Monthly Archives: November 2011

Nov30

Holiday Trimmings

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Thank goodness it is finally getting a little colder!  I’m sure that some folks will guffaw at that statement, citing the pleasures of warm weather.  That’s all fine and dandy, but personally I like it to be cold for the holidays- preferably with a high likelihood of snowfall.  Waking up to 37 degree temps, therefore, was greeted by yours truly with a smile and warm socks.  Arriving alongside the chill is my motivation to get a little holiday decorating done in the ole homestead.  So far I’ve made and hung garland outside and strung the lights, but there is still more to do on the exterior before I can claim completion.  Until then, how about a tour of the one room I have successfully tackled in the interior?

With the Christmas tree placed prominently in the Living Room, it seemed like the natural place to focus my decorating efforts.  I decided to keep things rather neautral this year, with a touch of beachiness thrown in to remind of us of our old hometown Charleston.  The only items I actually purchased this year were flameless LED candles…safe, cheap, and much more likely to be used than real candles (in our household at least).

The rest of the holiday decor was either from years past and/or picked up for free- like the trimmings from Lowe’s that I used to make the garland.  The garland is my effort to compensate for not having a mantle/fireplace to hang any stockings from.  While we are fortunate to have had such luck selling our last home, I will miss its three fireplaces that offered plenty of space to deck out with holiday cheer.

 Of course I found a huge garland hanging off of our wall too plain (imagine that), so I trimmed it with a simple garland of magnolia pods and pinecones and several of our favorite Christmas cards from years past.

For the console table, I placed two more lanterns from Ikea outfitted with those handy dandy flameless candles.  I then added two papier mache Christmas trees from Hobby Lobby, some homemade paper ornaments, and a glass case filled with driftwood picked upon our travels.

 Last but not least, I discreetly hung several handmade satchets filled with cinnamon scented wood chips from the lamps to fill the air with the special scent of Chrismas.

 So at least one room can be checked off the list for Christmas readiness.  My next targets are the kitchen, Roscoe’s room and finishing up the outside with a few window swags.  More pics to come as progress is made!

Nov28

Holiday Cheer

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It has been quite a whirlwind holiday weekend and a fun one at that.  Instead of running through a detailed replay, how about a “weekend’s best” of highlights instead?  Of course, no Thanksgiving is complete without a little homemade pumpkin pie. Roscoe was quite the little helper and has declared he will be making next year’s pies all by his lonesome.

Thanksgiving itself was a wonderful feast complete with all the standard fixings and good company.  As always, I ate way too much.  I just couldn’t say no when all that deliciousness was set before me.

The following day we held true to tradition and headed to Boone to choose and cut our Christmas tree.  Aaron insisted we pick one from the top of the mountain this year which was fine by me.  At least we were able to work off some of the prior day’s caloric intake.

On Saturday we decided it was high time Roscoe put on a pair of ice skate and claim his legacy in a family of ice skaters (Aaron’s father was a pro hockey player).  He did pretty well for his first time, not because of any innate ability but rather because of sheer stubbornness.  Roscoe insisted he did not need to hold on to the wall and was good enough to skate holding Daddy’s hand.  Needless to say, there was a lot of falling going on, but Roscoe had a ball- meaning we had a hard time getting him to depart the rink.

On Sunday we made and hung garland at our house and at Church and finally got around to decorating our Christmas tree.  99% of the ornaments on the tree were given to Aaron by his grandmother, one a year until her passing.  It’s a special experience for Aaron to be able to explain and hang these ornaments with Roscoe so I busied myself with observing and taking photos while they shared this time.

 

I certainly hope everyone had a marvelous holiday and enjoyed their own traditions. I’ll be back later this week with a tour of our house all decked out for the holidays.  Til then, cheers!

