Thoughts of Home on Thursday #8

We welcome you to Thoughts of Home On Thursday number 8. 

This is where we share with one another those very special things that are near and dear to 

our hearts.

Perhaps a special recipe, or maybe some decorating tips.

However, we also share even more than that.

We share friendships with one another that span from one coastline to another and in 

between too.

Our hostess today is Jemma from At Home With Jemma and she has a little giveaway 

just for you, a year's subscription to Southern Lady.

Each of your entries in this week's party is an opportunity to win.

We have quickly come to realize that we have some very talented DIY participants!

In order to recognize those of you who have this gift of creativity we have added a DIY 

category.

Here are the features for this week.

DIY

Cristina from Remodelando la Casa shares this functional and adorable welcoming wooden 

doormat.

   Recipe

Who could resist this nutritious and pretty salad served on this stunning plate that Penny 

has shared with us from  The Comforts of Home.

                                                                     

   Inspiration

Join Jeanie at The Marmelade Gypsy in Massachusetts, for a walk among the gardens 

and a glorious historical overview of the Mount.

                      

      Decorating

Brooke from Creative Country Mom shares her love of neutrals, natural light, cream ware 

and burlap to create an inviting eat-in kitchen.

  Gardening

                                                            

Judith at Botanic Bleu shares five useful tips on how to keep an Ivy Topiary healthy and 

pretty.

We ask that you please:

1. Link back to this post and follow any of your hostesses at these four blogs.

Laura at Decor To Adore

Stacey at Poofing The Pillows

Jemma at At Home With Jemma

Laura at White Spray Paint

2. Share up to three of your favorite posts, remembering to not link advertising or shops.

3. Visit one another and comment.

We thank you so much for gathering with us and hope to see you each and every week at 

Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

By linking up you are providing permission that Thoughts of Home on Thursday can feature your post and accompanying photos on future blog posts or other forms of social media such as Facebook and Instagram. A link back to your blog will always be provided.

An InLinkz Link-up

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Spring in the Entry

Spring is here in South Texas, in the entry to our home, and of course there’s a story to tell.
Let’s begin in the entry.

I found the table above at the flea market and my first thought was, “Oh wow! What a great table for the

entry !” , and then I took a closer look.

It is a dining table someone cut in half! I laughed so hard I almost fell down, and then I bought it.

On another flea market trip, I found the soft turquoise lamp (tassel included), and when the seller said the

tassel was free, that made me laugh too, and then I bought it.

 

I finished that side of the room with one of my favorite books, a small starburst mirror, a crystal egg, and

my favorite traveling faux floral that makes its way around the house.

On the opposite wall is a trio of Wilma Langhamer prints that I have collected over the years.

This is one of my favorites.

Have you been doing things in your home for spring? Do you have a story to tell?

*****

And now to last week’s Thoughts of Home on Thursday giveaway winner and the recipient of a one year

subscription to Southern Living magazine.

Congratulations Opulent Cottage!

You are the winner!

*****

Don’t forget to link up tomorrow for Thoughts of Home on Thursday # 8. 

Joyce of At Home With Jemma is our hostess this week.

We will be featuring a new category to recognize all

of you talented DIYers.

Thoughts of Home on Thursday #7

Welcome to week 7 of Thoughts of Home on Thursday!

We are so glad you are here. :)

This week's post and giveaway is hosted by Laura of White Spray Paint.

Giveaway: 

This week's giveaway is a year's subscription to Southern Living Magazine. 

Each of your entries in this week's party is an opportunity to win.

And now for this week's features.

Decorating

Lori at Dining Delight creates a beautiful centerpiece for Spring in the Dining Room

with her vibrant yellow springtime forsythia and lovely decorated birdcage.

Recipe

Cristina of  Finding Grace Interiors shares a wonderful recipe for Lemon Bread topped with lemon syrup, which will be part of her Easter celebration.

Gardening

Carole of Garden Up Green continues to amaze us with her gardening skill with her tutorial on

How to Grow Amazing Cabbage. 

