"Wishing You a Quietly Joyous New Year's Eve"......

I can hardly believe that just one week ago it was just Christmas Eve?....and now tonight, New Year's Eve?......You all know me well enough, to know there is no "crazy partying" going on at our house!.....Instead a warm fire, a good movie & a "fondue" dinner on the coffee table is more our style!.....I have tiny yukon gold potatoes roasting in the oven & a chocolate cake ready to bake.....& there are lit candles lighting up all the corners of our home. Our house is aglow & so ready to welcome in this fresh new year.

I would like to send you all wishes for a "2010" spent with a loving family, a warm home & good health.....I treasure your friendships....Love Always, Heidi XO

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"Clean Up"?.....yes?....no?

Good Morning Friends, Hmmm?.....Monday after Christmas. Are you enjoying all your holiday decorations, or are you ready to tuck them away till next year??...This is always such a debate at our house. When I was a child, my mother decorated our home maybe a week before Christmas, so we thoroughly enjoyed all our "home's holiday decorations" till New Year's Day. However, since living in Southern California, I get the urge to "clean up" a bit sooner!...And after reading many of your posts this morning, am feeling like sooner is the way to go!

But then again?....We awoke to a cloudy & very cool morning today, so all the "red baubles" & "Christmas finery" are till appearing quite charming, so I believe they all can calm down for another day. I have decided to enjoy all their loveliness for a bit longer. Maybe tomorrow?...maybe the end of the week?....Who knows?...but today I am off to light a fire & have some tea & marvel over each & every bit of "holiday" adorning our home.

Wishing you a delightfully lazy holiday week!!...Now go get cozy!.....Love, Heidi XO

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"Christmas & Pink Saturday"......

Hello Ladies of "Pink Saturday"......There is no doubt that you all have been enjoying your Christmas festivities.....just as we have here at our house!......The day began early with the opening of stockings & gifts, followed by relaxing, & a few of us indulging in an "afternoon nap".....We later welcomed extended family members for a simple dinner/dessert, along with more than a few glasses of almond champagne!......Everyone stayed well into the evening, enjoying great conversation & a warm fire. During this Christmas day I was reminded once again how very fortunate our family is....This has been a challenging year for us, but through it all, we have created an even stronger family bond than ever before.....Everyone appreciates each other & our time together.....and this night was no exception....A relaxed & truly happy holiday surrounded by the people I love most.....

Thank you Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound"for the opportunity to share our lives with each other every Saturday!.....I consider you all my extended family & cherish your friendships. May this holiday week be one to remember.......Love, Heidi XO

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"Christmas Eve".......

Dear Friends, Here at our house most of our holiday tasks are accomplished...well "most" of them! :)......Still a few cookies to bake & "delicious delectibles" to prepare...but all in all we are ready for Christmas!.....

I was sitting watching T.V. last night, enveloped with the cozy prettiness of our tiny living room!....It just seemed to "sparkle"!.....And in our kitchen, all the baking had created the loveliest of aromas drifting through the house!.....

Today, we are off to a mid-afternoon lunch at the Hotel del Coronado, & will also be checking out their amazing lobby Christmas tree which we go see each & every year!...It is huge & simply magical!......And then back home for an evening with a warm fire & Christmas movies!

I know you all have special little "goings-on's planned too....A day of moments that you will remember always!.... Christmas Eve is here.....let's now just drift along in the enchantment of this season......Wishing you all the Merriest of Christmases!....I love you all!.....Heidi XO

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"Our Christmas Tree".....

This year I am truly enjoying our Christmas tree. It is 7 feet tall & a bit skinny, not the huge tree of years past, however it is possibly the most charming tree we have ever had!.....Every year we decorate our tree with old-fashioned glass ornaments & this year is not an exception. Our collection of ornaments are simply "clustered" on every branch, creating a tree that appears encrusted with "glittery enchantment".....I just LOVE it!.....I added the first quilt I ever hand-quilted as a "tree skirt", which lends a very homemade touch to our tree! I believe our cat "Mouse" may appreciate it almost as much as I do!.....She loves to snuggle under it's branches & fall asleep!

Some of the ornaments I have had for years like this little Santa/pinecone one!....& this long "pink" ornament was given to me by my girls when they were just old enough to be allowed to shop a little on their own. They were so proud of this beautiful "bauble"!....thinking it quite chic!

