"September"......

Tomorrow morning we will be welcoming in September 2008. A lovely month that can easily slip by if we allow it. Children begin school, routines resume... & life takes on a more traditional feel. More "traditional" in the sense that nature treats us to it's "seasonal glory",... just as it always has, every year as long as we can remember..."Traditional" in the way we start "moving indoors" a bit, wanting to create warm, cozy spaces to cuddle up in.....& "traditional" in the way we begin craving "comfort" food, dishes that fill our tummies, leaving us feeling satisfied....This is also the time of year of orange pumpkins & crisp apples, both of which lend themselves to culinary delights, along with adding beauty to our homes!......


It is the time of year that the "mum" takes over as the flower of the month!.....bright & beautiful, & very hardy against the cooling temperatures of autumn. The "mum" realizes that we all depend on her for spashes of color that rival only the "changing colors & falling leaves" of this amazing season.

And speaking of fall leaves, ...let us all acknowledge the "show" that Mother Nature has in store for us beginnng this month.....A "symphony" like no other...one that only September can orchestrate!.....So in this month,... enjoy the moments that are traditional only to Autumn, ...remember them.....For their memories will keep you warm, during the winter days ahead. Welcome September with open arms.....

Note: Our thoughts go out to all the families that are affected by Hurricane Gustav. We pray that the hurricane loses strength with every hour.....& that all of you will be able to return to your homes & communities very soon.

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"Getting Caught Up"....With Awards, Annoucements & a Thank you....

NOTE: #1- It's Friday afternoon.....& the "final weekend of summer" is before us. I found this lovely photograph & have been waiting to use it for the last few months, but am so glad I saved it till now. I think it is the "perfect image",.... for saying our" sweet good-byes" to the last few months. Let us all enjoy this last "warm-weather weekend,.... before "gently inching" toward Autumn. This summer has been a wonderful one,... but for me, the idea of "Fall", has captivated my every thought!...."Good-bye Summertime",.... see you next year.

NOTE: #2- Congratulations Gov. Sarah Palin, for becoming John McCain's vice-presidential nomination.....An exceptional woman, to say the least!!!....I enjoyed watching (but respectfully disagree with) the Democratic convention this last week, & am very excited to see what the Republicans have in store for us in the coming week!....The next few months should prove very exciting!!!...I urge you all to get out,... & proudly get involved!....After all, having an opinion & standing up for it,..... is what America is all about!

NOTE:#3- I have been very "tardy".......My sweet friend, Alaura @ "Cottage Rose", tagged me about a month ago with the "Five Embarrassing Songs" tag. I meant to post about it in the next few days, but as you can see it has taken me a bit longer!...To tell you the truth, the only time I am really listening to music is in the car. And when I am in the car, my daughter, Holly & grandson, Andrew are usually with me. Even though listening to "Rascal Flats" would be my first choice,... the tunes we are usually listening & singing to, are ones a 4 year old enjoys! Which is just fine!.... And they are wonderfully "silly", so here goes.....#1-Raffi's "Baby Beluga".....#2-Hullabaloo's (a San Diego based duo) "Too Much Mango", #3-"Dogs & Diamonds", #4-"Mama Llama" & #5- "Grown-Up Sippy Cup".....I invite anyone who might be reading this to consider themselves to be tagged! .....Thank you, Alaura!!!!

NOTE:4-My dear friend Rhonda @ "Scooterblu's Whimsy" made up this charming award, & passed it on to the many wonderful readers of her beautiful blog!...Rhonda, that was just the nicest idea! I would like to pass it on to the following friends,....with an invitation to post a few of your favrtite blogging friends as well!.....

1- Tonya @ "Puddin Pop".....wonderful mother, ardent seamstress & huge fan of the "Twight" series!.....aren't we all!

2- Lori @ "Morning Glories and Moonflowers".....lovely new friend & talented "jewelry-maker" & crafter.......& very patient for putting up with my "crazy long" e-mails!

3- Heather @ Hydrangeas & Hopscotch...The sweetest "new mother" for the third time, just recently,.... lovely blog about her family & thoughts....

4- Devina @ The Fairy Glade...The most charming English woman & blog,... that I am always "tickled" to visit!

5- Gretchen @ Bird Nest Cottage....A new friend that has proven to be as much as a "homebody" as me!....darling blog!

