"Truly Christmastime".......

Work is finished, I am completely caught up!.....I just sent out my last pillow order this afternoon. I love that it coincided with the busiest mailing day of the year?.....I was assured each package would arrive before Christmas....so both myself & my clients are happy.

With work behind me,.....it is now truly "Christmastime"!.....

The house is decorated, just like a cozy English cottage...very busy, with aqua mixed in with all the raspberry & soft green. Every surface boosts the most charming still-life arrangements & candy canes are within easy reach no matter what room you happen to be in.

Tomorrow cranberry breads will be competing with spritz for oven time,.... & wrapping paper & ribbon will be adorning all our presents.

It is the week before Christmas & happiness is all around us.
It is time to breathe in the moments that make these days so enchanting.... appreciate each & every one.

heidi
xo

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"Christmas in Old Poway".....

Just now my husband Ter & I returned from "Christmas in the Park".....which is a lovely celebration in Old Poway,... where we live in Southern California. Knowing that the tree lighting was scheduled for 5:20pm, we decided to walk over, just the two of us....to see what all the excitement was about?....
Well, we were incredibly impressed!!! Old Poway was utterly charming!...You would have thought we were on the set of the "Gilmore Girls"! Who knew!? All the turn-of-the-century buildings were dressed in little white lights,...with Mr. & Mrs. Claus arriving in the steam locomotive, which encircles the park!...
In the beautifully decorated gazebo, choirs of children sang carols, while people of all ages strolled around listening & sipping hot coffee!....
I am, so proud to be part of a community that takes such pride in it's history & the celebrations it hosts!
What a treat for us all!.....
Enjoy your weekend!
heidi
xo

* entry way- courtesy of Martha Stewart, "Turkey Hill".......I will always love that house! :)

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"In Search of Our Christmas Tree & Memories".....

So sorry to have been away from blogging for far too long! I have so missed chatting & sharing thoughts with all of you!....Here it is the most exciting time of year & I haven't been blogging at all?....Well, I am happy to say that I am back & so very ready to visit!
I am sure many of you have your "trees up & your cards sent", however here at our house that is not the case!....In fact, tonight we are going Christmas tree shopping!.....This year, we have had quite the debate....fresh tree or fake??....Growing up it was always a real tree. Going to tree lots & choosing a tree was one was one of the highlights of the holiday season!...
After marrying & moving to Southern California though, it seemed a fake tree was a smarter choice, so for years that's what we've done!....and happily!....there is something very nice about a pre-lit, tree with adjustable branches!
This year though, and maybe it has something to do with having a 6 year old grandson....Returning to the local tree lot to choose a Christmas tree, just seems to be the right thing to do!....I find myself wanting Andrew to experience how fun it is to wander a tree lot at night, with strings of tiny white lights & lots of stars guiding you. Row after row we would walk, pulling out one tree after another... deciding which was straight enough, full enough, tall enough.

And then after the chill of the air was beginning to help make our decision for us, we would choose our beautiful tree & take it home.
In the days that followed, our tree would be dressed with "glittery balls & thin strands of tinsel"...... I would sit & admire that tree night after night, curled up in a big wing-back after my evening bath...the enchantment of it all almost to overwhelming for one little girl.
Those are my memories.
So with these thoughts in mind, I am hoping that my grandson will grow up with similar remembrances.....& his grandson after that...& so on.
Happy tree hunting......

heidi
xo

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"Holiday Shop News"......

"Roses & Plaid" pillow

A little announcement......my shop, "Heidi Devlin Design" will be open through Thursday, December 2nd....but will be closed for the remainder of the holiday season. I will be busily working on all the orders that have come in the last couple of weeks!
I wanted to give myself enough time to finish all your lovely purchases, & be able to get them to you in plenty of time for Christmas!

"you & me" pillow

If by some chance you wish to purchase a pillow while my shop is closed,... please e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com & I'll consider orders on a "case by case" basis!.....
I so don't want to be unable to get you an item you are hoping to purchase, but also need to make sure I can deliver on what I have committed to.

"Laurel wreath/reindeer" pillow

Thank you so much to all of you for understanding!.....
& Merry Christmas to you all!
Your friend,
heidi
xo

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"Unhurried & Quiet"....

