Baker's Racks

Not Just For the Kitchen!

Baker's racks were first used in bakeries as a place for hot baked goods to cool. The metal shelving is heat conducting which allows for the heat to quickly be transferred from baking pan/dish to shelves. Traditionally baker's racks were made pf wrought iron but now a days can be made from many different materials and may include special shelving for wine and/or other storage.

Just like with various other pieces of furniture, a BAKERS RACK can serve many purposes.

Other ares of the house one could use a bakers rack would be:

In an entryway.

                                Used as a bar.

Maybe you want to use your baker's rack as a plant/potting stand.

 

 Showing of a collection of favorite things.

Wood, glass, wicker or iron...as you can see baker's racks can be a very useful piece of furniture of any room of the house.

Home is where the heart is

Today while looking at my friend's blog she showed a cute little needlepoint sign that read:

                          "I wasn't born in Tennessee but I got here as fast as I could."

I immediately knew what she was talking about.
I was originally born in Southern Illinois. Broughton to be exact. My father was a So. Il. Methodist minister and I moved around every 2 to 3 years. I graduated from Flora Il Township High school. Here is a picture of Flora. It was the biggest town I had lived in at that time!

I am not sure when this picture was taken but I lived there in the early 70's.  At the corner where this picture is taken was the first stop light in town too. In smaller "county" towns like this there really isn't much for kids to do. I remember one time the town tried to pass a law that prevented us kids from walking up and down the streets. I mean...Friday and Saturday nights this was the cruising strip! And those that didn't drive usually walked. One night a whole bunch of us gather on one of these corners and just walked around and around the intersection there as the light would change. Well, the law said we couldn't walk the street or we'd be busted for lottering so...we won. That little law was soon dropped.

Anyway, shortly after graduating from Flora in 1974 (Hey...I am metaphysically wrinkle free) and 19 yrs of living in Illinois I moved to Bountiful, Utah! What a culture shock! Little county Methodist bumpkin now in the land of Zion! WOW!! LOL!

In the Salt Lake valley I lived and loved and married. My husband, Don, is originally from Idaho. He moved here when he was 10.

Fast forward 20 years and Don and I living in Salt Lake City a couple of blocks from Liberty Park decide that we have had enough of the city life. I for some reason talk him into moving back to Illinois. But not to Flora but Salem,Il which is 25 miles east of Flora. I had family there and so...even not ever living in Salem myself I quickly learned that one cannot go home. Other than the family members that still live in Illinois...I have no desire to ever live there again. And sorry to say...but I have no desire to ever go back or see any of the people I went to high school with. (Exception Gina...Shout out!)

Believe it or not...after 18 months of being homesick and not liking the flatness of Illinois. We end up in all places...Atlanta, GA! Well, Buford, GA. And we immediately and have ever since felt like we were Home!
After 10 years of being away from Utah, we find ourselves back in Salt Lake City. But we cannot wait and have been planning our move back to Georgia. Here are a few reasons why I love and want to go back to Georgia. Like the little needlepoint sign...I may not have been born in Georgia but I got there as soon as I could. And will get back there as soon as I can. Driving through the Georgia mountains you never know what little store you will run across. This place has some of the best farmer's cheese...Old Sautee Store. The different little pottery places you'd find along the way.

And I know that God's greatest temple is the outdoors. I know there are many beautiful places on this earth but this little lake...Dockery Lake is my favorite place on earth. I cannot wait to get back to this little place and pitch my tent. I could live here! In my yurt of course! LOL.

Sorry I got carried away but just wanted to give ya'all some of my background. And my hope to soon be back in the Georga mountains.

Bright Blessings!
Peace, Love and True Faith!

Benefits of an undermount sink

Besides making your kitchen look fabulously modern and stylish you have to remember the main purpose of the space.

 

When thinking of a kitchen remodel or building a new home, the sleek contemporary style is perfect. Besides the modern look there are benefits to undermount kitchen sinks.

Undermount kitchen sinks come with a special feature different from your ordinary kitchen sinks. That is the flush fitting or how the sink fits underneath the counter top. This provides a clean and thorough finish.  No joints or rims for a mess to get caught up under. Clean up is a breeze merely wiping your mess directly into the sink.


