New to Me

Right in the middle of Sioux Falls, tucked in the Park Ridge Shopping Mall, is a treasure that I was totally unaware of. Don't you just love it when you discover new things?

This little shop is filled with used books and vintage treasures. And if you don't see what you're looking for right away, there is more downstairs.

If you are in the area, I would encourage you to stop in. I found it to be a very cozy and charming atmosphere. What a fun place to just browse through all the different categories.

I was intrigued by these Lennon Sisters paper dolls that were in perfect condition. The dolls were a heavy cardboard, and the clothes were waiting for someone to cut them out. So tempted! But who would I find to play paper dolls with me?

The second stop that was 'new to me' was the Queen City Bakery in downtown Sioux Falls. My friend and I decided we needed a treat before heading home, and this was a wonderful stop.

I chose a lemon lime bar that was perfect - a little bit tart and not too sweet. And they made me an amaretto latte to go with it.  So good!

But if that doesn't appeal to you, there are lots of both sweet and savory choices and hot and cold beverages. 

I'll definitely be going back!

Till next time...

Blessings,

Gail

A Simple Soup Supper

We are lovers of soups - all kinds.  And Winter and soup just seem to go together. They warm and nourish us when the temperatures outside are frigid.

 

For the most part, it isn't necessary to follow a recipe to make a delicious soup. For this one, I started with some ham that was in the freezer from Christmas and used half a box each of chicken broth and vegetable broth. Then just added frozen peas, green beans, corn and carrots and chopped some fresh cabbage. It all depends what I happen to have on hand.

 

 

I added a biscuit, and called it supper! Schwan's has wonderful biscuits, and the best part is that, because they are frozen, you can simply bake the number you need. I have always made my own, but end up with too many, so this is the perfect solution.

 

 

I like to have a seasonal vignette on the corner of our table - it keeps it from getting piled with 'stuff,' and it's pleasant to look at. This season after Christmas is always hard. I decided on putting together some blue and white dishes, and added a touch of yellow to remind us that Spring comes next!

 

 

Until next time...

 

Blessings,

Gail

 

Mystery at the Ranch... And It's Done!

it was Spring of 2014 when I signed up to participate in a Mystery Quilt sponsored by Always Your Design quilt shop in Dell Rapids and The Dutch Rose of Sioux Falls. This is a quilt that is sewn not knowing what the final product will look like. I thought it sounded like fun. We were given guidelines about choosing fabrics to use and told how much was needed. So I made my choices with a certain recipient in mind and I was ready to make this quilt that was called Mystery at The Ranch.

Each week brought directions for another step in the construction process. It was in the first week when all the cutting took place that I became a bit concerned. There were going to be a lot of triangles to deal with - 392, but who's counting!  If you've done any quilting you know that means one side is on the bias, which can stretch, and each triangle has three points that are supposed to meet up perfectly at the seams. In other words triangles can be tricky and should be sewn precisely. Oh boy!

So I tackled it. I cut strips, sewed strips together and cut again. Slowly the pieces combined to become an interesting combination of colors and patterns.

And then it came to a halt. I received the final directions, saw the final outcome, was tired of dealing with triangle points, and lost interest. So it was tucked away until last summer when I decided I wanted to finish it, I needed to finish it.

I made the decision not to worry about a point getting lost in a seam, and just enjoyed sewing away, joining the blocks with sashing strips and adding the borders. I chose a plain flannel for the backing and had it quilted with a flower pattern using a variegated thread on the back, so the back is quite interesting as well.

I'm pleased with the final outcome and my Granddaughter loved it - a quilt that was promised to her long ago. Now I'm about finished with her brother's, which he has been waiting for even longer! Then I have fabric for a couple other projects just for me.

Till next time...

Blessings,
Gail

PS: Did I mention there were 392 triangles? Never again!

What now?

Packing away the Christmas decorations always leaves a rather bare feeling to the rooms. The lights have been unplugged and the sparkle has been tucked away. What now? I brought back all my 'regular stuff,' but also left out a few things that will carry me through this winter season.

