This and That...Blog Birthday and Recap!

Happy Blog Birthday!

Today is a special day...the four month anniversary of my blog! I'm celebrating with a recap of the most visited posts so far along with my favorite post so far. Here we go!

Most Visited Home Decor Post

By far, the most visited post has been the first post I did about decorating my foyer table. I did an update post on the foyer table focusing on Autumn styling a little later. Folks really enjoy seeing home decorating ideas. I had a really good time being creative with these posts and sharing my ideas with others. 

Most Visited Style Post

My post on Casual Saturday Attire was the most visited style post. This was my second Debbie's Stylin' post. I felt very comfortable in this casual outfit and the photo shoot was lots of fun. The Autumn colors were amazing that weekend!

Most Visited Devotional Post

My most heartfelt posts are those where I share my faith. My post about the weekend Women's Retreat I went on in late September was visited the most. Although not strictly a devotional post, I ended the post with scripture which I felt really spoke to what the weekend was all about. 

Fave Post

This is a tough one, because I have really enjoyed doing all of the posts so far. But, I have to say that I had such fun setting up the tablescape for my Tablescape in Blue for Two post! There's nothing like getting out your favorite dishes and setting a beautiful table to make a girl feel great!

I hope you have enjoyed a Blog Recap. Fourth months and going strong--Woohoo!  Now, let's go eat some birthday cake!!

Until Next Time,

Debbiethisandthat 

I'm linking this post with Julie Wunder's Best of the Blogs Linkup at Running in a Skirt. Thanks for the link party, Julie!

This and That...Debbie's Stylin' Leggings and Tunic!

Leggings, Tunic and More!

Debbiethisandthat

Can you tell I'm still in a blue mood? But, this time I'm not creating a tablescape! I'm in a blue mood stylin' with leggings, tunic and ankle booties. And, oh yes, a blue scarf and jewelry for good measure! So, settle back and relax on this day after Thanksgiving and join me as I share this week's stylin' with you. 

To be honest, I was nervous for quite awhile about trying leggings. But after seeing them modeled on so many blog sites and reading up on the appropriate length for tunics to go with the leggings on women my age, etc. I decided to give them a try. I wore this outfit to Thanksgiving dinner with my mother-in-law and I didn't get asked to leave the retirement village because I was inappropriately dressed so I guess I'm OK with the outfit!

I've worn this tunic several times with slacks and have gotten quite a few compliments. I love the blue and tan sequin 

designs on the tunic and how it is loose and comfy. I purchased it on sale at Cracker Barrel. I couldn't find the exact tunic online but you can see other tunics here. The leggings were a Walmart purchase. You can see similar here. These leggings are quite soft and comfortable. The ankle booties were another DSW on sale buy. You can see the exact pair here. I love that these booties are flat and I can wear them all day in comfort and style. A win-win combination!

The blue scarf adds some extra style and warmth to the overall look. I don't recall where I got this scarf, but I think the blue of the scarf compliments the blue in the tunic nicely. Mr.thisandthat was getting creative with this shot, can you tell?

The blue bracelet on my left wrist was a purchase from one of our Colorado trips a few summers ago at a favorite Estes Park jewelry store called Dakotah Jewelry. They usually have sale items that I can take advantage of on our visits there. The bracelet on my right wrist was a cheapie purchase at a local dollar type store. Gotta love those bargains!!

I'm a big believer in stylin' without big expense! How about you? Are you an "on sale" shopper? Do you love finding bargains? Leave me a comment. I'd love to hear your thoughts.

Until next time,

Debbie

I'm linking this post with Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish for her Turning Heads Tuesday linkup. Please visit her blog! Also linked with Not Dead Yet Style. 

This and That...Happy Thanksgiving 1 Chronicles 16:34

                      Happy Thanksgiving


https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File%3APumpkins_1.JPG   
By Steve (Own work) [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons

Give thanks to the Lord, for He is good; His love endures forever.

1 Chronicles 16:34

This and That...Tablescape For Two..In Blue!

Tablescape In Blue

I'm in a blue mood today...but I'm not sad. I'm thinking blue because it is a color I love and I enjoy creating a beautiful table in blue. Not everyone has a huge crowd of people at the table for the holidays...or even for regular meals. So, I'm showcasing a tablescape for two which can be used for the holidays (expand the settings if you have a crowd!) or for a cozy dinner for two...or a special dinner just for YOU!  Of course, I know you aren't going to have the exact dinner settings, placemats, pitcher and candle sticks that I display here. But, think of the blue items you do have and how you might use them for a tablescape. 