Another advantage to undermount kitchens sinks is the uncluttered look as all the plumbing is hidden underneath the sink. This seamless feature also means no thought to your cleaning process.

An undermount kithcen sink is fixed below a kitchen counter top making the third benefit being their high efficient functionality.  They are make to resist wear and tear maintaning their features for many years to come.

Undermount kitchen sinks come in a large variety of styles and materials.  One you have decided on your budget and style you will be able to find the perfect undermount kitchen sink to give your kitchen that professional and sleek look.                                      

 

Yuck!  Aren't you glad these days are over?

    It is said the kitchen is the heart of your home. 
Have many happy times!

Peace, Love and True Faith!
                                      
         

Vertical metal handles versus wooden knobs

That was the decision given to consumers in past decades when deciding on kitchen or bathroom cabinet pulls. Now with pulls coming in a variety of materials from black crocodile leather to recycled glass there are many choices to be made.

Style is another decision to make. Would you prefer contemporary?


Or a more traditional style?

There is also the decision of what type of materials you would want from metals, leathers, woods and glass.

The single most important thing to remember and take into consideration is what you choose for your plumbing fixtures.  If you have chosen a brushed nickel faucet you would want your cabinet/drawer pulls to match.  Color coordination and complimentary to the color of your tiles and flooring is also something that could be thought of.

Cabinet hardware also comes in a wide range of sizes.  Not to mention that there are even some whimsical styles to fit every theme or mood.                               
                              
                                                       With some of the designs and the addition of the whimsical...cabinet hardware pulls do not just have to stay in your kitchen or bathroom.  Try them on a dresser or desk drawers to give a new look.

I think I might just have to re-purpose a chest of drawers I have for my husband's den adding a touch of whimsy.  He is sure to love these. 

Have fun picking out your new cabinet hardware pulls and Be safe!

Peace, Love and True Faith!

Looking for a new bedroom rug

I have been looking for a new bedroom rug. My floor is all tile and with winter coming I am not looking forward to cold tootsies.

My bedroom decor changes every time I find a good deal on bedding sets. I can switch out pictures and knick knacks from other rooms. So, getting something to graphic as in flowers may not be the answer.  And do I want square or round?

I see a lot of decorating shows that always throw a zebra rug in their decor...any decor!

After doing some research and thinking...I have decided what I rug is best for my bedroom is a good discount rug!

Happy shopping!

Company's coming!

My mother was the type of person that believed in saving the best for company.  When you saw the lace tablecloth airing out...you knew company was coming. My parents didn't have a lot of money so when they did purchase something like this...they used it well.

I saw this picture of this cloth that is so similar to the one my mother had.  We had some good times.around the table.  I remember one time my older sister and my dad got into a food fight with chocolate cream pie!  LOL.  And yes, we were using the good lace tablecloth as other company was there.  I remember my mother scrubbing what seemed like hours making sure there were no stains on her lace tablecloth.  And the food!  Sunday fried chicken dinners made entirely from scratch.  There is and will never ever be another cook as good as your mother's homemade cooking.

Unfortunately the parents are now gone, so is the chocolate pie throwing sister.  I inherited my mother's lace tablecloth and like her, kept it back for company.  The last time I pulled it out of the linen drawer was when I finally saw the wear and tear as it was a cloth of many years.  I could see the round stains where a glass of mom's sassafras tea sat or from the coffee cup ever present in my dad's hand.  A few tears were shed as I thought of the times no longer to be had and smiled at their memories. 

And, as said above, the tears in the delicate lace were there, tiny and few but there.  I am not familiar with tatting (making lace) nor do I sew very well.  I decided to make my mother's lace tablecloth into some cafe curtains for above the kitchen sink. Now I see the tablecloth on a daily basis and I know my mother is there telling me, "Just a pinch more salt and pepper and a dash of love."

The tablecloth does not have to be a fancy lace one nor does it have to be saved only for company. Spread your tablecloth out on your table and make your own family memories tonight.

Bright Blessings.
Peace, Love and True Faith.

Dream Home

A few blogs back I showed this picture of me standing in front of a yurt.  I mentioned that this is my dream home.  Well, not that particular yurt in that particular setting but, yes, I do want to live in a yurt.

