IT’s not too early for birds, is it?

Don’t you love Pottery Barn? Last Tuesday I went shopping in Buffalo at the Galleria Mall. One of my favorite stores to visit is Pottery Barn. It’s Christmas table was an inspiration for my decorating this year. Now they are putting out their spring things and there was a bird print pillow that I loved but would be too big for my couch. When I walked to the back of the store where they have their table decorations there was a table set with placemats made out of the same bird print. I fell in love all over again and had to bring them home for my table.

Some things are too pretty to be put away after Christmas. I love this Amaryllis. It’s bold red color is just what my room needs this time of year.

Here is the view looking out my sunroom window. We still have a lot of snow.
 

NEW LAYOUT

Did you notice the new change in my blog today? I am trying a new layout which allows the pictures to be bigger and have less background. I  miss the cute backgrounds so I’ll try this out for awhile and see how I like it.                                                                          It’s a quiet Saturday at the Karrasch household today. January seems to be the time when little jobs like organizing the jewelry is a good idea. This morning I decided to move all my jewelry boxes to my bedroom instead of in a dresser in the spare room. It took a while but was very satisfying to look at some necklaces and earrings that I had hidden. I don’t wear as much jewelry now that I’m not teaching and don’t go out as often. Most of the time in the morning I have on my exercise clothes and don’t need a lot of embellishment. It’s so nice when I get to go somewhere to put on a pretty necklace and earring set.   I’ve tried many methods of organization over the years but I think this works the best for me.

Here are my bracelets hung on a tie hanger.



The necklaces are hung on a special holder that I ordered from Lillian Vernon many years ago.



         In the drawers are some of my sets and my craft boxes which I find make excellent earring holders.    

A CUP OF TEA, DEAR?

Would you care for a cup of tea by the fire? The temperature is only 14 degrees and the snow is covering the ground with more snow on the way. Just snuggle here with me and enjoy the warmth of a teacup in your hand. Let’s dream of summer days and use this time for reading and projects. Even these cold days are to be enjoyed. This is Bradford, and this is January. Can you expect any less? Here, have another cup of tea.
     

B-b-rrrrrr

Everyone on the East Coast is in the deep freeze from Maine to Florida, including us in Western Pennsylvania. The thermometer this morning read –4 when I got up. It’s a good day to make a casserole and I have a chicken, broccoli, and cheese dish in the oven. It’s sunny out today but don’t let that fool you. It’s mighty cold out there. That won’t stop me from going out however to see the new George Clooney movie, up in the Air. I think I’ll post some summer pictures to remind me that better days are coming. 

January

Oh, I wish I were eloquent! I came across this post from Heidi and it expressed exactly how I feel about January. I added a few things and changed a few things but her words tell what is in my mind.

“January, January” …..for me this month is all about “home”. After a couple months of enjoying the company of others, as well as taking part in all that the holiday season has to offer…..I am now ready to keep January all to myself. At this time of year I wish to hibernate if you will. I want to keep to myself, in my own little home, with my own little family. I want to “batten-down-the-hatches”, light a fire & snuggle into the softest chair I own….I live in an area with very cold winter temperatures that last a long time, it makes no difference in my world . I still get up every morning to exercise and meet my friends for coffee, do my errands, and play with my dog.
In January, I immerse myself in home projects, usually involving my art or music. I play the piano or draw or make glass and metal charms.

In January, I plan meals of hot, bubbling soups & slow cooked recipes found in the pages of old cookbooks, & ones always accompanied by crusty loaves of bread.
In January, I renew my commitments to “take time for myself” & remind myself once again that the word “no” can be the most valuable tool in avoiding an overbooked & stressful life. I renew my vows to eat healthier and take better care of myself.
In January, I claim a tiny corner of this world just for me.....one that
is calm & peaceful & all mine.

Thank you to Heidi Devlin for her wonderful words

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Even wonder what pets do on cold days?

Sadie, what did you do?

Oh, what did “She who will not be ignored” do now? While I was on the computer Sadie found a distraction. She pulled the stuffing from my needlepoint pillow.  Bad Sadie!

WELCOME TABLESCAPERS

As we begin 2010 I would like to welcome all those visiting from Between Naps on the Porch hosted by Susan. She has made Thursdays the best day of the week when we can travel all over the country and see fantastic tables, great centerpieces, and all kinds of dishes. 
       My January table was inspired by the two new hurricane lamps that were Christmas presents. I put some silver vine balls around them for Christmas and couldn’t stand to put them away afterwards. You may also recognize the trifle bowl with pears and moss.

I set the table with woven brown rustic looking placemats which seemed to fit somehow the mood of the table. The holiday dishes with holly leaves and beautifully shaped mugs will continue to spread cheer this month.

The candleier has white pepperberries, a bow, and some pears hanging from it. And I couldn’t yet put away the crystal wreaths on the back of the chairs.

 

The brown and green napkins are held with leaf rings that I found at Coldwater Creek. The flatware is Jennifer Farrell and was found at Big Lots. The little moss trees were made by placing sheet moss over dollar store trees. (I got the idea from one of you wonderful crafters out there)

I hope you enjoyed my winter table and will come back and visit soon.

A cold january day

Brrr…it’s cold today..eighteen degrees. It was a busy morning with my workout, coffee with friends, then a trip to Walmart and a haircut. The day is half over and I’m just taking a break before I begin laundry. Don is muzzleloader hunting in Clarion today. Afterwhile I’m going to read a new David Baldacci book.

A new week…a new year

Aren’t new beginnings fun. I love the Oprah Winfrey quote part of which says, “ another chance to get it right”. It’s a chance to make anew those dreams. 2010 can be the year that makes a difference. And it can be a year of acceptance. At the age of 65 I think that I am not going to change in some ways. My brain is solidified in my thinking about certain things and even though there is room for growth, my attitudes are firm. And yet, I can dream that the outer body can change to a place of energy and health. So I’ll work on that this year. Today Don is cutting up the deer he got with his muzzleloader while I am catching up on cleaning, putting away the Christmas things, and laundry. It is a cold, snowy day with the bitterness to continue all week long. A good week just to sit inside.

Happy New Year’s

It is so great to have Chris and his family here over New Years. There were snowball fights and making snowaliens. Our family from Eldred came over for a New Year’s Eve dinner. The dogs played outside and Sadie was so happy to have 3 labs to play with all the time. Alex said that Sadie told her that she wanted to go home with them. LOL. We lit the Christmas lights one more time on New Year’s Eve. Now the season is over and today I am putting away all my decorations. January is the best time for getting the house in order and organizing. I like the calm of January after the bustle of Christmas. Even though it’s very bitter today with blowing snow, I’m warm inside.