BIG CHANGES AT STONEGABLE... COMING SOON!

I have been keeping a secret for a few months... and it has been hard not to give it away! Thank goodness I can finally tell you today!!!

After 4 1/2 year of blogging and 1,457 posts I am finally moving to WORDPRESS.... and my blog is being totally redesigned!

I have been working with Julie at BLOGGER BOUTIQUE for months to make StoneGable even better and more user friendly! AND  StoneGable will have a new, fresh look without loosing my signature style (lots of big images).

The day has finally come!!!! It is moving day!

So what does that mean for my readers?

It means no new posts for a few days... I have so many posts and pictures to move that the whole process might take up to 3 days! 

You can still enjoy all of my past posts and dive into my archives for inspiration... all 1,456 previous posts!

Or you can follow me on FACEBOOK, TWITTER, PINTEREST or INSTAGRAM where I'll be hanging out!

And when I am finally moved to Wordpress, I will begin posting new material right away. It may take a little while before I learn the Wordpress ropes. So please be patient while I learn how to navigate this new system.

The end goal is to give StoneGable a new, fresh and friendly look and to help bring more and better material to my dear readers.

I love the idea of moving forward and improving StoneGable!

Let's do it together!

EASY AND ORGANIZED BILL PAYING SYSTEM

Do you have an easy bill paying system... or does your mail lay in piles around the house? Are your bills sandwiched between Southern Living magazine and the Ballard Design catalog and lots of messy papers?

I HATE PAYING BILLS!

I don't have a mind for numbers and I think accounting is my own personal h__l!

But I'm not really into the idea of bill collectors calling me on the phone or knocking at my door...

 So, I came up with an EASY system to pay all our bills. A system that is very clear cut and organized and doesn't take a lot of time...

THE SCOOP #128

Hello fellow Scoopers! So glad you stopped by to share the inspiration!

One of the hardest things for me to decorate was my coffee tables. After lots of research and practice I came up with...

5 TIPS TO STYLE A COFFEE TABLE LIKE A PRO

works every time!!! With these tips and a little practice you will have stylish, chic coffee tables too!

I hope you will stop by and check it out...

ON THE MENU WEEK OF JULY 21, 2014

It took a little longer than usual, but tomato season has begun at StoneGable! I love seeing garden tomatoes on my weekly menu and I love eating them even more!

If you make one thing this week it should be the zucchini latkes! They are amazing with in season zucchini... and tomatoes on the side!

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

SUNDAY SCRIPTURE... PRINTABLE CHALKBOARD ART

Today's Sunday Scripture is a wonderful promise from the Lord! First given to the Jews and also a promise to all those who have faith in Jesus Christ...

5 TIPS TO STYLE A COFFEE TABLE LIKE A PRO

I used to feel so out of my element when I styled a coffee table. After years and years of frustration, I was determined to find a way to style a great coffee table... EVERY TIME!

After lots and lots of research and practice I'm now a confident coffee table stylist!!!  I've come up with 5 no-fail tips to style a coffee table like a pro!

We are talking coffee table styling 101! E-A-S-Y and simple to apply! I don't need to style a coffee table worthy of the Biltmore... just one that looks great at StoneGable...

THE SUMMER FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

Every season brings it's own influence and impact to my farmhouse kitchen! 

Summer means big bouquets of flowers, fresh fruit and produce and lots of visitors to my farmhouse kitchen!

It's a busy time of canning and freezing and making dishes that go from the garden to the table! Summer is the time of year I think my kitchen shines!

5 TIPS FOR A FABULOUS EASY BRUNCH

I think I could be crowned QUEEN OF THE FABULOUS, EASY BRUNCH! We have lots of overnight guests here at StoneGable and that mean feeding them breakfast! After years of hosting I think I have refined the process for a fabulous brunch!!!

I've put together 5 EASY, EASY tips for a no cook breakfast or brunch that will leave your guest full, impressed and happy ... and you with lots of time and energy to enjoy the rest of the day!

THE SCOOP #127

Are you ready to party? I sure hope so!!!

I've so enjoyed all the great,creative posts you have been sharing! I've gotten so many fabulous ideas from YOU! Thanks so so much!!!!