Hello Friends, How are you all?....I hope everyone had the loveliest of Thanksgivings!....And now before we blinked twice it is "Christmastime". It seems that everyone is putting up trees & decorations, ... shopping & hanging lights, yet it is still November?......
The media makes it sound like if you haven't given much thought to the upcoming holidays, that you indeed are already a few steps behind?....What's up with that?
I have to say, that through the years, I have approached preparing for the holidays from many angles.
I have been the "working girl" that was so busy with her job, that I waited to the last minute to get anything much done.
I have had years where I declared proudly that I was making all my gifts,... which also ended with many unfinished projects!...& last minute trips to the mall!
Then of course I felt doing everything super early was the way to go!...but like my husband pointed out,... I started out wonderfully organized, but just kept going!?.....I made presents & even wrapped them, tucking them away in late summer early fall...& went on to forget all about them, only to re-buy more gifts!?
So the other day, while contemplating about how my mother created our childhood Christmases....I began remembering. I remembered that my mother always reminded us that Christmas was a "holiday", not the entire month of December.
December was a month to quietly & calmly prepare for the most special of holidays....not one to spend stressed out & over-burdened. Mid-month we would put up our tree,...might possibly my most favorite holiday activity!.... decorated with ornaments we had for years tucked in a large department store box, each one wrapped in tissue.
Our Christmas decorating was sweet & charming,....nothing too planned or "style-ized" about it. Preparing for Christmas was "tradition", not decorating magazines dictating the newest fade.
What I remember most though, is that getting ready for Christmas was not hurried, it just happened a bit at a time.
The house, the lovely gifts & the cookies all came to be,...unfolding slowly those last couple of weeks before Christmas.
So with these memories in mind, I will be taking one step at a time,.... allowing Christmastime to calmly surround me...unhurried & quiet. I wish you the same.

Heidi
xo

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"Thanksgiving Day"....

Thanksgiving Day is almost here once again. For our family, like many of yours as well, it will be a cozy day at home with our immediate family. Not a houseful of guests, just those I hold most dear.
This year, my daughters & I are all cooking. Mallory is in charge of the stuffing, Holly the pies & potatoes & I will handle the turkey & fresh cranberries. I cannot tell you how much it means to me that our girls will be sharing the kitchen with me.
I also have plans for a lovely table. I am using my Spode "Thanksgiving Day" brown transfer- ware plates,... that years ago I found while antiquing. I remember them being $7 each, which at the time was crazy expensive. But with the encouraging words of my friend Angela, I did indeed purchase these gorgeous plates,....never ever regretting my decision.
I will also be adding small arrangements of"plum colored mums & deep pink peonies", which will look amazing with small chocolate turkeys running among them! The color-scheme of warm browns & deep plums is a bit unusual, but very Fall-ish non-the-less!
The family will of course be watching the Macy's Day Parade, which is a yearly tradition! I grew up watching it, with the excitement of seeing the "true" Santa" at the parade's end!....And as all traditions are, now my grandson is the "believer", sitting on the edge of the sofa as the sleigh & reindeer make their appearance....very wide-eyed & filled with wonder.
Thanksgiving is such an immensely personal day. Each of us have our own memories of Thanksgiving past,....mine being frosty, dark days, spent in a warm kitchen, with delicious scents wafting through the house & my mother cooking all day long, (which if you knew my mom was not the norm! :)....We ate early & then spent the afternoon relaxing in front of a fire, anticipating the upcoming weeks.
This year, even though we have been married 29 years, we are starting new traditions, since for many years we had Thanksgiving dinner at relative's homes. But now our celebrating is here at our own sweet home, with our girls & grandson. I love that we have three generations under one roof ( just like the Walton's, ....a family I so wanted to emulate!). I love that we are healthy & happy. I love that even though the last couple of years have brought a few challenges, we are all closer & more appreciative than ever.
I thank God for the blessings I have been given.
Wishing you a day of thanksgiving......
Your friend,
heidi
xo

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Lots of Pretty Pillows at Heidi Devlin Design!

Good Morning Friends, With the holidays approaching I had to let you all know that my shop is full of the most darling pillows!.....both for your own home & for fabulous gift-giving!
From hand-stenciled monograms, vintage-inspired fabrics & lots of "crown" pillows...(all very appropriate for the season!), .....Heidi Devlin Design is full of the most charming pillows!.....With my newest design being my "25" pillow"!.....A very clean & fresh design, as well as being a lovely reminder of the true reason for celebration!
And of course I have once again my "mica glittered candy canes & snow balls"!...All handmade & darling to fill an old crock of iron urn!......
I invite you to stop by soon for a little peek!
Enjoy your Sunday!
heidi
xo

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"Returning to Normal Life Once Again"......

