Brownie Cookies

Hi Y'all,

I have recently came across one of the best cookie recipes. My hubby loves these and I thought I'd share with ya.

Brownie Cookies

1 1/4 c. butter, softened
2 c. white sugar
2 tsp. vanilla extract
2 c. all purpose flour
3/4 c. unsweetened cocoa powder
1 tsp. baking soda
1/2 tsp. salt
2 c. semisweet chocolate chips
1 c. chopped walnut halves
1 can of Betty Crockers vanilla frosting
1 pastry bag and tip

1.) Preheat oven 350.
2.) In a large bowl, cream together the butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Beat in eggs one at a time, then stir in the vanilla.
3.) Sift together the flour, cocoa, baking soda, and salt; stir into the creamed mixture. Mix in the chocolate chips and walnuts.
4.) Drop dough by teaspoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheet.
5.) Bake 8 to 9 minutes in preheated oven. Cookies will be soft so let them cool slightly on cookie sheet before transferring them onto a wire rack to cool completely.
6.) Once cool, decorate with vanilla frosting across cookies in a zig zag design.

Be sure to keep them in a sealed container to stay soft and fresh because they do dry out if left on the counter.

Enjoy!!!

My New Thrifty Finds

Over this holiday weekend I decided to venture out and check out an estate sale. Usually it's feast or famine sort of thing. I didn't come across a lot but I didn't go empty handed either. Therefore, I suppose I couldn't necessarily call it a wash. Here are a few of my little treasures I came home with.

I fell in love with these beautiful etched stemmed glasses. They sold me a set of 8 for only $25!!! I would spend that or more at Dillards or Macy's so I consider it a good investment. They couldn't tell me the manufacture or the date but they belonged to an elderly lady that passed away. I think they'll look fabulous for future tablescapes.


Here's a better view of them. I think they look stunning next to my flower arrangement. And that's my new Quacker Lace tablecloth.

I also picked up this cute little glass vase. I figure you can't have enough of those laying around. Can you see that I L-O-V-E having fresh flowers around the house.

Look at the new plates I found for next summer. They have a really cute beach theme to them. I picked up the little sandcastle and fish at a thrift store for under $2.00and thought they go very nicely with the theme. They will make a great centerpiece for next summer. Perhaps I'll serve a shrimp or fish dinner. The possibilities.....

Victorian plates

I found the some really fun Victorian style dinner plates. I thought they would look fabulous for a ladies brunch/luncheon.

I also purchased an antique Quaker lace tablecloth to go with the theme. I think it really helps pull everything together. Isn't that tablecloth beautiful!

I sort of just threw everything on the table just so I could get an idea how it was going to flow together. The silverware is by Oneida. The gold rope really helps enhance the gold features on the plates. I try to keep a collection of different pattern cutlery on hand in my chest box.


















I'll be back shortly with an entire tablescape to share with you. It is late and I'm off to bed.

For Every Mountain

This is one of my favorite songs. It starts off slow but when it gets going it's so powerful. I can't see how you can't listen to this song and not worship our Lord. I imagine there will be singing like this in heaven.

Preparation for a BIG change

I don't even know if anyone reads this little neglected blog of mine. It's been ages since I've posted anything. I suppose I wanted a place where I could jot down my thoughts. I'm a firm believer that sometimes to express yourself in a written form you'll see things clearer. Perhaps that is what I'm looking to do with this poor thing. Just a safe place to transform my thoughts visually.

Have you ever heard of "playing it safe?" Do you think that some people are too scared and live their lives "playing it safe?" I mean, there's nothing wrong with settling down, buying a home, having children, working for retirement. That's the American dream isn't it? Or is it? Lately I've been trying to figure out what in the world I'm suppose to do in this life. Do I "play it safe" and think that I'm secure and happy or do I dare "take risks" and go after dreams? I believe that we all have desires in our hearts and we've all had day dreams of what we could do if there wasn't the heavy responsibilities weighing us down. Do you ever think "what if?"

Night after night I watched the news in disgust. I watched the oil spill on the gulf, the failing economy, the unemployment spikes, the political fights and insults (both sides), corruption, the doomed housing market, etc, etc...I began to get depressed and fearful. Who wouldn't after hours of nothing but terrible reports. It really started effecting my day. Then my days turned to months until I just felt horrible most of the time. I started to get angry. Angry and fearful for my future and for the next generations after us. I suppose I felt hopeless and little depressed. Then one day I had enough. Enough was enough. I wasn't going to allow all this negative news get me down. I was in control of my emotions and my future.

I put my faith to work and began praying to God for guidance. I told Him my fears and worries about our nation. That opened Pandora's box and old fears that I didn't realize started coming out in the open. I didn't realize how fearful I'd become over the years. What happened to all my dreams and goals I once had? I started to think about the choices I've made on fear and anxiety. Then I started noticing the commercials and how they target their marketing products by creating fear in the consumers. I had it! I told God that I was going to trust that He honestly had everything under control and I went to work. I made a list of those dreams and goals and I've been working on them for the past couple of months. My report, MY WHOLE LIFE HAS CHANGED!!! It's amazing how every area of my life has improved, self esteem, financial, relationships, health, career. Sure I still get concerned about things but I'm not fearful of things. There's a big difference.

