.  There is one more Ikea bag and two dry cleaners bags!  Right now they are just dumped on the floor
I still need to clean the space on the floor on the left.  Which is where I planned to put them but the Cowboy had another thought. 
                        
I left my sewing table chair to give the Cowboy some place to sit to put on his shoes.  Or to ponder which pair to wear.  I brought in a pillow from the couch to make it more cozy looking. 

All this I did last Saturday afternoon while he was at work.  The night before I had the idea.  Our anniversary was Saturday and so I thought what a nice surprise for him.  He was speechless.  

I didn't get everything done I wanted to.  I wanted to put my wedding portrait on the shelf and couldn't find it.  And I wanted to put the Station Wagon replica of his 'new to him' daily driver and just didn't get around to it.  I figured I'd do it during the week. 

I went into his new space on Monday afternoon and look what I found . . . 
                   
Great minds think alike!  He'd gotten the car from the living room. 
And added my baby pictures.  He couldn't find the wedding picture either!  

Over all I'm super happy with his new closet.  He has much more room and I think he's happier too.   

Now to get after my crafting space(s).  Time's ticking!  I hope to join Karen V. for Where Blogger's Create.  
                                     
I hope you enjoyed the Cowboy's En Suite.  I'd love for you to leave a comment but blogger and/or google took my comments away. You might be able to click on the Google+ icon at the bottom of the post and comment over there. 
                   Please vote on my poll about comments.   

Linking with my regular favorites and a few new ones.  Here's the list.  Links are on my Parties page.
The Art Of Homemaking, Meet Up Monday, Monday of Many Blessings, Busy Monday, Show and Share,
No Place Like Home, Love It Tuesday, Inspire Me Tuesday, Tuesday With A Twist, Wake Up Wed.,
Wow Us Wednesday, Dream Create Inspire, Before and After, Share My Cup, Homestead Blog Hop,
Creatively Unleashed,  and Home Matters Linky Party.

Together At The Table--Hillary Manton Lodge--Book Review

                                                  
From the back cover . . . (I loved the front cover)

Three months ago, Juliette D’Alisa’s world changed.

In a bittersweet series of events, her mother’s health took a turn for the worse. Juliette and her brother opened their restaurant together to rave reviews, but her romance with Memphis immunologist Neil McLaren ended in anger and tears.

As autumn sweeps into the Pacific Northwest, Juliette feels that she’s finally on the cusp of equilibrium. The restaurant continues to thrive, and her family is closer than ever. She and sous-chef Adrien are seeing each other, both in and out of the kitchen. Just when she thinks her world might stop spinning, a trip to the waterfront lands a familiar face into her path.

Rather than dwell on her personal life, Juliette throws herself into work and research. After reading her grandmother’s letters from war-torn Paris, she still wants to know the full story –  and she’ll travel across countries and oceans to find it.

But even Juliette can’t outrun the man who stole her heart. As she finally uncovers the truth about her family history, what will it mean for her own chances at lasting love? 

I visited the authors website . . . It was as delightful as the book...

                          

                                                                   Source (authors website)

. . . and filled with recipes.  (This little cupcake is featured in the book!)  But I am getting side-tracked. I'm supposed to be writing about Together At The Table  which is book 3 in the series.   In all honesty as much as I liked the book I think I would have enjoyed it better  if I'd read the first two.  I was a little confused about Juliette and the family's visit to Europe to learn more about their family and Juliette's grandmother.   I kind of felt that I was reading two different books.  In the beginning Juliette is struggling with her feelings for her current boyfriend and her old flame.  Shortly after she makes her decision (between her boyfriends) the family travels to Europe.

The book is also filled with recipes.  There is a recipe after almost every chapter.  I enjoyed reading the recipes and look forward to trying a few.  

Overall I think this was a nice read and I would definitely be inclined to read the first two.  I actually hope that there is a 4th book in the works.  I'd love to see more of Nico Juliette's brother and co-owner of the Two Blue Doors restaurant.  

I received a complimentary copy of Together At The Table from Book Look in exchange for my honest review.     

This review is posted at Amazon, Barnes and Noble,  and CBC (click the bold type to visit and purchase or read additional reviews.)

This review is posted at My Reading Journeys and Good Reads

This post is linked at  The Art Of Homemaking, Create With Joy, Share Your Cup, Tuesday with a Twist, Meet Up Monday, Show and Share, Inspire Me Tuesday, and Home Matters Linky party. 

Wordless June Favorite Photo's

                       
          These photo's appeared in my June posts.  Hang around awhile and visit and read the stories.  
                        
If you have a chance I'd love you to take my Poll on the sidebar about comments.
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I'd love to know you visited.  You can try to click on the tiny Google+ icon if it appears below this post.
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Linking with Wordless Wednesday, The Art of Homemaking, Create With Joy, Share Your Cup,
Love It Tuesday, Stone Cottage Adventures, Just Playing House Wordless Wednesday,
Home and Garden Party, Our Simple Homestead,

Dwelling Places-Lucinda Secrest McDowell-Book Review

About the book (provided by the publisher). . . 