I was doing some Christmas shopping the other day and a lady chatted me up telling me that blue was her favorite color to decorate with at Christmas. I definitely like to use blue as a Christmas color. I certainly have plenty of the traditional Christmas colors of red, green and gold on display during the holidays but I also have blue! (I'll share some of those decorations in a future post.) 

My Longaberger pitcher worked beautifully to hold the flowers for the centerpiece. I forget the exact name of these flowers. They remind me of Baby's Breath, but they had another name when I bought them.

I went shopping in my cabinets and found items I could use for the tablescape such as these pretty blue placemats, cloth napkins with lace napkin ring and my blue Longaberger mugs. My "Winn-Dixie" China plates are also being used here. I was one of those brides who didn't get China for a wedding present 32 years ago when Mr.thisandthat and I got married. I remember being so excited to collect pieces every time we bought groceries at the local Winn-Dixie! 

Blue candles in crystal candle holders add a nice touch. The crystal wine glasses were a gift many years ago from my mother-in-law. Aren't they pretty?

I actually use these cloth napkins on a regular basis. It saves money buying paper napkins (although I use those too sometimes) and is also good for the environment. 

I hope I haven't left you feeling too blue!  Only in terms of using blue on your table, of course!  Let me know what colors you like to showcase on your table. Are you a blue person too? Until next time.....

Debbie

I'm linking this post with Andrea at Living On Cloud Nine. Please visit her blog and also Robin at Fluster Buster. Thanks, ladies, for the Link Up Party!

This and That....Counting My Blessings!

Gratitude

http://www.wpclipart.com/signs_symbol/words/thank_you/Thank_You_note_floral_2.png (Public Domain)

Hello, dear readers! As Thanksgiving day approaches, I am thinking about all of the many blessings in my life and all that I have to be thankful for. There are too many things to list here...the post would go on forever! So, I'm sharing a sampling by posting ten things for which I am grateful!

1. Mr.thisand that-We will be married 33 years New Year's Day. Can't imagine life without him. I think I'll keep him!

2. My family-I am so thankful for my family...Love you guys!!

3. My friends-so grateful to have you in my life!

4. My faith-Where would I be if I didn't know that the Lord walks beside my and guides me throughout life?

5. My pets-Gracie and Annie are my "fur babies."  Even though they make me crazy sometimes with their antics (Annie!!) I love them!

6. Being a teacher-I always wanted to be a teacher, from the time I was a little girl and would play school each day. I have taught for 34 years in areas such as preschool, music lessons, third and fourth grades and gifted education. I also have taught adult Sunday School lessons and Children's Church. I'm a teacher at heart through and through!

7. Books-I LOVE to read and still find it a thrill to wander through bookstores. I haven't moved to the computer books craze yet because I still love the feel and smell of actual books in my hand. 

8. Music-I have been involved in music for much of my life. From singing in choirs to directing choirs to playing violin in orchestras and small groups, to grooving to the radio, music is a part of my life that I truly enjoy! (And Mr.thisandthat plays a mean trumpet also!!)

9. Chocolate- 'Nuff said!! I haven't met chocolate I don't like yet!

10. Blogging! I am having a blast getting to be a blogger and interacting with the many bloggers and blog readers. And I appreciate so much all of you dear readers who take time out of your busy day to spend time with me on my blog! 

How about you? Are you counting your blessings as Thanksgiving draws near? Leave a comment sharing some of your blessings or, if you prefer, what you are doing to celebrate Thanksgiving. I'd love to hear from you!

Until Next Time,
Debbie 


http://www.clipartpal.com/_thumbs/pd/holiday/thanksgiving/thanksgiving_1.png
This Public Domain image is available for personal and commercial projects.



                                                 

This and That About....Debbie's Stylin' Sweater Weather!

Black And White Sweater Skirt Combination

The air is getting cooler and we're getting into sweater weather for sure! Today, I'm stylin' with a black and white combination that I really enjoyed wearing recently. The black and white sweater is a recent purchase. I actually stocked up on a few of these sweaters in various colors as I like this "old style" crew neck design.  The crew neck is soft and comfortable and I like the lightweight warmth of the sweater paired with a short sleeved white pullover. I also like the look of the collar tucked over the round neckline. The sweaters I purchased at Walmart are Faded Glory brand. The price I paid was under $10 per sweater...a real bargain for a nice looking sweater! You can see the exact sweater here.

