Sunday, January 27, 2013

Family Time!



Family Time! Idea inspired from Good Housekeeping Magazine

I Iike wall art to have personal meaning. I'm not fond of buying stuff for the sake of filling a wall, on the other hand, walls full of family photos can date the house and make me feel like I'm in Haunted Mansion ride at Disneyworld:)..eyes following you as you move about..etc..Unfortunately this leaves me with blank walls...sigh..but -once in a while something strikes me....

Making a family clock.
Here is the original I saw in Good Housekeeping Magazine




Fall Decorating Ideas - Decorating for Fall - Good Housekeeping Magazine
 In looking through this older issue of Good Housekeeping magazine, there was a how- to make a clock from pictures.You can view it from their Fall Decorating Idea Section.
"Show off some of your clan's favorite moments with this clever DIY wall clock. Gather 13 frames, sizes 2" by 3" to 4" by 6" (unify mismatched frames with spray paint), 12 photos, a clock kit (from a crafts store), and white paper and cardboard (to hide clock mechanism). Pop snapshots into 12 frames. Take out remaining frame's glass; use it to cut cardboard and paper to fit, and place in frame. Poke a hole through center to fit the clock's spindle. Push spindle through; reattach the clock's hands. Hang as shown."

Choosing the right pics was the hardest part..then deciding color, sepia, black and white??..

So whose mom made them take a pic like this!? 

..hard to select only 12..




So I began my clock.. I went through my digital  pics and started a "clock file" Once I had 12, One for each hour, I decided which looked better in which frame, then printed them out. I found various sized frames , in the same style at Walmart. The cost was $1.00 per frame! can you stand it!? The frames are designed for easy pop in and out pics too! The tiny 2x3 frames were found at a dollar store at 2/$1.00.









Back of craft clock requires 1 AA battery

Tah Dah! Here it is!

Each hour is represented by a special memory

At 12 and 6 o'clock... our kid's graduations 
One o'clock... first Disney Vacation
Two o'clock ...   Scooby!
Five and Seven..our baby pics
and so on.....

Before the lettering....



 Each hour is represented by an event in our family's life.  It puts a new spin on "Family Time" The "Family Time" lettering is vinyl. To make your own, choose frames of different sizes but same finishes. I used 2@ 8x10, 4 @5x7,  2 @ 4x6, 4 @2x3, balance out the hours with same frame sizes. A little careful placement of hooks in the wall and the frames can interchange while keeping the hours lined up.  Purchase large clock hands at Jo ann craft stores apx cost for the craft clock was $19.00. Frame cost $12.00.  Overall the project cost was $40.00 The vinyl lettering which I actually recycled from an old project. Additionally, the photos can be themed out too, ie pets, a favorite collection special holiday, .in color, sepia, black and white.. I have a collection of snowmen that I will use next Winter. As I am "ideaing" with you, I,m thinking of changing out for Valentines day...hmmmmmm
Special Thanks to Debbiefor hosting this challenge.
Dear Good Housekeeping, Thanks! Great Idea!
   Linking with some of my faves:





Friday, January 18, 2013

Hello Everyone! Growing my Blog





UPDATE, February 1, 2013 announcing the Winner of my first ever Give-Away !!  First a big thanks to Vickie @ Two Bags Full and her incredible idea: "Grow Your Own Blog". A big thanks to each and every reader who left a comment and a big, big hug to those who are now following my blog. Thanks to Vickie's idea, followers increased, friendships have budded, and creativity's door has really opened!  Thank you from the bottom of my heart!  I wish I could give something away to each of you! Dear Vickie, I am thinking of a special thank you!
Now for the winner of the $25.00 Gift Certificate to TJ MAX…… 
Congratulations to Sherry @No Minimalist Here !!!


Welcome! to Porch Sittin’ Time for Scooby!




First may I introduce myself ? My name is Dianna and like most women, I wear many hats, mom, wife, daughter, sister, friend. I work in the field of education and have the great pleasure of working with children with special needs, I am a volunteer at our local hospital, but at the center of my life is God and my family. As my own beautiful children are graduating from college and stepping into their own lives, I began looking for ways to express my creative side. Blogging is great and my wonderful husband approves,as it leaves him “quiet” time to watch football without interruptions. I really don't know what he's getting at! ;)

 Meeting new friends and sharing ideas with you is energizing! First join me for a cup of herbal tea. Don't you love having friends over?
Lavender Shortbread Cookies
Tea Time 







The first blog I ever read belonged Martha Stewart.It was fantastic, she chatted about her home and pets, etc. It lead me to hop around and discover bloggers worldwide. 
Rise n Shine for Breakfast
My eyes feasted on the pictures and blog designs, while my being loved the different life styles, humor, and warmth that I was reading. I wanted to participate in this! With one click I was taking the leap into blogland. While learning the challenges of  the operational side, sometimes finding the right words , and struggling with the craziness called editing and watermarking, the short of it is this, it’s just so great to meet so many wonderful folks from around the world and share their moments and my own.  Admittedly, reading that someone has left a comment and says “following your blog” is encouraging. We're here to grow our blogs . At  Porch Sittin Time for Scooby the topics are about 
http://porchsittintimeforscooby.blogspot.com/2012/08/summer-garden-2012.html
Crafting, 

Bunny Crafting


tablescapes, recipes,  
gardening, travels , and celebrations for family and friends.

