"Pink Churches" for "Pink Saturday"

Sitting high on a "flower flecked" hill, this lovely "pink" church just beckons for worshippers to come inside..... "Pink Saturday" is once again here. Who knew when our friend Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" thought this day up, that it would have become this big in only a few short weeks!.... Congratulations Beverly....wonderful idea!!!

The "juxtaposition" of "tradional" & "hot pink".........come together in this charming church......
On a more serious note.....two of our blogging friends are going through a terrifically difficult time at the moment..... many of you are familiar with Kari & Kijsa from the blog of the same name. Their beloved father was rushed to Beth Israel Hospital for emergency surgery, when he collapsed at a family gathering last Sunday evening. Their brother has been writing updates about their father's condition all week, along with wonderfully poignant stories about their dad & their family. As of this writing, his condition is truly in God's hands. Your prayers are being asked, for their father & family.
Therefore, I thought it appropriate to post "pink churches" as a small tribute to what sounds like a "most amazing man". I hope you agree.....
Another "House of God".....looking peaceful & pretty......& "pink".......
The architecture of this "pink" church is pure "folly".....but inside the message is very real.....always "believe & trust in God"............Heidi XO

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"A BABY SHOWER" for Heather & baby Cali.......

Hello "Sweet Morning"....today is the day! It is today that we gather for a "lovely little shower" for baby Cali & her mother Heather. It is early, but all is being readied for quite the "party"...a "party" of the very best kind...one to welcome a new, tiny being into the world!....
" Sunbeams" will guide us to a wee house in the glen......
Look closely.....what lies within?.......Are their "festivities" awaiting?....I so hope so, don't you!

" Flowers" are scattered in wee crystal cups..... ....."banners" are hung from doorways & such....

Oh!.... The confections, don't they smell fine!.... all fancily frosted & looking "devine".....
The guests are all here,... greeting & chatting, "Heather is beaming", surrounded by packages!.....Oh!...Look at the gifts for "baby Cali"!.....Soft crocheted blankets, sweetly-done sweaters.......
.....all made with "love" for this nearly here "infant"......

As each little dress makes it's debut from it's box...You hear the ladies "oohhing & aahing" over fabrics & trims!........"tiny antique treasures"....who wore them & when....
The "party" continues till mid-afternoon....family & guests delighted by the upcoming event!...... Then as the last cupcakes are eaten, & guests start to depart......
....Heather & family return to their home....feeling contented & happy for their special afternoon. We all wish you "love" and can't wait till the day........when "wee tiny Cali" decides it's "HER" day! Congratulations to Heather, her husband & their children!........wishing you all the best!

Note: Will be mailing a little something in the morning!

Note: This entire "shower" idea for Heather was thought up by her friend, Rhonda at "Scooterblu's Whimsy"..She thought it would be a lovely thing to do, & invited us all to come too! Thank you so much Rhonda!...It was the best of ideas!

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"The Yellow House"....Whimsical & Happy"

Note: Tomorrow, July 25th, Rhonda at "Scooterblu's Whimsy" is throwing a lovely virtual "baby shower" for Heather at "Hopscotch and Hydrangeas"! Heather has had a very difficult pregnancy, so Rhonda thought a "party" was exactly what she needed!.....You are all invited! Please visit Rhonda's blog to find out all the details!...See you there! I cannot express to you how I feel about this photo!....."pure Enchantment"?...yes that's it!

Hi Friends, If you have been reading my blog, you know I am going through my entire house & garden,... & cleaning, & reorganizing & rearranging!.... And I must say, I am having a wonderful time!...Who knew straightening everything up would make me so content!....Anyway, during the last week & even today, while "thinning out the basil"...I was thinking about the color "yellow". For some reason, I am so into the color yellow! I have no idea why?....maybe it's bright, happy & carefree, a bit like "Summer".... but then again, I like yellow's softer side as well, the muted shades of aged "Tuscan plaster" or even it's pastel shades similar to "early morning sunlight". For whatever reason, it is my "color of the moment"!......As many of you also know,...I have an incurable "love affair with houses".....Always hunting for my favorites. So this afternoon while taking a much need break, I went searching for "yellow houses"!...& did I find some "beauties"! I can't even pick a favorite...I love them all! ...Thought maybe you would enjoy them too! "Yellow", stately, & so European......
"Summer" personified......
A yellow house..."nice"...a yellow house with a "yellow striped awning"......"REALLY NICE"!!!!!
This "yellow" is right out of the pages of "Grimm's Fairy Tales"......