The shoes are a new find at DSW. The heels are flattering and very comfortable without being crazy high and hard to walk in. I'm trying to make better shoe choices...sometimes I buy for "style" and end up not wearing the shoes often because they aren't comfortable to walk in. These shoes will definitely be worn and I love the style as well!

The shoes are Rieker Antistress Mary Jane Pumps. You can see them here. I paid much less in the store for this shoe than the amount listed on the site. The skirt is Southern Lady and I've had it awhile and don't recall where I made that purchase. The hemline on the skirt has a slight ruffle which adds interest to the look.

I find black and white a figure flattering combination which is nice as well! I'll be wearing this combo again and again.

How about you? Do you have favorite sweaters you enjoy wearing? And what are your favorite color combinations? 

Until Next Time,

Debbie

I'm linking this post with Jess at Elegantly Dressed and Stylish for Turning Heads Tuesday. Please visit her blog. Thanks so much, Jess, for the linkup!

This and That,,,About A Holiday Wreath!

Burlap Holiday Wreath

Thanksgiving is almost here dear readers! And soon after that....Christmas! I'm all excited today about sharing a burlap holiday wreath that I fashioned myself. It's easy to make (I am not a crafty person) and versatile enough to see me through several holidays. I came home from the craft shop and literally made this in about 20 minutes! And, the materials were not expensive. The styrofoam wreath was under $5 and the burlap wrap was about $6. So for about $10 I have a pretty wreath. Here's how I did it.

I first assembled my materials: one styrofoam wreath, a roll of burlap, scissors and straight pins. Burlap is so popular right now and the roll of burlap made this project super easy. 

I cut a fairly long length of the burlap and secured it to the styrofoam wreath with a couple of straight pins. I then simply began wrapping the wreath, making sure to overlap a little on each edge as I brought the burlap through for each wrap. I didn't measure the length and I did have to cut a little extra length to make it around the whole wreath. I simply used more straight pins to secure ends and continued wrapping until the whole wreath was covered. 

Then, it was time to make the bow. I did this by taking a length of burlap and I fashioned one loop to the size loop I wanted and then while holding that loop tight in my left hand, I twisted the burlap and created another loop with my right hand. I grabbed that loop with my left hand and continued to make loops making sure to twist the burlap each time. I will admit I had to start my loops about 3 times before I got the size I wanted on the loops and before the bow started to look "bow" like. 

When the bow was the size I wanted, I had a long "tail" of burlap left. So I cut up the middle of that long burlap tail and wrapped one end of the burlap tail around the middle of the bow a couple of times and then tied the ends to hold the bow together. I know some people are adept at using wire for this, but I just used the burlap. I have to tell you, I'm kind of proud of how that bow turned out! (For a non-crafty person like me!!!)

I then used the left over length of those two tails to tie the bow to the wreath, knotting the tails in the back of the wreath so they don't show on the front. You can see how I did this in the above picture. 

And, voila! I have a pretty burlap wreath to hang on my front door! Remember I said this wreath was versatile? Right now it is plain burlap, which I think looks nice for Fall. However, the way I tied the bow allows me to remove it if I decided to put on a red ribbon for Christmas...or, I may keep the burlap bow but tuck some Christmasy flowers or ornaments on to make the wreath more Christmas like. 

So, that's it for my easy Burlap Wreath. If I can do it, so can you!! Thanks for visiting my blog today and let me know what things you are doing to prepare for the upcoming holidays. I'd love to hear from you!!

Until then,
Debbie

This and That...About "Tag, You're It!"

Hello Dear Readers!

I haven't done a mid-week post in awhile, but today I just can't resist. Julie Wunder over at Running In A Skirt, has tagged me and many other bloggers to answer some fun survey questions. I'm up for the challenge, so here we go! You'll learn more about me in this post, for sure!! And please be sure to check out Julie's answers on her blog!


1. How has blogging impacted you and your life?

Oh my goodness, this is the most fun I've had in a long time! I absolutely LOVE blogging! I thought about starting to blog for a couple of years after starting to follow Running In A Skirt and Kelly at Talk of the House. Right before school started this year, I decided one day to just go for it! I didn't really know what I was doing and I still have lots to learn, but I'm over three months in and going strong. Lots of plans for the future with blogging!!