Nov23

Factory Girl

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Whoa!  How is tomorrow already Thanksgiving?!  I swear I was just telling Aaron I couldn’t believe it was already Thanksgiving and now it’s almost December- practically a month away from Christmas! Despite time fleeting before my very eyes, I am quite fortunate that I do not have to host Thanksgiving Dinner.  That honor goes to MIL who is not only a phenomenal cook but a gracious hostess as well.  The only tasks I’m responsible for are bringing the pumpkin pies (homemade of course- and, yes, there is a difference!) and cranberry sauce.  I’ve successfully procrastinated on those items until today hence my evening wil be predictably full of cooking and baking.  But on to other news!

Roscoe was in his first play yesterday! His class put on a Thanksgiving play where he played the part of an Indian.  My face was sore I smiled so big and long.  Who knew it was possibly to feel so proud and in love with a little tike who literally said six words?  Regardless, they were the best delivered six words ever in the history of dramatic performance.  Besides the play and a subsequent cafeteria style lunch at his school (I certainly do not miss those), I was again tackling my self-imposed list of things to do for the First Friday Indie market.

Last night I made a bunch of card sets using linocuts I had carved earlier.  Pretty cute if I may say so myself!

On the docket for tonight?  Pie baking and cranberry relish making of course.  Since I’ve already agree to let Roscoe help it may take a little longer than normal to get these tasks checked off the list, but then it’s on to more crafting and fair preparations.  Heaven knows I’ll be glad to relax after the market.  I hope everyone has a stupendous Thanksgiving holiday and enjoys yummy morsels with their loved ones! Cheers! 

Nov21

This Little Piggy Went to Market

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For some odd reason this past weekend felt long.  It was a regular two day weekend like most others and it’s not that we sat around idly twiddling our thumbs, but it just felt, well, longer.  My only guess is that because we spent an inordinate amount of time around the house rather than out and about,  seeing the same space for long expanses of time messed with our perception.  Regardless the cause we did manage to get some things knocked off the ever expanding to-do list.  First and foremost on my personal list in getting prepared for the First Friday Indie Market!

This market sets up the first Friday of each month and the one coming up on December 2nd  is otherwise known as the Holiday Market.  Once I decided to really put forth some effort on establishing an Etsy shop I also decided why not branch out even more and apply for a space at this market?  Lo and behold, they accepted my application.  Then the realization set in that I hadn’t just signed myself up for one of the regular markets, but the BIGGEST market of the year where the main drag (Elm Street) is closed off and there are bands, tree lighting, and thousands upon thousands of people meandering around!  A quick scan of my inventory made me realize that I needed to kick it in high gear to have enough stuff to fill a table let alone sell for a solid three hours.

With Aaron’s help, we’ve been busy planning our display of the goods and making tons of stuff.  Like bath bombs, organic body lotion, note cards, pillow covers, aprons, wallets, jewelry, purses, and everything else that I would list on the Etsy shop.

I’ve also been doing a good deal of research on craft booth display ideas, preparation tips, etc.  I found most of the ideas via bing searches, but cannot remember my sources now (upmost apology to those who originally showed these images- I will gladly give recognition if you let me know who you are)

Needless to say this has kept us both busy when added to our regular rig-a-ma-roll of dishing out quality meals in the evenings, family time, household chores, work, etc.  All in all, I am excited about this opportunity, but also nervous about doing a good job.  I am looking forward to interacting and meeting with the other craft vendors and artists, making sales, and gaining a little exposure.  From everything I’ve read achieving success at these functions is as simple as having a good attitude- lord knows I will certainly try!

Nov17

Pump(kin) It Up

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Despite the bizarre 70 degree temperature of the last few days, winter’s entry into our lives appears to be right on track.  Leaves have turned, are starting to fall and bare branches starting to show- the perfect prescription for indulging in some cold weather inspired meals.  My latest indulgence was homemade pumpkin soup.  My love of soup is no secret, as revealed in this post.  And this one.  And this one.  Throughout all of my soup making, however, I had never actually attempted pumpkin soup before, but inspiration struck recently in the form of guilt.

