white painted house

Bad weather=

2012-01-20T12:34:00.001-06:00

The last post...

2012-01-19T09:34:00.001-06:00

Somehow or another I could not get my IPad to respond to my touch. The title to the post was all it would print.Sooooo, today I am starting all over. A new day, a new post.Even though I have been at it for a few years, I consider myself new to quilting. It's not so much the length of time, it is the inexperience that makes me a beginner. I certainly have enough fabric to make the quilts! Buying fabric is my downfall. And quilting blogs, I could spend all day, every day just reading them. There are somevery, very talented people who inspire novices like me to improve. I have taken a picture of every quilt I have and will begin posting them. That is, as soon as I learn how to do that on my IPad.Hope everyone is having a happy and healthy New Year. You are still healthy if you have a cold or a bout with the flu - healthy is anything that is not life threatening.

Zipper swap

2012-01-18T14:34:00.000-06:00

Learn From My Mistakes Monday

2011-07-18T09:53:00.004-05:00

When I started blogging I had no plan. It quickly became a burden and felt inadequate compared to what others were doing. I stumbled upon Heidi Devlin's blog and watched as she developed it into a place I love to visit. I want to do that to White Painted House.

I need a niche, something that will provide a topic I can return to weekly without being repetitious. Last week while I was agonizing over my stained, white tile powder room floor, it came to me. I've been married 40 years, remodeled 2 homes and lived to regret more than one decorating decision. Why not write about them and save others the same misery? Voila! "Learn From My Mistakes Monday". Every Monday I will share one of my avoidable errors and hope that others will too.

The house pictured in my header is where we have lived for the past 17 years. From the first time I saw it, I have loved it. On one of just a few double lots in our area, I cherish my space. The original owners built in 1942, lived there for 14 years, and sold to a family very much like ours. I knew the name of the owner. One Sunday his name was among the sick in the prayer list. Next thing we are praying for the repose of the soul of Mr Favorite House Owner. That was a sign from heaven that I was suppose to own that house. Call it crazy, I made an offer without seeing the inside. In my mind anything and everything could be fixed or changed. A basement that floods, we'll call a plumber. A den without heat during a midwest winter, get a new furnace. The first thing we did was have the floors striped and stained before we moved in. That was NOT a mistake. We moved in while the painters were working. Should have kept a better eye on Jason because he stole my cell phone. The dummy did not know I could get a list of the calls he made. And that his friend would rat on him. And that his mother would let the police search his room for my phone.

Today's lesson is overly simple - don't leave valuables where they can tempt others.

this blogging world

2011-05-05T11:38:00.002-05:00

Recently there has been some controversy going back and forth concerning quilting. Who cares?!!!
I thought this was a friendly forum free from back stabbing and each of us was free to do and to share what makes us happy. It is a bit like the nasty online dialog between junior high kids. No face attached so anything goes. It is all some form of self-centered, mean girl nonsense. I would guess that many bloggers have been disappointed by something they have encountered thru this online community - swap flakers, swap disappointments, comments - but it is not a reason to be mean to one another.

stocking up

2011-02-01T11:01:00.005-06:00

Coffee - check
Milk - check
Books - check
Fabric -check

Ready for that HUGE storm coming my way.

Packing it up for another year

2010-12-30T09:31:00.005-06:00

This year I decided to minimally decorate and to use lots of fresh greens. By minimally I mean that I did not display every Santa, snowman and more that I have been accumulating for the past 39 years. I have more Christmas decor than I can use. But I can't let go of it. Some has sentimental value, some I just like and other pieces are favorites of family members. So... I have an entire closet for Christmas storage. I'm sure many of you can relate to this.

Clean up is easy this year. The few things I did put out are gathered and waiting to be wrapped in tissue for safe storage. The greens will go back out to the garden and all that is left is to vacuum up the fallen needles. And there are plenty!

A few gifts need to be returned or exchanged, a few thank you notes need to be written (ASAP kids) and that is it. Christmas 2010 was one of our best and most relaxing.

post Christmas baking - The best Chocolate Chip Cookies

2010-12-29T10:04:00.004-06:00

With all the cookies gone it is time to make some more. The family has requested chocolate chip and I found the best recipe at America's Test Kitchen. I always use milk chocolate chips as I'm not a fan of semi-sweet. With or without nuts these are hands down the BEST.

America's Test Kitchen Chocolate Chip Cookies

Makes 16 cookies

Avoid using a nonstick skillet to brown the butter; the dark color of the nonstick coating makes it difficult to gauge when the butter is browned. Use fresh, moist brown sugar instead of hardened brown sugar, which will make the cookies dry. This recipe works with light brown sugar, but the cookies will be less full-flavored. For our winning brand of chocolate chips, see related tasting.

