Monday, January 16, 2012

WINTER RAMBLINGS

It has been a quiet day with The Husband working at home and me just fiddling and fluffing and not doing much of anything. I love days like this. Nowhere to go, nowhere I have to be. It's gloomy, although warm, and I was hoping to get some good photos for you. Last week I found a dough bowl that I fell in love with on eBay. I think it took less than 4 days to arrive on my doorstep. I truly love it and so of course I am going to show it off.
I thought when The Husband came up for air, we would have a nice snack, including Maggie's chutney. You might remember that she sent this to me last month as a sweet little gift, as I had never had chutney before. I am looking forward to trying it today.
I have a nice selection of cheeses and sausage and some bread and crackers, and I arranged it all in my dough bowl instead of on a cheese plate {so I could show it off, of course}. One of the cheeses is from England, Maggie! Since it is only 3:00, we will have mineral water instead of wine. Maybe not, what would they do in France?
It was a busy weekend. Yesterday we all met at Kevin and Mary Clare's new home. Well, they are awaiting the inspection, but then it will be theirs. It really is beautiful, a simple city Georgian, all freshly painted with new carpet throughout. They are so excited. Afterward we went to a little pub around the corner that we frequent a lot, Fox's. They have the best pizza and sandwiches in Chicago. My picture is a little grainy, but you can see all the dark wood and paneling...it's very cozy.
Saturday night we met a group of friends at Jenny's, a steakhouse. One of the girls is an actress/comedian and she had us rolling on the floor laughing. It really was a fun night! Didn't I mention in my last post that I really needed to get out. That I did!
I recently broke down and upgraded my camera. I spent a good part of Saturday reading the manual and taking pictures. This is one I took of Milo. I think he would prefer a less feminine background but he loves the couch! Anyway, I am loving the new camera and I wanted to mention that there is a blogger, Aimee at It's Overflowing that has a weekly series on photography that you might want to check out. It's on Fridays and you can follow the link. I have already read two posts and they are immensely helpful.

Another thing I recently did was had my blog put into book form. I have now been blogging 3 years, so I had 3 volumes made. They haven't arrived yet. I am so excited. I did this through The Cutest Blog On The Block and you basically make your own book. And then it arrives, a hardcover {or soft} book filled with all your posts {chapters} and pictures. I'm anxiously awaiting the UPS man...as usual.

So, how did you spend your weekend? :-)

64 comments:

NanaDiana said...

It sounds like you had a wonderful, get-out-and-about weekend. I know you needed that. It was hectic around here with Packers playing (and losing) the game. Sadtown is what we have today.

I should do that blog book thing. What a good idea and something to have if your blog POOFDISAPPEARS..which I know can, and does, happen.

I have a busy week lined up if my ankle cooperates. xo Diana

White Ironstone Cottage said...

Can't wait to hear how you like your blog books
Such a fun idea
Love
xxoo
Pam

Jeanne Henriques said...

You are full of fabulous ideas Jane...I love the links you provided today and can't wait to check them out..I hope you enjoyed the chutney. I love it with ham and cheese.

It looks to me that you are doing well with your camera, that pic of MIlo is a keeper!

Best wishes to you Jane..

Jeanne xx

Lou Cinda @ Tattered Hydrangeas said...

Sounds like a great weekend....laughter...the best! I know the newlyweds are so excited about the new house, and 5 minutes from you! Awesome!

Love Milo, the picture is great! LOVE that couch! I got a new camera for Christmas and I have been meandering through the manual...need to go to the link you provided...Thanks!

Lou Cinda

Something Nice and Pretty said...

I should do that with the blog books, how neat but I'll wait and see how you like yours before I decide!
Love the wood tureen, I have one too that I found on Ebay a few years ago.
Have a great day!
Rondell♥

Alison @ The Polohouse said...

Looks like a great time Jane!
I just bought a wooden dough bowl very similar and posted on it last week with the workbench. I love those bowls too.

Where did you order your blog in hardcopy? How clever! Let us all know how that turns out and if you are pleased with it. I am coming up on a one year anniversary at the end of next month so maybe the timing is perfect?