It has been sometime since I have given my blog, the attention it deserves. For the last month, my life has revolved around preparing for the Queen Bee Market, which was held here in Southern California last weekend.
Each day you could find me stenciling & sewing pillows,... along with painting & glittering my "candy canes" &" rag-ball snowballs"!....Each time you prepare for a show of any kind you forget the time & commitment it takes.....The Market came & went, very successfully....but it will take some time for our home to be completely back to normal.
Yesterday afternoon, I was in the kitchen making stuffed shells & Caesar salad. How lovely to be able to prepare a home made dinner.....& I never thought I would actually enjoy catching up on laundry & picking up the house!.....
As nice as participating in the Queen Bee has been, I may have to think twice about signing up again.....just not sure it's all worth it for me?.....You see, no one is the "homebody" I am. I like a well run home & dinner on the table. I am a huge fan of the "everyday", & anything that interferes with that has to be considered carefully.
So for now, I will relish in my "returning to normal life".....thoughts of craft shows & Queen Bees can be debated another day. Right now I am home & very happy to be so.
Here's to everyday!.....
Heidi xo

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All Hallow's Eve.....

Tonight, on all Hallow's Eve, I will be stenciling pillows & watching episodes of "Ghost Adventures"! I have been taping the last few shows, so I would have a few to watch all at once....

Have you seen this show?....It is on the Travel Channel & I think it is fabulous!....The show consists of three friends,... Zak, Aaron & Nick, who are investigating paranormal activities at some of the most (supposedly) haunted places throughout the world. They travel to these places, spending the night in each location, looking for evidence of ghosts, spirits, etc.

Now I am about 99% sure these guys are for real, however my husband not so much! :).....But then again I was born on Halloween, & am fairly open-minded to the existence of ghosts.
All I can say is watch "Ghost Adventures" & make up your own mind. If nothing else it is one very entertaining hour of television!
Here's to a happy & a bit "spooky" evening!

Heidi
xo

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"Living Little with Heidi" is a Bit Spooky this Month!

The Halloween edition of "Living Little with Heidi" has just been sent out to all of you who have asked to receive it!.....It is a somewhat shorter newsletter than usual, but filled with lots of charming ideas, thoughts & recipes!.....I hope you enjoy it!
Your friend,
Heidi
xo

P.S. If you are not receiving my monthly free on-line newsletter, please contact me at heididevlin@gmail.com...& I'll send it right out to you!

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"Wishing & Dreaming"......

As many of you know we are renting a house at the moment....which I really don't mind a bit, possibly since our little house is so darn cute. Someday though I look forward to having a house of our own once again. Not sure if we will end up buying the house we're in or buying another, but for now I love the "wishing & dreaming" part of buying a house.
Lately whenever I see an idea that appeals to me, I am quick to save it!....Ripping a page from a magazine or copying a photo that I saw on-line, is something that is happening fairly often. And one of my favorite ideas at the moment is these amazing "barn doors"!.....I love the juxtaposition of these over-sized, primitive doors being brought into the interiors of a home!.....Not only decorative, but functional as well!....Just fabulous!

I am not sure that barn doors such as these will ever be in any house I own, but they certainly are more than comfortable in my "wishing & dreaming" folder!....Right alongside, plank floors, farmhouse sinks, wrap around porches, pea gravel courtyards & driveways, large garden spaces, picket fences, barn/greenhouses, etc. etc. etc.......
Here's to dreaming!....
Heidi
xo

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My shop is full of.... "Candy Canes & Snowballs"!.....

A little announcement to let everyone know that my
"Candy Canes" & "Snowballs"
have indeed once again arrived in my shop,....
Heidi Devlin Design!......
The candy canes are available in not only the traditional red/cream...but also in the monochromatic tan/white, which is so very pretty when using dusty pastels or planning an all "white" Christmas!
And the "snowballs"!...well what can I say....inspired from old-fashioned rag-balls, these darling vintage-inspired snowballs are wrapped in oatmeal-y cotton & then decoupaged & encrusted in mica flakes & diamond dust!.....
Arranged in an old urn or tucked throughout the branches of your Christmas tree, they are just the most charming decorations ever!

I invite you to come by for a quick peek soon & place your order!....They seem to disappear as quickly as my "glue-y/glittery" fingers can make them!