By putting my faith into action I can really see my desires of my heart becoming my reality. I can focus 100% on my future goals and not the latest news report. We live in one of the greatest nations on this planet. There's so much opportunity in this country and many of us are too weighed down in fear to access it. It's a big risk to leap out on the promises of God. However, I remember reading:


"So I gave you a land on which you did not toil and cities you did not build; and you live in them and eat from vineyards and olive groves that you did not plant."

Joshua 24:13

Oh, life is too short for me to "play it safe" and so I will "takes risks" daily by putting my faith in God. For I know that only God can turn my ordinary life into an extraordinary one.

China set

It's been a long time since I've been able to sit down and post anything new. Let's see, where should I begin. Things have been awfully busy around our house. We've been purchasing new furniture and getting our home in order. I purchased the most gorgeous living room set. My sofa is so lovely and is rich in color. I'll take a few snap shots this afternoon. We've completed our living room and are now off to the dining room.

We love French and Traditional when it comes to our decorating taste. I love antiques and enjoy shopping at estate sales. Just a few weeks ago I was browsing through an antique shop and came across the most fabulous china set. Look at this amazing set I found.

Spring is in the air

Spring is in the air. This week we've been seeing the temperatures climb to a comfortable mid 70's here in the South. It's been a nice change from the cold freezing temps that seem to have plagued us these past few months. Normally we get a few cold snaps here and there but never a stretch of cold weather for so long. I must say I'm beyond anxious of the arrival of Spring.

My husband and I have made it our daily routine to go for a evening stroll when he gets in from work. I believe it helps him unwind and gives us an opportunity to discuss our daily events without any disruptions. We have beautiful nature trails near our home and often run into neighbors jogging or walking their dogs. It's always nice to take the opportunity to catch up.

One of the privileges of walking the nature trails are all the wonderful wildlife we come across. We see a lot of squirrels, birds, and most recently rabbits. That's when you know Spring is just around the corner when you see the bunnies come out. We saw the most adorable brown bunny and her little baby. Another sign of Spring are the flowers. My lawn is beginning to change into a deep green and my neighbor's flower bed looks amazing. She has planted pink tulips. They are absolutely stunning.

Spring represents new life. It's when the flowers and trees begin to bloom, animals come out of hibernation, the birds begin to nest, etc... It's such a lovely time of year. However, it's also the time of year when I take a few days to schedule a deep Spring cleaning. It's when we clean the garage, attic, closets, cabinets, carpets, etc. I'm always amazed what we come across each Spring when we decide to deep clean the house. How do we accumulate so much stuff is beyond me. But I'm glad we take the opportunity to declutter before it gets out of hand.

Not only does my house need a Spring cleaning but my life also needs a deep declutter. I take the opportunity to find time away from the hectic schedule and obligations that weighs me down daily. During that alone time I concentrate on what needs to be eliminated or designated out of my life. It's shocking on the little things that add up to an unbearable load sometimes. Often little things go unnoticed because we are too busy to stop and see them. We run here and there and by the end of the day we collapse with zero reserves. Do you ever feel that you are rushed, exhausted, and can't find any free time? Then perhaps you need to do a Spring cleaning of your life. This is how I Spring clean my schedule.....

1.) Schedule alone time so I can think without being disrupted.
2.) Turn off the phone, computer, and television.
3.) Pray that God will show me what I need to de-clutter from my schedule.
4.) Make a list of goals and the ideal vision of the life I want to live.
5.) Write out my current schedule and review how I'm spending my time.
6.) Create columns of what is important to me (such as family, church, work, hobbies)
7.) Find ways to delegate or drop time eating occurrences from my life

You would be amazed what a little cleaning can do for your schedule and change the lives of your family and loved ones around you.

A Path in the Wilderness

The other day I came across an interesting article on parent's advice for their children. This got me thinking about where I'm at in my life. What experiences that have molded me into the character I've become. And what advice could I pass down to future generations. I remember when I was a young bride standing next to my handsome husband at our wedding reception. Everyone around the room gave a tid bit of advice as the microphone was passed across the room to relatives, friends, and associates. I heard, "never go to bed angry," "always say you love each other before you leave the house," and "treat each other with respect." I almost think its a little cliche if you ask me. Half the individuals don't even practice their own advice in their own marriages. It's as if people are programed to say certain things to be socially accepted. But as the Lord says, You will be known by the fruit you bare.

I suppose you could say I was starting to examine my own fruit. Then it hit me. Every decision I've made up to now has set me on a course for my future. I've made some really bad decisions but I've made good ones too. I believe the best advice I've ever received is from an elderly man. He told me, "your twenties dictate the path of your future. What you decide to do in your twenties will set your foundation for the rest of your life." It's true if you think about it. That's when you get your education, get married, most have children, start a career, etc.. My twenties have come and gone but I thought about my own piece of advice for my future children.

