My Little Homestead

 My home is small but cozy. I was so tickled to recently get new siding and windows. Did I ever have a hard time picking out a siding color and windows. I knew it would be something I had to live with. I had thought I would go with grey siding. But after riding through subdivisions it seemed like everyone was getting grey and I just wasn't sure about the new dark blue. Even though I like it now, not sure if I would like it down the road. I do like the darker colors. My husband liked red, but we have a red deck and red sheds. I was afraid I would get tired of all the red. So after much research I decided to go with green, but it had to be the right green. I didn't want sage green. It had to be a darker green so I went with Shamrock. It is so beautiful, I am so glad that I did. And I read where green looks great on a smaller home.

 Now for the windows, I like the grids but my husband doesn't. So we compromised. We have no grids on the bottom of the window, just grids on the top. I love, love my new windows. They tilt in and are so easy to wash. I also love the white trim and ledge on the windows. We have also decided not to add shutters all over the house. We are going to get green ones, just for the front of the house, the brick side.

Another thing that is awesome is that my son did the work. He and my son in law have a construction business.

Here is a few photos of before and after.

Crafting Day

We had ice and snow yesterday so I decided to do some sewing and make a Bunny. I also made a new beaded garland for my tier tray and a new Easter wreath. I am counting the days until Spring.

 

Ornaments

 A friend had given me a little ornament kit a few years ago. I wanted to finish it before Christmas

but was too busy. I was able to finish it a few days after Christmas.

I had ordered a photo ornament of my Grandchildren the middle of Dec. I just received it.

I have taken down my tree, so both ornaments will be saved for next Christmas.

Wishing everyone a blessed and safe New Year.

Christmas Crafts

 I haven't sewed in so long but decided to make some snowgirls, pattern by "Chestnut Junction". I was rather tickled how they turned out. I also made me some beaded garland for my three tier tray.

I love watching "Six Sister" videos on you tube. Especially their instant pot recipes.

They have a new video out ," 10 of their best Christmas Cookies." They are all

quick , fun and easy. I wanted to share this with you. I think I may have time to make one or two of 

these recipes. Wishing you a Very Merry Christmas!!!!

 

Annual Chirstmas Cookie Bake

 For the last several years me, my daughter and grandaughters, sisters, nieces and friends have met in WV at our Farmhouse to bake cookies and watch Christmas movies. Plus we have lots of food and dips made for the weekend. Such a fun and relaxing time. We bake cookies, do a small craft and have a gift exchange. What fun and awesome memories.

A little Christmas around my house

This has been the first year since my mom passed away 4 years ago that I have had any interest in decorating for Christmas. This year I even put a small tree in my bedroom. Other years I went though the motion for my kids and grandchildren, but this year I finally enjoyed decorating. I even bought one of those green ceramic trees with lights that probably all houses had several years ago. My mom always put hers out at Christmas, so I got one in remembrance of her. Here is some of my decor.

 

Pin Keep and apple cake

 Since I have retired from my school nurse job, I am having fun catching up on some crafting projects.

I finished a pin keep pattern by, Joyce Reed.

I live near an apple orchard so I love getting fresh apples and making apple pies and apple cakes.

I am sharing an apple cake recipe. I use 6 cups of apples instead of the 3 cups. I bake it in a 9" x 13"

pan at 350 degrees, for 45 minutes.