Here's to candy canes & snowballs!

Heidi
xo

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Enjoying "Autumn's Charms"....

O.K..... Enough is enough. All I have been doing these last few weeks is working.....stenciling, sewing & packing up, lots & lots of pillows!...... Now I am very, very thankful for the business & to have such lovely clients.....& tomorrow I am thrilled to report that I will be completely caught up!.....

With that said though, I am in desperate need of a bit of "Autumn Charm"!.....

You know,.....

*pumpkins & falling leaves......

*afternoons spent cooking delicious chowders & soups....

* front porches sporting big pots of golden mums....
I want to think....

* "Halloween", about costumes & candy corn.....

& *baking as many apple desserts as one family can handle!.....

And above all, I want this time of year to slow down.....just a little.

I want to savor each moment of Autumn.....

I am deliberately clearing my calendar, so this season doesn't slip by without me noticing.....And it feels incredible!....Like many of you I am a "pleaser", always taking on more than I can possibly do,...not wanting to say "no" or "disappoint" anyone...

but I have come to the conclusion that for a few weeks I will be a little selfish with my time,.... & do what I want,
& if that means sitting, sipping hot cider, reading magazines & watching the leaves fall.... then I'm doing it!

Before long the holidays will be upon us, & these days of Fall will be
"sweet memories"...

So for today & for the next few weeks, I will be celebrating Autumn in every way imaginable!.....
And I would love to share this Fall with you!.....

So stop by whenever you can! I might have a new "recipe or idea" to share!

.....or then again, I might just be wandering through
a "leaf-carpeted orchard", enjoying my Autumn afternoon.

Here's to enjoying each season......

Your friend,

heidi
xo

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I Adore "British Country Living"......

I have to admit that I adore my magazines!.....I buy fewer these days, due to some of my favorites being discontinued, as well as my sincere efforts to save money!....However, there is one magazine that I will always purchase,..... British "Country Living"!

This gorgeous magazine,... for me, is like some kind of drug, I simply cannot go without it!....Since it is British, it is somewhat expensive here in the states, but I simply cannot go a month without it!

I love the incredibly lovely covers,...which are always a seasonal feast for the eyes!....& how this magazine is truly immersed in the celebration & preservation of the English countryside,..... & yet presented in the most enchanting way.

Thumbing through pages of old stone English manors, with farmhouse kitchens sporting those "aga" ovens.....articles about cooking "sheppard's pie & fruit trifle".....& how to grow climbing roses or to create the perfect cottage gardens.....all make me feel that I too am living right there in the middle of England!

Reading about the raising of sheep,.... the how-to's of decorating with fresh floral cottons ...& all the fashion pages having models sporting "wellies", alongside their darling printed dresses & cozy sweaters ( very Anthropologie-esque!)....is just so up my alley!...The juxtaposition of the beauty of England & the roughness of it.... is just so appealing to me!

So this month, as with every other, I look forward to the receiving my issue of British Country Living!.....especially now with the Fall & winter months upon us!.....& with Christmas too, just around the corner!.....
A warm fire, a cup of tea & this little publication & you have the makings of the perfect afternoon!.......

Cheers to England & drizzly afternoons!.......
Your friend,
heidi xo

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Remembering Autumn Weather.....

Good Morning & Happy Thursday.......
Here in Southern California, we have been having crazy hot weather, with temperatures in the 100's....Now today & for the immediate future, the temps. will be only in the mid-eighties, but with very high humidity?....
Now I know that in California we cannot expect the Autumn weather that many other parts of the country enjoy......& in reality we can't do much about it anyway....
However a girl can certainly dream, right?
Growing up in Washington State, Spokane to be exact....I remember those crisp September mornings, that required a little sweater,.... while walking to school or years later waiting for the school bus.
I remember how the afternoons would indeed become warm, but then quickly cool.
I remember how exciting it was for the early days of Fall to turn into the chilly ones of October & November....with trees turning & leaves falling.
I remember beginning the school year in dark cotton dresses & anklets, but graduating quickly into wool-y jumpers, tights & cozy jackets.
I remember loving the changes in the weather, finding it all very exciting!
Our family now has been living in California for many years, so you'd think I would be used to our "Fall", ....but no. Each year I go through a couple-three weeks of feeling sorry for not living in a cooler climate.
However, I do eventually come out of it, realizing that "Autumn" can also be a "state of mind", ...... I shake off my sadness, adopt a better attitude & begin to notice the subtle changes that we do experience. Fall weather does come to Southern California,...you just have to look a bit harder & be keen to all the little seasonal differences.
So today, still warm in temperature, my day will include the purchasing of a few "mums" for the front porch....adding a few" tiny pumpkins" to my kitchen hutch & the lighting of "candles" in various spicy scents.
And if I'm not mistaken.....I believe I do see a few trees with slightly golden leaves?
So in conclusion....It is reassuring to know that Autumn arrives in one form or another at all our homes.....You just need to be patient & keep a watchful eye.

