Announcing my "VERY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS SWAP"!

Good Evening Friends....I hope this post finds you all doing well!....As many of you know, during these last few weeks, I hosted my very first swap...the "Very Vintage Halloween Swap"! It was an absolutely wonderful experience!...I never dreamed I would have so many of you join me!...& in joining me, many of you went from being acquaintances to very good friends!....I cannot thank you enough!....
So this brings me to my post this evening.....I had such an amazing time with this last swap that I want to announce the second in my "vintage" series....my "Very Vintage Christmas Swap"!.....I am always so attracted to a "vintage-feel" in my own decorating & design, & I think many of you enjoy it too!.... the idea of "vintage & Christmas" conjures up all sorts of charmingly delightful images!!!...and so in the "spirit of vintage" we proceed forth into the season of gifting giving & swaps!.....

I so hope that all of you will want to join me again!...and if you have not been involved yet in a swap, I invite you to participate in this one!...I'm sure you will be thrilled you did! So friends, here is all the information you will need.....Hope to hear from you all very soon!........Love, Heidi XO

Leave a comment on this blog only, letting me know you would like to participate in the swap. Then email me immediately at heididevlin@gmail.com , sending in the following form completely filled out so that I have your information.

Name:

Mailing Address:

Email Address:

Blog:

Would you be willing to swap with an international partner?:

Decorating style (vintage, modern, country, primitive, glam, funky etc!):

Personal Style: ( example: the way you like to dress yourself...casual?... sporty?....feminine?....classic?):

Favorite holiday colors:

Any likes/dislikes (ie. anything you especially love or collect versus things you dislike):

Favorite magazines:

Favorite candle scents:

Anything else that would be helpful to your partner:

After you have emailed me the filled out form, I will email you back a confirmation, letting you know that I have you down for the swap. Make sure you receive an email back from me.. if you don't receive a confirmation within a day or two, email me again so that I don't miss anyone who wants to be involved! I will leave the swap open for signing up until November 1st, and then will assign partners to each of you on November 3rd. The boxes should be sent by December 1st, so that everyone can enjoy their lovely holiday surprises!.....Thanks again for your interest!

Feel free to use this graphic and add it as a button to your blogs, or post about the swap!!

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"Snowflakes & Sparkles" Christmas Swap....hosted by my daughter "mommy holly"....

Many of you already know that my oldest daughter Holly has a lovely blog,... "mommy holly"! Lately both of us have been involved in some of the most delightful swaps!....So now Holly has decided to host one of her very own!...."SNOWFLAKES & SPARKLES CHRISTMAS SWAP"!.....Holly is so organized & oh so talented!...of course I am just a tad biased, since she is afterall my "firstborn"! :)...Seriously though, hosting a Christmas swap is right up her alley!...Please visit her blog for all the details!...We are all in for quite a treat!.......

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"The Simple Woman's Daybook"......

For Today...

Outside my Window....I'm writing this post on Sunday evening, since I am planning on getting up very early & heading straight to my sewing room, to spend the morning finishing some sewing for a client's nursery.....It is late, my husband has gone to bed,...the desk lamp & the computer screen are the only sources of light as I type....& outside the window a frog is seranding me, along with the ticking of the wall clock.....

I am thinking...I am thinking that I am a huge procrastinator....I have many projects for client's , as well as things I want to do around here, in & out of the house, but haven't touched any of them in the last few days?....Instead, have done a fair share of running around,...Target, Barnes & Noble, Starbucks, lots of trips to Michaels, etc....fun has been had, but work has been ignored....

I am thankful for....my "husband"....a man that can make me crazy mad one minute , & then make me laugh the next?....We agree on all the big issues, but find ourselves debating some of the most trivial things!....example: "purses"....he cannot understand why a woman needs more than one?......I on the otherhand feel there is no such thing as "too many"....I obviously am right...

From the kitchen...It's very quiet.....

I am wearing...jeans & a t-shirt, barefeet......& very special "bracelet",... a silver, glittered pipe-stem-cleaner wound aroung my wrist, by my 4 year old grandson Andrew, earlier today.... He was spending the day with his dad & said it was something to remind me of him!...What "treasures" tiny boys are to their grannies!

I am reading...As soon as I get to bed, I will be reading a bit in "Twilight"....very good by the way!....may involve a family of vampires, but one of the best "love stories" you will ever read!

I am hoping...to start exercising again tomorrow!!!!.....Watching the "Biggest Loser" inspires me to get back on the bandwagon!

I am creating..A pile of Fall recipes shared a couple days ago in my "recipe exchange"...Oh they sound delicious!...thank you friends!

I am hearing...The "sprinklers",...They just came on.... such a pretty sound....

Around the house...Everyone has gone to bed.....& all our dogs & cats are also sprawled on couches, chairs & rugs....sound asleep, some snoring....:)

One of my favorite things...Is this time of night,... quiet, serene & all mine.....

