Cottage in the Country

Changing of the Seasons

2016-11-11T17:30:00.002-08:00

Life is ever evolving, this is something that we each know as a fact. There are two ways to look at this concept first we can ignore it and continue to try to live as though we don't notice the subtle changes. A second choice could be that we recognize change and we embrace it as a new opportunity to expand our thinking as we develop new creative energy.

The changing of the seasons is also part of life's evolution. I live in Utah, a state that usually seems to embrace the change of season. Leaves on trees change colors, then wither and die, Having fulfilled their cycle of life the leave usually drop to the ground while the tree itself begins it's winter's rest. This year, it seems the trees and shrubs are resisting the change. A neighbor nearby has beautiful salmon colored roses in full bloom on it's bush and new buds are on my fuschia colored geraniums on the porch. We have an unusually warm weather for mid November our temperatures have been in the high 60"s and low 70"s. We are still running the air conditioner everyday.

Mother Nature is usually a good calendar, marking the changes of the year. I think someone forgot to inform her that this is November after all.

2016-10-21T08:37:00.002-07:00

Halloween is my favorite time of year! I love the colors that I see on trees and shrubs. I also love the decorations that I put in my home every year. One of the things I love about this time of year are all of the parties, craft shows, decorating, Halloween and little Trick of Treaters that that approach my porch so timidly.

I want to thank those of you who have visited my blog today with a little treat from me to you. This is a sheet of planner stickers that you can glue into your planner for this upcoming holiday. Please enjoy this free
printable planner stickers.

2015-08-08T22:21:00.002-07:00

Paper Crafting for Fall

2015-08-08T22:21:00.001-07:00

I like living in Utah for the changing of the seasons. As unbelievable as it may seem, we actually had snow on the mountains around us a couple of weeks ago (Mid July). It has been a cooler summer for us in Northern Utah. Three times this last week, we woke up to a house that was very cool. The temperature in the house has been between 65-68 degrees. I even wore my sweater all day today.

So, as the weather changes so does my art work. I made something to share with everyone. It is a paper cutting project. If you are interested in this paper cutting file let me know in my comments and I will send you a copy. For now enjoy the changing of the seasons wherever you are.

Halloween Party Food, Wacky Cake

2011-10-08T12:19:00.000-07:00

Here are some easy to make, delicious to eat chocolate cupcakes. My mom gave this recipe to me almost 45 years ago. It is still a favorite. I really like the cake the second day. I always double the batch so it will fit into a 9" X 13" baking pan. No eggs, No butter, No milk, so easy and yummy! Here is a link from the internet for the recipe. The link I have had on my blog got changed, so I have been sending you to a cake with eggs, butter and milk. Not to take any more chances. A quick search on the internet will yield a recipe for Wacky Cake.

Halloween Party Ideas

2011-10-03T09:49:00.000-07:00

I have had so much fun designing new projects for Halloween. I found these little rubber squeaker rats at the Dollar Tree here in Utah. I loved them. When it came time to put the party together, it just didn't seem right that they did not have an outfit. So with paper and scissors, party hats and costumes were designed. They look great, now they just want to dive into all of the treats.

This Trick or Treat Mini banner printable is available in my Etsy shop.

Halloween Party Banner

2011-10-01T11:11:00.000-07:00

Okay it is official October is here! I love October, I love the changing colors, the pumpkins, hay bales, fall leaves and anticipation. I can hardly wait for Halloween. I have been busy all last month getting ready to add my new designs to my blog and my Etsy shop. Deb's Cottage Etsy Shop

Vintage Fall Clip Art

2011-09-18T10:16:00.000-07:00

I love it when coincidences happen! I was cleaning through some boxes in my work area today when I found an envelope that had a booklet in it for vintage paper flowers. A little piece of paper dropped out of the booklet and onto the floor. I picked up the aged, fragile, folded piece of paper. It was a news paper clipping. I looked for a date but could not find one (I am always one to wonder about all of the what ifs?). The clipping had a few poems on it, many of them about fall. Talk about timing! Next, my phone rings, it's my husband on his way to Park City, Utah to sell apples at Park Silly. He tells me that the leaves in the canyons are turning colors and wants to know if I want to go on a fall drive to take pictures of the beautiful scenery. He has been helping a friend on the weekends who owns a fruit orchard. He tells me that the fruit from that orchard in unique in that it sits over a natural underground aquifir, which provides consistent mineral rich water to the trees.

It's official, fall is in the air, temperatures are dropping. Time to bake a fresh apple pie.

Fall Scenes

2011-09-06T11:50:00.000-07:00

I have memtioned before how much I love the fall. My daughter took some amazing pictures that I want to share with you. So beautiful!

Farmer's Market

2011-09-05T07:58:00.000-07:00

The sights, sounds, smells, and the people make the Salt Lake Downtown Farmer's Market so much fun. My husband plays his accordion there on Saturdays as a street musician. He is so talented. This year, he is helping a friend sell his orchard of peaches. He slices mouth watering samples of the fruit then tells everyone "this is not a sample, it is a temptation". Needless to say he is usually able to sell a whole truck of fruit every Saturday.

Farmer's Market Downtown Salt Lake City

2011-09-02T17:25:00.000-07:00

I can't wait until tomorrow. I love going to the Farmer's Market. I always find so many things there that I just can't pass up. Do you go to a favorite in your area?

