Holiday cleaning

With gifts shared, food eaten and hubby back at work, I finally cleaned the garage. After the Holiday Flea, I just had hubby stack it in.  Then the Christmas decorations were there, glaring at me. So I started sorting my pretties first. 

This beautiful bronze dresser set was on my dresser for years. 

These sweet French lights are ready to hang. I no longer have a place for them. I was going to put it in our new bathroom but they didn't go. 

I am not sure this will make it to the etsy shop. I may just have a place for it!

This set came from a local household v it is a treasure from Victorian times. See the hair collector jar. 

A beautiful set of Limones platters (set of 3).  I may still hang these but they are very heavy

I bought this for our laundry room. It does not fit. So sad!!  But it is a beauty

Day 2 in the garage is up today. What is on your mind to do today?

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Holiday Joy

It has been a busy holiday season. I have created gifts for friends and family.  I made these sweet stockings out of an old coverlet. 

I also made sheet music ornaments sprinkled with German glitter glass

This display incorporated sheet music, glitter an old drawer.  The little candle was the last gift my best friend gave me. She passed away after fighting cancer. This year I am lighting this for her sweet memory. 

Hubby and I made a few wreaths for the porch. 

This reindeer wreath turned out perfect for the front door. 

I made this banner a few years ago. One side is Christmas and the other soft blues. 

No, I didn't make the reindeer headband. But Sophia is smiling for the camera. I did make them doggie scarves

I made the scrabble Santa and reindeer ornaments

Loved meeting an old friend and going to her church

Sharing special moments with my family

 Atti is learning the violin and I went to his first recital 

 

Some gift swapping with bloggers

Receiving beautiful handmade gifts 

  

I made signs for family and me

Went to a wonderful season flea market and was a vendor. My sister in-law got this beautiful stoneware complete with decorations 

Next year I want to make those terrainium. Also loved this metal tree

 My booth did very well!

 The sweet puppy didn't hurt drawing people in!

I found some beautiful presents for my family. One gift was hard to let go. This sweet book went to my dear cousin, Star. She is waiting for a lung transplant and is the most inspirational person. 

I pray you all have a wonderful Christmas. Di

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Zappa Toscana

I'm Baby it's cold outside!  It is also rainy. So, I thought so hot soup was in order. 

 I just happened to have all the ingredients in the house. I had been to The Chop Shop, a great butcher shop in Asheville, and bought a wonderful assortment of sausages. I also had fresh kale right outside my door. I planted these late fall vegetables and thought I would have a salad one day. But no, I harvested it.

The kale is so fresh and tender. Here is the recipie 

Zappa Toscana

1 lb spicy sausage - I used chorizo sausage and Italian

4 russet potatoes 

1 onion

3 cloves garlic

1/4 cup bacon

32 oz chicken stock

1/2 bunch kale

1 cup heavy whipping cream

Salt

Pepper

Paprika or cayenne pepper. I used smoked paprika because I didn't want extra spice

 Brown the sausage, then slice it put in the crockpot. Peel the potatoes and chop, place in pot with cropped onion and garlic. Add stock and then water to cover all.  Stir and cook on high for 3-4 hours on high or 5-6 on low, or until potatoes are soft. 

30 min prior to finish

Take 2 tbsp on flour and mix into cream, add into pot with kale. Cook on high for 30 minutes to thicken. When ready add bacon on top and serve

One of the easiest winter soups I have made. I found my recipe from my friend on Facebook and the last picture on my recipes.com, http://www.myrecipes.com/recipe/zuppa-toscana/print

I hope you try it. Di

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Christmas Home Tour

Christmas holiday Tour At Cottage Wishes

This is our first Christmas in this house. It is good to be home and see our favorite items. 

I made this sign on an old barn wood board. 

The Farris wheel is loaded for the holidays with my parents 50's ornaments 

Our master bedroom dressed up. The banner is reversable. 

The reason for the season!

Moving toward the kitchen

My tin collection and Santa's fit perfectly. Next year I want some greenery to brighten the area. 

I love the smell of the tree and fresh herbs. This is a time for family to gather, my son in law's sister made this sweet sign last year.  I love little one and claim him as one of my grandsons.

Cooking station, usually husbands station!!  But I can cook too.

Our coffee station

The gathering room:  the living room, kitchen and dining room are all within sight.

The dining room with a fragrant air plant in a 1890's tea pot

Moving towards the front door, I put up the kids stockings.

My cottage furniture suits the season perfectly and I put a crazy quilt that is unfinished on top to make it all Christmasy

 

The other quest room and my craft room

I wish you all many blessing this Christmas, Di

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