A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...sewing, sewing sewing.....household tasks.....trying out those new recipes.....& EXERCISING!!!...and watching "Dancing With the Stars"!.....and I almost forgot!...Wednesday, October 1st,... I will be posting about & kicking off my "VERY VINTAGE CHRISTMAS SWAP"!!!.....

Here is a picture I am sharing with you..... I borrowed this photo from one of my favorite blogs, "this is glamorous". It beautifully captures a back hallway, where the family's outdoor shoes are kept....among them "dear wellies", the most useful & my all-time favorite boot!! ....I love this photograph, since it so perfectly depicts the "everyday" & the"ordinary".....where life's beauty truly shines through......

Isn't this photo just the most charming!!....the "glorious color" & the "humble footwear"....just makes me happy!.....Make your week a memorable one!......Heidi XO

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OUR "AUTUMN RECIPE & TABLESCAPE EXCHANGE".....

A few weeks ago, I had the idea of exchanging Autumn "recipes", since I was in dire need of a few new ideas!...& then I went one step further & thought how wonderful it would be add photos of our own lovely Fall "tablescapes" as well! So I told you all about my idea, asking those interested to please post photos of their own pretty tablesettings, along with a favorite "cool weather" recipe. I was so pleased to have so many of you want to join me! So today is that day,......the "Autumn Recipe & Tablescape Exchange"!

For my own contribution, I decided to set a cozy,... somewhat "everyday" placesetting.....I used one of my own quilts (heididevlin.etsy.com) to start with, which I love doing since quilts "soften & quiet" a table. I then added a combination of brown transferware, adding a "bit of color", with some wonderful orange plates I picked up at Anthropologie,... which have a very "vintage-y" appearance. Everything on this table of mine, is just random,... "bits & pieces". Inexpensive "glass candlesticks" with IKEA tapers.....An old tarnished silver "trophy cup" filled with "tangerine-colored roses"......My "cake plate", another piece of garage-sale "silver", topped off with a "glass dome" covering a funny little "pumpkin", & a "scattering of acorns" from our property back east. I also love to always add a small candle next to each placesetting, which when lit adds such an intimate feel to your table....Here it was done, by simply adding a tiny taper to a small juice glass, filled with flax seeds.

For me, a "charming table" is achieved by using lots of "textures",... along with the mixing of interesting "color combinations & patterns"! It's using the "everyday pieces" we all have,... just arranging them in new & different ways, that make a table come to life!

And in amongst your flowers, dishes & silverware,... be sure & add something "homemade"! Of course here, I have used my quilt,... but I also have added "napkins" that are actually "flour-sack" towels, that I have stamped with a "monogram & small acorn", which lends a somewhat elegant, yet earthy feel to the placesetting...which I love!

And since I am on the subject of my "stamped monogram napkins", ....It brings me to my next announcement. I promised, for all of you that participated today in my "Autumn Recipe & Tablescape Exchange" that I would add your names to a drawing for a set of these lovely napkins!...Well the lucky winner is Elise @ "Nest Sweet Nest"!! Congratulations, Elise!...& would you please e-mail me (heididevlin@gmail.com) the "letter" you would like me to use on your napkins, & I will make them up, & send them right out for you to enjoy!

Now for the "recipe" part of this exchange!...I am sharing the recipe for Ina Garten's, "Pumpkin-Banana Tart"! It is "simply divine"!!! You must make it!.... One of the lovliest desserts you will ever serve at this time of year!!!....

Ingredients
For the crust:
2 cups graham cracker crumbs (14 crackers)
1/3 cup sugar
1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 pound (1 stick) unsalted butter, melted
For the filling:
1/2 cup half-and-half
1 (15-ounce) can pumpkin puree
1 cup light brown sugar, lightly packed
3/4 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon ground nutmeg
3 extra-large egg yolks
1 package (2 teaspoons) unflavored gelatin
1 ripe banana, finely mashed
1 teaspoon grated orange zest
1/2 cup cold heavy cream
2 tablespoons sugar
For the decoration:
1 cup (1/2 pint) cold heavy cream
1/4 cup sugar
1/2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
Orange zest, optional
Directions
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Combine the graham cracker crumbs, sugar, cinnamon, and melted butter in a bowl and mix well. Pour into an 11-inch tart pan with a removable bottom and press evenly into the sides and then the bottom. Bake for 10 minutes and then cool to room temperature.
For the filling, heat the half-and-half, pumpkin, brown sugar, salt, cinnamon, and nutmeg in a heat-proof bowl set over a pan of simmering water until hot, about 5 minutes. Whisk the egg yolks in another bowl, stir some of the hot pumpkin into the egg yolks to heat them, then pour the egg-pumpkin mixture back into the double boiler and stir well. Heat the mixture over the simmering water for another 4 to 5 minutes, until it begins to thicken, stirring constantly. You don't want the eggs to scramble. Remove from the heat.
Dissolve the gelatin in 1/4 cup cold water. Add the dissolved gelatin, banana, and orange zest to the pumpkin mixture and mix well. Set aside to cool.
Whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with a whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and continue to whisk until you have firm peaks. Carefully fold the whipped cream into the pumpkin mixture and pour it into the cooled tart shell. Chill for 2 hours or overnight.
For the decoration, whip the heavy cream in the bowl of an electric mixer fitted with the whisk attachment until soft peaks form. Add the sugar and vanilla and continue to whisk until you have firm peaks. Pipe or spoon the whipped cream decoratively on the tart and sprinkle, if desired, with orange zest. Serve chilled.