Ingredients

1 3/4 cups unbleached all-purpose flour (8 3/4 ounces)
1/2 teaspoon baking soda
14 tablespoons unsalted butter (1 3/4 sticks)
1/2 cup granulated sugar (3 1/2 ounces)
3/4 cups packed dark brown sugar (5 1/4 ounces) (see note)
1 teaspoon table salt
2 teaspoons vanilla extract
1 large egg
1 large egg yolk
1 1/4 cups semisweet chocolate chips or chunks (see note)
3/4 cup chopped pecans or walnuts, toasted (optional)

Instructions

1. Adjust oven rack to middle position and heat oven to 375 degrees. Line 2 large (18- by 12-inch) baking sheets with parchment paper. Whisk flour and baking soda together in medium bowl; set aside.
2. Heat 10 tablespoons butter in 10-inch skillet over medium-high heat until melted, about 2 minutes. Continue cooking, swirling pan constantly until butter is dark golden brown and has nutty aroma, 1 to 3 minutes. Remove skillet from heat and, using heatproof spatula, transfer browned butter to large heatproof bowl. Stir remaining 4 tablespoons butter into hot butter until completely melted.
3. Add both sugars, salt, and vanilla to bowl with butter and whisk until fully incorporated. Add egg and yolk and whisk until mixture is smooth with no sugar lumps remaining, about 30 seconds. Let mixture stand 3 minutes, then whisk for 30 seconds. Repeat process of resting and whisking 2 more times until mixture is thick, smooth, and shiny. Using rubber spatula or wooden spoon, stir in flour mixture until just combined, about 1 minute. Stir in chocolate chips and nuts (if using), giving dough final stir to ensure no flour pockets remain.
4. Divide dough into 16 portions, each about 3 tablespoons (or use #24 cookie scoop). Arrange 2 inches apart on prepared baking sheets, 8 dough balls per sheet. (Smaller baking sheets can be used, but will require 3 batches.)
5. Bake cookies 1 tray at a time until cookies are golden brown and still puffy, and edges have begun to set but centers are still soft, 10 to 14 minutes, rotating baking sheet halfway through baking. Transfer baking sheet to wire rack; cool cookies completely before serving.

A chance to relax

2010-12-27T11:24:00.005-06:00

Today is the first opportunity in weeks to just relax. Since Thanksgiving is has been a constant whirlwind of work, Christmas shopping, wrapping, baking and decorating. As much as I love Christmas, it is exhausting! Fortunately, we do not have any returns - for that I am very thankful!

My daughter is home from college until mid January and it is so nice to have her around. This is a time for catching up with friends and each other. And finishing projects that need to be completed - including her quilt. I have fabric for 3 other quilts that need to be cut and put together. They will be sent out for quilting since I just can't seem to master that part of the project.

The snow came quickly and we have a ton! Today is sunny and the snow is still rather clean so it is a beautiful sight. Plenty of animal tracks. Perfect day to watch a few cooing programs or a good movie and sip some hot chocolate. I have a stew in the oven for dinner - the few leftovers from Christmas are gone. I think I have about a dozen cookies left and that is it.

The holidays

2010-10-26T11:07:00.003-05:00

Now that I've had my fall/halloween dinner party, it's time to start planning for Thanksgiving and Christmas. Christmas is a very stressful time for me since I'm in retail. Very little free time available to entertain or even be the recipient of someone elses entertaining. In the past I have hosted a huge Christmas party that has dwindled down to a small gathering on a week night. This year my daughter wants a mother/daughter party so all the girls that are home from college can see each other. I will make time to share in such a fun time with my baby girl. After tasting the Pioneer Woman's cinnamon rolls, a brunch sounds like a good idea.

There's baking to be done, a quilt to make, shopping for gifts, decorating the house and fitting in some of the fun holiday traditions that have evolved over the years. One that I love is an ornament exchange with the women I met when my kids were young. These are the friends that shared mini gym, play dates and the occasional "Moms' Night Out" to restore sanity. Bib and I went to the same Ob doctor and I had to wait for her to deliver Corby before I could deliver. I still tease her about making me wait. Mo and I met when out boys were a year old and we are still best friends. Raising kids together creates a bond that is deep and strong.

Today I get to share the afternoon with my two neighbor boys who are 7 and 5. They asked if we could bake - Lemon Knot Cookies was the specific request. Love, love, love interacting with them and it appears to be mutual. Better get the butter out to soften...

What I never expected from blogging

2010-09-24T07:28:00.006-05:00

The nicest thing that has come from starting a blog is the friendship I have developed with Heidi. It started when we were swap partners and discovered our mutual decorating likes and dislikes, love of everything involving our family and home, passion for quilting and an addiction to antiquing and flea markets. Although we live in different parts of the country, Heidi on the west coast and me in the midwest, we have become fast friends. Heidi, I want to meet you!!! We email about the various flea markets, rating each. When I think about visiting a Brimfield or Round Top, it is Heidi that I want by my side.

Heidi has an Etsy shop called Heidi Devlin Designs that has the greatest pillows. She has been very generous in sending me a few. This is one, somehow I can not get my other pictures to download. Visit her Etsy shop for all the designs.

From glorious to gloomy

2010-09-16T08:30:00.007-05:00

That describes today perfectly since it is rainy and gray. So maybe a little sewing, baking and decorating is in order. I still have a few boxes of fall decorations to unpack and sort. Some I am just plain tired of and some I don't remember having. I can't decide if that is a good thing or a sad commentary on the amount of stuff I have accumulated. My friends and I joke about being hoarders...

30 minutes later and it is sunny and bright, I guess we'll have a beautiful afternoon.

Days like this are wonderful

2010-09-15T14:25:00.004-05:00

Today is one of those glorious days full of sunshine and a cloudless sky. Dinner is ready to heat and I have a bit of time to myself. What do you do when you have extra time? Halloween is on my brain and I am planning a get together for my group of friends. It will be an opportunity to try some new recipes, use my orange and black dinnerware, fill the house with pumpkins and decorations and wait for the screams of "how cute is that". Aren't girlfriends the best thing since sliced bread?!!!

