Expecting a wintry mix overnight, but hearing the sound of rain on the windows, I was surprised to wake up to a world covered in ice. Knowing that the temperatures were headed upwards to 40 degrees today, I wanted to capture this beautiful stage of weather that halted overnight between snow and rain. Winters in Ohio can be very brown, grey, and just plain drab … Continue reading fleeting beauty
Originally a Nordic tradition, Yule is the name of the old Winter Solstice festivals of Scandinavia, and other parts of Northern Europe, such as Germany. The Yule log is a specially selected log burnt on a hearth as a Christmas tradition. My Yule log was gifted to me on Christmas Eve by my brother-in-law. He had made one for their dining room table out of … Continue reading yule log
I haven’t been doing any baking for the office lately, and with a broken bone in my right hand, I haven’t attempted making any Christmas cookies either. Most of our office works from home, but there is about a dozen of us who come into the office on a daily basis, and I wanted to do something to surprise them for Christmas. Since its getting … Continue reading a Christmas treat
If you’re looking for a hearty winter meal, made all in one pan, and that will feed a family . . . then this is it. I found this recipe on A Family Feast blog, where there are hundreds of delicious looking meals, all in one convenient place. This recipe is found under the “Easy Meals” tab, and is called “One Pot Tex-Mex Pasta”. Not only will … Continue reading an easy one pot meal
A few weeks ago I found this poster size reproduction botanical print at Elm & Iron, a local store which carries a unique and lovely collection of home decor. I love the detail on this print and knew it would go nicely in my living room/dining room area which is decorated in greens, beige, and wood tones. I started by cutting a piece of … Continue reading a diy winter wall decor
Last summer, we had a doe and her twin fawns that lived in the neighbor’s yard while they were on vacation for a month. During that time the mother taught her fawns to jump chain link fences and travel the neighborhood. It wasn’t unusual to see them strolling down the sidewalks at any given time of day. Fast speed to this winter, and the fawns … Continue reading oh deer
This simple corner of my bedroom always reminds me on Valentine’s Day and Easter of the true meaning of love. I found this lovely machine embroidered “LOVE” on a piece of linen, some years back at a yard sale for just a few dollars. It’s detail is simple, yet exquisite. I found the frame at a flea market for $10, and married together, the two … Continue reading a simple love note
Well, it is Sunday, and time to bake again. I’ve had this almond-flavored sugar cookie recipe for years and it’s always been a favorite. It came with an icing recipe, but I wanted to try my hand at Royal Icing. This recipe says to chill the dough for 1 hour after making before rolling it out. Since I didn’t make up the dough until Saturday … Continue reading this week’s bake – sugar cookies (and my first attempt at royal icing)
I’ve decided to start a new weekly series to carry me through winter, until the flowers are blooming again, and I can continue with “this week’s bouquet”. When winter hits with a “punch”, I need something to entertain myself until I can garden again. Plus, the oven warms the house and the aromas are heavenly. So . . . to start the series, I’m making … Continue reading this week’s bake – macaroon angel cakes
Drippy and dreary are the best words to describe the weather around here lately. Until the snow comes to brighten the scenery, Ohio weather is not only drippy and dreary, but some people find it downright depressing. The sun hasn’t been out much this winter and the cloudy days go on endlessly. While some people experience winter onset SAD (Seasonal affective disorder), I mostly just … Continue reading a drippy, dreary day
in my spare time 