The Charm of Home

Home Sweet Home #53

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 18:48:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! I hope you get some sweet treats on Valentine's Day next week.

I am showing off some of my vintage German Valentines today. I picked them up years ago for very little at a flea market.

Valentines Day wouldn't be complete without some roses.

You can still enter my giveaway till tonight, Thursday Feb. 9th at midnight. You can enter the giveaway here.

Now, I would like to feature some posts that got my attention from last week's Home Sweet Home!

Catherine of Freddy & Petunia transformed a storage piece into this stunning cottage style furniture.

Audrey at Timeless Treasures turned a mailbox into a Valentine Greetings Planter.

Bella at Bella's Rose Cottage had a lovely post on Groundhog's Day. She mentions roses are never a bad idea. I second that !

Being a cottage style fan I was most excited to see Betsy of Betsy Speert's Blog link up. She is a designer that has been published in Traditional Homes and House Beautiful. Her cottage style interiors show that cottage style can have a timelessness about it that will forever look good. Featured here is a kitchen she did for Aeorsmith's bass guitarist Todd Hamilton and his wife Terry.

Anita of Far Above Rubies shows off her English Cottage style kitchen.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is wonderful to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. I love seeing neat shops too!

My button is on my sidebar for the party, if you want to use it. If you are new here I hope you will become a follower. Please don't link up more than two posts. No Etsy link ups or direct advertising, please. Please visit some of the other blogs and get some great inspiration. Thanks.:)

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Dreamy Roses

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 20:41:00 +0000

I am really getting ready for spring. I want blooms! Is anyone else getting in the mood for blooms?

I love the peace and stillness of these photos with the contrast of that pink. The pink is taking on a life of it's own and is much bolder than the rest of the photo. I wish for you an early spring!

Sherry

I will link this to:

A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

What's It Wednesdays at Ivy and Elephants

Pinning Angels

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 07 Feb 2012 02:50:00 +0000

source: belleatelier.tumblr.com via Sherry on Pinterest

When I go back and look at my boards over at Pinterest the ones that stand out to me the most are the angels.

source: mimimatelot.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: mousiemasala.tumblr.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: tumblr.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: seaglasslvr.tumblr.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: belleatelier.tumblr.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: asergeev.com via Sherry on Pinterest

source: google.com via Sherry on Pinterest

A thing of beauty is a joy forever: its loveliness increases; it will never pass into nothingness.
~John Keats
Sherry

I will link with:

Pinning and Singing Party with Natasha at 5 Minutes Just For Me

The song is Mercy by OneRepublic

Vintage Tins

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 01:40:00 +0000

I had been looking through old photos and I came across a photo of a vintage tin that didn't make it into another post. I was looking at the tin thinking it was really photogenic. So, I pulled them all down today and shot some pictures of them. These were given to me by family. The green tins are from England and the blue ones from Holland. I have always just kept them above my kitchen cabinets but, they really are pretty in a photo.

And, now for those of us who could use some green! Getting a little cabin fever here in February.

Oh....this is much better!! Soon people soon...it will be green again!

Sherry

I will join:

Mosaic Monday at Little Red House

Your Cozy Home Party at Cozy Home Scenes

Home Sweet Home #52

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 02 Feb 2012 18:47:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! Wow! It seems I have been having this link party a year! It has been awesome to have all of you come and visit! To thank you for coming and partying with me how about a giveaway?

You can win this wire bird cloche just in time for spring!

You can win this French inspired tray.

And you can also win the two burlap hearts I made this week and a sachet filled with lavender!

To enter the Giveaway:

Just leave a comment saying you would like to win. ( 1 entry) This is mandatory to win. Always leave your email or make sure it is visible in your profile.

For extra entry after you have done the mandatory entry above:

Post on your website about this giveaway; linking back to this site and let me know that you did. And, be sure to grab my picture to help advertise it. (1 more entry)
Follow TCOH (1 entry)

This giveaway is open and will end on February 9th, 2012 at midnight. Winner will be announced on this blog February 10th. I will email the winner. Feel free to leave your entries in separate comments or all together. I will add up all the entries and use random.org to draw a winner. Sorry giveaway open to US residents only. Thanks to all who enter.
Now, I would like to feature some posts that got my attention from last week's Home Sweet Home!

Claire at Bless My Nest made the cutest burlap rose wreath! Claire your roses look really good!

