Wednesday, January 23, 2013

WINTER HAPPENINGS


I hung on to some evergreen from Christmas and thought it would give a wintry little feeling in this pitcher.  And yes, this is in my bathroom!

I am gearing up for a few days of busyness.  Tomorrow Emily and I are meeting up with my brother's two daughters that are in town from southern Indiana.  It has been years since we've seen them.  We're having lunch at the Grand Luxe Cafe on Michigan Ave. downtown.  It's a huge, crowded sort of eclectic restaurant that I have always loved.  I think my nieces are going to love it, too.  Since our temps are in the teens, I doubt there will be any retail therapy involved!  Can't wait to see you Mindy and Katy!  Friday, Emily and I meet with the wedding shower planner at the country club we decided on, and Saturday The Husband and I are escaping to Cedarburg, Wi., again for a a little winter respite at that little inn we found in November.  If it's not too frigid, maybe we will get that carriage ride in!

Well, I'm looking out my window and it has started to snow.  It's so pretty, I hope it sticks.  I hope all of you are having a good week.  See you soon! :)

Joining Claudia at her Favorite Things party.  Visit Mockingbird Hill Cottage on Saturday and join in on the fun!

55 comments:

Susie said...

Blondie, When boughs come off our pine trees, I put them in the flower pots by the porch. Some times I pinch the needles to smell the freshness of pine. I like your red rug. I have a couple small rugs simalar to yours. Hope your neice is better...so scary. Stay warm..xoxo,Susie

Barbara F. said...

This flu season is off the charts this year. It is so bitterly cold here, and we are supposed to get snow on Friday, maybe into Sat. I am not a snow lover, I can definitely be a snow bird, though. Enjoy your visits with your nieces and have fun at the B&B. I have to get back to today's post, ready to hit 'publish' soon. xo

Beth said...

Those cupcakes look so good! I hope that the baby is Ok now. The flu has been awful this year.

ℳartina @ Northern Nesting said...

Layla's such a cutie and I love your new rug Jane!
It seems like so many people are coming down with the flu. So sorry to hear about your niece being hospitalized, I hope she feeling better!

Kathy @ Creative Home Expressions said...

You have got a lot going on, Jane! Hope your hubby is feeling better and better now as the weeks go on. Looking forward to seeing what you do in your kitchen. We have been having some flurries here today, but I think any actual snowfall is due Thursday night into Friday. Hopefully, not too much as I hate driving in it. I'm going to try and get whatever I need at the store tomorrow morning though so I'm prepared.

Olive said...

Hi Jane, flu is all over the place here too and it started early in November. I love your rug. We went to an estate sale Saturday and my SIL bought one a little smaller than that for her kitchen. She has beautiful wood floors in her kitchen too. I love the peek I had of your island. Send me some snow please. Shelley puppy and I are in front of the fire and it is cold but never snow for us. hugs, olive

NanaDiana said...

Jane-It sounds like you are having a good day in spite of the cold. It is awful here, too. I think we were up to 5º today.
This flu thing is awful this year. My dil has it and my son is in CEDARBURG today so I have to pick their baby up from daycare in a bit until my son can get home.

Your new rug is beautiful, Jane. I love those old heavy wool rugs, too. It will be fun to see what you do with your colors.

Make sure you get a bowl of soup at the old mill in Cedarburg...it has always been good and it is kind of fun to roam through the shops in the mill. (I haven't been in a couple of years).

Have a good night and stay warm- xo Diana

Sweet Posy Dreams said...

It was fun to see the snow today, but no accumulation. This has been one of our least snowy winters in northern Illinois.

Hope the flu doesn't hit your house. I am with you on the sweet tooth thing. My husband tells me I should exercise more but then he brings home muffins! Maybe I should exercise more -- beats dieting!

Julie Marie said...

