Hidden Magnolias

Want to get depressed fast?   Nothing is guaranteed to bring on the Christmas blues faster than checking out blogs and Pinterest and Tumblr at Christmas.  a friend's stairs thepaintedapron.com thepaintedapron.com christmashome a friend's tablescape a friend's tree See what I mean?  Pat

What did we do before the Internet and Pinterest? Both are full of fun and lovely Christmas ideas. I just thought that today, I would share some beach-themed eye catchers with you. The picture above and those below are from Beachcomer . She has a wonderful, refreshing Facebook page as well as a great Etsy Shop . I love her sense of style and simplicity. Here are some other pretties from other beach decorators. Found on sandandsisal.com I just love love love this extrodinary tree made with oyster shells. It is so Apalachicola , don't you think?  From Carla Aston Designs . Carla Aston Designs Carla Aston Designs A fun sign from Meet Me Bye by the Sea . MeetMeByeTheSea http://thecharmofhome.blogspot.com/ http://missmustardseed.com/ MissHoneyPickles I particularly like this wreath. MeetMeByeTheSea And I end with my own perfect tree made by my creative Sis in law. It has become a favorite. Pat ...

When my cousin posted on Facebook a picture of her Russian Santa collecion, I was intrigued.    I have seen them before in passing, in various Christmas Shops ( or should I type Shoppes? ) but really didn’t give them more than a quick glance. But today, I did some research and fell in love. Each Santa is carved from solid wood and painted in stunning detail with rich designs and beautiful scenes. http://www.russiansantapurveyors.com/ The Russian Santa also called Father Frost, Ded Moroz, and Grandfather Frost, looks like our American Santa Claus… but take a closer look and you notice a few differences. Yes, they both wear boots, a coat, and they both have white beards. However, The Russian Santa wears a long heel-length coat and is seen walking with a magical staff and his hat is  round and fur lined. Just look at the detail. This one is paticularly pretty with a nativity on his gown. http://www.reasonstobelieve.com/ And...

I was inspired to write this blog entry because of a Facebook post I noticed from my cousin. It was a Ree Drummond receipe and all he said in the post was "Cake." "Cake" the nickname for his significant other. I knew immediately that he was dropping a hint. It made me chuckle. I am sure by now all of you foodies have heard about The Pioneer Woman, Ree Drummond. She is one of my favorite cooks. I discovered her in 2006-07 when I was on a tear about reading blogs about ranch living. We had just been through Wyoming and I was fascinated--a quick google search and she pops up. I bookmarked her and have been following her for years. Her cookbooks read like novels. She has an interesting love story. So how did a self-proclaimed city girl wind up cooking for about 10+ people per day, three meals a day? She used to have the story on her blog, but she has written a new book Black Heals to Tractor Wheels  and now you have to buy it.  Howe...

We all have bucket lists. On my list is a nice visit to Mobile Bay. I want to see Mobile and Fairhope, and spend a little more time on Dauphin Island. I just love that part of the world. Lots of history and lots of things to do. So,  here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Mobile. From the blog: From Rome to Home: My Life in Mobile .  Even thought she doesn't blog much any more, reading her past entries is quite informative. #1 Take a walk Downtown on Dauphin Street.  There's a lot of great architecture and places to eat. Don't miss the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and the Bishop Portier House. Bienville Books is a favorite haunt and dinner at Wintzell's Oyster House is a must before leaving Mobile. Photo: Fred Drew #2 Tour Mobile's Greek Revival Public Buildings. Buildings of note include Barton Academy and the Presbyterian Church on Government Street and Christ Episcopal Church at the corner of St Emanuel and Church Stre...