At the beginning of summer a vine popped up in my garden. I was ready to pull it out when my husband suggested leaving it. I now have an assortment of gourds that I can't wait to harvest along with the white baby boo pumpkins that were labeled giant white. I attempted to carve names in a few of the white ones and they seem to be coming along just fine. My fear was that they would rot once the skin was cut. I got the idea here.

Quilt number 4

2010-05-13T07:43:00.002-05:00

I am guilty of doing exactly what I said I would not do. I have neglected my blog. Instead I have been busy reading every blog I can find that even mentions the word quilt. I am currently obsessed with quilting and loving every minute of it. Since I started this incredible project, I have made 4 quilts and have a stash of fabric ready for a few more. Online fabric stores do not help me control my craving for more fabric. And the designers are amazing. For Mothers Day I received a gift certificate for a quilt store. Can't wait to get there!

Between cutting pieces and sewing them together, we spent the weekend at my son's college graduation. Such fun and such a sentimental time. You can't help but reminisce about that first day of school, both kindergarten and the day we dropped him off at his dorm. And the excitement when the college acceptance letters came. The past 4 years flew by.

Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly is having a swap- Vintage Summer Swap. I always enjoy her swaps and my partner never fails to send the most enjoyable package. Stop by and join in the fun.

You might also want to view a few of the cutest pictures over at The Pioneer Woman. Yesterdays post shows her youngest with his face painted as a comic book hero - can't remember if it is Wolverine of Spiderman with his enormous eyes smiling at the camera. Too, too cute!

Quilting madness

2010-04-12T08:08:00.004-05:00

I have recently started to quilt and it is like an obsession. Daily I browse the numerous quilting blogs I've bookmarked, constantly adding new ones. Today Jaybird Quilts is hosting a giveaway that is wonderful. Visit her blog to see what I am talking about.

Rookie Cookie: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

2010-04-09T09:22:00.000-05:00

Rookie Cookie: Overnight Cinnamon Rolls

the wonderful world of bloggging

2010-02-27T20:29:00.002-06:00

I have already fallen behind on my posts, but my daily visits to favorite blogs remain a priority. The creativity of some bloggers is amazing to me. And it takes so many different forms - creative writers, sewing wizards, crafting superstars! You can always find something to spark your imagination. One of my favorite aspects of various sites is their list of favorite blogs. It can occupy hours of my day if I let it.

My project for March is to share some of the greats blogs I have found. That will be an easy way to get me going and on track to becoming a better blogger.

This was also in my package

2010-02-10T09:40:00.016-06:00

Heidi also sent these wonderful red napkins that I have used on my kitchen table. Couldn't bring myself to storing all the vintage Christmas ornaments so I used a few red, pink and silver ones for a border around this candle. Last night I was thinking about the name of this blog and realized some might think everything in my home is white. So not true and I will post a few photos to show that I love color. Maybe my subtitle should be "white on the outside, colored on the inside". A few pictures of my interior might show up on another post. Today I'm too busy to decide what I want photographed.

There are times when I have to leave the house in order to keep myself from sitting in front of the computer for hours or all day! There are soooo many interesting bloggers out there with lists of the interesting blogs they follow. It's endless and I love it.

My Valentine Swap

2010-02-08T16:08:00.004-06:00

Today I received the best swap package thanks to the world's best swap partner, Heidi.
This is one of the fabulous items I found in my package. We share the same decorating style so it fit right in with my decor. And that is my daughter's senior picture which is another of my favorite things. Heidi made my pillow and she sells them on Etsy. You can visit her shop to view all the designs. The presentation Heidi employs is as charming as the pillows. If you visit Heidi, please tell her I sent you. Tomorrow I will show you what else was in my gift box...

I laughed and laughed

2010-02-07T21:07:00.008-06:00

I came across a great blog last night and laughed out loud. April is a very talented writer and dancer... just watch some of her YouTube videos to see what I mean. Dancing must be the universal way of amusing your kids. I just can't quite bring myself to post a video of myself for the amusement of those outside my family. April's lack of inhibition makes her soooo likable. I want her to live next door!

Cinnamon rolls - just too yummy

2010-01-20T14:01:00.010-06:00

Today I spent the better portion of the morning making these delicious little devils. The recipe comes from Joy the Baker.
The dough has cream cheese sandwiched between folded layers and rolled out to create an incredible treat.

This is all that remains of the Chocolate Shortbread Cookies I mentioned in a previous post. They are just so very good. And easy. I did not eat the entire batch - I gave some to my book group. And they raved about them.

baking

2010-01-19T08:13:00.004-06:00

I love to bake. For me it is a way to relax and do something that I can share with others. This is my favorite cookbook author. Maida Heatter's recipes have never failed me. They are delicious! Her chocolate shortbread cookies - absolutely yummy. Her chocolate frosting is to die for. Her books are my first "go to" sources for any dessert. Most recipes have an introduction telling where it is from or a tip about baking. Just mixed up the dough for the above mentioned cookies and will cut them into scalloped hearts for Valentine's Day.

same view, new year

2010-01-13T09:26:00.007-06:00

As I look out the window I realize when you live in the midwest the scene is the same every January. Outside is blanketed with snow. These pictures look like the one I posted last winter - trust me, they were taken minutes ago.

I do not want to leave the house. But I must if I want my bills paid and food for dinner. All I want to do is tackle this pile of felted sweaters and stitch away at my mittens. Which one is going to catch my eye this time? My latest idea is to make a blanket out of the large scraps left over. Charlie, our favorite Labradoodle/Great Dane/Horse, just had surgery so he needs a little something to keep warm and cozy.