Mary at Sea Quilts showed off her binding of this quilt. Isn't it cute, the ric rac is waves!

LDH at With a Greatful Prayer and a Thankful Heart made these adorable little valentine heart bobby pins.

Lynn at Cottage and Creek shares her heart and this chalk angel with a friend. Such a wonderful post on why we are all in this together.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! Again, it is awesome to have you here! I have been under the weather and as the party grows I cannot comment on all posts, but I will keep popping in on as many as I can.

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. I love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Burlap Hearts

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 19:14:00 +0000

I have been really liking anything made of burlap lately. I have been seeing burlap creations on Pinterest. So, I took my Pinterest inspiration and created a burlap heart of my own. I didn't have a small nest but, this worked out.

I had an old lace applique that worked out really well on the smaller heart.

These are very easy to make. I just cut a heart pattern out of newspaper or notebook paper. I sewed the two pieces together, turned , and stuffed the hearts with fiber-fill. Then decorated with whatever I had on hand. Create some of your own for spring!

Sherry

I will link this to:

A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

White Wednesday at Faded Charm

What's It Wednesdays at Ivy and Elephants

Wednesday Show Off at Elna-Sudden

Air Your Laundry Friday at Freckled Laundry

Pinning Spring

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 29 Jan 2012 18:05:00 +0000

source: La Famiglia Design Blog via Sherry on Pinterest

Is anybody ready for spring yet? It isn't far away. I have noticed since Pinterest I never lack for ideas to try for the blog. Here are some ideas I have been pinning for spring.

source: Kathy's Cottage via Sherry on Pinterest

source: My Romantic Home via Sherry on Pinterest

source: Bella's Rose Cottage via Sherry on Pinterest

source: BHG via Sherry on Pinterest

source: Maison Charmate via Sherry on Pinterest

Sherry

I will link with:

Pinning and Singing Party with Natasha at 5 Minutes Just For Me

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Home Sweet Home #51

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 26 Jan 2012 19:46:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! I am showing off today a little outfit I made for a sweet little niece that I babysit half of the week.

I made her a little tutu. These ideas came from Pinterest and they were pinned off of blogs.
I got the idea for the tutu here.

And if you have a tutu you have to have a pair of ballet slippers! I got the idea for these here.

And, the Birthday Girl looked fantastic modeling her tutu and slippers!

Now, I would like to feature some posts that got my attention from last week's Home Sweet Home!

Martina at Northern Nesting made over this lovely dresser.

Barb at Grits and Glamour showed off a gorgeous winter mantel.

Amanda at Girl In Pink had a wonderful vanity makeover with AS chalk paint.

Jacqueline at Cabin and Cottage showed off her winter buffet. It looks like a fairytale cottage when she styles it!

Suzanne at Pieced Pastimes sewed up some linen and lace pincushions that were adorable.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is awesome to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground (there is plenty of vintage inspiration in my highlighted links)

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805
Air Your Laundry Friday at Freckled Laundry

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. I love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Sweetheart Cinnamon Rolls

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 24 Jan 2012 20:12:00 +0000

A really simple treat you can make for your Sweetheart on Valentine's Day are these heart shaped cinnamon rolls.

Now, you can use your favorite recipe and make these from scratch, or you can do it the easy way like I did and use a canned ready made cinnamon roll from you local grocery.

I shaped the rolls on the cookie sheet like this. I really wasn't very neat about it. I looked at them and thought, Oh these will never turn out picture perfect.

But, my speedy assembly didn't really make these cinnamon rolls look bad. They cooked up really nicely anyway.

So, pour your Sweetheart a a cup of tea and give them a Sweetheart Cinnamon Roll.

Enjoy!

Sherry

I will link this to:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

This Chick Cooked at This Chick Cooks
Friday Food at Mom Trends

Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Thriving on Thursdays at Domesblissity
Crazy Sweet Tuesday at Crazy for Crust
Your Cozy Home Party at Cozy Home Scenes

A Rose Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 19:22:00 +0000

I am having a rose themed tea today in honor of Rose Chintz Cottage's 2nd Birthday of Tea Time Tuesday.

This rose teacup is by Kent Pottery.

This teapot is decorated with ceramic roses.

This little vintage plate is covered in roses. I made my cinnamon rolls heart shaped. I'll show how I did that tomorrow.

