ON THE MENU MONDAY~ OCTOBER 1, 2012

Today was a big milestone for me and StoneGable...

I now have 3,000 followers!!!!

I can hardly believe it! I am so thankful for each and every one of my fabulous followers and dear readers! I am so grateful that you are interested in my little blog and slice of the life!

I LOVE blogging and feel a deep commitment to bring the best of StoneGable to you.

I hope to continue to grow and improve and make StoneGable better and better!

Thanks, again... and lots of love to all of you!

If you are not a follower, what are you waiting for? An invitation?  Okay.... I would LOVE LOVE LOVE to have you as a StoneGable follower. You can become a follower by clicking the "follow" button on my sidebar. It means so much to me! Thanks! xo

Now, here's what's ON THE MENU...

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE~ September 30, 2012

When I was a little girl I loved fairy tales! Princesses... and castles... and magic... and handsome princes!

I was particularly fond of a little known fairy tale called ROSE RED AND ROSE WHITE... a story about two princesses, one good and one naughty.

The illustrations in the book were stunning and beautifully detailed. I was fascinated by those images.

One picture really captured my imagination and got my attention...

It was a picture of one of the princesses spewing frogs and lizards and flies and snakes up and out of her mouth... while rose petals gracefully fell from the lips of the other princess.

The story goes that the princess who had the "pestilence problem" also had trouble controlling her tongue and said mean and horrid things... while the princess who's lips were rose tinged would only say kind and uplifting thing.

This made a very big impression on me as a seven year old!

ROSE RED AND ROSE WHITE could almost be a parable that Jesus would have told... there is great biblical and practical truth  in it.  But instead Jesus said...

FOR THE MOUTH SPEAKS OUT OF THAT WHICH FILLS THE HEART~ Matt 12:34

At the time these eternal words were spoken by Jesus, the heart (cardia in Greek) was thought to be the center or seat of physical and spiritual activity. It was the mind, intellect, emotions and will of a person.

Jesus was saying that when we speak in unkind ways, use bad language, speak out negative thoughts, or hurt other with our words...

we do not have a mouth problem... we have a heart problem.

Our mouth reflects and affects our heart (mind). Words have great power to hurt and heal... even us!

Jesus says in HIS word... work on your heart... guard your lips... speak out words in love and filled with lovel!

So here is my gentle advice... and maybe God's advice... to the princess with the "pestilence problem"... fill your heart with God's word... pray Ps. 141:3 daily,  SET A GUARD OVER MY MOUTH O LORD, KEEP WATCH OVER THE DOOR OF MY LIPS".... and act like the princess we all know you can be!!!

FALL SPLENDOR...

What better way to decorate for fall than to bring it's natural splendor indoors...

Here at StoneGable,  I am filling bowls and lining shelves with fabulous fall offerings...

The antique tool caddy sits on my kitchen island filled with various pumpkins and corn and berries!

I have "my sources" for inexpensive pumpkins... and each year I make the rounds choosing pumpkins for all the nooks and crannies at StoneGable.

This year, our Pyracantha bush is dripping with berries. I could not resist bringing some inside too!

Bringing all the beautiful fall elements together in a chippy box makes a big splash of seasonal splendor in my kitchen!

MY FAVORITE ROOM... FEATURED AT SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE

This is my favorite room...

I was thrilled when  Kim at SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE asked to feature it in her very popular weekly series...

MY FAVORITE ROOM...

Come visit me at SAVVY SOUTHERN STYLE to take a tour of my favorite room and get a peek at never seen before pictures of my home!

TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS # 15

Welcome to...

TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS #15

Wow 15 already!  A big thanks to everyone who comes and shares and has made TTT  a great creative place to visit! I am overwhelmed by all the talent and great project, tips and tidbits shared each week. I could go on and on... but really you just have to see all these great projects yourself!

Here are just a few examples...

Look at this fabulous TIERED TRAY!!!! Wouldn't you love to have this to decorate? It was the the most viewed post last week!

