Christmas Mantle 2009 & Winner of $25.00 Give Away!!

As you probably already know the talented Layla at The Lettered Cottage is kicking off the Holiday Home Linky Parties with a Christmas Mantel linky today, Nov. 30.  She posted her mantel earlier today.  You must check it out!  Layla always bring something special and fresh to her projects.  I enjoy seeing what she and her husband Kevin put together.  

Since I just started blogging a few months back and I don't yet have my Christmas mantel done, I thought I would bore  show you my mantel from 2009. 

The clock stays up year round as well as the English hunt picture. I don't have the tall candle holders anymore.  I took them to my local consignment store this summer.  My husband and I just laid some fresh greenery on the mantel then hid white lights among the branches.  Next we nestled some white, silver, and red balls, and mixed in fresh pine cones. Simple but pretty. 

Our tree from last year.   Just love white lights! See the pretty reflection in the window?

   

Don't know exactly how I will be decorating this year.  I think a little more glam.  This past year we finished the renovation of our basement.  That means I will be putting up a tree down there too.  So I may go with my more old-fashioned, country Christmas decor in the basement and keep the fancier pretties upstairs.  Stay tuned to find out!

And now without further ado, drum roll please.....

Announcing the winner of the first ever $25.00 Give Away from Vintage Townsquare.

The winner is Mic!! Comment number 13.  

Friends, you will have to trust me here.  I used Random.org to generate the results.  For the life of me, I can't figure out how folks get that frame thing to show in their blog.  Help? 

Mic left a comment and became a follower of Light of the Home.  This is the comment:  

The item I want the most is the Vintage Lefton Nativity scene with the cute little angels and the babe in the manger. I collect nativity scenes and would LOVE to have it. My nativity scenes remind me of the true meaning of Christmas and I love to look at mine and see how different, but yet so alike they are in their message. Thank you for the opportunity to win!

Mic, please contact me so we can discuss how you wish to spend your $25.00 in Vintage Townsquare.  And Congratulations!

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby~

Nanny's Pecan Pie

Growing up I spent a lot of time with my maternal grandmother, whom I called "Nanny".   I enjoyed being with her as she always had something interesting going on.  Nanny was an excellent cook, gardener and seamstress.  My parents named me after her as they chose her middle name to be my middle name too! 

In 1983 she made a very special Christmas present for all the married women in the family.  A recipe book filled with all her best and most popular dishes, called Nanny's This and That.  One of those recipes was for her pecan pie. 

In recent years I have made this pie a lot.  It never fails to garner high compliments.  I think one of the reasons people like it is because it is not too sweet as some pecan pies can be.  We (my husband loves this so much he wanted to learn how to make them too) just made 4 last week for Thanksgiving.  Two to take to family get-togethers and two to keep at home.  It is Monday and they are gone, gone, gone.  But fortunately for you, today, I am going to share this recipe with you!

Nanny's Pecan Pie

Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

1 1/2 cups light brown sugar packed

1 1/2 cups light or dark corn syrup (I use light corn syrup)

2 tablespoons butter or oleo softened

3 tablespoons flour (all purpose)

1 1/2 teaspoon vanilla

1 1/4 teaspoon salt

5 eggs beaten 

2 cups broken pecan pieces

2 regular 9-inch pie shells (do not use deep dish)

Combine flour and sugar.  Mix well.  Add butter.  Beat with wooden spoon to combine.

Stir in syrup and eggs.  Combine well.

Add vanilla and salt.  Add broken pecans.  Mix well.

Carefully pour into pie shells.

Bake 35 to 45 minutes.  

Cool completely before serving.

Serve plain or with vanilla ice cream.  Delicious!

We used some whole pecans to decorate the top of the pie.  

Another reason this recipe is dear to me is because of the book she made for us.  She hand wrote the recipes then my Aunt made mimeographed copies.  She also wrote a special letter to us which is in the very front of the book.

 Nanny then sewed fabric to the cover.  Look how ingenious!

 

  

As you can see in the pictures this book has seen much wear and tear.  It has been well loved and much used since 1983. Nanny is no longer with us.  She went to be with the Lord in 1988.  Thank you Nanny for giving us something very precious that we can treasure and enjoy for years to come!  

