HAPPY NEW YEAR~ 2014

Love and best wishes for a BLESSED and FABULOUS 2014!!!!

Yvonne xxoo

THE SCOOP #99

HI FRIENDS! 

Before we get "SCOOPING" I want to remind you to take a quick STONEGABLE READER'S SURVEY. NOW it's YOUR turn to help me build a better blog in 2014. I want StoneGable to be the blog you LOVE LOVE LOVE to read everyday!

Thanks, Bunches!!!!

Welcome back to The Scoop...

FIRST EVER STONEGABLE READER'S SURVEY

HI, STONEGABLE FRIENDS!

I've been thinking a whole lot lately about my blog, StoneGable... and ways to make it better and smarter and more reader centered and more inspiring and a place you can't wait to visit.

I want StoneGable to be the blog you go to when you open up your computer in the morning...a place that feeds your soul and your mind and creativity!

I need your help. NOW is YOUR chance to tell me how I am doing! Would you please take this short survey. I need everyone reading this today to take the survey. I want to hear from you... be honest and don't hold back...

PARIS GREY BUFFET TUTORIAL

There are just some jobs that I love to do!!! We were in DC for a work weekend at my daughter home.

They live in a 90 year old town home on Capitol Hill... the house has such great bones, and they have been breathing new life into it for the last 3 years.

This weekend Bobby helped Jonathan install real wainscoting in their dining room and I helped Jacqueline transform an old buffet into a beautiful "grey lady"...

ON THE MENU ~ WEEK OF DECEMBER 30, 2013

Since my double knee cap surgery I have put on a few unwanted pounds! This is especially disheartening because over the last 18 months I have lost 90 pounds!

Lots of yummy meals from friends, Christmas goodies and inactivity have not been good to me... and let's not even get into lack of self control!

But now that I am somewhat feeling better, and am going out for my first test drive by myself today since surgery... I'm getting right back on track and continuing my lo-carb lifestyle...

5 BIG DECOR MAKEOVERS OF 2013

2013 was a HUGE year for decor makeovers at StoneGable!

After living large at StoneGable for 18 years... much of our home needs a facelift... a makeover... or a total gut job. 

Here are five BIG home decor makeover projects from 2013...

STONEGABLE'S 10 TOP RECIPE PICKS FOR 2013

Here are my Top 10 best recipes for 2013. All are BIG family favorites and very delicious! 

Give these yummy recipes a try... I bet they will be your favorites in 2014...

THE 10 BEST AND EASIEST DIY'S OF 2013

Don't you just love a tutorial that is easy to do and comes out better than you expect? 

So do I!!!

I put together 10 of my favorite diy's from 2013... for you to try in 2014! 

Each one is EASY... I only do easy diy's... and they are fun!  I hope you will give at least one of these a try..

THE SCOOP # 98

 Welcome to...

THE SCOOP #98!

I hope your stocking are hung and your tree is trimmed and you are celebrating Christmas this week!

A big HUG and a very MERRY CHRISTMAS  to all!

Here's what you can expect at StoneGable this week...

CHRISTMAS BRUNCH TABLESCAPE

It's Christmas morning at StoneGable...

Bobby comes downstairs to turn on the Christmas lights and music (and coffee) and to make sure Santa has come... and safely gone. Everyone else in the house gathers on the steps waiting for the okay to come downstairs!  Youngest to oldest stampede down the stairs when Bobby gives the all clear!

We gather 'round the tree and read the Christmas story, pray and maybe even sing a Christmas carol.

Everyone opens a gift or two, taking turns from youngest to oldest... and then it's time for our favorite meal... Christmas Brunch...

LOOKING AT THE REAL CHRISTMAS STORY

I often think God is a God of few words... He writes and reveals for a purpose! To me, He does not often give lots of colorful background, the thoughts and feelings of the people in history or a flowery description of life and the culture of the times.

God is purposeful... He has a message and wants us to clearly understand His main points. It is literally a matter of eternal life for eternal death!

Today we are adding some cultural background and human thoughts to the real, raw and unrated Christmas story...

HOW AM I DOING? THANKS FOR ASKING!

It's been one month and one day since my double knee cap surgery... and I can't say "time flies"! It's been quite an uphill battle!

Hi friends, today I'm sharing a quick update on my knees!  I've gotten lots and lots of emails asking..."How are you doing"... 

And I know so many of you are praying for me... I really appreciate that more than you know!

