"Pressing" On...

My camera has quickly been filling up with pictures of the festive frivolities going on around here...mostly baking and crafting. But they've had a harder time making the transition onto the blog...until today, I'll share a few!I recently acquired my Grandma's fabulous Mirro cookie press! What a fun tool! It's a treasure trove of bits and pieces that I can see getting lots of use in my future. I feel as though I've inherited a bit of a family heirloom, seeing my Grandma's pretty cursive within the original old box. She made note of cookies she made, dates she made them on, and other little baking notes to remember. While I was scrubbing and cleaning up the old press in preparation of cookie-making, even Hub eagerly offered his cookie-press assistance...you know, guys and tools. We made our family's Chocolate Christmas Tree recipe...an annual Christmas cookie standby. Mum usually decorates her cookies with melted white chocolate (died green) and strung across the tree, garland-like.

But Mum was unavailable when I was going to frost mine and I didn't know just what exactly she used to frost her trees then...so I used a buttercream sort of frosting and made little snowball-ish/ornament adornments. I pondered out loud, rather doubtful, that they weren't just like Mum's, to which Hub noted that it was nice to put my own little spin on these cookies. So perhaps a new tradition is born, a melding of recipes and cookie tools...old and new!

Now there are murmurings of a big snowstorm heading this way, just in time for Christmas...oh my...so I'll be signing off from the blog until next week to tie up loose ends and enjoy the holiday with our dear family.

Merry Christmas!

Hunting...

Where I live, it's hunting season...the deer opener was last weekend...and I think it lasts for about 2 weeks? I guess I'm not certain of the specifics since neither Hub nor I hunt, but I do have some pretty cute recent deer acquisitions of my own...
This little one is so sweet & tiny...only about 2 inches tall.
And I love this one's antlers. It also comes apart in 3 pieces. Sort of a like a kinder egg toy!
And these 3 deer ornaments will soon receive a little crafty makeover of some sort. I'm thinking of painting over them in silver perhaps and doing some glittering maybe.

I know its only November 10th but...now that Christmas catalogs are starting to trickle in and the December issue of MS Living just came in the mail the other day, not to mention some LBB Christmas-y/Wintery projects I've been working on, I'm really starting to get excited!
What about you?

Blustery Day Buttons...

Today was a balmy 40 degrees or so. I heard that it was about 90+ degrees in the Cities (my old home)...just 2 hours south of here. How? How can that be possible? I said to Hub, we could hop in the car right now and drive down to the Cities and it would be like taking a mini-vacation to someplace tropical. Amazing really.

But actually, I also told Hub that I didn't mind wearing a sweater and puffy vest out today while running errands. So I think maybe I'm a true Scandinavian-blooded girl at heart who doesn't mind cold and quite possibly prefers it (most of the time) to hot, humid, muggy days. And come to think of it, I did tie my hair back in braids this morning knowing how windy and blustery it was going to be while out and about. Is that another sign of the Swede in me? While out and about, I happened upon this big old bag of buttons for 49 cents. I couldn't pass them up. I loved sorting through them and looking for the pretty and interesting ones like little treasures. Not just your basic pearly white buttons. I sorted them by color.And I sorted them by ones I liked best.

And I washed them up in warm, soapy water so they wouldn't smell and would be nice and shiny. Is that odd? Tonight I've been looking through them in the fading evening light. Imagining ways in which I will use them.
And noting that they did get shinier, cleaner.

Although I happened to drop one of them somewhere in my open dishwasher...one of those darn pearly white ones that just blends in and I can't find it. Hub just rolled his eyes when I told him my little dilemma. Just par for the course...

Springtime Lunch {Swedish-Inspired}

It all started with a pretty Swedish tablecloth my Grandma gave to me at my wedding shower. This became the backdrop to my modern, yet lady-like, woodland flora-imbued Spring birthday lunch…to celebrate a few very special April birthdays.

I had prayed, pleaded really, for a warm and sunny Thursday as I was so hoping we could dine outdoors. Knowing full well the fickle Spring weather of this region and the dour forecast, I was happily surprised and blessed beyond my expectations with gorgeous warm sunshine, clear skies, and just a gentle breeze now and then.

Color & Shadows: Shades of springlike greens, cheery yellows, vibrant pinks, and a hint of blue were the order of the day. The abundance of shadows on all of my photos tell the tale of the sunshiny day.

