Homemaking Mondays: Something For Those Special People In Our Lives

 

                             

Hello!
It's a heavy fog kind of day here

and the lake is completely obscured. 

The fog is brightening up the outdoors and even though

the sun is not yet up it is cheerful out.

The grey jays are flittering about

waiting for their morning 

nibble.

We now have four of them

and I love how they sit on the branches around the feeder

saying hello.

For some reason I find their conversation

very sweet.

I joined my husband for his morning walk

and it is so lovely and crisp

with the frost

having spread about the leaves

and needles on the evergreens.

This past week I finished up making some cards.

I know there are many ways to tell others

that they are important to us

and that we're thinking of them.

For me creating cards is a special way to do this.

In all of our busy lives...we need to make time 

to let others know that they are not forgotten or unseen.

To give them something small

just to let them know they're special to us.

Do you know someone that may be encouraged

to know that they are thought of?

I put together a couple little baskets

simple soap/candles/washcloths.

Something practical and lovely.

For those that the Lord has put in my life

that I see often.

Their smiles uplift me and brighten my days.

It was my parents 50th wedding anniversary

this past week.

A wonderful milestone in marriage.

Praying for them as they continue on this 

journey of life together.

This past week we also 

splurged and bought a new carpet.

No it's not very big. I was hoping for a larger size

but it is a nice

cozy spot in the middle of the room.

Our dog is quite delighted with it

and readily sprawls out to sleep...in the sunlight.

It is not too thin so that your toes can sink in as you walk across it.

We have also been blessed with finding some 

nice curtains at the free store. 

We picked up a simple curtain rod at Walmart

and my son installed it for me.

Now we'll have an extra layer of protection

from the cold on winter nights.

Thanks for dropping by today!

I'm so thankful for each of you that take

time out of your days 

to pop by!

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Do You See The Details

Hello! 
This past week we got our first snow. 

Of course it never lasts.

It was lovely to see the snow melting on the leaves.

Like little globes magnifying the details on each leaf.

The snow brightened up the colour of the fallen leaves 

just as it brightened up the forest

even in the wee hours of the morning

when the light of dawn had been previously dim.

I really enjoy leaves.

All the shades of colour from just one tree.

With all the sizes and vein patterns.

It reminds me of fingerprints and snowflakes.

All of them unique and beautiful.

How many times do we stop to actually look at the details?

Do we just flatly think...oh leaves?

Or do we seek out their uniqueness? 

Then as the temperature dropped in the night

the little droplets froze and held their little 

lenses clearly.

Sometimes I wonder if we look at our lives this way to?

Like taking little portions of it

and putting it under a clear globe to notice the tiny details. 

If you do...what do you see?

Do you see the beauty or the flaws or the quirky details?

Each has it's place and part in the bigger picture.

After the snow came more rain.

The low lying clouds and fog over the lake are so pretty.

The snow is gone and puddles and squishy ground remain. 

I find myself very quiet, watching the season change

and taking in the details.

The wind blowing leaves and water droplets from the trees.

The birds coming back to check on the feeder.

Soon I will be putting out some seeds for them

but for now I'm holding off because of the hungry bears.

I do go out and feed the grey jays from my hand

as they are super friendly.

There have been some beautiful swans that have

stopped over to rest on the lake, 

waiting out some of the bad weather.

It is fun to also watch the squirrels scampering about

storing the last of what they can find.

They are getting their thicker fur 

and that makes them look even chubbier then before.

There is one that likes to come up on the windowsills and peek in.

I think it would love to be invited in but that won't be happening.

Soon it can enjoy the bird feeder 

and that will help it to 

keep warm.

I saw a tip to use bacon fat mixed with oatmeal

to make feeders for the birds for winter.

So...I have some of that started and after it 

gets really cold out I'll put some out for the birds

and who knows...the squirrels might like bacon to?

We got a new rug for our living room 

which is off gassing in our spare room for now.

We had to get rid of our old one due to mold.

This new one will add a new layer of comfort to the room.

Then next item I need to find is a curtain rod for the big window. 

I found curtains at the free store, so next is to get them up.

Another layer for winter to help keep out the cold at night.

I haven't had curtain in the living room for a few years

so this will be different.

This weekend I was gifted this lovely tea cup.

The lady no longer had need of it and I was delighted to give it a new home.

It has such a nice handle on it.  

Some tea cups are awkward to hold, but not this one.

The pattern is simple and elegant.

There is a stain on the inside that I've yet to be able to get out.

I tried baking soda, which usually works for me.

Do you have another suggestion?