Wishing you a lovely Fall day!
heidi
xo

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For the Love of Baking......

I have to just admit it......I LOVE to bake!!!.....Cakes, cookies, breads! All of the above!....I love how the aromas from something delicious in the oven makes the house feel so cozy & inviting!....

& how tickled it makes me to hear all the ooh's & aah's from family members walking in the door in the evening!

I've decided too, that since we do not need "all the calories" from this glorious pursuit of mine, I will become one of those ladies who always is sharing her days' baking with friends!....It makes me so very happy to have a pumpkin bread or oatmeal cookies in hand, when visiting a friend or client!...& to see their smiling faces & wonderful comments is just so rewarding!!!
So I will be stocking my house with plenty of flour, sugar & eggs....and be testing out lots of new recipes, along with posting the successful ones!.....

Off to preheat the oven!......

Happy baking!

heidi
xo
NOTE: Libby's Pumpkin Bread- incredibly yummy!!

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Here's to Small Blogs"......

I'm home today, getting caught up on housework, laundry & sewing.....& had a few minutes to post a blog as well. I am a true believer of not posting unless you have something to say.....none of this posting, just to be posting business for me.
O.K. while puttering around the house, attending to all the tasks I just mentioned, I was thinking about blogs & the particular ones that I seem to be attracted to the most. ....
And I was also comparing them to these "super blogs"..... You know the ones!...I won't say any names, but you all know exactly the kind of blogs I am referring to. Bloggers that began about the same time you did, but have now thousands of followers,....are writing books & that have almost become "blog celebrities".
Not exactly my cup of tea.

And then there is the 2nd type of super blog, where they really don't even look like a personal blog any longer, instead more like a page of advertising?...where it is difficult to actually find the current post...
O.K., I have to go back a couple years when I started writing this blog. The blogs I instantly were attracted to were ones written from kitchen tables, by everyday ladies describing the simple activities of their day. I will admit I do love a "pretty" blog....so of course the bloggers I instantly fell in love with were ones where a recipe was posted along with a gloriously beautiful loaf of bread, with a lace curtain catching the breeze in the background,.... or a post about gardening with a photo of wellies sitting next to an old screen door....
I am so very attracted to the "beauty & charm of everyday".......
So back to the "super blogs"......I guess they must be what many readers want to see, & that is certainly fine.......but for me, I will take the charming little blogs anytime. Lovely photos & sweet thoughts.......perfect for everyday ladies like me.......
So all the best to the "super blogs"....
but a heart-felt thank-you to all the small blogs for your daily inspiration that I value so very much....

heidi
xo

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"Living Little" ......September Issue, Just Went Out!

Just a quick note, to let you all know that the September issue of "Living Little with Heidi" was sent out yesterday!.....
As you all know, I LOVE sharing my thoughts with you each month!...Ideas about decorating, cooking, gardening & creating a comfortably pretty & cozy home!
This month's issue is wonderful!.... full of ideas for getting your house ready for the Autumn season, along with some amazing recipes!.....
I cannot believe how this little publication has grown this year!...all thanks to ladies like you!
If you are not receiving "Little Little" & would like to,....please let me know at heididevlin@gmail.com.... & I will get this month's issue out to you right away!

Once again a big hug for allowing me to write my thoughts!.... & for all your sweet comments!.....
...... "happy reading" to you all!

heidi xo

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Visiting Over at the "Queen Bee"!!!.....

This morning I am guest posting over at the "Queen Bee Market" blog!....The "Queen Bee Market" is being held for the second time here in San Diego,.... & is scheduled for November 12th-13th.
If you are hearing about the "Market" for the first time, you must go check it all out!....It was thought up by two talented sisters, Mique & Jessica, who came up with the idea of having "craft show" that is fresh & fun & all about the design esthetics of today!....You can shop from one fabulous vendor to another, picking up items along the way & then pay "once" at the end!

