Sunshine Tease

We had such nice weather this weekend.  Sunshine and temps around 70 degrees.  Perfect for sitting on the porch and enjoying the birds chirping and neighbor watching.  Evidently, the sunshine is teasing us as the weather man is predicting teens and a bit of possible snowy mess today and Wednesday.  Oh well...

I found these pics I took at the end of last summer.  I had just found these pretty peacock plates at Pier One and these big mugs with the same colors were in Marshalls.  I already had found this wonderful heavy metal peacock at a local shop.  I really love this peacock.  I haven't really decided what to do with him.  Here I have him holding napkins.  I guess he'd be good for bite size munchies or maybe some small candles.  I don't know why I've taken a liking to peacocks.  Maybe it's the pretty colors in their feathered long tails. I'm a sucker for blues.

Anyway, I set a little tablescape out by the pool.

Notice the cute basket that I had recently given a little update to with paint.  I really like the color.  It gives me a beachy feel so being out by the pool is the right place for it.  I think this summer I will get more use out of it.  It will work great for carrying things outside and looks so pretty to just sit out.

I've been enjoying these large mugs over the winter.  They really are pretty with the blues and golds.  Just look at that peacocks pretty feathers!

This picture has me looking forward to the summer.  I love putting out my water cans and seeing all our pretty flowers blooming.  But until then, I'll enjoy my pictures and stay cozy and warm in our home.  

Have a nice, WARM day everyone!

Smiles to you,

Cindy

Happy Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day!  I hope everyone gets to enjoy this "sweet" day with their sweethearts or at least with someone sweet, maybe sharing some sweets!

We are starting to dig out today from another heavy snow storm.  For the past couple of days hubby and I have spent our time snuggled up cozy and warm watching movies, dancing, and eating.

Our first night, just as the snow was starting to fall, I made a delicious little apple cake.  Before I give details on the cake, notice my pretty little dish I picked up at Goodwill a few weeks ago.  It called my name and said it wanted to go home with me.  For a $1.25 how could I refuse?  I'm a sucker for pretty china with flowers.  These flowers are so dainty and the perfect colors.  The plate is stamped Made in China and has just the right amount crazing that make it an oldie but beauty!

As for the cake, have you heard of Tastefully Simple?  They make the yummiest cake and dip mixes and seasonings.  They have a whole lot more goodies I still need to try.  My daughter is an Independent Consultant with them.  She recommended this yummy Nana's Apple Cake Mix because she knows I hate having to mix a lot of ingredients and take lots of time baking.  I'm just not a great cook and I'm impatient.  I like to have a finished product quickly without a lot of hassle.  This mix works great.  Just a few ingredients, pop it in the oven for 45 minutes and enjoy!!

I put a few slices of cake on my pretty dish to share with hubby.  I asked him to play this cute tic-tack-toe game with me.  He said he thought it made for a prettier Valentine decoration and ran off to get more cake.

I hope you all have a sweet day.

We are finally getting sunshine and temps in the 40's.  Thank goodness.  I use to fuss about how cold 40's felt. Lately though with all our single digit temps, in the 40's is almost Spring!

I'm linking to Have a Daily Cup of Mrs. Olson and My Romantic Home. Love their blogs.  Please visit them too!

Sending smiles your way,

Cindy

If you'd like to check out Tastefully Simple products, please visit my daughter's site at:

www.tastefullysimple.com/web/kgoddard


Happy Valentine's Day