My chenille snowmen and snowman garland are favorites of mine and have been with me for many years. I remember buying them at a little bath shop in the Park Ridge Mall in Sioux Falls while shopping with Mom and my Aunt June. I think I might remember it so clearly because purchasing them was really a splurge at the time. So they will bring a smile to my face through these cold days.

Pine cones and a faux evergreen stem tucked in a treadle sewing machine cabinet drawer are certainly appropriate for winter. I find so many used for these drawers, and this one is so pretty!

These two silver deer are holding their heads high in our hutch for now. They have a little glimmer to them. They came home with me from The Cottage a few years ago.

 

And finally, a single pine cone sits atop a new decorating book and a new-to-me stool. I have long wanted to put a pine bench in front of our couch to serve as a coffee table. But no matter how many times I found one and planned how to decorate it, the truth is I simply don't have room for a coffee table. So, I've found the next best thing - this cute little stool. It is tucked in front of the couch, but if we need more seating, it can easily be moved aside.

It seems that new seasons bring with them the desire to change things up - at' least that's how I feel. So for now, this is my winter look. I think I might just make a cup of hot chocolate and browse through that book.

Till next time....
Blessings,

Gail

Christmas Dolls

Remember as a kid when we returned to school after Christmas, and the question on everybody's lips was "What did you get for Christmas?" Even though I only have one picture to attest to it, for most years as a little girl I think my answer was that I had received a doll.

I still have the doll in that picture, and she is still wearing her peach dress and bonnet, although it is a little droopy.

The second doll that I still have is bit fancier. She is wearing a dress that my mom made for her. I have her original pinafore dress, but it is so faded that she prefers not to wear it. Both of these ladies have 'had some work done.'

A third doll was given to me when I was a little older, not necessarily to play with.  She came with fabric and patterns so that I could learn to sew for her. Some of those early attempts are tucked away - not really photo worthy, but they were the beginning of a lot of garment sewing that would follow. This little lady will walk with you if you hold her arm and move her just right. She is wearing her original dress.

And this shelf holds my two storybook dolls and china doll heads, but that's a story for another day.

And what did you get for Christmas as a child?

Until next time...

Blessings,
Gail

For Unto Us

A gift that I made for my mother long ago has returned to me as a quiet reminder of the reason for our Christmas celebrations.

For unto us a child is born,

To us a son is given;

and the government shall be upon his shoulder,

and his name shall be called

Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,

Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Isaiah 9:6

Till next time...

Christmas peace,

Gail

Santa, Santa Everywhere

Over the years it seems that quite a number of Santa's have gathered at our house. Typically I have grouped them all together on a shelf over my kitchen sink, but this year they are somewhat scattered about.

 

This fella is the only one left there along with a tray I found at World Market this year (sorry for the shadow caused by the cupboard above). And right below hangs a Santa mitten that I found in Omaha at the railway station many years ago. I see he is  missing a few buttons on his beard. I had better do a little repair. I love anything that has buttons on it!

 

 

 

My Santa on the polar bear was a sample that was given out at a showroom when I used to go to Market for The Cottage, and the little egg shaped Santa was one I found at a craft fair along with...

 

 

several of these.  Tall Santa was a gift with purchase at JC Penney's one year, and the cute little fellow with his feet dangling over the edge came tied on a package.

 

 

 Who would ever think of making a wreath out of Santa? He's been with me quite a number of years, ever since I spotted him at Landscape Garden Center.

 

These stacking Santa's have been a favorite of many children throughout the years.

 

And Santa in the Mason jar is new to me this year. For many years he was a part of my mom's Christmas decorations. You can't see the base because I've tucked him in the jar, but it says 1919, which was the year Mom was born, so she thought he was pretty special.

 

 

And finally we come to the Santa mug. He seems to be taking his job very seriously.

 

To me, although he is a mythical character, Santa is a reminder of so many of the good things within us. He is a symbol of the generous, giving spirit that lives in each of us - especially at Christmas!

 

Till next time...

Blessings,

 

Gail