Moving forward...2015

Happy New Year ...

 Let's all toast to a healthy, joyous, and adventurous new year!!  Thankful for a great 2014, but it's time to let go of the past and look to the future and trust God with the rest!

Christmas Bliss...

Love this season especially now in Montana! I remember as a child growing up in New England always having snow for Christmas, I loved it.  I remember sitting in our "formal living room" back then and just staring at the Christmas tree all lit up and letting my imagination drift to a magical place. I find myself doing the same thing this year, not sure why, but when I look outside and gaze upon the beauty of the snow covered land and the lights of Christmas ... my mind starts to drift!

Feeling so thankful and so grateful to God for my life, and how He has provided for Pat and I and how He has blessed us beyond measure. I never feel worthy of this, but I've learned to accept His love and grace over me.

My prayer and purpose for this new year is to LOVE more and to worry LESS. Merry Christmas everyone and may your holiday be filled with joy and peace and most of all LOVE.

Philipsburg Montana 2014
 

"Attic Charm", looking a bit like Christmas!

Well...I caved, yup I went against my convictions this year...well only in my shop not my home. Took down my Autumn displays and décor and started staging for Christmas. And I'm glad I did, retail is different, you must stage your holiday items early, folks are out there shopping for Christmas. I finally caught on this year, still learning in this adventure.

 

Here's a sneak peek! Very happy with my stockings this year and my burlap Montana style pillow, my sewing is done, machine is put away for now, and onto other projects for my shop!

 

 

 

 

Let the sewing begin!!

My new versions of vintage Christmas stockings.  Getting started this week with sewing and creating for my shop. With this arctic blast and a couple of inches of snow on the ground already, I am certainly in the mood for the Holidays!!!

A sneak peek of my first stocking made from an old chenille bedspread, vintage trim and star embellishment. Found a really fun printed burlap this year... moose, elk, and deer print, so fun for Montana! Stay tuned for more photos as I finish each stocking.

Stay warm out there if your being effected by these cold temps!

Friends...

Good friends, Ginnie, Connie, and me









We've had lots of company these past two months, we love when our friends come to visit. Our last group stayed for three weeks. They really enjoyed our Autumn days, bright colors, festive events and best of all making more memories together...

 

Autumn colors, sharing dinner



"Vintage Days" in Deer Lodge MT, fun show!

 

Even the guys enjoyed the show.

 

Korh's Ranch in Deer Lodge MT, "Autumn Days" and pumpkin patch.

 

Autumn has arrived in Montana!!!

I'm ready for a change of season, how about you?  Autumn ... my favorite season of all, the cooler temps, changing colors, and the Holidays!!!!

We've had a great summer, trips, family & friends, amazing weather, and  progress on the house; hardwood floors, more landscaping, pellet insert installation....feels good I must say! 

Sharing a view pics of what we are now seeing off the deck these days...notice the aspens in the background, love when they start to turn colors.

My little shop, "Attic Charm", is also starting to look like Autumn. Working on more new items, more pumpkins etc.  I had a great summer season at the shop, highest sales to date, so blessed, and still having a blast with this adventure!!!  Sighhhhhhh

Happy "Autumn" to all of you, and my you be blessed!

Angel's Wings...

 

Rolled old book pages, vintage ribbons & lace, vintage jewels, burlap, and a bit of creativity sums it up with my newly created "angel's wings".

Rosette made with burlap ribbon, vintage jewels.

Old ribbon off of a wedding dress from the early 1900's

 

Just placed these large sets of wings in my shop yesterday. I've noticed more and more creations made with old book pages...lamp shades, wreaths, and now wings.

 



Having fun with my little shop in town...and it's doing well!

Sum, Sum, Summertime!!!

Morning coffee on the deck, enjoying the sunrise!

Enjoying the beauty of summer!!! Traveling, company, great weather and some kayaking fun!

We explored a nearby reservoir last weekend. East Fork Reservoir is not only a scenic view, but peaceful and a relaxing boat ride. It's been a few years since we've kayaked, feels good to be back in the water. So many beautiful lakes and rivers here Montana, we have our bucket list full.

Hope summer has been filled with pleasure for you too!

Progress...

House progress...it's a good thing! Spring has been very productive here in Montana for us. Waited four years for my hardwood floors, very happy with the results.

Enjoying our green meadows, warmer days, wildflowers galore, and traveling to Tri-Cities, Portland, and now to Minnesota for a family reunion to remember Pat's father who passed away last February in a memorial service.

Hope your Spring has been enjoyable so far, looks like my kitties sure are!

Leftovers

One of our favorite left-over dishes, especially after St. Patty's Day! Left-over corn beef, fresh cabbage fried in butter (real butter), cooked egg noodles, salt & pepper, topped with grated parmesan cheese. Such a great "one" dish meal.

Funny how I've posted food lately...  Happy first day of Spring!

Lemon Chicken with Orzo

This has been such a season of soup!!! Thanks to "Pinterest" and the tv show "The Chew", I have enjoyed making new soup recipes.

This "Lemon Chicken and Orzo Soup" was delightful! The hint of lemon was so refreshing. Of course I added more of everything including kale. Putting kale in so many dishes these days.

If your a Pinterest user, check out my "eats & drinks" board on my Pinterest account and you'll find this soup recipe.

"Coq au Vin"

"Coq au Vin"  

Translation...a French dish with chicken braised in red wine. Viewed this on the "Chew" the other day and decided to try it. We were pleasantly surprised how much we enjoyed this French dish! Made with chicken, red wine (reduced), fresh veggies (onion, celery, carrot, garlic, mushrooms, parsley, and thyme) served over mashed potatoes or pasta.