NOTE: #5- And my final note is about the most delightful lady ever, Dana @ The Stone Rabbit....Dana writes, & posts the most wonderful stories of her, & of course "the Stone Rabbit", ...very, very funny!....I was thrilled when she chose me as one of ladies to receive the "Kreativ Blogger" Award. Thank you for thinking of me Dana!!!...I am to tell 6 things that make me "happy"....and then pass this award on to other bloggers!...Please keep this going friends!....

*Six Things That Make Me Happy".....1- RAINY DAYS.....2- SOFT OATMEAL COOKIES...3- MY FAMILY....4- FRESH FLOWERS WRAPPED in NEWSPRINT....5- BRITISH MAGAZINES...& 6-EXPENSIVE HANDBAGS (haven't purchased any in quite sometime, but haven't lost the desire to!)

I will pass this award on to the following....

1)-Donna @ Donna Art.....such a talented lady/painter & such an enjoyable blog!! I purchased one of her tiny "nest" paintings...just the lovliest little thing you have ever seen!

2) -Karen @ A' Musements....a new incredibly talented friend! You must visit her site & see for yourself the exquisite pieces she creates!

3)- Holly @ mommyholly....I know I'm partial, since she is my daughter, but I so want to brag about her "oh-so" charming cards & tags!!!...Go see for yourself!!! Just darling!

NOTE: #6- A special "thank you" to Lori @ "Morning Glories and Moonflowers" for writing a wonderful post about some of her favorite etsy shops ,... mine included!!!....That was such a lovely thing to do Lori!!! I want you to know how much I appreciate your thoughtfulness!

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"Very Vintage Halloween Swap"...UPDATE!

Hi Friends, For those of you who are participating in my "Very Vintage Halloween Swap"...the partners have been assigned, & an e-mail sent out to you all....I felt I was very careful about keeping track of all the people who wished to participate,...however, if you are reading this, thought you were included, & HAVE NOT received an e-mail, please leave me a comment on this post, along with your e-mail address & I will get right back to you......

And I so want to "thank" all the friends that are joining me in this swap!.....I had no idea the response was going to be like this!...it is just so exciting!.....I have sent out to each of you a tiny envelope containing 3 charming little Halloween tags, made by my daughter Holly @ mommyholly. She has a wonderful etsy shop, where she makes the most adorable cards & tags...you must visit her!...I wanted to show my appreciation to each of you, so be watching for your wee surprise!

You are all on your own now, "busily preparing" for the next few weeks...and then on October 8th, we will all be posting about our "Halloween swap boxes"...and I will be sure & post all of your names & blogs with links to each! I am so looking forward to seeing all the creative results from all you talented ladies!!!.....Here's to Halloween & friends!...Thank you all!......Heidi XO

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"One of Those Days"......& "Classic Blue"....

Sky "blue".....at it's best!....

It is Tuesday evening...It has been "one of those days" that started with a long "to-do" list & has finished with very few of those "to-do's" checked off?......I don't quite know what happened?....This morning I seemed to be so on top of it all, but as the day progressed, I was continually being pulled away from the immediate task at hand,...& all of a sudden found myself spending way too much time on projects that just weren't that important???...Oh well, what's a girl to do!...Some days are just like that, I must accept it & go on!.......O.K., so on the subject of moving forward,....One of the last projects of "summer" that I really want to accomplish is to finish painting a few different pieces of furniture. I have a "corner cabinet" in the living room, a "coffee table" on the patio & a couple "odd little chairs" that all need a fresh coat of paint!...and the color I have chosen is "blue"....Forever, "classic blue"!.....So off I went to the computer to pull up a few color-ideas, that I may consider for these "destined to be improved" pieces. In the process of doing this, I ended up coming across this assortment of the most charming "gates"......ALL IN "BLUE"!.....They are all various styles, ranging from ornate iron to simple wood, but each has a lovely "quality" of it's own. One that says "notice me", but in the most "respectful manner". "Blue" is like that you know,.... proud, but quiet. I think I may just add another piece to that "list of painting projects".......a "blue garden gate". One that would not only look amazing, but could also be closed behind me, forcing me to finish my long list of garden "to-do's" without being distracted! :).......Here's to finishing what you begin!........Heidi XO
A touch of "blue" against the "neutrals" of Fall.....

Simple & bright & "blue"!....
Could this "blue" gate, be hiding the most "secret of gardens"?.....
Such pretty "blue" detailing!......

A rustic rock wall & a country "blue" gate.....

And the most adorable little gate, all "dressed up".... in "blue"!