A little "yellow" cottage" ....... Overgrown with pink roses!
Simple & lovely.....
The "magic" of a yellow house dusted with snow......
Bright & beautiful!......
And finally, this lovely "yellow house" shyly hiding it's classic lines & architecture, behind a screen of green.....Amamzing!........

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My "clean" Sewing Room......

Coming up the stairs to our "sewing room".....I have a "mis-mash" of furniture, which I like!.... Hi Friends, I have been so busy with projects in the last few months that my sewing room had gotten to a point of no return! It was a HORRIBLE MESS!....With each project, I cleaned off just enough space to work on that particular piece, but never actually picked up anything more than I absolutely had to?....I kept telling myself I would clean up after each project, but it just didn't happen!!! I even tried to talk myself into the idea that "creative people are artistic, not necessarily organized"!???...What crazy logic!....Anyway, I finally decided to stop procrastinating & clean up! It has taken me about 5 days....I have gone through every drawer... folded every piece of fabric, organized each notion,... dusted, washed & vacumned. And here it is.....My "clean" sewing room!!.....Look quick!!...can't guarantee it will be this neat for long! A pair of long, skinny "Ballard Design" tables.... set "end to end" they make the perfect place to spread out a project & sew..... Love this arrangement, since as you work you have a full view of the neighborhhood!..... O.K., I am a bit "nosey"!
Antique green French cupboard houses our "T.V."( behind the glass doors), tissue paper, glue guns, quilting templates, rubber stamps, etc.......Next to it is another Ballard Design piece, filled with somewhat "pretty things"...ribbons, sequins, millinery flowers, tiny boxes, etc....& of course our cutting table.....
This is the "fabric closet" that holds all of our fabric, ribbons, pieced quilt-tops (waiting to be quilted) & projects for clients.......Remember it's not just my things, but my two daughters as well!
Another view looking across the room....I truly LOVE this space!!! Before this house, I was always sewing in the basement, so this is quite a treat for the girls & I!.....Happy sewing & crafting all!!!.....LOve, Heidi

Note: My "100th post" is quickly approaching!...should happen within the next few days! Since you all have become so special to me over the last few months, I have decided to have a "giveaway"! I am asking you to please leave a comment that day & your name will go in the drawing! The first name randomly chosen, will be sent one of my "Fairfield" striped quilts, the second a Fairfield quilted striped "runner" & the third one of my "Summer" pillows! I so hope you will vist that day!!...see you there!

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"My Time"......

It's Sunday morning,... not my traditional day to start dieting & exercising...but I am starting today none-the-less!.....I told myself, going into summer that I was going to "lose weight"...have I?...NO!....I told myself I was going to start cooking & eating healthy...have I?...NO!....& I told myself I was going to start "exercising"...have I?...No!..........Well, the time has come! No more procrastinating!!!.....I signed up for WeightWatchers (on-line), had my husband buy a terrific treadmill & have stocked the house with healthy food.

From this Sunday on, I will be posting my progress....my weight loss per week, delicious low-cal recipes & my exercise for the week.....I will not be posting my starting weight however, since I am just not that "brave"!!....Let's just say I am a very "chubby", 50 year old lady!,... who needs to loose a lot of weight!....I am just so tired of "weight" being such an issue in my life!...Don't get me wrong...I am a very happy, confident person, who is surrounded by a wonderful family & very supportive "in-shape" friends!... friends & family that love me & that think I'm beautiful, no matter what the scale says.

With all that said though, I know this is something I need to do for myself & nobody but me can do it!....So this, "Sunday morning" is "My Time".....my time to start becoming the fit person I know I can be!......Here's to a healthy week for us all!......Love, Heidi

Note: Donna at Donna's-In The Attic is having a "Yo-Yo Challenge" tomorrow.....visit her site for all the details!....see you there!

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"PINK SHUTTERS" for Pink Saturday.....

Old-fashioned, "pink" & pretty...... "Pink Saturday" is here once again, & this week I am posting yet another "architectural detail" in our favorite color,..."PINK"!.....Last week I spotlighted "pink doors" which I thought would be hard to top,... however, I then dicovered "pink shutters"!...... And Oh My!!, they are just the "prettiest little ornamentation" to any house!.....Remember, our homes are very similar to ourselves,.... they possess a "heart & soul".....and a " viewpoint", that is very personal....."Details", such as shutters, (especially "pink" ones) are the "final words" spoken of that viewpoint. Listen to your home?....What is it saying to you?......Is it possibly asking for a bit of "pink"? Hot "pink" against weathered wood!......"beautiful juxtaposition"......
Adding elaborate "hardware" against the "pink" shutters,.... as charming as you can get!
Simple.... & striking.....&...."pink".....
Ordinary house...extraordinary "pink" shutters!!.....

