Homemaking Mondays: The Lord Provides for Even Simple Things

 

Hello!
I am always amazed at how the Lord 

provides for the simplest things that you would think

that he wouldn't find important.

I needed a frame for my puzzle that I just glued.

Then off to the free store I went for our regular dump day.

Just waiting for me was this frame.

I did have to cut the top of the puzzle down by an inch

but then it slid right in perfectly. 

This kind of thing has happened in my life so many times.

Does God care?  Yes! 

Not only does the Lord Jesus provide us salvation for our sin

but he also provides for those little details in our lives

that we often don't even voice. 

So I say....talk to the Lord about everything.

It may surprise you what he provides. 

This week I've  been able to finish up a couple more

pairs of socks.

The one above I ran out of the one colour so I added 

a fun pink toe.

It was the same kind of yarn so the texture was consistent.

So this morning I'm back to working on my crochet project

my blue afghan.

The sky is grey and the trees have a fresh dusting of snow

that is softening the world outside. 

I went out and fed the birds this morning

and added a little "fat cake" for them as it's getting colder.

I made these "fat cakes" for them out of pumpkin seeds

oatmeal and bacon fat.

It's a great way to use up leftover bacon fat and it 

nourishes them in the cold.

Do you make your own for the birds? 

What do you add to yours? 

My boys and I borrowed some skis for the winter

from our community center. 

It's so nice to be able to get out and glide 

along the paths.

I'm a bit stiff from my first journeys out

but that will pass as my muscles remember.

I wonder what trails I'll explore this winter? 

Do you like exploring?

I hope you have a wonderful week

keeping your homes and perhaps discovering 

a new trail or place to enjoy.

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer
 

 

Homemaking Mondays: Rising In The Darkness

 

Hello!
What would you do on a dark winter morning?

Do you turn on all the lights and music to bring your 

home to life? or do you slowly ease into the day

with softness and quiet?

Perhaps with some tea or coffee?

Well...this morning 

I have picked up some new yarn my daughter gave me

and asked me to make her something.

It's a cowl and I am doing a couple rows

of knit and a couple of pearl to make it ribbed.

The colours remind me of coral in the ocean

with it's at times bright colours and others darker.

I was doing this as the day started today.

Not too many lights other then those that were needed.

Sometimes mornings are lovely when they 

are slowly started. 

No bright lights or loud sounds.

Just a gentle way to start the day.

Delightful with a cup of tea.

One little detail I added to the house this week

was this cute little mirror I found

at the free store.

I hung it above my yarn stash and it reflects 

a nice little touch of light in that darker corner.

I also found a couple baskets at the free store.

They were a bit dirty so I washed them up.

The one basket is a hamper size.

It's lovely and had some mold in the bottom.

SO...peroxide to the rescue. 

I just soaked it in the tub with peroxide and water.

Once it was dry I put it into our room.

It's a tad smaller then my regular basket

and that might be a good thing.

It'll prompt me to do it before it becomes 

too big for one load.

Do you overload your washer sometimes?

I am guilty of that. 

The other basket is a nice size with a handle...and 

it's going in my craft room to hold my current sewing projects. 

Do you have sewing work baskets? 

I find this helpful so that I don't pull out more then I can 

focus on and accomplish. 

It's easy for me to get overwhelmed with ideas 

and then get to where they don't get completed in a timely manner.

I spread out this handmade crocheted table cloth

(it's just for a small table).

I found it at the free store as well and it's lovely!

One day I dream of being able to make something like that.

Well the day is getting away from me.

So I'm off to get some lunch on for the family.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Frost and Focus

 

Hello!
I hope your homemaking day 

is going smoothly. 

It's a gentle morning here as the light 

slowly creeps into the sky. 

It's cloudy and we have a fresh dusting of snow.

I have a candle burning to give 

a touch of soft light to the room.

The curtains are now opened and

even through it's partway through the morning

the light begs to be noticed.

Such are winters in the north.

When you can wake up at a reasonable time

and still see stars shimmering in the sky.

A lovely part of winter here

is when the ice freezes before the snow comes.

This year it has frozen really hard and is very safe.

My children and I have been out enjoying 

skating all around the lake.

The one morning it was super foggy

and added a kind of cozy feel.

It just lightly touched you as you glided through it.

The ice wasn't clear anymore but like frosted glass.

I made it around the lake just a couple times

more then I used to so that was a win for me.

With this diet I'm finding I can physically do more and that is nice.

I'm 50 lbs down at 25 weeks on Carnivore.

