"Our Declan"......

 

 Declan is my youngest grandson......turning 1 on New Year's Day.
A "smile-ier" child you will never meet!.....

Almost always in a great mood....

Almost always into something.....

 Almost always putting anything in his mouth....

 

 He looks like his mother.....

Has his Dad's coloring.....

And is his brother's pride & joy.....

 

He is "Our Declan".....

XOXO

 

Heidi

xo

 

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Announcing My Annual.... "Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap"....

 

It is that wonderful time of year once again, when we all began preparing and planning for the holidays!....

And for me that includes my annual "Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap"!

Now I know that some of you are a bit hesitant to sign up for a swap, but I have to say that I have been hosting this swap for quite a few years now, and have met such wonderful friends, whom I enjoy blogging with on a regular basis!....I believe most of the ladies are tried and true fabulous swappers! So I very much hope you will sign up and join me in an old-fashioned  holiday tradition!

So this is how it will all work.....

* You can sign up, by e-mailing me at heididevlin@gmail.com,  from now until Saturday, November 16th, saying you would like to participate!...and be sure and fill out and e-mail me the information at the bottom of this post!

* You will need to send off your partner's swap box, no later than Saturday, November 30th

* You will need to create a fabulous swap box, for your assigned partner, which will include little, nicely made, vintage and/or homemade treasures!....Be sure and include pretty items that suit your partner's "holiday style/taste" and that you would love to receive!....approx. limit $25-30

 

Here are a few ideas...

* family recipes

* little old books

* decorations

* home décor

* candles

*edible treats

( make sure they have the appropriate shelf life!)

*vintage craft items

* gardening items

etc.

 

I so hope you will make my "Heidi's Homemade Christmas Swap" one of your holiday traditions!

Let me know if you have any questions!

 

Your friend,

 

Heidi

xo

 

Information Sheet:

Name:

Address:

E-mail address:

Blog ( if you have one)

Pinterest ( if you enjoy it!)

Christmas color preferences:

Christmas style:

Favorite magazines:

Favorite kind of ornaments:

Do you like glitter?:

Favorite candle scents:

Food restrictions:

( gluten free/low sugar, vegan)

 

 

 

 

 

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Jeanne Oliver's "Creatively Made Home....Home for the Holidays".....

A few weeks ago I signed up for an amazing on-line class called....

 "Creatively Made Home...Home for the Holidays"!......
 

     The idea came from the very talented Jeanne Oliver. Jeanne came up with the idea to feature a group of inspiring women, who love decorating, crafting, cooking and entertaining....and present their individual ideas, tips and philosophies about the holidays, all together in this 3 week series of on-line classes!.....
Jeanne's feeling is to show us all how to focus on having a stress free holiday, where the emphasis is "home made" but not perfection. Slowing down and taking time to make the holidays lovely, but leaving the unrealistic expectations at the door....Something many of us strive for!
 

Well the classes began last week, and will continue through next week, however you will be able to enjoy all the information presented for up to two years time!....
 

Even though the classes have begun, you can still sign up! Many of the projects are ones you can do for the holidays or anytime throughout the year....all the ideas are very adaptable!
 

The classes are available through Jeanne's website...."Jeanne Oliver Creative Network"
You must go check this out!! You will be so happy you did!

your friend.....

heidi
xo
 

 

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"Thinking".......

 

 This morning I awoke early......It is quiet, misty & still quite dark.....but I am awake & thinking. Have you had those mornings?.....Thinking about the plans for the day. Thinking about the holidays. Thinking about getting the winter garden planted......

I am not stressing, just thinking.....mulling over ideas in the early morning.

 

 

 With moving to the country, we are at home much of the time. I find myself rediscovering my kitchen,....baking, canning & basically cooking constantly. I also am much more caught up with my pillow business....& there is not a day that goes by without some little corner of my home being fussed with, décor-wise......

These are the areas that I am forever "thinking" about.

 

 

For me, spending time at home.....thinking about all the aspects of home, feels right. I love having time to consider, to dream & to learn......about my home & myself.