So here's an update... the good, bad and ugly...

GOING WILD!

I know I should be blogging about Christmas things... Christmas trees and menus and gift wrapping and decorating and fun Christmas stories...

BUT, I've gone a little wild and I am so excited about it...

THE BEST CHRISTMAS 2014 YOU WILL GET THIS YEAR!

Yes, you read that right! The time to think about next year's Christmas decorations is this year!!!

It will save you lots of time and energy (and stress) if you just do a couple of things this year to prepare for next.

 I can almost read your thoughts... "I am way to ________________ (fill in the blank), I can hardly get through THIS Christmas.

That's why we should be thinking about next year... NOW!  Here's what I mean...

WELCOME TO THE SCOOP #97

Welcome back to The Scoop

The weekly linky party featuring the scoop on the

best posts from around the web!

WHAT TO DO WITH ALL THOSE CHRISTMAS CARDS

Everyday now our mailbox at StoneGable is filled with Christmas cards! We LOVE getting them! 

But what do you do with all of them. We want to cherish and remember all the friends and family that thought about us this Christmas season and shared their love and Holiday wishes through the mail.

Here's a pretty and creative way to display and do something nice for everyone that sends a Christmas card your way...

WHY IS THE ACCOUNT OF CHRIST'S BIRTH IN ONLY TWO OF THE FOUR GOSPELS... VERY INTERESTING!

I love the Christmas story as it is told in the Bible... in the books of Matthew and Luke!

But, I think the most famous telling of Jesus' birth is Luke 2...

From the Bible to Charlie Brown's Christmas Pageant, this story has been told for centuries!

But do you know why the birth of Jesus is only told in two of the four gospels (the story of Jesus living on earth)?  Very interesting...

RUSSIAN TEA BALL COOKIES

Russian Tea Balls are the cookies that say Christmas to me!  My mother always made them at Christmastime and I could not wait to eat the sweet snowball-of-a-cookie.

Russian Tea Balls are shortbreads infused with real vanilla and tiny bits of walnuts... pure heaven!

They are so simple to make. Using few ingredients, Russian Tea Balls mix together into a mouthful of delicious Christmas flavor...

A FARMHOUSE CHRISTMAS

StoneGable's farmhouse kitchen is finally dressed up for Christmas.

This year, as in years past, I'm using lots of naturals with fun Christmas touches!

Come on in... have a mug of hot chocolate and let's look around...

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER... CHRISTMAS EDITION

Oh my gosh... There are only 2 weeks until Christmas!!!!!

If this facts makes you scream, panic, faint, stress out, want to eat a gallon of ice cream, cry, hide or makes you queasy... then you will want to read this! 

I have some easy last minute decorating ideas for anyone who feels that Christmas has sneaked up on them this year!

And if you are super organized and all decorated you might want to read this too and... a)  help a needy unorganized friend with the above symptoms or b) save these tips for next year.

Here are some easy peasy, low or no cost, fast ideas to get your halls decorated in no time at all... and a few last minute tips to boot.! These are my BEST last minute Christmas tips...

THE SCOOP #96

Welcome to

THE SCOOP #96

This week is a fun and busy week...

Wednesday I'm participating in the

BETTER LATE THAN NEVER CHRISTMAS EDITION...

Me and 5 other fabulous and creative bloggers will be sharing ways to create, decorate, and  work some Christmas magic... at the last minute! So if you need a little Christmas inspiration you will want to stop by!

Thursday I am part of a Christmas Farmhouse Tour... I've been waiting to share all the Holiday decor in my Farmhouse kitchen!  If you like "farmhouse" you will love this tour of Christmas farmhouses!

Then on Friday, I'll be sharing my very favorite Christmas cookie as part of

CHRISTMAS COOKIE EXCHANGE

2013 YEAR IN REVIEW

Last year I did a Christmas letter called

YEAR IN REVIEW

I sent it to all of our out of town family and friends with their Christmas cards.

I have gotten so many emails lately requesting another YEAR IN REVIEW template... so here it is...

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE~ THE REAL STORY ST. NICK

photo credit:master isolated images


December 6th was St. Nicholas Day... a day to remember a devoted follower of Christ who lived in Patara, Lycia (part of Greece in Nicholas' time, but today lies on the southern coast of Turkey).

There is not a whole lot documented about Nicholas... but this we do know...

COFFEE FILTER TREE AND WREATH DIY

If you are looking for an EASY , IMPRESSIVE, FESTIVE ... and CHEAP Christmas project...

