A View from the Coop

Favorite Things at Home

2012-02-01T07:39:00.000-08:00

Recently my daughter Chelsea and I took a photography class from professional photographer Lara Blair.

This morning I spent some time trying out my new skills by shooting a few of my favorite things around the house.

Love, love, love this cow! She was painted by artist Leah Anderson and hangs proudly above our mantel. The heavy finial with it's beautiful zinc gray and rusty patina was a Barn House splurge. Antlers are a constant favorite around here.

Next up is this cool industrial floor lamp purchased at a garage sale for $1.00! It's been re-wired and put to work as a reading lamp.

So very cool...

This old wooden rake speaks to me. Useful and beautiful. Hand crafted around 1914.

A big fatty service bell is a must have for any respectable household. Many children disguised as adults have enjoyed slamming their hand down on this thing!


Purchased from my sweet friends Kari and Kathryn of Manor Bourne

An old White House Cook Book is perfect with hand written notes scrawled inside the beautifully worn pages. It's a fascinating browse. Stewed Pigeon and Gooseberry Catsup are among the more interesting recipes.

Who knew plain old ivory soap could look so good?

Believe it or not this is a Goodwill find. Not one but two, yes a pair. A pair of gorgeous, vintage, mercury glass lamps for $25.

For. The. Pair.

Crazy!

We love our pond. Winter is it's best season. The water is full and clear making it possible to see all the way to the bottom. After a morning run we cruise by the pond and look for fish.

We have lived in our home for nearly 17 years. Many country cats have called this place home too. The photo below is one of my very favorite things. If you look very closely you will see a narrow trail in the grass. For some feline reason beyond human understanding our country cats have carved this permanent path. Some are no longer with us but the path they created remains.

What stories do your favorite things have to tell?

love

2012-01-20T08:22:00.000-08:00

'tis the season of

just enough inspiration to stitch up a few of these...

close up...

What inspires you today?

Enjoy the weekend,
Laurie

Winter Beauty

2012-01-17T10:51:00.000-08:00

Oh winter. Your cold, gray beauty is on my mind today...

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Hope this day finds you cozy and warm...

Laurie

Word for 2012

2012-01-03T09:41:00.000-08:00

Many people choose a word for the new year. I am among those people.

Why choose a word?

The process of choosing a word may help clarify where you are going in life. A thoughtful choice can stimulate the process of setting your course and determining goals.

This morning as I was looking over my list of possible words, something new came to me. After mentally trying it out I realized it is the perfect word. One that suggests a state of being. A place that requires thankfulness, humility, contentment. It's a beautiful word. One that I will remind myself of daily. I want, need to embrace this word. Maybe you can relate to the tendency of taking life and circumstances a little too seriously. Don't beat yourself up. Some of us are wired that way. Perhaps you will want to embrace this word as your own.

The word I've chosen for 2012 is...
adjective

1. full of joy, as a person or one's heart; glad; delighted.

2. showing or expressing joy, as looks, actions, or speech.

3. causing or bringing joy, as an event, a sight, or news; delightful:

Synonyms

1. joyous, happy, blithe; buoyant, elated, jubilant.

These images are great expressions of being joyful!

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source Enjoy the day! Laurie

Dreaming and Planning

2011-12-28T12:43:00.000-08:00

Hey friends! I'm taking a few days off to work on these...

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I love this time of year.

Just after the holidays.

It's an exciting time sitting on the edge of a new year.

Creating the future.

Full of possibilities.

What are you dreaming up for the New Year?

Christmas Greetings

2011-12-24T08:37:00.000-08:00

May you find joy in your heart this Christmas!

With love,

Laurie

Christmas Around the House

2011-12-20T08:04:00.000-08:00

I tend to decorate by mood. This year feels rustic, shiny and sparkly. Here's a little of what I've been up to...

I love the rustic touch of a well placed antler...

My family thinks I may have a problem...

I purchased this gorgeous piece from my sweet friend Natalie of Sparrow. The addition of fir boughs and red pears dressed it up for Christmas...

Just a few more gifts left to wrap...

Adding a little holiday cheer to our back porch makes hauling in groceries a pleasant task...

How do you decorate your home for the holidays?

Happy Tuesday,
Laurie

Tips for Tackling Christmas Week

2011-12-19T09:17:00.001-08:00

It's here - Christmas week. How do you prepare? What keeps you on track and your stress level down during this busy week?

We are hosting a big family gathering on the 23rd and again on Christmas day. Being organized helps to keep things fairly sane around here! For me, being organized starts with a list.

This morning finds me propped up with a cup of coffee and spiral notebook in hand. I have two lists started. One titled home, the other go. My lists are not fancy. I keep them handy and write things down as I think of them. My home list is filled with everything I need to do around the house. The go list includes everything away from home. A wise woman once said, let paper remember so you can forget!

Another tool I use to keep me organized and sane is a daily chore list from the Home Ec 101 blog. There is a little note posted with a short list of chores for the day.


Home Ec 101 blog by Heather Solos can be found here.

This works well for my slightly ADHD personality. Keeps me focused, it's short and not overwhelming. By doing these daily chores my house stays clean and it's not a big deal to get ready for company.

Three more tips:

Don't give up your daily exercise! For me, it's hard enough to be motivated on a normal day. During a busy week it's so easy to let this one slide. Don't do it! You will love yourself for taking the time to de-stress by some type of daily work out. Walk, run, bike, gym, weights, dvd. Whatever it is... just do it!

Remember the reason for the season. I love to read the story of Jesus birth found in Luke chapter two verses 1-20. I also like to read a touching story throughout the season. Jan Karon's book Shepherds Abiding is a good read.

Have fun! Be flexible. Even with lists and organization things don't always go exactly as planned. Enjoy the moment and the people in your life. That's what it's all about!

I'm off for a morning run!
Laurie

If you have any questions or tips on getting through this busy week you can leave a comment or contact me by e-mail - worthygoods.laurie@gmail.com

The Best Chili Ever, I'm sure of it.

2011-12-15T07:58:00.000-08:00

Yes, that's what I said. The best chili ever.

My husband is an awesome hunter and brings home the best free-range, organic protein any carnivorous girl could ask for. This fabulous protein typically includes salmon, crab, elk and venison.

A friend passed this recipe along to us (thank you Grace). It is from Field & Stream Magazine.

Field and Stream Editor's Venison Chili Recipe

Makes 12 servings

A spicy chili made with venison. A sure winner in a chili cookoff!