What if a thriving, active faith were as simple as reading one word a day?Do you long for serenity and refuge, peace and hope? Are you seeking a deeper spiritual life through a closer relationship with God?

If you're tired of dwelling in busyness and noise, then perhaps one word a day can change your life. Award-winning author Lucinda Secrest McDowell knows that if you spend time each day turning to God's Word for wisdom and guidance, your faith can flourish and grow.

Through short and inspiring readings, McDowell unpacks a single word - such as mercy, beauty, gratitude, or grace - to reveal a biblical blessing or challenge relevant to where you are. Full of stories and illustrations to empower you to live the word you have just read, each devotional ends with a benediction, written as if God were speaking directly to you.

These "dwelling places" that offer the joy of God's promise and presence cover four seasons: fall, Advent, Lent, and summer. Whether in the midst of busy holiday schedules, holy days, ordinary moments, or changing seasons, a deeper faith can be as simple as a single word.


PRAISE FOR DWELLING PLACES:
“As there are seasons of the year so there are seasons in our walk with Christ. In Dwelling Places, Lucinda McDowell takes us on a gentle sojourn through words that inspire, encourage, educate and magnify the Lord.” ~ Debbie Macomber, #1 New York Times Bestselling Author

“If you’re looking for encouragement based on God’s Word, read Dwelling Places. Lucinda Secrest McDowell has taken 130 key words from the Bible and created powerful devotions that will comfort, exhort, and bless you daily in every season of the year.  Her powerful stories and poignant ending prayers will capture your heart and point you towards hope and truth. Buy one copy for yourself and ten more to give away!” ~ Carol Kent, speaker and author of Waiting Together and Unquenchable

“In Dwelling Places, Lucinda Secrest McDowell elevates devotions to a new level. As always, McDowell uses some of the best quotes you will read this year, but she adds to them her special brand of storytelling as well as teachings that will minister to your soul. A masterful devotional, managing to be both short and deep at the same time.” ~ Tessa Afshar, Christy, award winning author of Land of Silence and Fields of Grace

“I never miss a new book from Lucinda Secrest McDowell. Her writing is so real and warm and down-to-earth, and at the same time thought-provoking, profound, and theologically grounded. A rare combination! Dwelling Places offers readers deep moments of reflection, inspiration, and encouragement that will stay with us throughout the day and throughout the seasons of our lives.”  ~ Christin Ditchfield, syndicated radio host, speaker, and author of What Women Should Know About Facing Fear

“Dwelling Places is balm for the soul, resonate and full of life, bringing the Word to dwell with me as I pondered each of the daily words long after I'd finished reading them.” ~ Christa Parrish, Christianity Today award and Christy award winning author of Still Life and Stones for Bread                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                        And I thought . . . What a great devotional book.   The subtitle Words to Live in Every Season explains the essence of  the book.  It's divided into 4 sections: Dwell Fall, Shine Advent, Renew Lent, and Grow Summer and ending with a section titled  Gratitudes followed by the Epilogue: Secrets Of The Nest.    Each devotional begins with a scripture and then a short story with some thoughts to ponder.  I loved the end of each devotional.  Instead of a prayer for the reader to pray each devotional ended with a word from our Father.  These thoughts blessed my spirit.  Here is an example: from #26 Faithful... My child, you can trust Me. I have been faithful to countless generations before you, and I shall most certainly be there for those who come after you.  You see. I never change.  While my ways and my will are not predictable in time and manner my character remains.  Faithful. True. Loving. Merciful.  Count on it.  

I enjoyed this little book.  It is small and will fit nicely into a tote back.  It's a great devotional to even take on vacation.  I liked the small size.  I had no trouble reading it.  I also like the graphics that made it pretty.                                                                                                                                                                         I would recommend this devotional to anyone.  It would make a great gift for anyone anytime of the year or any season.                                                                                                                                                                                                              This devotional is worthy of my 5 star rating.   My thanks to Miss McDowell, Abigdon Press and Litfuse for allowing me the opportunity to read and review this book.  I received a complimentary copy in exchange for my honest review.                                                                                                                                                            This review is posted at Amazon, CBC, Barnes and Noble and Goodreads.  click on the bold type to purchase or read additional reviews.  The review is posted at My Reading Journeys and linked to The Art of Homemaking, Create With Joy and Share Your Cup and may be linked to other available parties.  See my parties page for a complete list of blog parties.     

Tips On Tuesday

Uses for fabric softener sheets. . .

•  They are great to use in your linen closet.  Just place one in a stack of extra sheets, your blankets or stored quilts. 
• Put one under your car seat.
• Put one in your shoes  to soak up odors.
• Great to polish chrome

Do you have any different uses for fabric softener sheets?

Tips for getting rid of paper clutter . . . 

                                                                                                           Source

Here's a tip to help rid your house of paper clutter. Do you have stacks of mail to go through and magazines?  When I check the mail I immediately stop at the trash can and sort the mail. I even open the bills etc. and throw away the envelopes. We usually either pay on line or in person at the location. The only thing that makes it in the house is the actual bill. This really saves on clutter for me. You might consider stopping at your recycling bin on the way in the house or get an extra waste basket for your garage or mudroom where ever you go in the house. 