Note: For those of you participating in my "Halloween Swap".....I have assigned you all partners & instructions, & will be e-mailing them to you tomorrow...& I will also be sending out your tiny "tag favors"....a little treat for joining me!......Thank you all!

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A Sunday Dedicated To The Places..."Where Bloggers Create".....

My "sewing room & office",... one large room upstairs that I share with Holly & Mallory...my two creative daughters....

Today, Brenda at "Brenda's Blog....Snippets Of Me" is hosting.... "Where Bloggers Create". Brenda came up with the idea while she was reading the book, "Where Women Create", by author Jo Packham.....I too have this wonderful book!... & just like Brenda have enjoyed many hours admiring the spaces in which women work, craft & spend their creative moments!...In fact, I liked it so much, I ended up giving it to many of my friends for Christmas a couple years ago!
After being inspired by this book, Brenda thought it might be fun to invite other bloggers to post about the rooms or spaces they call there own. So today that is exactly what we are doing!....Brenda has a list of the participants at her site, with links to all their blogs as well....You might want to visit her today & check out some of their "rooms" ..."I" certainly will be, hoping to pick up a few good ideas I can apply to my own space!.... Hope to see you over at Brenda's blog!.....& enjoy your Sunday!
A "glass front cabinet", where each shelf is assigned a certain craft item...some are filled with "card making" supplies,... some hold little glass jars filled with "snaps, buttons, hooks & eyes", etc....& others house small bottles of "paint, Modge Podge, glue & brushes"!... I love how organized it "can" be, but when we all are crafting at once, those shelves can get mixed up in minutes!!! :)......The "white bookshelves" in the back corner hold all my favorite magazines! ( I am horrible about throwing them out!).....Every issue of "Victoria" which I refer to constantly for inspiration....House Beautiful, Country Living,... both the American & British issues, Country Home & Veranda.
This is the left side of my "desk"....It is actually a cabinet, built right into a little alcove. I propped a HUGE bulletin board across the back, but have continued to pin "clippings of inspiration" on both sides as well!....I LOVE being surrounded by photos, invitations, thank you notes, upcoming events & beautiful things!...It simply makes me happy!...And even though you really cannot tell, the little framed photo is of me & Martha Stewart! Talking about inspiring!!
Some of my "pretty strings".....I love the simplicity & "old-fashioned, humble charm" of "string"!!!.....And a "tiny painting" of red geraniums peeking out from behind.
And I do love a bit of "sparkle"....doesn't everyone!?.....Some of the little glass bottles showing off the lovliest of "beads & sequins".......

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Carolyne Roehm's "Apple Cake Doris".....

Hello Friends,....."Friday" has found it's way back to us once again. Even though this may still be only the 22nd day of August, my attentions are focused towards the coming "Autumn"!....."Fabric-wise", I am finding myself migrating to "small dark prints & plaids",....In the garden, it is the "cool weather crops" that are needing to be planted.... & in the kitchen, I already have a list of "fall recipes", I am dying to try!......So today I am sharing designer
Carolyne Roehm's "Apple Cake Doris". I have made it many times before, with amazingly delicious results!!....You must try it!...& maybe this weekend!...It is one of those cakes that can be enjoyed from breakfast,... to afternoon tea... & even as a late night snack!.....I have "zucchini breads" in the oven as I write this post, but in a few hours, "Apple Cake Doris" will be filling this house with the scents of "Fall"!..... Join me,... gather together some tart apples & mix up a couple of these cakes!.....Is there really any better way to welcome in the weekend?....


APPLE CAKE DORIS:
Makes one large bundt cake or 2 small loaves

1 cup plus 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
3 cups unsifted all-purpose flour
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
1 teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
2 cups granulated sugar
2 large eggs
3 tablespoons milk
2 cups (about 2 large) tart apples, peeled, cored, and cut into ½ inch dice

Preheat oven to 350° F. Using 1 tablespoon oil, grease a tube pan or two mini loaf pans measuring 5 ¾ x 3 x 2 ½ inches.
In a medium bowl, sift together flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon and set aside.
In a large bowl, blend sugar and remaining 1 cup of oil. Add eggs and milk and beat until well combined.
Add reserved dry ingredients to sugar mixture and stir until just blended. Fold in apples. Makes a very thick batter.
Press batter evenly into prepared pan(s) and bake for 50 to 60 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Let cool in pan for 10 minutes. Invert pan, place serving plate on top and turn out cake.