Note: Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound" is responsible for our "Pink Saturday" posts!!! Originally she felt that after a week of blogging, she was somewhat at a loss for new ideas, so she created "Pink Saturday"! You can post about anything you wish as long as it is "pink" It has become increasingly popular, with new bloggers joining every week! Thank you Beverly for thinking up such a lovely idea!!...Our Saturday's will forever be "pink"!

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"ANNA MARIA HORNER" & her Bright & Beautiful World!

Some of Anna Maria's fabrics from her new line...."Garden party"

Happy Thursday to You all!....I had just sat down to my computer this morning, ready to check a few e-mails & blog posts. One of the first blogs I happened to visit was Anna's at "Anna Maria Horner". I'm sure most of you are familiar with Anna. She is a mother of 5, has an incredibly pretty blog & just happens to be a fabulous textile designer! Her fabrics are contemporary, with just a bit of "nostalgic charm" thrown in.... colors are "vibrant" & patterns "intrically bold"!... If you haven't already, you must vist her blog & on-line shop!
* "Bouquet Rug"....available at her on-line shop!

Anyway, Anna recently posted her new "Garden Party"designs, asking for all of us to let her know our favorites!...Four lucky comments would to be chosen.......being awarded with fabric from her new line!...Among all these enchanting prints, I chose "Social Climber" ( in teal!) & added my comment to the 600+ comments already listed. (Anna, you are just a tad popular, my friend!)...Well, as I was checking her post this morning I delightfully learned I was one of the four chosen!!!! I am just "tickled pink"!!!! I have spent the last few days upstairs, re-organizing & cleaning my sewing room, so this feels like somehow I have beem rewarded for all my hard work!!!.....Thank you so much Anna!
*Anna's "bright & beautiful" studio...brimming over with fabrics, color & creativity!!
One of Anna's lovely "quilt designs" she offers on her blog....if you are in need of a bit of "inspiration"...please visit "Anna Maria Horner".....You can visit, shop & will come away with ideas galore!!!!...........Enjoy your day!........Love, Heidi xo

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"Awards & Tagging"....

Good Morning All, I hope this day finds you all doing well!....In the last few days, I have received two "Brillante Weblog" awards & I have been "tagged"! I am thrilled to pieces! Thank you, thank you!....The rules are with this award, that as soon as you receive it, you in turn give it to 7 other deserving blogs. The "BWA" is given for "brilliant photos & text"!, so needless to say it is such a humbling honor to think people are enjoying what you post!...So in turn, it is my pleasure to pass it on to some of my very favorite "blogging friends"!, which is fairly difficult , since I do have quite a few!
I was given the 1st "BWA" by Cammyk at "FRECKLEDFARM", one of the loveliest blogs ever!!.... you will visit over & over again!...The 2nd was from Rhondi at "ROSE COLORED GLASSES" who's blog is so inviting that you will never want to leave!.... I know that passing this award on to 14 blogs is a little silly, but I'm looking at it a little differently....The blogs I have chosen not only are "brilliantly done", but are ones that I enjoy everyday! They are little "glimpses into lives" & are written by ladies who have become my friends. I encourage you all to take the time to add a bit of beauty to your day & check all these posts out!

I am awarding the "Brillante Weblog" to the following.....
*Kim @ Ragged Roses....charming blog about life in England.....darling "etsy" shop too!


*Holly @ mommyholly.....observations of a young mother, beautifully done..."etsy" shop too!


*Rhonda @ Scooterblu's Whimsy....lovely blog!... thoughts on family life in North Carolina..


*Tracy @ Pink Purl.....life in Norway, great "etsy" shop & wonderful insights from London trip....


*Tonya @ Puddin Pop....lovely writings of homelife & sewing from Louisianna "mother of 7".....


*Carol @ Katherine's Dream...incredibly pretty blog of life in the UK....


*Donna @ Donna's Art... a talented painter who sees "art" in all things...go see her "etsy" shop!


*Cathy Louise @Simple things Small joys...exquisitely lovely blog about life & work in Australia


*Carol @ Clover Yard....charming everyday happenings about her home & family in Scotland....


*Annie @ Firefly Farm Style...beautifully done blog & photos!... & lovely on-line store....


*Pam @ Pam Kitty Morning...writings about life as a very creative woman!....


* Kathy @ Kathy's Cottage...sweet "heart pillows" in her "etsy" shop,... along with a great blog!!


*Beverly @How Sweet The Sound....incredible lady, with fabulous ideas & thoughts for the day...


*Mya @ Creative Musing with Mya....enjoyable blog, always a joy to read! & lovely "etsy" shop...