I tried to find out how old it was but couldn't...yet.

No matter...I enjoy it and will use it and that is what it's all about.

As seen above... I enjoyed a pot of tea.

I like this tray because I can sit it on the couch next to me 

and not worry about spills. 

Our little moveable end table is in use at the moment 

holding a board with a puzzle in progress.

My one son and I are enjoying puzzle building and this is our 

third one in a row.

The first two we glued and put up in his room

although I'm not sure the third one will have that same purpose.

I find that doing puzzles really helps 

to problem solve and makes one focus on details.

Helps with memory and fine motor skills.

Those things in our days

often have more purpose then just entertainment.

On the yarn front... I have finished a pair of socks for my niece

and those will be popped in the mail soon. 

Next I'm going to knit some socks for me as I could use another pair.

The "mens" socks are still serviceable at this point.

I found another wooden tool at the free store that is 

like a darning mushroom.

I looked it up and it's a wooden massager from the Body Shop.

Called a Thai wooden relaxer

that is much cheaper then getting an actual darning mushroom.

If you wanted a cheaper option for that tool.

Lightbulbs do work but I like the unbreakableness of the wood.

That will get good use keeping those socks useable. 

I think that homemade or store bought knit or crocheted items 

are so wonderful this time of year. 

The dampness of the changing seasons seems to call for wool.

A dear friend of mine is making a sweater...and that sounds like a great idea to try! 

I love how wool is so warm even if it's wet.

I have ideas for some wool mittens this winter as well. 

I love those nordic patterns but that is beyond my skill level.

What style of mittens do you enjoy?

Well...time to go strip the sheets on the beds and get them in the laundry.

Even without having the option of the clothesline anymore

it's a necessary change up.

Time for some warmer sheets....something flannel I think.

I hope you have a lovely homemaking day! 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

 

Homemaking Mondays: Time for Cozy Feet

 

Hello! 
Yes, it's time for cozy feet again.

Freely going barefoot outdoors has come to an end.

It's time for cozy socks and warm sturdy shoes.

What better way to welcome this next season

but with some new wool socks?

I have a lovely variety of yarn that I have 

plans for...some for friends and some for family.

I love the worsted weight wool yarn for these

as they work up faster and I just have to admit

I enjoy the size of the yarn to work with more then

with the fingerling/small sock weight.

That said...I finally finished up a scarf that I've 

been working on for yes...a long time.

It's a delightful delicate scarf with a lovely drape to it.

So, there is a lovely effort to be made with the smaller yarn.

If any of you were wondering--- it's a pattern called Birch Trees.

This week I also finished up re-doing 

the cushions for our camper.

The foam needed to be washed so I took the covers off

and then washed those as well. 

I must say that I will never wash foam in such large 

sizes ever again!

It was so hard to wring out and then also took 

forever to dry.

Anyhoo...it is done and the covers are sewn on snugly again.

I used the ladder stitch and it closed up the seams so nicely.  

A fun project that I finally got around to 

is tidying up this cute little basket I had found.

It is broken a bit in spots...like along the right side of the lid.

I glued down the wooden pieces that were hanging

and then glued on this leather belt I found

around the edge of the lid to add more stability 

plus I thought it was kinda cute.

Oh another fun find this past week was this 

light-up art for my son.

It's a bottle cap look with some little lights.

Something fun for his wall in his new room.

It has been at the one store for a long time and I've 

thought about it for awhile...so being on sale I splurged.

Along with the warm socks,

cozy warm blankets 

and soft lighting

that comes along with the fall.

Time for some tea. 

Yes, each season has it's special tea tastes.

Well at least for me.

As the weather cools I have a hankering for black tea.

I am not having sugar at the moment

so I added a couple drops of stevia along with some cream.

It mades for a lovely cup of tea.

Just to sit and sip

while watching the leaves outside

swirl and fall in the wind from the trees.

I do miss the leaves on the trees...but oh the beauty of them falling!

This week we spotted this funny scene 

out the kitchen window.

There was our neighbourhood fox sitting quietly

watching the fat shed squirrel having a meal 

at the corner of the roof. 

After finishing up his cone he tossed it down at the fox 

and then scampered off across the roof.

The fox then proceeded to trot around the building

looking to see where it was off to.

I have to say that little fox left without a meal.

Sad for the fox, but I do really like that 

chubby squirrel who is so friendly.

Thank you for dropping by!

What kind of cozy have you been adding to your homes

as the seasons are changing?

I hope you have a beautiful day

keeping your home.

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Cottagecore in the Home

 

Hello!
I pray you are enjoying your day.

