Sunday, December 22, 2013

Pumpkin Sweet Roll Recipe…


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Don't they look delicious? Well I can tell you that....THEY ARE!
Although I did stop at just one, I had a hard time doing so.
I found these on Pinterest. Do you ever go there? I am in love with that place and find that I need to really be careful of how often I get on that website, as I will get lost and spend much more time than expected on there. It can be a time stealer for you if you're not careful!
Anyway, I ran across this recipe and thought you might like to try it. It's very simple and easy to follow....and the results are simply delicious!
 
 
On another note...how is the weather in your neck of the woods? We are still in the middle of hazardous weather conditions. Have been since Friday. I believe they said it was going to last into tomorrow morning. Seems like it's been this way for a week now. Snow, rain, snow, rain. I wish it would make up it's mind.
 
Joe has been out on the snow blower digging us out of the mess old man winter has been sending our way. I think he likes it out there. His mom always loved a good snow storm.
 
 
 
I hope you are all inside snug as a bug in a rug. One thing I love about a snow storm is the ambiance and romance of it all. You know, like in One Special Night with James Garner and Julie Andrews. Did you ever see that movie? You should, it's a good one!
 
Well, I can tell you that I'm going to stay inside where it's warm, and enjoy a hot cup of tea by the fire....and maybe another sweet roll!
 
 
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Blessings,
Julie

Tuesday, December 17, 2013

Our Keeper's Christmas Party and a Prayer Request....


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Good evening everyone! It's so cold outside....-10*F. Brrr!
I hope you're warm.
 
Last week was our Annual Keeper's of the Home Christmas Party.
As you can see, we had a lovely time. Lots of food, games, laughs, food, but most of all...great friends!
 
I'd like to ask everyone for some prayers. My mother's sister was involved in a bad car accident yesterday and is in the intensive care unit. She has multiple injuries, and is in a very depressed state of mind. If you could just remember her in your prayers over the next few days/weeks, we'd be very grateful. Thank you!
 
Stay warm!
Blessings,
Julie
 
 

Monday, December 9, 2013

A Christmas Craft….


 Good morning! It's a cold one out there too! Hope you're nice and warm.
 
I have a little craft for you. It would make a nice gift if you need an extra one for that last minute party or added person on your Christmas list....or maybe you just want to treat yourself to something nice. Either way, this will be great!
 
We made this a couple weeks ago in the Primitive Craft Class that I teach for our local Adult Ed Program.
 
Okay, this is what you'll need...
 
  1. burlap
  2. black acrylic craft paint
  3. a pouncer
  4. stencil
  5. poly-fil
  6. pins
  7. embroidery floss/needle
  8. scissors
  9. paper plate
  10. newspaper

 

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I didn't measure out my burlap and cut it until I finished stenciling. That way I didn't have to worry about centering the stencil to my pillow. You can make any size pillow you like.

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You want to start by placing a small amount of paint on a paper plate. Dip your pouncer in the paint and then pounce a good part of it off the pouncer. Remember...it's easier to add paint than it is to take it away. Less is always best. That's what I tell my class.


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Tape your stencil to your burlap and start pouncing. You also want to make sure that you have newspaper or something behind the area you are stenciling, as the paint may leak through.

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Once you reach the end of your stencil, just gently pull it off.

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This is when you will cut the burlap for your pillow. Once the size has been decided, just fold it over so that wrong sides are together. I folded in my cut edge, but you don't necessarily have to.

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Pin the edges together.

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Thread an embroidery needle with some floss. I used 3 strands of floss and a sewed it together using a blanket stitch. If you are not familiar with this stitch you can watch this tutorial.

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Make sure you leave a small unstitched area at the end for stuffing. I've been known to forget that part!


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This is my finished pillow. Perfect for the holidays!

 
Have fun crafting!
 
Blessings,
Julie



Monday, November 25, 2013

A Cold Day Here in Maine...


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Good morning everyone!
It sure is a cold day here in Maine. Is it cold where you live?
I think if we had a bit more snow on the ground it would insulate us better and not be so cold.
 
As you can see in the pictures above, Hollie seems to be adjusting to her new home. We were worried for a while, but she's doing well. She still has times where she stares up at the old farmhouse like she's missing home, though.
 
My sweet husband cooked us a big breakfast on Sunday morning. Did I mention to you before what a great cook he is? I think he missed his calling.
 
Well Thanksgiving is coming right up and there is so much to do. We are hosting my family for dinner. A new tradition we started after my dad passed away last year. There will be around 18 of us, I think.
 I really enjoy the Thanksgiving holiday. A time for giving thanks for all of our blessings...and we do have so many don't we.
 
I love that it's the one holiday that we have that's not so commercialized and blown up. Just a simple time of year where family and friends gather and thank the good Lord above for all we have and have been blessed to know.
 
Wherever you are in the world, I do hope that you and yours are safe, healthy and are celebrating this wonderful holiday with family and friends.
 
Do you have any special traditions? Memories? I'd love to hear all about them.
 
Happy Thanksgiving friends!
 
Blessings,
Julie

Monday, November 18, 2013

November Keeper’s Meeting…


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We had our November Keeper’s meeting last week and as you can see, we learned how to make our own wreathes.
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It smelled just like Christmas.
Don't you just love that smell!
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Marianne has been doing this for a while now, so she whipped hers up in no time.
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Louann decorated hers as she went along. BEAUTIFUL!
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At the end of the evening we had a drawing for a large wreath that Janice made.
CONGRATULATIONS RENAE!!!
She said she never wins anything, so we were glad she won the wreath.

I would also like to thank Big Rock Mountain for allowing us to use their facility to make our wreathes. Your generosity is greatly appreciated!

Another lovely night with some wonderful ladies!
I feel so blessed to have made such wonderful friends!
I can’t wait to see them again next month.
Blessings,
Julie

Tuesday, November 12, 2013

We’re Finally In…..

 
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Yes! We are moved in….FINALLY!!!
We are thrilled to be in our new home…our “Someday House”.
There is still lots to do, but it’ll all get done over time.
I have so much painting to do, it’s crazy! I’m pretty sure I’ll be a professional by the time I’m done. Don’t call though, I’m not for hire…LOL!
 
I hope you enjoy
the little snippets of pictures above.
 
Now I need to get back to my painting. The holidays are coming!
 
Blessings,
Julie

Sunday, October 27, 2013

The End is Near....


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Front door trim.
I still need to paint the door, but I need to wait for warmer weather. I'm hoping we'll get a couple  more nice days before Old Man Winter visits.
 
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More flooring going down.
 
 
 
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Window trim getting put on.
 
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Doors are all in place.
 
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I just had to get a picture of our sweet little granddaughter.
 
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I love the finished floor!
 
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I couldn't resist! She's so darn cute!
 
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 A cleaning bee last week. We took a little lunch break and enjoyed some pizza.
 
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My mom and sister helping out with the painting. Well, maybe just my mom helping with the painting. My sister was quick to let us know she doesn't do painting. LOL! I still love you Robbi Girl!
 
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The stairway is done.
 
 
 
The fireplace is finally in place.
 
 
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Our attic is nicely insulated. Not a job I'd want to do everyday, but I always wondered how they spray insulate attics.
 
As you can see, progress is being made, but there is still lots to be done. We were expecting to be in last week, but it looks like it may be this week sometime instead. We're okay with that, though. I still have so much painting to do!
 
Blessings,
Julie

The Potager Garden

Good morning folks! It's another cool rainy day, here in Northern Maine. Our long winter has turned into a long, cold spring. Let's...