Come back tomorrow to learn who won the $25.00 give away from Vintage Townsquare! 

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby~

Win a $25.00 Gift Certificate to Vintage Townsquare!!

Feeling stressed already about Christmas and it is only the day after Thanksgiving?  You ate too much yesterday and you woke up with turkey hang-over?  Your adrenaline is pumping because you already feel behind in the rush?  You are not alone, my friend.  

Vintage Townsquare is here to help by offering this give away for a $25.00 gift certificate!  Winner will be announced on Tuesday, Nov. 30 using results by random.org.  This can be used on anything in the shop.  Shipping and handling fees are excluded. Picture this.....

Shopping from the comfort of your home in your flannel pajamas, listening to Pandora radio and sipping on your cappuccino latte.

Vintage Townsquare carries a wide variety of unique items for your home and wardrobe.  Also listed several vintage Christmas pieces and adding new ones everyday!  Here is just a sampling of items available.

Vintage Green Oval Leather Mail Holder $16.95

Vintage Wooden Wall Box $14.95

Vintage Shiny Brite Blue Glass Christmas Ornaments $23.95

Two-Set Scarf 1-Anne Klein 2-Brown Polka Dot $22.00

Vintage 50's Hostess Organza Apron with Black Cats $18.50

Collection Colorful Bound Readers Digest Books $18.00

English Silver MFG. Small Tray $19.95

OK, here are the easy peasy steps. 

For a first entry, visit Vintage Townsquare, choose an item you would use the $25.00 gift certificate for then come back here and leave a comment telling me about it.   Would this be a purchase for yourself or someone else?

For a second entry, become a follower of Light In The Home.  If you are already a follower, just leave me a comment telling me so.

For a third entry, tweet about the giveaway to your fellow tweeps. Then come back and leave a comment letting me know you did.

For a fourth entry,share with your facebook friends about the give away.  Then come back and leave a comment letting me know you did.  

That is a total of 4 possible entries you may submit!  I hope you win!

Hope to see you in the shop! Libby~ 

 

 

A Thanksgiving Table for the Evening

Hi friends~

I hope you are enjoying this day with close family and friends, eating lots of food and having a grand ole time.  I quickly wanted to post some pictures of the Thanksgiving Table I set last night.  We did not have all the family this year.  But my husband still smoked 2 turkey breasts and a pork loin.  Nothing better than a turkey sandwich on the day after Thanksgiving!!  Later today we are headed to the big family gathering.  I am to take 2 pecan pies for the occasion.  I better get cracking!!

My colors were cream and brown with touches of muted orange and green.  I used a Quaker Lace tablecloth which gives this tablescape a nice old-fashioned look, I think.  In the center of the table I used a brown linen runner.  Then added my collection of creamware pitchers.  Then filled in with ceramic pumpkins and fresh pine cones.  A couple votive candles add warmth. 

 

In the very center I placed a creamy pedestal dish filled with small pine cones and a candle. 

At the last minute I added an unusual touch.  For place cards I used the trays and tiles from a Scrabble game!!  I had been on the lookout at garage sales and thrift stores for some games to use for different craft projects.  Up until yesterday, I couldn't find any.  However, yesterday I found two at one of my regular thrift stores!  One cost .59 cents and one .79 cents, Yeah!  For the blog I just spelled out attributes like thankful, peace, hope, love, grace etc.  You of course would put real names. 

   

For greater texture, I used woven place mats at each setting.  I used creamy plates with a brown rim that I had and picked up some dark green salad plates to set on top.  I am going to enjoy having these to use in the future to add variety to our dishes.   I then used woven napkin rings and creamy linen napkins. 

Glasses were some old-fashioned goblets that my Mom gave me.  Our silverware is the Dover pattern by Oneida.  They were a wedding present over 30 years ago.  I have to say they have held up really well.  But I only use them on special occasions.  

Next, I want to add a few pictures from my harvest, Thanksgiving decor around the house.  All of this will be coming down this weekend to make way for Christmas.

Home Sweet Home it is!

View of the autumn wreath from inside the house.  I like the way this looks through the leaded glass.

Come back tomorrow to learn all about winning a $25.00 gift certificate to shop at Vintage Townsquare!  