The Menu: Ham & Broccoli Quiche, North Shore Wild Rice Salad, Fresh Fruit, and Rosemary Crackers with French Honey drizzled upon them. Bright lemon slices and S. Pellegrino sparkling mineral water imparted a little more European flair while poured into tree-trimmed glasses, perfectly fitting for my modern flora Swedish theme.

Ball of garden twine: I tied twine around each end of the table to hold the tablecloth in place...a good solution to a breezy day.

Rosemary crackers corralled in a vintage egg cup. Recognize those fluttery coasters? They were given to my guests as a little party favor. (Although I think it’s fair to say they were just as enthused about keeping their Pelligrino bottles to repurpose later as flower vases.) Dessert: Decadent Almond Bars topped with vintage cupcake toppers, each one was a different kind of whimsical-looking bird…another tiny take-home favor for my guests.Centerpiece: I combined pretty pink Hyacinths......with spiky, elongated mystery flora.

From the heart gift-giving: A beautifully hand-painted sign on an old piece of wood, a truly sweet piece of artwork......and aprons made from the fabric of vintage dresses...so, so clever & cute. What talented gals, don't you think? :)

Oh and yes, one of the birthdays was mine…I’ll be turning 30 next week. There. I said it. I really can’t believe it. But I also can't think of a better way to usher in my upcoming birthday. It was an absolutely lovely day.

Cherubs & Seashells {a palette of white}

From our usual milky white snow-covered land to creamy white sandy beaches, the contrast of scenery was lovely and much needed, but all too short…as most vacations are. Although it is always nice to get home again too. Yet I’m still hanging on, grasping really…to those last bits of warm sunshine, remembering the feel of it on my face and the smell of salty sea air…the last glow of golden color faintly remaining on my skin…and the shimmering sun-drenched strands of blonde hair.

While warmer temps, sunny skies, and just the general laid back feeling one has of being on vacation is all wonderful…a highlight of these beach vacations for me is seeking out lovely seashells while strolling the beach, amidst shorebirds running swiftly in and out of foamy waves. It is such a peaceful and relaxing way to start the day. Mum & I also like to compare our finds to those in this shell book, a present I gave to her a couple years ago.

In addition to seashells, I have a fondness for vintage pedestal dishes (and most sweet white vessels really). Coming home I decided to combine the two to create an arrangement...a palette of white. I gathered together a few of the white vessels I’ve collected over time…and am using them to hold some of my most treasured seashells, also collected over time…to try to prolong that feeling of sun, sea, brightness…amidst the cold season of winter that will linger on and on here for quite a while still. And in addition to that, the sweet cherub dishes are perfect for ushering in Valentine’s day which is just around the bend.

I have some "seashell" craft ideas swirling 'round in my head that I can’t wait to try out and hopefully share the results with you!
...
P.S. Also in the realm of "white" and lovey-dovey things…some new work on Etsy…here and here. :)

The Pink Bird Cage...

I fell in love with and just had to buy this pink bird cage last year, sometime back in May I think (remember?), and I'm ashamed a bit to admit that I have not put anything inside of it until just yesterday! But that is just completely me...I overthink things and try to figure out just the best thing to go inside it and all the while it sits (or hangs rather) looking so forlorn and empty!

I was frustrated by this fact the other day and had the idea to make a little collage of "love birds" to hang inside it...but I'm not too excited about how it turned out. I was more excited about the idea of it and now I'm really not thinking it looks all that great in there. So I'll just stick with it for the time being...until Feb 14th I guess.

So what do you put in a bird cage that is just for decor? If it were sitting someplace, I'd feel better about putting a pretty ivy plant in it as I had originally intended to do. But no way would I dare put one in there now with the little bench that sits below it. I can just imagine how many times Hub would stand up and bump into it with his head. I've thought about putting a votive in it. But I'd be reluctant to light it. I also had what I thought was a wonderful idea...but Hub didn't seem to share my same level of enthusiasm...I suggested we use it as a little place to leave each other love notes! Wouldn't that be the sweetest? To come up to our room and see a little note laying within pour moi! And no way would a real bird work inside of it! The bars are too far apart...not that I'd want to cage up a real bird anyhow. So my next idea I'm thinking will be to cut about 3 birds out of stiff pretty paper, in differing sizes and let them dangle within. I just want it to be something fun to look at, a little bit artsy...that's all really. So we'll see what happens next...let me know if you have any suggestions. Really important stuff going on here, huh? Well, my brain is a bit frozen as I've been tucked away today for most of the day working on a couple fun new projects I have in the hopper. Other than dropping Hub off at work and going to pick him up, I didn't leave the house at all. Which was not half bad considering the temperature was 23 below this morning (40 below with the windchill!)...hence why I played "chauffeur" this morning.

