Almost Time for a Fresh Begining

When the clock strikes 12 it will be a fresh New Year..Time to make new starts..new memories...resolutions...friendships....My wish for you is abundent joy and blessings! A year filled with happiness..Happy New Year my dear friends!

Remember this? smile......

No fancy resolutions for me.My main thing is to slow down and enjoy the little things.Simplify..and enjoy time spent with others...I am so Thankful for all of you who take the time for me.I realize the best thing about blogging are the relationships.Warmest Blessings my dear friends!~Amy

Thank You ~ Love It ~ What is it?

Oh my! Been gone almost a week.Did ya miss me? Better grab a warm cuppa as this is a long and picture heavy post.... We had a lovely Christmas Season.Christmas eve my sister in law Jean and Larry came for a visit and my other SIL Julie and her daughter Meg.We had a simple italian dinner and a nice visit. Jeannie made my hubby a framed picture colliage with there childhood photos together.When their mom passed away most of their mom's belongings were taken by some greedy family so this is such a wonderful memory keepsake.

Saturday we went to Grandma's farmhouse.I forgot my camera so didn't get pics to share.We had buffet style dinner were everyone just bought a little something.All the family was there.Some of the family went outside and had a bonfire.I got Hannah a smores kit as part of her gift so her and Brianna went out to make smores,Hubby went out to help and of course they came back in with sticky faces.It was bitter cold but we only got a dusting.My mom got me a canning pot with all the accessories and a book.This was so appreciated as over the summer I wanted to can and had to make do as I didn't have all the right stuff.I was so excited and happy she remembered and thought of it.She also got me a christmas pickle which she didn't know I wanted but I've thought about buying for over 3 years and always forget till it's to late.Hubby really spoiled me this year.I love everything I got but thought I'd share a few favorites.The above is a prim wood woolens sign.It's funny I wanted to show him this to let him know I wanted it and it was gone and the stand normally doesn't get duplicates so I figured I wouldn't get it.It was a nice surprise he found it on his own.He got me new pans and paula dean knives we both love to cook.My sil Jean stitched me up this prim cloth I haven't decided if I'll use it as a runner or hang it.The panel is all hand stitched.....

Here is the what is it piece? My dear hubby bought this for me it's old has the lapped shaker wood and hand hammered nails.I think it's some kind of pantry box but not sure.It's pretty big and it breaks down into two differnt compartments.I've never seen one like it. We've been looking in my value books and haven't found it yet so if anyone knows it's original use let me know.It's much nicer in person with a old wood patina from years of use.The handle is stationary to the bottom campartment.Click to see details if you want....

Top compartment...

Old wood grain and separated into 3 pieces.....

Apart.....

Close up of the bands...

I also got this little bird pinkeep.I had to buy another as I loved it's prim simplicity and plan to give it as a gift soon...

Another pinkeep strawberry makedo.I love pinkeeps especially old ones......

Well we had a great holiday filled with loved ones.Sunday was the best as I could finally just breath,it was all done and no more great impressions.Don't get me wrong I love the season and all that goes with it but it does seem like a non stop race no matter how hard I try to simplify.Sunday gave me the time to reflect on the true meaning of christmas,reflect on my many blessings and gave me a much needed day of rest.I've been visiting all of you on and off over the last few days seems everyone had a wonderful christmas.I see I have some new followers.Welcome! I'm getting close to 150 so I already have a giveaway in mind.I'll post it soon once we get through the new year.I haven't made any resolutions yet.Truth be told I seldom follow through.LoL. Do you guys have any special ones? I'm just looking forward to starting the year fresh.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Merry Christmas

To all my wonderful friends~ May you have a Christmas filled with Love,Friendship,Family and Laughter! Never forget the true meaning we celebrate~ The birth of the true light of the world Jesus! May you day be filled with abundent blessings,joy and comfort.....

I'm so thankful for all of you during this holiday season.You bring me friendship,laughter and have blessed me in so many ways.It's always like visiting with a old friend....

So Peace and comfort to you on this joyful day.....

Merry Christmas and Warmest Blessings!~Amy

I'll be away for a few days enjoying my time with loved ones.Hope you do the same and for all those that have pushed,stressed and lost sleep Remember it's not about the gifts,perfect decorations and food it's about love so relax now and enjoy.Happy Holidays!

Giveaway I won and a few Kitchen Pics

Just a short post today.I wanted to share some pics of the kitchen table area as a blog friend had requested some pics of my farm table.You can click on to enlarge.I think I got most of the dust bunnies.LoL..This area needs a little tweaking after the holidays as it's a little cluttered.I'm probly going to paint the table legs black when I get time as well.I also wanted to share the two giveaways I won.........

This dear santa I won today from Gollywobbles.I borrowed her pic as I won't get him till after christmas.She had a giveaway to try to help out Cherie who was in a terrible accident.Her link is posted on my sidebar. Here is the link to Gollywobbles blog for more info as well

http://gollywobbles.blogspot.com/2010/12/art-with-heart-santa-give-way.html It was such a generous way to help and pass the word for a person in need.He is too sweet.Thank You......I also won these valentines bowl fillers from Deana at old goat prims

http://oldgoatprims.blogspot.com/ I was second place so it was a surprise till they arrived today.. I don't have many valentine decorations so these are just perfect to take me into the next season.Thanks Deana! Stop on over and pay these gals a visit.They both have etsy shops as well....