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” 

- Colossians 3:17

Thanks for stopping by!!  Libby~

Linking to Tablescape Thursday at Between Naps on the Porch!

Chalk Board Projects

For some time I have enjoyed reading how others in blog land used chalk board paint for different projects around the home.  Janelle of Isabella and Max Rooms talked about it here with her Family Message Center.    Leanne at Organize and Decorate Everything showed us how to make Chalk Board Tags here.   Marian at Miss Mustard Seed showed us how to make Chalkboard Kitchen Canisters here.  Leslie from Goodbye House Hello Home showed how she painted a whole wall to use as a chalkboard here. 

Anyway, all of this chalkboard talk whetted my appetite to do something with chalkboard paint too.  I decided I wanted chalkboard labels for my white kitchen canisters.  But because I am always looking for easier, simpler, I thought why not just buy chalk board labels.  So, I first began visiting local craft stores hoping to buy chalkboard labels.  

No. Nuh-huh.  Doesn't exist or out of stock for-eva!  Finally, I happened upon some chalkboard Wallies on clearance (60%!!) at Hancock Fabrics.  The pieces were for a children's bedroom.  But I figured I could improvise.

So I gathered my supplies. I found some shapes I liked online.  My daughter helped me graduate the sizes using photo shop. 

I traced around the shape with red ink then cut them out. 
easy peasy and no spray paint involved  
I got the look I wanted without using paint.  And here is the finished project:

I think projects like these just add fun and personality to your home.  Don't you?  I then decided to go a step further  'cause I still wanted to try out chalkboard spray paint.  I purchased some old picture frames from my local thrift store.

I brought them home and disassembled them, meaning I took the art out of the frame.  Here they are laid out on drop cloth.

And I laid out all my spray paint.  Some of the frames I painted brown, some black and one red.  After the frames dried I then sanded and distressed them.  On some I applied gold Rub 'n Buff.  Some of the frames I primed and some I didn't. I learned that if you are going to distress something you painted, it might be easier not to prime as the prime makes the paint adhere better.  I definitely wanted an aged and weathered look so I chose not to prime the next ones.  

The "art" or backing of the picture I painted with either black or green KRYLON chalkboard paint.  It took 3 light coats to sufficiently cover them.  I found the chalk board spray paint at my local Ace Hardware. I apologize that I didn't take more pictures during the process.  I then reassembled the frames and here are a few pictures of what I came up with.

     

Neat, huh?  These have been listed in my shop, Vintage Townsquare and two have already sold!  I will definitely be making more and listing them soon.  Chalkboards are especially fun to have around during the holidays, to keep track of your to-do list, write a message to your guests or simply post your holiday greeting.  You can also answer the never ending question, "What is for dinner?" 

Growing up my mom had a black chalkboard hanging in the kitchen for messages to family members and grocery shopping lists. It is still there today, 40+ years later!   

Check back later this week as I am doing a nice give away for my shop, Vintage Townsquare.  You don't want to miss it!

What projects have you done using chalkboard paint?  Do you use a chalkboard in your home somewhere? 

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby 



   

20% Off Sale at Vintage Townsquare! Today Only

Hi Friends~

Today, Nov. 9, I celebrate my 3-month anniversary of launching my online shop, Vintage Townsquare.  A fun place to find unique items for your home and wardrobe.  

To celebrate and to reach my 30th sale today, I am offering a today only (11/09) 20% off discount!  

Purchase total must exceed $20.00 and excludes shipping and handling charges.  

In message to seller use code "BLOG 20%"  Your discount will be refunded back to you via PayPal.     

Please help me reach my 30th sale today!

Have I told you how much I love doing this?  I enjoy every aspect of running this little business.  From treasure hunting, to listing the items to shipping them out to my customers. 

 
I have a wide assortment (close to 60) of items.  Linen, crystal, pottery, books, etc.

Visit Vintage Townsquare today and get your 20% discount!  Christmas will be here soon.  Who do you know that loves vintage or maybe is a collector of unique items? 

    

Share with your friends!  Use code "BLOG 20%".  Purchase total must exceed $20.00 and excludes shipping and handling charges.

What items do you see that you like?  How do you use vintage in your home?

