Thrifty Treasures

As is usually the case I have been picking up deals here and there. And I have a project list as long as...I can't think of anything good, but it's long.

I picked up these cute burlap coffee bags for $2.50 a piece. I hear tell you can get them for free at the local coffee shops. These each had interesting designs on them and worth the price to me.

I found the frame at a local thrift store for $10. I think you can see where I'm going with at least one of these bags. I have ideas for the others as well. Now I just need to get it done.

I have been a little side-tracked from my projects as of late. My best friend was short-staffed at her consignment store last week so I helped out. It was spring break here in Arkansas. It was super busy! Here are some of the fab finds in her store last week...

Aren't these the cutest shoes? They are Gucci and practically brand new. I think they are the perfect Easter shoe and a steal for $50.

Um, 1989 called looking for a prom dress. I love this just for the memories. I'm sure someone will rock it out at this year's prom.

This is more my speed these days. Isn't this dress beautiful? I imagine it with strappy heels.

Love all the detail here. Doesn't prom sound fun? Sometimes I think it would be fun to go back...

I had three prom dresses - pink (tea length and ruffles), blue (the sequins really set off my braces, oh my), and my favorite black (strapless, short, and ruched). I designed all three and my mom made them. I was a picky and spoiled teenager. Oh and back then we bought hideous satin shoes and had them custom dyed to match the dress. Oh the memories!

What did you sport at your prom?

I'm linking up with Rhoda. Be sure to head over there and see the other thrifty treasures!

~Southern Fried Gal

Southern Fried Sundays

Weeds. I detest them. Every year around this time a new battle begins. Even with pre-emergent some of these slick little suckers still figure out a way to burst out of the ground. If we don't address the problem right away they will grow and multiply and before long we have a meadow growing in our yard in place of grass.

BBC thinks the weeds are beautiful and often picks a bouquet for me. I'll admit I am even drawn to the beauty of some weeds. But I have to remind myself they are sucking away the nutrients and sunlight from what I really desire to grow in that area.

I love Spring. I have always looked at it as God's picture of our new life in Him. The one thing that robs me of this joy are the weeds. I have always questioned why we have to even have weeds. They are just pesky - especially if we ignore them or forget to apply a treatment just one time.

This year I have a new understanding of the why. When God paints a picture he doesn't miss a thing - even the weeds (sin). If not properly eradicated (by the blood of Jesus) it can totally keep us from new life. Even as believers, if we are not careful, weeds can creep into our hearts, multiply, and take the place of God's best for our lives.

Just as some weeds are attractive and alluring, sin can appear as a means to happiness and fulfillment. But deep inside it is choking out what we really need and desire to grow in our hearts. Ouch.

Thank you, Lord, for the {full} picture. I still detest weeds (maybe that's a little insight into how God sees my sin). And like the sin in my life I need to diligently work to keep both at bay.

Have a blessed week...

~Southern Fried Gal

At HOME Saturdays - Easter Centerpieces

Today I am featuring Easter Centerpieces. I'm embarrassed at the quality of photos on this post. My camera died (maybe because I left it out in the rain) so I'm left with my iPhone for now. So imagine everything just a little bit more fabulous than pictured!

This is the centerpiece on my breakfast table. The stand is the Cypress Footed Bowl. The cloche came from a local shop in town - love it!

I got the bunny at Hallmark years ago. I tucked some faux grass around and added a few eggs to his basket to complete the look.

This is by far my favorite Easter decoration in my home right now. It will probably stay out all of spring. I could sit and stare at it all day. The foundation of this piece is the Filigree Iron Candlestand. You can see how it was styled before this look. I will get a better picture and update along with details of how I crafted it as soon as possible.

This was my favorite centerpiece from last year. I LOVE the peeps and jelly beans and tulips, oh my!

I hope you have been inspired to have a little Easter home decor fun on your table.

Do you change out your centerpieces with each season/holiday?

Hope your weekend is sunny and bright!

~Southern Fried Gal

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This post linked up with the following...

Someday Crafts: Easter Categorically Crafting Show

Craftaholics Anonymous: Easter Roundup Linky Party

Somewhat Simple: Strut Your Stuff Easter and Spring

Growing Our Own Garden: Easter Decor Inspiration Linky

Southern Fried Finds

My heart skips a beat when I see whimsical centerpieces and unique twists on door decor. Here are a few of my favorite finds in the blogosphere this week...

Sweet Something Designs: Easter Tablescape

The Gathering Place Design: Happy Spring Wreath

Oopsey Daisy: Pottery Barn Centerpiece

Coastal Charm: The Old Rugged Cross Door Decor

Speaking of centerpieces - I'll be sharing what I've got up for Easter in my Saturday post. In the meanwhile, you can check out my Easter Door here if you haven't already.