Then while I waited for my kids to go around a couple more times,

I snuggled under a blanket and enjoyed the sounds 

of the lake as there was movement over it.

There was a grey jay that came down to keep me company.

Fresh and peaceful.

The day before the sun shone bright in a blue sky.

I took the chance to take some pictures of the frost in the sunlight.

It never ceases to amaze me how the Lord Jesus

has created such an intricate masterpiece

that stays for just a short season.

The snow crystals often blowing apart with a breeze

or melting in the brief sunshine.

I have added a couple more plants to my home.

Yes, I killed the one plant that was in this pot.

I love plants and have quite a few...but I can't keep them all alive.

I have learned that it's ok to fail at some things and to just move on.

This time I found a lovely ivy and tucked it in a new space in the house.

I have this lovely red table and added a large plate to the bottom supports.

Then I put a doily on top of that under the pot so it wouldn't slip around.

I hope it thrives here.

The other plants I added to my kitchen windows for now.

As the seasons change the kitchen windowsills change.

No more cut flowers from the garden.

Time for something a bit more green as the world outside turns white.

My violets are blooming purple and pink 

and they add a wonderful pop of colour as well.

It's been a week and just the bare minimum 

of household jobs have been done.

We've been out of the home more and then enjoying the outdoors.

So this coming week I'll need to focus on getting corners 

that had been neglected last.

If we leave some things too long it just builds up to 

a bigger job then need be.

An effort a day keeps failure away.

With homeschooling I have a stack of books 

that need to be looked through to decide on study projects.

I have that alongside my knitting so I can take breaks 

from one task and do the other. 

Very convenient so there is no excuse not to get it done. 

Sometimes I find I have to be more focused 

on managing my time. 

That is a challenge of being home.

We must be the ones to set our limits/boundaries

and then stick to them.

I hope you have a lovely 

homemaking day! 

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: Needing a Touch of Warmth

 

Hello!
I hope you are cozy on this Monday.

Here winter has come and the temps are dropping.

I'm enjoying the brightness the snow is bringing 

to the landscape.

At night the northern lights have been dancing

bringing colour to the night sky.

Even though we are heading into a season 

with lots of darkness

there are touches of light at special times

to help dispel it.

Inside it's cozy with the heavier woollen blankets 

set out and I was blessed to find

one of those weighted blankets at the free store

for us to snuggle under.  

I actually found two, but one has been 

gladly accepted by my daughters for their home.

I myself love to go barefoot in the house

and now have a pair of warm socks tucked into

the tops of my boots to slip on when going outside.

I've been working on a new pair of wool socks for myself.

the bright cheerful yarn was a gift from a dear friend

and it's quite fun to knit with. 

Along with the new season

comes the need for new outdoor wear.

The entry way has now been filled with warm coats,

big boots and lots of hats/mitts/& scarves.

This past fall my son painted the frame for this mirror for me.

It's an old mirror from my husband's grandmother.

The plastic had yellowed more with age and needed a refresh.

Then I wanted to add some colour to the plain empty wall above

where the boys keep all their "accessories". 

My daughter had left this big beautiful picture of wildflowers

and then I printed off some pictures from the internet I loved.

One day I'd love to have a real copy of them...but that is for future.

For now they are just tacked up...I have yet to find a frame for them.

Then I when I put away the summer hats needed a place

for a couple hats that I didn't want squished in a box. 

I picked up a couple little hooks and installed those on the wall

so the hats will hang all year and be out of the way, yet accessible. 

The morning after the lake froze

dawned bright and filled with sunshine!

It was glorious to see the yellow light spread 

about the lake and into the trees 

as the sun came above the mountain.

There has been one brave soul 

out skating thus far...but it was not me.

I shall wait till the ice is a lot thicker

before I venture out. 

Hopefully we won't get much snow before we

have a chance to skate about on it.

It is so nice to be able to go all the way around the lake

and at times be able to gaze through the ice 

to the world below.

The lake as it's freezing

has come back to life with it's "sounds".

At times cracking, moaning, or just sounding like whales

calling to each other. 

Very interesting to listen to at night.

What kinds of things have you 

added to your home 

to add a touch of warmth to it?

I pray you have a blessed 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: Delights of Early Summer Homemaking

 

Hello! 
How are your early summer days going?

I think it's a delightful time of year.

The flowers outside are starting to really 

burst and flourish.

The fresh summer rains come and refresh

the dry ground

and brings a bright flush of green.

I've been enjoying the windows being open.

Then I finally took the plastic off the back screen door.