And here are the rules ladies.....Congratulations!!! You all have given me many hours of enjoyment & insiration!!....& I feel you all are good friends!......Take care.
*Put the logo on your blog...
*Add a link to the person who awarded you
*Nominate at least 7 other blogs
*Add links to those blogs on yours
*Leave a message for your nominees on their blogs

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And last but not least....I also was "tagged" by Michelle at "Mad Red Hare"!...How great were the last few days for me!!?... Thank you so much for thinking of me Michelle!...& please everyone, be sure & visit her delightful blog!!!.....

I have to admit I love to read these "taggings" because through them we get to know a bit more about each other. Here are the rules......

1. Link back to the person who tagged you.
2. Post these rules to your Blog.
3. Share 6 unimportant things about yourself.
4. Tag people at the end of your entry.

Six Unimportant Things About Me:

1- I love "big cities" & "very rural villages"...."suburbia", not so much!......

2-I LOVE dangly,"chandelier" earrings!!!....& not just for dressy occassions, but for everyday with jeans & a t-shirt!...

3-Very big into "basic good manners"...please & thank-you's, holding the door, thank-you notes & R.S.V. P.'s.........

4-I could watch the movie "Emma" every other day!.......(with Gwenyth Paltrow)

5-Love to collect children's books!...

6- And when ordering an alcoholic drink ( very rare!)....I love "Lemon Drop Martinis"!

The six blogging friends I will "tag" today are....Have fun ladies!

1- Jill @ "Bailiwick"
2- Jennifer @ "Sis Boom Day Dream"
3- Holly @ "mommyholly"
4- Jamie @ "Simply Me Art"
5- Heidi @ "Celebrate The Seasons"
6- Jan @ "Jan & Tom's Place"

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In Search of "Gluten-Free" Recipes....for My Friend Judy

Good Morning Friends, I hope you all enjoyed a weekend filled with summer pleasures!.....We certainly did!........I was chatting with my dear friend Judy yesterday & she asked if I could do her a favor. Judy discovered a few months ago that she cannot eat "gluten". It really effects her digestive system & if eaten causes many adverse symptoms. She was asking me if I had any really good "gluten-free" recipes that a I could recommend?...And unfortunately I didn't!...So I am asking you all for a bit of help...If any of you have any delicious "gluten-free" recipes would you please share them with me,... so I could in turn give them to Judy! She & I would greatly appreciate it!!!....Happy Monday to You All.....Heidi XO

P.S. Be sure & visit Donna at "Donna's- In The Attic" for her "Turning Twenty Quilt Show" today!!!! We should all be in for a treat!

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"PINK DOORS"...... for "PINK SATURDAY"

It is after 1:00am,.... we just returned home from the "baby shower" I spoke of in my last post. I think it is safe to say, that the party was a huge success!...As promised I will write about it all next week!....& hopefully some of the photos turned out!...Anyway, I am off to bed...but tomorrow ( actually it is already tomorrow!) is "Pink Saturday" & there is no way I am not having my "pink" post ready. As many of you know, Beverly from "How Sweet The Sound" thought up the wonderful idea of posting & writing about things that are "pink" every Saturday! It seems to be growing every week, and is something we all are getting so much enjoyment from!...Anyway, since it is so late & I am so very tired, I am going to be "short & sweet" about my "pink" contribution this week.......I am posting photos of the prettiest "pink doors"!!! I have never thought about painting any of my doors "pink", but after seeing all of these...who knows??....perhaps a "pink door" is in my future!!!.....Hope you like them too!....I will see & visit you all in the morning!......"Nighty-night" all.......
Pink door #1......so lovely & such detail!
Pink Door #2..... The contrast of "shocking pink" against the black & white is so striking!.......
Pink Door #3..... So charming.......
Pink Door #4....."cracked & peeling"...but so lovely none the less!

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"Party Day"....a shower for Kanon James......

It's Friday, & finally the day has come!...tonight 2 of my girlfriends, Judy & Linda... & myself are throwing a "babyshower"!......Our dear friend Debbie is becoming a "gramdma"!,...Her daughter Deena, is the "mom-to-be"....with baby "Kanon" arriving in just a few weeks!.....We are all excited, since Debbie is one of the first in our group of ladies to join the "granny club"!!!...other than "me" of course!!! :) This "baby shower" has gotten bigger & bigger day by day, with almost 50 guests coming tonight!....We ended up changing the location from my house to Judy's, since my little grandson Andrew broke his leg & all...seemed a bit easier to have it elsewhere. Judy has an amazing home & I am confident that the evening will be a huge success!...Well I still have lots to do...so I better be off!.....I will take lots of pictures & be posting about the party next week! Enjoy your day!........LOve, heidi

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