APPLE CIDER GLAZE

1 cup apple cider
¼ cup butter, melted
2 cups powdered sugar

In a saucepan, simmer apple cider over medium heat until reduced by half, about 10-15 minutes.
Add powdered sugar to cider and stir.
Remove pan from heat and whisk in melted butter. Cool slightly then pour over cake.

Note: Concerning my "Very Vintage Halloween Swap"....I am trying to assemble all of the participants addresses....I believe I have gotten in touch with of most of you, however am having a difficult time contacting Debbie, @ "From A Creative Heart".....If you read this Debbie, or are someone who knows her, would you please let me know....I would greatly appreciate it!.....And remember, there are still a few days left to sign up!!!!

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A "Sneak Peek" at Christmas.... From "Heidi Devlin Home"....

I know it may seem a bit early for "thinking Christmas",.... posting "holiday pieces in August ....but for those of us who are designers, artists, craftspeople & quilters, it is the perfect time!.....Many of us are well into the making of our "Autumn & Holiday" items! Our workshops, studios & even kitchen tables are brimming over with supplies,.... stacks of projects started.... & ideas filling the air! I am the first person to feel we must not "rush the seasons",.... but again if we didn't start early,... we would have nothing to offer all of you, who are eagarly awaiting to see the treasures we all have created!......

As for me, I am proudly posting the first of my lovely "Christmas Collection",... "quilted striped runners & sweet little pieces".....all available at heididevlin.etsy.com.....I will be adding a variety of stockings, both "felt appliqued & quilted",.... as well as tree skirts... & even Fall/ Winter pillows!.....There will be exquisitely hand-made ornaments, along with lovely napkins & table accessories! I have designed pieces that would not only be wonderful to have in your own home, but ones that you would be proud to give as "gifts" to very lucky friends!....I so hope you love what I have been creating!.....Old-fashioned pieces, that add "a bit of enchantment" to our everyday lives!.....I invte you to "take an early peek" at what "Heidi Devlin Home" will be offering this Holiday Season!.....And please don't hesitate to ask me about custom orders!.....I so appreciate your interest!
Two of my "Christmas Quilted Runners"......beautifully "classic".......
Another one of my "Christmas Quilted Runners"...this one with taupe & white stripes encased in a bright red binding!......& adorned with little silver bells!.......
These "Glittered Candy Canes" are actually one of my very favotite pieces!.....Being a generous size (12") they can be used in a variety of ways! They are darling "hanging from the branches" of a Christmas tree or tucked in placesettings as a lovely "gift" for guests... or my personal favorite, filling an old "crock" or earthenware bowl with these "sparkling beauties"!!!.....

This is my adorable "Elf Boot".... It is a three-dimensionable 6-inch boot, that can be filled with tiny "peppermint puffs or wee candy canes"!.....My 4 year old grandson Andrew, finds these absolutely fascinating!!...cannot put them down!
This "wee red stocking" is just the right size to tuck amongst the ribbon on a special package or again, ...hang as a sweet ornament!.......
Another little stocking in "winter white" & all "dressed-up" with a small taupe velvet bow!.....
And finally, my quilted "Christmas Hearts"!!!...These are all made from actual quilts...they are generous in size.....approx. 8"x10", & beautifully made! Every heart is a slightly different shape & each can be decorated in colors of your choice!......These are simply the epitome of "Christmas Charm"!......
Thank you for taking the time to see some of my first "Christmas pieces"! I am very proud of them all!.... & would love to have you visit my on-line shop to see the treasures that will be added weekly!.....If I can help you at all, or answer any questions, please just let me know!.....Here's to a wonderful "Autumn" & upcoming "Holiday Season"!.........Heidi (heididevlin.etsy.com)

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Remembering..."Back To School"......

Can you simply imagine this exquisite structure, being your school!!???...Bright red & beautiful!!!...The "schoolhouse of my dreams"!....

"Good Morning" & "Happy Monday" to you all!.....Even though Labor Day is a couple weeks away,... & very warm weather is still with us,......it is once again, "Back-To-School" time! I have always loved this time of year!....Even as a child, I loved it!!....In our family, it meant my mother was busy sewing schooldresses, often made from dark little prints with crisp white collars.....It meant the difficult decision of a new "lunch box", which again was something to be carefully concidered?....Should it be "traditional plaid" or maybe sport a "T.V. or cartoon character"??....Along with "Back To School" was the prospect of a new pair of shoes, something sturdy for the walk to school, usually ending with the purchase of a pair of "saddle shoes (always the tan/brown!) the classic favorite of my mother?....And although equipped with the knowledge of how this "shoe shopping was to go...it NEVER hindered me from "begging terribly" for the "maryjanes" that I simply coveted, but rarely got......And last, but not least were "new school supplies"!...."PeeChee notebooks, lined tablets, freshly sharpened #2 pencils & of course a brand-new Pink Pearl eraser!....Could life get much better in my world!!!