It is damp, cold, and rainy here.

The clouds are low

and are backlighting the glowing trees.

I love this time of year because it still feels so bright

outside even with the dreary days.

Once the trees have shed their leaves

covering up the little critters that hibernate

and change the look of the forest once again.

Soon the colour will change to browns and muted greens

that is until the snow comes. 

I've been seeing a lot about cottage core design

around as of late.

It's always something I've enjoyed and have pondered

how it has come into my home.

I love the ideals behind the aesthetic.  

It makes spaces cozy, inviting, lived in, and welcoming.

It comes in so many different ways which 

brings in the uniqueness of each home and family.

I love how brings together those things that are older

and newer in a delightful melody. 

To have nature mixed in with the plants and flowers

at times birds and other animals (real and depicted). 

In the kitchen I love to have items 

I use all the time out on display 

where they are easily accessible and pretty.

To fill window spaces with plants and flowers.

Then I also love layering baskets 

just because I think it's pretty.

The view from the kitchen window 

is one of my favourite ones.

To be blessed to watch each day change

as I go about homemaking.

Below the fog is just lifting from the lake

as the sun comes up.

The frost is glistening on the far shore.

The light will spread it's way through the trees 

and the little animals will be scurrying about

more as it warms.

I love the way that with cottage core

it is a natural collection of 

this and that.

Beauty and functionality.

Toss in some candles

an old wooden tray that is re-painted

and some leaves and acorns from a dear friend.

I painted this old frame and added some pretty paper 

to it and it brightens that space. 

I love plants.

I'm sure you've gathered that about me.

I love to spread out the plants here and there.

Close to windows and bright spots.

It's good for the air quality

and the variety brings interest to the home.

I like to add doilies to little tables

and spaces.

For beauty and to protect surfaces.

I have come to love birds indoors

and like to have them tucked in here

and there among things.

This sweet bird below I found at the free store.

Neglected and tossed on the ground.

It needed to come home and hide in some greenery.

I love how the cottage core lends towards the natural.

I recently obtained these new cleaning tools.

They are so nice to use and I think they look

much nicer then the plastic ones I used to have. 

I love how they will also last much longer.

As with much of this look 

I feel that it creates a love for older things.

Items that still have much use left in them that have

often been set aside or discarded by others

in favour of newer things.

To be able to pull out things to continue to be useful 

and cherished is something I enjoy.

It is a look, or more so a lifestyle that cherishes

the simple things and joys in our lives.

Even though it's not a minimalistic look

it is a look that incorporates usefulness and beauty together.

It makes me want to put the kettle on and brew a cup of tea.

To sit and snuggle under a homemade blanket

watching the light change in the room as time passes. 

Perhaps with a book you love or a knitting project on the go.

To be slow and intentional.

To be able to take notice in all that God has created 

and enabled you to have.

The items are not to clutter your life

but to be of use to you.

Importantly... monetary cost is not to be considered.

Items that are free or minimal have the same value as those

that may cost much more.

Each home has a look that suits them

and I think I have found many cottage core 

choices in my home. 

Items that have come naturally into our space

that we share.

A look that I didn't go looking for

but one that has just come about over the years.

Perhaps it is time for a cup of tea. 

Thank you so much for dropping by 

to listen to my ramblings.

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Do You See What Is Around You?

 

Hello! 
I hope you are enjoying the lovely fall 

that is either full on

or just sharing glimpses of what is to come.

Here the colours are exploding 

the frost and fog over the lake is amazing.

It creates such a lovely scene that beacons

one to venture outside.

Fall is for me the best season.

I came across this quote 

by a writer I have heard of.

I don't usually share quotes by people

although this to me rang true.

To just walk somewhere to get where

you are going

isn't the best way to walk.

To be able to take in what is around you

to smell the scents wafting on the breeze

and feel the breeze or the mist rising around the lake.

To be very much understanding that 

the Lord Jesus has created all this.

To come in it's season.

Walking is a wonderful way to spend time.

Being out in the yard

doing odd chores

to notice the beautiful colour

of the rose bushes that have turned

from yellows and oranges to reds.

Just like the lovely scrub birch.

I actually cut some scrub birch branches 

tucked them into a vase in my room to enjoy

some of that colour indoors.

Summer flowers have faded 

and have been replaced by fall's grandeur. 

I took this picture out on the road the other day.

My son was driving...yes another driver in the family.

The low clouds are a delight to me 

as many of you know I love clouds.

Here in the mountains the beauty

of the layers of clouds that at times are so low

that you drive down into them in the valleys

delights me. 

