Tuesday's Tablescape

It's a dreary day, but I can't complain too much since it's much milder than it has been. I have to say that I have had my fill of the extreme cold. Who, however, likes those temperatures? Some penguins, of course! There are actually varieties who live in warmer climates, but we're going to declare these penguins to be happier in cold environments.

The centerpiece "residents" were all gifts. 

They seemed to go well with my old cobalt and yellow dishes.

So, is it penguin weather at your house? Either way, have a cool day. 🐧

A Winter Tree

We have a small alpine which perfectly tucks out-of-the-way in the kitchen. In the fall, it's my thankful tree. 

As we prepare for Christmas, it gets decorated for the season.

Each year, I consider keeping up the tree throughout the winter...and then I never do. This year, though, is different. Maybe it was because being sick made me tardy in undecorating and packing away décor. Maybe it was because we have had a dusting of snow along with our frigid temperatures. Whatever the cause, at the risk of being too CRAZY-CHRISTMAS-TREE-LADY, I decided to keep it up. I smacked a snowflake ribbon bow on the top, hung snowflake ornaments I already had, poked-in some real pinecones and twigs and it's my winter tree.

It's intended to complement the penguins who are gracing the kitchen for the winter.

This penguin nutcracker was part of the Christmas décor, too, but he was able to remain 

out for the winter months with all the other penguins on parade! 

Who knows? Maybe I will add a few red hearts for February. We will have to wait and see!  😉

Have a blessed day!

National Bird Day

Today is National Bird Day! Have you been feeding our feathered friends during this cold weather? We have and just today I was observing some woodpeckers retrieving dried cherries from the suet cakes and secretly tucking them behind flaps of bark on the nearby birch! We find it interesting and enjoyable seeing flocks of pretty little birds gather at the feeders. In honor of their special day, I am sharing some faux birds in the solarium for winter décor. 

We are fortunate to have real owls in our woods and love listening to them 

communicate with one another in the evening!

Mr. Owl is resting on a wooden slab cut from a felled tree in my parents' backyard. Their

neighbor cut the slabs for us. 

You know that I am a fan of pillow covers from Hobby Lobby. You have seen this one, which

I have used in the past. They still carry them and don't forget to use your 40% off coupon if

you decide to get one.

Happy National Bird Day! Have a nice weekend,  stay warm and don't forget to feed our little friends! 

Cheeseburger Soup

Since it's good soup weather, I decided to try this recipe from a friend.

Cheeseburger Soup

2 carrots, thinly sliced

2 stalks celery, thinly sliced

finely chopped onion

8 cups chopped potato

2 cans chicken broth

2 pounds hamburger (I used all natural bulk sausage instead)

1/2 pound Velveeta

1/2 cup milk (*see notes below concerning this ingredient)

1/4 cup sour cream

shredded sharp cheddar to your tasting (1-2 cups)

salt and pepper to taste

Brown the meat and set aside. Sauté the carrots, celery and onion in a small amount of butter until celery and onions are translucent. Simmer potatoes and vegetables in chicken broth until potatoes are tender. Add cooked meat. Stir in cubed Velveeta until it melts (you may also add milk, depending on the consistency you desire; I prefer hearty soups, so I did not add any). Stir in the sour cream and add shredded sharp cheese. Stir until well incorporated.

**I made a half-recipe.

For a printable version of this recipe, click here.

Easy Artwork Project

Have you ever seen a gift bag that was so cute, you thought it would make a good decoration? My sister got me this adorable thing and I instantly began considering how I would use it. Lots of people actually frame gift bags for easy artwork, so I decided to copy that idea.

I envisioned this in a very simple, 11 by 14 brown frame so I checked-out Dollar Tree and they didn't disappoint me. 😉

I had some red mat board in my stash so I borrowed my parents' mat cutter and put my capable husband to work! Ta-da!

This has completely inspired next year's Christmas porch. It will be on display with our antique family sled, pine boughs, ribbon, pinecones, etc. Can  you picture it? Since it will be used outdoors, I didn't want to invest a lot in this framed artwork and I am pleased with the way it came together. You, too,  could consider framing a cute gift bag. This one is all set for next November when I decorate, but just keep in mind that we will be offering starlight sleigh rides every night at dusk...for just a quarter! ❆❅❆

Tuesday's Tablescape

Baby, it's cold outside!  Today's table is a very simple winter setting to reflect the frigid temperatures we're experiencing. 

An easy snowy branch centerpiece complements the winter-scenes on the plates. This is a cherished set of dishes, which are family treasures handed-down to us. We have many different scenes and there are actually three winter-related designs. I used two for today's table.

If you're like me and can't help but to take in details, you likely noticed the shape 

of the wreaths still hanging on the outside of the windows. Gasp! The Christmas

decorations are not down. We've both been dealing with nasty respiratory issues

which have sort of prevented our normal routines. It made no sense to 

breath that cold air as we undecorated the outside,  but we can tackle it

soon since we're both on the mend.😉

Stay warm and have a good evening!

Happy New Year!

Happy 2018!

Like much of the nation, winter is giving us the "cold shoulder", so we send you warm and cozy wishes for a happy and healthy year.

May God bless you!