~Let it Snow, Let it Snow....~

...let it snow.  We had some snow the other night with a mighty blast of north wind...about half an inch, but not now.  It's not cold enough to snow.  Temps are supposed to be around the high 50s to 60s for several days. :/


Most people think that winter is so drab.  But if you look around, you can see the beauty of God's creation in many ways.  The sparkle on the snow when the sun is shining, the beautiful designs that frost crystals make on your windows, the bright red of cardinals, winterberries, evergreens....  A house definitely looks drab once the beautiful Christmas decorations and lights are taken down, right?  At least I think so.  But I can bring the beauty of winter indoors to enjoy. So, several years ago, I did just that.  I began decorating my house with wintry type decorations...evergreens, winterberries and snowmen.  

On the fireplace mantel, the Hallelujah Choir of angels is taken down and I replace it with the "Let it Snow" people...aka snowmen.

I've had this chubby little fellow for several years but the bottle type brushes and snowflakes are new.  I got them on clearance this year.

I'm on the hunt to increase my snowman population and found these cute little guys on clearance at...you guessed it.  Hobby Lobby.  I love the cute little smile on this guy's face.  I think he's so proud that the cardinals have found a gathering place on him.

Simple decorations on top are just an evergreen piece and some winterberries.  I love this framed picture.  I got it from The Country House, one of my favorite online stores to find country decor.

This wooden grouping is all one piece.  I had it up at Christmas but I don't know why because it's really more in line with my winter decorations.  I got it at a craft show several years ago.

This grouping is on top of my stacked wooden crates turned bookshelves.  The wooden snowman is from the same craft person at the same craft show as the wooden grouping above it.

Picket fence turned snowmen.  Is it not the cutest??  I have never seen anything like it.  The tallest 'snowman' is probably four inches or so.  I think I got it from a craft mall somewhere in the city.

In the main hallway, I have an antique linen press (linen closet).  It is so dark and dreary in this little area, so I  created a vignette using Christmas lights.  For a while, I tried using a little spot light but the bulbs kept burning out.  It makes for a beautiful night light. ;)

 For the most part, all the things you see here stay up all year long.  The evergreen tree, along with the berries and such, are changed out and replaced with items that go along with the seasons.  I love my little birds and the nest that they protect.

Watch out!!! This little fella is coming down the hill at a fast pace on his sled!  Isn't he cute? 

 At one time, there was a local crafter...I don't know if she's still in business nor the name of her business..but she was having an in-home sale of her crafted items and this guy caught my eye and just had to come with me.  I've had him for over ten years now.

So, here you have it.  My little collection of snowmen and winter type decorations.  Despite the warmer than normal temps, I think I'm ready to say....let it snow!

Is it a winter wonderland where you live or do you create a winter wonderland like I do?

Stay warm ~

            

Going to these blog parties this week:
Metamorphosis Monday @ Between Naps on the PorchYour Cozy Home Party @ Cozy Home Scenes

~A Little Pattern Here, A Little Pattern There~

I'm not talking about fabric patterns, wallpaper patterns or scrapbooking patterns but rather my favorite type of patterns....Butterick, McCalls and Simplicity!

For quite a while, I had not been buying any patterns because I hadn't been doing that much sewing. Slowly and surely, I've been getting back in the groove.  Especially since starting my Etsy store.

Even when I did alot of sewing, I was very picky about the patterns that I bought.  One, there had to be several styles in the one pattern envelope or, two, it would be a style I knew I would use quite often.  Have you seen the price of patterns these days??  Good grief!  Seriously, as much as $18 and $19 for a pattern?  That's so totally ridiculous.  Even though most fabric stores sell them for 40% off, it's still rather expensive.

Aren't these patterns adorable?  Now that I'm getting back into sewing children's clothing, I picked out several to make for my granddaughters.  But they wear different sizes and, some, I was able to get just one while others required me buying two.

Of the several that I bought for them, I think these are my favorite.  Look at the cute little pleats on the capri style pants.  Aren't they adorable?

I only bought one boys' pattern.  Jammies for my youngest grandson.  He absolutely loves the movies "Cars", so I'm going to look for some Mater or "Mightming" McQueen fabric for him.

I got several doll patterns for the American Girl type dolls.  The one in the top right is what I used to make the ballet outfit for my granddaughter's doll.  You can find the post about it here.

These little doll aprons are so stinkin' cute!  I'm going to make matching girl/doll aprons to put in my Etsy store.

And then I got these patterns for ME!!  I haven't bought patterns or made myself clothing in ages.  At least 12 to 15 years ago.  I picked out several classic, easy wearing dress styles and several shirt patterns.

This shirt looks so comfy, doesn't it?    Shirts for all seasons.  Perfect!

I bought these patterns as incentive.  With my fibromyalgia symptoms and the medications I am taking, I have gained lots and lots of weight...like about 75 pounds or so and I hate it.  I'm going to try yoga and am looking at homeopathic medicine as a means of lessening or, Lord willing, curing the disease altogether AND to help me lose the excess weight.  Good idea?