Thanks for sharing!
Hope the chutney was yummy.
I have never had a bad one!
xoxox
A

Debby said...

Glad you are getting out and feeling better.
Love the pub. Can't wait to see the new house.
Would you share the cost of the books.......I really want to do that but I have no idea what the cost would be.
Your dogge picture came out good. I want a new camera but nothing fancy.

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

Sounds like a perfect day, Jane! Today was kind of like that for me, except I have my daughter and granddaughter here. They are both napping at the moment! : ) What a great idea to put your blog in book form! I never heard of that before ~ I'll have to check that out.

Unknown said...

Always great to get out from the winter stay at home weather.

My hubby just saved all my blog posts on disc so that they will not be lost. Thinking about doing the book deal also.

We are super busy this week with down septic & tankless water heater issues.

Have an awesome week ~
TTFN ~
Marydon

Teresa@1800 Farmhouse Rd said...

Love the dough bowl! How neat about your blog being put into book form. I can't wait to see what you think about it! It is gloomy here too, but I have worked all day long!

Kerry said...

Love your dough bowl Jane and the photo of Milo. That new camera was a great investment :)

Theresa said...

Oh what a fun post! My oldest Brother has a bread bowl that was made with my Daddy's own two hands! It is precious!!!

I have been thinking about doing the blog book but thought it would be too costly with three years of posts!

Looks like you all had a fun weekend! I can't wait to see the new home!

What a wonderfully tasty gift from your friend! Have a blessed weekend dear Jane, HUGS!

Pinky at Designs by Pinky said...

Congrats on your new camera and dough bowl! Thanks for the link to the photography tutorials too, I could use some help:) Sounds like you had a fun weekend!! XO, Pinky

Olive said...

The dough bowl is wonderful Jane and you can do so much with them. I have two right now but am always looking. I think it is awesome that you are getting your blog in book form. I know you are so excited to hold it in your hands. hugs, olive

Linda said...

I am going to do do the blog book as well. I keep a journal and have for 26 years. My youngest daughter wants those when I am 'gone' since it has been her entire lifetime....up to the point when I 'leave.' So I thought I would do the blog to print for my oldest daughter. The two sons could care less! They are MEN!

Sooooo???? Water or wine??

Anonymous said...

Sounds like you've had a great time recently. Thanks for posting the link for the photo tips. I've never seen that blog before, but after taking a peek, it looks like I'll learn a lot.

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

We went out to eat with the mothers in law, spent quality time at home cooking, football football football... it was a good weekend here too.

Crystal Rose Cottage said...

I love days like that too. Sometimes my days turn into that simply because I can not get out of 1st gear. I just get so lazy sometimes! Ugh. Dark gloomy days do that to me I think. We went to a funeral on Saturday, a girlfriend from high school. Sad, but service was uplifting . Seen some classmates I had not seen since graduation. Could we really be middle age??? Oy! Sunday was pretty relaxing though. Getting tooth done this Friday. I am so tired of eating on one side and the pulsating coming from the other.I just want it to be over! Have a great week Jane!~Hugs, Patti

Susan Shull said...

I just stumbled across your blog and I can't wait to dig in and explore! Love your idea of publishing your entries as a book.

Lynn said...

Lovin' your new dough bowl Jane and the snack looks great! What's that white stuff on the ground?:@)

Sarah said...

Jane, thanks for the link. I'm always eager for help with taking photos.
Everyone needs a good dough bowl, so enjoy. I want to have books made of my blog as well. Thanks for the reminder. ~ Sarah

Pondside said...

I am quite determined to find a nice dough bowl - so many uses for one!
You filled your weekend with great activity, from the sound of it. I think that a glass of wine is never remiss after 12 noon - so I hope you had some with your cheese and chutney!

Sunflowers With Smiles said...

Love the doughbowl....Like the idea of your blog book! Sounds interesting!

Anonymous said...

beautiful post, positive, happy, loving type of post, just perfect, love the dough bowl!

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Love your new dough bowl. I would have the wine :-)

Anonymous said...