I can say from experience that I have been to, & involved with craft shows for many years & the "Queen Bee Market" is the most well-run, organized & delightful craft show around!! And simply incredibly talented vendors!!!!.....You must mark your calendars & go!!!......

Along with me, ....both my daughters, Holly from Etsy shop "Mommyholly" & Mallory from "Wendymiracle" will have booths as well.
We are so looking forward to taking part once again in such an exciting show! Hope to see you there!......

Your friend,

heidi xo

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Unexpected Days....

Today, "us girls",.... my two daughters & I, decided to drive up to Old Orange, California to do a little antiquing. We have not been to Orange since last year at this time & we were so very excited! We of course have "a routine". We start at Starbucks, for an ice tea & a little something sweet to nibble on. Then we proceed over to Country Roads to see what all the vendor booths have to offer.

Well let me just say that Old Orange has changed in the last year!.....Many of my favorite shops have been replaced, one with a Karate studio, one with a modern little yogurt shop & even one has become a laundromat?....My girls & I decided it was just another example of our poor economy, making it very difficult for the little antique shops to survive....but who knows?

It was a bit disheartening.....not only did we not make even one purchase, we were really not even tempted!?....Everything was so EXPENSIVE!.....OMGoodness! Not the day we had planned.
Of course the three of us love spending a day strolling & browsing & enjoying each others company, but shopping-wise, not so good.

In fact, by mid-afternoon we all decided to cut our losses & come on home!....Of course my husband was happy to have us home a bit earlier than expected & thrilled that most of the cash we had stopped to get, was still safely tucked away in our wallets! I think he almost felt sorry for us,.... & even offered to go pick up dinner...something I have never said no to!....

So in closing,.... our sad little antiquing day came to an end,.....but everything turned around by dinnertime. We were happy to return home, have a meal that none of us had to prepare & be able to get to bed early. It may not have been the day we had planned, but in the end it turned out just fine.

Here's to unexpected days!

Heidi xo

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"Shutter Love".......

I'm not sure you all will feel the same,.... but then again how could you not?.....Are "old-fashioned shutters" not just about the most fairy-tale, most charming detail any house could ask for!....Since I was very small, I have had such a fascination with these simple wood structures.

Maybe it had something to do with the books I was attracted to...you know, classics, like the "Secret Garden" & the "Little Princess"...or anything written by Louisa May Alcott. All these featured stately old houses, or sweet country cottages, where each window was accessorized with shutters.

The best however, were the shutters that were truly functioning. You know the ones,...the ones that could be closed to keep the weather at bay during the cold winter months,... & then when springtime came, could be dramatically thrown open!... once again letting the sunlight & fresh breezes drift in!....

And then of course is the "element of color". Of course classic black is always tasteful & elegant.....with green or blue running a close second. Oh but every once in awhile isn't it enchanting to see a very uncharacteristic shade of pink or lavender gracing these wood beauties!....So very "nursery-rhyme-esque"!, especially when paired against an old stone dwelling or vine-covered brick brownstone...... Simply magical!

O.K..... by now you are beginning to understand just how obsessed I am!....
but that's perfectly fine.
I am deep in "shutter love"..... unabashedly & undeniably!......

Cheers to shutters everywhere!

heidi
xo

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My Mother's Pumpkin Cookies,.... thanks to Sarah.....

Please understand! My mother used to make the most incredible "pumpkin cookies". They were supremely tender & frosted with a cooked, brown sugar frosting......so good that sitting here I can smell the aroma drifting through the air,... & I haven't even begun to make a batch yet!

I have been looking for this recipe EVERYWHERE!...I have googled it a million & one times, still not finding this perfect recipe?...Then today, all of a sudden, after altering the phrase I fed into Google,.... I found it!!!....I followed it back to a lovely blog, "In Praise of Leftovers". It seems that it's hostess, Sarah, has the same adoration for these cookies, as I do... & also remembers her mother baking them for her!.....I left a comment to Sarah, telling her I just had to steal her photo & this recipe & post it on my blog!!!...of course giving her all the credit!!!....So this is Sarah's photo & Sarah's mother's recipe!!!!!......

Maybe our mothers found the recipe in the same magazine or newspaper article years ago?.... who knows!...But one way or another, with Sarah's help,... I have found my mother's long last "pumpkin cookie recipe"!...Thank you Sarah!!!

