Winter Reading

I love to read in the winter. My daughter and husband often comment on how quickly I go through books during the long, cold months of January and February. I am rarely without a good read in the evenings. They bring me such entertainment and pleasure. I love a good book. I love the smell when I open one up for the first time, and the feel of the crisp pages under my fingertips. I could never do a Kindle or other reader. Books are welcomed friends, whom I enjoy until I can get into my garden again.




One of my new favorite books is Guernsey Literary and the Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows. This is a lovely story told entirely through letters and telegrams. It reminds me a little of Love Letters by Eli Cantor, another of my favorites. The unique form and rich, historical context is a perfect backdrop for the obvious, but pleasing, love story that unfolds.



The other book that I would recommend is The Piano Teacher by Janice K. Lee. This is an exquisite tale of love, war, and betrayal - nearly irresistable to put down.



The next book on my list is Love Walked In by Marisa De los Santos.

Centerpiece

I was trying to come up with unique and interesting centerpiece for my dining room table. I gathered up some of my favorite little trinkets from around the house, added a picture of my father and his siblings with my great memere', and voila'.

Memory Bracelets

My sister designs and sells her own jewelry, and it is really beautiful. She specializes in hand strung Swarovski bracelets and necklaces. So, a few weekends ago, my daughter and I tried our hand at a much simpler design - the memory bracelet. I think they came out pretty good. I wore the first one out and got two compliments in the same day - that put a smile on my face.

Anthropologie Dress

Just won this on ebay for a song - I absolutely loved it! Can't wait for warmer weather.

Industrial Pendent Lights

I found these really awesome, handmade, industrial pendant lights on Etsy from http://www.etsy.com/shop/splurgeavl. Robert, the owner, was a pleasure to do business with too. The lights just came, and they are going to look fabulous in the new "creative studio" my husband, Mr. Farmhouse, is making for me. After the new year, I decided I needed a personal space to be creative minus all the usual family interruptions; I am sure all you girls know what I am talking about. Thus, Kathleen's creative studio idea was born. It has kinda taken on a life of its own now, and I am happily ferreting out unique pieces here and there to make it inspiring. Oh, how I love to decorate. I will post some before and after pictures once it is complete.

Jeanne d’ Arc Living Magazine

Yesterday, my first issue of Jeanne d’ Arc Living Magazine arrived in the mail from French Larkspur. It was beautifully wrapped with an adorable, little thank you note from Tracey. I snuggled up with a cup of Jasmine tea and read over every page with delight. It is full of wonderful decorating ideas and the vignettes are breathtaking. These are a few of my favorite pictures. I can hardly wait for the next issue.

Time To Share

http://frenchlarkspur.blogspot.com/Check out my new favorite blog. It is absolutely fabulous with great decorating ideas and inspiring pictures.

Butternut Squash Souffle'

Butternut Squash Souffle'

-3 cups cooked & mashed butternut squash

-1/2 cup sugar
-Dash of salt
-2 eggs beaten
-1/2 stick of butter melted
-1/2 cup of milk
-1 tsp. vanilla

Mix all ingredients together and pour into a casserole dish.

Topping
-1 cup brown sugar
-1 cup chopped pecans
-1/2 cup flour
-1/2 stick melted butter

Mix and sprinkle on top of casserole.
Bake @ 350 for 35 minutes.

Delicious!

Snow Falling

Snow

Snow silently falls

Sugaring white birch and oak

On the sleeping earth

Reflections in Red

Simply . . . Red

I love to add a burst of color to my mostly white interiors: green in the spring, purple in the summer, and red in the winter. Red is such a warm, fabulous color.

Sweet,

innocent,

and

hot . . .

My daughter and I made this strawberry jam this summer after she and her dad spent the morning picking berries. I made a second batch with agave nectar. Still sweet and fabulous.


Warm and Cozy

Delicious!

Are you kidding me?

So pretty in

my mudroom

These look so cute with a skirt and tights.

Tiny Toes!