"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
**********************************************

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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Farmhouse Sinks......

There is just something about "farmhouse sinks". I just adore them!....& for so many reasons! First of all, farmhouse sinks "whisper" of kitchens from the past..... They are big & functional & make me think of the kitchens my mother describes when reminiscing about her summers growing up on the farm.

Today, farmhouse sinks are certainly not just for function, but for beauty as well!....Here not only one sink, but "two" have been added to the design of this kitchen!...Can you imagine?....One not being enough?.....

Here the farmhouse sink has been added to a laundry room!....Wouldn't you just love slaving away with "washing & ironing" in this charming room! Sign me up!

And then there is this extra long, sky-blue, vintage version!.....Could it get any better?....Simply unbelievable!

However, this "farmhouse sink" may be my very favorite!....It is so old-fashioned, & when coupled with a butcher block counter, a darling paned window & open shelving, it covers all bases for me!.....
Simple, functional & a sink that might even make me feel like I was "Anne" doing dishes at "Green Gables"!
Hopefully somewhere in my future there will be a "farmhouse sink". One that will wash fruit, vegetables, dishes & grandchildren!
Here's to the "humble sinks of the past".

Heidi
xo

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Instead of Blogging.....I've been Puttering

The last few days have found me "puttering". Nothing I love more than "puttering".....having time to arrange, stack, rearrange, clean out, sort through & make pretty.

I so need time occasionally to just "be",..... no appointments, no commitments,.... just attending to your home & garden without any interruptions. Pure heaven. It appears that the remainder of August may be more days like this....the days of late summer.

I couldn't be happier.

Here's to "puttering" & enjoying every minute of it....

Heidi
xo

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"Nini-Andrew Nights".......

Tonight was "Back-to-School Night", at my grandson Andrew's school. After his parents left to attend, & hear what his teacher has planned for the year, Andrew & I began our little evening together.
Even though we all live under one roof, sometimes it is rare to have this "one-on-one" time. And for Andrew & I it has been awhile. He has "guy nights" with Papa ( my husband), fun outings with his Auntie "NumNum", (my daughter Mallory),..... & lots of time with myself, my daughter Holly & I...but not too much with just Andrew & "Nini" (me).
This evening we had strict instructions from mom, to make sure I had Andrew in bed on time, something that proves a bit difficult to achieve when dinner, showering & reading stories is on the agenda.
We sat down to a simple meal of macaroni & cheese, bread & butter triangles & orange slices....along with a tiny bowl of peanut-butter cup ice cream. I insisted sitting at the kitchen table, since we have been working hard on learning good manners. Even though sitting in front of the T.V, would have been Andrew's choice,.... once I mentioned setting the table, he was all about it!....Soon place-mats had been retrieved, napkins were folded & milk was served in tall water goblets......and oh! what deliciously good manners & conversation we had!
We discussed the movie " Matilda", & made plans for eating pizza & watching it on Friday night. We talked about how much we both love Parmesan cheese & how it elevates Kraft macaroni to a whole new level!....and we discussed how some children don't believe in Santa Claus, a direct result of discussing the premise of "Miracle on 34th Street". We both agreed it was the silliest of notions!.....no Santa?....please?.....and we debated the reasons we both love gardening while mommy just doesn't understand our need to get our hands dirty.
We had the nicest dinner, just the two of us, chatting & eating. During the meal, I happened to mention that when my daughter begins nursing school, sometime next year..... we will have lots of "Nini-Andrew Nights"......Andrew finished chewing his food, ....looked up at me, smiled & sweetly said...
"I love Nini-Andrew Nights"!.....I smiled back & said....."me too".

Heidi XO

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"Summer Cherries"........

Cherries,..... glorious cherries!....
A pie?.........jam?.....not sure?.....

maybe just "nibbling".....

I'm good with that.

Enjoy!

Heidi XO

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Just Running A Bit Behind....

Good Morning Friends......Hope you are all having a lovely first week of August!.....For those of you that have signed up for my "Aqua and Avocado Swap", please don't worry!......I am running just a bit behind, but will be sending out partners later this afternoon!.....Please forgive my tardiness!...Like you, I cannot wait to begin this delightful swap!

Well, I smell coffee brewing & the family preparing for another new day!.....
Off to get it started!...

love to all!........Heidi XO

P.S. Just sent off my Summer issue of my newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi"!!. ...
If interested in being sent a copy, please contact me at heididevlin@gmail.com..

& I will be delighted to e-mail you a copy!!....

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"I Am Just One Woman....."

Good Morning Friends!
Has it really been almost a week since I blogged?.....Other of course from last night when I accidentally posted a lovely picture without any text??...What was that all about?....but thank you to the sweet ladies who left a comment about the lovely picture itself!

I guess my "wordless post" yesterday, was an indication of my last week. As many of you know I have an Etsy shop where I sell hand-stenciled pillows. Well I truly appreciate how busy I have become, however, in the last few weeks the orders were coming in faster than I realized!...A great thing for a business, but I somehow forgot that filling each order takes time!...always more time than you actually realize!

Long story short, I have been stenciling, sewing, packing & mailing around the clock!.....Always wanting to give wonderful customer service ( a holdover from my Nordstrom days!),.... I have reluctantly had to inform customers I was running a bit behind....not something I feel very comfortable with....