If you are interested in a great Valentine swap, go to Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. Heidi does a great job of organizing her swaps.

It's cold and white and quiet

2010-01-11T10:27:00.006-06:00

It is cold and everything is covered in snow. The house is so quiet since everyone is back at school. My oldest returned to college yesterday - the last one to leave. A very good day to pack away all the holiday decorations and clean the house.

I have been searching for some new ideas for Valentine crafts. My favorite swap host, Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly, is posting her swap information very soon. Unlike past practices, I am committing to only one swap.

On a sour note, in late SeptemberI ordered stickers from Ashley at Sticker Doodles, an Etsy seller, and never received them. Paid thru Paypal, but waited over 45 days to contact them about the problem. I had complete faith that I would get my stickers, after all, the seller did get the payment. I emailed the seller who promised to mail the stickers on Nov. 5. Still have not received them and the seller does not answer my emails. Don't you hate that kind of dishonesty? If anyone knows Ashley or has some contact with Sticker Doodles, please let her know of my plight.

easing into a new routine

2010-01-05T20:15:00.007-06:00

This is not going to be a daily thing, I have to ease into a blogging routine. It takes time to produce an interesting entry...for me it takes lots of time.

For the past few months I have been making mittens from recycled wool sweaters. I felt the sweaters by washing in very hot water and drying in a very hot dryer. If you are interested in felting, a tip that has made a big difference is to put the sweaters in a lingerie bag so that the wool is contained and not stretched by the agitation of your washing machine. Each sleeve makes a perfect mitten. Cut a hole for your thumb, cut and sew a piece of wool to cover your thumb, and attach to the body of your mitten. Decorate as you please. I do all the sewing by hand as I find it very relaxing. Cute, economical, green and warm! Each of my nieces and my close girlfriends received a pair for Christmas. Half the fun is matching the sweater to the recipient, deciding who gets which pair. I found a few cashmere sweaters and they make the softest, most luxurious mittens ever!

A new year, a fresh start

2010-01-04T08:41:00.002-06:00

My last entry was in August and I feel like a blogging failure for being so lazy. For 2010 my commitment will be to make my blog the kind that I enjoy reading, filled with links to interesting sites and info. My plan is to use the 3 blogs that I visit daily as inspiration in hopes that someone out there will find White Painted House required reading. That is a huge undertaking for me...

Summer Berry Swap package arrived!!!

2009-08-16T10:36:00.010-05:00

Missy was my Summer Berry Swap partner and her package arrived yesterday. This sight makes me smile each and every time. There's the excitement of what it contains, how did my partner view me, interpret my likes and dislikes, did I reveal enough about myself... Here's what my box contained: a layer of yummy raspberry pink shred with light pink and green tissue peeking out. That tissue cuddled these items. A jar of raspberries that will sit on my kitchen shelf, some jello for my favorite pineapple-cottage cheese-cool whip jello salad, an apron to wear while mixing that salad, some labels and stickers and itty bitty envelopes. Thank you, Missy. Hope you enjoyed your visit with your sister!!!

Flea Market happiness

2009-08-10T13:40:00.017-05:00

Several times a year the fair grounds in Walworth County, Wisconsin turn into one of the best flea market in the area. Just about 75 miles north of Chicago. The people are friendly, the merchandise is great and you won't find any tube socks. I call it paradise.

It was very early Sunday morning when we started our drive up. First stop had to be for coffee. There is a fear that a late start imparts - a fear that the really good stuff will be gone. Fortunately, the temperature was a bit cooler there with a wonderful breeze.

I scored immediately with some vintage ornaments and these wonderful bits of ephemera. A tablet of old, hand written re cipes and a legal document.

A few days earlier I saw something here and knew I had to have a similar piece. Found this for only $30.00! After that find I was ready to go home, but we continued... glad we did as this was the next find for a mere $10. It is a filing cabinet with 2 drawers. It will get a coat of paint and new drawer pulls and be filled in an orderly fashion with paper and prints and goodies and all the other treasures that are currently so very disorganized.

a beautiful presentation

2009-08-07T11:20:00.012-05:00

A while back I happened upon this blog and love visiting it. What inspiration for a beautifully wrapped gift! Wrapping paper and ribbon has always been a passion of mine and Sande has the ability to combine the two like no one else. Just look at the lush bows and the fabulous papers!
If I never step foot into another Hallmark store, that will be fine with me. I have seen some of these papers at Paper Source and splurged a few times. Now I will feel lax if I settle for anything less.

At the end of June I posted a few pictures of my garden. At the time, I was happy with the size of my plants. 5 weeks later and look at it now! My pumpkin vine is producing 3 pumpkins and I will have tomatoes for the entire neighborhood. Problem with that is everyone's tomatoes will be ready at the same time - feast or famine. Nothing tastes like a fresh, homegrown tomato!

Sunday is the flea market in Walworth County and it is one of the best in this area. The weather is predicted to be hot, hot, hot, but dry. Can't think of anything more fun than a flea market with my girlfriends. We'll get a very early start and be home in time for dinner.

A surprise on my doorstep

2009-07-08T09:08:00.003-05:00

Monday was a crazy, hectic day filled to the brim with errands, appointments, phone calls and all the things that I hate to do. I came home to find a mail box full of (more) bills, statements, postcards (not the good kind), and junk mail. Something was on the front step that caught my eye. I ripped open that baby faster than you could bat an eyelash! Inside was an envelope with this card inside. All of these items were so very carefully wra pped.

