Tuesday, September 23, 2014

Off To The Ball. . .

Don't I wish???

It's a "catchy" title, 
                                      but I'm n o t going to the ball!




Appears my "project plate" is overflowing at the moment.

So~o~o. . .
I'm going to step back for a "short spell".




I'll have to set my creative writing "on the shelf"
                                                                                  so to speak for the time being. 




I promise to be back On Crooked Creektt
                                              before "the stroke of midnight"!




Until next time. . .

Sunday, September 21, 2014

Be Our Guest . . .

I lost my heart to this adorable darling upon entering the door
during the Autumn on Prairie Creek event at Memories of Home.



His smile appeared to be saying, "Be Our Guest."

Every Autumn, On Crooked Creektt,
I purchase a new squirrel (for "Mr. Ed") 
in honor our of resident squirrel, Fred.

This one is h u g e in comparison to the others  in "Mr. Ed's" collection!










Charming as he is,
he has been given a place of honor within one of the focal points of
On Crooked Creektt's Living Room.



The seating area is the first focal point our guest enjoy 
upon entering our Living Room from the Entry Hall On Crooked Creektt.




After arranging the throw with pleats atop the vintage sewing machine cabinet,
I placed the squirrel front~and~center for our viewing pleasure.




Of course,
"Mr. Ed's" idea for filling his tray was c a n d y. 

My choice was chocolate of another kind. . .
chocolate wooden acorns atop faux oak leaves.




Placing him atop an acorn and berry wreath
allows him to appear that he is within his natural habitat.

Additional wooden acorns in a variety of  sizes and oak leaves 
at the base provides fullness to the twiggy wreath.




In the near future,
I plan to fill these newly acquired ornate frames with photos of our children.

The architectural prints within the frames will suffice until that time.



I did purchase Hershey's Miniatures, for "Mr. Ed's" enjoyment,
to fill the creamy ivory leaf tray.


While perusing through Memories of Homeone becomes mesmerized 
by the artistic wonders in the owners floral arrangements.

Filled with Autumnal inspiration,
I styled my wall cones with faux twig branches,
hydrangea and maple leaves bringing a touch Autumn indoors.










Now, that we have come "full circle" within On Crooked Creektt's 
upper living areas, in the near future, I'll be  sharing some Autumnal vignettes
and an Autumnal tablescape, or two.



It is "Mr. Ed's" and my hope that you, dear ones, will. . .
                                                    "Be Our Guest".


Until next time. . .



On Crooked Creektt will be joining


Christine a@ Rustic and Refined for Table It!

And. . .


Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Metamorphosis Monday!

And. . .


Marty @ A Stroll Thru Life for Inspire Me Tuesday!

And. . .


Jody and Stan @ Rooted In Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays!



Be sure to visit each of these amazing host and hostesses 
for inspiring decor ideas for your own home!

Wednesday, September 17, 2014

Amazing Shades of Autumn. . .

The amazing shades of Autumn
continue to arrived On Crooked Creektt!

I completed the Autumnal decor in the Entertainment Center 
in perfect timing to capture all the brilliance of the last few days of Summer.



I was able to take the Entertainment Center from Summer~to~Autumn,
with the addition of a few simplistic changes.
(To view the interior shelves of the Entertainment Center see Traditional Hues. . .here.)


Beginning at the top,
I intermingled faux berry pics with ivy and magnolia leaf garlands.




Next,
I added two white crackle pumpkins beside the lidded white urns.




Then,
I continued with the same faux greenery along the top 
until I was satisfied with the placement on the opposite side.

Now,
to tackle my most challenging area On Crooked Creektt's upper level. . .
hiding the humongous stereo speakers!!!



"Mr, Ed" just shakes his head when I go on the rampage and states,
"It is an Entertainment Center, dear."




I'm sure he's admiring the over sized television for the space 
and doesn't see what's in my mind's eye.

So~o~o . . .
try as I may,
I'll do my best to direct my attention to the upper shelf!







I am enjoying the continuation of these amazing shades of Autumn. . .


sage green,
           yellow and gold,
                         burnt orange and red
                                           combined with khaki and cream 
                                                       grounded with brown and black.



On Crooked Creektt,
we've almost come "full circle" in the upper level Autumnal decor changes.




All that's left are a few tabletop Vignettes. . .
oh, yes. . .and something new to share with you, too!!!



Until next time. . .



On Crooked Creektt will be joining



And. . .


Christine @ Rustic and Refined for Table It!

And. . .



And. . .


Jody and Stan @ Rooted In Thyme for Simple and Sweet Fridays!


