Looking Back At 2015 Countdown: #5

Sunday, January 4, 2015

Cold, But Cozy

 Hi everyone!

Today has kind of been one of those lazy days at home - puttering around with this and that.  It's a nesting mode. We have hit the deep freeze here in Wisconsin, so a fluffy blanket, fuzzy slippers, magazines and my Kindle are my best friends!

A midst this unfortunate turn in our weather, I have been enjoying the best coffee EVER MADE!  This is a huge endorsement coming from yours truly because I am not a big coffee fan. However, I read somewhere that coffee is good for you and actually can help with weight loss - sign me up on all accounts! This particular flavor for the Keurig is fantastic and smells incredible.  Try it out!!!

I kept this urn filled with evergreen and poinsettias out - I really am enjoying the pop of color and the simplicity of the arrangement. A cheery accent for these cold, blustery days we are experiencing.

Our little "Charlie Brown" tree we planted from just a seedling a few years ago - being brave against the elements! It's only about three feet tall. Just a pipsqueak.

Our garden shed stands strong in the wind and snow.

I have had the cute ceramic kitty in a window in our various homes since 1984!  For the past twelve years, it has peered out of our shed window.  I just love him - so cute.  

And this, ladies and gentleman, is a look at the week ahead for my neck of the woods.  Can you all say "Brrrrr!!!!!"

Time to go snuggle by the fireplace, pick up a magazine, and of course, check out all the inspiration in blogland - I think I will be doing a lot of that this week!

Looking Back at 2015 Countdown: #6

Sunday, January 11, 2015

Memories & Momentos

Hi Everyone!

I am writing this post while watching the Packers/Cowboys playoff game....it's helping to relieve the stress! It's been a big football week around here...of course, it's exciting that our Packers are in the playoffs but an added twist is Tony Romo, the Cowboy' s quarterback, grew up just a few miles from us and Is a hometown favorite. Still rooting for the Pack, though. Sorry Tony!

Now, on to some decor additions to the Bluebird house.

My sweet, almost ninety year old mom recently sold her home and moved into an apartment. This all happened quite quickly and  meant doing quite a bit of downsizing.

For most of their lives, my parents lived an "American Pickers" kind of lifestyle and our house growing up was filled with an ever changing array of junk antiques. One thing that was a constant in the home I grew up in, and later in the house my parents spent the past thirteen years in, was this pine cabinet.

My mom was a whiz at refinishing and turned this battered cabinet into a thing of beauty. She always had it filled with her prized collection of Flow Blue and Blue Willow. Now, this cabinet has a prideful place in our living room. It balances the room out perfectly, as our large entertainment center is on the other end of the room. I am looking forward to filling it with treasures! I love having meaningful pieces in my house...it gives our home a soul.

I found a roll of $3.00 shelf paper that I plan on tacking to the inside back of the cabinet to help things displayed stand out a bit. I thought about painting the back,but once you do that, there's no turning back...not ready for that commitment! I will try the shelf liner for awhile.

 

I did keep a few of mom's Blue Willow pieces, like this super pretty creamer. It's chipped, but I still like it. I think I will put a little potted plant inside. The spice cabinet was a recent purchase from my favorite antique mall. I was going to hang it in the kitchen, but am thinking about using it somewhere less expected. Stay tuned for that!

I leave you with a picture of my mom. Probably the hardest working and positive-minded person I've ever known! I am hoping she will enjoy this next phase of her life and enjoy the new friends and activities available at her new home.

Thanks for stopping by,
Jane

Merry Christmas From Me To You

Hi everyone!

The packages are wrapped with their stickers, trims, ribbons and bows.  The pantry is stocked with yummy treats, food and drink.  My tree, laden with ornaments and glittery ribbons, twinkles happily, peacefully.  My family is tucked in bed, getting ready for Christmas morning and all the fun and festivities to follow.  Of course, we will take pause and remember those who are no longer with us or are too far away to be with us on this day of days.  

I decided to creep down the stairs, fire up my computer for a few moments and let you all know, my dedicated readers - both old, new and in between, the gift you give me day in and day out by reading my posts and your kind commenting means so very much to me.  Thank you.  

Thank you.

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I wish you a peaceful and happy heart this Christmas and always.  I hope that my humble little blog brings you a bit of happiness and a smile when you visit.

Merry Christmas to you and yours,

Jane, Mr. Bluebird and Baby Bluebird

Christmas Memory Lane Stroll

Hi everyone!

Today I am taking a stroll down Christmas memory lane. I've found a few fun pictures that shaped my Christmas past. Join me! 

Christmas blessings to you and yours,
Jane

Looking Back at 2015

Hi everyone!

With the year wrapping up, I thought it would be fun to look back at my most popular blog posts of the past year. I will be re-sharing my top six posts of 2015 - one a day starting the day after Christmas through December 31st. I am hoping to sprinkle in a new post or two during the coming days as well.

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Thanks for stopping by - won't you join me on December 26th?

Jane

Baby Bluebird's Christmas Apartment

Hi everyone!

As you may remember, Baby Bluebird moved to Virginia to pursue her graduate degree in July of this year.  She also has her own beauty/fashion blog called Bows For Justine,

She has been busy getting settled in to her new apartment and of course, with her studies.  She did find time to deck her apartment out with some Christmas cheer - she is her mother's daughter after all, lol!

I hope you enjoy her video tour, complete with fun holiday music!

Click here for the tour.

Off to finish up some holiday odds and ends - hope your plans are coming together and you are ready for the fun to begin!

Thanks for stopping by,
Jane

Partying here!

Fall Into Fall
Wow Us Wednesday
Inspire Me Tuesday

Jingle Bell Time Is A Swell Time To Rock The Night Away

Hi everyone!

I have a secret to share with you : I have been known to listen to Christmas music in February. March. Even June and September! Yep. I never tire of it. Never. 

I thought I'd share with you some of my favorite holiday CD' s. Some you will recognize, but maybe there are a few that are new to your ears. All are worth a listen!

Need I say anything about this one?

A nice dose of my teen idol, David Cassidy! Santa brought me this album back in the day.

Classic and cool.

Baby Bluebird' s favorite band of all time put out a great CD when they were young.

Such a beautiful and spiritual voice.

Another beautiful voice - fun and inspiring.

Some really heart tugging songs on this one.

Beautiful harmonies by these ladies. Hey Santa!

Fabulous and a few different twists.

And just for pure, silly fun, a YouTube video of my all time favorite "holiday" song. Hilarious!!

I Yust Go Nuts At Christmas

So tell me...what are you go to Christmas songs? And even more importantly, have you ever heard of Yogi Yorgesson?

Thanks for stopping by,

Jane

Christmas-ing with these fun parties:

Saturday Sparks

Inspire Me Tuesday

Wow Us Wednesday