Another favorite is this incredible vintage inspired ornament, all wrapped in gold mesh tinsel!.....So very sweeet!...Mixing all the colors & styles creates such a personal tree, one that is truly our own. Each time I walk past it during the day, I have to take a minute to gaze & smile, remembering the story behind each ornament......I love that our tree evokes memories of years past.... & am quite sure that this year's tree will be the subject of future remembrances....Enjoy these lovely days leading to Christmas!......Your friend, Heidi XO

"The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree is the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other."......Burton Hills

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"The Best Gift"......

During this holiday season, while we are all busy with our families, our government is busy too. Obama & the Democrats are swiftly & very quietly trying to push through their "government healthcare plan"..... hoping to get a bill passed before the politicians take off for their winter break.

I say "swiftly" because very few of these elected officials have ever even read this 2000 page program?...yet they desperately want to get this bill passed before the citizens of this country realize what is happening!..a bill that they will drastically effect us all, but not one of them will ever participate in?.....

And I say "silently" since these very same politicians, including President Obama "promised" to have "televised hearings" so all of us citizens could choose to watch so we would supposedly be informed. What happened there?!.....

In my opinion, our health care system is not perfect, but is certainly superior to any healthcare program anywhere else in the world. The Democrats & Obama would have you thinking it was the worst system ever created!.... & the only way we could improve it is to have it government run!...Are they serious? ...If that is the case, then why do sick people from all over this world flock to America to be treated, when their own country's socialized health systems do not meet their needs?

This very well could be the most serious issue facing this country!...Wake up people!!....It certainly will effect all of us adults, but the citizens who will truly be effected are the children of this country. What are we doing to them?...& to their future?......

The photo above is of my grandson, Andrew. I can only imagine how passing this "government health care bill" could change his life.....I read statistics the other day of the life expectancy of cancer survivors in countries with socialized medicine versus the U.S.....the U.S. was much higher, just as it was with many other life threatened diseases. If this bill passes will our grandchildren have shorter lives because of what we allowed our government to push through "swiftly & silently"??.....

I am asking each of you to take a few minutes between wrapping your gifts & baking cookies, to really think about what we could be doing to the future generations of this great country....to the "Andrew's" in your lives.....Maybe the "best gift" would be speaking up, contacting your representatives & voicing your opinion before it is too late!.....Afterall,... our children & grandchildren deserve the "gift of exceptional healthcare" now & in the future....a system they are free to choose, not one decided for them by our government......

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Wishing You All the Merriest of PINK SATURDAYS.....

Welcome to our 3rd "Christmas themed" PINK SATURDAY!.....This week our hostess, Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" has asked us to share one of our Christmas traditions. I think we all have many traditions that we learned as children & have now carried with us when creating our own families.....In our case, the traditions are rather small, but still special.....For example, no stocking has ever been properly filled without including one perfect "tangerine" ( leaves attached, if possible!).... as well as a tiny gold mesh bag filled with chocolate coins!....Santa made sure we had both every single year, & he has continued this tradition with our children & grandchild too.
Another tradition,... is like many of you, we always open one gift on Christmas Eve, that gift being our new Christmas "nighties"!!...Some years home-sewn & other years store bought, but none-the-less, always special!
So as in each year before & I assume for each Christmas from now on, we will continue these "tiny traditions". Precious "connections to the past,...to the present & the future"......Merry Christmas!......Heidi XO

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PINK SATURDAY..."Our Favorite Ornaments"....

This week our hostess Beverly, at "How Sweet The Sound" has asked us to write about our favorite "Christmas ornament".......Every since I was a little girl, my very favorite ornaments were the "old-fashioned glass ones". I adore everything about them!...their whimsical shapes, the variety of colors & the illuminating effect they have when clustered on the branches of our Christmas tree!.....

For a long time now, I have collected a few of these ornaments throughout each year, always drawn to the ones that are slightly "worn & imperfect"!.....I love the ones that are soft red & cream, but have a soft spot for the brighter colors as well!

I have always loved the idea that "old things" have stories to tell, they have a history not found in the newly-made....So as we decorate our tree each year, I try & imagine what some of these stories are. My imagination can't help but weave some enchanting images of Christmases past....of families like ours gathering to decorate their tree many, many years ago.