Ingredients

2	lbs venison
1/4	lb bacon, diced
2	medium yellow onions, diced
1	medium red onion, diced
2	jalapeno peppers, seeded and diced
1	red pepper, seeded and diced
1	yellow pepper, seeded and diced
1	green pepper, seeded and diced
2	oz canned chipotle chilis in adobo sauce , seeded and chopped fine
3	cloves garlic, minced
1/4	cup balsamic vinegar
4	tbsp chili powder
1	tbsp paprika
1	tbsp cumin
1	tbsp salt
1	tbsp black pepper
1	tbsp cinnamon
1/4	cup honey
1	tbsp molasses
1	pint Guinness or other stout beer
1/2	cup red wine
1 1/2	c whole plum tomatoes , or 1 whole can
350	g crushed tomatoes or 1 whole can
650	g black beans or 2 whole cans

Directions

In large pan, saute venison until just cooked. Drain and set aside. Cook in batches if necessary to keep from crowding in the pan.
In a large pot with a heavy bottom, saute bacon over medium heat until it's brown and has given up its fat. Remove and set aside.
Saute onions and peppers in the bacon fat, stirring frequently until soft, about 5 minutes. Add garlic and vinegar and cook for two minutes. Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, salt, pepper, cinnamon and cook, stirring often, for about three minutes. Add venison and bacon. Stir well and cook for one minute.
Add honey, molasses, beer, wine and tomatoes. Mix well, bring to a boil, adjust heat to low.
Cook at a slow simmer, uncovered, for about an hour and stir frequently. Taste and adjust seasonings, adding more chili powder or chipotle chillies if you want more heat.
Add beans and cook for another hour, continuing to stir. The chili is done when it's thick enough to your liking.
Garnish with chopped cilantro.

Notes from the cook:
This was a fantastic recipe. In mine and my husband's opinion it really is the best chili we've ever had!

This recipe can also be made with ground beef, turkey etc. if you do not have access to venison.

I used my crock pot. If you would like to do the same, transfer the venison to your slow cooker after step one. Continue as directed through step 4. Transfer veggies to crock pot and simmer for an hour or two before adding the beans in step 6.

This has such an interesting combination of heat and flavors from the chipotle chilis, honey, molasses and cinnamon to the Guinness and red wine. Delicious.

A big crusty loaf of bread is the perfect compliment to this fantastic chili.

Enjoy!

Laurie

five things that make me happy

2011-12-09T17:06:00.000-08:00

colorful umbrellas.

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any candy shop. anytime. anywhere.


this one happens to be in Paris


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these adorable little girls agree!

books. books. and more books.


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The Long Room at Trinity College in Dublin.
One of the most beautiful rooms I've ever had the privilege to visit.


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a really good burger.


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Worth a try.

barn doors. indoors.


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a gorgeous fireplace.


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What makes you happy?

An Old Fashioned Christmas

2011-12-02T06:36:00.000-08:00

Today is the day...

The Monticello Christmas Show starts at 8:00am!

Everything is so beautiful. Let me show you...

If you live in the area and would like to see more...

Monticello Antique Marketplace

8600 SE Stark Street

Portland, OR

503-256-8600

You can go to Monticello's web page here.

Have a wonderful weekend,

Laurie

Monticello

2011-11-29T07:05:00.000-08:00

I am off to Monticello today working on the Christmas show! Stay tuned for sneak peeks...

Happy Tuesday!
Laurie

Happy Thanksgiving

2011-11-24T07:07:00.000-08:00

Have a wonderful and blessed Thanksgiving weekend!

xoxo,

Laurie

Thanksgiving Randomness

2011-11-22T09:19:00.000-08:00

adjective
 

1. proceeding, made, or occurring without definite aim, reason, or pattern: the random selection of numbers. 

Statistics . of or characterizing a process of selection in which each item of a set has an equal probability of being chosen.

A few random things from the coop...

I picked up this stunning scale at a flea market a few weeks ago with every intention of selling it. Somehow I just can't part with this beautiful thing. The perfect shade of green, the beautiful detail and the vintage coolness all added up to a fine addition to my kitchen counter.

My sister is hosting Thanksgiving this year and asked me to make the yams. I have never made yams before and I have an aversion to the sweet yams with marshmallows all over them. I am intrigued by the idea of combining the sweetness of yams with something savory or spicy. Here is the recipe I've decided to make.

Chipotle Garnet Yams

I found the recipe on all recipes.com

click on the link below if you want to see more.

All Recipes

Below are some really cute vintage Thanksgiving greetings. Don't be mad, but I cannot remember where I found these! Just enjoy...

There is this wonderful girl I know who decided to take up the cookbook challenge posted about here. She just happens to be my daughter and just happens to have a cooking blog called A Duck's Oven. Go. Read it now...

I am thankful for you! For your comments and e-mails. For sharing life, ideas and common interests together.

Take a moment today and reflect on something you are truly thankful for.

Have a blessed Thanksgiving week,

Laurie

Red and White Inspiration

2011-11-20T05:29:00.000-08:00

Neutral back drops with a pop of red...

L.O.V.E


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Inspiration from the classics is the best!

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Count down to Christmas.

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Red and white can really make a girl happy!

Enjoy the day,

Laurie

Silver Palate

2011-11-19T07:39:00.000-08:00

In the quest for trying new recipes from my cookbook stash I came across this cookbook from the Silver Palate.

I first became aware of this cookbook while working as a nanny in New York a very long time ago! The authors also had a store-front in Manhattan and it was quite a thrill to visit their shop.

Many fabulous meals and desserts have been cooked up from this little gem.

This was my recipe choice...

VENISON STEW

Why would I choose such an obscure recipe? The answer is easy for two reasons. My husband is a hunter and we have venison in the freezer. My husband is bow hunting this weekend and this would be a perfect meal to send along...

Here's the recipe with notes to follow...

VENISON STEW

Marinade:

2 cups dry red wine
juice of 1 lemon
juice of 2 limes
2 large bay leaves
2 whole cloves
1 large yellow onion, peeled and sliced
3 carrots, peeled and chopped
top leaves of 2 celery ribs
1 large garlic clove, peeled and crushed
1/2 teaspoon dried tarragon
pinch of dried thyme
6 whole black peppercorns, crushed
1 juniper berry, crushed
1/2 teaspoon salt

To complete the stew:

3 pounds of lean venison cut in 1-inch cubes
8 tablespoons (1 stick) sweet butter (more if needed)
2 tablespoons gin
3 tablespoons lean salt pork, cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/4 pound fresh mushrooms, as small as possible
salt and freshly ground pepper, to taste
12 to 18 tiny pearl onions
6 chicken livers

1. Combine marinade ingredients in a large glass bowl and stir well. Add venison, cover, and refrigerate for 1 day. Turn meat 1 or 2 times in the marinade.

2. Remove meat from marinade and dry thoroughly with paper towels. Reserve marinade.

3. Melt 2 tablespoons of the butter in a heavy skillet. Brown the cubed venison a few pieces at a time, and with a slotted spoon transfer them to a bowl. Add additional butter to pan as needed.

4. Transfer all the venison to a flameproof casserole. In a small saucepan, warm the gin, then pour it over the venison and ignite. Shake the casserole slightly until flames die out.

5. Saute the diced salt pork in a small skillet until golden. With a slotted spoon transfer pork to the casserole.

6. Remove mushroom stems and save for another use or discard. Wipe mushroom caps with a damp paper towel. Melt 4 tablespoons of the butter in a small skillet. Add mushroom caps and season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring occasionally, until tender, about 5 minutes. Transfer mushrooms and cooking liquid to the casserole.

7. Bring 1 quart salted water to a boil. Drop in the pearl onions and boil for 1 minute. Transfer onions to a bowl of ice water; when cool, peel them and add to the casserole.

8. Strain the marinade and add it to the casserole; stir well. Set casserole over medium high heat. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 30 to 40 minutes.