What makes your heart skip a beat?

~Southern Fried Gal

Linking up with...

Easter Door Decor

This is NOT what I had in mind for my Easter Door Decor. BUT, when my (FREE) Morningside Door Bucket (Southern Living at HOME) arrived a few days ago I couldn't resist getting it on my door right away.

I didn't want to spend anything out of pocket so I shopped my junk closet and found a daisy bush (Hobby Lobby), the famous bunny on a stick from last year (Pier One), and some rusty colored ribbon with blue edges (Big Lots).

This is truly a plop, drop, tie and hang front door. Just plop the daisy bush in the bucket, drop the bunny in the center, tie a floppy bow to one of the daisy stems and hang the bucket with more ribbon.

Easy-peasy and FABULOUS (if I do say so myself)!!! Oh and did I mention FREE?!!

What's on your door for Easter??

~Southern Fried Gal

p.s. Check out my Easter Centerpieces, too!

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This post linked to the following...

It's So Very Thrifty

The Thrifty Home: Penny Pinching Party

We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesday

The Shabby Chic Cottage: Transformation Thursday

A Silly Little Sparrow: Toot Your Horn Tuesday

The Trendy Treehouse: Creative Share Blog Hop

Craftaholics Anonymous: Easter Roundup

Someday Crafts: Easter Categorically Crafting Store

Growing Our Own Garden: Easter Decor Inspiration Linky Party

Somewhat Simple: Strut Your Stuff Easter and Spring

Funky Junk Interiors: Saturday Night Special

Southern Fried Sundays

"A friend loves at all times..."
Proverbs 17:17a NIV

At HOME Saturdays

Today's product idea is brought to us by Melanie Crain, a regular reader and new Southern Living at HOME (Now Willow House) Consultant. Thank you, Melanie, for sharing!

I love how Melanie layered moss and eggs inside our Hemingway Hurricane to anchor the flowering branches. The sweet touch of the bunny sets the centerpiece off.

Melanie confesses her sponsor shared the idea with her and she proudly copied! Melanie, being a Queen of Copy works (most of us are)! Thank you for sharing your excitement about your new home business and your product idea. Best wishes for a fabulous career with Southern Living at HOME/Willow House!

Want to learn more about becoming a consultant like Melanie? Check out our opportunity page for frequently asked questions then contact your independent consultant to explore our opportunity more. Don't have a consultant? I would love the opportunity to serve you! Contact me today.

Do you have a product idea you would like to share? I would love to feature you on this series. I will happily link to your blog or share via email like Melanie.

Happy Spring!

~Southern Fried Gal

Southern Fried Finds

TGIF because that means I'm featuring some lovely finds from the blogosphere this week! Let's get to it...

I have a thing for bunnies. I also have a thing for iron. So I was immediately drawn to this Easter Tablescape at Home is Where the Boat Is (isn't that a cute bloggy name, too?). This is just a snippet of the beauty of that table. I was oohing and aahing all over that post.

Check out this fun Alice in Wonderland Party put on at Le Chateau des fleurs. Oh my word - I SO want to be a guest at this party. She did not miss a thing. Everyone dressed up as characters. They had tea. They had flower shaped sandwiches. They had desserts that make me say oh la la. Fabulous. Seriously, hurry on over there now to check it out, I'll wait...

I think this is just about one of the most darling ideas I have ever seen. Natalie over at The Pampered Mom created this vintage subway sign inspired marriage announcement. She shows you how she did it step by step. Now I'm looking for the perfect spot for one in my home.

Doesn't this Pesto Spinach Polenta Lasagna made by Jessica at I'd {Roll} Need look scrumptious? You must go get this recipe and check out the other gorgeous photos of this dish. I cannot wait to try this. My mouth waters all over again just thinking about it!

What are some of your finds this week?

Happy, happy!

~Southern Fried Gal

Pretty Spring Table

I was browsing through pictures posted from the leadership retreat I attended in January tonight and came across some of the pictures of the tables. I had forgotten how beautiful everything was.

My favorite by far was this beautiful pink table. I'm not really a pink girl but I can't help but go ga-ga over this setup. I love that the ribbon is floppy. I probably would have chosen a different table topper - maybe chocolate brown to bring out the edging on the pottery??

I love the simplicity of the glass vases, roses, and ribbon on each place setting. Perfectly simple and classic.

I couldn't find a good picture of the other table decor. You can kind of get an idea here. Lots of glass hurricanes filled with more roses and candles. Beautiful!

Doesn't this make you want to host a spring brunch?

Spring is a coming...