I love the dough bowl and the dough bowl arrangement.

Cute picture of Milo!

Pam - @diy Design Fanatic said...

Wonderful ramblings, Jane. So glad you found a great dough bowl on ebay. I love that site. It's very cool that that you're getting a book made from your blog.

Betsy Brock said...

Fiddling and fluffing...I call that puttering! And it's my favorite thing to do, too! :)

Julie Marie said...

Hi Jane, I love your new dough bowl!... now I want one... Milo looks adorable on the couch... a mini Tessy!... I am excited to hear you got your blog made into a book, I am going to check into that place, the one I checked before was waaayyy too expensive!... sounds like you always have so much fun with your family and friends... glad you enjoyed your night out... xoxo Julie Marie

Heaven's Walk said...

What a wonderful week you're having, Jane! Nothing better than a gooooood hot pizza in a cozy pizza joint! :) Luv your dough bowl! and thanks for the scoop on the blogbook! Was it expensive to make?

xoxo laurie

All That Glitters said...

I've been just plain lazy and craving lots of chocolate!

Can't wait to hear about your books!

Sue said...

I don't think I had nearly as much fun as you did this weekend. I did a treatment to our hardwood floor and then I did a redo (today's post) on my china cabinet yesterday. In between I am reading The Hunger Games books and I would treat myself to a bit of reading between projects!

I love the bread bowl.

I've been wanting to do the blog books and I just haven't gotten around to messing with it. I need to put that on the list!

Elaine said...

Love the dough bowl. Hope you enjoyed the chutney. I love apple cranberry chutney so good on sandwiches.

Congrats on the new camera. Great shot of Milo, he's so cute.

I read about the blog book. Do let us know how you like it.

Maggie said...

Love the new dough bowl and am honoured that you chose my chutney for it's first outing! Hope you had a glass of wine with the cheese.
Will check out the photography blog as I do need help with my pix.
I have a friend who has always had books made of her blog she advised me to do the same, so will check that out too.

Daydream Living said...

Hi Jane!
You know how I love to read your ramblings, so to see that you and I where on the same page about putting our blogs into a book, fab girl!
I will check out your link, I am making books (holidays etc) in Blurb, looking forward to see how yours will look.
Chutney is great, I had it not so many times with curry and rice, yum! Enjoy the week honey, and I'm glad I have met you, if I'm ever in the area I will love to meet for coffee, who knows right? Hugs!
Maureen x

PAINTORDIG.blogspot.com said...

Glad you are better and getting out.I need to make a blog book, that sounds like fun.

Debbiedoos said...

I have to do that book thing soon..that is a great idea. Looks like you had a fab weekend. I love the chutney.

Balisha said...

I made some books out of my blog a year or so ago. They turned out beautifully. I got the idea when a blogger friend made one up of all my poems, when I had surgery. I treasure these books. It's easier to read them that going back through the archives. My husband encouraged me to do it, because he thought the kids might like to have them someday.Since I blog most everyday, it's time to make another one.
Love your blog...Balisha

Ricki Treleaven said...

What a brilliant idea about making your blog into a book!!! I want to check that out.

I hope you are enjoying your new camera! Your puppy's photo is so cute!

Charlene said...

LOVE your bread bowl & how clever of you to set up that pretty little vignette! Good luck with the camera. I'm still not sure what all mine will do! I am so behind on my blog reading as the holidays seemed to kick my keester! Missed you girlfriend!

Tammy@Beatrice Banks said...

Love your dough bowl!
Yay for a new camera! Thanks for the tip on the helpful blog. Going to check that out.
And the blog book sounds like a great thing to do. You've got me thinking!

Unknown said...

You've been pretty busy for "not doing much at all"... What great ideas with the blog book and the photo tutorials, I will check them out. Love your bowl too! XO Cindy

Daniella said...

sounds like a lovely time you had! And getting your blog made into a book sounds awesome!! I never heard of that!!
Have a wonderful week!
xxDaniella

April said...

I've had 5 blog books published so far via Shared Book and I'm very pleased with them. Am hoping to pass them down to my girls one day.