Cookie cutters, one in the shape of my daughter's greatest fear, a SHARK!!! Enough summer reading material to take me thru August, thank you very much! THE cutest notepad covered in a map with a matching pen, lots of darling tags, and (don"t let my family know) a box of Milk Duds. Yummy. Wait, there's more...
a little bottle holding a treasure map, shells, a bracelet , goldfish crackers. Everything make me yell "look at this!!!" Angie , you are the sweetest and I will be your partner anytime. And I do not say that to everyone. Thank you, thank you. I love you!

Blog addiction

2009-06-30T08:11:00.011-05:00

I have to admit - I am a blog addict. I can spend hours going from site to site, reading about people I don't know. A recent stop was at Pioneer Woman. She had a giveaway of a Kitchenaid stand mixer!!! Now that is one fabulous win!!! She also has a tutorial on blogging that gave some good advise. Check it out for a fun read. Lots of yummy recipes, too.

My latest swap, and I do love swaps, is the Desert Island Swap organized by Lori at Morning Glories and Moonflowers . Now that I am snap happy, I've included a picture of a portion of what is in the mail to my partner. The picture is before wrapping - I love to get wrapped goodies in my swap packages so try to do it with what I am sending.

Desert Island Swap

2009-06-30T07:48:00.000-05:00

Monday was hectic and tiring. After running errands all day, I came home and checked the mail box.. A pile of bills, statements and junk mail. But something on the porch caught my eye. This:

Summertime pleasures

2009-06-29T09:42:00.014-05:00

A previous post showed a view of my yard and fountain taken from inside. Today I am posting a photo of the same area in all its summertime splendor. The weather here is perfect, low humidity, sunny, warm. My windows are open and a pleasant breeze is blowing.My vegetable garden is exploding after a very cold June. I was afraid I wouldn't get any tomatoes this summer! The hydrangas are in bloom and the daisies are beautiful. I love to walk around the yard to see what has happened overnight.

The cutest swap package

2009-05-11T07:46:00.004-05:00

My package from the Crisp and Clean, White and Green swap arrived and I can not tell you how pleased I am with my gifts. Each and every item was selected with ME in mind. Look at those darling blocks that spell out CAKE GIRL, the great fabric pin in green and white stripes, the little white bird, and the fabulous B. Perfect, perfect, perfect. Many thanks to Lori for being so very thoughtful. She has restored my faith in swaps.

Yesterday was sunny and warm until about 5pm. That gave me enough time to get out in the garden for some clean up. Everything is green and starting to flower. Here in the midwest we have to be careful not to plant too early. Days like yesterday give the false impression that it is safe to put annuals in the ground. Not so - today it is in the low 40's. The heat is back on and I am still wearing gloves for my morning walk.
And to confuse one even more, it is predicted to be in the 80s on Wednesday.

My apron arrived today

2009-04-22T14:37:00.018-05:00

My apron from the Vintage Linen Remix Apron Swap arrived to day and I would like to show it to you. Also in the package were 4 little napkins, 2 in a pea fabric and 2 in a carrot fabric and a recipe for snowy mashed potatoes ( mashed with cream cheese and sour cream). Many thanks to my craft partner, Caroline. Don't you love the name Caroline?!!!

Two issues

2009-04-20T07:37:00.009-05:00

Recently I won this darling apron and matching gloves from Carolyn's Kitchen. Isn't it the cutest?!!! Receiving notification that you are a winner is as much fun as receiving the package.

My second issue is prom dresses. My daughter is looking for a long prom dress and what is on the racks is shocking. I do not consider myself prudish at all, but the backless, low-cut, plunging neckline, slinky dresses that are being offered are not at all appropriate for teenage girls. We are constantly being told that our daughters are given unrealistic images of size and shape and that sex is everywhere they look. We went to the BCBG store and the largest size they had was a 6!!! I don't care what size you are or how thin you are, it is not appropriate for a teenage girl to wear what is being offered by many manufacturers. We found a great dress by Jessica McClintock that is beautiful, flattering and modest while still being very stylish. I'm glad that's taken care of...until the next dance.

Another Easter Basket

2009-04-17T08:59:00.011-05:00

Today I received my second swap basket. This one came from Andrea at Vintage Bella Studio. Lots and lots of craft supplies along with bubble gum! The cute little egg shaped pieces in miniature egg crates. Yum, yum. I took a few pictures in hopes of showing everything.

Signs of Spring are finally surfacing in the Midwest. We had a long, cold winter and everyone is anxious for some warmth and sun. This morning I saw buds on the trees and bushes, some bulbs in bloom and SUN!!! Everyday you can heard the landscapers doing the spring cleanup. My chives and lovage are up in the garden. It will be another 6 weeks before I can put any annuals in the ground.

MyVery Vintage Easter Basket Swap

2009-04-13T08:36:00.012-05:00

My Easter Basket arrived from Alissa and here is a picture of what I received.
Candles, a bunny, candy, pencils, fabric, magnets, a hook, oh my! Such a thoughtful collection of items. Thank you so much, Alissa.
Now that I have a camera and can read the manual, I hope to be more diligent about posting pictures. I love looking at pics on other blogs and hope it makes my blog more interesting. And I will work on improving my photography skills.

Easter swaps

2009-03-10T16:46:00.003-05:00

Much has been written about swap flakers and swap etiquette, but what about a hostess that disappears?!!! What can you do other than move on another project. Does her name get posted so that others can avoid her swaps? Things come up that prevent you from following through with your plans, but courtesy requires contacting those in your swap. No lengthy explanation, no details necessary, just a simple email or notice on your blog.