So in the still of this morning, I am preparing a cup of tea & doing just that.....

 

wishing you a day of happy thoughts!
heidi
xo

 

 

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"A Little Halloween Sale".......

wicked pillow

Hi Friends, Hope you all are doing well!.....

 

A little note to let you all know that these very charming Halloween pillows are now on sale!.....Come visit me at my etsy shop Heidi Devlin Design & use the discount coupon HALLOWEEN2013 & you will save 20%!....

 

pillows usually $36, now only $29.50!!

 

Come over & see!

I would love to create any of these designs just for you!

 

Many Thanks!

 

Heidi

xo

 

BOO pillow

Spider pillow

skeleton pillow

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"Goodbye Summer.....Hello Autumn"....

This summer has been a fabulous one!.......We bought a house & moved to the county at the very beginning of June, which has proved to be a great decision for us!.......We kept thinking it may be too far out, but as it turns out we love it! And with a little planning, "too far out" is just right!...at least for this family!

 So getting back to the actual "move".....I am going on record saying I will NEVER move again!....We have moved many times in our 30+ years of marriage, but somehow it has never been this difficult?....Maybe we're just getting old?.... or maybe it's the universe telling us we have finally found "home".....I am fine with both.....

 

This summer we have been painting, decorating & gardening ( more like cleaning up the garden).

 

And swimming in our pool!.....a pool with a 1960's blue slide....let's face it, maybe dated & a bit tacky...but who doesn't love a great 1960's blue slide!!

 

We have been enjoying the fruit trees & making lots of jam.

 

Our children & grandsons have been in & out all summer long....lots of barbequing, walks & adventures......so much fun!

So once again this summer has been a "keeper".....

 

Now with the arrival of September, I am looking toward Autumn.....

   & plans for more home improvement, gardening & family adventures.

 

Goodbye Summer.....Hello Autumn!

 

Heidi

xoxo

 

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"Happy Tears"......

 

 

Today my youngest daughter, Mallory moved out. I know she was here with us on borrowed time & knew this day was coming for weeks....however it still hurts a bit.

You see both my daughters & my grandson lived with my husband & I for many years longer than most children do, which I enjoyed immensely. I loved having those voices greet us each morning & be the last ones you heard at night.

I loved how each day our lives were tangled up together, with 3 generations all under one roof.

Then a couple years ago my oldest daughter Holly, met & married a great man....& together with my grandson made a new family, now with the addition of another sweet son as well.

And then a few months ago Mallory also found a wonderful guy. Together they have become great friends & now a fantastic couple.

And today they moved in together....Into a darling apartment near the beach....They have been fixing up every square inch of their space,....painting, sewing, building, etc...making it their own.

This morning Mallory moved the last of her things.

My husband & I helped & went down to the new place to see how things were coming along.

It was crazy hot & humid, but in amongst the hard work, you could see the happiness in creating this home together.

My husband & I wished them well & left.....

We had a wonderful afternoon the two of us....

Tonight we drove to home.....out in the country....far from the beach.....

And as I entered the house & walked by Mallory empty bedroom...tears began to fall.....

I know we will see her often....

 but I will so miss hearing that voice early each morning & late each night.....

 

Heidi

xoxo

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"A Protrait".....

 

A painting of my grandson finds a new home atop my jam cabinet!....

 

Holly, thank you for Andrew...

 

 & Mallory, thank you for the portrait!

 

Heidi

xo

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"Growing"....

 

Our one plum tree is dripping with fruit, so tomorrow will be an all out "plum-picking day"!.....I have everything ready for an afternoon of jam making!....so am very excited to preserve some of these beauties,.... so that glorious plum sweetness can be enjoyed in the winter months!

 

Now onto the zucchini....I have three plants, but of course that translates into zillions of zucchini!....The blossoms are just so amazing right now, along with a few small zucchini nestled in among those amazing yellow blooms!