Karen from SHABBY SWEET COTTAGE made this beauty from a Goodwill find! Way to go, Karen!

This PAINTED INITIAL BURLAP PILLOW is perfect for fall! It looks so cozy and welcoming with a tartan blanket!  Andrea at OPPULENT COTTAGE gave us an easy to follow tutorial for making this comfy personalized pillow!

Sophia, your FALL TABLE CENTERPIECE is stunning! She shares tips and lots of great photos to inspire us! Run on over to LIVE BEAUTIFULLY... ON A BUDGET (after your visit here) and see her beautiful dining room and her new fall planter centerpiece!

Are you hungry? Well, you will be if you read about CHICKEN PARMESAN MEATLOAF from Alyssa at WHAT'S COOKING LOVE?

Ground chicken can tend to be a little dry... but look at the moist cheesy topping on this! I  bet it is delicious!   

This is going ON THE MENU!

Angie at ECHOS OF LAUGHTER shared 5 EASY DECORATING TIPS. So full of creativity... and inexpensive!!! My kind of decorating! 

What a great idea! Making your own blanket! Mary from AT HOME ON THE BAY shared here 

WOOL BLANKET DYI.

If you can sew a straight line and measure this is a project that you can do! Making your own blanket opens up such great fabric options!

Jen from CITY FARMHOUSE shared a wonderfully detailed tutorial on PRINTING ON LINEN and also included FREE FALL PRINTABLES. These are more than adorable!

Here are a few tips from me about KITCHEN CANISTERS...

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Now let's see what great TUTORIALS, TIPS AND TIDBITS  you have for us!

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CANISTERS ON PARADE

I try keep my kitchen counters clutter free... but who can resist keeping canisters out in plain sight? Especially when they are glass... and full of really yummy "stuff"!

I love to line them up like they are marching in a CANISTER PARADE...

Glass canisters are both utilitarian and decorative!

 I like to use old flea market teacups as scoops! 

 Don't these snacks look even more tempting in a fun teacup scoop?

I even measure out my flour and sugar in a teacups... most traditional tea cups measure one cup! 

I have to restrain myself or my whole kitchen counter would be one parade of canisters!

This year I added a bit of fall to my canister parade!

Come on back this evening for TUTORIALS TIPS AND TIDBITS!

 Bring all the things you want to show us and show off!

Link goes live at 8:00 pm!

DETAILS... GIVING KITCHEN STOOLS NEW LIFE

Last year my kitchen got a makeover...

 I had planned to get new kitchen stools... but I just could not seem to part with my old, sturdy, been-with-us-for-years-and-years stools.

Almost everything in my kitchen is new and shiny. These outdated stools were one thing that held a sentimental link to our past... to all the years little bottoms sat on them... and little feet scuffed them...

 They held history... at least for me!

So, instead of replacing them... they got a makeover too...



Here is the before... they way they have looked in my kitchen for ages and ages...

Basic, functional and very worn!

The stool makeover is a work in progress... I get these great ideas (or so I think) and soooooo underestimate how long they take!!!

None of the stools are done...

Can you guess what will be written on stool 2 and 3? And can you fund the letter that is missing?
(To clear things up... I am also missing a "1/" for the wheat germ... it will read 1/2 cup. When I transfered the the recipe a letter was missing... I'll paint those in when I get a free minute)

Like I said... work in progress!

I am hand painting each stool... very time consuming!

When they are all done I'll share the tutorial with you!

They will be all ready for the next generation of little bottoms...someday!

ON THE MENU MONDAY~ Week of Setember 24, 2012

IT'S FAIR WEEK!

It's fair week in my town! Literally everything stops as we celebrate harvest and community! THE WEST LAMPETER COMMUNITY FAIR is just what it's title says... it's all about the people! I bet almost everyone in my area attends the fair, participates in the fair, competes in the fair or helps in some way....




I have had the honor of being a judge for the fair queen competition for the last several years. The fair queen contestants come from top-notch girls in the local high school. The competition is friendly but fierce over a two day period!