And, to make it complete a few vintage linens. Happy Birthday to Tea Time Tuesday! It is always fun to pop over and visit Sandi at Rose Chintz Cottage who lives on the beautiful Prince Edward Island. Go and check her blog out.

Sherry
I will join:

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites

Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

Tea Party Tuesday at Sweetology

Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups

Tea For Friends at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life

Brown Transferware Love!

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 23 Jan 2012 01:17:00 +0000

I had a lucky win a few weeks ago. I won this giveaway from Alison at The Polohouse.
If you haven't visited her before you are in for a treat. She lives in a polo barn and stables that have been converted into a house. Think Ralph Lauren, this is the classic good looks you will find in this equestrian styled house. It is just gorgeous!

Alison even had these cute little tags with a polo horse on them.

So, what I won was this beautiful old brown transferware platter.

I look for brown transferware all of the time and I can never find any. I was so excited to get this!

I also have this soap dish.

She also gave me this cute soap imported from Sweden by her friend.

And these sweet little puppy salt and peppers. Thank you again Alison! I am a very proud owner of these goodies and the transferware.
Sherry
I will join:
Show off Your Cottage Monday at The House in the Roses
Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Home Sweet Home #50

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 19 Jan 2012 18:00:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! I have been seeing fabric hearts all over Pinterest. I found the idea for these in a French General book. They make and sell hearts like these in their store. Like theirs, mine is full of over a cup of lavender buds. I have them displayed in a old wooden bowl I picked up at a flea market. I can never fail to find a million uses for a wooden bowl.

This bird toile print is a reproduction of a vintage French fabric and it is made by French General.

This heart is just a red check with a pure white linen back. That way you can turn it over and get two looks.

They smell wonderful. They would make a great homemade treat for someone special for Valentines Day.

Now, I would like to feature some posts that got my attention from last week's Home Sweet Home!

Jody at Homey Home Design had a Princess Party for her daughter's birthday. Here the little Princesses are lined up on the runway after a fashion show. They created their own paper crowns for the show too! Sooo cute!

Curtains in my Tree showed off her animal calenders. There was a good deal of interest in where these calenders came from so' if you would like to order your own here is the link for them. http://www.japanesegiftmarket.com/

Rebecca at A Re-Purposed Life had her home featured in Romantic Country magazine! It is a magical gorgeous home that she first showed us decked out for Christmas. Go over and visit, it is worth your time!

If you love vintage Valentines, then you have to visit Shirley of Sweet Romantic Notions.

She has an amazing collection of Valentines and in this post she is showing off the German made Valentines...which are extra gorgeous!

Kim at La Belle Epoque took Target feedsack towels and created these knock-off Wisteria message boards.

Terry at Forever Decorating created a really cute snowflake wreath.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is awesome to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Farmhouse Friday at LaurieAnna's Vintage Home

Thrift'n On a Thursday with Savvy City Farmer

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. I love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Pinto Bean Chili

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 17 Jan 2012 19:17:00 +0000

This spicy southwest flavored chili has long been a favorite of mine. I got the recipe out of Great Good Food by Julee Rosso. I changed up the recipe a bit to make this, I will put a note on the bottom about how I did it. Lots of good flavors and veggies in this for a healthy chili.

Pinto Bean Chili

1 Tsp canola oil

2 cups diced onion

6 garlic cloves, minced

2 pounds lean boneless chuck, cut into 1/2 inch cubes

2 Tsp paprika

2 Tsp ground cumin

2 Tbsp minced fresh oregano

2 Tbsp chili powder

2 cans (28 ounces each) plum tomatoes, coarsely chopped, with their juice

1 cup coarsely chopped red bell pepper

1 cup coarsely chopped yellow bell pepper

1 cup coarsely chopped orange bell pepper

3 cups beef broth

3 cups pinto beans, soaked overnight and drained

1/2 cup minced fresh basil

1/2 cup minced fresh cilantro

In a large stockpot, heat the oil over low heat. Add the onion and garlic and saute' for 5 minutes. Add the meat and cook over medium heat, stirring constantly, until browned. Sprinkle with the paprika, cumin, oregano, and chili powder, and cook for 5 minutes, stirring frequently. Stir in the tomatoes, peppers, broth, and beans. Bring to a boil, partially cover, and simmer for 2 1/2 hours, or until the beans are tender.
Taste and adjust the seasoning; stir in the basil and cilantro.