When you become a young adult you will have many decisions you have to make. There are three classifications of people in the life.

The first group are blessed to have wise council. This group of individuals are given a map to the path of success. They are not only shown the location of the path but given advice of where and when to be cautious on the journey.

The second group are truly blessed. They weren't given a guided tour of the path or told the location of the path. However, they searched it out and found it on their own. And without any advice they stumbled a few times on their journey. However, they become very acquainted with this path (knowing every twist and turn). Before long they could guide anyone blind folded because of their will and determination to press on, even during the pot holes, canyons, and peaks. They become the most experienced hikers of them all.

Then their is the third group who are plain lost. They don't even know that they should be looking for a path. They are still in the wilderness sitting in the sticks. They aren't doing much of anything. They are bored and depressed because they have nothing to do.

In life you have to make a decision. Some, like the first group, are granted a lot of great advantages. They know nothing but the path of success. But for most of us their comes a time when you have to decide if you are willing to do the work to find the path of success. If you decide to travel that path you will meet up with other hikers. They will be positive, encouraging, optimistic, and hard workers. However, if you decide to stay in the forest you'll be surrounded by laziness, depression, discouragement, criticizing, and oppression. One way or another the decision is made.

Some don't even know that they have already made the decision. If you decide not to do anything at all you've made your decision. That's why it's important to examine the fruit of others. Their works, what they have produced in their lives. Don't listen to words but look for evidence. If the people you are surrounded by have rotten fruit you need to begin to search for the path. And if you've been on the path and all of sudden you see fruit flies you'll know that you need to turn around in a hurry.

This is the advice I'll be handing down to my children. This is what I've learned so far in life. Success isn't so much about material possessions, self gratification, or spiritual pride. It's about relationships that you surround yourself with. What you do for others and what others do for you. You have decisions that are made every single day of your life. What type of character will you be today? Will you encourage or discourage others? Will you follow the path or sit in the wilderness? It's wise to make decisions for your life rather than life making the decisions for you.

The Power of Sweet Tea

Yesterday afternoon I found a block of time where I actually had everything on my daily "to do list" accomplished. Yes, I was actually ahead of schedule. Normally I would want to go for a walk on the greenbelts near our house but it was pouring down rain. I decided to flip through the channels and landed on a lovely old classic movie (black & white). The woman had invited a group of ladies over for tea and scones. That got me thinking about our society today. We don't spend time visiting anymore or building strong relationships with friends, neighbors, and family. It's as if everyone is too busy these days to take interest in anyone else.

Living in the deep South it wasn't uncommon to sit on the porch swing sipping a nice cold glass of sweet tea with your family. Offering a cool glass of tea was extending love to your neighbor, friend, etc. Especially during those hot humid summer months. The fan would be slicing through that thick humid air and you could feel the sweat dripping from your face to your legs. It was too hot to move, ha. On a day like that a cold glass of tea would refresh other's spirits. You would offer a glass, sit, and catch up.

My husband and I were at dinner and I couldn't help notice the table next to us. A family sitting in absolute silence, two teenagers were texting, the youngest child playing with a video game, and the parents starring into nothingness not saying a word. I thought to myself, how sad. I suppose you could call me and my husband old fashioned. See, I believe in spending time discussing the daily events, the blessings of God, and focusing on the hope and dreams of the future. If you sit next to me I'll want to hear your life story, your future dreams, and what God has done for you. That's where encouragement, support, and love come from, spending time with others. Not sitting in silence but really visiting with each other.

You'd be surprise what a pitcher of sweet tea could make. I'm a firm believer that sweet tea could change the world.

A Cold January Day

Today is a cold January morning. I have the heater on, my cozy warm socks, and a sweater. I'm about to prepare a warm pot of Earl Grey tea before I start the day. With a glance I can see the grey morning peeking through my plantation shutters as to tell me that a new day has begun. It's drab and cold, nothing is alive, all my flowers are dead. It's easy to find the long dark winter months as a bit depressing. That is unless you really understand what this season is all about.

January is a month of new beginnings. Almost like a rebirth to another year. It is a time to work on getting your house in order. What we do today we will reap the rewards of tomorrow. Sort of reminds me of the scripture "God will not be mocked; what you reap you will sow"- Galatians 6:7.

So, as I look into the cold wintry morning I can see this as a new exciting day. I begin to concentrate on the things around the house that need attending to. Perhaps cleaning the closets, pantry, organizing books. It's time to prepare for my harvest for rewards. What I do today I will see the fruits of my labor this Spring.

Isn't it exciting to look out across the horizon and know that you have the ability to start a fresh new year? It's like a clean slate. You can work harder this year, you can achieve your goals this year, you can have blessings this year. It's all up to you and what you are willing to do for yourself. I envision a boat, some will not even place it in the water, some are just floating without a destination, and others will direct that boat into their future. I see my boat and I'm ready to place it in the water to set sail for a future of great blessings. I can't wait to see where 2010 is going to take me.