*As promised, I have listed all of today's participants!.....Thank you so very much, for being so generous with your time, ideas & recipes!!....I now am off to visit each of you!...Thank you again for being such good friends! .....Heidi XO
1) Jan @ Jan & Tom's Place
2) Dana @ The Stone Rabbit
3) Lori @ Morning Glories & MoonFlowers
4) Molly @ Fattycake Designs
5) JoAnne @ Sunflower Meadows
6) Denise @ Polka Dot Moon
7) Missy @ Fairy Child Heirlooms
8) Holly @ mommy holly
9) Sherry @ If I Could Free My Soul
10) Deb @ Linens, Lace & Latte's
11) Molly @ molly b
12) Barbara @ Candy Hearts and Paper Flowers...The Art of Homemaking
13) Denise Elizabeth @ Hope Tree Studio
14) Lynn @ Vintage Nest
15) Rhonda @ Scooterblu's Whimsy
16) Tricia @ Tricia's Treasures
17) Katy Lin @ The Great Adventure
18) Elise @ Nest Sweet Nest
19) Valerie @ All The Queen's Chocolate
20) Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound
21) Carol @ Katherine's Dream
22) Mona @ Peace and Quilts
23) Becky @ Lace and Lures
24) Chris @Refining Life
24) Patti @ Creative Cottage Dreamer
25) Gretchen @ Bird Nest Cottage
26) Elizabeth @ French Village Life
27) Tamy @ 3 Sides of Crazy
28) Jennifer @ Jennifer's Petal Palace
29) Kathy @ Kat Collects
30) Kimberly @ Seashells and Silver
31) Linda @ LBP Sew
32) Sue @ Cottage in the Cedars

33) Ginger @ maumauisginger@gmail.com
34) Elizabeth @ doot65@comcast.net
35) Carla @ cpullen@yahoo.com

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Cruising On Over To..... "PINK SATURDAY"

Happy "PINK SATURDAY" to you all!......I am so excited to post today!...As you all know, I love posting beautiful "pink" photographs,.... but today, I think I may have found the most perfect picture for this autumnal "Pink Saturday".....A beautiful vintage "pink" car, sprinkled & surrounded with lovely "fall leaves"!! Isn't it just the best example of "Pink in September"!...And as always,... a special "thank you" to Beverly @ "HowSweet The Sound" for being our charming hostess!....Off now to visit you all!.....Wishing you all the "pinkest Saturday ever"!.......Heidi XO

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Autumn.......

Good Morning, As most of you know I live in Southern California. For the most part, it is a very nice place to be....However, when "Autumn" arrives, the changes are very "subtle" to say the least. Yes, the nights are getting cooler, the "light" is a bit weaker & even a few leaves are changing color,.... but compared to the rest of the country, "Autumn" is not quite the exuberant display of colorful fall leaves, crisp temperatures, or a time when wooly sweaters are yet needed....In fact yesterday it was dry, sunny & hovering near 100 degress!?....Not my idea of Fall!

You could argue that "Autumn" is more of a state of mind" than a season I guess, and that is definitely the way I choose to see it. I have been blessed with a very "vivid imagination"....which I choose to put to great use at this time of year! :)....This is how it goes....

In "my mind's eye",..... Fall here at my house is glorious!!....The turning leaves are creating "brilliant canopies" overhead!.......& I can hear the "rustle of fallen leaves" underfoot!.....It is far too chilly to leave home without a "wooly sweater" & my "finger-less" ragwool gloves are being put to great use when raking up all the colorful piles of leaves!....."Cool-weather" is also inspiring me to create "slow-cooking, hearty soups", along with "seasonal pies & tarts".....and oh!, that cup of "warm apple cider" on a chilly autumn day tastes so delicious while relaxing on the porch, draped with an old quilt!
So even though, it may look & feel a bit more like "summer" here in So. Cal.....with the help of September magazines, all these gorgeous photographs (thank you flick.r!) & my over-active imagination.....I will be just fine!.... In fact, better than fine!.....I am decorating, cooking & immersing myself in Autumn & all it has to offer,.... hot weather or not!

