Sweetwater Mug Rugs

Hello, Friends!

I'm almost ready for Christmas...how about you?

Earlier this week, the scene was set with some

beautiful snow.

I love to sit near the window with a cup of cocoa

and a little treat.

Hershey's Kisses are my favorite chocolate snack!

Not long ago...

Sweetwater fabrics blogged about a box of fabric

that I couldn't resist.

I ordered one almost before I finished reading the post!

The box of Christmas goodness arrived quickly, 
and I was not disappointed!

I kind of hoard collect Sweetwater fabrics,

and I took great joy in creating a few mug rugs

to give as presents this year.

I mostly used the fabrics that came in my box,

but I had some of this fabulous Feed Company plaid

that was just right for the bindings.

I had purchased this plaid mug from Pottery Barn

and I love the way it looks with each of these

black and red mug rugs.

Other mugs look pretty, too, though...

here's a classic pedestal mug, called Heritage,
 that I've had for many years, made by Pfaltzgraff.

I've got a sweet little Dept. 56 Scotties mug

that looks inviting, too.

This is how it looks with one of my favorite

designs by The Patchsmith!

Pattern: Scotties and Westies, available here.

Here's the same mug,

featured with the Sweetwater snowflake.

The designs by Sweetwater are so cute...

this snowman will bring cheer all winter long.

The snowflake design is so pretty and simple.

It sets off fabrics exquisitely.

I love the black and red theme,

but I also made up a couple of mug rugs

in aqua and red.

I hope this mug rug brings JOY to its recipient.

A little star will shine in the snow

all winter long.

I love the dash of aqua in that plaid binding.

These mug rugs will be given as gifts

to some special folks.

Stop by again soon,
for some more winter mug rugs,
made for more special people!

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Happy Birthday, America!

Happy 4th of July!

Today I'm sharing a few of my favorite

things that represent the good ol' USA...

Baseball hs been called America's favorite pasttime.

These photos are from last year,

but I really love them.

I'm going to miss baseball, now that the local league's season has ended!

{Good thing the Pirates play all season.}

Another thing Americans love is cooking out in the summertime.

I found some cute little bowls at Target,

just right for serving hot dog and hamburger condiments.

{My sister Susie hand-painted the details on the tray!}

We're going to a picnic,

and I'm bringing a Chocolate Bundt Cake.

I got the recipe from Cooks.com

and I'll share it with you!

{It's sooooo easy!}

CHOCOLATE BUNDT CAKE

Chocolate cake mix - 2-layer size

3-oz. package instant chocolate pudding mix

1 3/4 cup milk

2 eggs

12-oz. package chocolate chips

Mix all ingredients by hand, just to blend, in a large mixing bowl.

Pour the batter into a greased bundt pan.

Bake 50 minutes at 350 degrees.

When the cake has cooled, invert it onto the serving plate.

I put together a glaze, made with 1 cup of powdered sugar,

3 Tbsp. of cocoa powder, and about 2 -3 Tbsp. milk.

I drizzled the top of the cake with the glaze.

{Mmmmmm...}

Happy Birthday, America...

God Bless the USA!

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Living Color - Earthy Neutrals

Did you miss me?

I told you I needed a vacation...

and I had so much fun!

{If you are interested in seeing more of my vacation photos, 

feel free to visit my Flickr page.}

Spirit of Peoria riverboat cruise

We had fantastic food, lots of laughs, and great family time!

{I came home with laryngitis!}

We stayed with my cousin's family,

and her home has been so inspiring for my husband and me.

Throughout her comfy home, she used earthy neutral colors...

olive-gold-gray-taupe tones on the walls and furniture,

with accents of black.

{I don't want to intrude on their privacy by posting actual photos from their home, 

but these are some Pinterest finds that will reflect the colors in their house.}

These earthy neutrals look great, all together...
olive-sage-taupe-gray-chocolate...

An occasional pop of black looks fantastic with them.

My cousin's kitchen is similar to this one, but with black cabinetry

and a dash of red.

She has a darling collection of polka dot dessert plates and mugs

in bright colors with polka dots, that really set off the neutrals.

{Sadly, one mug is no longer with us.}

She has this mixer...KitchenAid stand mixers are 

still modern after all these years.

It looks great with her stainless steel backsplash, island counter

and appliances!

Her powder room echoes this one...

These colors would work in any room...

Even in nature, they play a starring role.

I love the tones all together in these paper goods!

And just because I love fabric...wouldn't this make some great pillows?

You and I have Karen to thank for today's color inspiration!

{Love you, cousin!}

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