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Autumn is Here....

I am so very happy that Autumn is here....maybe not officially, but once Labor Day has come & gone,... Autumn in my mind, has arrived.

It's true that here in California we will still have our share of very warm days, but this week is supposed to be cooperating quite nicely,... with the weathermen predicting temperatures in the 70's, which for those of us in Southern California is most definitely "Fall" weather!

In the next few weeks I am concentrating on readying our home for the cool months ahead...adding softness with extra pillows, placing a rug on the bare floor of my kitchen & burning as many deliciously spicy-smelling candles as possible!.....I want to bake pumpkin bread & oatmeal cookies... & am even thinking about putting up a batch of apple butter!....And I would love to begin a new quilt,... possibly made from tiny colonial prints in deep golden yellows & dusty browns.....

This is the Autumn I am dreaming of.....crisp early mornings,.... afternoons of pale sunlight & long shadows...& peaceful family evenings spent in our cozy home.

This is the season of the year that I look forward to the most....
and it is now here....
for us all to enjoy.

heidi xo

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New Pillow Designs for September!.....

"Little Swallow" pillow
With September's arrival,.... I felt it time for a few fresh new designs to be added to my Etsy shop, "Heidi Devlin Design". Of course most of them follow along with my undying love of "Farmhouse Chic" ....which whether it is French, English or good-old American, for me "farmhouse" is fabulous!!!
My new designs are simple, somewhat "vintage-in-feel" & so very charming!...And even though I do love the quiet quality that neutral fabrics offer,...I am having such fun adding a bit of interest to the backs of some of my designs!....Some have backs that are either beige or blue traditional mattress ticking, while others will be showing off the incredible reproduction French prints from the talented designer Kaari Meng from French General!...I'm just "over the moon" with love for Kaari's fabrics!...& have been ordering yards & yards of various prints!...So be watching for more to show up in my shop!....I am planning on stockings & ornaments for Christmas,.... both with not only my signature "burlap & oatmeal-y cotton", but also bits & pieces of these lovely French prints as well! So much to look forward too!

One of Karri Meng's French reproduction prints, as seen on my "French Country Patisserie" pillow
The designs today are all about the "casual feel of wonderful cottons", the "hand-stenciling" which I am very proud to offer,.... & the "lovely workmanship" that I feel is so important in today's world!

"Home sweet Home" pillow
For me it is so rewarding to be able to design, create & sell such pretty pillows to all of you!...It is simply delightful to hear from many of you...knowing that others share my love of old-fashioned quality as well!......Home-made & Hand-made is definitely alive & well!

" French Country Patisserie" pillow

I also would like to remind you all that I love being asked to do "custom designs", which my last photo is all about!...Recently, a lovely client of mine, asked me to create a pillow for her two young sons. She described the room she & her husband were putting together for their newborn & toddler son, & very much wanted to have a very special pillow with their names. Of course I was thrilled to be asked! The pillow turned out so beautifully that I asked my client if I could indeed offer it in my shop! She happily agreed & here it is,....
my sweet "Our Sons" pillow!....Not only is it hand-stenciled on the front, but also has a darling prayer on the back!....Such a special piece!

"Our Sons" pillow
It was my pleasure today, to show you what I have been up to, with lots more in the works!....Please come visit my Etsy shop soon & take a peek for yourself!!....Thank you all for your continuing support!.... & for reminding me daily how much you too appreciate the "handmade"!
Off to make a little dinner.....

Love Always.....Heidi xo

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My New Fascination for Fall...Dundee Marmalade Jars....

Hello Friends,
O.K. it's official...I am in love with those darling little
"Dundee Marmalade" jars!.....They are so darn charming!!!!.....It's not that I have never seen them before, but for some reason they are now just calling to me!....

I adore their "plain-jane" cream, crockery pots..... & even more so their exquisite black lettering! So simple, yet so very elegant, a combination that always delights me! These little vintage jam containers will be my Autumn obsession!.....I will be scouring antique & thrift shops, as well as continuing my hunt on Etsy!....Of course I would be
"over the moon" to have a cupboard filled, as in my first photo,.... but also would be very content to enjoy 3-5 jars arranged on my mantle, each filled with button mums!.....Oh! how pretty!

I know you all can understand such a "fascination"!....So I will let you know what I find!.....

Happy Hunting!

Your friend,....

Heidi
xo

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Back To School".....

