A Cozy Nook for Two...

Fireplace crackling, soft flickering candlelight, romantic music playing...

Oh, and sipping chocolate martini's while we sit dangerously close to one another, lost in eachothers eyes, wildly flirting among hushed laughter...

A perfect start to a romantic evening left up to the imagination...hope you enjoy!

Chocolate Martini Recipe

2 oz. vodka

1/2 oz. chocolate liquer

1/2 oz. white creme de cacao

chocolate syrup to coat rim of martini glass

Coat rim and inside of martini glass with syrup.

Mix all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice

and strain into martini glass.

Makes 1 cocktail. YUM!

A Virtual Dinner Party!

All are invited to attend...it sounds like fun!

Won't you join me too???

Looking forward to catching up with my bloggy friends...

xxxooo Ruth

You're HOW old??!!

I keep telling myself that it is only a number...50, yes 50. Well, I finally did it this June, turned 50...

With that said, turning 50 isn't really all that bad...after all, look how good 50 looks these days....albeit there is probably some plastic surgery involved here...

No, that's not me in the center picture, but close enough. Madonna has nothing on me!

Ohhh, and lest we forget Barbie? She turned 50 and look how great she looks!

She has had more plastic surgery than anyone I know... :-)

Then there is little old me..I have to admit, when I turned 50, a lot of friends and acquaintances were very surprised that the big five-O was taking it's turn with me. Most responses were, "you're HOW old?"
I really do eat well and exercise, plus there are good genes in the family.
To date, I have walked 455 miles this year, that averages out to 2 miles a day...not bad for an old timer. Plus I go to the gym 3 days a week...it's exhausing being me!
(DAM! Blogger won't let me add a picture of me! Is there a 3 picture limit??!)

ANYWAY....The only regret I have is that I am 30 years closer to eighty. and I feel as if life has just begun! It's all gone by so amazingly fast...

Thank you for being a part of my life and my blogging world. Even though I have been a TOTAL blog slacker lately, I know you will all stop by to say :HI"
because thats just how you all roll.
xxxooo Ruey

CHECK this out!

There is just something about black and white check that makes my heart sing....
Look at this kitchen! The floor "makes" this room look perfect!


OH, Isn't this tile so much fun? I could see a kitchen or bathroom back splash done in this...or a simple bar area....or MAYBE an old armoire turned into a liquor cabinet with this as a back splash..........hmmmmmmmmm.....

And look at this tiny bathroom....Isn't it so sweet? Perfect balance of patterns without going TOO overboard.

And look at this mosaic I made using Flickr tools. (see side bar in my blog to access my Flickr account and see credits for photos.) Isn't it fun?

Now that my creative juices are flowing, maybe I will post something I have done in my own home to share with you....like that liquor cabinet...

xxxooo Ruth

I know.. I have been majorly inept about keeping up with all of you and my blog postings. For that I am sorry. It is just that life has been so all consuming and demanding .......

I hope you enjoy the mosaic I made of all things Valentine's.......

The center picture is of me and all of my sissies (7 in all!). It was taken almost, (gulp) 50 years ago! Of course with a little modern day embellishments it looks adorable.

I wish each and every one of you a very Happy Valentine's Day!

xxxoooRuth

The greatest love of all-

John 3:16-

***Happy New Year***

Yup, that's me 11:59, 12/31/08....
Just sipping away on my 2nd glass of Veuve Clicquot champagne awaiting the glorious arrival of 2009.........don't we all look this relaxed and marvelous on New Year's Eve?!

I know it sounds so cliche, but where DID the time go ?
Honestly, I can't believe how fast 2008 has gone. Maybe it's because I am almost, (gulp, ) 50 and smack dab in mid-life , or because I see how my boys have grown into fine young men, or maybe because the mirror is ever so truthful in it's reflection of honesty....
Maybe it's all of these reasons. I don't know, but it is a reminder of the sobering fact that life is really so short, and meant to be LIVED!

Thank you for blessing me with your friendship this year. I am truly grateful and in awe of the amazing and inspiring friendships that blogging has brought me in 2008.

It is my prayer and hope that in 2009, you LIVE your life to the fullest and treasure each step along the way.....
REMEMBER....Stay close to Him, and He will stay close to you.
May God bless you and keep you safe this New Year, and always.
oooxxx Ruth
.

Merry Christmas!

SWEET CHERUBS WITH BLING!

Mirror mirror on the wall...

Tiny rice lights in powder room...

My Collection of apocrathy jars I have been snatching

up for years at garage sales.... I love how they look here!

Magical and icy!

Another shot..........

My collection of antique Christmas ornaments in a

HUGE apocrathy jar I got at Home Goods last year.

A string of tiny rice lights inside makes this truly enchanting!


Hi Everyone~

So happy to finally be spending some time with my blogging buddies! Time is passing so quickly and it is hard to believe we are already in the "Christmas countdown".

Now that I have finally found a moment to share, here are a few of my most recent decorations for Christmas.

MINIMAL was the name of the game for me this year.

With the economy doing so poorly , and things being so unstable, I believe it is time to re-access all that we have, and all that we really need. I am finding that I am much more clear headed , focused, and less stressed when things are kept simple and to a minimum.

Lately, my cottage style has also been reflecting the same sense of calm, peace, and simplicity. My recent bedroom makeover, and upcoming kitchen changes will be posted in early 2009.

Plan to be surprised!

Until our next meeting, I hope each and everyone of you and your families has a VERY blessed Christmas, and remember the TRUE reason for the season...

Luke 2:11-

"for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord."

Isaiah 9:6 "For a child will be born to us, And the government will rest on His shoulders, And His name wil be called Wonderful Councelor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace."

(I LOVE how Isaiah prophesized about Jesus coming LONG before He was even born!)

Merry Christmas!

xxxoo Ruth