And at the same time, I realize that as "we" unpack & enjoy these "treasured glass ornaments", we are continuing the legacy of the Christmas tradition,.... one of family,.. faith & a few shiny baubles".........Happy decorating!!.....Heidi XO

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"A Day For Puttering".....

After the last few days,.... being very busy with work & shopping,.... it feels wonderful to be "home" today!....A day with the house to myself, left to "putter"! I am off to work on stenciling pillows for holiday orders,.... but in a bit will be mixing up a batch of "candy cane cookie" dough, so my grandson Andrew & I can bake cookies as soon as he is home from school!.....I am so in the mood to bake!!....Also will be adding a wreath to our door this afternoon & tweeking all my decorations throughout this lovely December day!!......Wishing you a similar one!!......Love, Heidi XO

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"A Little Announcement".....

Hello Friends, I hope you are all enjoying this first Sunday of December. I have a small announcement.....I wanted you all to know that I will be closing my Etsy shop,
"Heidi Devlin Design" for the holidays. I will be open & taking orders till Tuesday evening, December 8th & will return on Monday, January 4th........I abslolutely adore running my shop & am so thrilled with how very busy you all have made me!...but for the next few weeks, I am feeling the need to bake, decorate, wrap presents & hibernate a bit!.....

So again, if there are any items in my shop you are hoping to have for the holiday season, you will be able to purchase them till Tuesday night!!...& I will wrap them up & get them right out to you!

Wishing you all a lovely Christmas!!!.....Your Friend, Heidi XO

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"A Christmas Memory" for PINK SATURDAY....

Happy Pink Saturday to You All!.....Today is very special, since it is the first Pink Saturday that our ingenious hostess, Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" has asked us to post about a wonderful "Chrismas memory".

Like many of you, I have dozens of happy memories of Christmases past. However, it is not really one particular happening that I remember, but instead the incredibly sweet Christmas mornings my mother created for my sister & I.

It was just the three of us, my mother & us two little girls....We had very little money, but I never felt poor. I remember listening as our mother stayed up till the wee hours of the morning wrapping gifts, .....& doing all the "Santa" things, that good parents do.....not that my sister & I ever found out!....I remember laying in bed, thinking that she had better finish & get to bed too or Santa would never come!

When morning came, it was simply magical. My mother was always up, the tree lights were on, candles were lit & hot chocolate was already prepared!......We grew up in Spokane, Washington, where Christmas Day was almost always snowy, with dark grey skies above. My mother did everything she could to make us true believers in St. Nick!....The wrapping paper was a design we had never seen, the candy we received in our stockings, was not from the grocery store, but confections only seen at Christmas time!.....And even though each & every year my mother would prepare us to not expect too much under the tree, to me & my sister it seemed like a wonderland of gifts!...

In order to give this effect, mom again was "genius"!...She would purchase one Barbie doll outfit, but would take out the dress, hat & shoes & then rewrap it all, each piece individually, usually in either white tissue or tulle with tiny bits of pretty ribbon!....One gift became three & unwrapping each was a delight!.....We usually received a beautiful doll of somekind, and then a separate box filled with handmade clothes....a dress, a coat & always a nightie!....Invariably we both would also receive a hardback book, mine almost always a "Little House" book, which I adored....as well as somekind of clothing and maybe a piece of jewelry!.....Always things that I had no doubt were made by fairies & elves!.....

My mother was, & still is someone who believes Christmas gifts should be exquisite!...but not having lots of money, lots of creativity instead was called upon!....Much was sewn, but each & ever gift was lovely....a pair of undies, was lace-trimmed, a bracelet had lots of sparkle & a tiny box of chocolate was always the finest quality. It created an enchanting atmosphere that I have tried hard to continue with our girls & now my grandson. Christmas Day is a day like no other,....one that is above all a religious celebration, but also a day that should remain one that amazes & mystifies children. It should reassure children that "Santa, reindeer & elves" are real & that "believing" is a right of all children, no matter what age they have grown to be.

So in closing, I remember the magic Christmas mornings that my mother gave to us each year.....I feel so fortunate to have been brought up in a home where "Fairy Tales & Santa Claus" really do exist!.......Merry Christmas!......Heidi XO

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"Cranberry Crazy"!.....

O.K. ...I'll just come out & admit it!....I am "crazy for cranberries"!!....I adore them!!!...to eat, & to decorate & to bake with!....When I first saw this photo & how Martha Stewart combined "cranberries & white roses"... I just melted, so fresh & pretty & easy!!!....I love the calmness of all those white blooms, but then to have that fabulous shot of "red"!!.....Just love it!!

