Moving My Blog and a Fall Giveaway!

I am moving my blog to Linda & Company and will be deleting this one at the end of the year. I would love to see my followers continue to follow me there. New look, new ideas and a new website!!

I am also adding a Fall Giveaway on the new blog, so please go here to follow me and sign up for it.

Hope to see you soon!

Much Love,

Linda

National Margarita Day!!! Woo Hoo!!!

Surely many are wondering why a cold, fruity, summery drink such as the margarita is commemorated in February. The dead of winter! For some people, margarita day is more likely to be celebrated if it were June. But for those who live in New York, where the sidewalks are currently covered in dog-soiled snow that, they will understand the sort of resemblance of a foul frozen cocktail,

According to studies, Americans on average drink 185,000 margaritas per hour, making it almost a patriotic duty to imbibe. National Margarita Day might not be a real holiday, considering it’s not on Wikipedia, the decider of all reality. But plenty of people out there were delighted to have an excuse to enjoy an adult beverage after a long day at work.

I think I'll make a pitcher of them today and have a few friends over!!

Tell me, what's your favorite Margarita? Mine is the classic original with Patron tequila!!

Happy Day

Linda

Giveaway Winner!

The winner of my Giveaway is Linda at More Fun Less Laundry

CONGRATULATIONS!!!!!

Please contact me with your snail mail addy to Linda@LindaWitteDesigns.com

ENJOY!!

Thank you Ladies, for joining me in this fun giveaway!

Have a great Valentine's Day!

Warm Hugs,

Linda

The Whimsy of MacKenzie-Childs and My Favs!

All images are ©Mackenzie-Childs, LLC

This Beverage Hostess is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE!!
I can see "Mismosas" in it now!! Or "Lemonade"!

**************************************

As most of you already know, I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE Mackenzie-Childs.
I have collected it since 1988, then started painting it for friends in 1991. I still collect and paint it today and never tire of it. Each piece is truly unique and sems to tell a story.
Today I am posting photos of MY FAVS! M-C has come out with some really nice products this year, and I have quite a few of them on my "wishlist". Tell me, what's on
YOUR "wishlist

And how cute are these new "Bird Tassles"?

Perfect to place anywhere in your home!

These adorable "Miniature Compotes" are the perfect vessel

to serve single servings in.

I see salads, strawberry shortcake and ice cream sundaes in these!

Oh, imagine the possibilities!

I think this new pattern will fit nicely in with my other "Taylor" pottery.

It's called "Hitchcock Field". I am not crazy about turquoise, but since

it has the black/white on it....I like it!

If you collect the Flower Market enamelware, you will want to

add a couple of these ute frames to your collection!

I mix and match the white with my CC enamelware

and the floral pattern really POPS!!

OH....and these are "MUST HAVES"!! If you entertain,

then these are a must!!! I have several of this type I have picked up

at Target, Marshalls and the like to place dips and chips in...friuts...cheeses...

and pretty much anything you can think of!

The perfect addition to your M-C collection!

This is the smaller version of the one above....too darn cute!

NOW ...ON TO THE FURNITURE!! FOLLW ME>>>>>

Cute "Pedestal Table". Perfect for your favorite plant

...perhaps an Orchid?

Love the new Courtly Check® and Stripe fabric!!

Hopefully, we'll be able to purchase yardage at some

point! Are you reading this CC?

*****************************

See the gorgeous Courtly Check® furniture below using the new ticking style

and Courtly Check® signature fabric! I am Loving it!

I think this would nice on my sun porch!

Now...follow me into the garden!!

This way, please......

Now these are gorgeous!

Perfect addition to your bird collection!

For the bird lover who has many a birdhouse in their yard!
This is so cute! I want 10!!! Better get to work!


Is this not the prettiest trellis you have seen?
I think it would look lovely greeting my guest at my front door!
Oh...Johhhnnn!!!


Okay.....while I loved the "Mrs. Powers" gate....
this "Flower Basket" one has gotten my "ATTENTION"!!
I LOVE IT!!