Serves: 12

Note* I used cannellini beans in this. They were what I had on hand, canned from the supermarket. I also used left over chuck roast from a pot roast instead of starting from scratch. It wasn't 2 pounds of beef. This made the recipe easier. I just threw it all in the crock pot and heated it up about 4-5 hours on low. I also only used a single green pepper to save on cost.

Enjoy!

Sherry

I will link this to:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

This Chick Cooked at This Chick Cooks
Friday Food at Mom Trends

Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Thriving on Thursdays at Domesblissity

Time For Angels

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 15 Jan 2012 20:05:00 +0000

An Angel in the House

How sweet it were, if without feeble fright,

Or dying of the beauteous, dreadful sight,

An angel came to us, and we could bear

To see him issue from the silent air

At evening in our room, and bend on ours

His divine eyes, and bring us from his bowers

News of dear friends and children who have never

Been dead indeed, as we shall know for ever,

Alas! we think not what we daily see

About our hearths, angels that are to be.

Or may be if they will; and we prepare

Their souls and ours to meet in happy air,

A child a friend, a wife, whose soft heart sings

In unison with ours, waiting for future wings.

Leigh Hunt 1784-1859

Sherry
I will join:
Show off Your Cottage Monday at The House in the Roses

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Your Cozy Home Party with Cozy Home Scenes

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites

Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday at Breath of Fresh Air

Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

Tea Party Tuesday at Sweetology

Tuesday Cuppa Tea at Antiques and Teacups

A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life

Home Sweet Home #49

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 12 Jan 2012 15:40:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! Today I am showing off a winter table. We haven't had a very cold winter. Yesterday it was 56! But, I am sure we will have some cold days yet. So, I just put the chili in the crockpot and put out these pretty dishes.

*Today the internet is acting squirrely so I'm putting this on early.

I love how I have been seeing trophies used in decorating. I thrifted this one right after the New Year and it is my favorite new find. If you are interested in how I took this photo shoot. I give the play by play on my photography blog; The Charm of Home Photography, click the link to view.

Now, I would like to feature some posts that got my attention from last week's Home Sweet Home!

Liz at Rose Vignettes showed off her carnations in her monthly party Fresh Cut Friday.

Samara at The Dressing Room had a great kitchen makeover.

Linda at It All Started With Paint had a great entry makeover.

Erin at Just*Grand showed off the evolution of her drapes in her beautiful homes.

Linda at Coastal Charm had a great DIY bathroom makeover.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is awesome to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Farmhouse Friday at LaurieAnna's Vintage Home

Thrift'n On a Thursday with Savvy City Farmer

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. During the holidays, I'll love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

A Chocolate Chip Cookie and a Healthier Chocolate Chip Cookie

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 23:03:00 +0000

I have been trying to make better cookies for awhile. I followed the directions and my cookies just lacked something. They weren't pretty and they didn't taste exactly like I wanted them to. The first thing that I changed was the chocolate chips.

I switched to Ghirardelli's 60% cacao chips and by far, they are the best chocolate chips I have ever used. I had a lot of food interactions last year and have completely given up eating chocolate and dairy, but these chocolate chips I can tolerate. The next thing I have learned is that I can't make chocolate chip cookies with butter. The cookie just doesn't look right. It gets very flat and spreads out when I use butter. So, I did some research and decided to try

Crisco. Yes, I know, I have long had an aversion to Crisco. Not considered the most healthy food ingredient but, it makes a pretty cookie.

For the cookie above I used the recipe right off of the Ghirardelli bag.

Here it is:

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups unsifted flour

1 tsp baking soda

1/2 tsp salt

Somewhere between 3/4 and 1 cup of Crisco. A full cup was too much.

(The recipe calls for 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, I omitted and replaced with Crisco.)

3/4 cup sugar

3/4 cup brown sugar, packed

2 tsp vanilla extract

2 eggs

10 oz. Ghirardelli 60 % Cacao Bittersweet Chocolate Chips

Preheat oven to 375 degrees.

Stir flour with baking soda and salt; set aside.
Beat butter with sugar and brown sugar at medium speed until creamy.
Add vanilla and eggs, one at a time, mixing on low speed until incorporated.
Gradually blend dry mixture into creamed mixture.
Stir in chocolate chips.
Drop by tablespoon onto ungreased cookie sheets.
Bake for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown.

Yield: 4 dozen cookies

And now for a healthier chocolate chip cookie. Have you ever heard of clean eating?