THIS IS IT!!!!

Even if you are not a crafter, this  Coffee Filter Tree And Wreath are soooo much fun to make and the result is AMAZING!!!!!

I bought all I needed (except the tree cones and star) at the Dollar Store and got busy...

Here's how I made my Christmas decorations for next to nothing...

DECK THE HALLS HOUSE TOUR

 Fa-la-la-la-la..... la-la-la-la! I love to decorate my kitchen and breakfast room for Christmas!

It's my absolute favorite!

Come on in... baby, it's cold outside...

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS CHRISTMAS HOUSE TOUR

Welcome to

 HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS!

Christmas has come to StoneGable... well sorta!

It's come to PART of StoneGable... let me explain...

CHRISTMAS IS IN THE AIR~ SIMMERING POTPOURRI

It's not Christmas at StoneGable until the aroma of cloves and cinnamon and orange and other wonderful spices is wafting through the air!

I've made Simmering potpourri for decades... tweaking it for different seasons and holidays.

Here's an easy to make simmering potpourri... a Christmas Potpourri... to fill your home with the unmistakable smell of of the Christmas season...

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS TOUR THIS WEEK

HOME FOR THE HOLIDAY  TOUR

begins today!

Here is the schedule to go on a virtual Christmas Home Tour all week long!!!!!

Stop back on Thursday... I'll be opening up my home... full of Christmas cheer!

THE SCOOP #95

Hi Friends! Lots and lots of great info on THE SCOOP! Make sure you read all about it!

At StoneGable its all things Christmas this week! I'll be sharing lots of Christmas decor!

Today's guest host is from my neck of the woods and is a darling gal! Make sure you stop by her blog and show her some bloggy love. She is really a special lady and a great talent!

ON THE MENU MONDAY~ WEEK OF DECEMBER 2, 2013

Hi Friends! Can you believe it's already December? Only 23 days until Christmas!

No one is more aware of the calendar than I am! As I am writing this I am sitting up in bed, legs wrapped in ice and very sore! Recovering from bilateral knee cap surgery is such a mess!

Way, way, way to slow of a recovery for me!

And I see the calendar days quickly moving by and I just can't wait to get back to normal!


I doubt I'll be making anything on my menu this week... But old habits die hard!  If I can't cook this week, at least I can plan a menu, right?

Have a wonderful week... Enjoy some holiday music...it's time to get in some jolly Christmas spirit!

Now here's what's On The Menu...

THANKING GOD WITH YOUR WHOLE HEART

photo credit: nuchylee

Today's Sunday Scripture was originally prepared last week, but due to my surgery recovery it was not posted. I think it is still applicable as we go into the Advent season.


I recently did a survey on my Facebook page and asked...

"WHAT IS YOUR VERY FAVORITE HOLIDAY?"

Not surprising to me, the #1 favorite holiday was...

UPCYCLED DETAILS

Decorating with pops of metal is a big trend right now... and so are garden stools!

I combined the two and brought a big dose of chic to my living room.

This was such an easy project... here's the BEFORE...

CHRISTMAS PAPERWHITES

Christmas and Paperwhites are a perfect combination.

They are delicate and fragrant snowy blooms that enhance any holiday decor.

One of my bowls of Paperwhites is in full bloom right now...

HAPPY THANKSGIVING!

Whereas it is the duty of all Nations to acknowledge the providence of Almighty God, to obey his will, to be grateful for his benefits, and humbly to implore his protection and favor-- and whereas both Houses of Congress have by their joint Committee requested me to recommend to the People of the United States a day of public thanksgiving and prayer to be observed by acknowledging with grateful hearts the many signal favors of Almighty God especially by affording them an opportunity peaceably to establish a form of government for their safety and happiness...

President George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation, 1789

Of all the blessings I count today... you will be among them!

May you and yours have a happy, safe and blessed Thanksgiving.

FRENCH DRAMA

I am a decorating drama queen! I love love love to bring drama to any decor!

And black is just the perfect way to bring some much needed ohh-la-la to my dining room...

THE SCOOP #94

Hi friends! Welcome to 

THE SCOOP #94!

This is me....

ON THE MENU MONDAY WEEK OF NOVEMBER 25, 2013

Just a quick note to all my wonderful readers!