So pristine & lovely.....

The only part of this "Back To School" scenario that was not up to my liking, was the fact that I went to school in a normal suburban, early 60's designed "school"...not a "little, old-fashioned red schoolhouse"........I LOVED the idea of walking to one of these simple structures,... entering, sitting down to an old desk & "learning" in one room!.....I'm sure it stemmed primarily from the "Little House" or "Caddie Woodlawn or any other "pioneer-ish" book I could lay my hands on! Oh! how I wanted that life!.....And then was only reinforced with shows like "Lassie" & even years later with the "Waltons"!.......Well, as much as I truly did love the onset of Autumn & the "back to school" experience...the "dream" of the "one room, little red schoolhouse" always & forever escaped me!.....So to this day, they are still something I am very drawn to & find truly charming!....In tribute to this wonderful, nostalgic time of year....I have found & am posting a few of the prettiest "red schoolhouses"!......I hope they bring back the sweetest "schoolday" memories for you too!......They certainly do for me........Your friend...Heidi XO Hidden back & nestled in the trees, this little schoolhouse is just waiting for those eagar children to arrive!.....
A "little red schoolhouse" on a chilly Autumn day......

NOTE: Just a little reminder, There is only one more week left to sign up for my "Very Vintage Halloween Swap"!!!.....and I would just LOVE to have you join me!!! Read all about it, by going to the button on the right side of my page!...& feel free to borrow the button for your own blog as well! Thank you to all the ladies who have already signed up to participate!.....And for any of you that enjoy a charmingly "spooky" Halloween!...it may be just the ticket to welcome in this wonderful season!....

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My Last "PINK SATURDAY" for a While......

Good Morning To You All!......Another "Pink Saturday " is here!....Our hostess, for these lovely Saturday's is Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound". She had the idea of posting something "pink" on Saturdays, since at the end of a blogging week, it is always a bit difficult to think of yet another topic to write about!...A wonderful idea at that!.....I have participated in every single "PS", since day #1...& have thoroughly enjoyed thinking up "pink posts"!!!!....However, I believe the day has come, that regretfully, I am having to take an extended break from "Pink Saturday". My "pink" ideas have temporarily "run dry"?....I have made some incredible friends during this adventure & will continue to visit & enjoy many of your "PS" posts tomorrow & in the future.....And in turn, I sincerely invite you to stop by my blog as well!....Wishing, Beverly....& all of you the happiest of "Pink Saturdays"......Love, Heidi XO

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"From HOUSES to HOMES".......

Ever since I was a child, I have been attracted to "charming homes". I remember Sunday drives when my mother, sister & I would travel across town to the "South Hill", an area of town with the oldest & most lovely neighborhoods!....We would stop for a snack (usually a candy bar), & then slowly drive down the winding, tree-lined streets....imaging what it would be like to actually live within these beautiful structures.......I also enjoyed books with "illustrations" that brought the text to life, ...the "Secret Garden", "Anne of Green Gables" & the "Little House"series, all of which went on to tell of houses, where the main characters lived in homes that were "old & enchanting"...or small, simple & "filled with love"!.....And as a high school student, I couldn't wait to enroll in the "architectural drawing" class, just so I could surround myself with,... & create drawings of homes, that I would imagine myself someday living in.....
Growing up, our small family lived in a modest home with a large well-manicured yard. Even though money wasn't plentiful, my mother created an extremely cozy & pretty home!!!...She painted furniture, sewed everything from curtains to clothes & had flower gardens that were brimming with blossoms!!....I saw that if the "desire" was there, anyone could make a humble dwelling into a lovely home! Her influence has had a tremendous effect on me!....
Through the years I have been very fortunate to have had many very nice homes. I have always, ...immediately after moving in, taken all the ideas I had accumulated,... from those Sunday drives, illustrations from "girlhood" books & my own mother's talented example, & begin decorating & creating the home I had dreamed of!....
Of course there are certain styles of homes & architectural details that I have always loved & will continue to enchant me!....I LOVE "cottages"....I LOVE "shuttered windows"...... "ivy & rose covered walls"..... "picket fences"...."rock walls"...."dormer windows" & landscaping that helps "create a mood"!