The source of my guilt is that we never actually got around to purchasing any pumpkins and/or gourds prior to Halloween.  With several incredible farmer’s markets in the area, a child who is stoked about this particular holiday, and my fondness for decorating this omission was rather embarrassing.  Of course I had the best intentions and internally promised myself I would get to it eventually, but as we now know never actually did.  A trip to the supermarket post-Halloween allowed me to redeem myself at least partially when Roscoe noticed the huge display of left over pumpkins/gourds.  I willingly agreed to his request to pick several out although I have to admit the 99 cents per pound made it easy to say “yes”.  One pie pumpkin, one ambercup squash, and two white acorn squash later we were ready for checkout.

After these goods sat around the house for the better part of the week it was clear that they either needed to be used or tossed.  I chose the former.  Here’s the recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 large onion, rough chopped
  • 1.5 lb pumpkin, peel removed and cut into large chunks
  • 2 acorn squash, peel removed and cut into large chunks
  • 2.5 cups vegetable stock
  • Pinch of nutmeg
  • Fresh tarragon
  • 2.5 cups milk
  • Salt and ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

Heat the oil in a heavy pan and add onion over medium heat for 5 minutes or until soft but not browned.  Stir frequently.  Add the pumpkin and squash, cover and heat over low heat for 10 minutes or until vegetables start to become tender.  Stir to keep from sticking.  Stir in stock, nutmeg, tarragon, and salt/pepper.  Bring to a boil and then turn down to simmer until tender.  Remove from heat and pour into food processor until smooth (Aaron likes it if I leave it a little chunky).  Pour back into pan and add milk.  Serve hot and garnish with toasted pumpkin seeds and fresh grated parmesan if you like.  Bon apetit!

Nov16

(FREE) Eye Candy

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I highly recommend checking out Sweet Paul’s holiday edition digital magazine.  It’s free to access and will have you star struck from the beautiful photography and ideas!  For all you peeps in Charleston, you should be thrilled to know Leigh Magar is featured (an amazing hat designer originally based out of Charleston, but now in NYC).  Did I mention this is free?!

Click here to access.

 

Nov15

Getting Down and Hairy

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It has been a lazy last several days, albeit event filled.  Since I had off on Friday for Veteran’s Day, we decided to make a long weekend of it and head on down to North Myrtle Beach to see my family.  The occasion?  My brother and nephew had birthdays with the latter turning 1.  For my nephew we actually purchased a gift (shame on us!) since word on the street was he could use some new duds.  I gave my brother the option of suggesting something as a present for himself, but he deflected stating he didn’t really need anything. I warned him that this meant he’d be getting something homemade. Despite this notification I don’t think he was quite prepared for what Aaron and I created.

The idea for our gift came from an Instructables.com post I pinned about how to make a homemade Wooly Willy. You know, that picture of the bald guy that you used a magnetic pen to place “hair” around?  The how-to on making your own were rather easy and I was itching to give the project a try; what better guinea pig than my brother?

My first step was to decide on a picture.  I wanted my wooly to be customized and aftersome thought I decided on a featherless chicken.  My brother being a Clemson fan, I thought he would enjoy a hairless Gamecock so I quickly sketched one up.

Then I gathered my other supplies:

  • Iron Fillings ordered online from a Science/Educational supply site
  • An old picture frame
  • A Magnet
  • Clear silicone

Putting it all together was relatively simple.  Aaron applied clear silicone to the inside and outside of the glass where it meets the frame so that the iron fillings would stay in place.  Then we just placed the picture and cardboard backing in place and, wahlah!, a homemade Wooly Chicken.

This was a super easy project that we had fun making as well as playing with.  The fun part is that I have a ton of iron fillings left over to make a few more for Christmas presents.  I’ll be putting on my thinking cap to dream up other hairless variations in the next few weeks. If you have any ideas, feel free to share (you just might receive a Wooly version yourself for your effort)!

Nov9

Country Living

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Lately, life has been rather fast-paced.  Running here to there to visit friends and family, preparing for an upcoming craft fair, getting ready for holidays…you get the idea.  This past Sunday Aaron called a time out and suggested that we head to the family farm to simply relax and walk the property.  Could not have come up with a better idea myself!  Here’ some shots from our evening stroll.