~Southern Fried Gal

Shameless Plug: Thank you to the Southern Living at HOME/Entertaining at HOME professional photographers for these stunning photos. Most of these items are available for purchase through independent consultant (like me!). Check out our spring catalog.

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This post is linked up with the following...



Between Naps on the Porch: Tablescape Thursday

A Simple Change

We have found it a struggle to get BBC to focus on learning site words. As I think most folks do, we began by using flash cards. He did well in the beginning but his interest waned quickly. It got to be a struggle to even pull the cards out.

One day I had a simple idea to write a site word on a platter with a dry erase marker. He was immediately interested. He wanted to write on the platter, too. So we turned it into a game. The more we played the more excited we both were with the concept.

Here are just a few of the reasons why...

1. Learning site words is now a fun game and not a frustrating chore
2. We practice setting goals (Get 10 site words to get reward)
3. We practice math (If you have 2 checks how many more checks do you need until reward?)
4. It shows progress (You didn't know that one word, but look - you have recognized seven already. You are almost there - keep going!)
5. We are spending quality time together

One day BBC grabbed the platter and his site words and became the teacher. I played along because not only was he reinforcing his site word recognition and math skills, he was now practicing writing those site words as well. Talk about a proud momma!

Oh and the reward? Another simple idea. BBC wanted to draw on the platter.

What are some simple changes that have made all the difference in the world for you?

~Southern Fried Gal

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I am linking up with the following...

Cheri's It's So Very Creative Party

We Are THAT Family: Works For Me Wednesday Be sure to click on the HOME button on this site and read about Kristen's recent trip to Kenya.

A Sure Sign of Spring: Thrifty Treasures is Back!

I popped over to visit Amanda and saw that Rhoda has brought back her Today's Thrifty Treasures party just in time for spring! I am very excited because I have several projects in the works using re-purposed junk, er, um I mean treasures. This will give me the motivation I need to knock some projects out!

For now this $6 mirror frame is serving as my wreath for St. Patrick's Day. Later this week it will be yet again re-purposed hopefully in time for next week's party. I hope my vision turns out as cute as it is in my mind...

So get your thrift on this week and I'll meet you at Rhoda's next Monday, OK?

~Southern Fried Gal

Chocolate Gravy and Biscuits

This weekend I had a sudden craving for chocolate gravy. It came on quickly. It came on with a vengeance. So I did what any other good southern fried gal would do - I whipped some up.

I don't make this often. It's probably been a couple of years. It was met with rave reviews. Let's just say BBC was doing the happy dance after devouring two helpings. That made my day. My mom only made chocolate gravy a few times each year so it was always a special treat. I'm always happy to recreate happy memories of my childhood with BBC.

Here's the (roundabout) recipe that I used. As most southern cooks I don't really follow recipes exactly unless I'm baking. It's usually a little dab of this and some of that until it looks about right. This is what I did yesterday and it worked beautifully. Enjoy!

Chocolate Gravy
1/4 cup flour
3 tablespoons cocoa
2/3 sugar
pinch of salt
2 cups milk
1 tsp vanilla
1 tablespoon butter

Combine the dry ingredients in a sauce pan. (I stir with a wire whisk to combine. I guess you could accomplish the same by sifting together but that dirties more dishes.) Add the milk and whisk until combined. Heat on medium heat stirring until thickened. Add vanilla and butter and stir until mixed well. Serve immediately over biscuits. Yum!

What special treat did you enjoy as a child? Do you still enjoy it every now and again?

Happy Monday!

~Southern Fried Gal

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This post is linked up at the following...

Sumo's Sweet Stuff: Market Yourself Monday's

Creative 2x Mom: Made by Me Monday

Balancing Beauty and Bedlam: Tasty Tuesday

Southern Fried Sundays

DH's grandfather is a Baptist minister. He ran across an old children's Sunday school book, "45 Simple Object Talks for Children" by Barbara Ebert and Ruth Shannon Odor, copyright 1970. He sent to DH to help us relate the gospel to BBC.

I LOVE this book. It takes common objects and applies the logic of their use to a biblical principal. It has been useful in sharing with BBC. I also enjoy the practical illustrations - I'm a geek like that.

I particularly like the illustration of the lamp. Here's an excerpt from that lesson...

TURN ON THE LAMP

"...If the lamp is not plugged in, if it is not connected to a source of electrical power, it will not work.

Once Jesus said that we are to be the light of the world. But if we are not connected to God, we cannot give light, and we cannot do any work for Him...

Prayer is like an electrical cord. The cord connects the lamp to the outlet, the source of power. Prayer connects us to God...

With God's help, we can be shining lights for others, helping them to know Jesus and live for Him, too."