9. Meanwhile, melt remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a small skillet and cook the chicken livers until they are firm but still pink inside, about 5 minutes. Cut into large dice.

10. When venison is tender, add livers to the casserole. Taste, correct seasoning, and serve immediately.
4 to 6 portions

Notes from the cook:

I was really looking forward to lighting that gin on fire! It was very disappointing because the gin did not ignite. My husband and I both gave it a good try with pitiful results.

The recipe calls for pearl onions that need to be cooked, iced and peeled. Don't put yourself through that. You can buy them in the freezer section all cooked and peeled. Much easier.

The end result was very good. The marinade flavors fantastic. Chicken livers... not my favorite thing but my husband was giddy over them!

Happy cooking,
Laurie

From the Sewing Room

2011-11-16T09:58:00.000-08:00

A recent post was all about this gorgeous color palette. You can read more here. After setting this lovely stack of fabrics on my sewing room table, my creative brain took over.

Sometimes it's hard to sleep because the ideas keep coming. As a writer puts pen to paper a seamstress puts scissors to fabric!

nubby-wool stocking with over-sized wool buttons

ruffled dupioni silk stocking with flowers

funky wool stocking with vintage long-john buttons

Being creative evokes a feeling of pure...

striped joy pillow

vintage french laundry label

vintage wool pure joy pillow

Toile is such a beautiful old world classic...

scalloped euro toile pillows

scalloped 16x24 toile pillow

All of this creative craziness can be attributed to the upcoming Holiday season at Monticello and a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT coming very soon.

Stay tuned and thanks for stopping by!
Laurie

P.S. I will be posting a new recipe on Friday. You should join me by cooking up something and posting about it in the comment section of this blog. Read more about it here.

There's Always Room for a Bike in the Bathroom

2011-11-12T07:25:00.000-08:00

This vanity commands a smile...

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How fun is that?

Have a great weekend,
Laurie

the barefoot contessa wins again

2011-11-10T07:45:00.000-08:00

After flipping through several cookbooks for this weeks recipe, I decided on the barefoot contessa Ina Garten again. Her how easy is that cookbook had a side dish that caught my eye.

It was kind of an odd choice for me, but interesting in a weird sort of way.

Here's the recipe:

Warm French Lentils

serves 4 to 6

Ina says: There's a little bistro in Paris that Jeffrey and I love and they always have lentils on the menu. In summer, they're served like this- slightly warm with a drizzle of olive oil- and in winter they're served hot with garlicky French sausages. This is classic French peasant food and it's so satisfying.

2 tablespoons     plus 1/4 cup good olive oil
                    1     leek, white and light green parts, sliced 1/4 inch thick
                    2     carrots, scrubbed and 1/2 inch-diced
     1 teaspoon minced garlic
             1 cup     French green Le Puy lentils
                    1     whole onion, peeled and stuck with 6 whole cloves
                    1     white turnip, cut in half
     1 teaspoon     unsalted butter
    4 teaspoons    Dijon mustard
2 tablespoons    red wine vinegar
1 tablespoon     kosher salt
     1 teaspoon     freshly ground pepper

Heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a medium saute pan, add the leek and carrots, and cook over medium heat for 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 1 more minute and set aside.

Meanwhile, place the lentils, 4 cups water, the onion with the cloves, and the turnip in a large saucepan and bring to a boil. Lower the heat, add the leek and carrots, and simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or until the lentils are almost tender. Remove and discard the onion and turnip and drain the lentils. Place them in a medium bowl and add the butter.

Meanwhile, whisk together the 1/4 cup of olive oil, the mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper. Add to the lentils, stir well, and allow the lentils to cool until just warm, about 15 minutes. Sprinkle with salt and pepper and serve. The longer the lentils sit, the more salt and pepper you'll want to add.

Notes from the cook:

I have never cooked with leeks before, that was fun! Also, I loved the idea of sticking whole cloves into the onion. They added just a hint of flavor to the lentils. I did not find the Le Puy lentils and just used regular lentils.

To make the lentils more like a main course, I added cooked sausage. It tasted really good and was the perfect addition.

This dish introduced me to new ingredients and flavors and tasted great. Good choice!

If you decided to join me in this adventure, please go to the comment section and tell us what you made and how it turned out.

Happy cooking,
Laurie

Dreamy Whites Giveaway

2011-11-09T07:16:00.000-08:00

Dreamy Whites is having a giveaway! Maria's style and photography are... dreamy.

This giveaway is just too good for you to miss.

Giveaway Information~

One reader will receive

1. One Wintersteen Farms hand crafted Wreath

Your wreath will be sent out approximately around November 28th.

2. A 200.00 Gift Certificate to her shop, Dreamy Whites Online.

Giveaway Ends November 16th at midnight.

Winner will be chosen by random.org

Go to the dreamy whites blog to enter here.

Good luck!

Laurie

Simply the Best

2011-11-08T08:03:00.000-08:00

Cookbooks seem to be a weakness of mine. I can be enticed with stunning photographs and the promise of a decadent dish. Reading cookbooks... a favorite past-time. Can you relate to this obsession?

Dust Jacket Attic blog posted a fantastic review on a just released cookbook titled Simply the Best. Here are a few of the enticing photos. If you would like to read the full post click here.

The cookbook can be ordered here.

along with these...

I will be posting a new recipe on Thursday. If you are joining me in the cooking challenge I posted here you still have a few days to give it a try!

Happy cooking,
Laurie

Green and Gray

2011-11-07T06:52:00.000-08:00

This color combination has landed firmly on my radar. The fresh green brings the gray to life. Love it!

I have been busy working with this color palette in my sewing studio. Look for the finished projects later in the week.

In the meantime, here's a little color inspiration...


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Happy Monday!
Laurie

Join me?

2011-11-04T07:50:00.000-07:00

In a recent post which you can view here, I promised you a new recipe each week. I would like to propose a challenge...

Join me!

Go through your cookbook stash and cook up something new each week. When you see my new post come back and tell me what you made with a review of your recipe.

Rules:
1. Your recipe should come from a cookbook or magazine. Try not to use the internet unless you don't own any cookbooks. The idea is to actually use some of those cookbooks collecting dust in your cupboards!

2. Make something new.

That's it!

Now for this weeks recipe...

I chose this beautiful cookbook by Ina Garten.

Roasted Shrimp with Feta
serves 4

Ina says: Assemble this early in the day and throw it in the oven before dinner. I serve big chunks of crusty bread so everyone can mop up all that delicious sauce. I love the Greek combination of tomatoes, garlic, oregano, wine, and feta; they enhance- but don't overpower- the briny flavor of the shrimp. Using peeled shrimp makes this dish so easy.

4 tablespoons good olive oil, divided
     1 1/2 cups     medium-diced fennel
1 tablespoon     minced garlic (3 cloves)
         1/4 cup      dry white wine
                   1      (14 1/2-ounce) can diced tomatoes
2 teaspoons      tomato paste
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon Pernod
    1 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
1 1/4 pounds    (16 to 20 per pound) peeled shrimp with tails on
     5 ounces good feta cheese, coarsely crumbled
          1 cup fresh bread crumbs (see note)
3 tablespoons    minced fresh parsley
    1 teaspoon     grated lemon zest
                   2     lemons

Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.

Heat 2 tablespoons of the olive oil in a 10- or 12-inch heavy oven-proof skillet over medium-low heat. Add the fennel and saute for 8 to 10 minutes, until the fennel is tender. Add the garlic and cook for 1 minute. Add the wine and bring to a boil, scraping up any browned bits. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes, until the liquid is reduced by half. Add the tomatoes with the liquid tomato paste, oregano, Pernod, salt, and pepper to the skillet. Simmer over medium-low heat, stirring occasionlly, for 10 to 15 minutes.

Arrange the shrimp, tails up, in one layer over the tomato mixture in the skillet. Scatter the feta evenly over the shrimp. In a small bowl, combine the bread crumbs, parsley, and lemon zest with the remaining 2 tablespoons of olive oil and sprinkle over the shrimp.

Bake for 15 minutes, until the shrimp are cooked and the bread crumbs are golden brown. Squeeze the juice of 1 lemon over the shrimp. Serve hot with the remaining lemon cut into wedges.

Note: for 1 cup of fresh bread crumbs, remove the crusts from 4 slices of white bread and process them in a food processor fitted with the steel blade until the bread is in crumbs.

Notes and tips from the cook:

I have never cooked with fennel before and wasn't sure if I should use the white and green parts, so I used all the white and some of the green. Also, I forgot to buy Pernod- which I had never heard of. It is a liqueur with an anise and licorice flavor.

We loved this recipe! The two things I would do differently... Pop the tails off. It was a hassle to pop them off with the sauce all over them. Also, I would cook this for 30 minutes instead of 15.

I would definitely make this again, in fact my daughter is coming home this weekend and I will be making it for her!

Happy cooking...
Laurie

Would you like to see my dining room?

2011-11-02T10:28:00.000-07:00

Almost exactly a year ago I blogged about painting my dining room gray. You can read the post here.

Since that post I have hung new curtains. Purchased and returned three different rugs, finally choosing to skip the rug. Moved the wine bar out, moved it back in. Moved the buffet to where the wine bar was and finally moving the buffet back to its original spot. Replaced the mirror with a great vintage cabinet. Decorated and redecorated. Purchased and hung a gorgeous chandelier.

After all of this, I just couldn't seem to get it right. Then, a few weeks ago I found the perfect dining chairs on sale at World Market. The chairs are big, upholstered and comfy. Our dining room went from a lonely room that rarely had visitors to a place where we eat dinner most evenings, hang out and catch up on the day. We love it!

comfy chairs

Vintage cabinet

Wine bar. The picture needs to be lowered. What do you think?

Chandelier. Love the vintage feel with the modern twist.

Because of my decorating ADHD, I still want to change a few things. That's the fun part!

Thanks for looking,
Laurie

2011-10-31T06:54:00.000-07:00

Have a wonderful day filled with tricks and treats!

~Laurie~

Apple Crisp

2011-10-28T08:20:00.000-07:00

Okay. The recipe I'm about to share is not new to me or this blog. I am aware of the post last week that stated something about sharing recipes that are new to me. Something about new things being good for you...

I am asking you, the reader of this blog, to give me a break this week for two reasons.

1. This recipe is excellent and apples are in season right now. I didn't want you to miss out.

2. I have been painting the great room in our house all week (I will share soon) and was not motivated to try a new recipe.

This recipe is delicious and comes from the America's Family Test Kitchen cookbook. We quadrupled the recipe for Chelsea's graduation party and not a single bite was left! In fact this crisp was made twice at our house last week. We love it!

Click on the link below for the recipe...

http://aviewfromthecoop.blogspot.com/2008/10/apples.html

Note from the cook: Don't skip the lemon zest in the recipe. It adds such a nice flavor.

If you make the crisp come back and let me know how you liked it.

Enjoy!

Proud Parents!

2011-10-24T07:55:00.000-07:00

Congratulations to our daughter, Chelsea, who recently earned a degree in sociology from the University of Oregon.

Chelsea is an amazing human being. She is very capable. We always used to say that Chelsea didn't really need parents she could raise herself. She assured us that was not true and that she really did need us!

In true Chelsea style, she completed her degree in just over three years. Chelsea began working part time two years ago for the university in their brain development lab. Her employer soon discovered her capabilities and offered her a full time job upon graduation. She is officially a faculty member at the University of Oregon. Nice work!

Chelsea has a passion for cooking and baking. This passion inspired a cooking blog for the college student. She hopes to inspire and educate college students to look beyond the basic take-out pizza and top ramen by showing them how to cook real food in a simple and budget friendly way. Her blog is called A Duck's Oven. Click here if you would like to visit!

Friends and family came together to celebrate this fine achievement. In other words, we had a big bash for her last Saturday night!


Jeff, Laurie, Chelsea, Chris, Noelle, Gary, Jessica


Chelsea, Cousin Bree

Uncle Scotty, Chelsea

Chelsea, Boyfriend Eric

Congratulations Chelsea! We are so proud of you!!!

Chelsea, Mom, Blake, Dad

America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

2011-10-19T06:00:00.000-07:00

I've had this cookbook for a few years and love it! Many of the recipes have become family favorites and the tips are so helpful.

The cookbook is divided into sections ranging from appetizers to main dishes to desserts and even beverages. I will be featuring a new recipe from my cookbook stash each week starting today!

The goal is to make recipes I have never tried before.

My motivation is three-fold.

First, I am a firm believer in trying new things (even if it's a recipe).

Second, I hope to inspire you into trying something new, whether it's cooking or something crazy like sky diving. Let's just see where this takes us...

Third, trying new recipes makes one a better cook. Working with new or unusual ingredients can expand your recipe repertoire and your palette. The next time you decide to "wing it" in the kitchen, you may just come up with something fantastic based on a new ingredient/recipe you have recently tried.

Today's recipe came out of necessity. I had some overly ripe bananas that were calling to me.

My go to recipe would be banana bread. But in the spirit of trying something new, I found this recipe for banana chip snack cake.

Banana Chip Snack Cake
      2   cups all-purpose flour
2 1/2   teaspoons baking powder
   1/4   teaspoon salt
1 1/4 cups sugar
8 tablespoons (1 stick) unsalted butter, softened
      2   large eggs, at room temperature
      2   very ripe large bananas, peeled and mashed (1 cup)
   1/2   cup whole milk, at room temperature
      1   teaspoon vanilla extract
   3/4   cup semisweet chocolate chips
* 3/4   chopped walnuts (optional)
* 1/4   cup raw sugar (optional)

1. Adjust an oven rack to the middle position and heat the oven to 350 degrees. Lightly coat an 8-inch-square cake pan with vegetable oil spray. Whisk the flour, baking powder, and salt together in a medium bowl and set aside.

2. Beat the sugar and butter together in a large bowl with an electric mixer on medium speed until light and fluffy, 3 to 6 minutes. Beat in the eggs, one at a time, until incorporated, scraping down the bowl and beaters as needed. Beat in the bananas, milk, and vanilla.

3. Whisk the flour mixture into the egg mixture until no streaks of flour remain. Stir in the chocolate chips and walnuts.

4. Pour the batter into the prepared pan and smooth the top. Sprinkle with the raw sugar if desired. Bake until a wooden skewer inserted into the center of the cake comes out with a few crumbs attached, 55 to 65 minutes, rotating the pan halfway through baking.

5. Let the cake cool in the pan on a wire rack about 2 hours before serving.

Enjoy!

Notes and tips from the cook...

*The last step says to cool the cake for 2 hours before serving. That would never happen at my house and I'm guessing the same for most of you! Our cake had a chance to cool for about 15 minutes tops. It was fantastic, nice and warm!

*I love to tweak a recipe. My additions to this were the walnuts and the raw sugar. Using half whole wheat flour and half white flour would also be good in this recipe.

*Also, I never even read the part about rotating the cake half way through until I started typing the recipe for this post. It turned out just fine without the rotation.

Happy cooking,
Laurie

Here's What's Up...

2011-10-17T09:11:00.000-07:00

We have all asked or been asked this question in many forms...

What's up?
What's new?
What's happening?
What have you been up to?

The standard response to this simple yet slightly unsettling question?

"Not much, what have you been up to?"

What's up seems to require a bit more than the typical answer.

Why not take this as a challenge? Think of something interesting to say. Keep in mind that the person asking may not expect or want a lengthy response.

So the challenge here is to give a good answer. A little tidbit of information while staying within the social parameters of the question.

In other words keep it simple.

Next time someone asks you what's up, what will you say?

By the way...

What's up? (I just had to ask)...

Hello Fall...

2011-09-26T09:19:00.000-07:00

Such a glorious season with changes in the weather, intense colors, cozy evenings, so much inspiration. Let me share some of that glorious inspiration with you!

Imagine yourself coming over a hill and looking down at this breath taking scene...

Can you hear the hushed quiet of the forest...

Wow...

Nature offers the best decorating opportunities...

Fall is a great time to slow down and enjoy a quiet moment or two...

Cozy up our homes...

Let's not forget the latest in fall fashion...

Autumn, the year’s last, loveliest smile.
~William Cullen Bryant

Enjoy these beautiful days!
Laurie

images from pinterest, my newest obsession

A New Chapter

2011-09-20T10:37:00.000-07:00

Yesterday was the last day I would look out the window to see if Blake's car was in the driveway. The last time I would get up in the night and look upstairs to see if his bedroom door was almost shut, the bathroom light on and the door cracked a little. Just the way he likes it. You see, it was our last night of "normal" ... Blake went off to college today...

Happy and sad. We are excited for him. Gary and I both relating to our own experiences at his age. For the absolute blast he will have at Western Oregon University. For the new chapter in his life. This part is necessary. It's the next step in Blake's process of growing up. Growing into adulthood.

The sadness in my heart is mingled with excitement for him. But as a mom I have to reflect...

Being pregnant... his bright blonde hair... a two year old who didn't want me out of his sight... long walks... bedtime stories... learning to drive...

When I looked out my window today I saw his black Subaru with the red mudflaps and wheels parked in the driveway. Automatic thoughts of "don't drive too fast, come home at a decent hour." The realization that he's not coming home tonight, or this week or next...

It sounds so sad and pitiful on my part and it kind of is... but doesn't every Mom go through this?

So there you have it... raw from a Mother's heart missing the little boy who was, the teenager who gave us so much joy and worry... hope for a bright future...

Blessings to you our little blonde haired, blue eyed boy! You are in for the time of your life, embrace it! We love you Blakey...

Blake

Mom and Blake

Blake and Dad

Blake and Chelsea (sister)

Mom and Dad

Final Show for the Season

2011-09-15T10:14:00.000-07:00

Life has been busy and rewarding with so many shows this summer! Show season is drawing to an end for Worthy Goods and we are looking forward to the mundane... cleaning house, grocery shopping, baking...

If you need a Worthy Goods fix before next Spring, you can find us year round at Monticello Antique Market Place ~ 8600 SE Stark Street ~ Portland, OR.

Our final show for the season is the Fall Premier Show at Monticello. The show runs through October 2nd. Participating vendors are restocking daily. Come by for a shopping fix!

Worthy Goods pulled out all the stops with fantastic vintage treasures, handcrafted textiles and more...

On another note...

The premier issue of Folk Magazine is hot off the press! Barn House is one of the featured articles with a spotlight on the Summer Country Vintage Marketplace hosted by the boys in July. Congrats to Joe and Jermonne you guys are the best!

Debbie and I (aka Worthy Goods) are pictured in the article along with many vendor friends and wonderful customers! The article and photos were done by the very talented miss Kimberly Taylor...

Looking forward to the gorgeous days of fall!
Laurie

Camas Vintage Street Faire

2011-08-22T07:16:00.000-07:00

Saturday, August 27th marks the third annual

Camas Vintage Street Faire

For more information go to our Worthy Goods blog by clicking on the link below:

Camas Vintage Street Faire

See you there!

Laurie

Behind the Scenes

2011-08-04T10:08:00.000-07:00

At times I struggle about posting for the business my sister and law and I share, Worthy Goods, on this blog. I don't want to be redundant... so if you want to hear all about how fantastic the Barn House Vintage Market was last weekend... pop on over to our Worthy Goods blog and check it out! Click right HERE and off you go!

Today I'm taking you behind the scenes for a look at what happens when prepping for a show...

Often the purchase of some cool antique or vintage item will drive the theme for an event such as Barn House.

This year it was a pair of gorgeous turn-of-the-century iron canopy beds.

Yes, I said a PAIR!

The beds were painted yellow and our original idea was to paint them white. There were two compelling reasons to keep them yellow. First, all the gorgeous patina would be lost. Second, do you know how long it would take to paint canopy beds?!

After a color brainstorming session Debbie and I chose white, yellow and gray as the perfect color story for our space at Barn House.

Part of the design was to have our space chock full of gorgeous items made with linen in all three shades. But there was one little obstacle. We couldn't find gray linen anywhere! We finally found the perfect gray and they were out of stock until mid July (too late)!

What's a girl to do? Dye her own! We had a Worthy Goods work day at my house and taught ourselves how to dye linen. After a few set backs and phone calls to the dye help line, Debbie and I had several yards of lovely gray linen.

We are both easily excited and easily distracted. So after successfully dying a few yards of fabric we had to see what everything would look like together. We set up one of the beds in the yard and added a ticking mattress, a feather bed, two different options for curtains and the gray fabric.

Time to try things out. The feather bed was cushy heaven...

After much planning and sewing, Worthy Goods ended up with several sets of gorgeous linen pillow cases, twin sheets, linen covered feather beds, pillows and table runners.

The results of all that hard work...

Our space at Barn House...

There you have it. One small peek into what happens behind the scenes! Thanks for coming along...

~Laurie

Decorating Inspiration from a Wedding Blog

2011-07-19T10:06:00.000-07:00

I recently came across Style Me Pretty. A beautiful blog dedicated to everything about weddings. Not only is the blog a great resource for the bride-to-be but the DECORATING inspiration is endless. Decorating and design ideas can come from anywhere.

When planning a wedding creativity reigns! Out of the box, fantastical ideas magically take root. Why not use a little of this creative energy in your own home or for your next event...

For more inspiration go to Style Me Pretty and see for yourself! Just click on the logo below...

freestanding kitchen

2011-07-05T08:53:00.000-07:00

Do you have a small space and a need for a great looking kitchen area? This adorable kitchen fits into a freestanding cupboard designed by Culshaw Bell.

Such a great solution. To find out more about this kitchen in a cupboard click on the link. Culshaw Bell...

in·spi·ra·tion

2011-06-30T07:52:00.000-07:00

1. an inspiring or animating action or influence: I cannot write poetry without inspiration.

2. something inspired, as an idea.

3. a result of inspired activity.

Below are random images that inspire me. May they inspire you as well...

Every girl's dream...

source


source

I didn't know fireworks could look so good!


industrial cart


source

plate crazy

for your summer travels

summer camping, perfect

~ enjoy the day...

Congratulations Blake!

2011-06-17T11:06:00.000-07:00

Our beautiful boy Blake has just graduated from High School. It seems like he was just starting kindergarten.

Close your eyes.

Now open them.

That's how fast this time has gone!


Our two beautiful kids~Blake and Chelsea

Blake and happy proud parents

Blake plans to attend Western Oregon University this fall and major in Criminal Justice. Those of you who know him well will see the irony and the beauty in this!!!

Our Own Private Rodeo

2011-06-12T09:12:00.000-07:00

Last weekend was jam packed from start to finish!
It all started with a little cattle branding on Suavie Island.

It was an exciting and amazing process.
After the crew was assembled and instructions given it was time to get to work...

The girls were all decked out in their cowgirl gear ready to help...

Meet Chance, one of the best cowboys out there!

This is George, a fine young cowboy.

George trying his hand at branding...

favorite pics of the day...


helping hands

The crew...

A new batch of calves have been successfully vaccinated and are sporting sexy new brands.

What a great day!
This post is dedicated in loving memory to Johna Rachael Marandas
June 17, 1975 ~ June 4, 2010

Dan the Goodwill Man...

2011-05-24T06:54:00.000-07:00

Meet Dan.
He is the Goodwill Man.

Literally.

Everything he has on was purchased at
Goodwill.

Dan has a confident, funky style all his own.

He loves junking and thrifting and has a sixth sense on choosing quality items with a cool vibe. His wife Nancy, shares this same ability. It's a winning combo!

Dan can be described as a city guy with a laid back attitude. Biking, thrifiting and e-bay are among his favorite hobbies. He's been married to the same lovely woman for more than 30 years, has two beautiful daughters and just happens to be my brother.

Now you can say you've met Dan.
The Goodwill Man.

Restoration Hardware Love

2011-05-19T10:07:00.000-07:00

I feel a living room overhaul coming on...

This overhaul will be complete with new furniture, bookcases, accessories etc.

I would so love to reface our mid 1990's brick fireplace and mantle too...

This will be an interesting process because of little constraints like a budget, and my need to check and re-check every option available.

If I had to choose only one place to shop it would have to be Restoration Hardware!

Who could resist their fabulous sofas...

Belgian Classic Roll Arm Sofa in Sand Linen

How about the same sofa in charcoal...

Belgian Classic Roll Arm Sofa in Charcoal

I'm always drawn to the classic style of the Kensington Sofa...

Kensington Sofa in Sand Belgian Linen

What would it look like in leather?

Kensington in Vintage Cigar Leather

Now that we have the sofa narrowed down...

Let's look at chairs.

This chair just about makes my heart stop.


Os De Mouton Wing Chair

Look at it close up. This gorgeous chair is upholstered in charcoal belgian linen on the front. The back is burlap with a nail head detail. Love it!

Maybe something more casual like this Belgian Roll Arm Slip Covered Chair. Shown in Sand and Fog...

This cabinet would look perfect on the wall next to the fireplace...


Grand French Casement Cabinet

The perfect sofa table...

Bakers Rack Console

We need to ground all that gorgeous furniture with a rug.

I've never seen a cowhide tile rug before...

Argentine Cowhide Tile Rug

How about something more traditional...

Nezami Rug

Now a mirror for above the fireplace...


19th Century Ravena Etched Mirror

and a great light fixture to hang in front of that mirror...

Wine Barrel Chandelier

Vintage 2 tier Baluster Chandelier

Some art for the walls...


1595 Florence Scrolled Map

William Curtis Rolf: Stables

Pillows...

Belgian Linen Pillows

Leather Pillow Covers

Can't forget a throw...

Cashmere Throw

Top it off with some great accessories...

and we're good to go...

Now about that budget...

Giveaway over at A Duck's Oven!

2011-05-02T11:12:00.000-07:00

My daughter Chelsea is giving away this lovely book on her blog A Duck's Oven...

and this sweet one egg wonder pan...

Click on the link below to enter this fantastic giveaway!

A Duck's Oven

Good luck.

I hope you win!

Let me introduce you...

2011-04-19T20:11:00.000-07:00

to my beautiful niece Kelly...

Kelly is the youngest daughter of my Worthy Goods partner Debbie.
Which makes Debbie my sister-in-law in case you were wondering...
Kelly lives in the Pacific NW with her husband and two gorgeous children, Annabelle and Sawyer Berkeley.

Kelly is also an amazing children's pastor.
She has a positive spirit and an infectious joy!

Not only is she a hard worker but crazy, creative too!
When Worthy Goods first started Kelly was our merchandising guru, coming to our Barn House events and teaching us a trick or two. I have learned much from this beautiful young woman!

Kelly & Aunt Laurie Barn House Flea 2010

Kelly has recently added a new passion to her life...

She is a proponent of a healthy lifestyle but feels that everyone should be able to have a treat and enjoy it! Thus, a line of fabulous bite sized cupcakes was born. They are small, full of flavor and oh so satisfying!

Guilt free bites of heaven!

Nothing but the finest ingredients go into these little gems.

Because Kelly is, well, Kelly she starts at the top...

bella berkeley cupcakes

will be debuting these soon- to- be- famous little bites of heaven at none other than

Barn House

this Saturday, April 23.

Barn House presents

Spring

Vintage Country Marketplace

featuring:

Sparrow

new to Barn House...

bella berkeley cupcakes

Saturday, April 23

9:00 - 3:00

free admission

Come join the fun, meet Kelly, and try one of these guilt free bites of heaven for yourself! Shopping and eating...

A perfect combination.

for the love of fabric

2011-04-06T09:42:00.000-07:00

fabric

definition:  cloth, material

synonyms: bolt, fiber, goods, textile

Fabric has been a constant love in my life. The colors, textures, patterns and endless choices can keep me in fabric store heaven for hours!

One long time love is linen. The natural fiber of linen and the beautiful way it drapes is perfect for clothes, bedding, aprons, accessories, pillows...

I would like to introduce you to the Chelsea pillow... The Chelsea pillow is a romantic pillow made with a lovely white linen. The pop of color adds a little touch of sunshine!

More linen creations...

full size headboard upholstered in linen

slip-covered linen footstool


linen slip-covered drum shade pendant

Cotton is also a great fabric to work with. It's crisp and easy to handle. This apron was made with a vintage cotton sheet.

The linen and cottons above are great neutrals but there's always room for a little color...

mustard/taupe three piece sofa

Hope you enjoyed the show and tell...

~Laurie

Most of the above items can be found at the Monticello Home and Garden Show. For more pics and sneak peeks click on the link...Worthy Goods.

Dreamy Inspiration

2011-03-24T09:58:00.000-07:00

Here's a little midweek inspiration. Maybe these dreamy photos will inspire a few weekend projects...


image

image

Look for inspiration on purpose today!

~Laurie~

favorites

2011-03-22T20:55:00.000-07:00

fa·vor·ite

a person or thing regarded with special favor or preference

*****

When my kids do or say something especially endearing or flattering towards me, I say to them...

You are my favorite!

I can't explain why, but they love it when they are my favorite.

It's a win/win for me because both my kids have sailed through childhood knowing that they are my favorite.

Occasionally a friend earns favorite status which does not go over too well with my offspring.

Chelsea is my favorite today because she is home for Spring Break and made us a fabulous dinner!

Home made tortillas.

Chelsea waved her magic cooking wand and turned the tortillas into fabulous chicken enchiladas. Refried beans, mexican rice and salad were served on the side. Delicious!

Chelsea,

You are my

Favorite!

and Dad's too...

Chelsea also has a cooking blog.

Click below to see what she's been up to, I'm sure you'll be impressed!

A Duck's Oven

Tread to Treasure

2011-03-05T12:05:00.000-08:00

Running is a little like the famous line from Forrest Gump.
It's a box of chocolates. You never know what you're going to get.

It's also a place I haven't been for six weeks. Yesterday morning found me suited up and ready to go. I wasn't expecting much and planned the shortest route possible.

Guess what...
It was really fun!

For some of you running and fun should not be in the same sentence. Think about something you do that isn't always fun but good for you. Have you ever come back from a walk, run, the gym etc. and wished you hadn't done the work out?

No, never.

Whether it was a great or not so great work out you did it. That always feels good!

For a junk dealer like me running past these great old barns makes me drool...

Yesterday after my run I got to go in this building and do a little picking...

This adorable and perfectly rusty, crusty vintage cart was a favorite treasure scavenged from the picking adventure...

Suit up and get out there. You never know what you're going to get but I bet it will be something really good!

happenings...

2011-02-28T13:00:00.000-08:00

Things have been busy around here....
tons of new projects are in the works at home and also for Worthy Goods.

One night I decided to "shop my house" and ended up switching a few pieces around. I took a cabinet from the living room and switched it out with a wine bar in the dining room. Love the results for the living room but I'm still working on the dining room...

This is my first attempt at decorating the wine bar...

This is my second... Any thoughts, tips, suggestions?

My nieces and nephew stayed over for a few days so we made really cool reversible aprons...

played four million games of life...

the three most annoying words strung together in one sentence are...

you owe me

Helped my son make a cover for his senior project binder. These were his three final choices... Any votes?

I bought these prints at Ikea and hung them above our bed...
Love them!

Spent some time in the studio sewing up a storm...
These will be in our Worthy Goods space at Monticello next week.
The other projects are
top secret
until the Monticello Spring Show starting April 8th!

Went to lunch with a friend...

We discovered this great little restaurant.

Best burger I've ever had.

dreamed of a fireplace makeover just like this...

That's what's happening at my place. Hope things are going well at yours!

Fate or Chance?

2011-02-15T19:02:00.000-08:00

Linda and Dixie of Funky Junk Sisters put on a great show in Hillsboro, Oregon a few weeks ago. Click on the picture below to read more...

While shopping at the show Debbie and I met a fabulous group of ladies from Texas. We talked, laughed and shared stories. We couldn't help but fall in love with these warm hearted Texans!

A few days later while shopping at one of my favorite haunts I saw this lady and she looked so familiar... I overheard her saying she was from Texas and realized that it was Leanne (pictured center) one of the warm hearted Texans from the Junk Salvation show!

After a great conversation with Leanne and her son we discovered that Leanne's daughter-in-law teaches at the charter school across the road from my house which is out in the country and basically in the middle of nowhere!

What are the chances? Yes. This fantastic, crazy, junking world is very small indeed...

These lovely Texan's call themselves the Rodeo Queens and host an event called Petticoats on the Prairie in Ira, Texas.

What a fun coincidence!

Thanks to my sweet friend and photographer Lara Blair for the use of her photos...

Love

2011-02-01T09:59:00.000-08:00

February is the month of LOVE...

To celebrate I created this sweet little pillow.

For the letters I used a vintage stencil and really like the way it turned out.

Simple and Sweet

Enjoy the day,

Laurie

Bella Notte Love

2011-01-24T14:19:00.000-08:00

Have you ever come across a product line you just love? Bella Notte Linens does it for me.

Moving into any one of these bedrooms would be an easy thing to do. Who cares if it's in a showroom! How can one go wrong with colors like amethyst, graphite and pistachio?

A pure slice of heaven...

This gorgeous, wiggly, drapey, linen makes me weak in the knees.

Yes, they also have a beautiful line of apparel.

Complete with something for the man in your life.

The excellent merchandising, quality fabrics and beautiful colors have definitely made me a fan!

If you want to see more click below:

Bella Notte Linens

Enjoy!

Deer me...

2011-01-16T20:29:00.000-08:00

There is something alluring about a bow hunter...
This one happens to belong to me.

This beautiful buck has been immortalized for all time in the form of a beautiful silhouette which has been applied to a soft gray wool to make this...

We have been enjoying this too... organic and free range it doesn't get better than that!


Venison roast sandwiches on jalapeno cheese bread with grilled onions, peppers and mushrooms topped off with provolone cheese...

Venison stew slow cooked to perfection...

Hope this week finds you using your creative talents and enjoying a home cooked meal or two!

Projects

2011-01-06T08:28:00.000-08:00

On a recent trip to Restoration Hardware I fell in love with these covered books...

I have a great set of vintage Funk & Wagnalls Encyclopedias...

hmmm...

Restoration attached the fabric by gluing it to the inside cover. I really wanted to slipcover these books but couldn't imagine using glue on them. The internet provided all kinds of tutorials on journal slip covers. The covers can be removed and the book remains intact. After combining some of the methods, this is how they turned out...

Here's a close up. I chose three different colors of linen...

No books were harmed at anytime during this project :0) ...

Here's another recent purchase that received a makeover. Everything was great about these cute canisters except the color...

after some sanding...

and painting...

perfect...

Off to the next project!

Laurie

Word for the Year

2011-01-03T08:18:00.000-08:00

SOLIDIFY

to unite firmly

consolidate

become crystallized

This is the word I've chosen for 2011. It represents a certain steadiness. Clarity.

Do you ever feel like you have too many irons in the fire?
I have felt this way many times.

This year feels different.

It always helps me to write out my goals for the new year.

It feels like a fresh start and gives a greater sense of purpose.

I am excited about this year.

Having several irons in the fire can be a good thing. Passion and creativity are powerful forces. They keep us moving forward and excited about life. Focusing on a few of those irons is where I'm at right now.

