For the love of laundry

Sometimes it feels like trying to eat an elephant.........

the chore of doing laundry.

Six kids mixed with five basketball leagues, social gatherings, and the everyday school attire = mountains of laundry and a life sentence of stain removal and wash separately. One thing that I've found to brighten my dismal plight is a pretty vintage piece of pottery. It's much better than that ugly orange Tide box...........

It reminds me of my Grandma Reeder. I believe she had something similar in her house. It really seems to make a difference. Silly, but true - a little bit of pretty goes a long way!

Vintage Patterns

While at my local thrift store, I was lucky enough to find some vintage patterns. It's been awhile since I've sewn any kind of apparel, so they sparked my interest. I also love the tailored look of these dresses! Hopefully I can make these work.

Also, you can find new reproduction patterns from the 40's through the 70's. This is fun since finding the right size and a style you like at the thrift store can be difficult.

Now I just need to find some quiet time to focus - keeping the unpicking at a minimum!!

Mini Roses

As Valentine's Day approaches, it's common to see the grocery store floral department stock up on mini roses. I LOVE these dainty little plants. Why is it that anything in miniature is adorable?

I end up purchasing one every year, regardless that their life span, in my care, seems less than what it should be. They're lucky to make it to the day of love!

I usually buy the color of rose that we had at our wedding, but this year I couldn't resist buying this pink and red one. I love the two colors together. It's so bright and cheery compared to the dreariness going on outside. Plus, compared to it's long stem cousin, this one is much cheaper and still reminds me of love - how could I not purchase one? Now all I need is some chocolate!!

Beautiful Moon

Waking up at 5:30 a.m. for Maren's basketball practice is starting to get old. This is the last week and I woke up trying to focus on that fact - I needed a positive focus! As we drove up to town, I couldn't help but notice the full moon hovering over the hills. It was a truly a beautiful and peaceful sight.

Why is it that something so distant can have such power over us? It's attributed feelings of romance, shifts in our moods, and control of the tides. I appreciate the reminder that I am small. It seems to put this world in perspective and today, that's just what I needed!

Dreaming of.......

I've felt a little blue lately - not sad, just kind of ho-hum. I've heard a lot of people credit the weather for their lack of enthusiasm. I would have to agree........but for different reasons. I am not in need of a sunny spring. You see, I love overcast, dreary days. And darn it, I am missing winter - the beauty of the snow falling, the gathering of our family staying safe and warm in our cozy house, and the realization of blessings easily overlooked otherwise.

Living on a farm, means snow = more work, stress on the cows, and the frustration that comes with all things "frozen". So, I feel a little guilty when I secretly wish for snow. I know it's selfish, but a good old fashioned snow storm is like pushing the pause button on life.

Plus, who doesn't love sleigh riding, building a snowman, a mug of hot chocolate with marshmallows, and a warm fire.

I don't need months of winter, just one good storm will do. After that, I will be more than willing to move onto what all the rest of you are wishing for..............sunny days!! Then, we all can be happy!

Believe it or not, David can find happiness in the snow - I have the proof!!

Button Purse

I'm not much of a "purse lady". Some women have numerous handbags and trade them out with every outfit. After having six kids and constantly carrying a diaper bag, I've taken a self proclaimed hiatus from anything much bigger than my wallet. It's not that I don't enjoy looking at handbags, or haven't been tempted to buy one now and again. I do have a purse, but I tend to use it only when necessary and until it's totally worn out. Each bag's tour of duty lasts approximately 2-3 years. Last year, I came across this cute little number at my local antique store.

I couldn't resist buying it. I think it was my weakness for buttons and the multicolored use of them. I must admit, I haven't used it a lot - because you can't fit a lot into it. I keep waiting to use it when David and I have a special night out or go to some kind of fancy event. In my life, that doesn't happen all that often, but next time it does, I'll be prepared!!

There are plans to make my own button purse using a cream colored crocheted bag I found at the thrift store and my antique pearlized buttons. I'll keep you posted.......

Who's got buttons?

I am a weak person, I will admit it! I have a weakness for quite a few things. These aren't the ordinary woman weaknesses like shopping and shoes. I go weak in the knees over things like vintage aprons, old plates and silverware, quilts, and BUTTONS!! I think my love of buttons started when I inherited my Grandma Fonnesbeck's button jar. Since then, I've picked up bottles of old buttons at thrift stores and flea markets.

Old buttons are really cool, unique and beautiful. I love looking through my collection, but looking once in awhile wasn't enough, so I tried to find some uses for my buttons. That way, we could say hello to each other more often! I have a few ideas in mind, but those might take awhile. I did use some of my prettiest mother-of-pearl and opalescent buttons to make myself a new bracelet. Using the different sizes, shapes, and color tones, I think it turned out great.

Hello beautiful!!!