 

And of course & possibly my favorite little crop, "basil"!.....It has grown from these straggly little plants into robust, fluffy knee-hi plants that are blemish free & just begging to be transformed into delectable "pesto"!....I use pesto in so many dishes,.... that I live for this time of year, when it is growing faster than you can possibly keep up with!

It is so true that growing your own small garden can give you an entirely different perspective....on healthy eating, growing organic & how it can simply enrich your soul to walk through, & spend the morning in a garden.

Go get your hands dirty!

xoxo

heidi

 

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"A Bit of Colonial Spain in my Living Room"......

Yesterday I spent the day with my daughter Mallory, working at the costume loft,.... at the theater she works at in Balboa Park. Such a nice day!....We work on all the costumes she is designing.... & sit, stitch & talk...& sit, stitch & talk some more!

   On our way to the theater this morning, we stopped at this darling antique shop on Adams Avenue, here in San Diego, called "Stuff".....It is a fabulous little shop with all kinds of interesting finds!....My daughter & I picked up some great items, & among mine was this incredible Old Spanish Colonial candelabra!..old & rusty with the perfect patina, I just scooped it up!

So happy I did! I think it looks amazing in this corner of my living room!

  Off again this morning for another day of antiquing with girlfriends!...Such a great way to spend a Saturday!.....

Wishing you a delightful August weekend as well!.....

xoxo

heidi

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"Ticking".....

 

Who else loves "ticking"?.....

I simply adore it!.....always have.....

humble, utilitarian, strong,.... great virtues to have.....

I will find as many uses for ticking in my home as I possibly can!

 

xoxo

heidi

 

 

 

 

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"Buttermilk Granola Muffins".....great way to begin the day!

 

I made a batch of these amazingly delicious "Buttermilk Granola Muffins" this last weekend!....The recipe comes for King Arthur Flour, which has become a "great go-to" spot for wonderful recipes!!

 Being a fan of buttermilk, I always look for recipes that include that magical ingredient!...& this new addition will not disappoint!.....

 

happy baking!

xoxo

heidi

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"Summer"......

 

Fresh picked plums!

 

Summer at it's very best!

 

Enjoy every minute!

 

xoxo

heidi

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"Kitchen Cupboards".....

The kitchen in our new, circa. 1988 house....is very plain, very dated, but very much something I can work with. The first thing I did is remove some upper cabinet doors which as you know can open up & update a kitchen in minutes!....Then, thinking I was going to paint the interiors, gave each a quick spray of Kilz. Well it looked so crisp & clean by just doing that, I decided to just leave them white & fill the cupboards with pretty glassware & jars of staples, such as oats, panko, etc. I placed some lovely antique plates behind the jars just to give a sense of "background" to the shelves...a trick I have done at client's home for years! Seeing a bit of "pretty" peeking out from behind utilitarian jars is most charming!.....I also hung a little "sheep art" up as well....really just pages from an old book about livestock, which I thought were cute & decided to frame up!....Simple & Cheap!!...my kind of artwork!.....

 

O.K. now off to get this day going....

 

Happy Summer Day to you all!

 

xoxo

heidi

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"What Color for Chairs?".....

 

*I have some old, quite beat-up Windsor style chairs, & only three.....

 

*however my budget requires I use them & so I will.....

 

* so now trying to decide what color to paint these dining chairs?....

black...white...dark colonial blue?...

any thoughts?

 

xoxo

heidi

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"Hydrangeas".....

 

Whether they are my "faux" hydrangeas in old earthenware crocks.......

 

 

 or "hydrangeas" cupcakes on an ironstone cake stand....

 

 

or masses of hydrangeas along a path.....

 

I adore these most enchanting blooms!!!

 

Big & plump & blue!

 

xoxo

Heidi

 

(note: cupcakes from glorioustreats.com)

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"Today"......

Decorating continues....

* Hung star quilt on wall ( all my myself & the ladder)................check
* Ironed unbleached muslin tablecloth & placed on table.............check
* Found skinny coffee table while thrifting...................................check

Now need to make iced coffee & relax in courtyard!......Happy Saturday to you all!

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"Our Home"...dated & loving it!!