The "motto" here is not to allow yourself to "wallow" in what you don't have, but create the "environment" in which you wish to be!....For me, it is in these photographs!.....All my senses have been inspired!, so now with the help of a bit of "imaging",... my Autumn is looking to be the best ever!......Enjoy yours!........Heidi XO

Note: Attention to any of you who have joined my "Recipe & Tablesetting Exchange"....A few of you have not left your "blog address".....or "e-mail address"....I must have one or the other in order for you to participate.....Here are the ladies that need to contact me....Anita & Dianne ...Thank you!

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Heidi's "Recipe and Tablesetting Exchange"...& GIVEAWAY!

1-Start arranging your lovliest centerpieces!.....

I just wanted to remind you all that my "Recipe and Tablesetting Exchange "is coming up quickly!....There is still a couple days to join in!.....We will be sharing delicious Fall recipes & beautiful Autumn tablesetting ideas! How wonderful is that!....I for one cannot wait!....Here's all the "how-to's"!!!!

If you are interested in joining me,...leave me a comment (& your blog address),....anytime between now & Thursday, September 25th.....Then on Saturday, September 27th, ....I will post not only one of my favorite Fall recipes, but also a photo of my dining room table all dressed for Autumn!.....& you all are invited to do the same!...I will also list ( & link) all the participating blogs, so we can visit each other,... collecting "recipes & decorating ideas" for the most delicious food & most beautiful Fall tables ever!.....I so hope you will join me! What a Saturday it will be!

2- Open those china cabinets & decide which dishes to use....

Note: And as an special treat,... a small "giveaway".... I will be drawing one name to receive 4 of my "monogrammed-stenciled napkins",.... custom-made for the winner! Hope to see you all on September 27th! ......Heidi XO
3- And decide which of your most delectible recipes you are going to share!.... Come on & join me ladies!!! What a great start to this glorious season!......

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"The Simple Woman's Daybook"......

Today I am participating in "The Simple Woman's Daybook". It is an idea thought up by Peggy @ "The Simple Woman".....Thank you, Peggy! I love to go to all the others ladies blogs, to see what each of them are up to today & this week!.....Visit Peggy for a list of all who are joining her today!........

For Today...

* Outside my window.....The air is so cool, & thick with mist this morning,.... that I am imagining I live deep within the English Countryside!

* I am thinking.....about all the things I want to accomplish today!

* I am VERY THANKFUL for.....the obvious,.... "family, home, & health".......

* From the kitchen..Just now my youngest daughter Mallory is making up a batch of "Malto-Meal"!...I had not thought of it in years! Then for some reason we were chatting about what I grew up on "breakfast-wise", with my girls & "Malto-Meal" came up?...So while shopping the other day, I indeed found it & bought it!...We are all trying to eat better, so this morning Mallory was making some for herself before she left for another day of school ( she is an art major at San Diego State University).....& guess what?..She liked it!!! Healthy eating may have a chance in our house!!!.....Later today however, a very large batch of "oatmeal cookies" will be giving our home a delicious aroma!

* I am wearing....."black yoga pants & a black t-shirt"....& barefeet.......haven't quite gotten to the "getting dressed" part of my day!

* I am reading..."Twilight" by Stephenie Meyer....Since both my daughters, many of my blogger friends & the entire world is chatting about this series, I decided I too would see for myself!..I'll keep you posted! :)

* I am hoping...for a enjoyably productive week!....organizing "quilt" projects, sewing "Christmas treeshirts/stocking" for clients & planting the Fall garden.....

* I am creating....some adorably sweet items for my 2nd etsy shop "babypeople"....which I want to add soon!...winter flannel blankets, diaper bags & pillows.....

* I am hearing...the "morning financial news" on Fox.....I am in my husband's office making this post, while he too is working at the other end of the room!

* Around the house...It is still very quiet. Our three large dogs are asleep at our feet,.... I hear a few stirrings upstairs by my daughter & grandson.....the wonderful smell of coffee has found it's way from the kitchen to the office.....and a few little birds outside are welcoming a new day!

* One of my favorite things...The crispness of "Autumn"....I love this season!!!...want to enjoy each & every minute of it!

* A Few Plans For The Rest Of The Week...Lots of lovely household/garden chores, readying the house for "Fall"!.....Also looking forward to dinner at my dear friend Tere's house on Friday night!...A group of my friend's get together every month to share dinner & chat!...I am so looking forward to it!

*Here is...A photograph of a bit of my living room & staircase....See all the quilts?...They are all coming down today. They each need a good washing & then will go back, adding such "pretty coziness" to our home!...Wishes are being sent to each of you for a happy week!......Heidi XO

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"Very Vintage Halloween Swap"....update for participants!