Vera said...

Loveley dogs !!!
Best wishes
Vera

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

OH Jane, That little afternoon snack is to die for! Hope hubby enjoyed it :) Never thought about making a book about our blog....hmmmm!! What fun :) Have a great day & can't wait to hear all about your book!

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

I am so happy that you ordered your blog made into a book. I am about to order my third one and love them. For Christmas this year ... I ordered the girl's blog books for them. They loved them.

Fondly,
Glenda

Elyse said...

hi!

i've always thought about doing the blog-to-book thing. that will be so fun to look through!

i hope that your new year is off to a bright beginning!

xo
elyse

www.raemissigman.com said...

You always find a way to fill the time nicely! Enjoy your week!
Rae

Lori said...

So glad you got out and about ~ I know you were looking forward to that.

I have wanted to look into getting mine put into a book also ~ I will have to go and check out some of the prices. I am coming up on 3 years too ~ hard to believe isn't it!

Carolyn@Sweet Chaos Home said...

Love your dough bowl! I've been eyeing them for some time, but haven't found a reasonable one yet.

Sounds like you had a fun weekend. Hope you're staying warm :)

Mary said...

My very old French dough bowl is much used and enjoyed - expensive yes, worth it, certainly!

Enjoy yours Jane.

bj said...

Hi, Blondie, I love that dough board. Really looks like a nice one.

I've been thinking of doing the Blog Book. I'll take a look at it over where you did yours. Be sure to tell us how you like it......:)

Lynne said...

What a fabulous idea about the blog books! I hope that you share them when they arrive.

You dough bowl presentation is lovely...I hope you enjoyed your chutney!
~Lynne
[w/L]

Bunny Jean said...

Hi Jane!

I hope you enjoy Maggie's gift, isn't she sweet?! I think wine at 3:00 is okay... especially along with all the goodies sitting in that new dough bowl.

I will go check out Aimee's blog. I could certainly use some good advice on photography!

xoxo Bunny Jean

xinex said...

I like the dough bowl ad I will be searching for one to own one. What a nice weekend you had, love that, a relaxing one with no pressures. Congrats on your son and DIL on their first home, that is very exciting! I have 3 volums of blog books too but I need to print more. I am really behind....Christine

Made In The South said...

Oh Milo looks so cute...I use poor Max all the time to try out new lens and setting for my camera. LOL
Heck, the kids run now when they see the camera. LOL
Please share with us how you like your blog books. I would love to do that!
Melissa

Babs said...

Your weekend sound lovely, and with Maggie's home made chutney. Yum.
The dough bowl looks really nice and a good size.
Hope this weekend is a "good 'un".
Hugs,
Babs

Anonymous said...

Hi Jane! Glad you were able to get out and have fun! Now I'm loving that dough bowl. I'm on the look for one!
I'd love to have my blog made into a book! :)
Little Milo is darling and you're doing great with your new camera and I will go and check out that blogsite!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Tricia said...

That dough bowl will come in handy for all kinds of decorating. I have a big old one and I sure love mine. That blog book you ordered sure sounds interesting too. I can't wait to hear what you think of yours. It seems like a good idea...I'm a book lover so that really appeals to me.

How exciting about your new camera, Jane! I bought the big giant manual for my camera since it has so much more information than the manual that they give you...I need to read mine over again though, I think. I'll have to check out that photo blog you talked about too. Hope you have a good weekend :)

koralee said...

Oh what a good idea....to have your blog in a book. Like a little diary. I know it will be amazing.
Hugs to you for a great weekend. xoxox

Heather said...

Hi, my name is Heather! Please email me when you can, I have a question about your blog!

HeatherVonSJ[at]gmail[dot]com

Laurel@ChippingwithCharm said...

Wow, lots of fun info...the photo tips, the blog books...great resourses. Thanks! Hope you had a good snack with your hubby :) Chat soon, Laurel

Mark Norkaitis said...

You have a very nice blog! Happy I got a chance to take a look around! Your newest follower!

Mark @ room 363