And of course, "baking" with cranberries, & eating the delicious results may be my favorite thing of all!....Many years ago, my mother sent me a recipe for "Cranberry Bread". Now using the word bread is just a tad misleading!.....it would be much better served to call it "Cranberry Cake"!!.....This is a recipe that you simply must try & try soon!.....Anyone I have ever served it to has asked for the recipe!.....So as an early Christmas present I am offering it to you!....This cranberry bread freezes well, it mails well & you can serve it for breakfast, an afternoon snack or as a delicious dessert!.....And it also makes the most wonderful gift!... wrapped in cellophane & gorgeous plaid ribbon!.....So here it is!.......I hope it is a recipe that you all will enjoy as well!......Heidi XO

"Heidi's Cranberry Bread"

Ingredients:

2 cups sugar

1/2 cup butter

1t. vanilla

1t. lemon juice

2 eggs (well beaten)

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4 cups flour

1t. baking powder

1t. baking soda

2 cups buttermilk

2 cups frozen cranberries

1/2 cup chopped walnuts

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Directions: Preheat oven to 350 degrees.

Makes 2 loaves.

Bake for 60-70 minutes, approximately.

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In a large bowl or mixer, Cream together the sugar & butter....mix well. Add eggs. Add both vanilla & lemon juice; mix well. Sift together flour, baking powder & baking soda. Add dry ingredients to the butter mixture, along with the buttermilk. Beat well. Add cranberries & walnuts.

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Grease two loaf pans. I prefer the long French-style ones. Split the dough between the pans. Sprinkle generously with granulated sugar & bake. When loaves are done baking, remove from the oven. Melt 3/4 cup butter in a pan or microwave. Proceed to pour 1/2 of the butter over each loaf. Allow to cool approx. 10 minutes. While still warm, remove from pan & allow to come to room temperature. Can be enjoyed warm from the oven or fully cooled.

*Hint: delicious toasted, too!

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"Pretty Holiday Pillows".... at "Heidi Devlin Design"

*"Fanciful Santa Claus" pillow.....($26)

Merry Christmas To You All!.....Over at my Etsy shop, "Heidi Devlin Design", we have the prettiest holiday pillows & accessories ever!!.....Charming designs that would be perfect to tuck in your coziest chair or give as a wonderful little hostess gift!!......

This year I am wrapping each pillow with crisp cellophane, twine & a sprig of holiday greenery!...all ready for you to give!.....And I have priced all my designs very reasonably so you can purchase a few & still stay within your budget!

I invite you to come visit me!......& do a bit of Christmas shopping!.....Hope to see you soon!!.....Your friend, Heidi XO


*"JOY" pillow...($18)

*"Snow Dusted Candy Canes "...($35 for 5: red/white or tan/white)

*"NOEL" pillow....($24)

*"Ragball Snowballs".....($15 for 5)

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Simple "Red & Green"...the Colors of the Season.....

A "regal red amaryllis", tucked in a bed of pinecones & boxwood!.....so amazing!!
No one loves a box of "color crayons" as much as I do!...All those amazing shades of color!....But when December arrives, ..."red & green" are the two colors that I love most!!......Sometimes I like to mix it up with a "brighter green & a softer red", or a "fire-engine red & a soft gray-green", but for me there is no doubt what colors I will be decorating with!.....It will always be "red & green"!......

Using these classic Christmas colors, really simplifies my holiday decorating!.....I love the various shades of "green",...boughs of cedar, sprigs of boxwood & tiny ivy plants are what I am using this year!...along with "red" of berried branches & big bowls of fresh apples!....

I always am keeping my eyes open for little green & red "vintage pieces" that I can use throughout the year, as well as at Christmastime!...This photo from Country Living magazine, is a perfect example of mixing antique bits & pieces!...How charming!.....old red-patterned dishes, mixed with small, green, cut-glass votive cups!.....& then adding the tiny red mailing tag...creates the perfect holiday tablesettting!

And this might be the easiest & quickest idea ever....nestling small evergreen shrubs amongst shiny red apples!!!.....Super simple & super pretty!!.....And the wonderful aroma!....

So this Christmas, I am once again relying on my favorite holiday colors,.... "red & green"!....I feel like they are "old friends" returning once again for a visit....one I look forward to year after year....Heidi XO

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"Let Us Be Thankful First".....