What is a yurt?  Basically it is a round tent. It is the ancient structure that Central Asian nomads have used for centuries. However, it is much stronger and weather tight then a regular tent.  Yurts are of a circular structure that consists of a durable fabric cover, tension band and a wood frame that includes a lattice wall, radial rafters, central compression ring and a framed door.  Yurts are typically set upon wood platforms supported by simple post-and-beam systems and have minimal impact on surrounding soils.

Why do I want to live in a yurt?  Besides them being a lot cheaper than a traditional home, I just do.  My ideal place for a yurt would be by a lake or other form of water.

If you would like to find out more about yurts and their uses and prices.  Also to see pictures of inside yurts and how modern and comfortable they can be...just go to your favorite search engine site and key the work in the word yurt.

Expansion of this dream...and I do hear this already exists in CA would be a yurt community.  Definitely not your typical trailer park.  LOL.

Be safe!
Peace, Love and True Faith.

The Elegance of Crystal Chandeliers

A good chandelier can add just the right touch to any room of the house. Chandeliers used to be mainly in entryways and dining rooms of homes but now chandeliers are hanging and can be seen hanging in any room.  Longer ones over a kitchen island. 








 Even over your bathtub!


And chandeliers themselves have changed down through the years. But, my favorites are the crystal chandeliers.  

From the ornate to the simple. 

From very colorful to black. 

                                             But the best colors from any chandelier (yes, even the black chandelier)the best colors are the rainbows from the sun shining through each crystal.

 

Silverware

Also know as "flatware" and/or "cutlery". 

How many of you have ever sat down to a dinner table and found the table set as such?

I've seen a few movies where the main character has sat down to a formal table setting also not knowing about all the silverware sitting there before them.  And a lot of times you will hear a co-star politely advise to just start with the utensils on the outside and work your way in.  Did that ever leave you sitting wondering what and why?  LOL.

Going through the silverware only starting with #5.  That is your salad fork - If a salad fork is used, it belongs to the left of the dinner fork.  Which means #6 is your Dinner fork - Placed to the left of the plate. No more than three forks to the left of the plate. If there are three forks, they are usually salad, fish, and meat, in order of use, from outside in. An oyster fork always goes to the right of the soup spoon. 

This jumps us to #7.which is your butter knife - Place horizontally on bread plate. 

#8 and #9 are you dessert spoon and cake fork.  Both to be placed above the plate.

#10 is your dinner knife - To the right of the plate. Sometimes there are multiple knives, perhaps for meat, fish, and salad, in order of use from outside in.  And following the dinner knife is #11 your tea spoon and #12 your soup spoon. 

And what is the difference you may ask? 
 Forks: A dinner fork is the standard-sized fork. The salad fork is slightly smaller than the dinner fork. A dessert fork is about the same length as the salad fork but may be narrower. The fish fork is about the length of a dinner fork but is often narrower. An oyster or shellfish fork is very small and usually has only two tines.
  Knives: The dinner knife is the standard-sized knife. The butter knife is much smaller and usually has a rounded tip. A fish knife is about the same size as a dinner knife, but it has a special tip for undressing a fish that is served with head, skin or bones. A steak knife has an extra-sharp, usually serrated, blade.
 Spoons: Generally, a soup spoon and a dessert spoon are the only spoons required. A demitasse spoon may be brought out with a cup and saucer for coffee, though using the dessert spoon is considered acceptable to stir within all but the most formal settings. Different soup spoons are available for cream soups or broths, but a standard soup spoon is usually enough. A tablespoon or place spoon may be set on a formal table if the meal requires it, and they are often used for an informal meal where no soup is served. A teaspoon is only required when there will be tea served.
The next time I happen to be invited to a fancy formal dinner I know I can confidently eat my salad with the right piece of silverware.  LOL.

Peace, Love and True Faith.