Heidi of Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly has paired up her participants for another wonderful "vintage" swap. This is the Very Vintage Easter Basket themed swap. My partner is Alissa and she sounds like a great match. I love looking at blogs to see what others send and receive. That should, and does, make me feel very guilty for not posting pictures. I just don't know how to do it.

We have a local television program called "Check, Please" that has ordinary people review their favorite restaurant. Last night I went to one that was reviewed by Illinois' favorite son, Barack Obama, prior to his election. It was Dixie Kitchen and the food was excellent. The waiters wore teeshirts that had a Barack quote about the restaurant. Very fun. It is Southern cooking and the portions are gigantic. So big that I had to pass on dessert. Today I am craving a piece of pecan pie. Next visit I will know enough to eat only half of what is on my plate.

birthday decorations

2009-03-02T07:12:00.004-06:00

Next Sunday my youngest turns 18. Anyone reading this who has older children will agree when I ask, where did the time go? There is a book, "Five Minutes Peace", about a mother elephant trying to get just 5 minutes alone to relax. Of course, she is unsuccessful. I vividly remember those days. We have a boy and a girl and I tell each of them something special about how they transformed my life. I tell Claire that she made my life complete, the ideal family, a boy and a girl. Truth be told, if I was guaranteed another girl, I would have had a third child. I wish Claire had a sister. I just remembered, today is my sister's birthday.

So... all that said, my original thought for this post was the birthday banner I made.
I am pleased with the results and had a very fun time making it. As soon as I finish I will hang it to enjoy all week and take a picture to post. Finished!!! I took a full shot and a close up to highlight some of the details.

The past week was full of projects. I started the vintage apron and found all sorts of vintage linens that I forgot I had. Realizing that I did not know I had them made it even more fun to put them to good use. Apron is very cute. Also started on my Easter baskets for the 2 swaps, having a lot of fun finding things to fill them. Continuing to make felted wool mittens. Our recent snowfall and below freezing temperatures make mittens a must. And cute ones are more fun.

One fun Friday

2009-02-27T21:30:00.002-06:00

Today was a very successful day of rummaging through stacks of books, shelf upon shelf of glassware and multiple racks of sweaters in search of the perfect item for any one of my many projects. One of the most interesting being a box of latin flash cards from 1961. They are yellowed, but very clean. Perfect for altered cards and collages. Maybe to share in a swap. A very old juice glass painted with a bunch of blue grapes and green leaves, a small etched vase,
and an argyle sweater that I have already felted and will make into mittens. The felting process is so easy and the immediate results thrill me. And wool mittens sound very cozy with the dropping temperatures that arrived today. The wind is bone chilling.

Swaps are on my mind. I have signed up for 3 - am I crazy?!!! Two are Easter basket swaps, one with Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly and the other with Petticoat Junction. The third is an
apron swap. Lots of fun collecting items that I think are desirable basket fillers and pretty little gifts for my partners.

As a result of all the fun I had today, there is laundry yet to be folded and more to be washed
before I go up to bed. Sounds like I will need a cup of coffee to help me get everything done.

Old friends

2009-02-24T09:16:00.003-06:00

I am fortunate to be able to say I have 2 very good friends from high school that I still see. That means we have known each other for over 40 years. Thru proms and college and weddings and kids and so on and so on. You know, good times and bad. We know we others inner secrets and keep them as secrets. We attended a very small, all girls Catholic high school. Eileen Fisher was a year ahead of us! Today two of us are getting together for lunch. With all that is going on in our lives, we do not get to see each other very often. It will be a lot of laughing, talking about what the kids are up to and sharing good food. Both of us have a sweet tooth and love to indulge. It is the kind of afternoon that makes me very thankful for these 2 friends.

blogging block

2009-02-19T19:17:00.001-06:00

Do you ever feel like you have nothing worthwhile to write? After reading other interesting - no, fascinating - blogs I get bloggers block. My projects are not original, I haven't gone on any exotic vacations, no tutorials to share, no swaps to organize. Just an ordinary life that doesn't provide for a good story line. I have always wanted to be published in Newsweek on the "My Turn" page. Just could not come up with a topic that inspired me to write my opinion and share it with the world. I'm right back in that position. Perhaps admitting this is a break thru...
I'll keep you posted.

Yummy cookies

2009-02-09T08:31:00.003-06:00

While looking for an Easter Swap I came upon a recipe that sounds oh so yummy. Being the sweet freak that I am, I immediately mixed up a batch and they were soooooo good!!!

Spritz Cookies
2 1/2 cups flour
1/4 teasp salt
1 1/2 cups powdered sugar
2 sticks butter
2 egg yolks
1/2 teasp almond extract
1 teasp vanilla extract

Sift flour and salt. Cream butter and sugar until fluffy. Add eggs and flavorings. Mix in flour until well blended and dough sticks together. Roll 1/4" thick and cut into desired shapes or use cookie press. Bake at 350 degrees for 9-10 minutes.

Received a package from my partner in the Mini Valentine Swap. Jennifer made the cutest box with a vintage valentine on the top. Just love it. Included a heart wreath very similar to the wreath I sent to my partner in Heidi's Very Vintage Valentine Swap so you know I love it.
Then I received a package from Lorraine, my partner from the Prim and Whimsy swap. Lorraine makes the most fantastic painted dolls and decorations. I feel special being the proud owner of one of her pieces of art. Her website is Pieface Primitives. Visit for a fun tour of her amazing work.

