Looking for the Blog Worthy in our Everyday Life ~February Report ~Winter Wonderland

Every day seems the same around here…Chores and Projects.

I’m not complaining. There is comfort in having an Ordinary Routine.

Y’all don’t want to see photos of me cleaning,

So here we are cutting out some Owls from my Vintage Wool.

Valentine Roses from Hubby stayed beautiful for over a week,

before they started drooping.

Remember my Valentine package that came in the mail.

It was filled with essential kitchen items for the next Season…

 Cute Carrot Dish Cloths and Soft Bunny Dish Towels.

Plus Cocktail Flavored Jelly Belly Candy

for a special Sweet Treat.

Thank you, my dear friend. You made my Day!

There’s been crazy Winter weather

all over the country.

The forecast was for snow, but we weren’t expecting a full blown Blizzard.

This was the view from my Sewing Studio window.

This snowstorm intensified as it made its way across the country

and is now dumping record amounts of snow on the East Coast.

We watch the National Weather and send Warm Hugs

to all of you that have been affected.

Speaking of watching TV,

we especially enjoyed watching the Olympics…

and loved this surprise participant.

February is the shortest Month,

but full of Good Friends,

Family Birthdays,

Tasty Food,

and Fun Activities.

I hope you all found a little time to relax

And diddle daddle a bit, too.

Take care,

~Natalie

Valentines Day 2026 ~Sending Love from our Home to Yours

Best Wishes to Family and Friends on this day that 

celebrates love, romance, and affection.

When all the Christmas Decor was packed away

our Valentine Decorations came out…

And I think Mazzie approved.

Who remembers decorating a shoebox, 

 to bring to school for this special occasion?

Our daughters created these, years ago.

They now  are perfect for storing my Valentine decor,

up on the shelf, in my Sewing Studio closet.

One of the treasures in those boxes, heart shaped crystal dishes,

which were wedding gifts, nearly 45 years ago.

Of course, one holds Peanut Butter M&Ms,

the Superior M&M.

A Valentine Candy display would not be complete without

Dove Dark Chocolates.

And then there’s this bowl of felted wool hearts…

They have generated some fun around here.

Gracie and Mazzie have been obsessed with them.

Best Cat Toys, ever.

Another highlight of the week was friendly mail,

a Valentine Box from a friend.

It was filled with individually wrapped sweet surprises.

Stay tuned to see what’s inside.

Cheers to love, laugher,

and sweet surprises this Valentines Weekend.

Take care,

~Natalie

Happy Birthday Dear Amy

Watching you grow into the woman you are

has been one of our greatest joys.

Our sweet baby at seven hours old.

Remember in the days before social media,

a birth was announced via snail mail.

Birth Announcements, Address Book, and Postage Stamps

were packed in the suitcase that went to the hospital.

Amy Christine is the baby that made us parents.

We are proud of you and your strength, kindness,

thoughtfulness, creativity, organization,

sense of humor, and more.

We love you.

Take care,

~Dad and Mom

Happy Weekend ~Where the Week Went ~Where did January Go ~These are a Few of my Favorite Things

It’s always a highlight to chat with

a former student when we go out and about.

Especially when it is someone as sweet as Jasmine,

a beautiful young woman and a great Mother.

We have had typical January weather here in the Dakotas.

“Cold Surges of Air”…that’s for sure.

We have enjoyed our time indoors with

a little Stitching and Stewing.

The Handstitching is done on this Flock of Chickens.

Or maybe I should say “Three French Hens”

They are ready for our Fall & Winter Makers Markets.

January is definitely Soup in the Crockpot weather.

Chicken Tortilla is a favorite.

Thanks to Courtney, another former student, for the recipe.

Hubby and I collaborated to create another batch of wooden hearts.

By far, the best seller in my Etsy Shop.

Out in the Woodshop, he cuts, sands, and drills the holes.

In my Studio, I paint, edge, and embellish with Homespun Ties.

There’s still time to purchase one for your sweetheart.

Just leave a comment or send a message.

Another favorite meal in our house is Salmon.

In the summer, Hubby prepares it out on the Grill.

In Winter, in the oven.

We serve it with my Pasta Carbonara.

Here’s what’s Happening in the Woodshop.

A batch of hand turned trees waiting for stain,

and those Fall/Winter Markets.

FaceTime with any of these young humans makes my day.

Well, chatting with their parents does, too.

Another favorite of  my Go-To Recipes is Shrimp Pasta.

It’s quick, it’s easy, it’s delicious.

Now, on my Worktable, another favorite,

My stash of Vintage Wool.

Stay Tuned to see how it comes together…

…as it appears we’ll be enjoying our indoor projects

for while yet.

Stay Safe and Warm, Everyone.

Take care,

~Natalie

What’s New from the Wood Shop

We’re experiencing typical January weather here in the Dakotas.

Ice, Snow, Wind, and Cold…

Not conducive to outdoor activities.

So Hubby has spent a lot of time with his indoor hobby…

 in his Wood Shop, at his lathe.

This new tree design fits in nicely with your other decor,

and the fresh green color will carry over into spring and summer.

It is a great Hobby for him in retirement.

No two trees are exactly the same.

Some folks prefer the smooth and symmetrical trees,

others like the Rustic look with some bark left on the edges.

All in a couple days of work, or should I say “play”?!

With all this turning, Hubby could use some more wood.

If you know someone who is cutting down a tree,

or even trimming a few large branches, please contact us.

Take care,

~Natalie

Sunday Blessings ~Quitters Day ~New Year, Fresh Start ~My Word for 2026

I hope you all had a great start to our New Year,

grateful for the accomplishments and blessings of the previous year,

and looking ahead at new beginnings…

A fresh start.

Do you have a 2026 Resolution? 

Or, maybe you call them “Intensions”??

If you are sticking to your new goals,

Congratulations! Keep up the Good Work!!

This Friday was Quitters Day.

Studies show that 80% of people have given up

on their resolutions by the second Friday in January.

I’d rather choose a Word for the Year.

By focusing on a single theme, it becomes a habit.

In 2022, my word was “Organize” and yes, I’m still working on that.

“A place for everything, and everything in its place”

“Gratitude” was my word for 2023.

I am Blessed, and for that, I am Thankful.

For 2024, my focus was “Joy”

This was perhaps my favorite…looking for something

 that brings me Joy, every single day.

I enjoyed finding Joy in the Little Things.

Last year, my word was “Balance” and

This one needs more work.

So, along with Counting my Blessings,

Looking for Joy in the Little Things,

Finding Balance in my Days,

Here is my Word for 2026…

Take care,

~Natalie