Weekend Getaway

This last weekend my husband and I had the chance to spend time in a condo in Eden, UT.  Here is my wonderful husband standing in our little kitchen.  Our condo was a one bedroom fully provided for up to 4 people.
And when I say "provided" for I mean with almost every basic "tool" needed for cooks.
In fact, it had given me a blog idea for Cook's Essentials; as in pots and pans and such...but I found out that Cook's Essentials is an actual brand name of some fryers.  Duh!  And those were not provided.  LOL!  We had a basic fry pan, a couple different sizes pans, various cooking utensils,  a shredder, measuring cup and spoons, pitcher, strainer, teakettle and coffee pot.  Our condo slept up to four so we had silverware; for four, a complete dinnerware set for four and there were extra Anchor Hocking Glassware up to six.  Since we were there with husband's entire family, most of our meals were at his parents condo.  All of us were keeping track of the extra fork or coffee cup that was carried to their place.

We had a very good time but 4 nights was still way to short of a relaxing time.  The scenery was breath taking.  This picture was taken about noonish.  You can see the sun shining through the yellow of the trees.  Just a few short miles above our condo was Powder Mountain Ski Resort.  That's me standing in front of a yurt there.  Believe it or not that is my dream home.  A yurt somewhere in the NE GA mountains. 

Here is a view of our ride back down to our condo.
The road seen across the way I think would be the Ogden canyon pass.

Anyway, just thought I would share.  It isn't often my husband and I get away.  I wish my camera could have done the pictures better justice than what is posted but nothing is better than the actual view itself.

Take care Everyone!

Peace, Love and True Faith.

Stocking your Home Bar

Besides the obvious booze there are other items needed to stock your bar. And to list all the liquors that one could/should stock would take up this blog. LOL.

I am talking more about the glasses & barware that is needed to set up a good bar. If your budget does not allow the purchase of all the different drink glasses available on the market today, then your bar should have the basic drinking glasses and a shot glasses. With the shot glasses you can either just drink straight from it or use to measure an amount of liquor for a certain drink. Any drink no matter how fancy or how it is to be served can be poured into a regular drinking glass

As mentioned above, there are many different drink glasses on the market today. There are Old Fashioned glassed, martini glasses, beer steins/mugs, goblets and toasting flutes. But the three basics made for certain liquors that can be used for any cocktail out there. Those would be: champagne glasses, wine glasses and the ever popular mararita glasses.

How ever and what ever you stock your home bar with always remember to drink responsibly.

Candle Holders in a Pinch

Many homes now a days have candles in some size shape and form. A majority will probably be jar candles or votives already in a little holder. But what happens if you have a bunch of candles but no holders? There are many items around the house that can be used as candle holders in a pinch. Of course it would still depend on the size and shape of the candles you have. Safety is a big issue as you do not want to use anything that could melt or catch on fire.

Here are some common household items that a candle could safely burn in. A cup and/or saucer will hold votives, smaller pillars and tealights. A larger pillar would set on a salad/dessert plate. Shot glasses will also hold some of the smaller votives or pillars. A candy dish, glass coaster, empty pickle jar, or tin can are also great candle holders. Empty salt and pepper shakers depending on their opening will hold tapers. A large glass serving bowl or punch bowl will hold floating candles. Even something like a cupcake tin could be used to hold candles.

Just look around your home and take into consideration the size/shape of the candles you are wanting to burn and the location. Make sure that stay safe keeping the candles away from curtains/draperies and keep children and animals away from the open flames.

Kitchen Faucets...not just hot and cold anymore.

When you think of a new kitchen faucet, what is the first thing that pops into your head? For most of us it is probably how it looks or catches the eye. The second thing would be the price, or it would be for me. LOL.
Now a days there's so much more into purchasing a kitchen faucet than just filling in the holes.

Somethings you might need to think about when shopping:

1)Scald-guards,or faucets that will keep the water at a certain temperature reducing burns to hands.

2)Spout height and reach, to make sure that big deep spaghetti pans fits under making filling much easier.

3)Handles, the word says it all. Is the faucet you are deciding upon one that does it all right there or do you still need the hot and cold handles?

4)Mounting styles, are you going to use the same sink you have had or purchase a new one. Deciding on a new faucet also depends on new holes drilled or using pre-exsisting.

5)Water filtration, this has become a very important part of faucets. Many newer faucets have the filtration system built right into it. With these faucets one could save money by not having to buy plastic bottled water.

If you are thinking of a redo in the kitchen and the faucet is on that list you may find yourself shopping all day. There are so many varieties and beautiful choices in today's kitchen faucets you might as well put you feet up and shop in comfort.