Now, I bet you are thinking..."Good heavens, girl!  You have lost your mind spending so much money"!  Right?  Well, guess what?  I didn't spend loads and loads of money!  Nope, I did not.  One of my favorite metro fabric stores, JoAnn's, is moving to a bigger location and is having a moving sale.  In this stack of patterns, one actually came from Hobby Lobby and I paid 99 cents for that one.  Another, I got for $1.99.  But the rest?  The patterns were being sold 8 for $1.  That's 13 cents a pattern!!  You read right....13 cents a pattern!!  Can you believe it??  How could I resist?  I think I got 15 patterns for this price.

Right now, their Simplicity patterns are selling for $1.99 but I am hoping when I go back next week, they will have them marked down.  When the patterns are this cheap, they are pretty picked over and so getting favorite ones are a bit tough.  But I'm sure I can find some I can probably use and, if not, it's no real financial loss, is it?  Now, where to start?

Hope your day is full of happy stitching ~

~A Blog List or Grab My Button?~

When I began the process of putting together my blog about six or seven months ago, one of the things that I read over and over again was that "the thing to do" was to create a "Grab My Button".  So I did....

I've been noticing, over the last few months, the variety of ways that bloggers do or don't show their favorite reads.  Some have no blog lists or buttons on their blog at all even though they offer a "Grab My Button".  Some have a "Grab my Button" and choose to do both buttons and blog lists (like me).  Some use only blog lists and then some use only "Grab my Button" lists. And then some have no "Grab My Button" at all.

Boy, I have a headache. Whew!  ;)

I like having the blog list because you can do them with a time line but there's no way to do that with the buttons.  At least, I haven't figured out a way.  I like having the buttons because I think they catch the reader's eye better.  So, have you figured out where I'm going with this yet?

I guess my question is, why do you do what you do?  What are the pros and cons?  I'm sure there are some or else there wouldn't be such a variety of options.  What works for you?  I would love your two cents worth on this.  Not that this is going to solve the world's problems or put the right candidate in the President's seat (sorry...hehe).  I don't park on these things very often, but today is my day.  That's what happens when I start thinking. :)

Thanks.  From the bottom of my pea-pickin' heart! ~

Update:  I have had a few tell me that my Grab My Button was not working.  So, I went back and created it again.  I would appreciate it if someone would test it to let me know if it is working.  Thanks!

~A Recipe for Angel Biscuits ~

Last week, I posted a recipe for Cheesy Chicken Chowder and mentioned that I served it with Angel Biscuits.  I have had several ask for the biscuit recipe, so I'm sharing it with you today.  Angel Biscuits are also known as Yeast Biscuits but don't let that scare you because there is very minimal kneading involved.  And I mean minimal!  And no rising is involved either!  So, if at the last minute, you decide you want to make them...no problem.  I love the yeasty taste of breads and  this is becoming my favorite "go to" recipe for when I'm in the mood.

This recipe is originally titled as "Kansas Elders' Yeast Biscuits"

The recipe is below and available for you to save to your computer or print now and file away in your own recipe notebook or box.  Just right click on the photo.

Hope that soup and these biscuits are on your menu today to keep your tummy warm and full ~

Note:  I forgot to edit my recipe.  Done means about 20 minutes or so to bake.  You want the tops to be lightly browned.  You could also butter the tops for a golden brown look.  Enjoy!

~When the Time Was Right....~

Last week, I finally got around to purchasing a 2012 calendar.  The one I picked out was from DaySpring.  When I opened it up, there was a cardboard insert with a poem inside.  I don't know if it's the same one in every calendar but it is so lovely and, of course, so true that I wanted to share it as today's Thought to Ponder.

When the time was right,

the sea parted,

the walls fell down,

the lions went hungry,

the sun stood still,

the star appeared,

the waves were calmed,

the stone was rolled away,

the Lord ascended...

And when the time is right,

the King of Kings will return.

God is never early and He's never late~

He's always right on time and His plans for you are good.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11


I pray that you are blessed with knowing and having peace about God's plan for you today ~

~Soup's On!~

Last week, it wasn't too terribly chilly but I was in the mood for some soup and in the mood for something that I hadn't fixed in a while.  So a-browsin' I went through my cookbooks.  What to cook, what to cook....

Voila!  I found one that I hadn't fixed in a while.  Geez, maybe last winter??  Cheesy Chicken Chowder.  Doesn't it look good?

Well, you can't have soup without a bread of some type, right?  So, I whipped up a batch of easy peasy Angel Biscuits to go along with it.  Oh, it hit the spot.  Yum!  Once the hoopla of the holidays were over, I knew I wanted to share it with you.

This soup is really simple and fast to cook...my favorite way of cooking these days.  It just takes a few pots to get it done.  No big deal, huh?  hehehe Well, what are we waiting for?  Let's get to cookin', okay?

