Cheering up the Cold Winter Days

I think the cold winter days can bring out the best in homemakers. We use what resources we have to keep the home cheery and bright for our loved ones as well as for ourselves.

Craving some brights on my mantel but not wanting to spend much, if any, money, I checked out the craft supplies on hand and then using instructions I found here, I made white carnations from tissue paper and painted the edges of a few of them with a little red watercolor paint.

I like the blending of the red with the pink on my Valentine mantel.

Seeing how just a little color could bring so much cheer to a room, I moved on to the next color-needy room; the boys' bathroom.  I picked a couple of colors out of the picture hanging on the wall in there.  (I love gazing at this picture.  It reminds me of my own little Pleasant Valley.)

Deciding to match the blues and pinks in the painting, I took a trip to the Dollar General.  There I found this bright blue tissue paper and the little handful of already-made bright pink flowers to give an added punch of color. I gave the blue flower petals pointed edges, thinking it looked more guy-like than rounded petals.  The whole room just came alive with my new $2 arrangement.

The bright colors brought so much cheer to my day that I decided to pass it on to my guys.  So I had a tummy-warming, smile-making meal ready when they came home; meatloaf and mashed potatoes.  I used my Mama's meatloaf recipe (found below) and made the potatoes with real butter and whole milk.  I was always so happy to see this meal on our table back home when I was a little girl.  Real comfort food. 

Well, that was all yesterday and now it's another winter's day with the need for more color.  I got up this morning and dressed in grays and blacks to go to the grocery store.  But still craving cheery color, I threw this necklace on, knowing I always feel happier when wearing it.  The lady at the grocery check-out commented on my "cute little outfit," making me even happier.

Mama's Simple Meat Loaf

1 pound ground round

1 egg

1/2 cup milk

3/4 teaspoon salt

1 cup oats

1/4 cup chopped onions

1/2 cup catsup

Topping:

1 teaspoon mustard

4 tablespoons brown sugar

1 tablespoon vinegar

1/2 cup catsup

Combine all ingredients for meatloaf.  Mix well. Pack into baking dish.  Mix topping ingredients.  Pour over meatloaf.  Bake one hour at 350 degrees.  Serves 8

This post is linked to:  Show and Tell Friday