Too cute for words are these "Pot Stakers"!

Ya gotta have a few of these in your garden!!

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And last, but certainly, not least...is this FABULOUS....WONDERFUL....

EXCITING......BRIGHT.....WHIMSICALLY designed OUTDOOR FURNITURE!

Doesn't it just want to make you smile!!!

I smell a GARDEN PARTY coming on!

ABSOLUTELY....DELICIOUS!!!

Well, this is the end of my Mackenzie-Childs Favs! I hope you enjoyed the tour and tell me..."What's Your fav"?

Warm Hugs,
Linda

A Valentine Give-a-Way!

Well, Ladies, it's been awhile since I have written on my blog. My life has been very hectic for the past few months, but I am ready to get back to writing on my blog as least on a weekly basis.

In celebration of

Valentine's Day

I am having give-a-way! I decided to make these in black and white as opposed to the traditional red/pink/white, so they can stay out all year long. After all, hugs and kisses should be celebrated all year long!! Each letter is 8" high and is made from chipboard and scrapbook paper and sealed with a protective coat of varnish.

Which one of you ladies will get to display these in your home? All you have to do is comment on this post to be entered. Mention this give-a-way with a link back to it on your blog for a second chance! Just be sure and let me know about the honorable mention. :)

Contest ends midnight CST on Tuesday, February 8th.

GOOD LUCK!!

Warm Hugs,

Linda

Falling in Love With Fall

I am falling in love with fall, so I thought I would share a few things I have done around the house so far. I hope you enjoy the beautiful shades of oranges, greens, yellows, browns and reds that the fall season has to offer us. Since I live in the deep south...fall can only be found inside the home.




Warm Hugs,
Linda

O Christmas Tree

You can see the MC one here at $795

Before

After

Anyone that knows me, knows I am a

Mackenzie-Childs

addict. I collect it, paint it, design with it...it's everywhere throughout my house!

So......when I saw the christmas tree they made with broken shards

I had to have one! Well, not one of theirs at

$795

for an 8" x 21" !!

Yowza!!

But I shall make one from my own broken shards for

$30

for a 5 1/2" x 19"

I think it turned out great! I am in love with it and it will
stay out all year round.
Tell me what you think!!

I am linking up with Susan at BNOTP for
Metamorphosis Monday

Won't you stop by there and take a peek at what

other bloghers are doing?

Warm Hugs,

Linda

A Video of Ethan 4 Days Old

A video of Ethan....he doesn't like sleeping on his back! He likes his stomach and loves to be swaddled and loves his pacifier!! (8 weeks premature (4 days old).

Welcoming Ethan Brae Into The World

I haven't been on in such a long time as life has been very full for me the past year....but I did want to share with you a precious gift that came to us on Friday.

I have a new grandson!! He came a bit early (33 weeks), so is very tiny. Ethan was born on Friday, September 10, 2010, weighing in at 2 pounds 12 ounces and 15 3/4" long. He is doing amazingly well! He is beautiful and is holding his own. He will have to be in NICU until he gets bigger and stronger. Please pray for him as he grows and becomes stronger so that he can go home to be with his family. Big brother Evan thinks he is the cutest thing and goes to visit him daily. I never knew one child could have so many "big brother" shirts!!! :)

I hope to be writing more and keeping up with my blog. I also hope to having a "Give-away" soon! I do read your blogs late at night while tying to wind down from a hectic day. So many inspirations and ideas out there!!

I will be joining BNOTP for Met Monday soon with items I have been making changes to over the past year. So keep an eye out!

Warm Hugs,

Linda

Fresh Lemons!

Lemons from my tree! Anyone for Lemon Meringue Pie?

Peter, Paul & Mary Lemon Tree Lyrics

When I was just a lad of ten, my father said to me,
"Come here and take a lesson from the lovely lemon tree."
"Don't put your faith in love, my boy", my father said to me,
"I fear you'll find that love is like the lovely lemon tree."

Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

One day beneath the lemon tree, my love and I did lie
A girl so sweet that when she smiled the stars rose in the sky.
We passed that summer lost in love beneath the lemon tree
The music of her laughter hid my father's words from me:

Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

One day she left without a word. She took away the sun.
And in the dark she left behind, I knew what she had done.
She'd left me for another, it's a common tale but true.
A sadder man but wiser now I sing these words to you:

Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.
Lemon tree very pretty and the lemon flower is sweet
But the fruit of the poor lemon is impossible to eat.

Have a Creative Day!

Linda

Red Velvet Cupcakes and Chocolate Covered Strawberries!

Here are photos of cupcakes I baked today. They are the Red Velvet with Cream Cheese frosting, then topped with a Chocolate Covered Strawberry!! I had to make 148 of them for a customer! Whew...I am tired!

Have a Creative Weekend!
Linda

Lemon Meringue Cupcakes and Recipes!

I made Lemon Meringue Cupcakes for the Superbowl party! YUMMO!! They were a big hit! I guess I'll put these on the menu!

The Recipe:

Ingredients:
Makes 24 cupcakes
1 cup (2 sticks) unsalted butter, room temperature
2 cups sugar
5 extra-large eggs
3 cups self-rising cake flour
1 cup buttermilk
3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

2 tablespoons lemon zest

meringue topping

lemon pie filling
castor sugar

lemon wedges

Directions:
1.Preheat oven to 325 degrees.

2. In the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the paddle attachment, beat butter until softened. With the mixer on medium, add eggs and sugar; beat until well combined. With mixer on low speed, add flour in three parts, alternating with buttermilk and beginning and ending with flour. Stir in lemon zest and lemon juice.
3. Fill prepared muffin cups three-quarters full with batter. Transfer muffin tins to oven and bake until a cake tester inserted into the center of a cupcake comes out clean, 20 to 25 minutes. Transfer to a wire rack and let cupcakes cool completely in muffin cups.

4. Using a # tip, fill the middle of each cupcake with lemon pie filling.

5. Finish off with the merengue topping.

6. Garnish with a thin wedge of lemon that was dredged in Castor Sugar

Pie Filling and Meringue

1 1/3 cups granulated sugar, divided
3 tablespoons cornstarch
1 1/2 cups cold water
3 egg yolks, slightly beaten
grated zest of 1 lemon
1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
1 tablespoon butter
3 egg whites

Pie Filling:
In a saucepan combine 1 cup sugar with cornstarch. Gradually stir in the cold water until smooth. Stir in the beaten egg yolks. Bring to a boil over medium heat, stirring constantly, and continue to boil and stir for 1 minute. Remove from heat. Stir in the lemon peel, lemon juice and butter. Let cool.

Meringue:

Beat egg whites until foamy. Gradually beat in 1/3 cup sugar; continue beating until stiff peaks form. Spread the egg white meringue mixture over the fulling, sealing to edge of crust. Bake in a preheated 350° oven for about 15 minutes, or until golden brown.

Have a Creative Day!

Linda

AND THE WINNER IS.....

Stefanie from Rose Petals and Rust. Congratulations Stefanie...you are the proud new owner of this Sterling Heart Necklace!! Please contact me with your preferences so I can make it and get it mailed out to you!

Have a Creative Day!
Linda

Valentine's Day Giveaway!

Photo removed for publication

Because Valentine's Day is on it's way...I am giving away a piece of sterling jewelry. It includes an 18" ball chain, an initial charm along with a swarovski crystal of your choice of color and a heart. The drawing will be held on Sunday, January 31 at Midnight CDT. One entry per person please. So ladies, please leave a comment to be eligible for the drawing and GOOD LUCK!

Have a Creative Day!

Linda

54th Metamorphosis Monday and a Rosey Candelabra

I'm joining Susan at Between Naps on the Porch for Metamorphorsis Monday!

Bought a pair of these candelabras a fews years back...they were missing something on them....and I could never remove the glue. This weekend I got them out and ,made roses out of polymer clay. I think they turned out pretty nice!

Have a Creative Day!

Linda