Inspiration

Leslie of Gwen Moss blog  shares a life changing perspective that can benefit us all in

How This One Sentence Can Change Your Life.

 ~Gentle Reminders~

We ask that you please:

1. Link back to this post and follow any of your hostesses at these four blogs.

Laura at Decor To Adore

Stacey at Poofing The Pillows

Jemma at At Home With Jemma

Laura at White Spray Paint

2. Share up to three of your favorite posts, remembering to not link advertising or shops.

3. Visit one another and comment.

We thank you so much for gathering with us and hope to see you each and every week at 

Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

By linking up you are providing permission that Thoughts of Home on Thursday can feature your post and accompanying photos on future blog posts or other forms of social media such as Facebook and Instagram. A link back to your blog will always be provided.

An InLinkz Link-up

Enter your email address:

Delivered by FeedBurner

Last Week’s Blogging Questions and My Answers

Last week I posed 5 questions about blogging :

1.  How can your blog readers make you feel good about your blogging?

 
2.  How do you prefer responses to your comments? Do you like them via email, or do you prefer return
     visits and comments directly on your blog?

 
3.  What obstacles stop you from writing a blog post?

 
4.   How do you feel about your photography and what kind of camera do you use? 

5.  Do you have a blogging goal?

 

And lucky for me, after reading and pondering your answers, we all feel the same way.

We all want the same things:

to be read,to interact with others, to learn more about the process, and above

all- to create those same feelings of friendliness in other bloggers.


Translation:  I want YOU to feel read, to feel validated, to enjoy and learn more about the process, and

never feel less than.


I never want YOU to judge the inside heart of your blog and what motivated you to write that very special

post that day with the outside or the numbers of another blog.


I know what that feels like, and it is not a place to stay.


And finally from reading your answers and thinking about mine, I realized what our biggest obstacle

in blogging is, and it is my favorite thing in the world.

 

In fact, I wish YOU this obstacle:

It is living life.

 

*****

Linking to:

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Grace at Home at Imparting Grace

Simple and Sweet at Rooted in Thyme

Thoughts of Home on Thursday

Thoughts of Home on Thursday #6

Welcome to Week number 6 of Thoughts of  Home on Thursday.

The funniest thing happens when people have blogs and blog readers. Friendships are formed between people who may never meet but share common loves.  Thanks to you, our friends, for joining this linky party every week and amazing us with your talents and kindness.

This week's post and giveaway is being hosted by Stacey of Poofing the Pillows.

We've chosen a few posts to highlight this morning.
We know you'll enjoy these plus others that you visit.

Decorating

Martha at Martha + Jane and her son put their special touch on a lampshade and the result is like a party up in the air!

Recipes

At Meatloaf and Melodrama, Dee shared the cutest bird's nest cupcakes that are topped with edible Easter grass. Kids and adults alike will love these.

Gardening

At JustJanBlog we were treated to spring blooming flowers that were brought into the house to make beautiful vignettes.

Inspiration

Andrea at Living on Cloud Nine shared her thoughts on a happy life.
She's got some fun ideas we should all read.

~Gentle Reminders~

We ask that you please:

1. Link back to this post and follow any of your hostesses at these four blogs.

Laura at Decor To Adore

Stacey at Poofing The Pillows

Jemma at At Home With Jemma

Laura at White Spray Paint

2. Share up to three of your favorite posts, remembering to not link advertising or shops.

3. Visit one another and comment.

We thank you so much for gathering with us and hope to see you each and every week at

Thoughts of Home on Thursday.

By linking up you are providing permission that Thoughts of Home on Thursday can feature your post and accompanying photos on future blog posts or other forms of social media such as Facebook and Instagram. A link back to your blog will always be provided.

 

 

An InLinkz Link-up

If We Were Having Coffee We Could Talk About Blogging

If we were having coffee, we could talk about blogging.

I really want to know what you think. 


I have written about the ins and outs of blogging before in some of my earlier posts:

C.S. Lewis and Blogging , 

Blogging Thoughts ,

and

I Wish I Had My Red Pen.

For me, blogging is an introvert’s dream.