Here is a really great blog that describes clean eating really well. The Gracious Pantry

is a great resource for healthy recipes if your trying to start the New Year with healthier food choices. Clean eating is about eating foods that aren't processed. You are ridding your body of all of the chemicals put into processed foods. Last year I went through a whole year of food reactions and I was surprised to learn how much is in our foods that we don't want in there. I have only began to learn about this and am not an expert by any means but, I can tell that eating this way is better for your overall health.

So, after months of not being able to eat chocolate I just discovered not only can I use these chocolate chips but, I can make them into these much healthier cookies.

Clean Eating Chocolate Chip Cookies

Preheat oven to 325 degrees F.

Tools
Food processor
Large mixing bowl
Spatula

Ingredients
2/3 cup almonds
1/3 cup cooked oatmeal
3 tbsp. agave or honey
1 tsp. vanilla
1 tsp. cinnamon
1/8 cup whole wheat pastry flour
1/2 cup grain sweetened chocolate chips (or dairy free chips)

Note: If you don’t want to use the chocolate chips, they could be very easily substituted with raisins, nuts or dried fruits of any kind.

Directions:

Mix everything except the chocolate chips in the food processor. You should have a wet, sticky dough when you're done.
Using your spatula, scrape dough into your mixing bowl and mix in chocolate chips.
Spoon onto a parchment lined cookie sheet.
Bake for 20 minutes.

*Note: I used the same chocolate chips as I used in the first recipe. I also used honey and regular whole wheat flour.

The healthier cookies turned out great. They tasted good and are better for you than the first recipe. I didn't use the grain sweetened chocolate chips. I wasn't sure I would be able to tolerate them so I used what I knew would work. The Clean Eating Chocolate Chip Cookies only made 12 cookies. So you may need to make that recipe larger if you are making more cookies than just for a personal treat.

Enjoy!

Sherry

I will link this to:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

This Chick Cooked at This Chick Cooks
Friday Food at Mom Trends

Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
Wednesday Show Off at Elna-Sudden.
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
Thriving on Thursdays at Domesblissity

Cozy Fabrics

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:46:00 +0000

One way I create coziness in my home is with fabrics. I made this little bag for herbs from a fabric scrap.

I got a selection of fabrics out of my project closet. There are many ways you could add to your home by sewing up any of these fabrics. From left to right, I have a natural linen on the table, burlap, ticking, a French General reproduction of an antique French textile, red and black toile, red check, and another French General reproduction of a bird toile. All of these fabrics evoking the French Country style could add a lot to your cozy home.

Some of the ways I have used fabric has been to create tablerunners.

A white linen turns into the star of the tablescape with these shabby chic napkins.

A antique French petticoat makes a mantel scarf for a cozy fall scene.

And vintage table linens create a a much more interesting table top adding texture and pattern. Do you like the use of fabric to make your home cozy?

Sherry

I am linking to a brand new party for Tuesdays.
Shannon at Cozy Home Scenes is having a Your Cozy Home Party every Tuesday visit with Shannon and show off what makes your home cozy.
Also, another new party is Wednesday Showoff with Elna-Sudden.
Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

Romancing the Home

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sun, 08 Jan 2012 05:17:00 +0000

Source: www.magnolialiving.dk via Sherry on Pinterest

I ran across an article from last year's February edition of Romantic Homes magazine that interviewed "creative women living the romantic life." They had interviewed Chris Barrett of chrisbarrettdesign.com. I found a lot of her insights on romantic living really mirrored mine also so, I thought I would share some of her quotes from the interview.

Source: houzz.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Chris had described romance as, moments and details that make her fall in love with living no matter the scale. That is a fantastic perception of romance. It can be on any scale. Bigger isn't better, it is just bigger.

Source: www.apartmenttherapy.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Charm and romance can be in the smallest spaces.

Source: thepapermulberry.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Chris describes romantic moments at home as moments she can lose herself in entirely. That is the concept that I wonder if we are missing. I love that viewpoint. I also wonder if we are stopping to enjoy the atmosphere we are creating at home or are we in such a hurry that we can't slow down and enjoy it....

Source: thepapermulberry.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Romance is in moments and how we share the moments in the space we call home with those we love. Is there any beauty in them?

Source: thecharmofhome.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

I also really understood Chris' quote of when home isn't enough she turns to travel. It isn't hard to find romance in a beautiful travel destination.