Anyone know of a great sounding Easter Swap that is still open?

I need help...

2009-02-02T08:01:00.005-06:00

This blogging fascination is interfering with my life. Between reading all the interesting blogs available, trying the projects found online and joining irresistible swaps, the rest of my life is suffering. My house is a total dust bunny, the laundry is piled high. Some of it is washed and folded, not put away. Some is dirty and some is in a clean,wrinkled pile. How do you get everything accomplished and still find time to write weekly? Daily entries are beyond my capacity right now.

My new schedule is to devote the morning to housework. At noon I will move on to a different project be it shopping (I enjoy grocery shopping), a craft project or blogging.
Today is the first day of this schedule...let's see if I can make it work.

Any suggestions?

I had a knot in my stomache last week

2009-01-25T12:02:00.003-06:00

I work in a very high end retail store and absolutely love what I do. I have been there 7 years and some of my co-workers have become part of my extended family. It is part time which is perfect, the benefits are great, it's close to home, and my 17 year old loves the discount. I was feeling very upbeat after the fabulous inauguration festivities and the support the country showed our new president and his family. That feeling was short lived. Last Thursday and Friday they had to terminate some employees. Thankfully, I am safe - for now. Unfortunately, retail is loaded with young people working to support themselves, get insurance, pay rent and food bills, etc. I do not know how they will find another job in the current retail environment. My entire department was spared. Saturday the store manager announced that the cuts were over.

Before the drama at work, I spent the day with a very good friend who supports herself (and many, many years ago her husband while he was in med school) with her crafts. She is a genius with glitter and a glue gun. And her home is a complete reflection of her artistic bend. It was soooo much fun brainstorming and sharing ideas in a bubble of eye candy. Her home has been photographed and published for a few magazines. Everywhere you look she has a great picture or fabric or plate or something. Like everyone, she is constantly investigating venues to showcase and sell her creations. She is unfamiliar with swaps so I gave her a tutorial. With all the flakers and lack of thank yous, she is not interested.

Once again the weather is bitter cold with sub zero wind chill. It is sunny so I am enjoying sitting at the computer which is positioned in front of a window. In a bit my daughter and I are going to see Marley and Me. I've been told to take tissue.

A new week

2009-01-14T16:10:00.002-06:00

I am completely alone enjoying the quiet. We had a major snow storm beginning early, early Saturday morning and continuing all day. Another was expected Monday, but it missed us. The temperatures have dropped and the windchill is below zero. For all of you Californians I am posting a few pictures. The landscape is truly beautiful with a fresh coat of snow, but the roads are a nightmare! I took these from inside the house where it is cozy and warm. You can see the snow that has filled the birdbath. Pretty to look at, miserable to deal with.

I finished another Valentine swap package. This one was from Prim and Whimsy and had a unique twist. Whatever you made had to have a heart theme and fit in a 5" box! I was very pleased with the outcome of my heart - perhaps I should photograph it resting on a mound of fresh snow! Now it is on to the mini swap. Not necessarily small items, just 3 items. Easy enough. How did I get involved in 3 Valentine swaps?!!!

I mixed the dough for Maida Heatter's Chocolate Shortbread Cookies. One of my very favorite cookies and so very easy to adapt to each holiday with an appropriate cookie cutter. Must get them ready for baking before it is time to prepare dinner. Bye for today.

I have my swap partner

2009-01-08T21:24:00.004-06:00

Yesterday I finished the package for my Very Vintage Valentine Swap partner, Carolyn. Sometimes you just know you'll click with that person and the excitement builds. That is how I feel about Carolyn. We have emailed back and forth a few times and she could not be nicer. Thank you,Heidi, for this match.

Saturday my oldest goes back to school and I will not see him for a few months. Glad he is happy at school, but I do miss him when he is away. When my children were babies I thought life could not get any better. Wrong - being able to share thoughts and jokes and have intelligent discussions with your kids is so enjoyable.

We had more snow last night and this morning. Another snowfall is expected this weekend with dropping temperatures. Driving is so difficult and the street plowing leaves a lot to be desired. A great weekend for hot coco, hot soup and a few good movies. Earlier this week I made a divine chicken pot pie. I got the recipe from my good friend, Marty Stewart. Here it is:

2 lbs chicken breasts, boned and skinned
Cook in broth until just done. Cool and cut into bite size pieces. Set aside.
CREAM SAUCE
In a sauce pan mix 1/2 cup flour with 4 Tablesp butter and brown.
Add 2 cups chicken broth and 1 1/2 cups milk stirring until thickened.
Season with salt, pepper, 1 teasp thyme and a pinch of nutmeg.
FILLING
1 medium onion chopped
2 stalks celery chopped medium size
3 carrots cut into 1/4 inch slices
Saute in butter until barely tender
MIX veggies, chicken, 1 package frozen peas and 3 Tablespoons chopped parsley with cream sauce.
Pour into a buttered 9x13 pan and cover with a pastry crust. (for ease, I use the Pillsbury rolled crust)
Bake in preheated oven 400 degrees until crust is browned. DELICIOUS

Back to Normal

2009-01-05T15:43:00.004-06:00

Monday and things are finally back to normal. I have put away the last of the Christmas decorations and now it is on to cleaning and decluttering the house from top to bottom.

I have checked my email a dozen times today hoping to find my swap partner for Heidi's "Very Vintage Valentine Swap". I participated in her Christmas swap and met the nicest person. My fingers are crossed that it happens again.