 

Good Morning Friends....It seems it has been so long since I posted here on my blog!.....& I have so missed it & all of you!......These last 6 weeks have been spent preparing for moving, actually moving & then attending to everything that was moved!!...I'm sure many of you know exactly how it feels!

    I am so happy to say that our household is settling down a bit! The house we bought was built in the late 80's, so needless to say I am embracing lots of "brass" in the form of faucets, chandeliers, ceiling fans, etc. etc!....The house is very dated, but that is really what we were looking for...a house with "projects", that we can slowly over time, fix-up, re-do....make our own!....As nice as some of these "flipped" houses are these days, they were just not for us!....I like "quirky" & "interesting" & "personal"...not cookie cutter!....So this house is perfect for us!

    I am looking forward to showing you our progress, as we tackle one room at a time!....I know I so enjoy seeing that on many of your blogs, so thought it might be fun to join in too!

Wishing you all a fabulous Thursday!

Off to hang a quilt!

Heidi

xo

 

Above Photo:

(Glimpse of our "living/dining" room....I am loving the colors or lack thereof....& realize how badly I need dining room chairs!?....Add that to my list!!....)

   

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"My Andrew"......

 

 It has been 9 years ago today that my grandson Andrew made me a "grandma"......From a tiny baby back in New York, to our So. Cal boy now, each & every year has been such a priviledge to be part of. 

 

 

 From a baby, to a toddler, small boy & now a 9 year old.... each stage has been so exciting! Who knew how this little person would have taken over our lives & hearts!

 

 

 Our family has become much larger with Andrew in the middle of it all!....Between family activities, weekly baseball games & the everyday, this sweet boy connects us all with love & enthusiasm...& reminds us daily what strong "family ties" we all are a part of.....

   I asked Andrew a few weeks ago, if he would like to come down & stay with us a few times over this coming summer?....reminding him that I would understand  if he wanted to spend more time with his own friends. He didn't miss a beat!..."Nini!...I NEVER feel like that! You're my family!"

....O.K. did I mention I love this kid!

 

 

 So Andrew....on this day, May 18th, 2013, I want to thank you for being my grandson...for making me a grandmother......for being sweet & kind & funny & smart. For being a great reader, mathematician, baseball player & friend .... For being a great kid!

 

And now being a big brother..... you & I can show Declan how special it is to be a "grandma & grandson"!

I love you beyond words Andrew!.........

Nini

xo

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"The Great Gatsby"......

 

 

 My one Mother's Day request was to go see the movie, "The Great Gatsby". I had adored the version with Mia Farrow & Robert Redford when I was in my teens, in the late 70's, so I was so excited to see how this new version was!

 Well it didn't disappoint!.....The movie is spectacular!....Leonardo De Caprio & Carrie Mulligan  are fantastic, as well as Toby McGuire!.....It is a visual delight, being transported to another time of opulence & beauty!....And the clothes!!! The glorious clothes!!

 I highly recommend reading about the world that F. Scott Fitzgerald created in the pages of "The Great Gatsby",.....

or better yet, spending an afternoon at the movie, allowing his world to envelope you!

 

Enjoy!

 

Heidi

xo

 

" pale & ethereal"...

 

 

"the lovely Daisy"....

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"Mother's Day".....

Over the years, Mother's Day has been celebrated in a variety of ways. As a child, it was presenting my mother with a hand crafted card made at school.....Then in my teen age years, it was finding a sweet affordable gift I knew my mother would love. After I was married, Mother's Day became one where the entire day was devoted entirely to my own mother & my mother-in-law, brunch with one & dinner with the other. Then soon, I too joined the motherhood club, so the day became even busier, hosting celebrations for the matriarchs of our family, mothers, grandmothers, aunts, etc.

   A few years later my husband & I moved from Washington State to Southern California, where all of a sudden the day was all about me!....Of course gifts were sent to our mothers, but the day was very much my own...which selfishly I quite enjoyed! This is how the holiday remained, until my own daughter Holly, had my first grandson...& so the day was shared happily together.

