Everyday Living

…Our Daily Bread

~ Faith, Holidays, Thanksgiving

 Fine bread and good olive oil are so wonderful. If available, I indulge in far too much at one sitting. Then I am past full, to the point I know I will surely never be hungry again. Same is true every Thanksgiving. Then comes Black Friday. No,  I care absolutely nothing about shopping. But, I am hungry again! Turkey sandwiches, on good bread of course. Truly these are things to be thankful for daily, however nothing compares to that which is totally satisfying, eternally filling, and free to all who will partake.

Could there possibly be a menu like this?
Sure is!!

Jesus said to them, “I am the bread of life, whoever comes to me shall not hunger, and whoever believes in me shall never thirst”
John 6:35

To get a more detailed account of this menu, we encourage you to click here:  John 6:22-59 

Pam-perings: The November Edition

~ Pamperings

 November is a beautiful and colorful month down south!  It can also bring a mixed bag of weather…from days warm enough to eat outside to frosty mornings that require a heavy coat!  We got our first frost of the year this month, yet my hibiscus is still blooming…you just never know what to expect!
November brings one of my favorite holidays – Thanksgiving!  We celebrate with a bountiful table surrounded by our family that joins hands and hearts in thanks to the Giver of all good gifts…including the small things we enjoy in our everyday living!1A picture is truly worth a thousand words.  I start my day with a cup of coffee, as I’m sure many of you do as well.  My favorite coffee mug, a sweet gift, is a powerful reminder to have a heart of gratitude!!  It is truly life-changing when I start my day by looking at the good gifts that God has given me.  The Eiffel Tower objects were not purposely gathered because of the recent events in Paris, but they are a mainstay on my French chest in the kitchen.  They have served as a reminder to pray for Paris and for our world.  The tragedy that took place over a week ago reminds me to live in light of eternity.  Our hope cannot rest in anything on this earth…only in Jesus Christ.

“Having purified your souls by your obedience to the truth for a sincere brotherly love, love one another earnestly from a pure heart, since you have been born again, not of perishable seed but of imperishable, through the living and abiding word of God; for “All flesh is like grass and all its glory like the flower of grass. The grass withers, and the flower falls, but the word of the Lord remains forever.”
1 Peter 1:22-25
IMG_2098If you need a simple appetizer idea for the holidays, here is your answer! I recently discovered this cheese – Wensleydale Cheese with Cranberries – and it is beyond delicious!  Serve with Pumpkin Cranberry Crisps (Trader Joe’s) and dried cranberries…and voila…the perfect combination of sweet and savory!  It has become my go-to lunch! IMG_2230Don’t we all enjoy finding a terrific item at a great price?!  On my weekly shopping trip to TJ Maxx a few days ago, this leopard robe jumped into my buggy!  Funny how that happens, huh?  It was completely justifiable, as I really did need a robe and I am a push-over for anything leopard!  Let me just say, I feel so pampered in this plush robe and it was under $30.00!p1  Bookstores…everything about them are always a favorite!  Traveling with Butch a couple of weeks ago on a day trip, he dropped me off at Barnes & Noble while he had business appointments!  Sitting quietly by myself with coffee, a pumpkin muffin, and thousands of books to choose from…bliss!
2 The art of glass blowing is fascinating!  I first saw demonstrations of the centuries-old technique of mouth blown glass by the expert Venetians on my first trip to Venice.  I wanted to bring a piece home but the prices were prohibitive!  Recently while in Berea, Kentucky at their artisan center, I happened upon this gorgeous bowl made by a local artist!
Happy Birthday to me! As November draws to a close, out come the Christmas decorations!  I will be in full Christmas decorating mode starting this weekend!  Our yearly tradition and my favorite is to always place one of our many Nativities as our first decoration.  Without the birth of Jesus, there is no Christmas!  It is important for us to focus on the true meaning as God gave us the the greatest gift of all, His Son!side Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined

Tablescape Tuesday: ‘Tis The Season

~ Christmas, Food & Entertaining, Holidays, Tablescape Tuesday

“Therefore the Lord himself will give you a sign.
Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son,
and shall call his name Immanuel”
Isaiah‬ ‭7‬:‭14

“It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year“, because we celebrate the birth of Jesus!  During the hustle and bustle of the season, may we not lose sight of why we celebrate.  Without the birth of Christ, there would be no Christmas!  May we all invite him, King Jesus, into our everyday living.

Today, let’s take a step back into Christmas past and re-visit my favorite tablescape from last year!
Setting a table for Christmas is always fun!  I just love all the many colors of the season!
I decided to go with tall crystal candlesticks for this setting.  There are 3 different pairs on the table and I bought them several years ago at my favorites–TJ Maxx and Tuesday Morning.Katy gave me these gorgeous place card holders (actually, they are ornaments).  She saw the idea here: French Country Cottage.  I love that she painted the antlers gold!
My Mother made the Christmas tree napkin rings in the late 70’s.  They remain one of my most cherished gifts.  Every Christmas season when I unpack them, I am reminded of the love that went into all the beautiful things that she made and all the people with whom she shared her many talents and love!Several years ago, I was shopping with my friend Elaine and I spotted these glasses at Pier 1.  I really liked them, but didn’t buy them.  A couple of weeks later, Elaine brought me a beautifully wrapped package containing–and you guessed–these beautiful glasses!
IMG_2319The gold deer were also a Pier 1 find! The Christmas China is Fitz and Floyd Classic Choices in the Winter Holiday pattern.  The salad/dessert plate is Rose Wreath! When I first saw this pattern in a magazine, I immediately fell in love! I ordered 12 place settings and I have enjoyed that it is not a common pattern!The tablecloth is Sferra – luxurious and expensive Italian made linens.  But, I bought this at Tuesday Morning for a real bargain!My friend and fellow designer, Terri, made this faux frosted fruit centerpiece six years ago and it still looks great! I am looking forward to sharing Christmas tablescapes with you this year!  Hopefully, it will inspire you to welcome your friends and family to your table! 

“Come, Thou long-expected Jesus, Born to set Thy people free;
From our fears and sins release us, Let us find our rest in Thee.
Israel’s Strength and Consolation, Hope of all the earth Thou art;
Dear Desire of every nation, Joy of every longing heart”
-Charles Wesley

side Linking with Pieced Pastimes, Silver Pennies, Life on Lakeshore Drive, Thoughts From Alice, Coastal Charm, My Uncommon Slice of Suburbia, Dwellings-Heart of Your Home, Savvy Southern Style, Ivy and Elephants, French Country Cottage, From My Front Porch To Yours, Stone Gable, Confessions of a Plate Addict, Worthing Court, Between Naps on the Porch, Cedar Hill Farmhouse, A Stroll Thru Life, The Charm of Home, Cornerstone Confessions, A Delightsome Life, Imparting Grace, Posed Perfection, Katherines Corner, Rooted In Thyme, Share Your Cup, The Enchanting Rose, 21 Rosemary Lane, Northern Nesting, Cozy Little House, Rattlebridge Farm, Rustic & Refined