Forcing branches is one of my spring traditions. My mother used to brighten our house with forced Forsythia branches every year. I started doing the same thing when I moved into my first apartment in college. Who doesn’t enjoy blooms in the dead of winter? I am experimenting this year with branches other than Forsythia. …
This rocking chair belonged to my great grandfather. It was always in our basement family room when I was growing up and it is super comfortable. Mama let me have it a long time ago and it has been residing in my guest room ever since. Mama recovered the cushion in the 1970’s when she…
This chili is a bit different from your standard ground beef version. It’s supposed to taste like Buffalo wings but be a bit healthier. Step One: Heat a medium Dutch oven or large skillet over high heat. Add 1 T EVOO and 2 T butter and melt together. Add 2 pounds of ground chicken and…
Mr. SP’s mom was a fabulous seamstress and quilter. One Sunday I spent a little time going through her many unfinished projects and ran across a pattern for Lazy Girl Designs Wonder Wallet. The directions were simple and I knew I could use some of my fabric scraps to make one without having to buy…
After missing 12 days of school because of snow, today is the day I go back to reality. I sure am going to miss doing exactly what I pleased all day long. It was good while it lasted!
Valentine’s Day is over and I’ve about eaten all of the conversation hearts that I had on display in this area of my kitchen, so the time was right for a new counter display. I decided to use vintage appliances that belonged to both of my grandmothers. This waffle maker was probably used not too…
If you are new to my blog, my mother is restoring an old house on Walnut Avenue. The house has been in our family since it was built at the turn of the century. If you want to see more of Mama’s project, look for my other posts under the “Walnut Avenue” tag on my…
Happy Valentine’s Day! There’s a party going on at Anything Goes Here to celebrate Valentine’s Day, vintage style. Be sure to check out the links. I created a Valentine’s vignette in my dining room using some of my old post cards. I love these romantic old cards. Thanks for stopping by on…
Last weekend I made two pillows for my porch. One thing always leads to another with me. It really bothered me that the stool cushion didn’t coordinate, so I got busy sewing a new cover for it. Before: After: So much better! Would you believe that now I want to sew new covers for the…
My grandmother made the framed embroidered piece you see over my mantle for my family back in the 70’s. I remember it hanging in many places in our home until Mama stuffed it away in storage when it became hopelessly out of style. Mama kept it because she doesn’t throw much of anything away. A…
Mr. SP and I visited Simon Pearce in Quechee, Vermont on our Christmas ski trip. While I enjoyed looking at the exquisite creations for sale, I couldn’t help but admire the many tablescapes on display featuring Simon Pearce products. The lighting was difficult and my camera battery was about dead, so I snapped pictures in…
Amanda at Serenity Now for Amanda is hosting another party. This time it’s a decorating dilemma party. This is a great way to get suggestions from others for how to solve a dilemma in your home. My dilemma is mail organization. Our mail comes through the door and lands on the rug you see here….