Hi Ladies, I hope you all are doing well!.....This is a gentle reminder that tomorrow, September 22nd is here...the day that all your lovely, & much anticipated "swap boxes" are to be sent to your partners!....I hope you all have enjoyed making up these "Very Vintage Boxes", as much as I have thoroughly enjoyed meeting each of you & organizing this "swap"!....
And remember also, that on October 8th I will have a list of particiapnts & links to everyone's blogs so we all can visit them and see what each other sent and received!! Also, if you want to post photos of your swap gifts, I have created a Flickr group to post photos to.... especially for those without blogs, this will be fun to peek at other swap gifts!! The link to the Flickr group is http://www.flickr.com/groups/halloweenswap and you can join the group there... and start posting photos of your boxes as soon as your recieve them!! If you have any problems refer to my post...."Flickr Info. for Halloween Swap"..... Email me if you have any questions! Thank you again for joining me!!.......Your friend, Heidi XO
P.S. Be sure & watch for information about my upcoming "Christmas Swap", which I will be posting about on October 1st!

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Autumn Sunday........

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it,
and if I were a bird I would fly about the earth seeking the successive autumns." - George Eliot

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DWELLINGS of "PINK"......

This "pink house".....a "charming beauty", nestled beside the English shore.....

"Happy Pink Saturday" to you all!.....& thank you to our hostess Beverly @ "How Sweet The Sound".....As most of you know, if you read my blog, I LOVE "houses"!....So today in order to pay tribute to the color pink, I am showing off a few very pretty, "pink" houses!

"Pink Stucco" & a Thatched Roof.....I could move right on in!

A house that resembles a little girl's "party frock"!.... ruffly, pretty & "pink"!.....

Another "fairytale" home!..... "enchantingly pink"!........ Now off to visit all you "Pink Saturday" ladies!.....& wishing you all a very pleasant weekend......Your Friend, Heidi XO

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Flickr Info for Halloween Swap!!

For those of you who are involved in my Very Vintage Halloween Swap, I have the Flickr information for you!! If you want to post photos onto the Flickr group, follow this link and then click "join group"! Then you can begin posting your photos! Thanks, Heidi

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HONEST FREE SPEECH........

It is Thursday night, & to tell you the truth I am just not sure where to start? I am a true believer that we all are entitled to our personal opinions, politically & otherwise.... & should feel free to voice them in a respectful way. When it comes to the presidential election the same is true. Most of us are reading about, watching news programs & debating issues trying to get all the facts,... in order to make an educated decision about who should lead our country. It is no secret, that for years the media has had a liberal voice....but in the last few weeks it has become ludicrous!....Does the media really think we are that stupid?....Do they think we don't notice the "slanted" way they report the news....& how absurd some of these interviews are conducted.
Just last weekend, Charlie Gibson of "ABC news" was asking questions of Gov. Sarah Palin. As the interview began I hardly reconized Mr Gibson?...Who was this man?....I know there is a difference in their heights, but please, the camera protrayed Gibson as hovering over Palin, almost scolding her!...and his voice?...I watched Good Morning America for years & have NEVER heard the tone he took on that evening? Someone mentioned he looked like a school principal reprimanding a student, which I feel was a perfect description of this exchange.....And some of the material he had the nerve to bring up?...The "Bush Doctrine"????....There is no such thing!? Shame on you Mr. Gibson!
Then going on to "The View",.... the daytime "coffee-clatch" of 5 of the most annoying ladies ever assembled on television. A few weeks ago the group had on Sen. Barack Obama. It was a very cordial visit,....with the ladies drilling him with "hard-hitting" questions about "whether it was true or not if he was indeed related to Brad Pit"?...or Barbara Walters, ...maybe one of the most biased women ever, almost drooling, as she brought up how "sexy" they all felt Mr. Obama was!?
And then to be "fair", this last week we watched as Sen. John McCain & his wife Cindy came for a chat. Almost from the get-go, it was an attack!....Miss Walters, sporting a sour attitude & talking so loudly, Mr. McCain could hardly answer the questions?....Followed by, her sarcastically asking Mrs. McCain about the number of homes their family has????.... Who the hell cares, Barbara!???
This kind of unfairness by the media is just inexcuseable to me!....To the media,...don't even try to pretend you are treating the candidates the same!.....And Miss Walters claims to be such an important "news woman"?.....
And tonight, listening for a while to Larry King on CNN....After 45 minutes, my husband shook his head & made the comment that not one positve or correct thing had been said about the Republicans in all that time?....not one!
Then as the final straw tonight, my daughter Mallory came home with an interesting story. Mallory is a senior at San Diego State University, working toward a degree in Applied Art. I have two college age daughters, who both have had classes where the liberal agenda was voiced loud & clear!....& even though my husband & I have always encouraged them to speak their mind, they very rarely have in the overwelmingly Democratic environment of a college campus.
However, today was a bit different.Today in Mallory's "sculpure class", each student had to present their individual project to the class. Each person took their turn, until it was the turn of one young man in the class. This student stood tall, showing his "scupture" to the others. It consisted of a suitcase of blood-stained money, fake guns & the pictures of Bush & McCain with slashes across their faces. He went on to verbally explain his project saying our country is run by a "sociopath",... that he HATES Sarah Palin & all she stands for! My daughter said that she was sitting right next to this young man & was feeling a bit uncomfortable. As he reached the final explantion of his "artwork", the class started cheering & saying how wonderful it all was!....And, then one of the students, an older woman in her 50's stood to speak,...She told the young man that she couldn't agree more with his viewpoints & was proud of him!.....My daughter couldn't believe it?.....Then the teacher also stood to sing his praises, mentioning how it was too bad that no one with an opposing viewpoint was in the class......My Mallory spoke, raising her hand. She told the teacher she was the "opposing viewpoint"!...She explained that she looked at the young man & told him that he presented his viewpoint very well, that his project showed exactly his feelings about his government......And then she also went on to say, that she is a Conservative & one that likes Bush, McCain & Palin....& how deeply she is offended by his project, & went on to explain her feelings. Mallory then said the room went completely quiet, including the young man. The teacher went on to excuse the class......I don't know if I have ever been as proud of my daughter!.....
I guess what I am trying to say with this lengthy post, is this. Question what you hear from the "American Media".....research ideas & viewpoints yourself, don't rely totally on what you hear on your favorite shows or from celebrities or celebrity interviewers. Most of these folks have an agenda they want passed, which may or may not be the best one for you. And then, after deciding what is right for you, treat all sides fairly & with respect......This is America where we have the right to "free speech"....just make sure that what you say is "Honest Free Speech".