Cheesy Chicken Chowder

3 cups chicken broth

2 cups diced peeled potatoes

1 cup diced carrots

1 cup diced celery

1/2 cup diced onion

1-1/2 tsp. salt

1/4 tsp. pepper

1/4 cup butter or margarine

1/3 cup flour

2 cups milk

2 cups (8 oz) shredded Cheddar cheese

2 cups diced cooked chicken**

In a 4-quart saucepan, bring chicken broth to a boil.  Reduce heat; add potatoes, carrots, celery, onion, salt and pepper.  Cover and simmer for 15 minutes or until vegetables are tender.  Meanwhile, melt butter in a medium saucepan; add flour and mix well. (I usually use the pan that I cooked the chicken in).  Gradually stir in milk; cook over low heat until slightly thickened.  Stir in cheese and cook until melted; add to broth along with chicken.  Cook and stir over low heat until heated through.  Yield:  6 to 8 servings.

** I used boneless chicken breasts...so easy to cook and shred.
Note:  I usually cut the recipe in half for just me and Mr. Bill.  It makes plenty!

If you are new to my blog, I design the recipe so that you can print it out on card stock, cut in half  and glue the blank sides back to back to create a recipe type card if you would like.

Right click on the photo below to print out the recipe or save it to your computer to print out later.

I hope you enjoy my soup recipe!

Note:  I'm going to a blog party!...

                         What's Cookin' in the Cottage Kitchen?

~My New Year's Prayer for You~

About six months ago, I started this blog; my very first.  Little did I know how much joy I would receive from writing and sharing ideas about my family, the things that I love and the projects that I take on.  More importantly, the joy I would receive from the people who have stopped by to read what I have shared.  From the four corners of this nation and beyond.  People who have taken a little time out of their busy day to share their thoughts; kind words of encouragement in all areas of what I write about or share pictures of; give kind compliments about my family and the things that I may cook or create; and offering prayers on my behalf when I have had a bad day.  People who care enough that they desire to become my friends...dear friends.  Dear friends whom I have never met face to face.

In turn, I receive great joy as I look forward to reading your posts where I receive much inspiration with your creativity in areas I may or may not be familiar with, or what you do in the kitchen, or the hobbies you enjoy.  I find such kinship with those of you who share the same interests, the love of family and home, and knowing that we are sisters in Christ.

As we enter this new year, my desire is that we may continue to be an inspiration and encouragement to one another as we share our interests, our hearts and our friendships.  I am truly grateful and blessed.  With that, I want to share this New Year's prayer with you....

May you always enjoy the love of family and friends, 

May you be blessed with health and happiness,

May you continue to enjoy new experiences with God,

And may your walk with the Lord be closer than ever.

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the Lord, " plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you a hope and a future." ~ Jeremiah 29:11

Have a joyous first day of the New Year ~

~A Christmas Project or Two~

A couple of weeks ago, I mentioned that I was busy working on some doll clothes for one of my granddaughters for Christmas.  I finally got them done, well, all but one anyway. :/  And I said that I would share with you what I've been up to....

Little Monkey got an American Girl type doll for Christmas and mama wanted me to make some outfits for her.  Monkey takes ballet and we thought that she would love for her doll to practice ballet with her.

A little tutu skirt made with several layers of fine tulle and a glittery tulle type fabric on top.

She has to have a little shirt to go with the tutu skirt, so I made this onesy type shirt in a pretty pale pink t-shirt fabric.

 Elastic trim at the neck and then a matching flower trim to make it a bit more feminine looking.

There are four little snaps in the back to close it up and some more elastic trim in the leg openings.

No little practice outfit is complete without a matching tutu-style hair clip to top it all off.  If you look real hard, you can see a pink button in the center of the hair clip.

Now she needs are some ballet slippers and maybe some tights.

Monkey goes to a school where she is required to wear a uniform.  When we were thumbing through the variety of patterns, we came across the uniform one and knew this would be perfect.  Mama had an extra uniform and so she sent it to me to use.

The bodice is just a bit different than Monkey's uniform and now that I know how these doll patterns work, I can revise it easily.  Little pleats go all the way around the skirt.

The straps are permanently attached in the back and there is a Velcro strip closure.  Makes dressing the doll so much easier.

The little cotton blouse is so cute!  Four little buttons down the front are decorative only as there is a Velcro strip for opening and closing the blouse.

The peter pan collar is trimmed with a cute little lace trim.

And a nice little pleat in the back completes the look.

I made another matching hair clip with some leftover fabric by creating a little bow.

I think Monkey is going to be so tickled for her doll to have a uniform just like hers.  I had so much fun making the outfit and am seriously considering making doll uniforms to sell in my Etsy shop.   The hardest part would be finding fabric that matched but I think I've found a source.  What do you think?  If you had a little girl or granddaughter who had to wear a school uniform, would you buy a matching doll's uniform?  I'd really like your input on this.  Heck, I may even make other doll dresses if there was enough interest! :)  Seriously, I'd really like to know what you think.

These are just a couple of the doll outfits that I made.  I made some baby doll jammies and doll diapers, too.  In the next few days, I'm going to do a tutorial on my version of the doll diaper, which I found to be much easier.

Hope you are continuing to enjoy your Christmas holiday ~

Participating in these blog parties:

                         Just Something I Whipped Up @ The Girl Creative
                         We Did it Wednesday @ Sew Much Ado
                         Sunday Blog Love @ Cherished Treasures
                         Show and Tell Friday @ My Romantic Home