2. What's the favorite post you have written?

Hmmm...that's a tough one. I have enjoyed the posts I've written about Styling My Foyer Table and I have had so much fun and many giggles over my Debbie's Stylin' posts. But, the most heartfelt posts are the devotions about scripture. Guess, they're all my favorites!

3. You'll have to read Julie's blog to see my answer to this one!       Look for my post response below her blog. 

4. What is something special you do to treat yourself?

I like to go on shopping sprees occasionally and I like to treat myself to something sugary and decadent like chocolate cake.

5. Do you take spontaneous trips or are you more of a planner?

I don't even walk down the hall spontaneously...I am a planner in everything I do!!  And especially with trips...I need to know when I'm going, where I'm going, what I'll do when I get there, what the weather will be like, etc. etc. I'm a bit of a control freak, can you tell?!


6. Where was your last trip to?

My last trip was in October to West Virginia to visit with my sisters and family members. We celebrated my sister Joyce and brother-in-law Chuck's 50th wedding anniversary while I was there. I was their flower girl (six years old at the time!!) 50 years ago! 


7. Where is your dream vacation destination?

  I would love to eventually get to Hawaii. I think it would be so awesome to be there. And as you know if you have spent time on my blog, I love England and would enjoy seeing the English countryside. I've never been overseas so that would be a huge travel leap for me. I'm not a great flyer, so I'll have to get my courage worked up for either Hawaii or England!!

8.Weirdest fact about you?

Well, I don't know how weird this is, but I usually have about 5-6 books that I am reading at the same time at any given time. That's just how I roll with reading!

9. Are you a light packer or a I should take everything just in case gal?

Definitely, a take everything just in case gal! Like I said...control freak!!

10. Knowing what you know now, what advice would you give to your 18 year old self?

I would tell myself to not major in music, but go ahead and major in elementary education and enjoy music on the side. I ended up going back to college to get my elementary certification six years after graduating with a music degree and could have saved myself time and frustration! Oh well....live and learn. Who really knows what they want to do in life at 18 anyway? I'm still deciding what I want to be when I grow up!!

Hope you enjoyed learning a little bit more about me! Hope your mid-week is going well! Thanks for reading my survey answers. Please let me know what your answers to some of these questions would be!

Until next time,
Debbie

This and That....John 14:27

Finding Peace

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid. (John 14:27 KJV)


                                       http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/10000/t2/beautiful-sea-view-11284565520Gc6S.jpg

I'm thinking today about the scripture John 14:27 and the reassurance that Jesus gives us concerning peace. It's hard sometimes to find and feel that peace, isn't it, even when we know and believe that peace is there for us. 

Life just gets in the way, sometimes, at least it does for me. Stresses in the workplace, worries about loved ones, not to mention the troubles in the world at large. It just sometimes gets to you and that feeling of peace we want to have is elusive. 

I'm thinking today about looking at the peace that Jesus offers not so much as a "feeling" but as "knowledge." Troubles may come (and they will) worries may come (and they do) but through it all, even if I'm not feeling peaceful, I have the sure knowledge that I'm not alone. Jesus is with me all the way. And it is in that knowledge....that Jesus is with me....where I find the peace. Jesus specifically said that He doesn't give us peace the way the world does. And let's face it, there's not lots of peace around us is there? But I can have that sure knowledge of Christ's presence within me that reassures me of His peaceful presence. 

This is a hard lesson for me and one I come back to again and again. That's why I love this scripture so. I would just love it if everything in my life was just perfect all the time. But, life just doesn't work that way does it? And even in the midst of my wonderful life that is filled with so many blessings...I let the stress get to me. Perhaps you who are reading feel this way sometimes as well? 

I'll close today with the translation of John 14:27 from The Message.

"I'm leaving you well and whole. That's my parting gift to you. Peace. I don't leave you the way you're used to being left--feeling abandoned, bereft. So don't be upset. Don't be distraught."

How beautiful! Until next time....may you feel well and whole and experience the knowledge of Christ's peace in your life.

Peace,
Debbie

                                          
                 http://www.publicdomainpictures.net/pictures/50000/nahled/dove-christmas-postage-stamp.jpg

Linking to: Imparting Grace