My youngest begins the ACT review course this week and then it is on to college visits. She is looking at one that is a 7 hour drive - ugh! That little petunia will be missed... She is my true soul mate. Who will tell me that my jeans are too short or my hair is bad? Who else even notices?

Almost all the snow is gone. With as much snow as the Midwest received, a white Christmas is way overrated. Today is sunny and cold - a very nice winter day.

Happy New Year

2008-12-31T08:10:00.002-06:00

Happy New Year to everyone. A festive night is planned for us. The kids will be joining their friends and we will do the same. It's cold and icy outside - a good time to stay close to home.

Monday 2 of my 3 will return to school and my regular routine will resume. I have to get started on the Valentine swaps in which I am participating. Last night I worked on a few ideas for the Prim and Whimsy swap. It has to fit into a 5" box.

Tuesday I start my woodworking class. I have done it before and love it. Nothing easy for me - I have made 2 tables and a headboard. The headboard was copied from one I saw in the Pottery Barn catalog. This session I am making window valances for the den. I have been toying with the idea for a long time and finally decided to do it. More projects to photograph and post lol.

Post Christmas relaxation

2008-12-30T10:52:00.002-06:00

I am home alone and loving the solitude. Just my Ipod with favorite tunes, a cup of java and my blog. As exciting and fun as the preparations are, it is nice to have time to relax. I don't know what it is like at your house, but here "Mom makes Christmas".

With the crazy weather we are having in the Midwest, we will fore go any travel staying cozy and safe at home. Last night I joined 8 dear women for an evening of champagne, dessert and close friendship. All of us have children within a few years of each other and we raised them together.
We have been thru the ups and downs of life together and have lived to laugh at most of it.

Katie, the hostess, was my next door neighbor when I was pregnant with my first. At the time she had only Emily. When Matt was a toddler, the two of them played together. Now Katie has 6 and Em is in Grad school! Katie's house was drop dead gorgeous with Christmas greenery and decorations. Her live tree was in an urn about 24" - 30" high. The tree itself was probably 5 feet. She filled the urn with pea gravel and water, inserted the tree, and voila! Instant charm!!!
It was beautiful.

My New Year's resolution is to post regularly on my blog and to add pictures. Easy enough, let's see if I can keep this one.

The BEST swap partner

2008-12-09T08:07:00.003-06:00

I recently received my package from the reluctant farm chik. It was for the Very Vintage Christmas Swap organized by Heidi at Foxgloves, Fabric and Folly. Deidre proved to be the perfect partner.

We emailed a few times to get to know each others likes and style and she read between the lines! First there was my very favorite candle. How thoughtful to send it! And the cards that she made blew my socks off. They are creative, pretty, perfect and very, very useful. Then 2 ornaments - I always buy in twos because I have two children - that are large clear glass balls filled will iridescent shred and appliqued with white stickers depicting Santa on one and a snowflake on the other. So very cute. My favorite, a recipe box that opens to reveal a scrapbook for family memories be they recipes or photos. Of course, my new BFF did an excellent job of designing the lid and the accordion style pages inside!!!

I will post pictures as soon as I can get my hands on a camera.

Brrrr... it's getting cold

2008-10-29T15:08:00.003-05:00

The weather has turned cold. I walk at 6am every day and it is dark and nippy! We are expecting warmer air tomorrow and Friday so the kids with have a great trick or treating day.
I am anxiously awaiting an email from Mommy Holly with the name of my swap partner. She came up with a wonderful idea for a Holiday Swap - Sparkle and Glitter! My package from the Hot Drinks apron swap should arrive any day.

Christmas is sneaking up and I love all the planning and decorating that goes along with it. Last weekend was my favorite holiday show. It is always the weekend before Halloween and I have been going with the same friends for about 20 years. Each year I buy less, but it is still something I look forward to and enjoy totally. My daughter mentioned going downtown soon which is something we do every year around Christmas. She misses a day of school, we leave early and return late. Just the two of us enjoying each other.

a glorious October weekend

2008-10-14T12:40:00.002-05:00

We attended the wedding of a close friend's daughter this past Saturday. The weather could not have been better - high 70's and sunny. The bride was breath takingly beautiful as was the entire event. Lots and lots of fun thanks to great food, fun friends and a spectatular band.

Sunday I decided to decorate for Halloween on a very small scale. It's the taking down and putting away that I find daunting. Many of the gourds I grew were attacked by a vicious, white worn. The ones I saved are gracing an outdoor wall hanging and look very festive. Not to be discouraged, I will try to grow a more productive crop of gourds next year.

I put my fall apron swap package in the mail this morning. Now it is on to the Sparkle and Glitter swap from mommyholly and two other holiday swaps for which I've signed up. Swaps are so much fun. The only problem is that they get in the way of more important things I need to do - like clean the house!

I'd Like to Introduce Myself

2008-10-03T15:27:00.005-05:00

This is my first post and I am a little apprehensive about blogging. Other blogs I've read have been so interesting and colorful and fun. I feel like I have nothing to contribute to this network of amazing women. That being said...

I am the mother of two great kids. My son is a college junior and my daughter is a high school junior. My husband of 37 years has provided me with the luxury of being an at home Mom for the past 20 years. I LOVE to bake. It is my source of relaxation. And when I am not baking, I enjoy making things from paper, wood, fabric or whatever else catches my eye. Oh, and reading blogs and joining swaps. Must remember to take pictures of everything and learn how to post them.

white painted house

2008-09-24T08:06:00.001-05:00

View my page on The Apronista