Simple....

Being the impatient person that I am, I have already received my Christmas present from hubby this year. I was thinking about what item I would like, and I really couldn't come up with one that was just right. Kitchen appliances fill every open space in my cabinets, clothing is never something that I desire, and craft supplies are ever abundant in my little work studio. What was a girl to do? Actually there was one thing that was very distressing to me that I could not wait to change. Yes, that was it! I asked for the money to re-do our bedroom into a spa retreat.

Let's face it, with an impending layoff in the future (3 weeks and counting)stress is at an all-time high here in my humble abode. I guess I wanted somewhere, anywhere, I could go and feel relaxed, rejuvenated, and refreshed. Since an all-expense-paid trip to Cabo or a long pampering day at the spa are really not in my budget at this point, there had to be something I could do to create an indulgent haven in my own home.

Where are my "before" pics? As usual, they are nowhere to be found. Projects like this one are often a "hit and run." When I make up my mind about something, get out my way...things fly here and there until the process is complete. The decor of this room was a warm palette before this transformation. Mustard walls flanked a velvet patchwork comforter in tones of yellow, green, and burgundy.Oh look, I was able to find a "before" shot. As you can see, what a difference color can make!

My inspiration piece for the new style was the yummy, robin's egg faux fur throw. Is that a gorgeous shade or what? Had to have it....totally! The walls are the same exact hue value as the comforter set. Various topiaries are scattered here and there, while black French accents such as a large clock, bulletin board, and toile lamps further enhance the relaxing feel of the room. I still have to finish the canopy above the bed with soft blue panels and a small crystal chandelier. When I walk in my space now, I just breathe a little bit more slowly and feel instant.......ahhhhh....Merry Christmas to me. Santa was extra special nice to me this year!

Missing in Action and New Ventures

Hi everyone! Why is it that when I am busy, the first item on my list to go on "hold" is always my blog? Are any of your like that too? I really have good intentions, but before you know it, it has been a month since I last blogged. Anyway, you all are in my thoughts, and I will try to be a better blogger ( I promise!)

Where has my time been going these days? Well....I guess you could say the hours in my day are being stretched between many places. Like many of you, I am beyond crazy with sending Christmas cards, gift wrapping presents, and all that is involved with the upcoming holiday. I also just got back from a business trip to Columbus with hubby. Lovely city, by the way!

Another new venture is my new interest in writing "how to" articles for a site called eHow. In fact, there is a new link you can click on my link bar to read some of my pieces. I also had a professional, my dear Ashley, who put a new eHow bar on the right side of my blog with the articles I have written. My daughter, who is a professional writer, is my biggest cheerleader in this new undertaking. Aren't daughters just the best? It has been fun and challenging, but I think it is a new direction I am going to take as I head into my 50s (yes, this year I hit the big 5-0). Want a sample of an one of my articles to get a "flavor?" Read below.

How to Create a Cozy Home

Home….just the word conjures up visions of warm and fuzzy nights by the fire, homemade comfort meals from the kitchen, and lovely times spent with family and friends. When thinking of creating this wonderful haven, incorporate the five senses to make the ultimate cozy retreat.

Sight. There is nothing quite as wonderful as a visually beautiful home. To make the ultimate home retreat, it is important to utilize lots of fabric to soften the look of your décor. Drape dining room chairs in gorgeous covers. Accent the sofa with coordinating pillows and a soft, fuzzy throw. Decorate the bed and bath with a wonderful comforter and thirsty spa towels. By incorporating fabric into a home decor, instant “cozy” is accomplished.

Smell. Mmmmm….the aroma of a well-loved space is something that cannot be underestimated. The sense of smell is the strongest of all the senses, so capitalize on this fact by using fragrant candles, potpourri, and room sprays to accessorize your home. There are options ranging from warm, fresh-baked sugar cookies to fresh, hung-on-the-line cotton breezes. Pick your favorites and add a little extra layer of warmth to your home.

Touch. We all love to feel luxurious items such as leather, velvet, and faux fur. There is just something relaxing about tactile elements in a well-dressed home. With this in mind, fill your home with some beautiful accents that are “touchable.” A leather club chair draped with a faux fur throw in an intimate corner creates a lovely private space for curling up and reading a book. How about accessorizing a sofa filled with velvet pillows for enjoying a late-night movie with someone you love? By providing lots of “touchable” accents in your home, a comfortable and “cozy” home become a reality.