Oh Jane, those cupcakes look so yummy!...and please don't ever give up your treats!... life is too short... I would rather walk extra each day or ride the stationary bike extra than give up goodies I love!... we need them for our mental well being you know!... love your new rug!... I have those all over our home, and you are right... they are just about indestructible!... we have hardwood floors and they warm them up so nicely... Tessy lays on all of them, and they are so easy to vacuum... love the colors you chose too!!!... hope you have a nice little getaway with your hubby... it is so bitter cold here but at least the sun is out today... so many people here have had that awful flu... mine lasted almost 20 days!... stay warm!... xoxo Julie Marie

Deborah said...

Hi Jane!
Freshly falling snow is so pretty, isn't it?
Those cupcakes look so yummy...I love baking too...and sampling ;)
I love that cozy rug too...great choice.
Someone sure looks comfy on it! ;) We are a fan of b & b's too! Hope you enjoy your little winter respite together.
I pray your family recovers quickly from the flu...theres so much of that going around...all over.
Love & warm hugs to you!

All my heart,
Deborah xoxo

Kathleen Grace said...

I'm trying to go low carb (again) and the photo of those cupcakes isn't helping! lol.
Why can't we be strong? I don't know. We joined the gym and I hate going. Probably becasue I see the people who go all the time who look great and feel even fatter than usual, but I keep telling myself it isn't going to get any better if I don't go and work out. So far, no change:>(
I love your rug. We recently put new wood floors in so I am searching for rugs to put down in the master bedroom and hall. I already found one for the living room. Oh how I wish I could putter around the house in my jammies every day! Stay warm!

Anonymous said...

I share your love of sweets and have no strength to resist! I really like your new rug, I have one very much the same!

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...

oooh, I share your weakness for sweets. SO hard to get into a clean eating and regular exercise routine.

Love the rug and your kitchen ideas.. and that pup curled up on it :-)

Sarah said...

Pretty new rug. And the cupcakes look yummy. I'm trying to lay off the sugar here, but I'm not very successful. Coconut cake with 7 minute frosting......my favorite ~ just finished off the last piece today. Perhaps now I can be good. ;-)

Anonymous said...

Oh Jane, I have the curse of the sweet cravings, too. So hard to stay away from it. Love your new rug ~ I bet it really warms up your kitchen. Enjoy your lunch with your nieces ~ sounds like fun!

Susan Freeman said...

It's always so much fun catching up with you! I am sorry to hear about your niece. I am just getting over one type of flu. It was so miserable and I can't imagine what it must be like to have two kinds at once! Stay well Jane and have fun at your luncheon.

Big Hugs,
Susan and Bentley

Lori said...

Good for you for getting out even with the cold. I have been off this week and have not gone anywhere! Love that new rug ~ looks like it has Layla's approval. Stay warm and have fun with your nieces tomorrow.

Penny from Enjoying The Simple Things said...

Your puppy looks so cute laying on that beautiful rug. It has been cold here in NC too. We are suppose to get some snow on Friday.

Sonny G said...

Love that new rug Jane and those cupcakes look yummy.

enjoy your snow.

Wsprsweetly Of Cottages said...

You are going to take wall paper down and I can't wait to get some up! :) We are so busy, aren't we?

The news does not put Califoria on the map with all the illness that is going around..but perhaps it is just because the count hasn't all been reported. We have it here, believe me.

We have heard from relatives that it's very cold out your way...stay warm and cozy..and don't get sick!

That rug is lovely!!!
Hugs,
Mona

20 North Ora said...

Jane - Love your new rug and looks like Layla does also! Are you painting your cabinets or just your walls?

Everyone around here has bad colds or the flu. It's awful. So far, we've been lucky.

Come on Spring!

Judy

Primitive Stars said...

Evening Jane, cold all over it seems.....oh those cupcakes look so yummy......Beautiful rug, Layla looks like she loves it to, so cute.....Blessings Francine.

Ricki Treleaven said...

I hope you enjoy your lunch with your nieces! You are such a great aunt. I hope your other little niece is feeling better. I love the cupcakes and cupcake tree! How thoughtful.....

xo,
RJ

Melanie said...

My downfall is sweets, too! Though I only like homemade stuff like cookies and brownies, so if anyone was bringing bakery stuff into the house (which they don't), I wouldn't be tempted. Tell that husband of yours to bring home fruit instead! ;-)

I love your rug. I think rugs like that add such warmth to a room.