THANK YOU!!!!!
Because of your diligent voting you have voted me into the winner's circle as Lamp's Plus

2013 Best Hone Blog Family Category!

THE MAKING OF A COZY GUEST BED

With the holiday's upon us and the weather getting nippy guest at StoneGable will want a cozy warm bed to crawl into at night!

I've made up the bed ready for Thanksgiving guest... with lots of cuddly layers and soft warm fabrics.

Here's how I pamper my guest... starting by making their bed...

WORTHING COURT IS HOUSE SNOOPING AT STONEGABLE

I'm over at my friend Suzy's at 

WORTHING COURT

Head over to Suzy's where there is a whole lot of StoneGable HOUSE SNOOPING going on!!!!

Come see a couple of my newest home projects!

MAIN STAIRS REVEAL

This post should really be called...

Main Stairs Reveal... SORTA!

They are done enough to show you the direction we are going... and I am so excited to share.

As a reminder, here is the BEFORE...

DECORATING 101: GROUPING LIKE ELEMENTS

I am not a professional decorator but I've learned a lot about decorating over the years.

I am an avid reader of decor books and blogs and magazines, learning and experimenting as I read. 

And I have learned about decorating don't by the school of bad choices and mistakes! 

I love to play and try and redo and move things around. I think THAT is the best way to learn... and decorate!

One of my favorite and easiest decorating tips is to group like element together. I recently used this decorating rule on the top of my living room coffee table...

THE SCOOP #93

Welcome to ...

THE SCOOP # 93

Hi, I'm Yvonne from StoneGable! And I'm the newest host of

The Scoop!

I can't tell you how thrilled I am to be joining this group of fabulous blogger and all around wonderful girls... not to mention being a permanent host of one of the hottest linkies in blogland!

For those of you who are not familiar with my blog, I'll share a wee bit about it... and me!

WOODLAND CHINA~ MY MOST ASKED QUESTION YET!

I recently posted 

THE VERY BEST THANKSGIVING TIP YOU WILL EVER GET

and although the post was popular, it was the earthenware dishes on the title page that got the most attention!

I got so many e-mails and comment questions about the dinnerware, these beautiful pieces deserved their own post...

ON THE MENU MONDAY WEEK OF NOVEMBER 18, 2013 AND A SPECIAL GIVEAWAY

Hi Friends!

Before we get to this week's menu I want to make you aware of a very very special giveaway...

Do you know anyone who is planning a destination wedding? If you do make sure to share this post with them...

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE~ A LIFE STRAINING TOWARDS GOD

I think the very hardest prayer for me to pray is the Lord's prayer.

Not that I don't know it or forget it... but if I'm not careful I can rattle it off in no time, thinking about my grocery list or what I have to do and not at all being present in the prayerful moment.

I was raised Catholic (and am blessed for it) and no one could polish off a rosary quicker than me!!!! Okay, that chore checked off my list! This beautiful act of devotion and prayer and meditation and I turned it into a chore!!!

It wasn't until I put my faith and trust in the Lord Jesus for my salvation, that I longed for a deep and intimate prayer life...

THE BEST CHRISTMAS DECORATING TIP YOU WILL EVER GET!

Today's post is not necessarily pretty. It is very practical. But hopefully, it will lead to a whole lot of Christmas pretty around you home!

I used to dread dread dread Christmas decorating. Not the actual decorating while Christmas music is playing in the background... but the rooting through the basement to find all those huge blue bins (that all look alike) stuffed with all sorts of Christmas decorations from the last 30 years or so. I moaned and groaned as I lugged  them upstairs to root through them some more. And in the end I usually left most of the Christmas content in the big blue bins and only used one or two items from them to decorate! UGH!

Now decorating is a breeze! It's so much easier than the decorating ghosts of Christmas pasts! I'm so excited to show you how I tamed my inner decorating grinch and all that blue bin decor to find joy and fun in Christmas decorating...this is the BEST Christmas decorating tip you will ever get...

ONE LAST VOTE!

Today is IT!

It's the last chance to vote for StoneGable as 

2013 BEST HOME BLOG...

So I really need you to vote ONE LAST TIME!!!!! 

Please go to Lamps Plus on Facebook by clicking HERE... find the 

BEST HOME BLOG SWEEPSTAKES under the large header and click on it.

Follow the directions. Vote for one blog in each category.

StoneGable is in the FAMILY category.

Your vote is very important to me and hopefully (fingers and toes crossed) will put me over the top!

Thanks, to all my wonderful readers and blogging friends for helping me and being so supportive!!!!!

A big hug to you all!