Taste. What are you cooking tonight for dinner? There is nothing that says, “cold home” quite so much as an empty refrigerator full of unrecognizable leftovers. Comfort foods simmering away on the stove, baked goods fresh from the oven, and scrumptious meals concocted in the slower cooker, create a yummy atmosphere that is warm and inviting.

Hearing. Remember those wonderful lazy days on your Grandmother’s porch? The summer breezes were further enhanced by the melodic tones of a well-tuned wind chime blowing in the summer wind. The sound of water has long been known to create a relaxing mood in a home. Beautiful music, as a backdrop for a special repas, complete the mood for a memorable evening. Add wonderful sounds to your haven. It really makes an ordinary house feel like a well-loved home!


That's it! Thank you for reading this no-picture post in honor of my new writing interest. I appreciate you stopping by today to see me. I hope you are enjoying the process of the holidays and will visit again very soon! Take care.

Country Ski Lodge....

Isn't it just so much fun decorating the home this time of year? I think I really look forward to December all year long. There is just something about the brilliant Christmas lights, rustic greenery, and shimmering holiday decorations that make my home feel extra special "cozy" and festive. I have been blog hopping a bit to see all the wonderful ways my blogger friends have been "decking their halls," and I am just beyond words impressed with all that I have seen. There is so much talent out there in blogland.With that in mind I thought I would share a little bit more of my wintery decor with everyone.

As I had mentioned in a previous post, my home is really decorated this year in more of a winter sports theme so I can leave everything up all winter long. There is nothing I hate more than taking down my decorations, so this year, I have planned every detail (except, of course, the Christmas tree) to be left up until February. I am always amazed how my decorating "evolves" as I go along.

I didn't really start out with a wintery theme, complete with lots of old fashioned ice skates, but it evolved as I went along. Some of my skates are from family, others from thrift stores. Do you like the snowflake placemats on my lodge table? Target is such a great resource for upscale decor items at a non-upscale price. Gotta love that!

Want another easy way to decorate for the seasons? How about chalkboards for writing fun sayings to depict the time of year. Here I have taken a really large chalkboard and written, "Let it Snow" on it. I even draped one corner with a hand knit scarf I made.

Speaking of scarves, I have some plaid old ones used as table runners and accents all over the house for an added wintertime accent. Simple and inexpensive.

These white birch skis and poles are a find last year from TJ. Aren't they perfect? One cannot have a ski lodge without skis somewhere, and these are adorable ones that can be left on display until the snow is gone in February (or March).

Other ideas for decorating? I have lots and lots (and lots) of faux greenery trees, in all sizes, around my home.

This time of year these little beauties can be purchased very inexpensively from AC Moore or Michaels. They add that added Adirondack feel that I love so much in this home.

I hope you all are enjoying your decorating this year. I'm off to see more of your lovely holiday homes. Thanks for your inspiration, and thank you all again for visiting my little blog today. :)

Have a Cupcake!

Well, maybe a "faux" cupcake.....Help me celebrate my new blog look which is much more simple and clean. I just am loving how it turned out. My very talented daughter helped me soooooo much with the new look. If you get a chance, please take a moment and check out her wonderful blog, The Never Homemaker She and her husband take you through all kinds of home projects including home improvement, vegetarian cooking and baking, and home decor. Thank you Ash...I love it!

FREE SHIPPING.....on all scarves

Hi everyone! Did you all have a wonderful holiday? Did you survive black Friday? I hope so. I just wanted to pop in and let you all know that I am offering free US shipping on all the scarves in my Etsy shop from now until December 11th. Some of them even have vintage millinery pins.

Also, as you can see, my blog is still undergoing some weird changes. I will have a new template up soon, which will be beautiful!

Have a great day!

Happy, Happy Thanksgiving...

Wishing you all a very happy and healthy Thanksgiving. For me, it is all about the pies. Never met one I didn't absolutely love (well...may not mincemeat!). I am going out with family for a wonderful holiday tomorrow. Whether you are cooking or just enjoying....wishing you a joyous day and weekend. Hugs, Amy

Having a Sale....

Just in time for the holidays, I am having a sale at both my shops Winterberry Creek website and Winterberry Etsy From now until December 11th, I am offering 15% off all my already low prices so you can get a little treat for you or someone special. Upon purchase of your item, I will send you a Paypal invoice with the appropriate discount for you to finish your transaction.Yeah... enjoy the holiday sale.

Wishing you all a wonderful holiday tomorrow. Enjoy your day! Hugs, Amy