There is no conversational interrupting in blogging; everyone has a chance to share.

When I write a blog post, I am sitting in my chair, with my laptop in my lap, waiting for

inspiration to hit.

I may have a plan, but I usually do not have an editorial plan.

So now it is your turn.

I need to know what you think and what you do.

1.  How can your blog readers make you feel good about your blogging?

2.  How do you prefer responses to your comments? Do you like them via email, or do you prefer return
     visits and comments directly on your blog?

3.  What obstacles stop you from writing a blog post?

4.   How do you feel about your photography and what kind of camera do you use? 

5.  Do you have a blogging goal?

If your schedule permits, I would love to know your responses.


Just remember what C.S. Lewis said:

"Friendship is born at that moment when one person says to another:

What! You too?

I thought I was the only one."

C. S. Lewis

Blue and White in the Spring

This afternoon as I created this space in my kitchen sitting area, I was amazed at the fact that blue and white
once again works with everything.
Using it in the spring became obvious when I found this chinoiserie bunny while ‘exploring’.

His ears were intact, and he was part of a pair!

I added a blue and white standing egg I have, pink begonias, and greenery.

And then I stepped back and smiled because blue and white, in all of its classic beauty (to me),

was doing its job once again.

If you have never tried blue and white porcelain pieces in your home, you must.

It’s a game changer.

I have blue and white throughout my home year round, but in the spring, it is especially pretty.

I have even used it on my front porch.

Are you changing your home for spring?

Do you have any decor favorites you use each year?

*****

Linking to:

Life and Linda, Table It Link Party

Coastal Charm, Show and Share Monday

Our Home Away From Home

Cozy Little House, Tweak it Tuesday

A Stroll Thru Life, Inspire Me Tuesday

DIY By Design, Winter Blues Wed Party

Peonies and Orange Blossoms, Favorite Things Blog Hop

Finds and Favorites

a terracotta church from Mexico in my Esperanza garden

Finds

It’s not always about finding things or treasures, although I enjoy that too.

For me, it s about finding that treasure of an idea- that writing here at White Spray Paint provides me.

I found one a while back that I hope my daughters take to heart.  It is important.

Here is Dear Daughters: Listen to the Yearning.


And to that, I found some emotions yesterday that were reminiscent of a younger age-

hurt feelings.

Remember that expression? 

There is no DIY message here for that, other than keeping a tight

rein and working hard around the house and realizing that sometimes the little girl in me surfaces. 

Favorites

And living in South Texas as I do, Mexican food is available everywhere , and it is done well.

However, if you are looking for a go to simple chicken recipe to try at home, check out Jean’s

Chicken Verde Casserole from Delightful Repast.

Plus the translation of the recipe’s title in Spanish is priceless.

Her blog is an amazing resource for the home cook.

And with spring time coming, we all want to dress the part. 

There is nothing cuter than a hot colored Mexican top paired with white cropped jeans and turquoise

jewelry.

Check mine out here.

And you must stop by and read Nancy’s blog Always in a Southern State of Mind.

You can begin with her recent post Powder Puff, but kick your shoes off- you are going to be there a while.

She has that great turn of phrase all wrapped up in humor that I love- plus she is an amazing designer.


And to the kindest blogger around- Theresa at They Call Me Ganky.

Theresa has always stayed true to her sweet message in her posts which is that it is about family and the belief

that ‘today is going to be a good day’. She ends every comment on your blog with ‘Hugs’.

Who doesn’t need that?

Thank you Theresa.

 

Thoughts of Home on Thursday #5

Welcome to week  number 5 of Thoughts of Home On Thursday.

This gathering is truly made special by all of you who join us. We are deeply grateful and amazed by the creativity and delightful thoughtfulness that is shared by our friends each week.

This weeks post and giveaway is being hosted by Laura of Decor to Adore.

Linking more than one post means you are eligible for multiple entries.

Please enjoy this week’s selections that truly captured the essence of home.

Decorating

 Love of Home created a refreshing spring tablescape by pairing brown transferware with touches of yellow. It’s simply stunning.