Did you see  10 ESSENTIALS OF A FARMHOUSE KITCHEN...

ON THE MENU WEEK OF JULY 14, 2014

A very eventful week is now behind me! It started off with my son Christopher having a big surgery... then my birthday... and then the Haven Blogger's Conference.

Chris went through surgery well and is beginning a long healing process and I am sitting in the Atlanta Airport as I write this. The plane is delayed and am anxious to get home!

But, I've had lots of time to think about recipes and StoneGable and family and all I learn at Haven and next week's posts.

But for now...

 Here's what's ON THE MENU...

CONQUERING PAPER CLUTTER

One of the hardest things to conquer around the house is paper clutter! If you are like me, you could almost drown in all the papers you deal with on a daily basis.

Paper clutter can pile up fast and be very stressful! And before you know it... it's out of hand and overflowing!

But don't worry, I have a very, very, easy way to rid yourself of paper clutter!  

I'll show you a couple of basic steps to get your papers in order and under control!

ORCHIDS IN A SHELL DIY

Do you have a pretty bowl, basket, plate, container or whatever laying around unused? One that you often think... "I wish I could do something with this... it's too pretty to sit in the cupboard"?

I felt that way too! I had a beautiful large oyster shell bowl that sat in my basement and was only used when I made a low country boil.

I found an easy, no-brainer way to display my oyster bowl so I can enjoy it everyday!

It took 10 minutes to make this stately orchid display. I found an amazing little secret for keep the orchids standing upright and very secure in the shallow bowl... everyone should know about this...

I'll show you how I did it...

10 ELEMENTS OF A FARMHOUSE KITCHEN

Don't we love kitchens! Even if you don't cook, most of us have a love affair with a great looking kitchen! And farmhouse kitchens are so on trend right now.  They never go out of style really... because they are such a classic!

I'm happy to see farmhouse kitchens so popular right now!


A farmhouse kitchen can be dressy and elegant... chippy and rustic... or anything in between!

It can be French or Tuscan or All-American... and more!!

Today I'm sharing 10 decor elements that sing AMERICAN FARMHOUSE style ...

THE SCOOP #126

Did you have a fun 4th of July weekend? We sure did, here at StoneGable! It's hard to believe that we are on the "downside" of the summer season.

But don't fret there is still lots of summer left and lot of great summer ideas here at 

THE SCOOP!

Before we begin this week's SCOOP I want to share some exciting news!

 I am in this months edition ofCELEBRATING EVERYDAY LIFE... a gorgeous magazine...

HOW DOES YOUR GARDEN GROW?

Our garden is full of beauty and surprise! Every day I can find new wonders if I look intently for them.

Today, come with me and let's take an up close look at what's growing in my vegetable garden....

you just might be surprised and marvel too!

ON THE MENU WEEK OF JULY 7, 2014

This is a busy and eventful week, here at StoneGable!

 My son, Christopher is having major surgery. It is called Periactebular Osteotomy or PAO.

I'm asking for lots and lots of prayers for him, his sweet wife Abby and for us too.

We expect all will go well and my son will be able to walk normally again. Please keep us in your prayers. I'll update you through my facebook page...https://www.facebook.com/StoneGableblog.

Thanks so much! Now here's what's ON THE MENU...

GOD BLESS AMERICA FREE CHALKBOARD PRINTABLE

Let's celebrate this great country we live in by showing our patriotism and acknowledge where our blessings come from!

Here's a chalkboard printable ready to be printed out and framed. Suitable for 5 x 7 or 6 x 4.

To print this chalkboard art click HERE

Yes, God does bless AMERICA!

THE BEST AND EASIEST COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH YOU WILL EVER EAT!

I know you think this claim might be a tad far fetched... THE BEST AND EASIEST COOKIE ICE CREAM SANDWICH YOU WILL EVER EAT!

But, by the end of this post I bet I'll have you convinced!

I think most people love cookies and ice cream... and here's a way to put them together for a treat that is simply scrumptious...

CELEBRATING EVERYDAY LIFE

Once in a great while you come across something so inspiring, so very beautiful, and so full of graceful and exquisite ways to live that it makes your soul want to sing!

That's how I feel about Jennifer Carroll's magazine 

CELEBRATING EVERYDAY LIFE.