Be sure to visit each of these amazing host and hostesses 
for inspiring decor ideas for your own home!

Saturday, September 13, 2014

Pumpkin Blossoms. . .

It is no secret that I have little to no gardening skills.
But, I do get a thrill from seeing seeds turn to plants!

One of my favorite sights to behold, within a garden,
is that of pumpkin blossoms!!!




And, yes. . .I do know these blossoms are faux,
but they do make my heart flutter each time I cast my eyes upon them!



While finishing the Autumnal touches to On Crooked Creektt's 
Dining Room buffet and hutch (here), I took a quick moment to bring 
some of those same hues to our Dining Room table.
(To view the built~in china cabinet in Fanfare of Autumnal Hues. . .click here!)
(To view the Dining Room buffet and hutch in Autumnal Appearances. . .click here!)

Sage green,
           yellow and gold,
                         burnt orange and red
                                           combined with khaki and cream 
                                                       grounded with brown and black 
are the amazing shades of Autumn chosen to highlight our Dining Room table.



Using my favorite Tangier's reversible multi hued paisley print
quilted circular place mats atop my creamy ivory rose damask tablecloth
keeps the contrast from subtle to vibrant 
throughout On Crooked Creektt's Dining Room.









Everyday, 
dishwasher safe ecru dinnerware, Oneida flatware
and clear bubble glass stemware makes clean~up a breeze.



Although I chose to use the multi hued side of the reversible napkin,
I adore how the yellow florals on rust mimic the hue of the pumpkin blossom!



A single faux pumpkin angled to the side,
surrounded by two pumpkin blossoms and a variety of Autumnal leaves,
gives a Seasonal touch to our everyday dining On Crooked Creektt.



"Mr. Ed" and I are working frantically 
to complete all of our new merchandise to fill our Bits 'n Pieces booth
for the upcoming 20th Annual Unique Antique ~ Fall Show ~.





So~ o~o. . .
simple, everyday Autumnal tablescaping is what we need 
for this time in our life. 
Pumpkin blossoms, combined with ease of clean~up,
fits our table setting, quite nicely!


Until next time. . .


* * * FYI * * *
Many times over, I have been asked about these amazing place mats.
Imagine my surprise to find them in one of my Fall 2014 catalogs.

Country Door Fall 2014 page 65. . .
has the Tangiers Quilted Table Runner, Napkins and Place mats!
www.countrydoor.com

* * * * * * * *
On Crooked Creektt will be joining



And. . .


Susan @ Between Naps On The Porch for Tablescape Thursday!

Be sure to visit these amazing hostesses 
for inspirational tablescapes 
to use for your families dining experience!

Thursday, September 11, 2014

Cheesy Cornmeal Rolls. . .

Each Season,
I research my past magazine subscriptions for gift giving,
home decor, recipes and tablescapes.

During the Fall of 2013,
I found an amazing sounding recipe. . .
but since I had just had gall bladder surgery,
I didn't give the recipe a second glance.


Today, 
I made Cheesy Cornmeal Rolls.



Simply divine!

Cheesy Cornmeal Rolls

Ingredients:
1/4 cup butter, softened

2 cups all~purpose flour
2/3 cup yellow cornmeal
2 Tablespoons sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons baking powder
1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 cup cold butter, cut into pieces
1 1/2 cups shredded Cheddar cheese
1 1/4 cups whole milk


Directions:
Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
Generously grease each cup of a 12 cup muffin pan 
with softened butter; set aside.

In a medium bowl, combine flour, cornmeal, sugar,
baking powder, and salt.
Using a pastry blender or fork, cut cold butter into
flour mixture until crumbly.
Stir in cheese.
Add milk, stirring to mix well.

Place muffin pan in oven for 1 to 2 minutes,
until butter is melted and pan is hot.
Spoon batter into each muffin cup, filling about three~fourths full.
Bake for 30 minutes or until rolls are golden brown.

Makes: 1 dozen


Fresh from the oven. . .


one dozen cheesy cornmeal rolls!


Golden brown delectable cornmeal rolls. . .YuMMy!!!

With the temperatures in the upper 60's today On Crooked Creektt,
I didn't mind having the oven on at all. In fact, I made B~B~Q Short Ribs, also.

While both were in the oven,
I made an Apple Salad to go with the pork ribs.

Dinner On Crooked Creekttalthough eaten indoors,
 "Mr. Ed" and I enjoyed having the patio door open during our evening meal.




Cheesy Cornmeal Rolls,
from Southern Lady, September 2013.


On Crooked Creektt. . .
                                    it's a keeper recipe!


Until next time. . .