I've decided that this is the perfect time of year for a bit of a staycation. I'm going to read a book or two (it's been a while), make some things, travel a bit via Keith Johnson, and hang out with the family. I'll meet you back here just after New Years.
Let the whirlwind that is the week before Christmas begin! Presents to wrap (even still there are some to buy). Cookies to make, a dress to finish. The children need their Christmas Eve attire still and a tree is yet to be decorated here. We usually have 6 of them. One in each of the childrens' bedrooms, an aluminum tree in Husband's office, the family tree upstairs in the loft and a pretty one for me in the living room. Excessive, I know.
Also fantastic worn. Find them at Vintage Vendor, Kathryn's Nostalgic & New, and Miss Crowland Leather.
Beautifully inspiring coat of arms drawing from 1485. I'd love a simple coat of arms hung on my fireplace.
Out today. Very important business. Shopping for Christmas. Wish me luck. 
I mentioned that my winter gardening has not been all that successful as of yet but seeing this image has me thinking that if I could convince Husband to build a greenhouse, all that could change rather quickly. Wouldn't that be fun?! 
We live in such a great time as far as the availability of artistry is concerned. I really think that this time will be spoken of in history books as one similar to the Art Nouvea movement. Gone are the days when only mass production is available to the masses. This beautiful calendar from The Wild Unknown which was featured on Design Sponge over the weekend, is a prime example. I don't have words to express just how lovely I think that it is, strange to be moved by such a thing but so it goes. Calendar options are endless at Etsy. Here's one in particular that may be under the tree this year.
Today is the last working day of class (boy that went quick). My dress (this isn't it, but might as well be) is far from finished. I've been too intimidated to work on it at home. Why did I pick such a difficult pattern?! Oh, I know because it will be awesome when/if it is completed. Getting nervous, the plan is to wear it Christmas Eve. That day is getting very close. Hoping for speed and super sewing skills. 
If I ever get around to Christmas decorations here, I'd like to end up with something like this. Of course as soon as I want burlap ribbon, I can't find it anywhere. 
I haven't gotten the tree up yet but I'm busy trying to work out the wrapping scheme for the few things that will go under it. I love this simple/messy look. Then there's this from Martha, print your own paper. I'm sure that there will be many other great ideas sprouting up over the next few weeks. Do you have a plan? I know I'm not the only one who spends too much time thinking about such things.
These are the rain boots I ended up with to wear into the winter garden (see previous want post here). The garden doesn't look like it's going to be very successful but I am so happy to be tending it in these. I find them to be quite adorable and we all know that is a very important thing even for a garden boot.
My favorite things today are vintage metal boxes. They have so many uses, hairpins, safety pins, buttons, recipes, and that's just the small ones. The list goes on and on. Not only are they utilitarian, (which happens to be my favorite word at the moment) they are also beautiful. There are so many styles, that they can really be a personal gift. For instance, the honeycomb pillbox is so me that I'm certain Husband will be giving it to me for Christmas this year. I can hardly wait.
Brown (see bedding and wallpaper above) is my favorite right now. I've been noticing it everywhere. I've been dying to use a large check brown gingham in some way, any way, in my wardrobe. I saw an old dresser in a thrift store painted brown with gold(ish) knobs. It was beautiful. So, I want it in my decor too.
Sheila, don't you think this would make a great woven scarf pattern, the pattern to the left and right of the door? I don't know, maybe it's not even possible but wow. A rug would be even better. 
Oh, I wonder how painted stripes work on orange peel textured walls! My pantry could certainly benefit from some extra attention.
I adore these screen printed tile fabrics from textile designer, Karen Barbe! They will all come together into quilts. Fantastic.
Yesterday I spent time with my *grandparents. They live only an hour away but somehow I've let that seem much farther than it is. No more. We had lunch and talked just them and me. My grandma taught me new embroidery stitches. My grandpa told me stories. It was the best and better yet, we'll be doing it once a month, every month.
You know I love, love, love a beat up, well worn kitchen table. You can just tell that this table is used for just about everything. Pictures are painted here, bills are paid here, food is loved here. I'm certain that the chairs get moved out of the way regularly for obvious things like rolling out dough and just as often for less obvious things like cutting out patterns & stamping fabric. 
Somehow, somewhere, almost all of our teaspoons have disappeared. We realized one night as the table was being set for dinner that our everyday set of utensils was down to only 3 spoons. I suspect the youngest of our bunch. What she's done with them, I don't know.
If yesterday's feast left you culinarily inspired and hungry for more of such meals, visit Sunday Suppers today.
I'd bring you these flowers were I your guest today for dinner and at the table when it was my turn to say what I'm thankful for, I'd simply say "a lot" because it just seems most accurate. Enjoy your day.
Are you hosting? What's your tabletop scheme?
It's a short week. I lose focus fast. I need a list.
The moon is one of my favorite things. I don't feel like photography captures it's true beauty but I do love these pieces of the phases of the moon. A lot.
What says alot about a person? Why, the number of books they own, the titles of those books and the way in which they are stored. I'm partial to stacks, lots and lots of stacks. 
A house in the country. One we'll have to drive a distance to get to. The furniture will have dust covers and I'll have to head over early to open up the house for the family. We'll stay for the summers. We'll have dinner parties there to open and close the season and invite our friends for long weekends. Sometimes we'll head over just for a weekend as a special treat. It will be dreamy. 
We've broached this subject before but I feel it's important to reiterate my love for the art work of Viv Strauss.
In one of my most often reoccurring fantasies, I am the buyer for our local public library and I ensure for all people like me that the good books with lots of beautiful pictures and the ones with detailed instructions on how to make stuff are always in supply. It's a perfect world.
Here it is! Basic Industry Sewing Class Project #1! You might remember that I set out to copy a JCrew look so I've added a leather belt and a cardigan to make up my ensemble today. This is the first time I've worn the skirt. I'm very pleased. I'm sure that in no time at all I will own this skirt in many different fabrics. It's inevitable. It's how I shop, find something I like that fits (hard to do, I'm tall) and then buy one in every color then wear it until it wears out and start all over again.
Oh, thank goodness Husband hasn't built the backyard guest house/shed yet! I wonder, do we have the room for one like this? I feel I just have to have it. Can you imagine? How fun.
Love these colorful coat racks. Imagine coming in from a dreary day to hang your coat and umbrella here. Wouldn't it be nice?
