Cups of Cheer !

Found these cute cups at a vintage tag sale a few weeks back !  I love them, and can't wait for my three girlies to sip hot cocoa out of them on Christmas morning !
Ps. check out the farm chicks blog to see Serena's fabulous collection of Santa cups !  Tis the season !

Mom's on Etsy !!!!

So excited about this.  My mom is making her debut on Etsy!  These cute handmade felted maryjanes are just one example of the cute and unique items she has for purchase at her Etsy store!  Enjoy, and pick up some gifts for Christmas !  http://www.bagowoolly.etsy.com/

Thanksgiving

Every Thanksgiving, one family member is assigned to the "Christmas craft".  That person has to come up with a craft to do that is both easy for adults and the kids.  Every year is different.  And it is so fun to see everyone get their creative juices flowing after a huge Thanksgiving meal !  Here are some of this years masterpieces !









These are all constructed from some directions we found on http://www.marthastewart.com/, fun chenille pipe cleaners and lots of glitter....(my floor was covered with it, which was actually very pretty)!

Yes, this is Santa !

Tags Tags, Cute little Tags .....

I think one of the nicest things someone can do is give a homemade gift...and it's no small feat to try and find time to create and make such things.......But, it is so worth it !  All of the tags posted here can be seen on http://www.etsy.com/

Love this one !

The following are some great examples of homemade gift tags from a number of very talented artists.....the intent isn't to copy, but to be inspired !   Enjoy!

I want to be here !

If  I was in the market for a second home, something like this would be it !  I love the simpleness of old log homes.  Imagine pulling up the long country driveway to this warm and cozy retreat.

It just says "relax" from the minute you step in.  As the busy holiday season approaches, things tend to become alittle overwhelming if  you let them.  My strategy this year is going to be to not sweat the small stuff, and try to relax and enjoy the season.

It's been a tough year for many of us, and sometimes there is no end in sight.  But even though we've lost this year, as a family we have gained alot.  We are blessed !

As the season begins I wish everyone to have a retreat.  It doesn't have to be a lovely log cabin in the woods, (although it's nice !)....but it can also be a state of mind !  When things get crazy, instead of frowning, put on a good smile and be thankful for little things.  I love when I get a smile from a stranger, just for no reason....it really shows how many good kind people there are in the world......ttfn !

Christmas is coming !!!!!Ok, well not like tomorrow or anything, but for those of you who are like me.....I am ready to start the baking season......and these cookies are my families all time fave cookie!  This was one of my grandmothers recipes, that I have been making faithfully since.........forever..... they are a cross between chocolate cake, a brownie, and heaven.....they are good with with frosting or without.....and a little secret is ...I like them right out of the freezer......with a glass of milk , Enjoy !

thanks Grandma Bea !

Grandma's Chocolate Cookies

**********

1/2 cup of cocoa

1 cup of sugar

1/2 cup of butter (softened)

1 egg (farm fresh)

1 tsp vanilla

2/3 cup whole milk

2 cups flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

walnuts (optional)

In a large bowl mix butter, sugar, cocoa, egg, until well blended, add vanilla, and slowly add milk. Beat until smooth, add flour one cup at a time with the baking soda and salt.

Scoop large spoonfuls of dough onto pre-heated baking sheet.  Bake at 350 degrees for approx. 8-10 minutes, or until the tops have slightly cracked and set.  Cool . Frost. Embellish. Enjoy !

Basic Butter Frosting:

5 1/2 tbls. butter softened

3 cups double sifted powdered sugar

1 tsp. vanilla

2-3 tablespoons whole milk.....

Whip together butter and powdered sugar, slowly add vanilla, and then add milk until the right consistancy........whip until light and smooth! 

Home Sweet Home

This is a photo of a home I tore out of a magazine once upon a time, when we were in the beginning stages of remodeling our last home.  The early 1800's dove tail style, hand hewn logs with wide white chinking was the style "dreams" were made of in my mind.

So there begun the process of adding on to our former home with a 20x 18 recycled douglas fir timbers, that my talented husband single handedly dovetailed and fit together, complete with a tin roof, and double swing RED front doors ! 

Sometimes we felt like we were in the hills of Appalacia.......minus the nice warm humid weather .......

BACK IN THE GAME !

BACK IN THE GAME !!!

Well it has been a while since I have worked on this blog....alot of things have changed this past year, but with all the changes came a renewal of my passion.
I decided to start "gathering" goodies and make a commitment to do the Junk Bonanza next year at Canterbury Downs.......to say I am excited is an HUGE understatement....I have been doing Junk, repurposing, ocassional sales, recycling for many many years....I live it !!!  Made a house around it and truly love it !!!!!
                             
I have been faithfully reading one of my fave blogs the farm chicks, and I have to say that Serena is very inspiring......I love the way she shares everyday things...sometimes we get so caught up in trying to find "new and exciting", that we miss just how fabulous that everyday life and memories can be !

                             So I am very excited to see how this "next new year" will unfold for me and my family.  I am really looking forward to getting "back in the game" of junking and collecting and selling and meeting new friends, the sisterhood of junking is like no other !!!!  You either get it or you don't !!  I look forward to making my mark !

                              So watch out junk world.....here I come AGAIN !  I love the search and hunt for the perfect junk, and selling it to someone who thinks it's the perfect find !!!  I look forward to connecting with all the other crazy people who have the same interests.......I welcome comments and advise......

                             Sincerely, Celeste @ Vintage Ivy
                            

Toile me up, toile me down: Elizabeth print by Thibaut

Toile me up, toile me down: Elizabeth print by Thibaut
Originally uploaded by xJavierx

Love Toile !