Well, we made it to February. The air is still chilly, a little snow is still on the ground, but love is in the air to keep us warm. Come on in to see our Valentine touches.

Metamorphosis

By Helen Hunt Jackson

O Winter! frozen pulse and heart of fire, 
What loss is theirs who from thy kingdom turn 
Dismayed, and think thy snow a sculptured urn 
Of death! Far sooner in midsummer tire 

The streams than under ice. June could not hire 
Her roses to forego the strength they learn 
In sleeping on thy breast. No fires can burn 
The bridges thou dost lay where men desire 
In vain to build. 

O Heart, when Love’s sun goes 
To northward, and the sounds of singing cease, 
Keep warm by inner fires, and rest in peace. 
Sleep on content, as sleeps the patient rose.

Walk boldly on the white untrodden snows, 
The winter is the winter’s own release.

Metamorphosis

Winter is officially here, with the frigid temperatures, snowy weather and grey skies. Not much fun to be outdoors right now; inside seems much more appealing. I think the best part of winter is making the inside pleasant, warm and cozy. I like to be welcomed home each afternoon by simple textures, muted colors and lots of elements to make me smile. It’s not my favorite season but cozy makes it so much more bearable. Grab a hot chocolate and enjoy my winter touches.

Metamorphosis

Of 2024 Christmas pictures are dropping, it already feels like a very long time ago. I miss them but getting the house simple and cozy for winter is the next project. I hope they bring you joy!

Metamorphosis

It’s going to snow, supposedly a lot, tonight. School and work are closed, the snow shovel is out of the garage, snow pants and gloves are at the ready and the hot chocolate waits some heat. It will give us some time to take down the Christmas decorations…that makes me a little sad but I’m ready for some quiet areas inside to rest my eyes. I will miss the joy Christmas items can bring, I hope the photos bring joy as well.

It has been pretty gloomy weather wise this holiday season. Not necessarily a bad thing, but it does draw you to the more cozy elements of life. Quiet times inside, good books, hot chocolate, warm socks and Holiday movie marathons. I think my decor really reflects “cozy” this year. Lots of layered fabrics, vintage touches and natural elements. Our master bedroom is probably my favorite spot beside my new kitchen.

We traveled for the holidays to Philadelphia to visit family and experienced the first white Christmas for quite some time. I’m usually pretty eager to take down Christmas after the 25th but this year I think we will enjoy the season a little bit longer. We have some time before school starts again, so some more time can be had in our Christmas house before it is all tucked away until next year.

I hope your Christmas was warm and cozy!

Metamorphosis

I could not believe it when I looked at my calendar and saw that Christmas was three days away. Last week was packed with so much activity; parties, cookie making, last minute shopping and school Christmas concerts…I need a break from all the fun. I truly enjoy the season but need to remember to slow down and be still with all the beauty. I love to decorate my home but I’m often so rushed I only glance at it as I rush out the door. Do you feel this way? Well, slow down and enjoy our foyer in all its glory.

Metamorphosis

I used to really enjoy a very glitzy, over the top approach to Christmas decor. I loved sparkle, gold, glitter and super shiny elements. The intention was to show a little sophistication, I think. I can’t deny the beauty of a glitz, but it never felt like me…almost like playing pretend. I’ve really been embracing a more nature, vintage and whimsical look…I mean, who doesn’t love a collection of antique Santas. Oh, I still have “stuff”, maybe too much, but the holidays seem more peaceful and family focused. This is a good thing.

Metamorphosis

It has been a busy few weeks. We decided to check off something from a bucket list and spend our Thanksgiving Break in NYC. It was a wonderful trip despite the rainy parade…we stuck it out for over an hour before the fear of hypothermia set in. Luckily we followed up with a circus afternoon followed by a great meal. The 11 year old Princess was very content.

When we returned we had to hit the ground running as far as Christmas decor. It was so much fun to decorate our new kitchen for really the first time. I love how it turned out. We are leaning toward a more vintage and simple look. Maybe we achieved it…Let me know!

Metamorphosis. Inspire me Monday. Inspire me Tuesday . Wonderful Wednesday Beautifully made. Wednesday blog hop. Share your style. Grandma’s House DIY. Vintage charm.Funtastic Friday. Thursday favorites. BFF open house. Morning Cup Of Joe. Home matters.Create bake grow. Happiness is homemade. Create with joy. Creatively crafty Senior salon. Turn about Tuesday Saturday Sparks Farmhouse Friday All About Home Flaunt it Friday Pink Saturday encouraging hearts and home Wednesday Centerpiece. Dare to share. heart and souls simple sunday silverado. The Fabulous Party. homestead blog hop traffic jam busy Monday. Love your creativity inspiration party share the wealth Karen’s kottage. Crafty creations creative muster homemade Monday whimsy TFT

So always expect the unexpected, or maybe not so unexpected if you think about it. Brand new kitchen addition downstairs, old unrenovated bathroom upstairs, a ceiling that houses a warren of pipe and valves and stuff over said new kitchen and well…you may just be able to take a shower without going upstairs. Yes, it was a mess but luck, and a good contractor was on our side. Our planned holiday decorating was pushed back a bit. I don’t enjoy delays but we seem to be back on track. I was craving a bit of comfort, however, and what is more comforting than smooth, homemade rice pudding, with the added convenience of a slow cooker. Plus, your house will smell great!

The Usual Cast of Characters

• 4 cups milk
• ½ cup white sugar
• ½ cup long-grain white rice
• 1 tablespoon margarine
• 1 large egg
• 2 tablespoons milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
• ½ teaspoon almond extract
• ⅛ teaspoon salt

The Steps to Glory

1.Stir 4 cups milk, sugar, and rice together in a slow cooker until sugar dissolves. Add margarine, cover, and cook on High for 2 1/2 hours.

2. Whisk egg, 2 tablespoons milk, vanilla, almond extract, and salt together in a bowl.

3. Pour a small amount hot rice mixture into egg mixture, whisking quickly so egg doesn’t cook. Pour mixture back into the slow cooker and whisk until combined. Continue to cook on High until creamy, about 15 more minutes.

4.Transfer pudding to a glass baking dish. Cover with plastic wrap leaving two corners uncovered to vent, and refrigerate until chilled completely, at least 1 hour.

So rich and creamy, the perfect comfort food.

Metamorphosis