The spirit of Christmas is in the air...
I love decorating throughout the year, I think Christmas time is one of my favorites. The lights, the natural decor that can be found just outside your door, the comforting aromas coming from the kitchen, the warm feeling of sharing homemade pepper jelly, Christmas breads, and those favorite cookie recipes with family, friends, teachers, and bus drivers. These are a few of my favorite things about this time of year. I've been busy cleaning up our cottage and tucking my fall decorations back into their bins for next year. My prayers for all my family and friends are happy & grateful hearts, healthy minds & bodies, compassion & good will for those less fortunate and to live in the moment and truly enjoy and appreciate the time spent with those that you love. And I certainly hope that we can all pause and remember the true reason for Christmas and remember to give gratitude each and every day!
Gods Blessings to all,
Jacqueline

Gathering Leaves

Spades take up leaves
No better than spoons,
And bags full of leaves
Are light as balloons.

I make a great noise
Of rustling all day
Like rabbit and deer
Running away.

But the mountains I raise
Elude my embrace,
Flowing over my arms
And into my face.

I may load and unload
Again and again
Till I fill the whole shed,
And what have I then?

Next to nothing for weight,
And since they grew duller
From contact with earth,
Next to nothing for color.

Next to nothing for use.
But a crop is a crop,
And who's to say where
The harvest shall stop?

~Robert Frost

HaPpy HaLloWeeN...
Weather you're accompanying little ones TriCk or TrEatInG, or snuggling up on the sofa in a candle lit room watching CrEepY movies, I hope the magic of HaLlOwEeN fills you with joy!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

And a good time was had by all!.....My friend Joanee (The Vintage Post) and I visited the Lodi Street Faire this past Sunday. Kindred spirits we are, so much alike in the things we love that we often laugh when describing how we "embellished" a wreath...only to learn that we both had the same wreath, ribbon, and similar adornments! We always enjoy each others company and this trip to Lodi was no exception.
Our first stop was School Street, blocks long with wonderful Antique, Vintage, & Hand Crafted delights using objects of old. My favorite find was the marrying of a rusty bucket with a curvy plant stand. I set it atop the kitchen island to give a feeling of dividing the kitchen from the rest of our small cottage. My love bug helped me find the perfect Oak branches outside to fill the bucket...It is now perfect!
On our endeavor we had found a vendor selling spools of twine...they were quite nice but rather pricey. Later we found some old wooden sewing spools and Joanee suggested we use those for our twine. I love this idea...a great use for those wonderful old spools!
After hours of walking we picked up our Caramel Apples, sat for lunch, packed up the car, and talked about our day as we headed for home...

"If the sight of blue skies fills you with joy, if a blade of grass springing up in the fields has the power to move you, if the simple things of Nature have a message you understand, Rejoice, for your soul is alive!" ~Elonora Duse

Autumn is here and I am absolutely thrilled! By far my most favorite time of year! The birds are singing as they too are happy for the cooler weather.
I have stocked the pantry with Apple Cider,Cocoa, & ingredients for baking Cookies & Pies.
And I couldn't forget my favorite candles...Mulling Spices, Apple Pie, Butterscotch Cookie, & Spiced Pumpkin!
Our cozy cottage feels warm & inviting with the comforting scents and sprinkling of autumns colors, I think all that's left to do is cozy up on the sofa with my favorite magazine and a cup of Hot Apple Cider!
Wishing my Family & Friends... Joy, Comfort, and Inspiration this wonderful time of year!
Smiles,
Jacqueline

Yard Sale Finds!

I ran to the market this past Saturday and happened across a yard sale with a sweet old man sittin' on his porch. He was such a pleasure to talk to, I explained that we were new to the area and he introduced himself & visited with my son and I asking us how we liked our new home. He lit up when he learned where we live because he happens to know one of our "famous" neighbors, Merle Haggard. He shared a story with us about one of his visits with him. Not only did we enjoy talking to "David", but I also came away with a few treasures!
I love living in the Country!
Smiling,
Jacqueline

Found Treasures

As I'm new to the area I have to "Mapquest" pretty much every where I go. I arrived at my destination to find a Salvation Army across the street. I was so excited I could hardly wait to finish up my errand so I could go explore the store! Some might think I'm silly to get so excited about such a place but I think they may not realize the treasures that are inside.
I am always happy to find one simple treasure but was fortunate to find two! I have a new found admiration for Sterling Silver and have found some great pieces in the past at the flea market. This little pedestal dish was $4 & has found a home in my bathroom for my yummy French Soaps!
The little dish with the birds is adorable! I couldn't believe it was $1! I have decided to place it atop my antique dresser (had belonged to my father and has the most beautiful mirror ever!) & use it for some of my hoop earrings.
These are the little things that just make my day! I think Sunday may be a good day to explore the local Flea Market...I can only imagine the treasures waiting for me there.
Enjoying my weekend,
Jacqueline

Inspired

It's been a couple days since I've created my very own blog and I must admit that it can be quite addicting! I was first inspired by Coastal Nest and continued to visit blogs that where posted on individual sites. I am so amazed by the talents of you ladies. Thank you so much for your inspiration, stories, and wonderful recipes! I can't wait to bake those cakes! It is a comfort to know that there are so many that also enjoy "Nesting at Home" and making it a Sanctuary for themselves and their families.
One reason I love baking are the memories of my Mother baking bread and the aromas would fill our home. I always anticipated that loaf coming out of the oven, often asking "Is it done yet?" I think this may be why I have such a love of Breads! These are some of the memories I hope my own son will remember when he's grown...The yummy smells coming from the kitchen, and our weekend breakfasts of Waffles, French Toast, Eggs and potatoes...
My favorite baking moments are when he asks me if I want to bake cookies and offers to help me. Time spent with him are memories in the making...these are the times I cherish most.
Pictured here is the Love of my Life & my Mother.

Summer Greetings!

I sit and write this at my new home in Northern California. My son and I have been fortunate to leave the suburbs and busy city life for the quiet Country roads and small town traditions. We live on a fifty five acre ranch in a charming little cottage among the Oak trees.
I sometimes feel it's something like a fairy tale living here. In a blink of an eye there will be a multitude of birds all over the yard. It is a sight to see and I so enjoy it! I am eager to buy a bird book so that I can learn about my new little friends.
I'm looking forward to meeting you ladies out there that share my love of family, decorating, antiquing, and flea market adventures!
I love to see how people live and always enjoy a peek into the doors of their homes. This is where I find the best inspiration! I also look forward to my subscriptions of Country Living and Country Home each month for even more!
Until next time... Remember to stop and smell the Roses!
Jacqueline