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Lace Curtains........

Charming, charming, charming.......

There is an obsession I have had for some time......I abslolutely LOVE "lace curtains"! Not fancy drapes or elaborate window dressings...but instead, very simple panels of lace. I adore their "intricate patterns"..... patterns that allow just enough light to filter through, to create "shadowy etchings" across a room. I'm also fascinated by the fact, that even the most humble window, can reach "fairytale status" when a bit of lace is peeking out from behind it's paines. Let us not be caught up in the infinite choices of "drapery design"......Instead, just look to the sheer lovliness of an "old piece of lace"......There you will find the perfect answer.....for any window wishing to turn a head......

Old stucco & sweet lace.......
True "classics".....blue, white & lace......

The "juxtaposition" of the "rough wood" & "pristine lace" is simply magnificant!

Note: Be sure & join me for my giveaway!....For all the information just push the "Recipes & Tablescapes" button at the top of my page.....Would be delighted to have you!

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A Great Teacher....Martha Stewart

Martha choosing a new chow puppy.....

Good Morning....It is September 15th.....The fourth season of the "Martha Stewart Show" starts today!...& I am so excited!....Another year of wonderful ideas, from the woman who has elevated "homemaking" to an art form!....I was in my late twenties when I first became aware of Martha Stewart. I was on vacation in Palm Springs, my husband was playing golf,... & I was shopping. I was browsing through a bookstore, when I noticed a book titled "Entertaining". It was a big & beautiful....& was written by a woman who shared all my same interests,... home, cooking, decorating & of course entertaining!...I remember not being able to put it down, so instead I bought it, $50!!!..... And from that afternoon on,... the author of that book, Martha Stewart, would be a huge influence on my life!.....

Martha & her amazing sewing & craft room.....

Over the years, I have watched her videos, bought her magazine & every book she has written. I remember when her show came on once a week on Sunday afternoons...I taped & watched each one, learning more & more about keeping a home, starting a garden & even frosting the perfect sugar cookie! If Martha did it, I would too!!!.....And then came her daily television show,... I know you all remember the ones that were taped at her beloved Turkey Hill home & property. At my house her show came on fairly early in the morning, so after getting my girls to school & taking my daily walk, I would come home to a cup of coffee & Martha!....Her show was usually followed by a call from my friend Carol, who was already off to the grocery to pick up whatever ingredients she needed in order to prepare the dish Martha had just taught us!

Martha surrounded by vegetables....

I'm sure many of you, have some of these same memories....We listened, we learned & we tried projects & recipes & techniques, that never would have occured to us if it hadn't been for Martha!....I have to admit, again like many of you, that I can now say I have become a fairly efficient homemaker..... I feel comfortable in the kitchen, & can entertain with the best of them, .....I can confidently plant a vegetable garden, paint furniture & even cover every inch of the Christmas tree with tiny white lights.... without any cord showing!....Martha was & continues to be an inspirational teacher,..... & I look forward to continuing my education. Later today, my school year begins again.....I am so looking forward to seeing what this talented lady has in store for us this season!......Join me & we'll find out together! Happy viewing!