Tip for cleaning ceiling fans . . . 

                                  Source
I used to have a problem cleaning my ceiling fans. I would just forget to clean them. So now I clean them every Monday when I am doing laundry. I use a kitchen type wet wipe now once a week so I don't forget them. 

Another super easy way to clean your fan is to simply cover the blade with a pillow case.  Just pull the pillow case off and all the dirt comes of inside the pillowcase.  

These are just a few of the ways I keep my little cottage cozy.  

How do you keep your home cozy?

Please take me my Poll on my sidebar.  Blogger and Google have taken my comments option away. 

I'd love to know that you visited.   You might be able to leave a comment if you click on the Google+ icon at the bottom of this post.  

My email is Slegan@yahoo.com if you'd like to email me a comment!  

                Thanks for visiting!  Have a good week! 

Linking at the regular parties.  Visit my Parties page for links. 

Happy Homemaker Monday-July 4th Edition

                                              
Good Morning!  I hope you are having a Fabulous Day!  
                                            
Sandra at Family Corner the hostess for Happy Homemaker Monday is taking the day off  but because I enjoy planning my week using HHM I wanted to write my post anyway 

Here are a few plans I have for the week and a little of what's going on around the cottage . . . 

The Weather. . . Oh my it is soooo nice it is 73 right now.  That's unheard of for July in Texas!  But I'll take it!

On My Breakfast Plate Today . . .  A simple hard boiled egg and a glass of Raspberry Tea.

On My Reading Pile . . . I do have a pile!

Just waiting to post reviews.  I have a collection on my Kindle too for my enjoyment.  

As I Look Out My Window . . . 
Daisy is enjoying the open door and cool weather

 She loves the screen on the door so she can go in and out.  We need a new one though it doesn't also close.

On My T.V. 
Still enjoying Netflicks free trial.  We won't subscribe but it's nice having something different to watch. 

On The Menu This Week . . . 
Theme: Simple
Monday- Ribs, Potato Salad, Sliced Tomatoes (from the garden)
Tuesday-Dorito's Taco Salad, Bean Chalupa's
Wednesday-Pork Chops, Rice and Green Beans
Thursday-Pizza
Friday-- Spaghetti, Salad and Garlic Bread
Saturday-- Out to dinner.  It's been a long week! 

On My To Do List . . .
A sneak peek at tomorrow's post.  Last weekend I changed closets with the Cowboy which lead to moving other things around.

1. Finish Closet
2. Complete Gallery Wall on Stairs
3. Re-group on the balcony.  The sun has killed my plants
4. Put away the red/white and blue.
5. Redo mantle. 

I'm tired thinking about it!

What I Am Creating . . . 

A cozy and beautiful home.

New Recipe I Want To Try . . . 

         Source

From The Camera . . . 
Nothing on my phone right now.  I've had to delete everything. 
I think I need a new memory card.  With the Kindle app I don't have much space.   
Here's one from the archives

Our little engineer.

On My Prayer List . . . 
The single mom ministry at my daughters church.  I'm dedicating he next few months to praying for the leaders.  They have an amazing ministry.  I am also collecting items for the Christmas event. I'm trying to enter as many giveaway's as I can so I can donate the prizes.  

Thanks for visiting me today.  I hope you enjoyed the little peek into my world.  

Please take my poll at the top of the page

Blogger and Google have been messing with my mind lately.  If the option to leave a comment doesn't show up on this post you might try clicking the tiny Goolge+ icon it will take you over to my Google+ page.  
Or you can email me Slegan@yahoo.com.
I'd love to know you came by! 

Simple Sunday--July 4th Edition

             Have a Good Day and a Safe Holiday

My Friday post on Saturday--Last Minute July 4th Decorations

A little late.  But worth the wait.  Sharing some of my favorite 
July 4th ideas/decoration posts. 

                                             Enjoy 

             
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A few great ideas.  I hope your inspired to have a festive 4th!

I'd love to read your comments.  Blogger/Google has taken my comments option away.  Please visit my poll on the sidebar! 

                                Happy July 4th

Patriotic Animals

Welcome to my annual Saturday Patriotic Critters.  Ever year 
around the 4th I search for the cutest festively dressed Critters around.  

Here are a few of my favorites . . . 

                            
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           Have a safe and Happy 4th
Linking with Eileen's Camera Critters,  Camera Critters, Wordless Wednesday,  Blue Monday
and Create With Joy

               Please take my poll at the top of the page

Blogger and Google have been messing with my mind lately.  If the option to leave a comment doesn't show up on this post you might try clicking the tiny Goolge+ icon it will take you over to my Google+ page.  
Or you can email me Slegan@yahoo.com.
I'd love to know you came by! 

Have A Good Day

Good Morning...
                        
I hope your plans for the 4th are going well.  I'll be back this afternoon with some of my favorite posts!   

I think if you click on the Google+ symbol at the bottom you can leave a comment there.  I'm still trying to figure out how to fix that problem.

Wordpress is looking pretty good right now!