Given this frigid cold snap we're in, these mittens I'm knitting couldn't be more timely! I finally finished my first one last weekend. I'm a bit of a slow knitter...so at this rate I may have the 2nd one finished in time for next winter. In reality it didn't take me too long (considering I was learning and had to "undo" things a few times) and I think this pattern must be for very simple, beginner's mittens...which is perfect for me. I'm planning to bring along my knitting to do the other one whilst on holiday...oh vacation, please come quickly!

Smoke & Candles {Elements of the Season}

Two of our favorite things, small simple treasures, we love to bring out each Christmas season, both involve smoke & candles: our tiny tin smoker house and our candle pyramid…both made in Germany…both deemed photo-shoot worthy. :) The smoker house is made of metal and oh so tiny and sweet. The burning of one little incense cone doesn’t last very long, but the subtle, lingering smoky scent reminds me of all things woodsy, cozy, and Christmas-y.
Although I’m fascinated by the intricate details and moving parts that make up our candle pyramid, its depiction of the manger scene and placement at the center of our table is our ever-present, very central reminder of the purpose behind this season for us.
My in-laws have a very elaborate pyramid with 3 or 4 tiers of hand-carved wooden Wintry, Christmas scenes. I love to "ooh and aah" over theirs, but I’m also quite smitten with our little version too!
.....
While there are so many things that I feel need to be done at this time of year, I find myself wanting to slow down and enjoy the simple things too…like photographing some holiday treasures and fiddling on the computer! And wanting to take in & enjoy the goodness and fullness of life at this time too...the decorations, the gatherings, even the friendly (and now-familiar) mailman's face as he is frequently bringing packages to the door (since both Hub & I did a good chunk of our shopping online this year). And most importantly thinking on the Gift we've already been given.
So now, to get going on baking some Christmas goodies…that’s a “need to do” kind of thing, right? ;)
.....
P.S. There are so many neat places online if you google "German Smokers" or "Christmas Pyramids" to see more and learn about their origin...I really love the little wooden figurine smokers too!

P.P.S. No, I'm not a smoker myself, in case you were wondering...

Childhood Treasures: The Jewelry Box

Over the past several months, for whatever reason, I’ve been finding myself drawn to objects from my childhood. I only just recently came to notice this pattern. Like with this old drawing table, or this little girl figurine, and now with my newest childhood treasure that I’ve brought back into my repertoire of treasures in our home: my old jewelry box that I loved when I was a little girl. It actually first belonged to my Mum when she was a little girl and then she gave it to me.

Perhaps this phenomenon has to do with moving away this past year and wanting to hold onto things from the past. Or perhaps I’m just getting older and realizing the value of sentiment and the beauty in well-worn, well-loved things. Or maybe I’m just unconsciously reminded of sweet, innocent times whenever I gaze upon these things from my past. No matter the reason, I’m just glad I’ve hung onto some of these things rather than getting rid of them during a time in my life when perhaps I wasn’t so sentimental. I would be deeply saddened now if I had.

I recently pulled my pretty box out of the closet and found it filled with old jewelry (circa the 90s...lots of gold!) and beaded necklaces I had made as a child. All the while on my dresser sat a much smaller, rather boring and traditional, green leather jewelry box that was bursting with the few pieces of jewelry I do wear. This made no sense. So I made the switch and am loving the change...The jewelry box’s exterior is a dusty, rosy pinkish color with an embossed-like pretty pattern that rims the outside edges. I love the soft, worn look of it sitting upon and contrasting with our sleek maple dresser.
The interior's top is covered in a silky fabric with gold, swirly designs printed every so often. The bottom sections are filled with a velvety pink fabric…perfect for nestling my favorite little pieces of jewelry.

I’m not the kind of girl who wears a lot of jewelry, but I do have a few special pieces that I love and wear often. Now it's a simple pleasure every time I go to open my “new” (or "old" rather) jewelry box.