"Abide in me, and I in you...For without me you can do nothing" John 15:4, 5 NKJV

Are you plugged in to the eternal source of light? It is my prayer that you are!

Have a blessed week!

~Southern Fried Gal

At HOME Saturdays

Join my monthly Southern Living at HOME newsletter to stay up on our latest specials and incentives. PLUS each month I'll share a product idea from the month's specials AND a yummy recipe. Here's the tip from this month's newsletter...

To join simply send your name and email address to athomenewsletter@yahoo.com with the subject NEWSLETTER. It's FREE and you can unsubscribe at any time. Hundreds of other are enjoying this FREE service - why not join the fun!

Happy decorating!

~Southern Fried Gal

Southern Fried Friend Friday

This week I did a lot of party hopping. I always crack up when I say stuff like this in places other than the blogosphere - sounds like I'm a rowdy gal. This week I'm sharing a few friends, old and new, that host fun parties...

By far the cutest project that would fit most simply into my schedule are these adorable frames made over at Life in the Pitts. You will be amazed at how simple they are to craft! Too cute! She also hosts a weekly Craft Therapy Party for all you crafty gals...





Amanda over at Serenity Now is a fabulous bloggy friend. She is thoughtful and most considerate. I have enjoyed conversing with her via blogs and email. She has some fun ideas for parties such as Decorating Dilemma where readers can post pictures of a questionable area in their homes and solicit advice from other readers - brilliant! This week she hosted a Show Me the Progress Party where everyone showed off their results from the Dilemma Party. I'm most looking forward to her newest party on April 14th - Dishing It - where gals gather and chat. Fun!


Cheri over at Its So Very Cheri is, well, she is just cute. She's funny, honest and generous. And she is busy. I have been impressed with her passion for her blog. She hosts several parties each week. My favorite to link to is the Its So Very Creative Party on Mondays.


It is amazing all the creative gals out there to be found when participating in these parties. I couldn't believe all the gasp-worthy project featured on this week's Make it for Monday Party at Cottage Instincts.

And of course my all-time favorite bloggy party person is Kimba over at A Soft Place to Land. I couldn't talk about friends and parties without her. I am continually amazed at how many creative gals link up to her weekly DIY Day Party.

Be sure to head over and check these gals out. If you think of it please tell them Southern Fried Gal turned you on to them.

What is your favorite party to link up with?

Happy Partying! Have a great weekend!

~Southern Fried Gal

Another Day at The Old Mill

As a reward for BBC's good behavior at school yesterday, I gave him the option of going to any park in the city. Happily he chose The Old Mill because it is equally rewarding for me, too!

I couldn't post about the mill without a picture of the namesake. Look at how blue the sky is above the mill!

First order of business, stalk the ducks. BBC was bound and determined to catch one. He said, "Momma, I just HAVE to catch a duck." Made me and a few other gals giggle. They kept asking me if he could swim. Thankfully he can but didn't make any big splashes yesterday.

I finally lured him away from the poor ducks. He decided to climb the rocks. This reminds me of my childhood. We used to go to the spillway at Lake Fort Smith to climb rocks and play in the water. That spillway is now under water so I'm glad I can recreate that fun memory with BBC here at the mill.

Contemplating a jump... I'm glad he decided against and came back down the way he went up. Whew!

BBC, like his mom, rarely meets a stranger. We both love to make new connections and would, as they say, talk to the fence post if it would talk back. BBC and this boy played for a while as the grandmother and I chatted.

I sure hope BBC gets a happy clown report today so we can go again. It's another gorgeous day in Central Arkansas! It is in the mid 70's, sunny and a bit breezy - beautiful! Spring is on the way!

Are you enjoying some outdoor fun this week? Are you beginning to see signs that spring is on the way?

~Southern Fried Gal

Kendra's DIY Bathroom

While Kendra wasn't looking I snapped a few shots of her super cute DIY Bathroom redo. Shhh - don't tell her what I'm doing. I wish I had a before picture but imagine mid 80's with Formica counter tops, ugly wood stain, big mirror and you can get a good idea.

I only had my iphone to snap the photos but I think you can still see the cuteness she has going on here despite the sub par photos... She has a really fun style and I love her neat twists around her home. Isn't that the cutest mirror for a vanity?

It goes perfectly with the slate tile and bronze faucet. And the cabinet hardware adds just enough funk, don't you think?

Her home always smells wonderful, too. This is a simple little vignette but it speaks volumes about the person that occupies this space. Love you, Kendra!

I hope you have enjoyed this little DIY Bathroom tour!

I'm linking up with a couple of parties to show off my besties work!

A Soft Place to Land: DIY Day

The DIY Showoff

Happy DIYing...

~Southern Fried Gal