Southern Ladies tea


 It would be my honor if you would consider adding me and "follow" along . In honor of this party, I'm having a give-away.


 Give Away!!
Just in time for Valentines Day, I am giving a $25.00 gift certificate to The Home Goods Stores/TJ Maxx . Many wonderful items to be found there! Just leave a comment in the comment section. The winning name will be drawn from a hat then on February 1st the winner will be announced via my blog Porch Sittin Time for Scooby and our wonderful friend and hostess Vicki at Two Bags Full 
Scooby loves snow...here he is observing a bunny...
The Blog is named after our dear dog Scooby and one of his favorite things to do, be outside. Many distractions have occupied his time  in and around the porch, as he guards the perimeter from those pesky interlopers..bunnies, squirrels and worse yet that elusive,  tailess cat who seemed to taunt him. In the  Fall, Scooby passed away at the age of 17 yrs. After much thought I decided not to change the name but to continue in his memory. Many stories of Scooby's adventures were planned to be blogged about this summer, now, probably not. We know he's looking down on us and that crazy kitty!
Hello! That cat loves to aggravate me.
She is sitting on our car watching Scooby


She's done..
Going forward: I'd like to host a weekly party and have more give-aways. First I have to learn a few operational things about the how–tos. Thank you for sharing your time !
thanks to a DEDICATED AND GIVING individual, WHO HELPED US GROW OUR BLOGS: VICKI  AT   Two Bags Full










Thursday, January 10, 2013

Tablescape Valentines Themed get together ..Valentine inspiration


 Valentine's Day is just around the corner..
This menu is so simple..Creamed chicken with a puffed pasty top, orange relish, and mixed green salad. All followed by Red Velvet Cake. MMmmm









The pink and red roses, seeded eucalyptus, and ming really add importance.


RedVelvet cake, perfect for Valentine's dessert, accompanied by dark choc molded hearts
Several of us are volunteers at our local hospital. Once every few months, we gather to share lunch and catch up with one another . There are apx 25 women and so the host places tables everywhere in our hom someone hosts our group in their home, this was our Valentine's themed social.
Here is our lunch menu and a few recipes:

Creamed Chicken over puffed pastry:

6T melted butter or margerine
6T flour
1t salt
1/8 t pepper
cook overlow heat until bubbling, remove from heat and stir in
11/2 c cooked chicken broth
1c milk
bring to a boil, then stir in gently:
1/2 c frozen carrots & peas rinsed1c cut up chicken breast
Serve over puff pastry  add pastry top.

Cranberry OrangeRelish:

1 bag fresh cranberries,washed
1unpeeled  orange,cut into small pieces
3/4 c sugar
Pulse in food processor until fine chop, not pureed
Chill over night

Red Velvet Cake:

2Cups sugar
1/2 lb butter
2eggs
2Tablesp cocoa powder
2oz red food vegetable coloring
1tsp salt
1Cup buttermilk
1tsp Vanilla
1/2 tsp baking soda
1Tablesp vinegar

Icing:
1 8oz cream cheese brick
1 stick butter
1 pound box confectioners sugar
1 cup chopped pecans
Preheat oven 350 degrees.
Cream sugar and butter, beat until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Mix cocoa and food coloring together, add to sugar, mix well. Add flour mixture to creamed mixture, alternate with buttermilk. |Blend in vanilla.In a small bowl combine the baking soda and vinegar, then add to mix. Pour batter into three (8inch) round greased and floured pans. Bake 20-25 minutes or until toothpick inserted into center comes out clean. Cool completely before frosting.
Blend cream cheese and butter. Add sugar and blend. Add nuts(optional). spread between layers , top, and sides.

 Field Greens and Raspberry Vinaigrette:

Whatever is in season or available, just make it colorful



    Linking with some of my faves:

Wednesday, January 2, 2013

Snowmanny Frostys! (Snowmen pt2)





"How are you ringing in the New Year?", a question posed to us by our friend Beverly at Pink Saturday. Due to their short life, this weekend we will be out photographing more Snowmen.The snowfall in Ohio , together with a school break, has us enjoying more snow sculptures this year than we have enjoyed in a long time! Since the weatherman has promised us temps in the high 40's by mid week, our icy friends will be fading away soon. Here are more of the zaney, creative frozen sculptures, sure to bring you smiles!
Couture Snowman...er girl....

Warrior Snowman grrrr....

The Happiest Snowman! (Look close the buttons are popcans, Lego mouth,fancy scarf...not sure what is on his head...)



 The Acrobat...
or running to catch that train?!
 Precious snowman...
Ummm yeah.....



Excellent Pro Snowman...

Celery nosed Snowman...


..Shy guy snowman...

Decorator Snowman..(see how this one matches that door?)

 Patriot Snowman....




Linking with some of my faves:

Tuesday, January 1, 2013

Christmas Table

Happy Holidays!!

The table is ready for the Season.....while there's still so mush to be done, I seem to feel better when the table is ready.





Pfaltzgraff's Winterberry Plates,  still my fave this many years later......






These green goblets were a good find at the Christmas Tree store



This plate shelf is made from old tin tiles and magnetic pictures are interchangeable.


Santa keeps an eye on things in each room.