A few days ago, my daughter Holly & I thought we could just stop in quickly at a local mall to pick up one pair of black leggings....Just park the car, enter the store, make the purchase & be one our way. ....Instead, we encountered what might have been the craziest, shopping frenzy short of Back Friday??.....I guess we should have expected that concidering this year's economic state, along with Christmas right around the corner!?

Of course, looking for one pair of leggings proved to be the one item of clothing no store had?,...so there we were, going store to store.......After exhausting all our possibilities & being surrounded by holiday music ( which I do always love!), decorations & even the "Salvation bell ringers", we finally ended up at Nordstrom.

Now years ago I was a manager/buyer at Norstrom, so I am very aware of it's holiday philosophy, ...."No Christmas decorations until after Thanksgiving"!.... one I completely agree with!!.....So as we walked by the store, the store windows were covered in brown craft paper that explained that particular sentiment, " That Nordstrom feels we should enjoy one holiday at a time, that being Thanksgiving"!.....I was so very proud of my former employer!!! Let us enjoy a day of "thanks" first & then let the holiday festivities begin!!!.....

Years ago as a young Nordstrom manager, I couldn't wait to come in the day after Thanksgiving, to see what Santa's decorating elves had created over-night! .....Each year the store became simply magical, with music playing & lights twinkling!....but it was all the more wonderful, because it was done in a timely respectful manner. Even though these days I am not doing a great deal of shopping at Nordstrom, I was reminded of the wonderful family that started that store & the values they had. It was refreshing to realize that one store is still holding true to the idea that Thanksgiving is an important day & one that should never be overshadowed. So on that note let me wish you all a very relaxing & lovely Thanksgiving Day!.....I am blessed to have you all in my life......Your friend, Heidi XO

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PINK SATURDAY....

Happy Pink Saturday!......I am so anticipating the upcoming holiday season!..& at the same time would like to wish you all the most wonderful Thanksgiving Day!....Also a big hug for Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" for always being the best hostess!.....Wishes for a delightful weekend!......Heidi XO

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"Charming Holiday Pillows"... at Heidi Devlin Design

*Scripted Santa Claus" pillow..... Hello Friends, Hope you are all doing well!.....Here at our house creativity is everywhere!!! With the holiday season creeping up on us,..... I wanted to let you all know that my Etsy shop is filled to the rafters with the most "charming pillows",..... glittering "ragball snowballs" & basketfuls of "snow-dusted candy canes"!! I am constantly designing new pieces & adding to my inventory in order to offer all of you the prettiest home accessories ever!

"Joy" pillow.....

I have just added a few more darling holiday pillows that I'm sure you all will love!....Of course another "little cushion pillow" hand-stenciled with "Joy"!...so appropriate for the holidays!...and you know how I love "words & letters", so I just had to show you my beautifully scripted "Santa Claus" pillow!....the lettering appears to be done by Santa himself!

"Laurel/Wreath/Reindeer" pillow....

And of course if you're like me, & am always looking for pillows that can be left out all winter long, than you must take a peek at my "Laurel Wreath/Reindeer" pillow!...so classic & quietly appealing!...I invite you to visit my shop, "Heidi Devlin Design" today!.....So many delightful treasures await you!!.....See you soon!........Your friend, Heidi XO

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A "Sparkly" Pink Saturday.....

Thank you to our hostess Beverly for this "Pink Saturday"!....Today I was in the mood for a bit of "bling"...a bit of "sparkle"!.....I had been looking through the "Brocade" catolog & admiring some of their prettiest chandeliers,.... when I happened to see this ultra-gorgeous "pink" beauty!....Even though it is new, it sure speaks of an earlier time. I thought it the perfect topic for my Pink Saturday post!.....Be sure & visit Beverly's blog, "How Sweet The Sound" for a list of all the "pink blogs" participating today!.....Wishing you the best of weekends!!.....Heidi XO

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Our Wedding Anniversary.....

Today is November 12, 2009. This day is our wedding anniversary. Ter & I have been married for 28 years....The night we got married it was very cold & threatening snow. The wedding took place in an old mansion in Spokane Washington. A huge fire was lit & all the guests sat in the living room as my husband, looking so handsome in a classic black tuxedo... & I, in layers of white lace... said our vows. After the ceremony, large panel doors were pushed aside & we all enjoyed wedding cake & punch.