The crown our queen wears is not for beauty... but for service! Our queen serves our community in many and various ways over the year she reigns... and is a role model. She is beloved and idolized by every little girl in town!

My daughter had the honor of being the West Lampeter Fair Queen and then went on to the state competition winning the State Fair Queen tile... and Miss Congeniality! This was a life changing for Jacqueline .... it's value and breadth of experience helped to mold her into the young woman she is today!

I hope the competition experience grows and stretches and matures each young lady competing this year.  I pray that each girl has a positive experience that they will always remember! That is why I am a part of it!

The West Lampeter Fair is a real slice of Americana, for sure! If you live in the area... come on out... enjoy homespun fun and great local food... and be a part of my wonderful community for a day!

Now, here's what's ON THE MENU...

MONDAY
STONEGABLE CRAB CAKES
Potato Souffle
WEDGE SALAD

TUESDAY
KILLER FAJITAS
SLOW COOKER REFRIED BEANS
Mexican Salad



WEDNESDAY~ SLOW COOKER DAY

SLOW COOKER TUSCAN CHILI
ANTIPASTA SALAD
Crusty Bread

THURSDAY
SALMON CAKES
AUNT SUE'S MACARONI AND CHEESE
Sauteed Green Beans In Garlic Oil

FRIDAY
RED CHICKEN
SAUTEED RICE
Roasted Broccoli With Shallots And Cashews

SATURDAY
ROASTED PEAR AND SPINACH SALAD
GRILLED BALSAMIC FLANK STEAK
MUFFIN TIN ONION GRUYERE POTATOES




SUNDAY~ SOUP DAY
CREAMY CHICKEN AND CAULIFLOWER SOUP
Cheddar Toast Sticks

Here are a few of the MANY great participants from last week...

Paula from CALL ME PMC made these delicious and very easy OATMEAL COOKIE AND CREAM CHEESE BARS by "doctoring the box". Gotta love those recipes!




Oh my sweet tooth must be acting up again! Here is another beautiful sweet treat from THE KITCHEN IS MY PLAYGROUND. This PEAR WALNUT CRISP is company worthy!





Susan and Bentley at ASH TREE COTTAGE brought soup to TTT last week. SENATE BEAN SOUP is  the perfect meal as the nippy air of fall comes to stay! I'm putting this soup ON THE MENU soon!





Now back to sweets.... just look at this CARAMEL APPLE TEA CAKE from Tamatha at A FLOCK IN THE CITY. All together now.... ooooohhhh, aaaaaaahhh, YUM!




Here is another warm-your-tummy soup. LIGHT CREAMY CHICKEN NOODLE SOUP from LITTLE MOMMY, BIG APPETITE not only looks luscious but is a light version, so it's good for us too!





I try to eat seafood one or two times a week. My dear blogging friend Sam at MY CAROLINA KITCHEN makes that easy with recipes like PAN FRIED TILAPIA WITH TOMATO BASIL SAUTE'. Art on a plate!





This week I'm sharing 23 homemade soup recipes that I love to make all year long... but they seem to taste just a little better when the cool weather sets in.  Visit SOUPS ON  and maybe you will find a new favorite!




This week's featured menu plan comes from Alison at UNDER THE BIG OAK TREE. She had several recipes that I'm hoping to try! Very yummy!

NOW WHAT'S ON YOUR MENU...

 

Thanks, for joining us and sharing!

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SUNDAY SCRIPTURE~ September 23, 2012

Do you have an on-going talk with God? 

Lately, mine goes something like this...

 "Father, help me.... Father, have mercy on ... Father, forgive me... Father, have mercy on me... Father, help fill-in-the-blank... Father, have mercy on this country... Father, I praise you... Father, have mercy on us..."

My thoughts and dialogue with God these days have a whole lot to do with HIS MERCY!

I need it... we need it... our country needs it!

Mercy, the word CHESED (pronounced khesed) in Hebrew is one of the richest and most precious words in scripture!