I am happy to report that I am beginning to see a light at the end of my sewing tunnel!....Another few days & I believe I will be all caught up!

I have learned a few things in these last few days....I absolutely LOVE my small pillow business. I love making pillows & sending then off to ladies who appreciate what I do. ....however, I also am just one woman. One woman always taking on much more than she can comfortably handle!! Sound familiar?

I am finishing up on the lovely pillow projects I have left....& happily re-opening my shop next week.......

I will also remember that my business is only one part of my life. I will remember there is only 24 hours in a day. I will remember I am just one person. I will realize once again that I am happiest when I have breathing room & time to putter.

love you all......Heidi xo

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"Pink Summer Saturdays"......

What "Pink Summer Saturdays" are made of!

"Raspberry Cheesecake Ice Cream" from Country Living.....

"Pink Saturday" from Beverly at "How Sweet The Sound".....

Enjoy your day!.......Heidi XO

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"Forgotten Corners"......

There are tiny "forgotten corners" in all our homes.....I affectionately call them "nooks & crannies"......& I will admit I love them!......When left alone, these crannies can make a house appear somewhat neglected, but when addressed, these same spaces can add a bit of enchantment to your home!

Here at our house, I have such an area, at the back of our living room, right before you step out on the patio. The space is very small & narrow....however when dealing with a small rental house, you want to make sure each & every space is working for you!....& so I decided to spruce this one up!

I added a small, dark wood, storage unit from Target & then just dressed it out!....
* 1-pretty lamp
* 1- colonial lantern & candle
* 1- white ironstone pitcher, filled with bright & lovely sunflowers
* 1-thrift store mirror, 1 pair of vintage flower prints w/o frames & one charming hook with my garden hat hanging from it.....

This little corner turned out just the way I wanted!...an area to keep all out outdoor/patio items, like towels, flip-flops, a few toys, magazines & snacks,.... all tucked away in the cubbies,.... while the top of the can be decorated like an expensive piece of furniture,....
seasonal, fresh & charming!

Wishing you a wonderful weekend!.........

Your friend, Heidi XO

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"Living Little's" Summer Tablesetting....

A couple weeks ago at my first "Living Little Class", I was sharing ideas for setting pretty Summertime tables. My outdoor table was all done in soft aqua & bright yellow, ....which I think is just the loveliest color combination for warm weather table settings! I used the table on my small patio, right off our kitchen & sitting room.... & everything I used was something I already had on hand!...That was the point! To create beautiful tables without spending too much money or too much time! So this is what I did!.....

Centerpiece was IKEA glass bottles, filled 1/2 full with water.... & a few long-stemmed, grocery store yellow daisies.....I also added a pair of glass cylinder vases, with a bit of sand & white pillars...& a collection of vintage, aqua-blue canning jars, done the the same way with sand & votives!

I decided my everyday white ironstone "diner" plates would look "crisp & classic" with the addition of early, Martha Stewart-K mart salad plates placed on top,.... along with very inexpensive glass bowls from IKEA!.....Kmart water goblets, that I have had for years, &
thrift- store tumblers were perfect for water & sparkling wine!

My napkins were homemade! I used yellow gingham & hand-stenciled each with one single number, 1 through four, for each place setting!....I used acrylic paint & hemmed the edges with heavy-duty iron on tape. And each napkin was adorned with these darling enamel-ware "rose" napkin rings, that I picked up while on vacation to New York City!....So pretty!

Also wanting to use the lids of the canning jars, which are so wonderfully heavy,.... I added just a little sand & votive to each, & positioned them at each place-setting. And as the perfect place-mat, decided to use a gorgeous scrapbooking paper!....Amazing designs & cheap!....What could be better!

I was very pleased with how this lovely table turned out!...It proves that beauty can be achieved easily with a little creativity.... & very little money, time or space!....just what "Living Little with Heidi" is all about!....
So today, look through those cupboards of yours...mix & match....& see what enchanting table setting you can come up with!
You will be surprised at all the possibilities!.....

Have fun!....Your friend, Heidi XO

Note: If you would like to receive my newsletter, "Living Little with Heidi" please e-mail me at heididevlin@gmail.com!

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A Wedding To Remember....

This last Saturday evening my grandson Andrew made his official debut as "ring bearer"!....As his "Nini", I was completely overwhelmed with how handsome he looked dressed in his tux, patent leather shoes & deep purple boutonniere. When did my "grand baby" turn into this darling young man?......

The evening was a very special one for our family! Andrew's father Chris, married the most lovely lady, his fiance,..... "Miss Kelly". The two of them said their vows surrounded by large oak trees & winding paths.... with all the people they love looking on.

As the ceremony ended, Chris & Kelly strolled to where we were all waiting, to be introduced for the first time as "Mr. & Mrs"....... They were simply beaming..... & truly were the perfect couple!

Congratulations Kelly & Chris!....We are so thrilled you have found each other! Wishing you all the happiness you both deserve......Love you, Heidi XO

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Pink Saturday's at the Beach!

Here's to blue skies, white sand & very "pink umbrellas!......
The happiest of Pink Saturdays to you all!
Stay cool...relax... & enjoy!
& as always,..... Thank you to Beverly at How Sweet The Sound for hostessing!

Your friend,

Heidi XO

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