Simple things in nature that perhaps we 

overlook in our focus to be somewhere else.

Here in the home there are always tasks

that we rush through just to get them done.

Perhaps we should consider our homes like the places we walk.

We should think of the the things we see, smell, and taste.

Are we actually observant to what is in our homes?

Do we actually see those little details that beckon us to care for?

Just even the scent of our cleaner as we wipe up messes. 

The feel of the fabric as we fold our laundry.

The way the light glints off a mirror.

Those are my thoughts today.

I hope you have a wonderful day 

keeping your home!

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Gleanings

 

Hello!
It's a beautiful fall day here

and the sun is shining.

It's crisp and cool

and the colours are changing quickly 

in the trees and undergrowth.

The garden flowers are now coming indoors

as we enjoy the last little touches of summer.

Above are some flowers that I gleaned from the

community garden before the frosts killed them.

Lavatera and cosmos

are such cheerful flowers.

I now have another lovely bouquet of them 

on my kitchen table.

This harvest season is a season for gleaning.

Just as Ruth and Naomi 

gleaned in the fields to provide for their needs

so can we glean from what the Lord has provided

around where we live.

Our family is blessed to be a part of our 

community garden and we've had the blessing 

of some fresh produce.

Yesterday the community harvested the potatoes

so there are some in our pantry now.

There is also the forest around us 

that has extra food that we can glean/ forage.

I have already harvested a bunch of rose hips

and as the cranberries ripen enough I'll be picking some of those.

My father mentioned that he and my mother 

were able to glean some apples from a tree

that no one wanted and were able to make applesauce with them.

Do you have those kinds of opportunities where you are?

Sometimes it just takes asking.  

With school starting

my son moved the one desk from the living room 

into his bedroom to do his lessons.

Teenagers do enjoy their own personal space.

So into it's old place I moved my yarn stash.

It's now more accessible

so I hope it will prompt me to do more.

I have been looking for sales on yarn 

which a great way to build up 

a stash so that it's ready to go if needed.

I was asked by a lovely lady to create 

a baby boy blanket for her.  

I went on Pinterest to look at ideas 

and this one jumped out at me. 

It's Cloudburst by LeeLee knits.

I had navy/white/ & flannel yarn for the colours.

So nice to grab the yarn from the stash 

and get started right away.

With the forest gleanings I have made is

this lovely bunch of rose hips.

They will go into jam with some cranberries.

I have already dried some for tea for the winter.

Sometimes I find myself just taking a basket with me into the woods

just to see what I can find.

How about you? 

Do you enjoy gleaning for your family?

If so what are some things that you have found?

I pray you have a blessed day.

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Do You Have Lists?

 

Hello!
How is your day?

As September begins 

so does a lot of things.

There was snow on the mountain this week 

as the temps dropped and the rain came.

The leaves are changing and the frosts

are starting to leave lovely patterns 

for us in the mornings.

I had my birthday a couple days ago

and was gifted some thoughtful gifts.

Some new oven mitts as mine are getting thin.

They're beautiful blue and white to match my kitchen.

Some lovely smelling soap,

and a beautiful new pad for my grocery lists.

If you know me, you know I'm a list person.

So this new pad will be delightful to use.

Are you familiar with Wrendale designs?

It is one of my favourite companies

with their delightful array of birds and animals.

With fall comes new jobs.

I cleaned out the sunroom 

of all the sand of summer and put things

back in their place.

I brought in some of the flowers 

to keep them out of the frosts

for a little while longer.

I also brought some mint 

that will go into some nice 

cups of tea.

As I was moving the flowers

I noticed that the chamomile had a few more blossoms.

So I think this is the last of them for the season. 

I have just placed them in this pretty dish

to dry for tea.

This morning I am having a lovely blend of

chamomile, calendula, peppermint, & fireweed green

tea with cream.

I'm getting more used to tea that is unsweetened.

A new carnivore meal that I made is

meat pizza.

I spread a thin layer of hamburger

covered with diced pepperoni

and topped with some grated marble cheese.

It was delicious and I am thinking 

of all the variations we could make.

It will be a good meal to use up leftover meat.

My husband took me on another 

lovely day trip.

We took our new to us camper truck.

We drove out to this amazing lake and stopped 

at the campground there for a meal and a nap.

There was a sweet little pathway from the campsite to the lake.

I just love the mountain views 

that you can see from the road.

The peaceful sound of the waves on the 

rocky shore made me want to 

stay there for hours.

What have you been up to as fall 

has been coming around?

I hope you have a beautiful day 

keeping your home! 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer