Sunday, December 28, 2014

2014 Reflections

It's hard to believe that 2014 is coming to an end. This is the time when we look back and reflect on the closing year and anticipate the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.


I took a stroll down memory lane and the following is a recap of some of the things I shared with you in 2014.

The stillness of winter is like no other time of year. I dressed our mantel to capture the quiet calm that the season brings.



Tassel Wreath Tutorial
I can't knit or crochet, but was chomping at the bit to find a way to use some of the gorgeous yarns that are available today. Along came this 'Tassel Wreath' and I finally got my chance to use some fabulous chunky yarns.

The need for a small carryall  found me creating a trio of phone/wallets. They have served me well and I continue to use them today. Handmade items with a purpose - one of life's simple pleasures.

My husbands metalworking skills and his keen imagination came together to create this awesome full size replica 'Board Track Racer'. It adds a touch of nostalgia and history to our yard that is uniquely ours.


Spring Mantel 2014
A bitterly cold and long winter found me decorating our Spring Mantel with the hope that it might coax Mother Nature into giving us a turn at Spring.

In this post, I share my favorite method for lining the shelves of our refrigerator. It makes for quick and easy cleaning and adds a bit of personality to the big white box.


Summertime Thru the Lens
We had one of the most relaxed and easy going Summers this year and it was just lovely. We have been blessed with the gift of time with our 'Charlie Boy'. He is still with us and doing amazingly well.  You would never know there was anything wrong with him and he lives every moment with joy.

We had the pleasure of a visit from some unexpected guests this past summer. I consider it a privilege to see God's creatures and was thrilled to witness this yearly event.


Fall Mantel 2014
Autumn has long been my favorite season. The colors here in New Hampshire are a feast for the eyes. Instead of competing with Mother Nature, I opted for a more serene look with our Fall mantel.

In this post, I share my families most requested birthday cake. It is easy to make and so-o-o delicious! Be warned that once you have indulged in this cake, you will never buy store made ice cream cake again.

In this post, I continued with my 'Scenes from the Road' series and shared some wonderful New Hampshire Barns we have discovered in our travels.

We all love focaccia bread and this recipe is a family favorite. I have learned to make extra each time I make this, as it disappears so quickly.

Vintage treasures from yesteryear took over our mantel for Christmas this year. The completed vignettes brought to mind a simpler time.

Each passing year reminds me of how quickly time goes by. Life is full of beautiful moments, whether  big or small. We just need to notice them.

May you have many 'Moments' in the coming year.

PS - Have you linked up to Saturday Sparks? The party is open through Friday morning at 9. Come link up and join the fun!

Linking up to the following fabulous blogs:
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Saturday, December 27, 2014

Saturday Sparks Link Party 95

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 95!
The links leading up to Christmas proved to be a beautiful reminder of how special the day is for so many of us. A common bond that ties us together. We all have our unique traditions, decor and foods but the true meaning of the day is the same for all of us.
Now, onto the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 94.
Tree in a Box at Shabby Chic and I.  Tanja shows us her tree in a box. Simple details made all the difference to bring this humble tree out of its shell.
Sweater Wreath DIY at The Evolution of Mom. Jen gives a thrift store sweater new life as a
Sweater Wreath'. This is a quick and easy craft - my favorite kind.
 Festive Cone Christmas Trees at Making it in the Mountains. Kristi shares how she made these oh-so-cute Christmas trees -  a rolled felt flower tree and a scarf tree. Love the pop of color against the gray stone fireplace - so pretty!
Burlap Christmas Gift Wrap at Love Create Celebrate. Lindi shares her creative idea to make these pretty Christmas wrappings from basic supplies such as brown paper and burlap.
Smoky Pecan Pimento Cheese at Yesterfood. Joy says that Pimento Cheese is a very popular Southern appetizer. In this post, she shares her recipe for a smoky version that was a big hit with the family.
Creamy Tomato Basil Soup with Popcorn Croutons at Hello Little Home. I love finding quick and easy recipes that are also delicious. Ginnie is sharing a recipe for a Tomato Soup that sounds like it fits the bill nicely. For a bit of a spin, she used seasoned popcorn in place of croutons - Yumm!
Skinny Cheesy Coconut Cauliflower at Simply Fresh Dinners. Robyn is sharing a savory side dish made with roasted cauliflower, fresh herbs and a spicy cheese sauce.
Rich Biscoff-spread Brownies with Shortbread Crust at Something Sweet. Winnie is sharing a recipe for a decadent treat - Rich Biscoff-spread Brownies with Shortbread Crust. Mmmm...
Peanut Butter Streusel Cookies at Swanky Recipes. Jessica is sharing a delicious recipe for Peanut Butter cookies with a peanut butter and cinnamon streusel topping. She says they are soft and chewy with a rich peanut butter taste.
Mini Chocolate Cheesecake with Raspberries at Upstate Ramblings. Anne is sharing a reduced calorie Chocolate Cheesecake and Chocolate Sauce recipe. She made them in a muffin tin to control the portion size and added a sweet raspberry to the tops.
And finally, a recap of my share from the party - 2014 Christmas Mantel. I wanted our Christmas decor to reflect a simpler time. I gathered together a few salvaged items and went to work to create our vintage inspired Christmas mantel.
Pieced Pastimes