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby

Part Two - My Visit to the Southern Living Idea House, Abercorn Place

Hey friends~

In last week's post I shared about the grounds, exterior and fourth floor of the GA Southern Living Idea House, Abercorn Place, in Senoia, GA.  If you missed it, you can read it first here.  In this post I will concentrate on the third floor.  This floor has the glor-i-ous master bedroom suite, two other bedrooms, the laundry room and spacious linen closet. 

But first, let me give credit where it is due for this captivating home, Abercorn Place.  

DEVELOPMENT - The Historic Senoia Project

BUILDER - John Bynum

ARCHITECT- Historical Concepts

INTERIOR DESIGNER - Hearth and Home Interiors, Jamie Elliot McPherson, Owner  

LANDSCAPE DESIGNER - Hooten Land Design

BENEFICIARY - The American Cancer Society's Cattle Baron's Ball 2010

OK, let's begin.  First stop is the young girls "tween" bedroom which is bursting with color and pattern.  I think every color of the rainbow is represented.  Serena & Lily bedding dresses up the four-poster bed by IKEA.  A bold striped fabric from Sunbrella is used on the bed and windows.  What a fun bedroom for a young girl to have!  Here is the bed with layers of covers and pillows.

I like the following idea.  A hanging wall unit on each side of the bedroom door for storage and display.

A fabulous window treatment is in the next picture.  You can also see the butterfly mural by artist Dee Keller that encircles the room.

The bedrooms share a jack and jill bathroom.  The bright green counter tops are Caesarstone in an Apple Martini color, which is a good neutral for a boy or girl.  The SL Idea House Resource Guide says, "The floor tile is a custom-designed pattern from Daltile.  Jamie cleverly went online to daltile.com and used the Mosaic Design Tool to create his own template and color scheme."     

The next bedroom is a nursery.  The nursery bedding, Zootopia, inspired the room's animal mural by artist Scott Palmer, BFA, and is from the Southern Living Home Collection by PEM America. 

 

And here's another window treatment.  Same basic design as in the first bedroom with a few different details and different fabrics.

Between the first two bedrooms in the hallway is the laundry room.  Love the drying rack from Ballard Designs!

 

Next in the hallway before the master bedroom is a spacious custom-built linen cabinet for extra blankets and pillows. Wouldn't we all like to have one of those?  However, I didn't take a photo.  :-( 

Now to the dreamy Master Bedroom and Bath......

From the resource guide: (You have to go so you can pick up one of these!)

"Jamie commissioned a custom upholstered fabric canopy to frame the bed with a mix of a floral print from Ballard Designs and a check fabric from Ethan Allen.  The bed itself features Basic Bedding by Perfect Fit (southernlivingbedding.com) and the Louis headboard from Ballard Designs."  

I like the use of both bedside table lamps and over the bed reading lamps.  

Did you notice the cool hanging lantern in the middle of the room?  It is by Stanton Home Furnishings.    

 Master Closet

I am IN LOVE with these glass knobs on the cabinets leading into the master bath and across from the master closet!!  I want some now please. They are from House of Antique Hardware.

Very nice His and Hers sinks and cabinets.  I think the raised shelf and drawers on these is a smart design and storage solution. 

The big soaking tub is in front of a wall of windows. I apologize for the poor quality picture. 

Spacious shower with ledge for sitting.  All of the showers in the house have these unique drains that we never had seen before.

Window and cabinet between toilet room and shower.  This is just one of the many beautiful plants throughout the home that provide an airy and natural feeling to the space.  It appears that the cafe curtains used in the master bath were all made from a type of burlap.    

Finally, I want to point out the transom windows throughout this floor. 

love love love

There is no way that I could list or point out all of the sponsors or contributors of this lovely home.  That is why you should go yourself!  However, here are the 7 sponsors listed in the resource guide. 

Sunbrella

IKEA

The Sherwin Williams Company

Marvin Windows and Doors

Lennox

Enforcer

BMW 

So, we have covered a lot of ground but still have a lot more to go.  Part three will focus on the main living areas of the town home.  This includes the formal living and dining areas, the kitchen,  "scullery" and sitting room.  What is a "scullery," you ask?  Stay tuned to find out.

What has been your favorites thus far?  Favorite furniture, fabric, colors?  Let me know what you have liked.

Thanks for stopping by!  Libby