Halloween Previews

2011-08-28T19:26:00.000-07:00

I have spent the weekend planning out this year's Halloween projects. I found this picture in my folder and it reminded me of good times. Hope it gets you excited too!

Summer Coolers?

2011-07-22T11:15:00.000-07:00

We still have snow on the mountains here in Utah but the valley tempatures are climbing into the 90 degree weather range. A little rain now and then has been giving us a little reprieve but check this out. I thought you may like to see what has been taking my attention. So here it is. We are not dressed for publicity so it is real life. Please view the video on the following post.

EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLOOD: Clean up underway, but flood fears remain in Eagle Mountain - KSTU

2011-07-22T11:05:00.000-07:00

EAGLE MOUNTAIN FLOOD: Clean up underway, but flood fears remain in Eagle Mountain - KSTU

Gift of Words

2011-07-15T20:19:00.000-07:00

Have you ever had a day when something so expected could change your world. Kind, considerate words from an unexpected source can do just that. I was delighted tonight when I read a comment that was left for me on my blog. Thank you "Anonymous", whoever you are. You made me remember why I loved writing my blog. Your comment was a gift to me.

Congratulations Deni

2011-05-26T20:27:00.000-07:00

I am so excited to share the success of a good friend of mine, Deni Hill. Deni has bee a friend for many years and has recently been a contestant on the Season 11 of the Biggest Loser. She won the at home competition with a prize of $100,000. Deni is committed to sharing her story of weight managment and personal wellness. Visit Deni's fan page http://www.denihill.com/ http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/photos/denises-finale-before-and-after/7812#item=176693

Happy May Day

2011-05-01T17:46:00.000-07:00

Happy May Day everyone. As a child my mother and I would gather spring flowers from the yard and take them as bouquets to my grandmother and to our neighbors. It was always so fun to bring a little of spring beauty to people that we loved.

Springtime in the Rockies

2011-04-29T13:31:00.000-07:00

I love this picture that my daughter Courtney Crabtree has taken. I do see green here and there but it looks like snow again this afternoon.

Love

2011-01-24T21:46:00.000-08:00

I don't know who penned this quote, I only know it resonated with me. There are so many people in my life that this could have been written for. How long is your Valentine's Day list? Love, if you have it, share it.

Valentine's Day

2011-01-06T09:47:00.000-08:00

Oops! Oh my, you must forgive me! As you can see I am not quite ready for Valentine's Day. While you are here leave me a comment so that you can recieve this years Valentine's Day Free Patterns. If you are visiting for the first time, make sure to leave your email address so that I can send the free patterns posted on my sidebar. I don't believe in spamming so your information will be used only to send out the Valentine patterns. There are so many patterns in the packet that I have not made samples of yet, I am leaving it to your imagination on how you wll use them. If you use them I would love to see pictures! I have to run so I can get my hair dry. I am heading for my favorite antique shop to look at more Vintage Valentine items. Looking for more vintage cards? This vintage card can be found at http://hubpages.com/hub/vintage-valentine-hearts-clip-art

Winter in Utah

2011-01-04T21:26:00.001-08:00

I cannot remember a winter so cold in a long time. I see that everything sort of has a silvery look to it. These photos were taken by my daughter Courtney Crabtree.I thought you may enjoy them too. They are kind of a fun look for the season.

Happy New Year 2011

2010-12-31T15:40:00.000-08:00

As I write this post, my thoughts are filled with anticipation for the coming year. How excited I feel to embrace the challenge of filling this year with blessings for my family and friends. The old year will pass this evening into the history books as a smoke stream fading into the wind. The experiences will remain with us to be reflected upon from time to time, a gift that we can learn and grow from. We have a chance once again, to create remarkable lives, to persue what are now only dreams and to continue to enjoy this journey we call life. As the pages turn, we find a new page waiting to be written upon. Fresh new ideas to create, new friends to meet, new challenges to overcome. The sun is going down the scene outside is slowly darkening, much like the drawing curtain on a scene from a theater stage. The closing of the final act. I watch from time to time, the hands on the clock ticking away at the last few hours of this year. Be of good cheer my friends, tis only the passing of time. The order of life demands that to be able to experience the new, we have let go of the old. Life is a beautiful gift that we each have been given. Take time to reflect on yesterday and prepare to greet tomorrow.

As the snow settles around me this evening, I am going to read a good book, snuggle into my new quilt and sip some hot chocolate, letting the New Year settle in as gently as the falling snowflakes outside. Thank you my wonderful blog friends for your visits and notes of encouragment. Happy New Year to Everyone! I look forward to spending 2011 with you..

2010-12-31T15:13:00.001-08:00

Vintage Halloween

2010-10-11T19:39:00.000-07:00

Halloween will always be one of my favorite holidays. I love all of the anticipation that comes with deciding which pumpkin to pick or which costume to wear. There is nothing like hot donuts and cold apple cider. Crafting during this holiday is always so fun. I like to share what I do and where to find great values.

I thought that some of you may enjoy this link http://vintageholidaycrafts.com/category/halloween/ Be sure to read the terms of use before using the images. I really enjoy this website.

Cottage Decorating

2010-07-07T21:05:00.000-07:00