It's steadier. More certain.

Feels right.

Focused passion is a powerful thing.

I can't wait to see what 2011 will bring!

Clarity, unity and solidity are looking good this year.

Choosing a word for the year is so motivating. Check out these fabulous blogs. They may help you choose your word for the year...

Mimi Charmante

Modern Prairie Girl

Notes From a Cottage Industry

Shutter Sisters

Happy New Year!

2010-12-31T12:14:00.000-08:00

Here’s to the bright New Year, 

and a fond farewell                       to the old; 

here’s to the things that are yet to come,

and to the memories that we hold.

(Author unknown)

Ring in the new year safely, enjoy those you love, and hopefully steal a midnight kiss!

Happy New Year,

Laurie

What's New

2010-12-29T10:55:00.000-08:00

What's new for you in 2011?

Some of my goals for the new year include:

Eat Clean

Work out consistently

Open an etsy shop

Spend quality time with extended family

Spend more time in the studio

Save more

Finish home decor projects and start some new ones!...

Looking at beautiful images is a great way to find

inspiration for completing those projects.

Here are some of the trends I've come across for

home decor in 2011...

From Ikea...

House and Home...

A little purple...

A bit of blue...

A splash of color...

Beautiful neutrals...

What do you hope to accomplish in the new year?

May 2011 find you chasing new dreams and living life to the fullest!

Laurie

Image one - House Beautiful Magazine

Images two, three, four, five - Ikea

Image six - House and Home

Images seven, eight, ten, eleven, thirteen - The Bella Life Blog

Image fourteen - Restoration Hardware

Merry Christmas

2010-12-24T11:40:00.000-08:00

Wishing you a very Merry Christmas!

xoxo,

Laurie

Playing With Words

2010-12-20T16:30:00.000-08:00

I found the coolest thing!

It's called Wordle

If you're a wordie like me, this is for you!

Just type in a bunch of words press go and this is what you get...

I chose words that have meaning in my life. You could do the

same or choose words to a favorite poem, story, song etc. Here is part

of The Night Before Christmas story...

Take a few minutes out of this crazy time of year and

try it! It might keep your kids busy for awhile too!

Click here if you want to try it...

Careful, it's addicting...

Have a great week,

Laurie

Christmas Wishes

2010-12-16T07:43:00.000-08:00

If you could have anything said Santa what would it be?

hmmm... let me see...

Maybe a set of these.

How about wine of the month.

A stack of these please.

A pair of these.

Or these.

Or this.

Hand-scraped hardwoods would be nice.

Maybe something for the house.

1. Le Creuset - Caribbean Blue Round French Ovens

2. William Sonoma Wine Club

3. Vintage Grainsacks

4. Born Boots

5. Duck Shirt

6. Handscraped Hardwood Flooring

7. Restoration Hardware- chair, bedding, sofa

I went over my list with Santa and he said...

No problem!

Worthy Goods Giveaway Winner!

2010-12-11T07:16:00.000-08:00

My last post had a link to our Worthy Goods blog...

The link took you to a little cork counting guessing game.

The closest guess and winner of the stocking is...

Kim of White Whispers 2 u !!!

Kim's guess was 278 corks. The amount of corks under

the cloche was 318...

Congratulations Kim and many thanks to all who played along with us!

Merry Christmas!

Stocking Love and a Giveaway!

2010-12-08T17:34:00.000-08:00

Happy...Happy...Happy...

creating and being in a creative space makes me very Happy...

Projects for the week included filling a custom order for five lovely Christmas stockings.

The only criteria given was for two long and three short fat stockings all in varying shades of taupe and white. I had already designed the long stocking pattern but needed a short fatty.

Here's how my design process works.

1. Visualize - I try to see the finished product (in my little head) before I draw or cut. This helps me to know where I'm going with the design. I also try to picture each step from design to completion. I like to use my seam ripper as little as possible :0)

2. Draw a pattern on freezer paper.

3. Sew a mock up out of muslin.

4. Make adjustments to mock up. I ended up making three different sizes before I liked it!

5. Choose fabrics.

5. Cut out, pin and sew.

6. Pop a favorite holiday CD into my laptop. This happens to be Holiday Inn with Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire. I can do this once the process is in full swing... nice...

7. Decide on a cuff design and choose the trim.

8. Kiss them all good bye and send them off to their new home.

Another part of my week was spent filling a custom order for two of these...

This may be an all time favorite Worthy Goods stocking!

Because of this...

Debbie and I have decided to give one away!

Head on over to our Worthy Goods blog to enter.

worthygoods.blogspot.com

I hope you win!!!

That's a wrap!

2010-11-29T09:01:00.000-08:00

The long weekend was great...

Thanksgiving brought frigid temps in the NW,
but that didn't stop my crazy family from hosting
our own private Turkey Trot!

Young, old and somewhere in between met at our designated park at 9:30am for the annual Turkey Trot. We usually run a formal race complete with tee shirts and entrance fees, but opted for a more laid back race this year.

My brother-in-law, Stuart was in charge of the course...

The course was set up for runners and walkers...


my sweet mom and equally sweet sis-in-law, Nancy

my brother Tim, and niece Becca

my sister, Sis... bringing it in!

The best part of the race...
homemade pumpkin cinnamon rolls and hot coffee waiting at the finish line!

Chelsea, my amazing daughter was in charge of the cinnamon rolls. You can get the recipe on her blog, by clicking here...
My hubby was sidelined by a flu bug, but rallied enough to brew the coffee (a key element for the participants at the finish line!)

Seemingly simple things turn out to be favorite memories...
Oh, and Thanksgiving dinner was great too!

A View from the Coop

Favorite Things at Home

love

Winter Beauty

Word for 2012

joy·ful

Dreaming and Planning

Christmas Greetings

Christmas Around the House

Tips for Tackling Christmas Week

The Best Chili Ever, I'm sure of it.

Field and Stream Editor's Venison Chili Recipe

five things that make me happy

An Old Fashioned Christmas

Monticello

Happy Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving Randomness

ran·dom

Red and White Inspiration

Silver Palate

From the Sewing Room

There's Always Room for a Bike in the Bathroom

the barefoot contessa wins again

Dreamy Whites Giveaway

Simply the Best

Green and Gray

Join me?

Would you like to see my dining room?

Apple Crisp

Proud Parents!

America's Test Kitchen Family Cookbook

Here's What's Up...

Hello Fall...

A New Chapter

Final Show for the Season

Camas Vintage Street Faire

Behind the Scenes

Decorating Inspiration from a Wedding Blog

freestanding kitchen

in·spi·ra·tion

Congratulations Blake!

Our Own Private Rodeo

Dan the Goodwill Man...

Restoration Hardware Love

Giveaway over at A Duck's Oven!

Let me introduce you...

for the love of fabric

Dreamy Inspiration

favorites

Tread to Treasure

happenings...

Fate or Chance?

Love

Bella Notte Love

Deer me...

Projects

Word for the Year

Happy New Year!

What's New

Merry Christmas

Playing With Words

Christmas Wishes

Worthy Goods Giveaway Winner!

Stocking Love and a Giveaway!

That's a wrap!