Monday, December 28, 2015

2015 Reflections

Another year is about to end and with its closing comes the time to look back and reflect on the time gone by.


In 2015, we were able to complete some long overdue projects and it felt so good to finally get them crossed off our to-do list. 


We took our kitchen out of the 80's and gave it a fresh new cottage look. I am loving the update and only wish I had found the courage to do it sooner.


An invitation to join in with other bloggers found me showing off my love for trays.


A long neglected staircase was finally given its due with the power of paint.


DIY High Wheel aka Penny Farthing
My oh-so-clever husband once again took to creating a blast from the past to add to his collection.



2015 Fall Mantel and Following My Heart
We had a beautiful Fall foliage in 2015, but my heart wanted a simpler look for our mantel....


....using everyday objects and a DIY Sunburst Mirror.


Parmesan Butternut Squash
We love our butternut squash in this house, so I was thrilled to find a fabulous new recipe that turned out delicious.


White Pizza with Garlic Coconut Sauce and Sundried Tomatoes {Vegan}
Since switching to a vegan diet I thought my pizza loving days were over, but then along came this recipe that changed everything.


Raw Chocolate Walnut Fudge
Chocolate....need I say more? This no-cook recipe is the perfect answer to satisfy those cravings.



Delicious Vegan Hash Brown Casserole
I am on a mission to try new recipes that my whole family will love and this one hit the mark easily.



2015 Christmas Mantel
I went with a 'Festival of Trees' theme on our Christmas mantel this year using some DIY Wood Shim Trees.

It's always fun to look back and see how you spent some of your time in the past. It stirs my creative side and has me thinking about the things I'd like to achieve in the upcoming year. How about you? 

Here's to another year of completed projects, new ideas and many more creative moments.



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

Linking up with the following blogs:

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Saturday, December 26, 2015

Saturday Sparks Link Party 147

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 147!

It's hard to believe that another Christmas has come and gone. As we tuck our special moments away with the memories of Christmas's past,  we ready ourselves for whatever the future may bring.

"One of the most glorious messes in the world is the mess created in the living room on Christmas day. Don't clean it up too quickly"
~ Andy Rooney

Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 146.


Christmas Touches Around the House {2015} at Little Bits of Home.



Christmas Tour of Family Room - Busy Girls Home Tour at Vintage, Paint and more...



From Placemat to Pillow in 3 Easy Steps at Charm Bracelet Diva.



How to Make a Shawl from Pajamas at 2 Crochet Hooks.



Delicate Crochet Fingerless Gloves (A Free Pattern) at Domestic Bliss Squared



Wood Slice Christmas Tree at Love Create Celebrate.



 DIY Christmas Burlap Wreath Tutorial at Decor by the Seashore.


 DIY Pom-Pom Stockings at Thistlewood Farm.


Mint Milano Fudge at Kleinworth & Co.



Tasty Sugar and Dairy Free Hot Cocoa at Naturally Blessed Mama



 Cookies at Olla-Podrida


 Sour Cream Lime Dressing at Morsels of Life.


Cinnamon Swirl Eggless Shortbread Cookies at Something Sweet.


And finally, a recap of my share from the party - 2015 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. 
- 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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Thursday, December 24, 2015

2015 Christmas Mantel

Christmas is such a special time of year.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

Family and friends gather together. 

Children are filled with joy and anticipation of the upcoming day.

We find ourselves immersed in the spirit of giving.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

The world seems a bit gentler and kindness plays a much more important role in our lives.

It serves as a reminder as to the true meaning of Christmas.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-wood-shim-tree

For this years mantel, I opted for a 'Festival of Trees' theme. I love the concept that groups organize a tree decorating gala with the sole purpose of raising money for charity.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

DIY came into play for this mantel as I created a trio of trees out of wood shims. The largest tree was given a herringbone pattern.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

Pine boughs always seem to find their way into our Christmas decor.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

I chose a graduated look for the middle sized tree and the smallest tree got a shadow box style with a simple garland of wooden beads.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

For the other side of the mantel, I kept it simple with a gathering of stacked books, an iron sphere and a bit of greenery.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

A single ornament found its place on some antlers.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

It's always a challenge to decide how to deck out our very long mantel. I have found that using 'less' seems to be the key.

pieced-pastimes-christmas-mantel-2015

We watched 'A Christmas Carol' the other day and I am always taken aback by the transformation of Scrooge in the end.

"I will honor Christmas in my heart, and try to keep it all the year."

~ Charles Dickens

May the blessings of Christmas bring peace and joy to all of you today and throughout the year.


Linking up with the following blogs:


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Saturday, December 19, 2015

Saturday Sparks Link Party 146

Welcome to Saturday Sparks 146!

I am so happy that you have taken a moment to visit amidst the hustle and bustle of this busy time of year. The links from last weeks party were filled with all things Christmas and it was such a treat to visit each and every one of them. 

"What if Christmas, he thought, doesn't come from a store. What if Christmas, perhaps, means a little bit more."
~ Dr. Seuss

Now, lets get this weeks party started.

First up, the Fabulous Features from Saturday Sparks 145.




Stenciled Christmas Pillow at Love Create Celebrate.


5 Minute Christmas Wreath at Making it in the Mountains.


Miniature Christmas Buntings at Designs by Miss Mandee.


Rustic Pallet Wood Church Ornaments at Patina Paradise.


Three Easy Christmas Centerpiece Ideas Under $20 at Thistlewood Farm.


DIY Pom-pom Snowballs and Candles at Sweet Parrish Place.


Homemade Potpourri for the Holidays at To Simply Inspire.


The Look of Vintage Christmas with Chalk Paint at Granny Fabulosa.


Peppermint Sugar Scrub at The Crafty Blog Stalker.


Upcycled Christmas Decorations at Scrapality.


Slow Cooker Hot Cocoa with 10 Grown Up Hot Chocolate Ideas at 24 Cottonwood Lane


Upcycled Sweater Christmas Trees at Vintage with Laces.



DIY Christmas Paper Baubles at The Practical Mom.


Christmas Cookie Swap - White Chocolate Chip Peanut Butter Bars at Olives-n-Okra.

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. 
- 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.

Print Friendly and PDF
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