Now there is better airflow since the 

temperatures outside are more consistently warm.

I made a batch of strawberry jam 

this week that will be saved for the summer markets.

Summer is the perfect time to make jams

as they don't take a huge amount of time 

and are wonderful to enjoy fresh...you know that little

bit that doesn't fit in the canning jars.

As I was waiting in the kitchen for the canner I thought about 

this empty space on the wall by the canisters.

I had a beautiful calendar picture by Thomas Kinkade 

so I cut it down and framed it. 

There is a lot of glare on the glass,

but keeps it safe from splatters that do happen 

in my kitchen----a lot. 

The wild roses are starting to bloom outside

and it's nice to pick a couple here and there

to put in my rose bowl on the windowsill.

Soon we can pick petals to dry for tea.

As the roses are starting to come into bloom

the last of the may tree blooms are being enjoyed.

I put out a new table cloth on the kitchen table.

It's plastic so it is easy to wash but it also

has a lot of seams that have yet to be flattened out.

Then I thought I'd freshen up the spot on my counter/island

that is always getting cluttered.

I stashed my jar of muffin cups and the peace lily 

in my planter box. 

Then I cleared the board behind 

and put up an old calendar picture.

I stowed the bowls under the riser some and then have 

a nice basket of towels 

which has since become the stowaway 

for our potholders instead.

Things are functioning nicely again.

I do love these lovely summer days that are beginning

where we can hang out laundry on the line

and it actually gets dry. 

Longer periods without rain or temperatures

so cool that it takes forever to dry.

That fresh air scent then permeates the linen closet

and our rooms as the sheets are snuggled into.

Do you hang your laundry to dry?

What to you use to store your clothespins?

I have had this little basket for ages 

and I find it just perfect for the amount 

of clothespins I use for a full line of laundry.

I wanted to share with you this cute little book

that I found at our used book store.

It's a reader and is super old.

As our homeschool lessons have come to a close

for the summer months

we still have interesting little things 

that we put some time into. 

Even though it's for a young reading level we all

have a gander just to learn something new.

Different vintage books have different 

perspectives on history.

Thank you for dropping by!

I hope you are enjoying your summertime.

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer

Homemaking Mondays: A New Egg Basket and Jerky Jar

 

Hello!
I hope you are having an egg-celent day!

We've been having lots of sunshine 

and then last night some rain came. 

We've been quite dry so that is a blessing.

This past weekend I scored this brand new wire basket

from the free store. It was intended for washing veggies

from the garden but it's sturdy enough for eggs.

My old basket was starting to fall apart in places so this was just right.

One part of buying farm fresh eggs is 

that they can just sit out on the counter.

They look pretty and it saves space in the fridge.

One other new thing on our counter

is that I've switched out a couple of the canisters.

I took the sugar and put that away in another cupboard

as I'm not going to be using it much for now.

I thought it would be better used for 

homemade jerky and electrolytes this summer.

The jerky jar was full...but we all knew

it wouldn't be like that for long.

Homemade jerky is so easy to make if you 

don't already make it.

Just slice up some meat thin,

put on skewers and hang in your oven on a rack

at 270F with the door ajar for a day.

(I use a wooden spoon to keep it ajar)

I turn my oven off at night and then back on in the morning

if it's still not quite ready.

Being homemade you can make it whatever flavour 

you want. I usually just at salt now.

A money saver when you eat a lot of it. 

My youngest son and I made some fun willow

supports for some of the delphiniums 

at the community garden. 

We're going to make some for ours at home as well.

With some of the sunshine we've had

the bumble bees have been coming out more.

They love the petunias up by the front step.

Below you can just see one tucked into a blossom.

I was gifted some Moroccan mint

since I'd sadly killed the plant I had before.

It smells wonderful and makes such good tea.

I have it in the house for now 

until the major risk of frost is gone.

Then I might just put it in the greenhouse. 

The pansies are growing well. 

We bought them when they were pretty tiny.

It's nice to see their cheerful little faces as we take 

the frost blankets off in the morning.

Our rosewood is blooming beautifully.

It's so hearty and doesn't mind the frosts at all.

Under a porch we have I pounded in a nail

so we could hang up the sitting hammock there.

Out of the rain but close to the flowers. 

It will make a great place to enjoy 

the shade this summer.

It's lovely to be able to enjoy being outside.

Making for days of picnics 

and dirty feet. 

We're almost finished up our yearly lessons

so summer break will be greatly enjoyed.

I hope you have a beautiful day!

Love and Prayers,

Jennifer