The July/August issue is in print and digital copy now!

And I am so honored (really off the wall excited) to be a contributor in this issue! ME? I can hardly believe it!

Here"s a flipbook sample of CELEBRATING EVERYDAY LIFE just for you...

FRONT PORCH SITTING... CREATING A STYLISH OUTDOOR SPACE

When the weather gets hot and steamy things slow down here at StoneGable.  We take more breaks and spend more time on the porch... still outside but in the shade.

Here are a few changes and addition to my front porch and rockers where the drinks are cold, the breeze is light and there is always a free rocker to sit and relax...

THE SCOOP #125

WE HAVE A WINNER!

Last week I revealed my NEW PATIO and the kind folks at TIKI BRAND PRODUCTS gave me some wonderful prizes to give away! 

The winner of the Antigua Fire Sculpture and 2 Island King Tiki Torches is...

THE ANATOMY OF A FLOWER POT

For me the 4th of July is summer's midpoint! By now my veggie garden is in full producing mode and my patio flowers in the big pot are dazzling! They are happy and vigorous and loving summer life!

Last week I shared our new PATIO.

Since then, I have had lots of questions about what I plant in those big patio pots...so I'm showing and telling the anatomy of a flower pot!

ON THE MENU WEEK OF JUNE 30, 2014

Are you ready for July 4th... fireworks... picnics... family... and a day to celebrate our great nation!
We are celebrating with all the above! StoneGable will host friends and family for a weekend of fun patriotic activities and lots of great food!

Remember to take a few minutes to thank God for America and to pray His blessing on our country!

STONEGABLE FEATURED AT TOWN AND COUNTRY

Today I'm being featured at TOWN AND COUNTRY LIVING. Jennifer has a magazine worthy home full of farmhouse appeal! 

Town and Country Living is one of my favorite blogs written by an very sweet lady!!!

Her kitchen makes me swoon!  Head over to see what she Jennifer put together about StoneGable and visit me at her CHARMING HOME SERIES

And don't forget... today's the last day to enter the StoneGable/Tiki Brand Giveaway! Great prizes!!!
Click HERE to enter!

EASY JULY 4TH DECOR

Independence Day is right around the corner! I like to give a little decor nod to this All-American holiday without changing a lot of my decor, spending half the day decorating or braking the bank!

Here's an easy way to show a little decor patriotism and do it in under 5 minutes...

PATIO REVEAL AND GIVEAWAY

This summer has been unusually beautiful! Sunny, slightly breezy and not humid! We could not have picked a better year to build a new patio.  

Once a week we have "family dinner night". So, the family is gathered and we are having iced tea and a few hors d'oeures before dinner. It's the perfect time to share our new patio.

Here's what the old patio looked like ...

STARS AND STRIPES SUMMER WALL ART DIY

What do you get when you combine patriotic themes with beachy elements? 

This dapper Stars and Stripes Summer Wall Art!

Here's a fun and so so easy way to bring a little summer sass to your decor!

It took less than an hour to make two of these fun, decorative summer pictures... I'll show you how...

THE SCOOP #124

WELCOME TO THE SCOOP #124

Before we begin our party this week I'd like to share a new addition to the backyard/porch area at StoneGable.

You might want to check out my new potting bench and kitchen herb garden.  I've tried to include lots of take-away ideas for you to try too...

ON THE MENU... WEEK OF JUNE 23, 2014

It's been an unusual summer so far... a little cool and not very humid.  The garden is taking it's good ol' time switching into growing-like-crazy mode. The weather has been perfect for lots of meals on the new patio! Dinner lingers so much longer outdoors and we are happy to let mealtime blur into watching the lightning bugs come out and the sun set.

Summer and I may have had our issues in the hot and humid past but this year... so far... we seem made-in-the-shade best buds!

Now here's what's on the menu this week...

A CURE FOR THE TERIBLE HORRIBLE NO GOOD VERY BAD DAY

Last Friday, I opened my eyes and rolled out of bed as tired as I got into it the night before!

 Five minutes later, with coffee in hand, I was going through the long checklist in my head of things that had to be done that day as I was checking my email on my iphone and trying to stuff sheets into the washer... while 3 dogs were barking and running circles around me...

SINGLE SERVE WEDGE SALAD IN A JAR

Wedge salad is probably the All-American salad!

Iceburg lettuce, tomatoes, aged cheddar cheese, black olives, bacon, homemade bleu cheese dressing and crispy croutons. What could be better?

This salad delivers big, pleasing bites of flavor... and will not leave you hungry!

Perfect for a summer meal... especially on-the-go!

HOW TO MAKE THE PERFECT BURLAP WEBBING BOW

Have you ever felt like you stumbled upon a great discovery? Something that everyone should know and if they knew it would be life changing for them. Well, maybe not life changing... but if they knew they would love it!!!

Something that is so so easy and inexpensive and really really trendy!

Okay, today I am sharing ... 1) How to make a perfect bow.... and .... 2) how to make it out of burlap webbing.... BURLAP WEBBING!

Yes, it is THAT great!  Just wait...

SUMMER POTTING BENCH AND KITCHEN GARDEN

One of the best things about summers at StoneGable are the outdoor spaces! We love to spend summer evening in the garden and back porch and patio.

Now I have a new favorite place to spend long summer evenings!

Bobby and I have been very busy lately rearranging the landscaping to make room for my potting bench and a quaint kitchen herb garden.

And I'm thrilled that I have a space to putter and plant and clip herbs and listen to the birds... right off my back porch! This is a part of StoneGable I have never shown before.

Here is the potting bench's new home...

THE SCOOP #123

I love SCOOP days! I sit with my computer all evening and ooooh and aaah over all the great post all of you share! What a wealth of creativity!!!

Make sure you too are visiting eachother! And maybe even pinning and giving some love on facebook!

I'm also sending a gentle reminder that my StoneGable curated collection by Joss And Main is in it's last 2 days...

10 TIPS FOR A PERFECTLY ORGANIZED SPICE PANTRY

I love to organize!  But that does not mean that I am a super organized person!!! Not at all! I would say I am average, at best!

My spice pantry is a great example of a very disorganized and costly mess! It had not been cleaned and cleared out in a couple of years.

So one afternoon I got motivated and tackled the mess, got it organized and under control... OH what a difference!

Here is what it looked like before...

ON THE MENU WEEK OF JUNE 16, 2014

There are some dishes I could eat almost every day... and quite a few I am sure to eat a couple times a week! Like cucumber salad and caprese salad and fried spinach and caesar salad! Oh yum! 

Of course, they are on the menu this week... I hope you will try my favorites too. Who knows... they might end up being your!

Here's what's ON THE MENU...

THE FATHER'S LOVE LETTER

Thanks you my Abba!

Happy Father's Day!

MY INSPIRATION BOARD

I've never done a decor board in my life... but better late than never!!! With lots of gorgeous furniture and decor items from JOSS AND MAIN I could not help myself and had a blast making a couple of my room over... if only virtually...

STRAWBERRY HAND PIES

It's strawberry season here at StoneGable!

Oh, YUMMY!

Let's make a summer sweet treat... strawberry hand pies! These hand pies are so so easy to make and even easier to eat on the go!

Hand pies can be made with any in-season fruit... but strawberries ripe and ready now...

DINING ROOM REVEAL AT A STROLL THRU LIFE

I am so thrilled to be over at my dear friend Marty's at A STROLL THRU LIFE as a part of her series PUTTING IT ALL TOGETHER!

I'm sharing my dining room reveal. It's finally done (if there is such a thing) and you can travel back with me to see the gutted room and each step along our 2 plus year journey from this...

STONEGABLE COLLECTION IS LIVE AT JOSS AND MAIN

I am over-the-moon thrilled to announce that the StoneGable "Refined Farmhouse Living" Collection is NOW live at JOSS AND MAIN!

If you like StoneGable style, then you will love this sale! It's almost like shopping my house!!!

I've been waiting months to share this collection of easy, livable pieces that won't go out of style!!! And the best part of this collection is the price! These pieces are very affordable...

THE SCOOP #122

Welcome to THE SCOOP #122...

I'm so happy to be hosting again... my good friends and fellow hosts are letting me tell you all about the StoneGable curated collection by  JOSS AND MAIN before we begin...