By today's standards our wedding was incredibly modest, but I remember it as one of the most beautiful evenings ever. It certainly was not a grand, eleborate affair, but very intimate & so charming....surrounded by close friends & family.

Today, as I write this post & remember, a smile comes to my face. I am so happy I married Ter. Like all couples we have had our "ups & downs", but there is no man I would rather have spent all these years with other than Ter..... I love him & the life we have created........Here's to "happily ever afters" everywhere!........Heidi XO

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Pink Baubles for Pink Saturday!.......

With Christmas peeking around the corner, I am beginning to think about our tree & it's decorations! I have long been a fan of "glass ornaments" like these, so our Christmas tree is covered in them,.... in all colors & shapes. Some are "traditional balls", but some are little "churches", or "Santas" or various "fruits"!......I just adore them!.....However, after seeing these beautiful "pink" ornaments, I think I may be on the lookout for a few more "pretty baubles" in these glorious shades! Thank you Beverly @ How Sweet The Sound for hostessing our "Pink Saturday"!...Make it a very cozy weekend!......Your friend, Heidi XO

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"Reminiscing".....

This picture was taken exactly two year's ago, when my husband took our two girls & then 3 year old grandson to New York City!...It was to celebrate my 50th birthday & what a wonderful time we had! After living in rural upstate New York for a couple years & being able to come into the city many times a year, I was feeling very homesick. You see, we had moved back to California a year earlier, but my heart was back in the east. So a few weeks before I turned 50, he asked if a week in New York would be a nice present!....& was it ever!
Here in Southern California we had to evacuate our home because of fires that were buring out of control, exactly a day before we left for New York. In fact we were not even able to return to our house before leaving?.....we were not sure what we would be returning to?.....However we decided to stick to our plan. It rained almost the entire time we were in NYC, but we couldn't have been happier to feel those raindrops on our faces!.....so nice to be somewhere not threatened by fires!.....We went to the Broadway show "Grease", we drove out to the Hamptons & strolled around the drizzly city!.....
On the particular day when this photo was taken, we were on our way to the "Natural History Museum". My husband & I were walking a few steps behind our girls & Andrew. As I looked at the three of them, I couldn't have felt happier. I love New York...I love rainy days & umbrellas....& I love these sweet people!.....This a picture I will hold dear forever............Heidi XO

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"Cranberry Cordial".......Make Now, Serve Later!

Years ago, Martha Stewart had a Thanksgiving television special, & of course I was right there, front row center, absorbing each & every delicious minute of it!.....The show was filmed in her "Turkey Hill" home, where she had it decorated in a very country style, with her kitchen ceiling hung with baskets..... as well as fabulous antique tin "turkey molds" clustered on her mantle.

During the show, Martha demonstrated how to make various Thanksgiving dishes....& taught us how to set the "perfect table", with mismatched dishes, handwoven runners & imaginative "turkey-shaped" soup bowls for all the children. I was simply amazed & right there & then became one of Martha's greatest fans!

I ended up purchasing this T.V. special when it came out on video, & have watched it over & over!....I also have tried most of the recipes that were included. One recipe in particular has become a tradition in our household,....Martha's "Cranberry Cordial". It is exceptionally easy, & makes a lovely gift or favor during the holiday season!....The trick is that you need to age the "cordial" for 22 days, so you must make it early in the season, so it is ready to serve during the week of Christmas. What is so wonderful about this recipe is that you strain the liquid from the cranberries, serving the liquid as an after dinner drink & then can use the cranberries over pound cake or ice cream!.....So, so good! At our house we also enjoy, mixing the "cordial" with prosecco or champagne, which is bubbly & so beautiful to serve in pretty glasses!

So friends, here is the recipe for Martha Stewart's "Cranberry Cordial".....I hope it becomes a tradition at your house too!......Happy preparing!......Heidi XO

"Cranberry Cordial"
* 2 cups crushed cranberries
* 2 cups sugar
* 2 cups white wine ( you can also use vodka)
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Combine ingredients & store in a covered jar in a cool place for at least 22 days. Strain & serve as an after-dinner drink.

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Announcing...."Heidi"s Homemade Christmas Swap"....