Note #1: I have included Martha's recipe for "Apple Pie with Cheddar Crust".....one that is new to me too!.....but not for long...Am going to bake one up this afternoon! Makes one 10-inch pie
Cheddar Crust
1 1/2 pounds (about 3) Granny Smith apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch-thick wedges
2 pounds (about 5) Cortland apples, peeled, cored, and cut into 1/4-inch thick wedges
1 cup sugar
1/2 cup all-purpose flour
2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice
3/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/4 teaspoon freshly grated nutmeg
1/4 teaspoon salt
1/8 teaspoon ground cloves
2 tablespoons unsalted butter, cut into small pieces
1 large egg, beaten
Directions
Preheat oven to 450 degrees. Divide dough into two pieces. On a lightly floured work surface, roll out each to a 13-inch circle.
Fit one circle into a 10-inch pie plate; transfer plate to a baking sheet. Put other circle on another baking sheet. Refrigerate dough until cold, at least 30 minutes.
Stir together apples, sugar, flour, lemon juice, cinnamon, nutmeg, salt, and cloves. Spoon into bottom pie crust. Dot filling with butter. Cover with top crust. Fold edges over; crimp decoratively to seal. Cut a steam vent. Chill in freezer until firm, about 30 minutes.
Brush with egg. Bake pie 10 minutes. Reduce oven temperature to 350 degrees.bake until golden brown, about 45 minutes. Tent with foil; bake until juices are bubbling, about 45 minutes more. Let cool at least 1 1/2 hours before serving

Note #2: I also thought I would include the instructions for Martha's sweet little Halloween "candy boxes".....so easy, so cute!

Candy Box How-ToUsing heavyweight paper, download template and print.
1. Using a straightedge and a craft knife, cut out template. Cut slits along solid white lines; crease along dotted lines using template as a guide. Make holes at white dots using a 1/8-inch hole punch.
2. Form template into box. Using a glue stick, adhere bottom and side flaps in place, leaving top open. Fill box with candy of your choice.
3. Cut an 8-inch length of 1/4-inch-wide ribbon, and knot ends to form a loop. Thread looped end up through top flap without the tab, and then up through top flap with the tab. To close box, tuck tab into slit at top of box.
First Published: October 2007

Note #3: Please remember to join me in my "Recipe and Tablesetting Exchange"!!.....Just click the button at the top of the page for more information!....Lots of ideas & recipes to be had!

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Recipes, Tablesettings and a "Giveaway".....Sign up now!

Hi Friends, Hope you are all doing well.... & enjoying this month of September!....Yesterday morning, I was sitting at my kitchen table trying to plan what to prepare for dinner?....After looking through a few cookbooks, and still not being terribly inspired, ....I thought it might be time for another recipe exchange!...this time an "Autumn Recipe Exchange"! I had one at the beginning of Summer, & I was so pleased to receive so many incredible warm-weather recipes!...So now I need your help again!!! I am looking for delicious, Fall recipes of all kinds,....main dishes, side dishes, salads & desserts!....And along with wanting to cook a few new dishes...I am also interested in setting some lovely Autumn-inspired tables! You know what I mean....mixing in some darker-patterned plates that speak of the season,...maybe pulling out the "cloth napkins" that are again a bit more "fallish & textural".... & making a few arrangements from flowers, berries & fruits that are only around at this time of the year! That's right! I am asking you for your favorite Fall recipes, along "Autumnal Tablesettings"!

What I was thinking was this.....If you are interested in joining me,...leave me a comment (& your blog address),....anytime between now & Thursday, September 25th.....Then on Saturday, September 27th, ....I will post not only one of my favorite Fall recipes, but also a photo of my dining room table all dressed for Autumn!.....& you all are invited to do the same!...I will also list ( & link) all the participating blogs, so we can visit each other,... collecting "recipes & decorating ideas" for the most delicious food & most beautiful Fall tables ever!.....I so hope you will join me! What a Saturday it will be!
P.S. And as an special treat,... a small "giveaway".... I will be drawing one name to receive 4 of my "monogrammed-stenciled napkins",.... custom-made for the winner! Hope to see you all on September 27th! ......Heidi XO

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"URBAN COUNTRY" in Autumn.....

Perfect example of "Urban Country"....fabulous pieces of "history", set against this stark white wall.....

Hi Friends, It is September 9th, ...a very hot, dry day. Not exactly the kind of day I envision when we think & speak of "Autumn". I have been admiring & thoroughly enjoying all the Fall decorating of so many of my blogging friends,....however the idea of setting out orange pumpkins & brilliant Fall foliage, just doesn't seem quite right here at my house. Last year I thoroughly loved adding "orange" everywhere,...pumpkins of all sizes,... leaves,... mums & roses of the most amazing shade of dusty tangerine"!....However, this year it's all about a very neutral, quiet palette, which I think will work very well in my house. I am very into the "Urban Country" look,... of the comfortable aspects of country (pillows, quilts, soft rugs & upholstery), being combined with clean, uncluttered & almost contemporary pieces. The two styles combined, make for the most appealing look, one that speaks of our "heritage", but in a very fresh way!....So when it comes to Autumn decorating, I would like to continue in the same vein, simple & stark, but interesting!.....I would like to use "white pumkins" this year, along with bare branches adorned with just a few dark brown leaves barely hanging on. I would like to fill urns & baskets with huge arrangements of chocolate "mums", with creamy "hydtrangeas" spilling forth from old beige earthware crocks...& "acorns" scattered over bookcase & cabinets surfaces. And as a final touch,... use old, "cloches", to draw attention to small "autumn still-lifes"... made all the more important by being displayed under glass. This is the "vision" I have for Fall this year...."Urban Country" tweeked by Autumn's arrival......