Recipe

It’s hard to believe that St. Patrick’s Day is next week. Be sure to whip up a batch of these delightfully yummy Little Irish Girl Cookies by Living On Cloud Nine.

Gardening

Mountain Mama leads us down a lovely path of selecting a perfect obelisk for the garden.

Inspiration

If you are in need of truly lovely images and soul soothing words make sure you visit My Little Old World.

Gentle Reminders

We ask that you please,

1. Link back to this post or any of the four hosts websites.

Laura at Décor To Adore

Stacey from Poofing the Pillows

Jemma from At Home With Jemma

Laura at White Spray Paint

2. Share up to three of your favorite posts, remembering to not link to advertising or shops.

By linking up you are providing permission that Thoughts of Home on Thursday can feature your post and accompanying photos on future blog posts or other forms of social media such as Facebook and Instagram. A link back to your blog will always be provided.

3. Visit one another. Commenting creates friends.

We thank you so very much for gathering with us and hope to see you each and every week at Thoughts of Home on Thursday. We can’t wait to see what you share.

An InLinkz Link-up

Want my posts delivered directly to your inbox?
Just enter your e-mail address.

Enter your email address:


Delivered by FeedBurner

Kitchen Counters and Floors: A Handbag and Shoes

Saltillo tile from Mexico fills my home.

Traditionally created from the clay of the clay pits around the area of Saltillo, Mexico, it is a beautifully rustic

12” x 12” tiIe.

I have it throughout my home(with the exception of the bedrooms), and I have always loved it.

I faced a decor dilemma a few years ago, when it was time to select a new kitchen counter top.


All of the trending kitchen counter solutions , although beautiful, were just not me.


Finally, one day while standing in my kitchen, I hit upon a typically quirky White Spray Paint design solution:

Kitchen counters and kitchen flooring are like a handbag and shoes.

I selected my new countertop (the handbag)  based on the accompanying shoes (the floor).

Why does this method work?

It is not, I assure you because I think things must ‘match’.

For me it is about creating a design pathway to a decision.

It is that moment of design creativity that allows me to envision a right result.

My shoes and purse don’t always match , but there is a plan.


I decided to use the same framework process for my kitchen.

This all makes sense, right?

***

Tuesdays at Our Home Away from Home

Tweak it Tuesday at Cozy Little House

Celebrate Your Story

Pura Vida and The High Plains Observer Perryton

I received an invitation and an honor, many, many months ago,

from my friend Gina at Pura Vida blog.

She asked if blog posts from White Spray Paint could appear in a local Texas newspaper,

the High Plains Observer Perryton,

where Gina is the editor.


I said yes.

Perryton, Texas is 882 miles north of Mission, Texas, where I live.

Regardless of the distance, I hope that White Spray Paint speaks to even one person in that community,

because as far as I am concerned, we are now connected.

Thank you Gina.

Finds and Favorites

Finds

There is nothing I enjoy more than trailing behind my girls at a flea market or thrift store or at Warrenton or

Round Top.

It is one of life’s great pleasures.

I get to watch them treasure hunt, and I get to see glimpses of my mother’s love of treasure hunting in them .


One year in Warrenton, as we were leaving Bar W Field, I spotted this garden statue sitting outside a tent.

I shouted “Stop!”, the daughter that was driving slammed Hauler 2 (my Tahoe) into park, and I hopped out.

The deal was done in about 10 minutes.

Favorites

Who has ever discovered that weeks of living have passed, and we still haven’t written that blog post?

You must read Lucy’s post Of Laundry and Life Left Too Long  at her blog Heart and Home. It is spot on.

And then there is Leslie of Gwen Moss blog. You will certainly enjoy her before and after process in creating a

classic stone sculpture , but you are going to find that and more. Leslie is a wonderful writer .

And finally , you must see the recipe entries for Miz Helen’s Full Plate Thursday this week, where ‘the greatest

cooks on the planet gather’. Imagine 140 home cooks sharing their talent.  As I read through many of the

recipes, it reminded me of family reunion cooking. Is there anything better?

Have a great weekend!