Source: thecharmofhome.blogspot.com via Sherry on Pinterest

Travel can refresh your attitude. She enjoys life and states that perfection doesn't factor into her definition of romance, but peace and beauty do.

I love the visual application of Pinterest. Some have been criticizing Pinterest as a world that can't be obtained because it is too perfect, but, it can show you what style, accessories, and colors you would find peaceful in your home. That can tell you a lot about what would help make your home your romantic sanctuary. All great plans start with ideas...or dreams and the vision you get on Pinterest helps make the ideas more of a reality.

What makes your home your romantic haven?
Sherry

I will link with:

Pinning and Singing Party with Natasha at 5 Minutes Just For Me

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper
Show off Your Cottage Monday at The House in the Roses

And for the singing part of the post I am adding a romantic tune by the talented Mandy Moore from an early Nicholas Sparks movie "A Walk to Remember."

Home Sweet Home #48

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 05 Jan 2012 19:41:00 +0000

Hello and welcome to Home Sweet Home! I truly am so humbled by the recap post last week. Some truly, amazingly, talented individuals out there.

January is a time to reflect and plan for the coming year. I have been working on my goals for this blog in 2012. I thought while I was sorting that out I would try my hand at making these burlap roses. So, I created this little wreath. I got my instructions on how to make the roses here. Although my roses don't look like any of these. I think I am a little intimidated by these year end post, they are really awesome.

Here are the year end posts I would like to highlight from last week.

Kristine at Lakeshore Cottage Living has moved into this home in 2011 and did a recap post with all of her remodeling. It is such a beautiful home, I love the finishes she picked out so much I couldn't just highlight it with one picture.

Andrea at the Opulent Cottage also had a recap post showing off the way she framed out this builder-grade mirror with moulding and medallions. She had me with the trays and towels on display also! Love this.

Cindy at Beaux R'eves created a really nice New Year's tablescape.

Jill at Feathers & Flight created another New Year's tablescape called "Time to Remember."

And then, the recap post that was so amazing was by Rene at Miss Gracie's House.

Rene not only reflects on vintage decor, white, and her daughter's vintage themed wedding. She let us in and shared life with us too.....in such a beautiful way.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is awesome to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. During the holidays, I'll love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Slow Cooker French Dips

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 03 Jan 2012 22:47:00 +0000

We had these Slow Cooker French Dips on New Year's. They were perfect in the crock pot and everyone thought they tasted really good. I have tried French dips before but this recipe was better. Recipe source was the Tasty Kitchen.

Ingredients

1 medium yellow onion

10 ounces, fluid beef broth/stock

1/4 cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce

1 TBSP Worcestershire Sauce

1 TBSP Grainy Mustard

3 pounds Chuck Roast

Salt and pepper

6 sandwich rolls

6 slices of Provolone Cheese

Slice onion into 1/4 inch rounds. Keeping rounds together, place in the bottom of a slow cooker.
Add beef broth, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and mustard in the slow cooker.
Salt and pepper both sides of the roast and place on top of the onions and liquid.
Cook for 6-7 hours or until the roast is fall-apart tender.
Once cooked, transfer the roast to a platter and shred.
Remove onions from au jus sauce and remove any excess oil on broth.
Now return meat and onions back to the broth. Leave it in crock pot for 1 hour on warm setting.
To assemble split the rolls and place under the broiler until just browned, about 1 minute.
Remove tops from baking sheet. Scoop beef out of juice and place onto bottom halves of rolls with onion (if desired) and cheese. Place back in oven again until cheese begins to melt. Top your sandwiches with tops and cut in half for easier eating. Serve with a small side of au jus sauce.

*Note: The sandwich pictured above was not toasted.

Serves 6

Enjoy!

Sherry

I will link this to:

Wow Us Wednesday at Savvy Southern Style

This Chick Cooked at This Chick Cooks
Friday Food at Mom Trends

Foodie Friday at Designs by Gollum
Wednesday Show Off at Elna-Sudden.
What's It Wednesday at Ivy and Elephants
And, here is a new link party where you can link up crafts, recipes, and your own link party.
Overflowing with Creativity Party at It's Overflowing

The Year in Tea

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Mon, 02 Jan 2012 19:20:00 +0000

I thought it might be nice to do a review, but I don't refinish many pieces of furniture. The one thing I have been doing a lot of though is tea. I started the tea posts for my Mom who always wanted to have tea time. We don't live close but, I thought I could share some cyber tea. The tea above was a French inspired tea, inspired by Carolyn Westbrook's book The French Inspired Home.