THE BEST OF THE NO-SEW IDEAS

Let's have a little "pillow talk". 

Are you ready? No, not that kind of pillow talk... decorating pillow talk, of course!

Pillows are an easy way to change our decor!  We all love them and use them and like to change them !

They add color and sass and weight and can be an instant makeover to a room!

And making pillows can allow us to create a one of a kind accent for a whole lot less than buying a designer original!

But many of us don't have the time, or skills or inclination to sew pillows... that's why I have put together... 

THE BEST OF THE NO-SEW PILLOW IDEAS... all in one place!

And 4 other talent blogger have put together the "best of" 4 other NO-SEW categories too!

ON THE MENU~ WEEK OF JUNE 8, 2014

I've been introduced to the wonderful world of SUSHI after resisting it for years. But at a recent outdoor party I tried my first California Roll and I was hooked!!! I don't know if I'll ever eat raw fish (it's a texture thing) but I sure love the beauty and taste of Sushi!

I'm trying my hand at making Sushi on Sunday... my kids are excited... my husband, not so much. He's such a meat and potato or pasta kinda guy. I hope he will at least try some!

I have all my sushi making equipment and most of the ingredients... and if all goes well I'll post about my adventure... this could be my new obsession!

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

THE GOSPEL IN 4 MINUTES

Please take just 4 minutes to watch this fabulous and eternal truth in a fresh way!

GREAT video!

May you be blessed!!!

Happy Sunday!

10 ESSENTIALS OF A COZY GUEST ROOM

I love staying in fancy hotels... okay, luxury or boutique hotels! I probably could live in one! It's all about the special amenities and beautiful bedding and decedent room service and fluffy towels and ... I could go on and on!

Obviously, I don't get to stay in those hotels often.  But just recalling my infrequent stays makes me feel relaxed and pampered!

That's just the way I want StoneGable guest to feel!

We are having guests this week and I'm getting the guest rooms ready...

Here is a list of 10 essentials for creating a cozy guest room...

VINTAGE SUMMER BENCH

Every once-in-a-blue-moon you find a real gem... one that no one else seem to see... maybe because it's hidden under all kinds of other vintage goodies.

But you have an eagle eye for these kind of things... and notice it right away. You recognize it's real-deal chippiness, and it's great rubbed off paint... it has won this beautiful patina from years of wear!

This is the vintage summer bench...a-once-in-a-blue-moon find!

BIG BIG EXCITING NEWS... SAVE THE DATE!

SAVE THE DATE!

I have been bursting at the seams to tell you my good... no, wonderful news! And good news for you too!

JOSS AND MAIN, the fabulous, members only, online site that offers the worlds best brands at up to 70% off has asked me to curate one of their spectacular collections!

Yes, ME! I am beyond thrilled!

Mark your calendars for

TUESDAY JUNE 10, 2014

because you will be able to browse and shop all things StoneGable at a greatly discounted price!!!

JOSS AND MAIN has searched and searched to find the perfect home decor items that fit the "Refined Farmhouse Living" of StoneGable....

Look at the pieces they have found straight from my living room!!!! This is just a tiny sampling... it's like shopping my house... at discounted prices!

There's my Curlacue chest!!!!  From chandy's to baskets and bowls, JOSS AND MAIN has done a wonderful job finding pieces that have StoneGable style!

The Refined Country Living collection will go live on Tuesday June 10, 2014 at 9:00 PM and many of the items go fast. You must be a member to get in on this great sale.

Please join me! I'll send you a free special invitation to HERE

Join me... Join in... and spread the news. 

I'll be back with more peeks at all the wonderful goodies in the Refined Country Living collection! LOTS to see and to buy!!!!

I have been compensated by Joss & Main for curating a collection. But all the opinions are mine.



I am partying with...
MONDAYS FUNDAYS

ELEMENTS OF SUMMER~ CHIC BEACH IN THE DINING ROOM

When I think of summer the first thing that comes to my mind are shells.  I have always had an affinity for them since childhood... collecting sea shells from summer trips to the beach and displaying them in pretty bowls all summer long was a favorite thing to do. Some thing never change... I still like to pull my collections out each summer and show them off...