Storage.

What do you think of when you hear the word "storage"? What type of storage and/or that there is never enough storage? And what do you store?

The dictionary defines:
"stor·age
[stawr-ij, stohr-]
–noun
1. the act of storing; state or fact of being stored: (All my furniture is in storage.)
2. capacity or space for storing.
3. a place, as a room or building, for storing.
4. Computers . memory.
5. the price charged for storing goods."

And until I had read that, I hadn't even thought of storage in terms of computers. LOL.

We as humans tend to have a need to gather and keep a lot of stuff. Stuff we use on a daily basis and other stuff is just there. And like definition number 5 above...some of us have enough stuff that we need to put it in storage! Comedian George Carlin once did a skit on "Stuff" and in it says: "Imagine that. There's a whole industry based on keeping an eye on your stuff!"

How and what different types of storage is there? There is...closet storage and kitchen and pantry storage. There is storage for outdoor and the garage. Don't for get the other storage as in under the bed to storage for wine.

What other types of storage items for stuff is there? Some people like to use decorative organizers or baskets and bowls to keep trinkets in. There's shelves for books and media and shelves and storage in the bathroom for towels and that handy extra roll of toilet paper. Oh! don't forget about the kid's room!

I think I have rattled on enough about storage and the different types available. There are many more ideas and such out there I am sure. Do any of you have any other creative ways that you keep your stuff in storage?

Keep you Children safe in their car seats!

From coast to coast, September 19-25, 2010 is National Child Passenger Safety Week. We are reminding parents and caregivers that all children should be placed in child safety seats, booster seats or seat belts-every time they ride in a car or truck.
Parents and caregivers are urged to verify that their child safety seats are properly installed and correctly used. Certified technicians will be available to inspect and verify - free of charge - your child seat installation. Check with your local Sheriff's Dept for locations and times of inspections.

Parents know that before they can bring their bundle of joy home that a car seat is a major necessity. Most will research and choose the car seat that they feel works best for their life styles and budget. Even though one chooses a safe car seat for their child, many still improperly install the car seat. Always follow the instructions for the particular car seat that you have chosen. If you have any doubts at all about the installation of your car seat those certified technicians are available year round to answer any questions.

As with researching for the best car seat for your infant, there are many informative guides on the internet that will help answer questions from purchase to installation.

"We worry about what a child will become tomorrow, yet we forget that he is someone today." ~Stacia Tauscher

Cheap?

Many different thoughts can pop into one's head when they hear the word "cheap". Cute fuzzy yellow chicks might be one but not in this case. LOL!

Cheap has several meanings itself but is more common definition is associated with money. The price of an item was "cheap" or my uncle is a "cheap" penny pincher. Some associate the word "cheap" with the way an item is made, the materials used to make the item were not of high quality. Many retail stores will not use the word "cheap" even though they want to consumers to purchase from them because of their lower prices.

The reason I am bringing this up is because I have recently been shopping for new area rugs and I have found that Overstock.com has some of the "cheapest" rugs online today. I have already purchased an outdoor area rug from Overstock.com for "cheap" and the quality has with stood 2 summers on my patio and the winters in my guest bedroom (why I am shopping for another) with no signs of wear or tear.

So, if any of you out there are shopping for "cheap" area rugs Overstock.com can provide area rugs from contemporary to novelty. Oh! And don't forget their "cheap" rug pads!

Grandson on his way!

Some of you may or may not have heard by now that I am going to be a Grandma for the first time this November. My son and daughter-in-law are having a son. Yay!
I have had so much fun since I first heard about my grandson's arrival shopping. My grandson will be living in another state and I have had to depend on shopping online for presents from grandma.
One of the first things I started looking for was cute baby boy clothes. I wish I had posted this sooner because I found the cutest black onesie with a Scorpion embroidered on the front. I am particularly please with the wonderful prices I am finding.
I have also been debating over buying a bassinet or cradle. Mama wants one but from my experience a baby does not stay in them long enough to justify the money. But, it is their first baby and my first grandchild so I probably will purchase one or the other. However, I am finding myself loving the moses baskets.
My daughter-in-law has chosen an animal safari theme for the nursery and we have been debating over several different baby bedding sets to purchase. They are all so cute. And again we are also debating over what crib to buy as she is not sure if she just wants the crib or the ones that grow with the baby.
Decisions need to be made soon as he is due soon! LOL! And maybe I will let ya'all know exactly what we did buy. =)