Hi Ladies, I am here today to announce my next swap...."Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap"!......You know my philosophy is "Living a wonderful life, with less money, less time & in less space",...so that is what this swap is all about!.....The spending limit is $15.00 & one item has to be "homemade"!.....We are all creative people, so just think of the possibilities!....I am suggesting we concentrate on sending one nicely made item, & if you have a bit of money left over add a few more charming tidbits!....

I know you hear me say all the time to make your swap box as pretty as possible for your partner! Take a little time to wrap each little thing!.....Color coordinate the wrappings & ribbons to your partner's favorite holiday colors!!!....This is all about making your swap partner feel special!...We all have so much to do at this time of year, so sending a off an exquisite little box to your partner would certainly make her day!!

I also have tried incredibly hard to make sure each of you who participates, is treated well & is not left without a swap box. I think overall the swaps have much gotten better, but there are still those who do not take it seriously. Please DO NOT sign up if you are not going to see this swap through!!!.....And even though I hesitate saying this....swaps are a bit of a "gamble", so please no complaining!.....I simple cannot control those people who prove to be flakers!

If you would like to participate in my "Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap".....Here's what you do!......

Here are the rules...
* please e-mail me @ heididevlin@gmail.com if you would like to join!....
* please also fill-out & e-mail me the information sheet that is listed below....
* deadline for signing up: November 15th, 2009
* swap box must be sent by: November 30, 2009
* partners will be announced on November 16th, 2009

Information Sheet
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*Name:
*Mailing address:
*E-mail address:
*Blog:
*Hobbies:
*Favorite holiday colors:
*What is your Christmas Style: ( shabby chic, modern, country, etc.)
*Likes & dislikes:
*Candle scents you enjoy:
*Religious ?:
*Would you like an international partner:

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"Listening".....

Dear Friends, How are you all?....I have been so seriously absent from blogging!...Not sure exactly why?....I guess a number of things have contributed to my lack of posting!....Of course work has been crazy, with Etsy orders coming in daily, which is wonderful, but certainly something that takes a great deal of time!......Then the "time of year", which means Halloween preparations for school & home!....as well as a few birthdays added to the mix!.....And then the everyday,.... "exercising", or at least trying to!....grocery shopping", "planning meals" & of course the continual "stream of laundry"?...

I know I am sound like I am complaining, but actually I am very happy for all that is going on around here!.....I love that we have 3 generations living here, under one roof. I love how in this little house, you can hear what each of us is doing all at once....I'm cooking in the kitchen, Andrew is playing in his room, Mallory is in the garage sewing.....Holly is at the kitchen table working on homework & Ter is at the computer in the office.....I can hear each of them....the click of the computer keys.... the flipping of textbook pages....the hum of the sewing machine....the sounds of a 5-year old's imagination.... & the boiling water on the stove. What "music" it makes....a "symphony of household sounds".....How I adore the arrangement of it all.... & the people creating it.

The message here today is...I am really excited about getting back to my blog & visiting you all...but once in awhile,... we all need to take breaks & "listen to our lives".

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"Crowns, Roosters & a Bit of Christmas"!.....

*"Crown/Message" pillow.......so, so pretty!.....you can personalize this pillow with your zip code, a monogram or even a child's brithdate!

It is the last week of October, which I can hardly believe!??....Where does the time go?.....We are taking this week to prepare for Halloween, which at our house is quite a big deal!.....Baking "cut-out cookies" in the shapes of bats & pumpkins,...."sewing costumes".... "decorating" inside & out & "watching lots of scary movies"!!!

And in the mix of all this creativity, I have also added lots of new pillows to my Etsy shop, "Heidi Devlin Design"!.....I have hand-stenciled some amazingly pretty "crown designs", along with a charming "rooster" pillow & darling "Santa" as well!.... You must come take a look!...I will be continuing to add new things this week & next, preparing for the upcoming holidays!....Such an exciting time of year!....

I would like to wish you all a wonderfully "spooky" Halloween week.... & at the same time, please take a moment to come take a peek at what's new in the shop!!.....Your friend, Heidi XO

* "Santa" pillow.....so cute & somewhat "retro"!

* "Paris/Crown" pillow.....such an interesting design!.....so pretty & just a bit French!!

* "Judy's Rooster" pillow....."Country" at it's best!.....

And my "SOFA" pillow......so simple, yet so charming!

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"Today at Our House"......