A trio of Early American ladderback chairs,...with a clock that's lines speak of "mid-century" design. " .......

And in my house, "American Country" handicrafts, "quilts & ragballs", & "antique wood boxes".... & then the addition of very contemporary barrel lampshades!.....All work together beautifully!

My entryway....A very old Mexican bench, piled high with the softness of quilts & pillows!

"Urban Country Design" at it's best!....clean simple lines, with interesting old pieces that soften the edges & add richness to the room!.....

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"September Recipes".....

Delicious autumn! My very soul is wedded to it!.....Goerge Eliot

Today is Sunday.....The first September Sunday of 2008.....It is close to 100 degrees here at our house, but I am working on Halloween swap boxes,... doing a bit of cooking... & quite contently pretending it is a lovely Autumn day, with crisp, cool temps. & leaves a falling. I am quite tardy with the posting of recipes, so I thought I would rectify that with this post! I am sharing two amazing recipes, both of which are especially good at this time of year! The first is a recipe I was given by my good friend Linda... She lives in the tiniest of villages back east, in a big old house & is quite the cook! This cake she shared one day when a group of us were getting together at my house to quilt. It is "German Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Icing" & is simply delectable!.....The other is a Gooseberry Patch recipe, for "corn pudding" that I have made dozens of times over the last several years. This corn pudding is something that can be made at this time of year to accompany turkey or beef, but also works well along side mexican dishes as well!.....Try them for yourself....I'm sure they will become "family favorites" at your house too!

Gooseberry Patch Corn Pudding:

16 oz. can corn, drained
16 oz. can creamed corn
2 eggs, beaten
8 oz. pkg. corn muffin mix
1/2 c. butter, melted
1 c. cheddar cheese
Mix all ingredients together except the cheese. Pour into greased dish (13" x 9"), bake at 350 degrees for 15 minutes, Sprinkle with cheese and bake 15 minutes longer, makes 6 servings.

German Apple Cake with Cream Cheese Icing:

1 1/4 cup olive oil
3 well-beaten eggs
2 cups sugar
2 tsp. vanilla
3 cups flour
2 tsp. baking soda
1 tsp. salt
3 cups chopped apples
Mix beaten egg, oil, sugar, & vanilla. Add dry ingredients to mixture. Batter will be thick. Add apples. Bake at 350 degrees for about an hour in greased 9" x 13" pan.

Cream Cheese Icing
6 oz. cream cheese,... room temp.
1/4 cup, melted
1 3/4 cup confectioner's sugar
1 tsp. lemon juice
Beat cream cheese until fluffy. Beat in butter. Stir in confectioner's sugar & lemon juice. Spread over cooled cake.

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"Holly Doodle Designs"....Simply Exquisite!....

A tiny velvet "berry" adrift in a sea of buttons.....

It's the first "Pink Saturday" of September...After taking a little break, I am so happy to be joining you all again!....Beverly of "How Sweet The Sound" is our hostess & how the list of participants has grown! A sincere congratulations to you Beverly, on having the "vision" of bringing ladies together with the simple idea of "posting pink"!

Could a nest get any prettier!.....

My contribution today is the incredible work of Holly Abston @ "Holly Doodle Designs"....I thought nothing could be more appropriate for "Pink Saturday", than her charming little "pieces of whimsy"! I had been on "flickr" looking at a variety of photos, when I came across her enchanting designs & wonderful blog!....I instantly added Holly to my list of favorites & decided right then & there that her sweet creations would be the subject of today's post!

A trio of the most exquisite "baskets"....

You should also know, that Holly & 5 of her talented friends make up "Sweet Six Studio"..... and the exciting thing is the six of them have just begun this month's "On-line Art Retreat"! You can register at "Sweet Six Studio" & pay a small fee....& then be able to have access to these incredible how-to's for some of the most adorable projects ever! I urge you to go check out what these ladies are up to!....I have no doubt, you will be thrilled you did!.... Happy Crafting! & "Happy Pink Saturday"!.......Your friend, Heidi XO

Another "wee basket" that any bird would be proud to call home....

The lovliest of "millinery flowers" lying atop cream linen....

Note: A heartfelt "thank you" to all of you generous & lovely ladies who didn't hesitate a moment to offer to take on another partner in my Halloween Swap! I cannot tell you how much I appreciate you all! Once again "Thank you"!!!......and a little heads up!....A "Christmas Swap" is in the works!!!!.....more information in a couple weeks!...Bye for now!

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