Have a wonderful day! Warm Blessings!~Amy

Tis the season

Hi everyone! Well it's been a few days since I've had a chance to chit chat...Been Busy trying to finish my Christmas stuff up.I've been baking everyday a couple of goodies each day.Of course I have to try each one to make sure it's yummy.LoL..Tomorrow I'll be done with the baking.Wanted to wait till close to Christmas day.I'll be making Red Velvet Cake Cookies with Cream Cheese frosting to take to grandma's house for christmas.They are so pretty and when I was a child my great grandma Sis always made cakes to give as gifts for the holidays.Our family always got a red velvet cake.My uncle Danny always got carrot cake so he makes a carrot cake for the holidays.I normally make a black russian cake so this will be a change for me with the cookies....

Last night I started to prep some food for the weekend so I can spend time enjoying company and not worrying about having good food..Aren't these little angels dreamy,I listed some on etsy but kept a few to give as gifts to my not so prim friends and family.I love vintage nostalgia and these were so sweet.

Today will be my last day of holiday rush and it should actually go fairly easy just have to do a little cleaning,make peanut butter cookies and wrap presents.Then I'm going to relax and watch movies and look at magazines and enjoy the decorating and be thankful for all the blessings of the season...

My sister in law Jean is supposed to visit friday so hopefully she'll have good weather for her trip.Hubby's other sister and neice will probly come as well.We haven't seen them for awhile so looking forward to spending a little time with them...Each day as christmas gets closer I get a little more excited but truth be told I'm looking forward to Sunday when it's over and I can stay in my pajamas,snuggle in with the fur babies and hubby and enjoy some relaxation and concentrate a little more on the spirit and blessings of the season.The calmness after is always the best time to reflect as there are not all the other things to clutter your thoughts....

And remember to keep the love and light of the world in your thoughts.Jesus tis the reason for the season...

Hope you all are enjoying your families and you're caught up and can take some time to relax and enjoy yourself.Remember it doesn't have to be perfect.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Christmas came early

Let me just say I feel really blessed this year..So many wonderful new friends with similiar interest, warm hearts and generous spirits.A big family,hubby blessed with plenty of work,warm house,good food and so many little things that I well keep in my hear rather than drag you on all day.LoL....I always get excited about christmas the week before.That magic creeps in slowly and I feel like a kid.Yes I like the presents but I think it's more the warmth and magic that excites me.Getting up christmas morn to open presents than watching TV while hubby makes breakfast,then off to gradma's farmhouse to be with all the family.Reading the christmas story to the little ones so they know the true spirit and if it snows sledding and hot cocoa..Oh what fun! So as I the title say Christmas came early.My dear hubby already gave me the two putz sheep which would have been enough.But look what he brought home last night! A wonderfully prim antique cupboard.Of course I had to cram it in somewhere even though I'll have to wait till after christmas to open the doors.Oh I just Love it!

The paint is a little more weathered and age crackled than it appears in the pics..And of course I had to decorate the top..Took tons of pics so you can see in the nooks and corners....Click on the pics to enlarge if you want....

I couldn't get a clear pic of the slave doll and wanted to show his features.He's supposed to look like a loved doll that was found in a field..He even has little pieces of straw sticking out of the worn spots...So here is a better pic.I got him from Missouri Dry Goods....

Another one of my favorites old wood trenchers....

Hope you enjoyed the pics.I might change it up after christmas when I can open the doors.I'm on my 9 days of baking I've been baking two treats a day.Today I think I'll do chocolate chip cookies and look for my buttercream cookie recipe they are a butter cookie with buttercream filling and melt in your mouth.Might go visit dad and take him some goodies and some of my handpoured candles.Hope you all are done with the rush and enjoying the spirit of the season.Warm Blessings!~Amy

Gifts from friends ~ Mocha chocolate chip recipe ~ Finally a little white stuff

Wanted to share some wonderful ornie gifts I recived.The above is a black santa head from Lorna

http://liveoakprimitivepeddler.blogspot.com/ Let me just tell you I looooove this I saw it on a few peoples blog and wanted one so badly, so dear sweet lorna agreed to swap me a ornie for one.I was so tickled ! As anyone who knows Lorna she is a very busy gal and has had the flu to top it off . I was so happy she took the time to make me happy on top of all the other stuff she has to do for the holidays.Below is a darling elf from Madalynne http://pineappleprimitives.blogspot.com/ She made a dozen extra ornies to give to her blog friends. He is so whimsical like all of her creations.My nieces think he is a new elf santa sent to spy on them since they are always so naughty.LoL they knew he came in the mail and thought santa had to send him since there are two of them and I only had one elf. So I'm finally in my nesting baking mood for christmas.Told hubby last night it will be the 9 days of baking till christmas.So I started last night with two cookies.As most of you know I've been trying to simplify and found this super easy recipe for Mocha Chocolate Chip Cookies and let me say they are soooo good and simple.

Roll of Pillsbury refrigerated cookie dough

1.5 teasp. Vanilla extract 2.5 teasp. instant coffee granules

2 Tablesp. unsweetened Cocoa powder .5 teasp or pinch of cinnamon

Crumble up tube of cookie dough in bowl.Let set and get soft about 10 minutes. Turn oven on 350 degrees. Spray or grease cookie sheets. Mix vanilla and coffee in a small cup.Then pour into cookie dough add cocoa and cinnamon.Mix and knead with hands till combined.Roll balls and put on greased cookie sheet.Bake 11-13 minutes. How easy was that! It would be the perfect little gift with a bag of gourmet coffee....Well we finally got a little snow.They weren't really calling for it I think god just decided to make me happy with a little whitestuff before christmas.LoL..We might get some on sunday depending on how the storm travels.Here is a picture out of my kitchen window...

And of course the fur babies decided it's time to nest too.All snug as bugs..

Sooo spoiled they are!

Hope everyone is finishing up their lose ends and enjoying the spirit of Christmas.I'll be home mostly the next few days with the exception of sunday.So I'm going to enjoy baking,relaxing and wrapping a few gifts.Whew...I'm finally caught up.Warm Blessings!~Amy