   When Holly was married a little over a year ago, & since living over an hour away, I was remembered generously with a lovely gift, card & phone call on the special day!.....However she spent the day with her husband & children, last year with one son, this year with two.

    With just three of us at home now, my younger daughter Mallory & my sweet husband have made sure that Mother's Day has remained a thoughtful & memorable day.

    My message is this.....Mother's Day is a very important day. It can take many forms. It can be enjoyed many ways, with lots of people or just a few....a large celebration or a quiet one. From one year to the next, this day's celebration may change,.... but no matter how you choose to spend it, Mother's Day is special,.... & one that every mother truly appreciates.

Thank you to my family for making me always feel loved...

Love you bunches...

mom

 xo

 

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"Strawberries/Rhubarb/Pie".......

 

 With Mother's Day in just a few days, I am seriously "hoping & hinting" that come Sunday, this incredible strawberry-rhubarb pie will be lurking around somewhere in my house.....

 

 

And if you would like to take it one step further, ( I always love taking things one-step-further!)....

Serve your pie in these very charming pie-shaped boxes!.....AMAZING!

 And the spoons??...Really?....Can't get much cute-er!

 

Happy Pies!

Heidi

xo

 

Note: Photos from Pinterest/Dine & Dash & Etsy/ALAMODO

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"A Garden"......"A Library"

 

We are planning to move into our new house in just a few weeks.....

    I have room for a very large garden, which I am mentally imagining to include raised beds, berry supports & lots of trellises for climbing veggies, as well as a couple rambling roses!.....So the "garden" is a very realistic goal...

  As far as the "library" reference.....I believe for now, a couple bookshelves we have had for years may have to do!.....However, when our budget catches up with our wish list...built-in library shelves will be first on my list!

Happy decorating!

Heidi

xo

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"The List Writing has Begun".....

I have news.....We have purchased a house!.....After 4 years of renting, we will once again be homeowners....& it feels great!

Now keep in mind, my husband & I like "projects" & believe me we will have plenty!....The new house is very dated, circa. 1988.....it is very plain....& quite worn.

On the flip side....

 it sits on a 1/2 acre,

 is out in the country,

 has a small barn,

 large pool ( with slide...can't get more dated than that!...but grandsons LOVE slides!),

 old antique-y gazebo,

 3 prolific orange trees,

 a courtyard

 & a terrifically large area for a garden!.....

If you can tell, I am beyond excited!....I have purchased at least a couple notebooks where the list making has begun!...Lists of paint colors, fabric swatches, indoor tasks, outdoor tasks, etc. etc.

We will be moving in late May/early June & I plan on blogging about our progress, our mishaps & everything in between!

Hope you'll join me!

heidi

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"The Winners"!!......

Good Morning!.....

The last few days have been busy ones for me.....so am just now posting the winners of my

"Glittered Ragball Easter Egg" giveaway!!.....

Please forgive my tardiness!

Thank you so much to all of you who left a comment here on my blog! If you are one of the lucky winners, please write me at heididevlin@gmail.com & give me your address, so I can send off your darling eggs!...just in time for Easter!!!

Here are the winners!!......Enjoy!!.....

Your friend,

 heidi XO

Wendy......the Large Eggs

Dorinne, Kathy R. & Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions...the smaller eggs

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"Glittered Ragball Easter Eggs".....a Fabulous Giveway!!!

 Happy Sunday to you all!.....

With Easter right around the corner, I have been busy creating lots & lots of my

"Ragball Easter Eggs"!...It seems many of us are filling pretty baskets with these amazing beauties!.....giving them as "favors"!.....or hanging them from bare branches, creating old fashioned egg trees!...

These sparkling eggs are always a favorite seasonal item in my etsy shop, Heidi Devlin Design,.....

 However today I thought a giveway might be in order!......

Just leave a comment here letting me know that you are interested!.....

I will collect all of them & announce right here on my blog on Tuesday the lucky winners!!....

( Three giveaways!....1 set of large eggs....& 2 sets of  smaller eggs!)

Good Luck to you!!

heidi

xo

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