God's moral character is one full of mercy...CHESED goes to the heart of the character of God himself!

There is really no adequate word in the English language for CHESED. 

We call it God's lovingkindness,  kindness and mercy.

But God's true mercy is so much more!!!! 

CHESED is a covenant word... a solemn, binding agreement... better than a promise!

CHESED is undeserved benevolence and withholding deserved judgement... no wonder I cry out for it so often! 

CHESED is a word of great comfort and security for those longing for God's spiritual comfort... for those wanting to see God's compassion working in their lives!

CHESED is abundant... because God's measure of mercy is limitless! 

CHESED is everlasting... not only does God pour out mercy is great measure... HE is not bound by time and neither is the mercy HE lavishes on us!

When I cry out to God with this one word.. Mercy... God reaches down to just where I am... no matter where... and pours out his lovingkindness, mercy, covenant, benevolence, comfort, security and love in great abundance... for all time! 

No wonder MERCY has been part of my daily dialogue with The LORD!

PERFECT POTS~ Fall Planting Tips

I love Mums! They are colorful and full of blooms that last for weeks and are so closely associated with my favorite season... FALL!

Mums usually spill out of my pots and planters as soon as the slightest breeze of fresh fall air arrives at StoneGable.

Recently, I visited a new-to-me greenhouse, PERFECT POTS, where I found a whole world of fabulous fall plants to spruce up my outdoor pots and urns...

I used a mix of fun fall plants along side of my beloved mums to make much more interesting plantings!

This planter, and its twin on the other side of my front door, were planted a week ago. They will continue to grow and fill in right through November!

The planters have developed a nice patina over the years!

Here is how I planted this big urn... and lots of tips that I learned for keeping attractive fall planters.

Purple fountain grass (Pennisetum- advena "Rubrum") was planted in the back of my  planter for height and a   loose breezy look! I love how the slightest breeze makes them wave and twirl!

I also added curly branches to emphasise the height and give a little added intrest.

 I save these branches from season to season and use them in many of my arragements.

In front of the grass I planted an ornamental pepper called Explosive Embers because it was next in height. 

It is important to take note of the growing habits and height of each plant... we don't want a plant to grow up and hide other pretties we have planted!

This plant is a real beauty! It also produces tiny purple flowers. It was love at first sight!

Along side of the Black Pearl is a medium sized mum called Aubrey Orange.  I would usually buy the biggest mums I could find to fill my planters. This mums is not the diva of this pot... it is working as a part of an ensembled cast this year!

Mums bloom a long time, about 4 to 6 weeks, but that is not the whole season... so I used to end up with dead mums by November. Choose mums that are still in tight bud form... you will get an extra week or two out of them.

When the mums are spent I'll remove them and plunk down a big pumpkin in their place!

In front of and around the rest of the pot are low growing ornamentals.  

Don't you just love ornamental cabbage! It lasts even after frost... and brings fluff and the WOW factor to wherever it is planted!

Pigeon Purple is the variety of  flowering cabbage in my planters this year.

Tucked into the front of the planter is a bright red ornamental pepper. It is called Black Pearl. Can you see a few of the "black pearls" hidden among the red peppers?

I like to use a big splash of color right up front in my fall planters. When I just use mums I usually tuck  bright gourds and leaves around the front of the planter.

To fill and spill over the planters I use a spunky little soft leaf perennial called Dead Nettle (Lamium). What a horrid name for a pretty little plant!  

Dead Nettle is a vigorous spreader and can go from my planter right into the ground... before the first heavy frost.

The last touch is to add pansies in white, orange and purple. Just a couple to bloom to add a splash of sassy color... hopefully until Thanksgiving!

I feed my pots once a week with an all purpose feeder at half strength.  And water them when they start getting dry.

To keep my pots looking picture perfect I deadhead and clean them up when I water.

If you drive by my home early in the morning you just might see a crazy blond lady on her porch in her pj's... with coffee in hand fussing with her pots!

 Make sure to honk... and I'll give you a wave!

SEASONAL SUNDAY