Just Winter Lately

Every now and again, I like to do a "Life Lately" post, so here's...

What I'm decorating lately:
A cozy winter view of our living room is something that makes me smile.  We said good-bye to the Christmas tree for the year and embraced the wintry decorations.  I'm loving the birch logs with twinkle lights over top.

Homemaking doesn't have to cost a lot.  The tiny snowmen on the mantle are Christmas ornaments I picked up dirt-cheap on post-Christmas clearance circa 1999.  This makes me laugh that I still have them and that I still like them.  The large snowflake was a gift from a dear friend.  The Blossoms and I made the tiny yarn hearts.  Pretty glass bulbs from the Blossoms' Corning Museum of Glass field trip with Grandma were just too wintry-perfect to put away.  Sometimes homemaking is another way to keep me "smiling at the days ahead." (Proverbs 31:25)

What I'm reading lately:

Our current family read-aloud is Rainbow Valley, book #7 in the Anne series by L.M. Montgomery.  I love that my Younger Blossoms are getting to know characters that are near and dear to my heart.  The antics of the manse children and the Ingleside children are so fun and remarkably insightful, which is a delightful hallmark of Montgomery's writings.  

I just finished You Bet Your Stretch Marks by Abbie Halberstadt and it was a wonderfully encouraging and convicting read.  Is what you're doing as a mom worth it?  It's a resounding yes!  It was encouragement for when I feel weary.  It was also full of Scripture to keep me plowing ahead in the way that God would have me to mother in this season.  I read a chapter a day so that I had time to digest what I was reading, often journalling or writing down key thoughts.  Writing down thoughts and principles really cements them in my heart.

What I'm drinking lately:

I ran out of my favorite daily tea, Tetley British Blend so I had to find an alternative.  This Irish Breakfast blend from Taylors of Harrogate might be taking its place!  I love the quality, strong, full-bodied flavor as my early morning pick-me-up.

When Blossom1 or Blossom2 are home, I say YES to a hot latte.  The Blizzard of '26 means I had luxurious lattes yesterday and today, with my favorite people all around me!  I don't take this for granted!

What I'm thrifting lately:

I was thrilled to discovered this $1.99 neck scarf find was Anthropologie 100% silk!  To think I swiped it simply because neck scarves are current rustic style AND this one matches all the denim I'm always sporting.

This LL Bean vest in mint condition was a $3.00 find.  I knew it didn't fit anyone in our family, but I was able to resell it for a profit.  I don't mind doing this when the right piece falls into my lap.  

Where I'm travelling lately:

Blossom3 and I spent her 16th birthday in the Sweetest Place on Earth.  I was supervising my current fair queen during the State Fair Queen competition.  Blossom3 got to enjoy Hershey Lodge, junior fair board activities, delectable Hershey food, and one-on-one time with me.  We had such a lovely time!  And we even squeezed in a successful foray to a new thrift store.  I thoroughly enjoyed our conversations and jokes!

Life is always full here, but the wintry bright spots are exquisitely beautiful!