Wearin' O The Green

Well, not exactly wearing any green right now, but maybe next Saturday!  I just wanted to share my "St. Paddy's Day Tree" before time gets away from me.  I have never really decorated for St. P's Day, and would simply bring out the Easter things right after Valentine's Day.  That changed this year after   finding out through DNA testing that I am 30% Irish!  Who knew?  Certainly not me!  So, this year I am celebrating the "Green."

Deciding to have a seasonal tree this year has already been one of the most fun 

decisions I've ever made!

Doesn't she look adorable in all her green fashion?  You can see her decked out for Christmas HERE 

and Valentine's Day HERE!

I wasn't sure how I was going to dress her up for St. P's Day, because the ONLY St. Patrick's Day item I had was this little Irish Gnome...truly!  I knew I did not want to spend very much, so I went to HobLob to see what they had on sale.

I found a package of these little shamrock ornies (a set of 8 with a couple of shades of green and some with glitter) and a bundle of little shamrock necklaces that I just draped here and 

there on the tree. 

In wandering around the store, I saw feather boas and knew I could tuck it in and around the tree

for filler.  I also picked up one for my Easter tree....yes, I am already planning for that one!

I made all of the other ornies using scrapbook paper that I already had.  If you know anything about scrapbookers, then you know we are hoarders lovers of pretty paper and cardstock....just sayin'.

We are actually celebrating St. Patrick's Day today, because next Saturday we are hosting several of my high school friends for a mini-class reunion.  Several live in the area and a few others are Winter visitors here.  I thought seriously about cooking the traditional corned beef and cabbage, but we decided hamburgers and hotdogs would be so much easier since we'll be eating outside.  That being said, I have cooked Corned Beef and Cabbage using THIS RECIPE from Marilyn's Treats today. 

I have to confess, in over 50 years of cooking, I had never before made this dish!  WHAT?

Well, it definitely got the "nod" from both of us!  The meat was so very juicy and tender, and the veggies were delicious! Also on the menu today is Irish Soda Bread using THIS RECIPE from kitchme.com.  This is another new one for me!   

Soda bread has the texture and taste of a biscuit....one giant biscuit suits this "Southern-born girl" 

just fine!  Very good and very easy!

Well, that's a wrap for me.  I hope everyone has a great week, and 

Happy St. Patrick's Day in advance!

Warm hugs,

Carol

I hope to be joining some of these lovely ladies this week:

Cindy at Dwellings--The Heart of Your Home for Amaze Me Monday

Maria Elena at Our Home Away from Home for Tuesdays at Our Home

Marty at A Stroll Thru Life  for Inspire Me Tuesday

Suzy at Worthing Court for The Scoop

Carol at The Red Painted Cottage for Share Your Style Party

Richella at Imparting Grace for Grace at Home