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.
If you were featured, please grab the featured button to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings
Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Pieced Pastimes

 Party Guidelines:
- Post the party button (above) or a text link back to the party on your post.
- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.
- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar or if you prefer, GFC and Linky are located at the bottom of this page.
- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.
- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.
- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

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Wednesday, December 24, 2014

2014 Christmas Mantel

Our mantel has a decidedly vintage feel this Christmas utilizing a few salvaged treasures from yesteryear. I wanted to emulate the feeling of a simpler time, when days went by at a much slower pace.


A weathered Morris chair back turned on its side served as the starting anchor for the main section of the fireplace.


Gold ornaments were tied onto copper ribbon and draped through the rungs of the chair back.


The rusted antique toy roller was a piece my husband saved from the charred remains of an old building many years ago.


A simple vignette is on the dumbwaiter side of the fireplace.


A primitive Douglas Fir tree, ...


...a vintage oil lantern given more height with a trio of old books and....


...a tattered Teddy Bear boasting the same copper ribbon as the chair garland.


On a side note, we have added a pellet insert to our fireplace and have been very pleased with the ease of use and heat savings all while still retaining the ambience of a burning fire on a cold New Hampshire day.


Another Christmas will find us gathered around the fire reminiscing about days of old and giving thanks for the many blessings we have had in our lives.


Wishing you all a very Merry Christmas!



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Saturday, December 20, 2014

Saturday Sparks Link Party 94

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 94!
  Only 6 more days until Christmas and it seems everyone is eagerly awaiting its arrival.
 If you are in need of some last minute inspiration, you have come to the right place.
Last weeks links were a bounty of Christmas related projects.
Now, onto the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 93.
Let it Snow Mantel at Vintage, Paint and more... Cathy has joined some other fabulous bloggers in a 'Blogger Christmas Series' and in this post, she shares her festive and pretty Christmas Mantel.
DIY:  Reclaimed Holiday Sign at Mommyzoid. Limited space has Stephanie thinking outside the box for her Christmas decor, such as this 'Reclaimed Holiday Sign' that she and her husband created from an old piece of barn board. Such a clever idea!
Rustic Pallet Wood Christmas Card Tree at Making it in the Mountains. Kristi is participating in a Christmas Blog Hop with 12 fabulous Christmas Projects - all for $24 or less. In this post, Kristi is sharing this Pallet Wood Tree used to hang Christmas Cards from. Such a fun idea!
Blue Christmas Inspiration at Urban Patina. Inspired by Elvis's Blue Christmas, Crystal transformed this  buffet into this wonderful statement piece.
Vintage Christmas Sled at Chateau Chic. Mary Alice gives her mothers childhood sled a prominent position in her decor and the end result is this lovely Christmas vignette.
Make Your House Smell Like Christmas at Sparkles and Such. Fill your house with the scent of Christmas by following this fun video tutorial for a simmering stove top potpourri. 
DIY Angel Wings at Shabby Chic and I. Tanja is sharing how she created these lovely angel wings with the simplest of items and some time and patience. 
Miracles & Mangers at Everyday Living. Butch shares his favorite Christmas memory and reflects on the amazing gift that God bestowed upon us all.
Soft Batch Peanut Butter Eggnog Cookies at Sewlicious Home Decor. Marti shares a favorite holiday cookie recipe for a soft Peanut Butter cookie with a creamy eggnog filling. They sound amazing!

Peppermint Chocolate Truffle Pancakes at Kleinworth & Co. - Gina has come up with a pancake recipe combining chocolate and peppermint - perfect for a Christmas breakfast. 
Simple Peppermint Bark at Luv a Bargain. Sherri shares a quick and easy recipe for Peppermint Bark that makes a great hostess gift or holiday treat.
Pieced Pastimes

 Thanks to everyone for linking up to last weeks party.
If you were featured, please grab the featured button to add to your blog.

Now, onto the party!

Link up your latest inspiring posts such as:

Crafts
DIY
Gardening
Home Decor
Photography
Ponderings
Recipes
Repurposing
Sewing

Links are open through Friday morning.

Features will be posted at next weeks party at Pieced Pastimes, Facebook, Pinterest and Twitter.

I can't wait to see what you have been working on!

Pieced Pastimes

 Party Guidelines:
- Post the party button (above) or a text link back to the party on your post.
- Share your own ideas - not a roundup of other peoples ideas.
- Follow Pieced Pastimes via one of the social media links located on the upper right sidebar or if you prefer, GFC and Linky are located at the bottom of this page.
- No advertising, Etsy shops or giveaways.
- Pin feature photos to Pinterest from the original source and not from this blog.
- Visit other links and leave a kind comment.

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