Wish List for Christmas

I know it is still a couple of months away, but it is never to soon to start making up one's Christmas wish list.
Now, after my husband and I's first year of marriage...I made him sign a contract that he would never ever gift me with appliances. This comes after his parents giving us pots and pans and cases of food and a kitchen aide mixer and getting a vacuum from my husband our first Christmas together. I do regret sometimes having him sign that contract because it has been 25 years now and not one kitchen or household appliance have I received from my husband. I can't speak for his parents but Hubby...he won't give me an appliance if I beg for it. LOL!
As the years have gone by...any appliances I usually buy before or after Christmas. One year I actually bought me a blender I had wanted and put under the tree from Santa.
This year I am working on a juicers, a toaster ovens (believe it or not I have never used a toaster oven. I hear they are great for chicken nuggets. And, not that it is an appliance but I would also like a nice umbrella for the patio next summer.
So, now that you know what I would like for Christmas this year...what is on your list?

Peace, Love and True Faith.

Seasons Change...Change the Mood.

As a renter for most of my life I have had to come up with creative and inexpensive ways to decorate. I don't always have the option to paint. If I do it's usually just the same boring neutral color it was. So, here are some of my ideas to change the mood in any room.

As the seasons change I find myself wanting different colors and moods for my home. In the winter I might go with richer jewel tones and a heavier window treatments than I would for the spring/summer. In the spring I will find lighter pastel or even neon colors and definitely lighter material panels. Sometimes I like to add a solid color curtain with a patterned valance. I love contrasts.

To change ones furniture would be to costly however, changing the color on a sofa or chair can easily be done with new silpcovers. Or just add some decorative and colorful throw pillows. Either one will instantly change the mood.

These have been some of my favorite ways down through the years to change the mood in my homes. Hope that you will find these ideas useful. With fall/winter coming I am working on some different ideas. If I come up with anything exciting I will let you know.

Peace, Love and True Faith,

Queeniebee20

A Tisket A Tasket a Pre-Packaged Gift Basket

One of my favorite gift ideas down through the years has been to personalize a gift baskets. I always found it fun to think of an idea for the gift baskets that would be to the recipient's taste and interests. I also liked to use something besides a basket for my base.

For my daughter's Easter Basket one year I got her the Barbie Jeep stuffing it with grass, eggs and all the Easter candy. She loved it and I had to repeat the basket idea for my niece on her next birthday.

My sister-in-law is a real wine connoisseur and enjoys a good wine gift basket. However, most wine gift baskets I have ran across have not had the wine glasses in them. But it makes the basket just a bit more personal when you do add something personal.

I use to enjoy putting the gift baskets together from scratch but it did involve time. I thought it had to be made that way to add the personal touch for each person I was making them for. However, I now have no problems finding an already pre-packaged gift baskets and then finding one or two items and that will give it the personal touch I like to see.

Flashback to...

My junior high years and avocado shag carpet. I ran across an article about new trends in shag carpet and was immediately sent back a few years.
My sister is 15 years older than me. One summer I stayed with her to help babysit my nieces. My sister ran her own hair salon from her basement so she was near. I helped keep my 2 nieces upstairs and also helped with cooking and cleaning.
Along with her living room, there was another room upfront of the house that had shag carpet. It was part of mine and my older niece's duty to vacuum this shag carpet daily. Now that does not sound so bad but my sister is a super clean freak! Vacuuming would have been easy but no. Vacuuming consisted of: first a quick vacuum…then raking with a special shag carpet rake…vacuuming again and again. This process was done not just once a day but up to three times a day depending on my sister’s level of cleanliness.
In the rest of the house there were hard wood floors with various area rugs about. However you did not want to step on them as her floors were shined and polished and you would slip and slide on the rugs.
I have seen pictures of these new shag carpets and they do look softer and come in a larger variety of colors. I am also sure that with today’s carpets being made from different materials that the care will be a lot easier. Well, depending on if your sister is compulsive or not.