Last week, I took my first college class of all time! ......That's right, never been to college. Not really even sure why I didn't go? Anyway, that changed a week ago!...My daughter Mallory & I have signed up for a "pattern-making" class. We both design & sew, but neither of us know a thing about making a pattern from a sketch?....However, by the time this semester is over, hopefully our pattern making skills will be sharp enough for each of us to qualify for the next Project Runway!.....

I have to say learning something you have always wanted to do is so exhilarating!....I sat in the class, hanging on each word, as our teacher described all the necessary tools & their functions. She talked about needing to be very precise,
...."industry exact" is how she explained it.....was that "fashion industry exact"?...OMGoodness!....She talked about what we would be learning & how she wanted us all to feel comfortable with the terms & references of pattern making, so we could be confidant when dealing with those in the fabric & design industry.
Now keep in mind, my goals are a bit less lofty, but listening to our teacher, I realized how much I love learning & how you are simply never too old to expand your knowledge.
Who knows?...This class may spur me on to another!...."pattern making" today....possibly "draping" next semester!?......

Enjoy your day & keep absorbing knowledge!

Heidi
xo

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Preparing for Autumn with Pretty New Pillows!....

Happy Sunday to you all!....
With Autumn just around the corner, I have been thinking new "pillow designs"!...You know,... thoughts of coming inside once again, creating rooms that will offer functionality, but still be cozy & inviting as well!..... I am anxious to shift the furniture around, re-arrange my hutch & organize my kitchen cupboards, preparing for the cooler months ahead!

In my quest for cozy,... I have designed some new pillows, which I will be debuting this week.... in my Etsy shop
"Heidi Devlin Design".
The first is my "Home Sweet Home" pillow, which is absolutely charming! Whether we live in a county cottage or a contemporary downtown loft, these "iconic words of home" must be displayed!.....

The second pillow is a darling little "tuffet",.... measuring just 12"x12". The front is a French-inspired cotton, with the back being a tan burlap... & then hand stenciled with the most adorable little bird....hence my "Little Swallow" pillow, a tribute to one of my favorite feathered friends!

Both of these lovely designs would be so suitable tucked into the cozy corners of our Autumn homes. I invite you to visit my shop soon, for these & more Fall-inspired designs!

Wishing you a relaxing Sunday!.....

Your friend,
Heidi XO

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School is Starting & Cookies Are Baking.....

With school having already started for us our house is feeling a little like Fall!....And along with a new teacher, a new classroom & new school supplies....it is again time to make sure our cookie jar is filled!....I am vowing this year, to keeping this big glass cookie jar of ours filled at least 1/2 full, since it truly is a very large jar!.....
So this week, I decided to start the year with the
classic Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe. Can you really improve on perfection!....Of course our family is in love with the dough as much as the cookies, so it is a constant battle, between spoonfuls of the dough making it to the cookie sheet or simply into the open mouths of the husband, the daughters & the grandson!
I ended up doubling the batch, so I am happy to report lovely chocolate-y cookies did make it to the actual jar!.....Oh how pretty they looked!
Now even though I am quite sure you all have made this recipe over & over again, we all know a classic recipe can never be repeated to often, so with that said, here is "the" chocolate cookie recipe of all time!....I am not sure quite yet what next weeks cookie will be?...but when I decide I will be sure & share!....
Happy baking & a spoonful or two of dough as well!......
Heidi
xo
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Nestle Toll House Chocolate Chip Cookie recipe
( baking time:9minutes/makes 5 dozen cookies)

2 1/4		cups all-purpose flour
1		teaspoon baking soda
1		teaspoon salt
1		cup butter, softened
3/4		cup sugar
3/4		cup firmly packed brown sugar
1		teaspoon vanilla
2		eggs
1		(12-ounce) package (2 cups) real semi-sweet chocolate chips (We recommend NESTLE® TOLL HOUSE® Morsels)
1		cup chopped nuts

Heat oven to 375°F. Combine flour, baking soda and salt in small bowl. Set aside.

Combine butter, sugar, brown sugar and vanilla at high speed in large bowl. Beat, scraping bowl often, until creamy. Add eggs one at a time, beating well after each addition. Reduce speed to low; gradually add flour mixture, beating well after each addition. Stir in morsels and nuts by hand.

Drop dough by rounded tablespoonfuls onto ungreased cookie sheets. Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool 2 minutes; remove from cookie sheets. Cool completely.

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