A vintage Valentine table for February.

An Irish tea for March.

April seemed like a perfect time to get out the Limoges.

A Lily of the Valley tea for May.

My High Tea was in honor of Britain's Royal wedding of Prince William and Catherine.

A little nautical tea for July.

A quite tea for me in August.

Contemplating back to school in September.

A fall tea for October.

Blue and white for November.

And, one of my favorite props for December, my Dad's teddy bear.

Have you been making plans for 2012? I have been contemplating new ideas. If you were to look to the end of 2012 and pick out 12 photos for the year in review, what do you want them to be?
Sherry
I will link to these lovely blogs, go and visit:

Table Top Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life

Tea Time Tuesday at Rose Chintz Cottage

Tea Cup Tuesday at Martha's Favorites

Tuesday Tea for Two at The Plumed Pen

Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday at The Silken Purse

Tea Pot and Tea Things Tuesday at Breath of Fresh Air

Tea Cup Tuesday at Artful Affirmations

Tea Party Tuesday at Sweetology

A Return to Loveliness at A Delightsome Life

Friends Sharing Tea at Bernideen's Tea Time Blog

Beginning Anew

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Sat, 31 Dec 2011 23:44:00 +0000

Welcome 2012! Time again to begin anew. Fresh changes going on around my house for the New Year.

I created these devotional candles for the mantel. In seeking peace and tranquility for the new year, borrowing from the French, this made for a wonderful look.

The candles are really easy to create. You just need the candles, which I bought from the grocery for $1.79 each. I printed the holy cards from The Graphics Fairy, just browse images under religious. Then to finish them, I tied twine and religious charms onto the front. As the candles burn, the images should glow even more.

My rusty wire crown was from TJ Maxx. I am seeking to borrow the calm and tranquility of the French Nordic style for this year. I think there is a reason it is so popular, we need the peace of white. My house is not white, but I am thinking I will adapt a lot of the looks to make for a peaceful setting in my home this year.
I was so amazed that on my Christmas post I was wished Merry Christmas from people all over the world. This blogging adventure has been wonderful. So, to all of you reading all over...
Have a very Happy New Year!
Sherry
I will join:
Show off Your Cottage Monday at The House in the Roses
Brag Monday at The Graphics Fairy
Metamorphosis Monday at Between Naps on the Porch

Seasonal Sundays at The Tablescaper

Nifty Thrifty Tuesday at Coastal Charm
Tabletop Tuesday at A Stroll Thru Life
Masterpiece Monday at Boogieboard Cottage
Amaze Me Monday at Dittle Dattle
Berfore and After Party at Thrifty Decor Chick
White Wednesday at Faded Charm

Home Sweet Home #47

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:21:00 +0000

Hello and Welcome to Home Sweet Home! I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas! I am using some photos I took last year for New Year's Eve.

May each and every one have a wonderful New Year! Here's to 2012!

Now, I will highlight some of the posts from last week's Home Sweet Home.

Sylvia at Sylvia's Simple Life showed off her home and the way she celebrated Christmas.

Gina is so talented at Gina Ceramics, she showed how to create your own Toile de Jouy ribbon.

Holly, at Down to Earth Style showed off her home and family in a Christmas home tour.

Linda at Beautiful Ideas showed off a wonderful "Christmas Tea for Lucus." Click the links to view.

Thank you to all who join me at Home Sweet Home! It is awesome to have you here!

Sherry

I will join these ladies today:

Inspiration Friday At The Picket Fence
Vintage Inspiration Friday at Common Ground

Feathered Nest Friday at French Country Cottage

Fridays Unfolded at Stuff and Nonsense

Potpourri Friday at 2805

Show and Tell Friday at My Romantic Home

Open House Party at No Minimalist Here

Guidelines for Home Sweet Home Party:

Attention: To link up with inlinkz you must have a permalink back to this party in your post or they will not allow you to link.

Link up anything in your home or garden. During the holidays, I'll love seeing neat shops too!

Now let's see your beautiful homes!

Christmas 2012....Trends to Ponder

noreply@blogger.com (Sherry) — Tue, 27 Dec 2011 21:33:00 +0000