At the moment, I find myself living in a fairly new, suburban neighborhood...very nice, but devoid of much imagination.....So now my challenge begins again.....making this house of ours into something special......
I have been reaching deep for that "inspiration from the past"... & have begun to apply it to this wonderfully blank canvas I call "home".
Before long, our recently built home will be taking on the look & feel of one much older.....bit by bit, room by room I will be adding the little touches that I love so much.....

And before you know it, through lots of hard work, it will take on the features of the beloved homes I used to drive by on those Sunday afternoons long ago.... I personally love this process,...of taking something "raw" & making it all your own!....And maybe the reason this has always been such an exciting process for me, is because of the people I'm doing it for,....my family.....After all, without them....the most important feature of a home would be missing.....that being, "LOVE".....

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"A Delicious Recipe & A Lovely Award".....

Hi All, it has been quite sometime since I have posted a tried & true recipe! So I thought that would be exactly what I do today!...This recipe comes again from the "Barefoot Contessa",...Ina Garten. For those of you that read my blog, you already know that I LOVE Ina's philosophy when it comes to food, ..fresh, beautiful & delicious food served simply!...So today's recipe is all those things...Ina's "Sun-Dried Tomato Dip"!....so delicious you will make it again & again! This recipe is extremely easy & quick ...& one that I have made forever!!! Whip some up & let your family be the judge!.....
INA GARTEN'S "SUN-DRIED TOMATO DIP":

4 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained and chopped (8 tomatoes)
8 ounces cream cheese, at room temperature
1/2 cup sour cream
1/2 cup good mayonnaise
10 dashes, hot red pepper sauce
1 teaspoon kosher salt
3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 scallions, thinly sliced (white and green parts)

Puree the tomatoes, cream cheese, sour cream, mayonnaise, red pepper sauce, salt and pepper in a food processor fitted with a metal blade. Add the scallions and pulse twice. Serve at room temperature.
Serve with crisp veggies and crackers... or as done at our house,..spread on slices of slightly warm Tuscan bread, alongside a salad of "garden greens" tossed with a bit of sweet vinagrette!! So yummy!
Note: makes 2 cups....

And one more thing....My dear friend Lori at "Morning Glories and Moonflowers" honored me this evening, with the "You Make My Day Award"!!!!....I have never seen this charming award, so was simply "over the moon" that I was among the lovely ladies who Lori passed it on to! Thank you so much for thinking of me!...you always "make my day"too!

Now for the deserving ladies I am pleased to pass this award on to!.....

Tracy....Rhonda....Tonya....Holly....Carol....& Carol....Kim...Rue...Jill....A-M.....You all have amazing blogs I love to visit regularly!...Thank you for being my friends!......Heidi XO

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"Monday Morning" ...& Lots To Do!

It is very early Monday morning....I am up & ready to start my day!...Lots to do!...After a bit of blogging & checking e-mails, you will be able to find me on the treadmill,... followed up by the pool....I have been continuing my quest for a healthier lifestyle, & even though perfection has not been reached, my commitment to eating better & exercising is proving to get results....as of this morning I have lost 8 lbs......& I am feeling fabulous already!!!...I have a long road ahead, but one step at a time & a good attitude can work wonders!

Today will also find me finishing up with the cleaning & organizing of my "dining room" ...& then an afternoon of sewing, sewing & more sewing...As well as a quick trip to the post office to mail a few packages...one to Jill, Katy & Carol....the three winners of my recent giveaway!!

I also have been very busy designing & creating some charming "Christmas items " for my etsy shop (heididevlin.etsy.com) & will be posting them later today! I know the holidays seems ages away, but I thought for those of you who wish to plan a bit ahead, it would be perfect timing!..."Quilted Table Runners" & "ornaments" will be posted in a few hours, with "stockings" & "tree skirts" coming later in the week!...And always remember I love doing custom orders, so contact me if you are interested.

And finally this morning I want to say a huge "Thank You" to all of you who have come by & signed up for my "VERY VINTAGE HALLOWEEN SWAP"!!!!...I have simply been "thrilled" & completely "overwhelmed" with your response!!!...Remember you are all welcome to add the button I have on the right side of my blog & display it on your site...& please let anyone you think might be intersted know about it!!.....You have till August 25th to sign up,.......so please know I would delight in having you participate! .......Hope to hear from you soon!.....Heidi XO

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