Hope you have a great time up in Cedarburg...Brian and I are heading up there tomorrow! :-)

Unknown said...

Love your new rug! Can't wait to see your revamped kitchen. Sounds like you have a busy week. We were at the lake until today. On Sunday, I wore shorts....it was 75 degrees and sunny! Wonderful! Today back home in the mountains it is in the upper 30's. COLD!!

Enjoy the weekend with hubby!

Kathy :)

GLENDA CHILDERS said...

There is always something fun going on at your house. So glad you have avoided the flu. We have been washing our hands constantly.

You would think the flu germs would freeze.

Fondly,
Glenda

Theresa said...

Oh my goodness, there is so much sickness! My grandson had to go for fluids from dehydration! It wasn't the flu but a bad virus! I hope all of your loved ones get to feeling better REAL soon! All of those sweets look mighty yummy! I just keep them out of the house and that helps me a lot:) Have a blessed evening, stay warm and stay well! HUGS!

Linda said...

What a warm and wonderful post! I enjoyed every word and every pic!
It's a good idea to stay away from the flu. I don't take any chances!

Snow! LD and I just came inside the camper from sitting by the fire pit.....in short sleeves! This time LAST week it was really winter cold. This week? Not so much! 70's was the high today!

April said...

Chris is in Chicago on business and he said the other morning, it was -3 degrees! I would freeze to death! Of course, it's pretty cold here in GA, too...lows in the 20's! I am so ready for spring...how about you? Man, do those cupcakes make my mouth water! I have a real hard time nipping my sweet cravings in the bud, especially when it involves chocolate!

bj said...

We've had some cold weather...but yesterday was near 70 degrees...AWESOME.

We've had our flu shots and are trying to stay inside....we're painting walls of two houses. Whew..think we may take this day and rest, tho.
xo

Maria Elena said...

Everybody here also got the flu a few weeks ago. I have been watching on the news how terrible the flu season is this year all over the country. Can you believe we are expecting a high of 78 degrees today? I guess our winter is over in Texas! :) Love your new rug! Have fun with your nieces and on your weekend trip with your husband!

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Pretty rug - and Layla is certainly enjoying it! Bet you are looking forward to the new paint in the kitchen. I've removed a lion's share of wallpaper - tough job! How your household is healthy now. We are in the 40's but will have temps at 70 on Tuesday! Crazy weather! Linda

Shirley said...

Good Morning Jane, I am dreading going out the door it is so cold, but I have to needless to say. The flu bug is going around and so far I have been very lucky. They say it isn't the same type as we got the flu shot for. I wonder why that is.
I enjoyed reading your post. Well out to warm up the car and I will enjoy those heated seats as I head to work. Have a great day. Hugs and Prayers from Your Missouri Friend.

Susan EvelynAndRose said...

Hope you're enjoying cozying it up and making stew, Jane. I hear ya about the sweets - it's especially easy to enjoy them in the winter when we're stuck inside. May as well bake!
It's only 2 degrees here this morning. Keep warm, my friend and have fun with your nieces!

podso said...

I'm just picturing that snow falling. Today you are out for lunch and tomorrow the wedding business --sounds like a busy but fun weekend. We are expecting ice here tomorrow. Like your new rug!

Anonymous said...

Your cupcakes look delish!! It's freezing cold here in NJ. We are expecting snow tomorrow. Keep warm.

Kathy

Sue said...

Oh, you are going back to Cedarburg. I tore out the magazine article about there and put it with our "must go here" stash. I've come to realize that if you like it, I probably will too!

I'm freezing...until I hot flash and then I'm freezing again! They say 60's with rain a couple days here next week, but we are supposed to get ice first. Ugh.

I have a major sweet tooth. I love baked goods and I'm trying to cut back. I've started bringing home Snickers 90 calorie ice cream bars and having 2 after dinner. It is just enough and not too damaging. I'm not usually all that excited about ice cream, but when it is my one treat of the day it is amazing how good it is!

Cindy (Applestone Cottage) said...