Aaron teaching Roscoe how to roll a bale.  Needless to say I didn’t think this was a superb idea, but I have to admit it looked like a lot of fun!

I can only imagine the number of deer dwelling out in the woods- there were tracks everywhere!

A look back at the moon rising over the barn.

It was the perfect way to wind down the busy weekend; to stop and revel in one another’s company without any distractions but each other and nature.  Moments like these make me realize just how fortunate and blessed we are!

Nov7

Rummage Homage

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I love a good deal, but who doesn’t?  My problem is that it’s a struggle to get out of the house in time to take advantage of the best deals at yard sales.  I usually have the best intentions to be on the road at the crack of dawn, but in reality it seems I can’t get out of the house prior to 8 am.  Whether you are a veteran yard saler or never been to one in your life, here’s the deal: the best finds are nabbed early.  In fact, hard core treasure hunters usually arrive at these events before they even begin and use their trained eye(s) to snag the real finds.  This past Saturday I was determined to be one of those folks . The reason for this motivation?  Two words.  Church rummage.

Here’s another inside scoop for you.  Church rummage sales are the holy grail of yard/garage sales.  You have a sizeable collective of folks who contribute their goods to raise money for their church and the stuff the give is typically things you just can’t buy in the store.  Come Saturday morning, I was up and at ‘em and on the road by 7:30 (the sales started at 8), arriving at 7:45 to my first rummage sale destination.  There was already a line, but I had a list of specific things I was looking for and was ready to get down to business.

Let’s just say I scored big.  At both the first and second sales.  Among my many treasures I found beautiful linens, which for some reason I am loving lately.

And two homemade quilts.  One for Roscoe’s bed and one that is small enough to serve as a crib quilt when the newest Randall arrives.

Then there is the handhooked rooster rug that I love for its kitchy appeal.

Among my other finds were pressed glass pedestaled dessert bowls, a corduroy jacket for Aaron, a stoneware bowl, funky magazine basket, a waffle iron, race car track for Roscoe, and a random hodge podge of other finds.  My total expense for all this?  $50.   Seriously.  Again I am prompted to question why I ever buy new when I can find things gently used for a 1/6 of the price.

I hope you all had a superb weekend yourselves and enjoy your short week (if you get Veteran’s Day off).  Ciao!

Nov3

Feather the Nest

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It’s happening.  I am rather surprised it’s this early, but it’s unmistakable: I am nesting.  My attention’s lately have been redirected towards how the nursery is going to look including my color scheme, fabrics, furniture placement, wall art, and everything else.  I do not remember getting this worked up about Roscoe’s baby room, but this time (perhaps because we planned this one) I am fixated on making it awesome.

However, I have one major dilemma.  What are my colors going to be?!  This is the foundation of the room and I simply can’t decide.  At first, I was set on these colors.

I had it all figured out when I initially settled on these hues.  My old Jenny Lind crib (the one I snoozed in as a babe) would be repainted the green tone and the frames and shelves on the wall would be painted the blue.  I would rely on fabric to tie everything together.  Like these two prints I adore (Monaluna Circa 52 collection available via Birch Fabrics).

When I talked on the phone to my mother the other day, however, my decision came into question.  I told her I was going to paint my old crib and she immediately asked if it was going to be red.  Red? I hadn’t even considered it.  But I loved the idea! Then indecision stepped in and I started playing with color.

Then of course I had to revisit fabric and found these beauts.

Hoodie, L’Amour De La Vie, Paris Streets Black & Timeless Treasures, Travel The World Blue).

Since we won’t be finding out the gender, it’s important that the colors be gender neutral.  I simply loved the cheeriness of the red and blue, but I think the green and blue are soothing.   I just can’t decide and I am anxious to get the nursery started.  So what are your thoughts?  Please weigh in via vote, the comments section, or facebook. If you help, I might reward you by naming the baby after you (not really, but it would be appreciated!).