Trust me when I say that winter still has us in its grip. Snow is still in the forecast and the air is downright bitter outside the door. We still have many more cozy days in front of the fire to enjoy, however, things are looking a bit brighter around the house. Love is in the air! Valentines Day is almost here! Decorating for Valentines is a new experience for me, but I think I love that it gives me the opportunity to add some color to my winter decor! Enjoy these simple touches in my home, and I hope you feel the love.

I love antique postcards…

…very very much!

Did I mention antique postcards? And enamelware!

Beautiful pillows made with antique fabric make me happy!

Especially when they are paired with even more love!

Inspire me Monday. Tuesday at our house. The Scoop. Inspire me Tuesday. Made by you. Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Talk Of The town. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Party in your pjs. Wednesday blog hop. Your whim. Share your style. Home and garden. Waste not . Style showcase. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm. Friday features. Feather nest. Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home. Pit Stop. Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters. Sweet Inspiration. Best of the weekend. Create bake grow . Fresh market. Faith and family. Sunday at home. Snickerdoodle. Happiness is homemade. Saturday shuffle. Silver pennies. Create with joy. Inspiration Monday DI&DI. Amaze me. Over the Moon Creatively crafty Senior salon wonderful Wednesday

I think everyone was ready for a Winter change. Excited to be featured at these exciting parties!

Sweet inspiration link party@Health, Home and Heart

Wonderful Wednesday Blog Hop@ Electric Red Barn

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I don’t think anything says “cozy” more than the smell of freshly baked cake in the house. The problem with freshly baked cake in the house, however, is you tend to eat it…a lot of it. Because you are going to eat a lot of that freshly baked cake, it should be yummy…and unique on occasion. Olive oil cake? I admit, I wasn’t so sure. It sounded unique yes, but was it yummy? Let’s give it a try!

The Usual Cast Of Characters

Nonstick cooking spray, for the pan

3/4 cup high-quality extra-virgin olive oil

1 cup red seedless grapes, halved 

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

1 1/2 teaspoons fine salt 

2 cups all purpose flour 

1 teaspoon baking powder 

1 cup granulated sugar 

3 large eggs, at room temperature 

1 teaspoon almond extract or vanilla extract

3/4 cup whole milk or half and half

The Steps to Glory

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F. Spray a loaf pan or mini bundt pan with nonstick cooking spray.

2. Combine the flour, baking powder and the teaspoon of fine salt in a medium bowl.

3.Add the granulated sugar, eggs and 1/4 cup brown sugar into a stand mixer with a paddle attachment. Beat the egg mixture on medium speed until thickened and fluffy, 3 minutes.

4. Add the almond or vanilla extract. With the mixer running on low speed, slowly pour in the remaining 3/4 cup olive oil. Continue mixing until the olive oil is emulsified into the batter. Turn off the mixer and add half of the dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the ingredients are mixed , then pour in the milk.

5. Turn off the mixer and add the remaining dry ingredients. Mix on low speed just until the batter comes together, scraping down the bowl as needed.

6. Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan or mini bundt pan. Stud the top of the cake with the 1 cup grapes. Bake until the cake is golden brown and pulling away from the side of the pan, about 1 hour 40 minutes. The surface of the cake should look dry and slightly cracked.

7. Allow the cake to cool completely before removing from the pan. When ready to serve, garnish each slice with powdered sugar.

The verdict is in…yes to unique and a big yes to yummy!

This guitar loving girl agrees!

Inspire me Monday. Tuesday at our house. The Scoop. Inspire me Tuesday. Make it pretty. Made by you. Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Talk Of The town. Keep in touch . Party in your pjs. Wednesday blog hop. Your whim. Share your style. Home and garden. Waste not. Grandma’s House DIY. Friday features . Feather nest. Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home. Pit Stop. Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters. Sweet Inspiration. Best of the weekend. Create bake grow.Fresh market. Faith and family. Sunday at home. Snickerdoodle. Happiness is homemade. Saturday shuffle. Silver pennies. Create with joy. Inspiration Monday DI&DI. Amaze me. Over the Moon Creatively crafty Senior salon. Homemaking party. Lazy Gastronome

My corn chowder recipe has been popular. I am excited to be featured at these great blog parties!

What’s for supper@The Lazy Gastronome

Amaze Me Monday@Dwellings:The Heart Of A Home

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By Robert Frost

I hope the simple beauty of winter changes your heart today…keep cozy…

enjoy some spaghetti!

Inspire me Monday. Tuesday at our house. The Scoop. Inspire me Tuesday. Make it pretty. Made by you. Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Talk Of The town. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Party in your pjs. Wednesday blog hop. Your whim. Share your style. Home and garden. Waste not. Style showcase. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm. Friday features. Feather nest. Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home. Pit Stop. Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters. Sweet Inspiration. Best of the weekend. Create bake grow. Fresh market. Faith and family. Sunday at home. Snickerdoodle. Happiness is homemade. Saturday shuffle. Silver pennies. Create with joy. Inspiration Monday DI&DI. Amaze me. Over the Moon Creatively crafty Senior salon the homemaking party

Excited to be featured at this great party!

Keep in Touch@ Let’s Add Sprinkles

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Kelly at Under a Texas Sky – Twitter | FB | G+ | Pin | Inst | BL

Jennifer at Busy Being Jennifer – Twitter | FB | Pin | Inst

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I’ve made some changes to our front room recently. With a brand new basement turned playroom, there is room to spread the furniture out a bit and, best of all relocate the huge basket of toys out of adult sight. It is nice.

As much as I love the beauty and sparkle of Christmas, it always seems a little garish as the New Year begins. I love to rest my eyes on a simpler winter styled decor…and how perfect…we even have gently falling snow to complete the picture.

A peek through the pocket doors.

This little cutie has a great view.

A little holiday cheer remains with fresh greenery and berries. The plaid trimmed pillows are made with antique French embroidered grain-sacks.

A cozy winter fire.

Wintery trees and jingle bells on the mantel.

The Princess approves of the winter weather…and winter activities!

Inspire me Monday. Tuesday at our house. The Scoop. Inspire me Tuesday. Make it pretty. Made by you. Metamorphosis. You’re the Star. Tuesday with a twist. Wonderful Wednesday. Talk Of The town. Keep in touch. Beautifully made. Party in your pjs. Wednesday blog hop. Your whim. Share your style. Home and garden. Waste not. Style showcase. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm. Friday features. Home sweet home. Feather nest. Friendship Friday. Funtastic Friday. Grace at Home. Pit Stop. Thursday favorites. . BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters. Sweet Inspiration. Best of the weekend. Create bake grow. Faith and family. Sunday at home. Snickerdoodle. Happiness is homemade. Saturday shuffle. Silver pennies. Create with joy. Inspiration Monday DI&DI. Amaze me. Over the Moon Creatively crafty Senior salon