Back to Cedarburg? I can't wait until we all can meet there. Love, love your new rug!!!
And lunch on Michigan Avenue sounds just perfect!!!
Big Hugs..hi to Al too.
Cindy

Lynne said...

Gosh, there is so much sickness and flu happening right now. I hope that your niece is feeling better and we can all look forward to the end of this viral madness soon!

The rug is going to look amazing with newly painted cream walls and your beautifully refurbished cabinets. (Miss Layla is the perfect charming accessory atop that pretty rug!)

Just when we finished the last of the holiday cookies from the freezer, Mr D decides to bring home a big chocolate cake! Yes...I ate two pieces! I packed the rest for him take to work this morning.
~Lynne
w/L.

Babs said...

Great oriental rug in your kitchen, and a nice size, too. We have two small ones..more like mats, in front of the sink and island. They wear like iron and rarely so spills..good thing. Your cupcakes look so yummy.
I hope your niece is feeling better by now. How awful to have two kinds of flu at the same time. Hugs and stay warm,
Babs

Debbie said...

I love your post, Jane. I felt like I was sitting at your table with you sharing a nice hot cup of tea as we visited.
I'm sorry to hear about your niece being sick. Hope she feels better soon.
Have a wonderful time with family on your outings. Especially with "the husband".
xxoo

Anonymous said...

Hi Janie! What a darling little fuzzy face resting on your rug! Now, I'd love a cupcake - their gorgeous. Hope the little one is better.
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Shabby Brocante, Karen said...

Blondie, stew sounds so good right now and I have nothing planned. You'll probably want to slap me when I tell you it was 67 degrees today in Northern California. we are very spoiled that way. Stay warm!!
Karen

Patty said...

I just bought a cupcake holder from Crate and Barrel and can't wait to use it! You cupcakes look delicious. I enjoyed reading your post about your homes and decorating and family. My son lives in downtown Chicago and I love to visit him and his wife.

Tammy said...

If I am going to eat baked goods then I would rather they be baked at home than bought from a store or bakery. At least I know what I am putting into them. The cupcakes looked so yummy! I just made some shortbread jam bites. I had the flu right after Christmas for 2 days. Sure wiped me out. Worse for the little ones. Take care! Tammy

Tammy said...

PS I love the rug! My favorite color. And Layla looks she finds it comfy cozy. :)

Debra at HOMESPUN: http://www.thehomespun.com said...

Those cupcakes look delicious!

Vee said...

What a great idea for the cupcakes. So many ways to use this one. Have a wonderful time with your family!

Kit said...

Wow! You are certainly busy. Your cupcakes look fantastic and I must go search out my cupboards for a snack...LOL The rug looks lovely and perfect and it definitely got the seal of approval from your fur. You take care and stay away from the flu. Wish me luck on my soon airplane flight, should I wear a mask? :( Kit

The Summer Kitchen Girls said...

Love the rug Jane....makes it look quite cozy in the kitchen! What a difference it will be when the wallpaper comes down ~ can't wait to see the results :) Keep warm lady!!

Debbiedoos said...

You ain't kidding on the sickness Jane. We have it here too. That was so sweet of you to bake those cupcakes. Love the new rug, totally my colors.

Claudia said...

I, too, suffer from a love of sweets. I try to cut down, but it's hard. I think winter is the worst time for me because I crave comfort food and sweets are comfort food for me. The cupcakes look yummy. I hope your extended family recovers from the flu - Don is still struggling with it. It's a tough one.

Thanks so much for joining in this week!

xo
Claudia

Lori E said...

It is like an obstacle course to avoid the flu. It hasn't been too bad around here so far this year thankfully.
Enjoy your lunch. It is never too cold to shop is it?

Gypsy Heart said...

Wish I had some of the cupcakes or the cookies right now! ;-) Your rug is beautiful. Can't wait to see what you do with the kitchen.

Hope you're having a fabulous weekend! It's going to be in the 70's here today and Mon/Tues. Can you believe it?

xo
Pat

Anonymous said...

You're too sweet, Janie! ;)
shelia ;)