Hello Friends, It is Friday once again!....Today at our house it is all about "decorating for Halloween"! We made a vow at the beginning of the year that we would decorate in a more timely manner! Even though stores have had Halloween displays since August, we decided to try & resist & stick to our plan,....since some years we were almost tired of the holiday before it had even begun!.....So now a week before the big day, our family is so excited to begin! We are adding lots of Martha Stewart "paper rats"...a must with a 5 year old grandson!...Lots of "spider decals" adorning windows & mirrors!...eerie "cobwebs".....& armloads of "pumpkins"!!....This is the day we have been waiting for!!!!....Excitement is in the air!.....Afterall, the "prep" is half the fun!....Off to decorate with wild abandon!!!.....Love, Heidi XO

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Autumn "Whites"......

I'm sure many of you will agree..."white" is beautiful in Spring, Summer, Fall & Winter!....Sometimes , especially at this time of year though, we have a tendancy to give only the warm colors the proper attention. ......turning our backs on "white". We gravitated to it in Spring & loved how crisp it felt in Summer,.... but somehow forget how versatile & lovely "white"can still be when Autumn arrives!.....Look around your homes for pieces of white that are hiding out in your cupboards or stored away in linen closets!.....& bring them out!.....Mix your "white iron stone" with white pumpkins & berried branches!......drape your "white slipcovers" with cozy quilts & colorful textured pillows..... & even consider painting thrift shop finds like old urns the color white & filling them with beautiful bouquets of wheat or dried hydrandeas!.....You will be pleasantly surprised how adaptable & "Fall-ish" white can be!

When using white in "cool weather" you must also remember to use pieces of white that are very textural!..... soft fluffy rugs, Irish knit pillows & even architectural pieces that are aged & interesting..... I have a pair of old candlesticks where the white paint is chipping & for some reason I love them more than ever in the fall & winter months!

So Ladies,...... in amongst all the incredible color that we are enjoying now in October, remember the color "white". Whether it takes "center stage" in your rooms, or you have just "hints" of white here & there, it is important to realize how this classic color can take on any season & look as inviting & charming now as it did a few months ago!.....

I encourage you to run out & purchase an armload of "white pumpkins".....

Or simply show off a fabulous collection of "white dishes"!.....Whichever way you wish to bring the "Autumn Whites" into your home, will be the right way!.....Happy decorating!......

Love, Heidi XO

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"So Simple....So Charming".....

I have been absent from blogging for days & days!?......I have seen nothing, but the 4 walls of my garage workroom!.....I am very content working out in the " studio" on all my projects, but find myself a bit more caught up so have decided to emerge for the day!.......

Earlier this morning, I was looking through a few of my old Country Living magazines & came across this picture. I thought it was just the most darling idea!....using a "transferware teacup" as the "scoop" in your flour jar!!!....I just have to copy this idea!....I already have everything displayed in large glass jars, but will definitely be replacing my tin scoop, for a tea cup like this!.....Thank you Country Living magazine!! I just treasure easy ideas like this!!

Letting you all know too that my newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi" will be sent out tomorrow!...Finally!!!!!!...more than a little late I'm afraid!...

O.K.... off to whip up a bit of dinner......Pasta?.....Waffles?.....Chicken?.....???????

Wishing you a fabulous little Wednesday evening!......Heidi XO

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"Nini/Andrew Days"....

So busy concentrating on this drawing!...Is that a precious face!

Today was a "Nini/Andrew day"....a day spent just with me & my grandson Andrew. Even though we both live in the same household & I have the privledge of seeing him every day, it is nice to once in awhile have an entire day to have the house to ourselves! The girls were at school, my husband at work & since Andrew is home from kindergaten this week it was just he & I!

We started the day by making "chocolate cupcakes & peanut butter blossom cookies"! Believe it or not, not all the batter was eaten!...some of it was actually transfomed into some sweet treats! We also decorated the house with Martha Stewart decorations, "spiders" on all the mirrors & windows & "little black mice" gracing all the baseboards!....We went in the back yard & found a bare branch that we made into a "Halloween Tree", with lots of "spiderwebs & black widows"!...How proud we were of that!..... Then after a lunch of "tuna & saltines", we got cozy on the couch & turned on "Coraline" with the 3-D glasses & all, until it got a bit too scary for us both!!

What a day it was!.....How fortunate I feel to have this little man in my life!...He is a blessing to our family & makes this "Nini" so very proud!.....I love you Andrew!...& I love "Nini/Andrew Days"!.....

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